(WSLS 10) - Virginia Tech hosts a Biotechnology Educators Conference starting today. The three day event connects science teachers to cutting edge methods in their fields. Educators will take part in hands on workshops which will show ways to teach complex topics in a fun and simplified way. This is the second year for the conference.
Most people with thoughts of suicide do not truly want to die. Today, you can attend a safeTALK workshop to become a suicide-alert helper. The half day training is available to anyone over the age of 15, teaching you the TALK steps: Tell, Ask , Listen and Keep Safe. The workshop starts at noon at Blue Ridge Behavioral Health.
A Disaster Loan Outreach Center opens today in Alleghany County. The center is opening in response to the Small Business Administration making available low-interest disaster loans in the wake of last month's flood. The loans are available to people in Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Greenbrier and Rockbridge Counties. The office is open through Monday at the Alleghany County Governmental Complex.
Performances begin today for "Into the Woods Jr." at the Mill Mountain Theatre. The performers are students of the Mill Mountain Conservatory, a program for young actors. The musical includes Cinderella, Little Red Riding hood, Jack and the Witch. Tickets start at $15 with performances Wednesday through Sunday this week and next week.
If you're a Danville Utilities customer, the electricity provider is asking you to conserve energy this afternoon as its wholesale power supplier issues a peak alert. The alerts serve to reduce costs as transmission and capacity charges are partially set during peak usage periods. The utility asks that you limit energy use by turn thermostats up a couple of degrees, not running the dish washer or clothes washer and closing curtains to block the sun between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
One of the region's largest music festivals, featuring around sixty different acts, kicks off today. The theme of Floydfest 16 is "Dreamweavin'." New this year is Participation Row, where ten non-profits will set up, allow festival-goers a chance to learn about the groups and easy ways they can support them and make a change in the world. There are also workshops on anything from yoga and healing arts to hula-hooping and storytelling. Organizers say there are also some surprises planned throughout the event that you're sure to enjoy.