Roanoke City Candidate Forums Throughout October

Tuesday, October 1, 5-7 pm, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke and Roanoke Regional Chamber Mayoral Candidate Forum, Charter Hall, Market Building, 32 Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011. Registration required at: https://roanokechamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/17493

Thursday, October 10, 7 pm, Greater Deyerle Neighborhood Association Mayoral Forum, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1831 Deyerle Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24018.

Tuesday, October 22, 6-9 pm, Cardinal News City Council and Mayoral Candidates Forums (City Council, 6-7, Mayoral 7:30-8:30). Fitzpatrick Hall, Jefferson Center, 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016. Tickets available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/roanoke-city-council-2024-conversations-with-the-candidates-tickets-983940692097?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Saturday, October 26, 12-3 pm, Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Roanoke Branch NAACP City Council and Mayoral Forum, Claude Moore Complex, 109 North Henry Street Roanoke, VA 24016.

Sunday, October 27, 6-8 pm, Jack and Jill Youth Mayoral and City Council Forum, Dumas Center, 108 Henry St NW, Roanoke, VA 24016.

We will update this list as needed.

Upcoming Labor Day 2024 Events

Celebrate and appreciate Labor Day with Democrats who support workers, laborers, and unions!

Saturday, Aug. 31 in Roanoke: Labor Day Parade – Parade starts at 12 noon. Parade starts at 200 Campbell Ave. and ends at Williamson Road. (Map) Rain date is Sunday, Sept 1. Want to march in the parade with your fellow Democrats? Contact Chuck Simpson at chuckcwa2204@gmail.com or (540) 915-1245 for details. (Download Roanoke parade flyer.)

2024 Labor Day Parade Flyer Saturday Aug 31 at 12 noon

Monday, Sept. 2, 7:30AM in Buena Vista: Lexington-Rockbridge-Buena Vista Democrats’ 43rd Democratic Labor Day Breakfast at 100 Bradford Drive at Parry McCluer High School
Speakers include US Senator Tim Kaine, Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds, and 6th District Congressional Democratic Candidate Ken Mitchell. (Download breakfast flyer.)

Individual Breakfast Ticket $25.00
Friend $50.00 (One Ticket)
Sponsor $100.00 (Two Tickets)
Patrons $150.00 (Four Tickets)
Sponsor A Student $25.00

RSVP by Aug 29th to dssb25@gmail.com. Mail checks to: LexRockBV Democratic Committee, PO Box 60, Lexington, VA 24450

After the breakfast, march with the LexRockBV Democratic Committee in the Buena Vista parade after the breakfast! (Download Buena Vista parade flyer.)

2024 Annual Wine & Cheese Fundraiser

Tuesday, September 10
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Roanoke Country Club
3360 Old Country Club Drive
Roanoke, Virginia

We look forward to spending an evening with you and guests from across our region. We’re honored to have as our keynote speaker, Senator Ghazala Hashmi, a dynamic woman of Virginia and Virginia politics.

As Chair of the Senate Education and Health Committee, Senator Hashmi and the Democratic Senate and House of Delegates brought strong legislation to the Governor in 2024.

Senator Hashmi can speak with personal, professional, and political experience to the key issues for women voters:

• Choice! Access to Reproductive Health Services and Abortion
• Protection of Civil Liberties • Guns • Housing Crisis
• Public Education • Climate Change and the Environment

Senator Hashmi is certain to enlighten, energize, and motivate us as we roar into the final weeks of this critical election season. (Full bio here.)

RSVP and purchase your tickets now! Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine at the cash bar.

Sponsorship opportunities details are below. Thank you for your support of Roanoke Valley Democratic Women.

TICKETS
Member – $35
Non-Member – $50

SOLD OUT Don’t want to order online? RSVP via email to Info@RoanokeValleyDemocraticWomen with subject line “2024 RSVP”. Please provide the full names of all attendees in your email. Payment can be made at the event.


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McGuire, Nash, Woods win Dem Primary for Roanoke City Council

Terry McGuire, Phazhon Nash, and Benjamin Woods are the official Democratic ticket for three open seats on Roanoke City Council following this week’s Democratic Primary.

2024 RVDW Your Vote Matters

In addition to filling three council seats, Roanoke City will elect a new mayor in November. Current Vice Mayor Joe Cobb is the Democratic nominee in the three-way race for mayor.

