Here’s a roundup of news briefs from around Southwest and Southside. Send yours for possible inclusion to news@cardinalnews.org.
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State parks host Backyard Bird Count events
A number of Virginia state parks are hosting events for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
Each year in February, millions of people count the variety of birds that can be seen and heard in their own backyards. This year’s count will be held Feb. 14-17.
Those interested in participating in this year’s bird count can find an event or related program at one of several participating parks:
- Bear Creek Lake, Cumberland
- Caledon, King George
- Fairy Stone, Stuart
- New River Trail, Max Meadows
- Twin Lakes, Green Bay
Participants log the birds that they count in a 15-minute period on at least one of the four days of the event. The Merlin Bird ID app can help identify birds, and the eBird Mobile app can be used to log bird sightings.
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Reed named CEO of Boys & Girls Club in Lynchburg
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg has named city council member (and former mayor) Stephanie Reed as its CEO.
“Mrs. Reed’s background and breadth of experience is an ideal fit for our mission, building and fostering relationships with our city’s youth, helping to provide for them the tools they will need for success later in life,” said Lisa Calloway, president of the club’s board of directors, in a statement.
“We look forward to future growth through partnerships within our community under her leadership, expanding the Boys and Girls Club’s outreach so that every child is given an opportunity for success.”
Reed will officially begin her duties later this month. She will remain on the city council.
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Valley Metro bus rides are free on Tuesday
Rides on Roanoke’s Valley Metro bus system — including the Smart Way and RADAR — will be free on Tuesday to mark Transit Equity Day.
The day celebrates the birthday of Rosa Parks, who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 when she refused to move from a segregated section of the bus. Roanoke also celebrates Margie Jumper, who didn’t move from her seat on a segregated trolley and was arrested for it nine years before Parks’ action. Jumper went on to become a leader in the local NAACP.
Wednesday is also the third anniversary of BRRAG, the Bus Riders of Roanoke Advocacy Group.
BRRAG is hosting three tables throughout the day: at the Third Street Station between 9 and 11 a.m., the Co-op in Grandin Village between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the Market on Melrose from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visitors can pick up information about Jumper and enter a drawing for a free month-long bus pass or a backpack full of donated goodies.