🌱 Child Passenger Safety Campaign Launched + Shooting At W.R. Brews

Hello again, everybody! It's time for a new edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Come along to find out about what's happening around town. In today's issue, you'll find news about:

• The Barefoot Movement plays folk Americana music at The Spot On Kirk.
• Downtown Roanoke celebrates Ukrainian Independence Day.
• Roanoke's Hope Center helps man seeking relief from the heat find a home.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Hot; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 91 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Tonight at 8 p.m., The Barefoot Movement will bring its original songs and covers to The Spot on Kirk. Married musicians Tommy Norris and Noah Wall met in high school in 2006 when Wall heard Norris playing classical guitar and wrote him a long letter asking to collaborate. They went on to form the band The Barefoot Movement in 2011, playing a style of music they describe as acoustic, rock, folk pop, and Americana with bluegrass roots. Choosing a name that reflects going barefoot in the South where Wall grew up, the couple says playing music and being married makes touring and performing together enjoyable. (WDBJ)
2. As the new school year begins, the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office is launching a campaign focused on child passenger safety. The slogan for the campaign is "Safety Starts With You, Buckle Up Too!" to remind parents and drivers to properly secure children in car seats and boosters when dropping off or picking up kids from school. The sheriff's office will place yard signs with the slogan near school parking lots and also plans to have students meet "Ivy," one of the sheriff's office's mascots, to further promote the importance of buckling up. The campaign aims to ensure all child passengers remain safely secured in vehicles. (WSET)
3. On Ukraine's Independence Day Thursday, people gathered in downtown Roanoke to show their support for the country as the war with Russia continues. Some held Ukrainian flags while others wore the country's colors. Event organizers said it's important to keep showing up and standing with Ukraine. The U.S. announced it will start training Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel on F-16 jets in October, though the length of training is unclear. The event and announcement come as Ukraine continues to fight against Russia's invasion, which began in February. (WSLS)
4. WDBJ7 reported earlier this week on Charles Bratton, a homeless man seeking refuge from the heat at The Hope Center in Roanoke each day. Thanks to help from the center, Bratton now has a permanent home in Northwest Roanoke with air conditioning, a TV, and other donated items. Hope Center Director Darlene Lewis assisted Bratton with moving into his new place this week, providing relief from the extreme heat. Bratton encourages others in need to visit The Hope Center, stating "You have hope." The center continues to accept donations of food, water, clothing, and other items to aid the homeless. (WDBJ)
5. An early morning shooting at W.R. Brews on the 3800 block of Williamson Road left three people injured by gunfire, according to the Roanoke Police Department. The shooting occurred after 1 a.m. on Friday morning and at least two of the victims transported themselves to the hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting that took place at the bar/restaurant located in Northwest Roanoke. Police are asking anyone with any information to please come forward, even anonymously. (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, August 26

Lots to do today fellow Roanokers! Might I humbly recommend the Celts at the Creeks Festival? I'll see you there! Come on out enjoy yourselves! - Ian

• Celts at the Creeks Festival at Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park (10 a.m.)
• Annual Virginia Vintage Comic Book Show at the Salem Civic Center (11 a.m.)
• 14th Annual Roanoke Wing Fest at Dr. Pepper Park (Noon)
• Symphony Under the Stars by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra at Elmwood Park (6 p.m.)
• The Barefoot Movement at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "A dramatic rescue out of Blacksburg last week when this Gray Fox became badly twisted in a soccer net. We normally don't have the ability to do field rescues due to limited staff and funding, but off-duty staff member Lark (who lives nearby) rescued the fox and transported him to the Center where he remains!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Symphony Orchestra: "See you Saturday! Join us this weekend for a FREE concert in Elmwood Park. Free general admission — no tickets are required, but we do have table seating available for purchase. Please contact the Member One RSO Box Office at 540-343-9127." (Roanoke Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Maverick is just daydreaming about finding his new home. This spunky young boy made his TV debut this week on WSLS 10 / WSLS.com and a star has been born! If you're interested in helping us #cleartheshelters schedule a meet and greet!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Botetourt County: "We love the new mural on the Botetourt County Libraries Buchanan branch and are so thankful to artist Cheyenne Renee for sharing her work for everyone to enjoy! She really captured the essence of our library and our community!" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you Tuesday!

— 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