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Go Hokies! |
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About Leslie |
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Blacksburg & You |
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Town Council |
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My husband and I were both in our 20s when we first arrived in Blacksburg. There weren’t many young people our age, but we discovered much to admire in the older residents who offered us the right hand of fellowship. Blacksburg’s history can scare be chronicled without their names: The Reverend Al Payne, Bob and Emily Stuart, Wybe Kroontje, and John and Jean Cairns, to recall only some.
As our family grew, we took on the responsibilities that people commonly do. I was part of a group called BITE: Blacksburg in the Eighties. I served as director of religious education at our church, and later as president. I conducted stewardship campaigns and an outreach program. When one of our kids was diagnosed with a seizure disorder, I founded a support group for parents like me who were short on answers and long on concerns.
It’s flattering to imagine that my service might have made a small difference to the wider community. What is certain is that it has enriched my own life and that of my family in ways profound and enduring.
Healthy communities -- and Blacksburg certainly is one -- make a place in their hearts for the aspirations and contributions of many different individuals. You might be looking to shake off old routines; to learn a new skill; to socialize more or worry less. If you are new in town; if you’ve recently experienced the loss of death or relationship; if your nest is empty, or your workdays are over-full, you may be glad to learn about what the organizations on this page can offer:
Blacksburg Alert is an innovative solution for improving communication between local government, citizens, volunteer organizations and the general public. Sign up to receive the information via email that you’re interested in: emergency alerts, road closings, inclement weather announcements, refuse and recycling, Blacksburg Transit, or general Town news.
Alexander Black House & Cultural Center Now is the time for the Alexander Black House to take its place as a cultural focal point downtown. It is a significant project that will bring a sense of permanence to our civic, cultural and historic initiatives, a project that has been thoughtfully envisioned and carefully planned.
Educate. Amuse. Inspire. A group devoted to young people’s curiosity and creativity through the exploration of science, technology, the arts and regional heritage.
Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry The Food Pantry offers basic food supplies, once a month, to low-income Blacksburg residents or those in emergency situations, including homeless individuals and families. While the majority of the Pantry’s clients work, minimum wage jobs do not always enable recipients to feed their families. The Pantry currently serves 700 or more individuals each month. Potential recipients are screened for eligibility by New River Community Action in Christiansburg.
Blacksburg Newcomers’ Club
The Town of Blacksburg is home to a very lively senior community which provides many opportunities to have fun, learn, and also serve.
The YMCA at Virginia Tech operates community gardens at the Hale YMCA Community Garden located at the end of Maywood Street.
A diverse group of women; many of our members come from professional backgrounds and have moved here from other parts of the country. MOMS Club has many different types of activities. Members often hold playdates in their homes, backyards, or at local parks. One evening a month is “Moms Night Out” where members get together at someone’s home, at a restaurant, or to do a special activity. For moms looking to give back, MOMS Club has a “Moms On the Mend” committee for post-partum or ill members needing help with meals, shopping, and childcare.
Montgomery County Christmas Store The Montgomery County Christmas Store is an all-volunteer, community-wide, nonprofit organization which assists low-income families in Montgomery County during the Christmas season by providing a shopping experience characterized by choice and dignity. Serving families with children is their first priority.
New River Old Time Music & Dance Association The New River Old Time community is a group of people bonded by a the love of Old Time music and dance, the cultural and artistic heritage of the Appalachian mountains, and the down-home, anyone's-welcome atmosphere that exists wherever enthusiasts and stewards of this culture and music go.
The New River Valley Beekeepers Association was founded in 1998. The primary goal of the organization is to aid local beekeepers in managing their hives.
The New River Valley Bicycle Association (NRVBA) is a bike club in southwest Virginia, with active ride groups in Blacksburg, Radford, and Christiansburg.
Open University, classes for fun Continuing education program offering a wide variety of classes from pottery to salsa dancing, learning Spanish and Turkish to outdoor grilling.
A home-repair ministry that seeks to provide safe, warm, and habitable homes for the economically disenfranchised in the New River Valley. With hard work and generosity of spirit, PRAYS is dedicated to following the mission and vision of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church as a "church in the world. . . boldly addressing human need through social action."
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) RSVP acts as a clearinghouse to match volunteers’ interests and skills with agencies and organizations that need assistance. RSVP provides a variety of opportunities to participate more fully in the life of the community through significant volunteer service.
SEEDS is a discovery-based community organization with a mission to teach kids active citizenship in a sustainable society. The SEEDS – Blacksburg Nature Center offers engaging programs, hands-on learning exhibits, and a place for children and community members to learn about our local environment. It is an an ideal location for family visits and school field trips.
Slow Food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. Supports good, clean, and fair food.
Summer Musical Enterprise strives to bring quality musical theatre to the New River Valley using one of the area's finest resources: its people! Anyone can participate, as evidenced by the diverse members of our cast and crew from summer to summer. We bring entertainment that can be enjoyed by the whole family, whether you're participating in the production, or simply sitting in the audience.
Monthly mixer for young adults, founded by the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg and hosted by Kent Square at Washington and Main streets – four floors up in the heart of the town’s central business district. Network with other young professionals while you enjoy drinks, hors’ d’oeuvres and the magnificent view of town and the surrounding mountains. This event is free and open to all young professionals.
Valley Interfaith Childcare Center (VICCC) VICCC believes a society that values its own future must care for its youngest and most vulnerable members. In cooperation with governments, local social service agencies, civic groups, businesses, academia, individuals, and the special support of New River Valley faith communities, VICCC’s goal is to create high-quality, affordable, educational, and nurturing care for very young children (ages 0 -5) of income-eligible working families in the New River Valley.
A statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Interested Virginians become Master Naturalists through training and volunteer service.
Founded in 1872 as a land-grant college named Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, Virginia Tech is now a comprehensive, innovative research university with the largest full-time student population in Virginia.
The United Way of Montgomery, Radford & Floyd maintains a site that provides volunteer opportunities, tips, and resources. You can search opportunities by date, and view calendars for local public service organizations.
Connecting people to caring. This site is maintained by the national United Way, but includes many local opportunities to serve. You can refine your search by interest, age, and social group, among other criteria.
The Virginia Tech Newcomers' Network is an opportunity for you to become part of the community. It is a chance to meet other new faculty and staff members, socialize on an informal basis, share interests, and learn about Blacksburg and the New River Valley.
Guided, free-of-charge hikes are a great way to get acquainted with the area and with other people. |
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Photos: Laureen Blakemore |
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Copyright 2010 Leslie Hager-Smith |
