🌱'Dickens Of A Christmas' Returns + Roanoke Earns Dubious Distinction

Morning, everybody! Happy Friday! Here's the Friday edition of the Roanoke Daily. In today's issue, we'll touch on...

• The Empathy Project debuts
• Sheetz closes
• Attic Productions announced its 2023 season

Let's rock!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny.

High: 49 Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke has earned the dubious distinction of being Virginia's No. 2 city for crime according to a new report issued by researcher James C. Sherlock (No, I didn't make his name up, I swear.) The findings are based on 2021 State Police records and the report states, "Roanoke City has more crime per capita than Portsmouth, Danville, Norfolk, Richmond, Petersburg, or any other city in Virginia other than Fredericksburg." The most commonly reported crimes in the city in 2021 were assaults and intimidation at 3,124, drug related offenses at 1,068, and breaking and entering at 473. (Roanoke Star)
2. The Empathy Project debuted at the Berglund Center Wednesday afternoon and is a partnership between the venue, Roanoke City, and local artists designed to tell the stories of families who have lost a loved one to gun violence. The city’s youth and gang violence prevention coordinator, Chris Roberts, was integral in creating the project and said, "Some of you might say, what does this look like? It’s nonverbal. It’s, I’m in here with you, It’s, I’m not here to fix you, I’m not here to feel it for you, I’m here to feel with you and let you know you’re not alone." The project is made up of paintings, photographs, and memories of the victims that will be on display at the Municipal Building before eventually being given to each family. (WDBJ)
3. The Sheetz on the corner of Williamson Road and Orange Avenue permanently shut its doors at midnight last night and all employees have been told to report for duty at the new location on the corner of King Street and Orange Avenue on Nov. 28. A grand opening celebration for the new 4-acre location will be held that morning from 9 to 11 a.m. and those who bring with them a nonperishable food item to donate will be given a Sheetz branded bag while supplies last. There will also be drawings for door prices including $250 and $2,500 Z-Cards. (WSLS)
4. Attic Productions, the community theatre in Fincastle, has announced its 2023 production slate. The schedule features six shows including an original story produced in partnership with a Botetourt County historical organization. "We're very excited about next year's season. There's a little bit of murder and mayhem going on with some Agatha Christie and 'Clue,' and we can't wait to do some stuff with the youth. I know our youth are really anxious to get back on the stage so we have 'Treasure Island' and 'Oliver,' which will have large youth casts, and then we'll wrap it all up at Christmas time with 'A Christmas Carol,'" said Attic's general manager Kelly Hoagland. (WFIR)
5. Downtown Roanoke Inc. has announced that 'Dickens of a Christmas' — the area's largest Christmas celebration — will return this year beginning on Friday, Dec. 2. with the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree and the Christmas parade. Performances and events will also be held on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event and organizers said they have something special in store as a result. "It’s a much-beloved event but we always like to throw something new in especially for a milestone occasion so this year we’re going to be making it snow right here on market street,” Downtown Roanoke, Inc.'s Jamie Clark said. “And it won’t accumulate on the streets, it’s really to set the tone and ambiance.” (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Empanada Nirvana Authentic Puerto Rican Food at Valley View US Cellular (10 a.m.)
• Andy Burnette Trio at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium (8 p.m.)
• The Snozzberries at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Roanoke!

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "Today, we awarded Officer A. Williams with two Letters of Commendation for his work on separate incidents earlier this year. Officer Williams’s swift, decisive actions during both of these incidents saved one — if not two — lives. He is commended for his professionalism and tenacity, and we thank him for a job well done." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Regional Chamber: "The ribbon has been cut! Brady's Distillery, Roanoke's first distillery since 1909, is OPEN! 🎀 ✂️ Created by Roanoke natives Tim, Brian, and Andy Brady, Brady's Distillery offers carefully blended and aged craft spirits." (Roanoke Regional Chamber via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "Thank you to those who stopped by our table at today's job fair. Didn't get a chance to attend? That's OK. Go to www.roanokeva.gov and click on the JOBS tab. We are hiring for deputy sheriffs and school resource officers." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Jace is showing off his gorgeous whiskers while he's waiting to find his new home. We thought we would share, because who could resist this face?" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Appalachian Power: "National Utility Scam Awareness Day. We will never call and threaten to disconnect power if payment is not received immediately. If you are uncertain or have any doubts, please call us at 800-956-4237 to verify." (Nextdoor)

Alrighty. You're all set on news for today. I'll see you tomorrow morning.

— 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com