The Botetourt and Franklin County Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a bus trip to Mayberry (Mount Airy, NC – Home of Andy Griffith), on Saturday, April 27, 2013.

Our local guide will take us to see Floyd’s Barber Shop, Andy’s boyhood home, granite buildings, the world’s largest open faced granite quarry and replicas of Wally’s Service Station and the Mayberry Jail and Courthouse.

You will see the Andy and Opie statue and a collection of memorabilia from the Andy Griffith Show at the Andy Griffith Museum, and take a tour of the Gertrude Smith house,  a 1903 Victorian style home. Lunch is included at Snappy Lunch, where Andy often had lunch as a young lad.

The price of $69 per person includes roundtrip motorcoach transportation, a step-on guide for the Mayberry Tour, admission to the Andy Griffith Museum and all other attractions, lunch at Snappy Lunch and a tour host.

Passengers can board the bus at the Bonsack Walmart, Route 460, Roanoke, at the Clearbrook Walmart, Route 220, Roanoke, VA; and at the Food Lion, Rocky Mount, VA. For further information, call (540) 473-8326, (540) 483-9293 or (540) 366-2888.

- Submitted by Ernie Dale

Blue Ridge Transportation Safety Board Supports Distracted Driving Month

Buckle Up, Phone Down

Today we join DRIVE SMART Virginia in supporting Distracted Driving Month and we call on all drivers in our region to avoid any distraction when they’re driving. Distracted driving occurs when driving becomes secondary in importance to another activity happening while the vehicle is in motion. Though there are many forms of distracted driving, such as adjusting a stereo, eating, or using navigation systems, cell phone use is by far the most prevalent distraction leading to crashes and near-crashes. But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming form of driver distraction.

The National Safety Council reports 1.6 million crashes each year involve a driver talking on cell phones or texting. Though distracted driving is a problem with all ages, the greatest proportion of distracted drivers are under the age of 20. According to the Pew Research Center, 40% of American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that placed others in danger. According to research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), nearly 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event. A quick look away from the road could have disastrous consequences.

“It is obvious to see the problem of distracted driving by noting the number of people seen daily focused on a cell phone instead of the road,” said Chief Howard Hall. “My career has been focused on improving traffic safety and I wonder when people will begin to realize the true dangers associated with distracted driving?”

Naturalistic driving studies- using sophisticated cameras and instrumentation in participant’s personal vehicles- conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute provide a clear picture of driver distraction. According to their research, a texting driver is 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash as an alert driver. The average driver texting takes their eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds during a six second interval. A driver traveling 55 miles per hour would have traveled the length of a football field without looking at the roadway. Research by Carnegie Mellon indicates that driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cell phone users are 18% slower to take action when seeing brake lights.

Take a look at these Virginia statistics for 2012.

• 107,240 total crashes

• 58, 547 people were injured in these crashes

• 773 people died in motor vehicle crashes

• 80% of crashes and 65% of near crashes are caused by distracted driving

“Working in the field of trauma services, I have seen first hand the serious injuries and deaths that occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road,” said Dan Freeman. “The best solution is to turn off their phone or hand it to a passenger. The importance of a phone call or text message is not worth the risk of being severely injured or killed.”

The Blue Ridge Transportation Safety Board (BRTSB) encourages everyone to get involved with promoting distraction-free driving in our region. Post distraction-free driving messages on your Facebook page, send an e-mail company wide reminding employees, or include the message in a company or organizational newsletter. Encourage family, friends and coworkers to sign a pledge to never drive distracted. A sample pledge can be found at www.drivesmartva.org.

For the past 25 years, the mission of the BRTSB has been to coordinate and promote traffic safety programs, projects, and educational initiatives while providing a professional network for guidance and support within the region. The BRTSB is composed of traffic safety advocates from both public and private sectors.

Information from the Roanoke County Website

Beginning Wednesday, April 3, the traffic signals installed in Roanoke County along Route 419 at its intersections with Route 800 (Chaparall Drive), Route 720 (Colonial Avenue), Postal Drive and Springwood Park Drive at Ruby Tuesday will be modified with new flashing yellow arrow left turn indicators.

