🌱 Downtown Scooter Debate Renewed + Dawgs Playing For Home Ice

Happy Friday everyone! All Fridays are good, but this one is especially good. Here's a fresh edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with what's happening locally. In today's issue, we'll touch on...

• Gun violence talent show at hit.
• 'Legally Blonde' comes to the 'noke.
• Richmond author visits the Grandin.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A morning shower; cooler. High: 56 Low: 47.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Roanoke who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Visitors to Downtown Roanoke over the last month or so have no doubt noticed new bright orange scooters on the sidewalks and other areas, which has renewed the debate about where and how the scooters should be parked. The new scooters are the property of Spin, a company based in San Francisco. "We've had to constantly reach out to the scooter companies about, you know, things are kind of looking bad out there, with knocked over scooters and they're just kind of everywhere,” Chris Chittum, the city’s planning director said. The city's answer is to construct parking corrals for both scooters and bicycles at several intersections and though the design process is only in its infancy, a preview of a possible design showed a 20-foot rack with room for eight scooters and 12 bikes. City council is expected to continue discussing the matter at future meetings. (WFIR, Roanoke Rambler)
2. Talent in the Star, the youth talent show hosted and funded by the Gun Violence Commision in Roanoke that drew fire for its cost, has actually proven to be a big hit with area youth. The show was held on March 24 at the Jefferson Center and drew a larger than expected crowd to hear and see participants perform. Among those participating was 14-year-old Kamya Andrews who said, "I’ve always been scared to sing in front of people. But during the time I was actually on stage, it felt amazing, and I was like, ‘This is where I’m meant to be.’" Andrews sang 'Never Enough' by Loren Allred. The performances ranged from song and dance to poems and skits and included nearly 25 entrants. Among those in attendance were the families of gun violence victims, many who had a hard time holding back their emotions. (Roanoke Times)
3. A musical version of the movie 'Legally Blonde' has been making the rounds as a live stage show for a few years now and is finally hitting the Star City, but for one night only. The show will go on at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 at the Berglund Center. Tickets are now on sale and range from $64 - $239, depending on seating location. The story follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams at Harvard Law School and was originally made famous by Reese Witherspoon in a 2001 movie that spawned two sequels and a spin off series. More information can be found here. (WFXR)
4. Readers of historical fiction will be interested in a new book titled "The House is on Fire," set in Richmond during the 1811 Richmond Theater Fire. The author of the book, Rachel Beanland, is making a promotional stop in Roanoke at the Grandin Theatre on Thursday, April 13. The narrative follows four characters as they navigate the event of the fire itself and the aftermath of it "ultimately exposing secrets, racial tensions, and the meaning of freedom within the bounds of tragedy." Copies of the book can be pre-ordered for $27.99 and tickets to the event are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of. Beanland will be in conversation with local author Heath Hardage Lee. (WDBJ)
5. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs have already clinched a spot in the SPHL's President's Cup Playoffs but are looking to land the hockey equivalent of home field advantage with the last three games of the season. "In our minds our job isn’t done. Not even close. Our goal going into playoffs is to have home ice throughout the playoffs,” said Josh Nenandal. The Dawgs will play the Macon Mayhem and the Knoxville Ice Bears to close out the regular season with two games at home in the Berglund Center and one on the road in Knoxville. The Dawgs set a new franchise record for games won this season with a record of 30-18 so far. (WSLS)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Roanoke Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Roanoke:

• The Bogeys at First Fridays (5 p.m.)
• Art by Night at Roanoke Galleries (5 p.m.)
• Tree of Forgiveness Band at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (6:30 p.m.)
• 'Jersey Boys' at the Mill Mountain Theatre (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We just want to take a moment to thank everyone who helps support our shelter. Whether you volunteer, donate, are part of a committee or board, or simply follow us and share our social media posts, we can't thank you enough!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "The Kroger Community Rewards programs is a great way to support pets like Tyson at the Roanoke Valley SPCA while doing your regular grocery shopping! Just visit: kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow/ and search for the Roanoke Va!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "We're three weeks away from BRETT YOUNG live at the Budweiser Summer Series on April 26th! Crawford & Power will kick off the show, followed by Jordan Fletcher. Tickets are just $39! Buy tickets ➡ brettyoung.brownpapertickets.com!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre: "Do you have your GOLDEN TICKET? Hurry and grab your tickets to WILLY WONKA, JR. before they are gone — tickets are selling fast! Our cast of 35 youth actors had their first full cast rehearsal last Friday!" (Virginia Children's Theatre via Instagram)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for details regarding all of the additional events we will be hosting this year! 🗓✍️ We have a FANTASTIC lineup of events planned for holidays and special occasions in 2023!" (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with an update just in time for your Saturday morning hangover. 👊💥🍻

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com