Good morning, Lynchburg.

Clarence 'Bill' Wenzel, a Navy veteran who earned his aviator wings during WWII, will turn 100 on October 16th—he credits his long life to marrying the right woman and a fulfilling career in service.

The veteran served for 24 years and sailed around the world, looking forward to a large family celebration.

Lynchburg Humane Society held a groundbreaking on Sunday for its new regional veterinary clinic where guests saw renderings and enjoyed light hors d'oeuvres— the clinic will offer low-cost pet care including spay and neuter surgeries, wellness visits, and dental exams and is set to be built within a year after raising $4.7 million of the $7.5 million needed.

On October 8, city leaders and residents celebrated improvements at Jefferson Park when City Manager Wynter Benda, Mayor Larry Taylor, and Parks Service Manager Howard Covey cut the ribbon for a 1.5 basketball court with a mural by Lisa Jonas, outdoor fitness equipment, and a modern playground built by Kompan with input from neighborhood children. The event honored the park's historic roots — originally named for Thomas Randolph Jefferson — and marked the first phase of community-driven upgrades from the Dearington Neighborhood Plan.

CraveABLEs, a local ice cream shop on Lakeside Drive that closed last month after an electrical fire, will host its grand reopening this Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. — the shop has thanked customers for their support during its closure.

The decades series displays archived photos showing Lynchburg from the '50s, '60s, and '70s and more.

The collection presents the images (one decade per set) to highlight the city’s evolving look.

Officials said a bald eagle that recovered from injuries will be released back into the wild later today—experts confirmed its readiness to fly again.

Wildlife officials announced that a bald eagle that recovered from injuries will be released back into the skies soon — the bird received careful treatment after a fall.

City public works will mill and pave Old Graves Mill Road from October 13 to October 17—local traffic may face delays during the project.

Vitamin String Quartet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket prices may vary — Experience innovative string arrangements that blend classical, hip-hop, rock, and pop music.

Blue Ridge Line Dancing Festival 2025

3-10 p.m. — Art Alley — No refunds — Kick up your boots and enjoy line dancing with great performers in Lynchburg!

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents Dracula

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $75 — Experience the haunting ballet that brings Bram Stoker's legendary vampire to life with stunning choreography and music.

4th Annual Fall Festival

10 AM – 3 PM — The American Civil War Museum - Appomattox — Free entry — Celebrate the season with live music, food, and family-friendly activities in a historic setting.

Phil Vassar: 25 Years of Paradise Tour

7:30-10 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $39–$92 — Celebrate Phil Vassar’s enduring hits and vibrant performance at this special anniversary tour.

15th Annual Mabel Glass Craft Fair

9 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Heritage United Methodist Church — Free entry — Explore unique crafts and local creations at this beloved community fair.

Puccini’s Madame Butterfly

November 7-9 — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $15-$240 — Experience the heart-wrenching tale of love and betrayal in one of opera's most beloved classics.

MARCUS 2025

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Randolph College — Registration includes meals — Presenting undergraduate scholarship across various disciplines.