🌱 Blue Ridge Parkway Services Open + Roanoke WWII Veteran Turns 100!

Hello once again fellow Roanokers It's me, Ian, host of the Roanoke Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. Let's dive right in...

First, today's weather:

Sunny, hot, and humid. Seems like summer has finally arrived.

High: 90 Low: 66.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway is all set for its Summer 2022 season. The Visitor's Centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds are now open with full services. The national park's managers have also said there are a number of road projects that will be going on during this time as well and to use caution while traveling. For road closures and updates you can check the Parkway's Road Status Page. (Roanoke Star)
2. The Roanoke City E-911 Center received a call around midday of a man found unresponsive near the intersection of two Northeast Roanoke roads. When officers responded to the scene they found, since identified as Samuel E. Dickerson, Jr., 32 of Roanoke, laying in the roadway with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Dickerson was pronounced dead at the scene and no suspects have been identified or located. (WFIR)
3. At a Memorial Day service at the Roanoke Valley War Memorial, World War II veteran and Roanoker Joe Damiano remembered landing on the beaches of Normandy as he prepared to celebrate his 100th birthday. Around him other veterans shook hands, embraced and saluted. Damiano said he was stationed in a supply warehouse during that time that supplied the front lines and never saw combat, but felt for the soldiers who did. “I was very fortunate. I didn’t face the dangers that the boys in the artillery and the infantry did. But we helped them. You did what you had to do. It was a good experience. I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but it was a good experience.” (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (5:45 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Line Dancing with Angela & Kamronn at Corned Beef and Co. Bar and Grill (7 p.m.)
• Film Lab Showcase at the Grandin Theatre (7:15 p.m.)
• Live music: GOTE at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Roanoke Police Department said, "We honor and remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms and this country. We are forever grateful." (Facebook
• Roanoke Valley SPCA would love for you to "Meet Rico! He's looking for an active family to share his love with!" His guardian says, "Rico is an active lab-hound who is happy all the time, loves all humans, and desperately wants to share his love with everyone he meets." (Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke says "we remembers those who gave everything. We honor the fallen and thank God for the privileges their sacrifice provides." (Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre would like you to know "we are hiring! Do you have strong customer service skills and previous sales experience? We are looking for a GROUP SALES MANAGER. This hourly position will handle all group sales (for both public and student matinee performances.)" (Facebook)
• Our Nextdoor Neighbor in Oak Grove says "Found! - Do you recognize this dog? Oak Grove/Castlerock area. Wandering alone in the street." (Nextdoor)

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• Social Security Seminar (May 31)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update. Stay safe and groovy!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

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