To improve traffic flow and safety, the modified signal will display four arrows to regulate traffic: a red arrow to tell drivers to stop; a steady yellow light to communicate that the light is changing, so drivers should be cautious in making a left turn; a flashing yellow which means drivers may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic; and a green arrow to show that the driver has the right of way to make a left turn.

The flashing yellow arrow will be used along Route 419 when lower traffic volumes make yielding to oncoming vehicles for left turns easier due to breaks in traffic. During peak travel times, when traffic volumes are higher, the solid green arrow will give the right of way to drivers making a left turn. Peak traffic hours on Route 419 generally occur between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Flashing yellow arrows are more effective than the more common circular green light and other signals at conveying to drivers the need to yield before turning left at permissive turns. Studies have shown that after a short learning period flashing yellow signals are better understood, better obeyed and are safer. A flashing yellowing arrow is more intuitive than a solid green light to communicate a permissive left turn to drivers.

Currently, flashing yellow arrow signals are being used at four other locations in the Salem VDOT District.

TRAFFIC ALERT: UTILITY WORK WILL CLOSE ONE LANE ON ROUTE 221 IN ROANOKE COUNTY

On Wednesday, March 20, one lane of southbound Route 221 (Brambleton Avenue) in Roanoke County will be closed as crews complete sewer work in the area. The work is expected to take place from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

The lane closure will begin near Route 1623 (Wedgwood Road) and will end just south of Route 1621 (Harris Street). Drivers should use caution when traveling in this area.

In addition, Route 1621 will be closed from Route 221 to Route 1615 (Fleetwood Avenue) while the work is taking place. Detour signs will direct traffic to an alternate route.

Tim Thornhill shares photos from a recent hike on the Hanging Rock Tower Trail. You can view them in slideshow above, or in a gallery view here. Here’s more on the hike:

“Before Roanoke’s first snow we went an hour west in search of a snowy hike. We found it at the Hanging Rock Tower trail near Paint Bank on Rt. 311. The area often gets the upslope snow that we miss here in Roanoke. The snow hike was great and the view was made better by the snow in the valleys below. Lunch at the nearby Swinging Bridge Restaurant by the fireplace was the perfect ending.”

Submitted by Tim Thornhill

The following is a list of highway projects that may affect traffic in the 12-county Salem Transportation District during the next two weeks.  Work schedules are always subject to change.   New information is noted by “###”. VDOT encourages motorists to call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org for real-time traffic information.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is clearing a path for travelers this holiday season by lifting lane closures over the extended Christmas and New Year’s weekends. VDOT will suspend lane closures from noon Monday, Dec. 24 to noon Wednesday, Dec. 26, and again from noon Monday, Dec. 31, to noon Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.
INTERSTATE 81

* INTERSTATE 81 LANE CLOSURES AND DETOURS – Repair work on the Route 614 (Arcadia Road) bridge over I-81 will require nighttime northbound and southbound lane closures. The work is located near the exit 168 interchange in Botetourt County. The lane closures will be in place from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The northbound and southbound right shoulders under the bridge will remain closed throughout the project. This project will continue through June 2013.

###     * INTERSTATE 81 BRIDGE SLOPE CLEANING – Alternating shoulder closures will be in place at various locations on northbound and southbound I-81 in the following locations during daytime hours as crews clean bridge slopes.
•    Thursday, Dec. 27, mile markers 87-131, Montgomery and Roanoke counties
•    Thursday, Dec. 27, mile markers  147-175, Botetourt County
•    Thursday, Jan. 3, mile markers 104-131, Montgomery County
•    Thursday, Jan. 3, mile markers  132-174, Botetourt and Roanoke counties

ROANOKE

* RIVERLAND ROAD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS – Work to improve the intersection of Riverland Road, Mount Pleasant Boulevard and Bennington Street in Roanoke is
underway.  Work will include construction of a roundabout, turn lanes and drainage improvements.  Periodic lane closures may occur between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Traffic on Riverland Road is being detoured onto a newly paved section of roadway until sometime next year. As part of this change, traffic is routed into a new pattern requiring a three-way stop at the intersection of Riverland Road, Mount Pleasant Boulevard and Bennington Street. Drivers should be alert to this traffic pattern change and use caution. In addition, a temporary traffic signal has been installed at the entrance to Roanoke City’s Fire Station #11 on Mount Pleasant Boulevard.  This signal will only be activated when emergency response vehicles need to respond and access Riverland Road.  This project will continue until July 2013.

