Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Could your Roanoke senior go to Virginia Western tuition-free next fall?

Also, don't miss KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Roanoke on the Roanoke Patch calendar

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Hey hey Roanoke! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could your Roanoke senior go to Virginia Western tuition-free next fall?
  • How crowded will Roanoke-Blacksburg flights be through Christmas morning?
  • How Roanoke skiers are chasing snow in this warm December

Also on today's calendar: KIDZ BOP LIVE: The Concert Movie - Roanoke and 1 more event.

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Melanie G.!

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Roanokefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 65 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy and misty, temps: high: 65, low: 40.
  • Friday: Rain and drizzle in the a.m., with a high of 47 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Virginia Western's CCAP accepting applications through February 1 (newcastlerecord.com) — Roanoke-region high school seniors can now apply for Virginia Western’s CCAP program, which can cover up to two years of tuition if they apply, complete college admission, and file FAFSA or VASA by Feb. 1, 2026. With more than 4,800 Roanoke Valley students already served, the program also offers a January Zoom session and text alerts to help families track deadlines.
   

2. Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport welcomes boost in flyers for the holidays (wfxrtv.com) — Holiday travel through Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is up about 10%, with most flights 80–100% full even as Christmas week is slightly calmer than the prior week. Airport officials expect steady crowds at larger hubs through Christmas morning and say return trips will be spread over several days, while travelers share how meaningful it is to come home to Roanoke.
   

3. Despite spring-like warmth, Southwest Virginia's winter sports scene remains vibrant and active (wsls.com) — Roanoke-area winter sports fans are still heading to the slopes, even as spring-like temperatures make conditions trickier. Local shop Roanoke Mountain Adventures reports steady rentals as residents plan trips to nearby resorts like Wintergreen, Massanutten, and Snowshoe, where machine-made snow is keeping runs open for weekend skiing and snowboarding.
   

4. Former Salem star gives back during the holidays (wdbj7.com) — A former Salem High School football standout is spending his holiday break volunteering at the Roanoke Sheriff’s Department’s Shop with a Deputy event, supporting kids across the Roanoke Valley. Now a University of Georgia linebacker, Chris Cole says giving back to the community that raised him matters as he prepares for his New Year’s Day playoff game.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

Feedback image
📸 A shot taken at Center On The square in Downtown Roanoke. A great place to visit, especially when outdoor activities get limited by winter temperatures. —Melanie G. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sometimes, after being on your own for a long time, you get used to the quiet.
    It’s been many years since my divorce, and life has found a steady rhythm again I do most things solo meals, movies, grocery runs and honestly, I… (Nextdoor South Roanoke)
  • New GIS Services just in time for the new year!
    Roanoke County’s Information Technology GIS staff has released a new platform for it’s GIS services, just in time for 2026. Check out the new Maps &… (Nextdoor )
  • Integer Holdings Corporation posted a job opening for Associate Machine Operator-2nd shift Pilger in Roanoke. Apply here.
  • American Red Cross posted a job opening for Blood Collection Staff - Customer Service in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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