We congratulate the entire ticket. Please contact the candidates to volunteer and donate.


Terry McGuire
Website: www.terryforroanoke.com 
Email: terryforroanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: TerryForRoanoke
Instagram: @terrymcguireforroanoke


Phazhon Nash
Website: www.votenash.org
Email: info@votenash.org
Facebook: Phazhon Nash for Roanoke City Council 
Instagram: @nash_for_city_council


Ben Woods
Website: www.benjaminwoods.org
Email: bwoods@benjaminwoods.org
Facebook: Benjamin Woods
Twitter: @I_benjaminwoods
Instagram: @ben_jaminwoods

In Remembrance: Helen B. Dean

Dear Members and Friends,

With heavy hearts we tearfully share the sad news of Helen Dean’s untimely death and plans for a Celebration of her life.

Helen Barbara Dean

Helen’s life was full of numerous accomplishments and extensive community service. Her impact on Roanoke Valley Democratic Women and so many other Roanoke Valley organizations is immeasurable.

Please join us as we give heartfelt thanks and pay respectful tributes for this remarkable woman, friend, and colleague, HELEN B. DEAN.


In Her Own Words

On April 10, 2024, just a month before her passing, Helen prepared a personal biography to be shared with U.S. Congresswoman and Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger. Helen did not feel well on the day of the board’s much-anticipated meeting with Rep. Spanberger but we learn firsthand and in her own words, how Helen described her amazing life:

Bio for Helen B. Dean

Graduated from Knoxville College. During the summer at Knoxville, worked for the Atomic Energy Commission.

Helen Dean has worked with the Roanoke Valley Democratic Women in several capacities including fund raising. She is the past President of this organization, is a member of the Roanoke County Democrats and Botetourt Democrats and serves as an officer of elections for Roanoke County.

Companies she worked for: Junior high Teacher in Washington, DC, IBM as a Systems Analyst in Indianapolis, IN; Xerox Corporation in Chicago and Dallas at the field level, Regional Level and held a National Position. At Xerox, I managed a national support organization and led a sales team as a Regional Sales Manager in Chicago, IL. Worked for TruSecure as a technical team leader in securing networks and retired from Thomson Financial as the President of a group that worked with financial instruments in the US, London, Germany and in Paris.

Served on boards in the Roanoke Valley: Family Promise; Roanoke Symphony as chair for Education; Apple Ridge; Community Representative for the Junior League; president of the CASA Board; served on the Opera Board; Presbyterian Children’s Center; Moderator for Presbyterian Children’s Home in Wytheville; and am currently serving on the Arts Commission for the City of Roanoke.

Works in support of Harrison Museum of African American Culture with programs and grants to secure funding for this important organization in the African American community; served as one of the vice presidents for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and worked with Jabberwock to secure funding for scholarships for students; and worked as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) for 5 years.

Served as an elder at Second Presbyterian Church; served as Moderator for Presbytery of the Peaks; Cabinet Moderator; Trustee Member and served on the Sexual Misconduct Committee for the Peaks. Serves as a permanent member of the Synod Judicial Committee and currently serving as Vice Moderator for National Black Presbyterian Women and as the Historian for Presbyterian Women at the Synod level.

Awards and Recognition: Dollars and Sense – Top 100 Black Business and Professional Women, recognized in Who’s Who in Finance, while at Xerox and Thompson was awarded President’s Club for achieving financial goals for the teams; Bella Magazine’s Women in the Community, and currently recognized in the Roanoker Magazine for volunteer support.


Meet the Dem Candidates for Roanoke City Council

UPDATE: On June 2, Jamaal Jackson announced via press release that he is no longer a candidate for City Council.

Following the invitation by Roanoke Valley Democratic Women, all four 2024 Democratic candidates for Roanoke City Council have accepted and will be at RVDW’s May monthly membership meeting.

On Friday, May 24, 2024, at Montano’s Restaurant (3733 Franklin Rd SW), meet and hear the Democratic Primary candidates for Roanoke City Council address their priorities and credentials and share their campaign materials. The program begins at 12:00 noon followed by our business meeting. Please arrive at 11:15 if you are ordering lunch. No lunch orders will be taken after 11:45am.

RVDW is pleased to provide the following information requested of and provided by each candidate. Early voting for the June 18 Democratic Primary began May 3 and continues through Saturday, June 15.

Learn more about the candidates at their websites, linked below (listed alphabetically by last name).