ROANOKE COUNTY

###     * ROUTE 11/460 (WEST MAIN STREET) WIDENING – Work to widen a section of Route 11/460 to four lanes is underway in the Glenvar area. Periodic lane closures may occur at various locations throughout the project while work is being performed. The speed limit is
reduced to 35 mph. Work to replace the bridge over Little Bear Rock Branch may cause shifts in
traffic patterns on Route 11/460 near its intersection with Fort Lewis Church Road. Barrier wall
is installed on the bridge and both travel lanes are narrowed. Drivers should be alert to stopped vehicles making turns throughout the project. A new traffic pattern is in place at the entrance to Richfield Retirement Community. Drivers should be alert to stopped vehicles turning in this area. Temporary traffic signals are installed at Daugherty Road. A new traffic pattern is in place throughout the project with the construction of the raised median. This project will continue until fall of 2013.

* ROUTE 221 WIDENING – Work to widen a section of Route 221 in the Back Creek
area is under way. Work may require lane closures between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at various locations throughout the project.  Flaggers will control traffic at times. The speed limit has been
reduced to 35 mph. A new traffic pattern is in place at the intersection of Ran Lynn Road and
Cotton Hill Road. Drivers should be alert to changing traffic patterns in this work zone. Motorists should expect delays. This project will continue until fall of 2013.

###     * PIPE INSTALLATION (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Crews will replace pipes on Route 696 (Apple Grove Lane) and Route 897 (Crystal Creek Drive) during daylight hours on weekdays. Flaggers may control traffic.

* DITCHING/SHOULDER WORK – Crews will work along the following routes. Flaggers may control traffic at times. Work is scheduled for Route 670 (Lost Mountain Road), Route 745 (Ran Lynn Road), Route 890 (Carterdell Road) and Route 1245 (Arabian Lane).

###     * PAVEMENT PATCHING AND PAVING (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Weather permitting, crews will pave or patch potholes on various secondary roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.  Work is tentatively planned on Route 616 (Webb Road), Route 670 (Lost Mountain Road) and Route 694 (Twelve O’Clock Knob Road).

###      * UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.

BEDFORD COUNTY

###     * ROUTE 680 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Wednesday, Jan. 2, crews will inspect the Route 680 (Patterson Mill Road) bridge over the Big Otter River near Thaxton. Flaggers will control traffic between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Route 680.

###     * ROUTE 122 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Wednesday, Jan. 2, crews will inspect the
Route 122 bridge over Goose Creek near Moneta.  Flaggers will control traffic on Route 122 from noon until 3 p.m.

###     * ROUTE 122 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Wednesday, Jan.2, crews will inspect the Route 122 bridge over Stony Fork Creek. Flaggers will control traffic from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Route 122.

###     * MOWING AND BRUSH CUTTING – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing
along various secondary roads throughout Bedford County during daylight hours on weekdays.
Watch for slow moving vehicles, signs and equipment near the roadway. Work is scheduled on Route 460, Route 607 (Porters Mountain), Route 682 (Kelso Mill Road), Route 684 (Penicks Mill Road) and routes in the Sedalia area.

* PAVING AND PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will pave or
patch pavement on various secondary roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during
daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.  Work is tentatively scheduled on various routes in the Irving area.

* UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.

BOTETOURT COUNTY

* ROUTE 11 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Work to replace the bridge on Route 11 over Firestone Creek north of Troutville is underway.   Traffic will be reduced to one lane in
each direction with 10 foot travel lanes.  The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work
zone.  Motorists should use caution and expect changing traffic patterns. This project will continue until summer 2013.

* ROUTE 220 UPGRADES – Work is underway to widen shoulders and replace guardrail on the section of Route 220 northbound and southbound from Route 870 (James Street) to I-64 in Alleghany County. Lane closures will be in place at various locations through the work zone during beginning at 7 a.m. on weekdays. Signs and flaggers will control traffic. This project will continue into August 2013.

* ROUTE 614 CLOSED FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS – The Route 614 (Arcadia Road) bridge over I-81 is closed near exit 168. Detour signs are posted advising traffic of alternate routes. The project is expected to be complete in June 2013.

