Good morning, Lynchburg.

Valor Farms, one year after a fire damaged its property, will host a Veterans Day ceremony today to honor veterans and mark its recovery efforts.

Leslie Mast, a single mom of nine and a dog grooming business owner in Moneta, won $10k in Visa gift cards from Bank of the James during the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in August—she said she will use the funds to pay bills and take her kids to Jamestown for a school project visit.

Golden Corral in Lynchburg will serve free meals to veterans + active military as part of its community support, and the restaurant said the offer will run soon for those who qualify.

The business stressed its commitment to honor service members with this initiative.

On Sunday, Med Flight-1 crews rescued an injured hiker trapped on the Appalachian Trail near Pedlar in Amherst County by hoisting him to safety and flying him to Lynchburg General Hospital at 2:20 p.m.+ local rescue teams cleared a landing area to help the helicopter reach the hiker.

A new Advance Auto Parts on Wards Road near Lawyers Road opened on Friday and held a special pop-up car show event on Saturday—this store is part of a chain founded in Lynchburg in the 1930s.

Local teachers are invited to apply for the VAITC 2026 Teacher of the Year Award—organizers say the deadline is fast approaching with details available from the award panel.

Virginia ended its temporary food assistance program VENA to meet federal rules and will switch over 850,000 SNAP recipients to receive 65% of their usual benefits by Thursday — leaving a 10% monthly shortfall.

The change follows federal guidance that has forced states to adjust food aid programs amid ongoing policy uncertainty.

Starting Monday, Lynchburg Public Library will begin renovations as staff pack up books and move furniture, which will cause parts of the building to close.

The Miller Center will remain open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — the downtown branch will also continue operating.

Eleven-year-old Amanuel loves playing games, building Legos, and enjoying dark chocolate ice cream, movies, and pizza—he also makes crafts and spends time outdoors with friends.

He dreams of joining a family that will support him—he hopes one day to visit Disney with a loving group that helps him grow.

Virginia State Conference of Young People in AA

5-4 p.m. — Liberty Mountain Conference Center — Registration details available — A gathering for young people in AA focusing on community and support.

In Gratitude: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $58 — Experience the vibrant tribute to the legendary band with powerful performances and choreography.

Exploring the Gardner Heist and the Essence of Art

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sydnor Performance Hall — Free entry — Delve into the infamous Gardner Museum heist and discover the enduring significance of art in American culture.

Lynchburg Turkey Trot

8-10 a.m. — E.C. Glass High School — Registration opens August 4, 2025 — Gather your flock for a fun-filled turkey trot experience in-person or virtually.

The Blind Boys of Alabama: A Joyful Christmas Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Historic Theatre at the Academy Center of the Arts — $20 – $67 — Celebrate the festive season with the Grammy-winning sounds of The Blind Boys of Alabama in a joyous Christmas performance.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Wolf Den Downtown — Check local listings — Experience an original adaptation of the beloved holiday classic with your favorite characters.

Reindeer Run 2 Miler

9 A.M. — Hydaway Outdoor Center — Cost varies — Dash through picturesque trails with festive cheer, cookies, and support for a great cause.