Good morning, Blacksburg.

Leaders of the New River Valley Home Builders Association launched the Building Futures Foundation this past weekend at its 50th anniversary event to support scholarships, grants, and workforce development in the area (partnering with local schools).

The foundation aims to boost access to safe, attainable housing and strengthen community resilience.

The Town of Blacksburg and Ride Solutions will host Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 19 at Draper Road tents from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Participants receive free coffee, snacks and prizes and can enter for a $50 gift card by logging rides by May 27 (registration is free).

The new park and ride lot in Montgomery County on Route 8 (near I-81 exit 114) opened on Wednesday, May 13 at 5 p.m. and offers about 80 parking spaces, a bus shelter, bike racks, new sidewalks, and a crosswalk for commuters.

A Christiansburg author uses storytelling to help children deal with grief and loss.

He holds sessions at local community centers where families learn creative ways to cope with tough emotions.

Blackburg’s Market Square Jam begins on Wednesday, June 3 at Market Square Park and runs each week from 7-9 p.m. through September, offering Old Time music where local bands share tunes and stories (host bands receive a $200 stipend with extra tips allowed).

Radford-based New River Community Action received a $3.7 million federal grant to support Head Start programs that serve over 200 local children and will use the funds on a five-year cycle to eventually offer full-day services + expand early education.

Transportation officials announced a new park and ride lot opening off I-81 in Montgomery County to ease commuter access, and additional details about the facility are expected soon.

Virginia Tech has released updated information on hantavirus risks and prevention measures for locals.

The report, revised yesterday, details symptoms and recommended safety steps (a key health resource for the community).

Youth golfers are set to participate in the Scott Robinson Memorial tournament today, which honors a respected local figure + the event aims to highlight emerging talent at a familiar local course.