Terry McGuire
Website: www.terryforroanoke.com 
Email: terryforroanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: TerryForRoanoke
Instagram: @terrymcguireforroanoke


Phazhon Nash
Website: www.votenash.org
Email: info@votenash.org
Facebook: Phazhon Nash for Roanoke City Council 
Instagram: @nash_for_city_council


Ben Woods
Website: www.benjaminwoods.org
Email: bwoods@benjaminwoods.org
Facebook: Benjamin Woods
Twitter: @I_benjaminwoods
Instagram: @ben_jaminwoods


UPDATE: On June 2, Jackson announced via press release he is no longer a candidate for City Council.
Jamaal Jackson
Website: www.jacksonforroanoke.com
Email: JacksonForRoanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: JacksonForRoanoke
Instagram: @jacksonforroanoke

Meet Ken Mitchell, Democrat for VA 6th District US Congress

“The current narrative of chaos and uncertainty that is dominating our politics is a threat to our democracy. Americans face daily, real-life challenges and need leaders who listen to their problems and can work together respectfully to solve them instead of playing partisan schoolyard games.” – Ken Mitchell

Ken Mitchell for Congress logo

Ken Mitchell is running to represent the citizens of Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in the November 2024 election. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and retired from the U.S Army in 1998 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 following 24 years of active duty. He is the fourth generation of his family to serve the country as a member of the armed services. He spent the last six years of his military career at the White House, supporting former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. During this posting, he held a variety of leadership roles at the highest levels of trust and national security. This experience allowed him to observe democracy at work first-hand and develop deep insight into the political process.

Ken Mitchell for VA CD 6

Ken Mitchell
For US Congress VA 6th District
Website: www.KenMitchellforVirginia.com
Facebook: kenmitchellforva
Instagram: @kenmitchellforva

Following his retirement from the military, Ken spent six years in the corporate telecommunications industry, building infrastructure throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He received multiple awards for his executive leadership and management skills while overseeing a wide variety of operations.

In 2004, Ken relocated to Charlottesville and started a business remodeling historic properties. In this role, he was exposed to the labyrinth of rules and regulations small businesses must navigate. From here, Ken became a Vice President of Buildings and Grounds for all facilities at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, including the Visitors Center, Tufton Mansion, Jefferson library, and the 2500 acres granted to Jefferson’s father. In this role, he led the modernization of Monticello’s infrastructure and the protection of this World Heritage site.

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Meet Joe Cobb, Candidate for Mayor of Roanoke

Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb believes that our greatest calling as human beings is to love one another by honoring and celebrating what makes us unique and by discovering what we can create together. This calling both inspires and informs his devotion to public service in the Roanoke city, region and around the world.

Joe Cobb for Mayor logo

Joe is the Vice Mayor and a member of the Roanoke City Council (elected 2018 and re-elected in 2022) He served as Vice Mayor from 2018 – 2020. He also works as Chaplain at Hermitage Roanoke, a senior living community in Northwest Roanoke.

Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor of Roanoke


Joe Cobb
For Roanoke City Mayor
Website: https://joecobbforroanoke.com/
Email: joecobbforroanoke@gmail.com
Facebook: joecobbforroanoke
Instagram: @joecobbforroanoke

Continue reading “Meet Joe Cobb, Candidate for Mayor of Roanoke”

Meet Karen Baker, Democrat for VA 9th District US Congress

Southwest Virginia deserves strong voices and real representation in the US House of Representatives. In November 2024, 9th District voters have the opportunity to elect Karen Baker!

Karen Baker for Congress

The breadth and depth of her professional and personal experiences have prepared her to meet the needs of her district. As a hardworking, determined, proven public servant, Karen is exactly right for our region and our nation.


Karen G. H. Baker
For US Congress VA 9th District
Website: www.BakerforVa9th.com
Email: info@bakerforva9th.com
Facebook: bakerforva9th
Twitter: @bakerforva9th
Instagram: @bakerforva9th

Karen Baker was born in Chicago and grew up in Michigan. She graduated from William Smith College, with a degree in comparative religion, and moved to Washington, D.C., where she was a staffer at Americans for Democratic Action. She then went to law school at Catholic University. She began work at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as a trial lawyer, trying large-scale sex, race, and age discrimination cases, and eventually rose to become the Assistant General Counsel for Systemic Litigation.

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