🌱 Day Of Music For Roanoke Block Party + VWCC Culinary Arts Boot Camp

Hey, everybody. It's Friday and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in the community, including news on...

• Records show Virginia Children's Theatre spent beyond its means.
• Elevating youth in Roanoke to decrease gun violence with Royal Affirmation.
• Roanoke City Sheriff's Office to celebrate National Hot Dog Day with free hot dogs.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Very warm with heavy t-storms. High: 89 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. According to internal records, Virginia Children's Theatre continued putting on expensive musical productions despite early signs that it lacked sufficient funds to do so. The nonprofit theater announced an emergency fundraiser in June after losing over $142,000 in income in fiscal year 2022 and losing over $57,000 on two recent productions. The theater struggled to pay workers and actors, laid off staff, and even considered shutting down or merging. The producing artistic director recently resigned, though he denied it was connected to finances. The records show that in its desire to mount splashy productions, the theater overlooked financial realities, leading to its current cash crisis. (WFIR, Roanoke Rambler)
2. Two Roanoke men, Fletcher Nichols and Chris Roberts, believe the Royalty Affirmation, an inspirational pledge Nichols created, can help curb youth violence in the city. Nichols penned the affirmation, which starts "I am not weak, I am strong," after a beloved teacher's death, finding it uplifted students. Now retired, Nichols works with Roberts, the city's youth violence prevention coordinator, to spread the Royalty Affirmation. They have filmed community members reciting it, hoping to publish affirmation story videos online to reach at-risk teens. Nichols and Roberts aim to change mindsets by encouraging youth to proclaim their inherent worth and potential through the inspirational words. (Roanoke Times)
3. Roanoke's West Station Block Party will take place on July 15 at Tuco's Taqueria Garaje, featuring over 9 hours of music, food, drinks, vendors and more from noon to 9:30 p.m. Guests on 7@four promoted the event, including Jo Jo Soprano of Beamer's 25; JD Sutphin of Big Lick Entertainment; and Anissa Soprano, Tuco's general manager. The block party aims to bring entertainment, activities, and the community together for a day-long celebration at the West Station location. More information is available here. (WDBJ)
4. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office will celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 19 by providing free hot dogs and activities at Washington Park from 12:30-2 p.m. The sheriff's office will offer free hot dogs, supplied in part by Clean Sweep 23, while D&G's Wonderland provides a bounce house. The community event at the park's renovated basketball courts is intended to give Roanoke residents a chance to enjoy a free lunch and family-friendly entertainment on the national food holiday. (WSLS)
5. Roanoke high school students are participating in the inaugural Culinary Arts Boot Camp, a free weeklong program conducted by Virginia Western Community College's culinary arts program in collaboration with Roanoke City Public Schools and The Hotel Roanoke. Students are learning fundamental culinary skills through intensive workshops and will showcase their work at a Grand Buffet. The program aims to provide hands-on experience, a pathway to opportunities in the hospitality industry, and life skills. Students can earn a food handler's certificate and keep provided chef jackets and utensil kits. The boot camp was made possible by community partners seeking to invest in youth futures. Organizers hope to continue the outreach in future summers. (The Roanoker)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, July 14

• Bottom of the Barrel at Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)
• Five Dollar Shake at the Salem Farmers Market (5 p.m.)
• Colt Ford with Creed Fisher at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "'Nooo, I am not done eating!' said the Eastern Cottontail during his re-evaluation exam. Eastern Cottontails consistently reproduce during the summer, meaning unlike any other species of animal we rehab, we don't get a break from them." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "K-9 Baron was a valued member of our agency and served our community for many years. Please join the Friends of Botetourt K-9 for their first annual run / walk on Aug. 12." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "It's Wish List Wednesday and our kittens are in need of food! We've got lots and lots of little ones coming in, so if you have the means to donate Purina Kitten Chow, we would greatly appreciate it!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "📣Roanoke Parks and Recreation is looking for youth sports officials for the upcoming 🥎⚾️🏈🏀season. For more information, contact playroanoke@roanokeva.gov or call 540-853-2236." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you around!

— 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