Good morning, Blacksburg.

Angels of Assisi is hosting community events (featuring interactive activities) this weekend at local venues to bring neighbors together.

YMCA at Virginia Tech will reopen the Cinderella and Prince Charming Boutique this Friday, Mar.

27 and Saturday, Mar. 28 at the Y Center (Emily Stewart Event Room, 1000 N. Main Street) to offer free or low-cost formal wear for local high school students ahead of prom, with additional sessions set for April.

Local events offer something for everyone.

NRCC Campus Cruise In takes place Saturday, Mar. 28 in Dublin (with classic cars and family fun), while Blacksburg Farmers Market, egg hunts, support groups and local meetings follow in coming days.

At Jireh Hills Ranch just outside Blacksburg, five heritage yaks grazed on a high ridge on March 24 and 10 more will join this weekend.

Owners Josh and Amy Wallish plan to sell yak meat and hides and host farm tours later to preserve the rare breed (heritage).

Local agencies report a severe foster care shortage as thousands of children await placement and many are sent far from home; families like the Kormanns in Blacksburg care for multiple foster children—often waiting hours at DSS—and officials warn that fewer foster home applications are worsening the crisis.

Aclara Resources inaugurated its rare earth separation pilot plant in Blacksburg today in cooperation with Virginia Tech — the facility will validate the company’s technology to produce rare earth oxides and support domestic supply chains.

Blacksburg’s Lyric Theatre reopened March 20 after three months of renovations that added new seating, stage curtains and sound upgrades; today it hosts the fourth annual Rural Film Festival with a concert on April 1 and plans for lobby and roof upgrades underway + funding secured from community support.

Blacksburg is taking early steps to set rules for future marijuana stores as the legalization bill awaits Gov. Spanberger's signature.

The plan will help decide where shops can open once approval is given.

The 911 Center will roll out new, data-driven emergency dispatch protocols on April 7 — dispatchers have completed over 40 hours of training to provide uniform service.

A community meeting will be held at Patrick Henry High School on the 24th at 6 p.m. to answer questions.

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg has received a $132,885 grant from HHS to support research into obesity + insulin sensitivity.

Congressman Morgan Griffith said the funding is provided under a Research Scientist Development Award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Virginia Tech coach James Franklin said the team will face evaluations in spring practices as five quarterbacks vie for the starting role ahead of the spring game on April 18 at Lane Stadium, giving fans a preview of game day (with adjustments for injured running backs and promising transfer).

Stanford Cardinal at Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball

7 p.m. — English Field — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting baseball showdown as the Hokies take on the Cardinal in a thrilling matchup.

Whose Live Anyway?

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Moss Arts Center — Tickets required — Enjoy an improvised comedy performance from the stars of Whose Line is it Anyway.