🌱 Councilwoman Announces Senate Bid + EnVision Center Garden Grant

Welcome back, Roanokers! It's time for a climb up and over on this here Hump Day edition. It was a slow news day yesterday, but hopefully there's some things going on in town today. We'll cover these stories and more:

• Brain School at VTC Roanoke.
• AoA rescues 29 cats.
• Roanoke man denied bond in shooting.

And mush!

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny; breezy, warmer. High: 52 Low: 31.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Angels of Assisi rescued 29 cats from a home a few hours away from Roanoke in which the owner had been evicted, leaving them behind. The location of the home couldn't be revealed because the agency was working with Animal Control. "Once they’re all better and we can finish getting all their vetting done they will be up for adoption and looking for loving families to call their own. They’re doing very well, and we’re just so thankful that they’re safe, and warm and have full bellies," said Angels of Assisi Director of Communications Dayna Reynolds. (WSLS)
2. The EnVision Center in Northwest Roanoke has received a $2,500 grant from a partnership between the American Heart Association and a company called CAULIPOWER with which to expand its community garden. The grant is one of 50 going out to recipients all over the nation and will be used to buy equipment for the growth of indoor produce as well as for summertime learning programs. "Ensuring people have equal access to healthy fruits and vegetables is going to help bridge those health equity gaps. It’s going to help keep the hearts healthier, keep things like diabetes at bay and hopefully help decrease things like obesity within communities," said Paula Wallace, the AHA’s development director of school engagement. (WDBJ)
3. Another Roanoke City Council member has announced a run for the 4th District senate seat being vacated by long serving senator, John Edwards. Trish White-Boyd said in a statement "I feel like I’m the go-to community leader. I’m eager to take my years of experience and put them to work for the people of this district." White-Boyd's announcement comes just a week after fellow council member and Edwards' chief of staff Luke Priddy announced that he would seek election for the seat. The 4th District is new after redistricting and had set up a clash of the titans between two long serving senators, David Suetterlein and John Edwards until Edwards announced his retirement a few weeks ago. (Roanoke Times)
4. The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute hosted its 10th Annual Brain School in association with Brain Awareness Week Monday night. Researchers at the institute gathered to share some insights into the most complex organ in the human body. The public was invited to the event and students and faculty will be visiting area schools all week. "There’s nothing quite like bringing people here, letting them come inside, see the facility, rub shoulders with, interact with the students, the faculty and the staff and hear about the excitement. So, we’re very pleased and proud to be able to invite the community, our partners in this endeavor, inside and see what’s happening," said Michael Friedlander, executive director of the institute. (WDBJ)
5. A Roanoke man who was charged with shooting a man in the chest in his front yard was denied bond in court on Monday. Curtis Eugene Keaton Jr., 39, will stay in the Roanoke City Jail until his court appearance for the shooting, which took place on Feb. 11 on the 2700 block of Massachusetts Boulevard Northwest. According to Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell, Keaton admitted to the shooting while being transported to the Roanoke Police Department for questioning by officers. Several witnesses called 911 to report a man with a gunshot wound and when officers arrived the witnesses told them the shooter was in the house associated with the yard the victim was found in. No motive for the shooting has been established and Keaton's trial is set to begin April 18. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Brew Ha-Ha at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6:30 p.m.)
• Comedy Bingo at Twin Creeks Brewery (6:30 p.m.)
• Jersey Boys at the Mill Mountain Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• Along Those Lines at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "🚨 Attention all hardworking individuals! Dr Pepper Park is hiring for stagehands and set-up crew positions. If you're passionate about event production, love music, and are looking for a rewarding challenge, we want you on our team!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "We are excited to announce Darius Rucker at the Budweiser Summer Series on June 15! 🤩 Tickets are $60 per person. $8 from each ticket goes directly to The Life Ring Foundation's Fighting Kids' Cancer initiative. Tickets go on sale Friday!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Slow down, Roanoke! 🚙 This is a recent summons written for someone driving 107 mph in a 55 mph zone! 😳 Speeding puts you and countless others in danger. We all share the roads, so please watch your speed." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "With the weather being crappy yesterday we should take a hint out of these two baby deer mice that took a cozy snooze after being fed! Tiny mice can be a huge challenge because of their size (and they often come in poor condition.)" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "TWO SHOW ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK! A 🤘 announcement tomorrow and a 🤠 announcement Wednesday!! Which are you more excited for?! Let us know below!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Want to help hungry pets in our community? Looking for ways to involve your business, group, or church? Consider holding a food drive! The Roanoke Valley SPCA P.E.T. (Pets Eat Too) Program provides pet food to thousands of recipients!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

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That's it for today! It's time to get climbing. I've got some pretty good trajectory after yesterday so hopefully that will continue. See you tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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