PETE'S PICKS
 The Roanoke Region is home to a variety of rivers and creeks. And the topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains has helped form the best fishing, kayaking, and canoeing rivers in Virginia. What better way to explore them than by boat? It is the perfect time to start planning your boating adventures. Check out all the great rivers and creeks in the Roanoke Region online, and you'll be itching to hit the water. Then sign up for a Kayak Roll class, which starts in February for those wanting to get out on the water. The class is a great for boaters - even first-timers - as instructors will help you take your skills to the next level. Register today, and be ready to get out on the water come spring!
Get outside!
Pete Eshelman
Director of Outdoor Branding
Roanoke Regional Partnership
  
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CHECK OUT THE DIRTY SOUTH FILM TOUR
 Watch some of the best whitewater paddlers around take on some of the toughest rapids in the Southern part of the United States.
AMONGSTiT TV and Back Country Ski & Sport are hosting the Dirty South Film Tour at Back Country's Salem location on Jan. 31. Tickets are $10.
The film festival will include the screening of four films - "Land of Giants: Lookout Mountain," "Dirty Bird: Exploring the Pigeon's Tributaries," "The Fall Line: Great Falls of the Potomac," and "The Draw Down: Tribute to the Green River."
Dirty South Film Tour
- When: Jan. 31 from 7-10 p.m.
- Where: Back Country Ski & Sports, 1931 Apperson Drive in Salem
- Cost: $10. Seating is limited; you may want to bring a chair.
Check out a preview and read more about the tour >>>
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VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUR TRAILS
 Enjoy nature and help a trail all at the same time. Join other trail advocates to help keep the 600-plus miles of trails in the Roanoke Region in great condition.
Volunteers are needed for two upcoming work days at Carvins Cove, Saturday (Jan. 26) and Feb. 3.
Pathfinders for Greenways is organizing the work. The group will meet at the Bennett Springs parking lot each day at 9 a.m. and work until about lunch time. Please RSVP for the work day to volunteers@greenways.org.
You don't have to bring any tools - they are all provided and Roanoke IMBA is bringing snacks and drinks for trail workers. You should, however, bring eye protection, and gloves and wear sturdy shoes.
Find out more about other trail work opportunities >>>
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START FILMING, THE BIKE SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL IS COMING
 What kind of movie will you make? Documentary? Drama? Horror? Animation?
Regardless of the genre, now is the time to get started on your entry in the Roanoke Bike Shorts Film Festival. The festival, sponsored by Ride Solutions, The Shadowbox, and the Taubman Museum of Art, is already accepting submissions for the contest, which offers a $100 prize. The deadline for submissions is April 20. There's just one catch - you must include a bicycle as the central theme of the film. (But that shouldn't be too tough.) And it is recommended that you keep your film short, to about 10 minutes total. This year's Roanoke films will be reviewed by The Shadowbox staff and screened at the Taubman Museum in May as part of Bike Month. The final winner will be chosen by members of the audience during the film festival. So get your script together and start filming! Learn more about the festival and where to send your film >>>
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME WARM
 Don't let cold air creep in to your home. Try a few inexpensive solutions to help keep warm air in and cool air out this winter. Not only will your home be more comfortable, proper winterization can also help reduce energy costs. Here are a few things you can get out and do this weekend: - Cover your air conditioner. If you can't remove your window unit, consider covering it both inside and out. Besides protecting your air-conditioning unit, covers also help keep cold air from entering your home through the space around the unit.
- Caulk around small spaces and gaps around windows and pipes.
- Prevent drafts around outlets using draft blockers - small foam plates that fit behind light switches and outlets.
- Upgrade your thermostat to a programmable model. Lower heat settings when you're out of the house and program it to turn back up before you get home. Consider a second set of settings for weekends, when people usually spend more time at home. The thermostats range from $90 to $175, but can save 12 percent or more on your energy bill.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
You can find even more winter home solutions from EarthShare.
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