* ROUTE 311 DITCHING/SHOULDER WORK – Crews will work along Route 311 (Paint Bank Road). Flaggers may control traffic at times.

###     * PAVING AND PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will pave or
patch pavement on various routes.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.  Work is tentatively scheduled on Route 11, Route 220 and Route 460.

* MOWING/BRUSH REMOVAL – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing along various secondary roads throughout Botetourt County during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for slow moving vehicles, signs and equipment near the roadway on Route 600 (Breckinridge Mill Road).

CARROLL COUNTY

* INTERSTATE 77 PAVING – Lane closures may be in place as crews pave northbound and southbound I-77 from mile marker 2 to mile marker 7. The work will take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

* UTILITY LINE INSTALLATION (VARIOUS LOCATIONS) – Utility
installations will take place, weather permitting, along various roads. Motorists should watch for
possible temporary shoulder and lane closures. Lane closures could be in place and flaggers may be used to control traffic. Work is tentatively scheduled in the following locations:
•    Route 148 (Chances Creek Road) from Route 52 (Fancy Gap Highway) to Route 778 (Kelly Road) near exit 8 on I-77.
•    Route 52 (Fancy Gap Highway) from Route 685 (Skyview Road).

* MOWING – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing along various roads throughout Carroll County during daylight hours on weekdays.  Temporary lane closures may be in place at times.

* PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will patch pavement or
potholes on various roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

* UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE – Crews will be working on various secondary
non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic throughout Carroll County.

CRAIG COUNTY

* ROUTE 615 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Work is underway to replace the bridge
on Route 615 over Johns Creek. Traffic across the bridge will be reduced to one lane that is nine feet wide with a temporary traffic signal in place to control traffic. Estimated completion is January 2013.

* MOWING – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing along various roads throughout Craig County during daylight hours on weekdays.  Temporary lane closures may be in place at times.

FLOYD COUNTY
* ROUTE 221 BRIDGE REPAIRS – Crews have reduced the Route 221 bridge near Lazy Lane (Ray’s Restaurant) to one lane for repairs and have installed a temporary traffic light.  The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph.

###     * ROUTE 750 DITCHING/SHOULDER WORK – Crews will work along Route 750 (Alum Ridge Road) on weekdays during daytime hours. Flaggers may control traffic at times.

* UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE– Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic throughout Floyd County.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
* ROUTE 220 BUSINESS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT– Work is underway to replace
and widen the bridge on Route 220 over Pigg River in the Town of Rocky Mount.  Work will include improvements to drainage, utilities, traffic signals and lighting.  Lane closures may be in place at various locations throughout the work zone between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Motorist should use caution and watch for signs and flaggers controlling traffic.  This project will continue into fall 2014.

###     * ROUTE 890 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Friday, Jan. 4, crews will inspect the Route 890 (Snow Creek Road) bridge over the Pigg River near the Pittsylvania County line. Flaggers will control traffic on Route 890 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

* ROUTE SHOULDER WORK (VARIOUS ROUTES) – Lane closures may be in place with flaggers controlling traffic as crews work on the shoulder of Route 623 (Ingramville Road) and Route 709 (Hopkins Road) .

* ROUTE 1019 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Route 1019 (Tripple Creek Road) bridge over the Route 220 Bypass is closed for a replacement. A temporary ramp on Route 220 has been constructed for access for those cut off by this closure. Temporary lane closures may be
in place at times on northbound or southbound Route 220 during daytime hours on weekdays. This project will continue until June 2013.

* PIPE INSTALLATIONS – Crews will replace pipes on the following routes. Flaggers may control traffic at times. Route 643 (Cole Creek Road) and Route 793 (Runnett Bag Road).

###     * MOWING AND BRUSH CUTTING – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing during daylight hours on weekdays on various routes.  Shoulder closures, lane closures and temporary lane closures may be in place at times. Work is tentatively planned for Route 24 (Stewartsville Road), Route 460, Route 611 (Sago Road), Route 623 (Ingramville Road), Route 628 (Country Mile Road), Route 629 (Hatchett Road), Route 652 (Circle Creek Road), Route 739 (Bethany Road), Route 756 (Old Forge Road), Route 834 (Brooks Mill Road) and Route 969 (Danville Turnpike).

