🌱 County To Expand McAfee Shuttle + Lunchables Lunch-a-Build Visits

Hello again, neighbors. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know. Today's issue includes updates on:

• Roanoke City sells Salem Avenue property to build mixed-income apartments.
• Acclaimed Broadway stars flock to Roanoke for MMT's Bright Star.
• Habitat for Humanity out thousands of dollars after thefts, vandalism.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 92 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. On Monday, Aug. 21, Roanoke City Council voted to sell the old Homeless Assistance Team building located at 339 Salem Ave. Southwest to 339 Salem Partners LLC, on the condition that the developers construct mixed-income housing. The council approved the rezoning plan proposed by the developers, which includes estimates for affordable rent prices for one-bedroom units based on percentages of the area's median income. However, the project is contingent on 339 Salem Partners receiving a low-income housing tax credit from Virginia Housing. (WFXR)
2. On Tuesday, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors accepted over $170,000 to expand the McAfee Knob shuttle service in light of an upcoming Virginia Department of Transportation project to build a pedestrian bridge from the trailhead's parking lot to the trail itself. During construction, the parking lot will be closed so the expanded shuttle aims to provide alternative transportation, adding stops at Salem's Longwood Park, Farmer's Market, and Orange Market Park and Ride, as well as potentially the Dragon's Tooth trailhead. Board Chairwoman Martha Hooker applauded the creative solution to maintain access to the popular trail during the parking lot closure. (WSLS)
3. The free, interactive Lunch-a-Build Adventure pop-up is coming to Roanoke's River's Edge Park from Aug. 24-27. The pop-up brings an escape room-style experience inside a giant Lunchables pack. Participants will solve puzzles with oversized food items to defeat the imagination-draining Borons monsters in order to save creativity and Lunchables. Spots are limited for the hands-on experience, which also continues online. After Roanoke, the event's final stop is in Atlanta from Sept. 7-10. (WDBJ)
4. Broadway stars James Moye, Mamie Parris, and Nick Kepley are heading to Roanoke to work on Mill Mountain Theatre's upcoming production of "Bright Star," the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell musical set in the 1920s American South. Moye, a Christiansburg native, will direct; Parris will play the lead role of Alice Murphy; and Kepley, who choreographed Mill Mountain's 2018 "West Side Story," will choreograph "Bright Star." The cast also includes several actors from Appalachia and Southwest Virginia. With its bluegrass score and uplifting story, "Bright Star" promises to be a moving theatrical journey when it comes to the Trinkle Main Stage. (Roanoke Star)
5. Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley has recently been the target of thieves and vandals, costing the nonprofit thousands of dollars. In the past month, they have dealt with people smashing sinks outside their store, stealing three catalytic converters from their work trucks, and destroying their AC system which cost $9,000 to repair. They believe the same individuals also cut power to their security lights. While Habitat has filed police reports, no suspects have been arrested. Development Director Dave Tate said these crimes hurt their ministry of helping people in the community and only sets them back. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

Thursday, August 24

• Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address at the Hotel Roanoke (7:30 a.m.)
• Hungry Asian Smashburger Pop-up at Food Hut (4 p.m.)
• Not Your Average Block Party — The Collective Grand Opening (5 p.m.)
• Jared James Nichols at The Grandin Theatre (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Virginia Museum of Transportation: "All aboard! Tickets are now on sale for 'The Shenandoah Valley Limited' fall excursions featuring the 611! These excursions are a joint partnership with the @virginiascenicrailway , the Buckingham Branch Railroad, and the @vmtroanoke." (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Instagram)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Can you believe we are STILL getting baby birds? Maybe it's a little less unusual if we tell you guys that these are American Goldfinches, one of the last birds to breed in Virginia." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Puppies like Dory will be looking for their new homes at Saturday's #ClearTheShelters event, and we can't wait to help you bring home your new best friend! Join us THIS Saturday on Aug. 26, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "More live music in the heart of Roanoke 🎶 Find a full list of downtown events at downtownroanoke.org/events/event-calendar!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "The 2023 Beaver Dam Sunflower Festival is around the corner! 🎉 Bring the whole family to this fun and picture-perfect event! Experience hayrides, farm animals, craft and food vendors, live music, and more!" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you tomorrow! 👊💥

— 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