###      * UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE– Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic throughout Franklin County.

GILES COUNTY

* ROUTE 61 BRIDGE PROJECT IN NARROWS – Work is underway to install retaining walls on Fleshman Street in Narrows. Fleshman Street is closed from the intersection of Route 61 to Fletcher Street. Work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Flaggers will control traffic this week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the area while a concrete barrier is installed. Estimated completion of this project is late 2013.

HENRY COUNTY

* ROUTE 58 BUSINESS GUARDRAIL UPGRADES – Crews will upgrade the
guardrail on a portion of Route 58 Business east of Leatherwood Creek Bridge to east Martinsville. Work will take place during daytime hours on weekdays. Lane closures will be in place and flaggers will control traffic.

* ROUTE 57 UTILITY INSTALLATION – Crews will be replacing pipes on Route 57 in Bassett between Route 903 (T.B. Stanley Highway) and Route 1228 (Governor Stanley Highway). Lane closures may be in place during daytime hours on weekdays.

###     * ROUTE 220 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Thursday, Jan. 3, crews will inspect the northbound and southbound Route 220 business bridges over Reed Creek near Stanleytown. Alternating lane closures will be in place from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

###     * ROUTE 58 BRIDGE INSPECTION – On Friday, Jan. 4, crews will inspect the eastbound and westbound Route 58 bridges over the Smith River south of Martinsville. Alternating lane closures will be in place from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

* ROUTE 114 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Weather permitting, flaggers may control
traffic during daylight hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Route 114 (Peppers Ferry Road) due to work associated with the replacement of the Route 114 bridge over the New River. The boat ramp is closed and trucks will be entering and exiting the highway. Expect delays.

* ROUTE 114 WIDENING – Flaggers may control traffic at times for utility operations taking place for a road widening project on Route 114 (Peppers Ferry Road) near the New River Valley Mall. Trucks will be entering and exiting the road in this area.

###     * ROUTE 11 SHOULDER REPAIRS – Crews will repair the shoulder of Route 11 (Radford Road). Lane and/or shoulder closures will be in place on weekdays during daylight hours.

###      * ROUTE 641 LANE CLOSURE – Alternating lane closures will be in place during daytime hours Wednesday, Dec. 26 through Friday, Dec. 28, on Route 641 (Den Hill Road) for work associated with the I-81 bridge over Route 641.

###     * ROUTE 460 BRIDGE SLOPE CLEANING – On Thursday, Dec. 27, crews will clean the slopes of bridges on eastbound and westbound Route 460 between I-81 and North Main Street requiring alternating shoulder closures.

* ROUTE 613 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – The Route 613 (Blue Springs Road) bridge over the Little River in Montgomery County is closed for replacement.  The bridge is
located in the Snowville area.  Drivers will need to follow posted signs to detour around the closure. Estimated completion is June 2013.

###     * PIPE INSTALLATIONS – Crews will replace pipes on Route 11/460 (Roanoke Road) and Route 609 (Texas Hollow Road). Flaggers may control traffic at times on weekdays during daytime hours.

###     * PAVING AND PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will patch pavement or potholes on various roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours. Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays. Work is scheduled for Route 56 (Peterson Drive) and Route 636 (Friendship Road).

* UTILITY WORK – Utility installations will take place, weather permitting, along various routes. Motorists should watch for possible temporary shoulder and lane closures. Work
is scheduled for Route 114 near Route 600 (Tyler Road) and Route 693 (Childress Road) to Route 177 (Tyler Road).

###      * UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE– Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.

PATRICK COUNTY

* BRIDGE REPAIRS VARIOUS ROUTES – Weather permitting, crews will repair bridges on various route during daytime hours. Lane closures may be in place with flaggers
controlling traffic beginning at 7 a.m.  Work is tentatively planned for the following:
•    Route 704 over Smith River
•    Route 58 over Rhody Creek

* MOWING – Weather permitting, crews will be mowing or cutting brush along various primary roads throughout Patrick County during daylight hours on weekdays.  Temporary lane closures may be in place at times.

* PAVING AND PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will patch pavement or potholes on various roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

PULASKI COUNTY

* ROUTE 114 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Weather permitting, flaggers may control
traffic during daylight hours between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Route 114 (Peppers Ferry Road) due
to work associated with the replacement of the Route 114 bridge over the New River.   The boat ramp is closed and trucks will be entering and exiting the highway.  Expect delays.

###     * PAVING AND PAVEMENT PATCHING – Weather permitting, crews will patch pavement or potholes on various roads.  Flaggers may control traffic at times during daylight hours.  Drivers should watch for signs and expect possible delays.

* ROUTE 100 DITCHING/SHOULDER WORK – Crews will work on ditches and shoulders along Route 100 (Pulaski Giles Turnpike).  Flaggers may control traffic at times.

###      * UNPAVED ROAD MAINTENANCE– Crews will be working on various secondary non-hard surface roads grading and replacing stone with periodic lane closures during daylight hours on weekdays.  Watch for flaggers controlling traffic.

Submitted by VDOT

Elm Park Estates is hosting educational senior seminars

Who: Elm Park Estates, an independent retirement community

What: Let’s Talk Seniors® seminars

When: Oct. 10, 17 and 25

Where: Elm Park Estates, located at 4230 Elm View Road in Roanoke

Elm Park Estates, an independent senior living community in Roanoke, is offering educational Let’s Talk Seniors® seminars on Oct. 10, 17 and 25.

All seniors and families are invited free of charge. Elm Park Estates, www.elmparkestates.com, is located at 4230 Elm View Road.

The seminars include:

Armchair adventure virtual travel to Thailand with a slideshow presented by Carol Rowan on Wednesday, October 10 at 3 p.m.

Changes in Medicare with United Health Care* on Wednesday, October 17 at 3 p.m.

Open Form Geriatric Medical Discussion with Dr. Adel Salama on Thursday, October 25 at 11 a.m.

Elm Park Estates is hosting other free activities throughout the month. For full details and a schedule of events, please call Elm Park Estates at 540-989-2010.

Submitted by Elm Park Estates

You can submit stories and pictures to us too!  Go to www.swo-co.com and press the SHARE button or email Elizabeth at elizabeth.jones@swo-co.com.

Courtesy of KendallBayne.com

Jere Bayne posted the following information on Kendall Bayne’s website:

Wow! My company continues to help so many people by making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Genentech is a world leading biotech company with multiple products that treat serious or life-threatening medical conditions and continue to develop promising products for unmet medical needs. They also give back by providing help to the patients and communities and continue to set the bar high for being a great organization.

Genentech is now partnering with First Descents and have chosen Kendall and I to be a part of a small group to partake in this adventure in early August in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. First Descents offers young adult cancer fighters and survivors a free outdoor adventure experience designed to empower them to climb, paddle and surf beyond their diagnosis, defy their cancer, reclaim their lives and connect with others.

Please visit their website (firstdescents.org) and support them in helping patients like Kendall. Thanks so much for all of your help and support. Keep Believing! Go Team Kendall! God Bless, JB

Visit www.swo-co.com next month for pictures of the Baynes on their trip.

From the Roanoke County website:

There are still spaces left on some of Roanoke County’s summer trips for ages 55 and older! In July, you’re invited to join us as we travel to the historic Reynolds Homestead in Critz and the Friday night Jamboree in Floyd. In August, join us as we travel to the Summit Theater and other historical attractions near Bluefiled, WV, or take a trip to the Blandwood Mansion, a historical and architectural gem near Greensboro.

Click here to register online for travel.

Let’s get out of town together! The Friends of the Roanoke County Public Library is sponsoring another exciting bus trip, this year to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

The motorcoach will depart South County Library at 7 a.m.–come a couple minutes early for doughnuts and coffee!–and will return at 7:30 p.m. A boxed lunch will be provided at the pavilion at the Frontier Culture Museum. Dinner will be on your own at Mrs. Rowe’s Family Restaurant and Bakery in Staunton. Cost is $65 for Friends members and $80 for non-members. Not a member? This is a perfect opportunity to join Friends now to take advantage of the $65 trip fee. Walking is involved, so please wear comfortable shoes.

To register, call 772-7507 by Wednesday, May 9.

Submitted by Roanoke County Public Libraries.

Read on to learn what you’ll enjoy during this day-long excursion: Read more »