🌱 Display Policy For County Schools + Gun Violence Prevention Audit

Welcome back, Roanoke! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on what's going on in town. In today's issue, you'll find these stories and more:

• National Weather Service director visits Roanoke.
• ‘Adventure Saturday’ set to kick off at Explore Park.
• Friendship partners with the Rescue Mission to support the organization.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Hot with a heavy thunderstorm. High: 90 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. After a parent complained about rainbow displays in classrooms, calling school staff "groomers," the Roanoke County School Board is now considering a new policy on classroom displays. The proposed policy comes after contentious school board meetings in May and June about the rainbow displays, which sparked backlash from LGBTQ allies. At a work session on July 14, four of the five school board members indicated support for the new policy, which is scheduled for a vote on July 27. (Roanoke Times)
2. Roanoke City conducted an internal audit of its Gun Violence Prevention Commission after the commission received criticism on how it handles taxpayer money. The audit found no illegal activity but revealed weaknesses like poor documentation of grant applications and evaluations, as well as some conflicts of interest among commissioners. While the audit highlighted areas for improvement in processes like better recording grant proposals and recusals, the Vice Mayor maintains there was no fraud or misuse of funds. The city plans to strengthen documentation and oversight procedures based on the audit. (WSLS)
3. Federal, state, and local officials gathered in Roanoke recently to urge residents across the state to prepare for the peak of hurricane season. The National Weather Service director announced a new partnership where an NWS meteorologist will be embedded in the Virginia Emergency Operations Center to help provide faster severe weather warnings. Officials stressed the importance of making emergency plans, being ready for long power outages, signing up for local alerts, and reviewing insurance coverage. Though Virginia is inland, hurricanes can still cause deadly flooding far from the coast. The goal is to get more advance notice of severe weather to the public to save lives through better preparation. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke County's Explore Park is hosting "Adventure Saturday" on July 15, offering a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities including snake encounters, tower climbing, ziplines, and disc golf. People participating in the Treetop Quest events are advised to register in advance online since walk-up availability is limited. The T-Rex Trail also has $1 discounted admission when registering online ahead of time. The event marks the second adventure day in Explore Park's 2023 three-part series inviting the community to come out and explore the park's expanded offerings. (WFXR)
5. Friendship Retirement Community and the Rescue Mission of Roanoke have partnered to engage seniors in volunteering by having them help prepare meals, decorate lunch bags, and sort donations for the homeless served by the Mission. Studies show senior volunteers improve their emotional and physical health. Eleven Friendship residents participated in the first on-site experience on June 27, with residents feeling energized by the difference they made. The volunteer program will continue every fourth Tuesday as a way for seniors to stay active while supporting the community. (Roanoker)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, July 15

• Salem Gun & Knife Show at the Salem Civic Center (9 a.m.)
• Fifth Anniversary Celebration at A Few Old Goats Brewing (Noon)
• Jazz in July at Longwood Park (3:30 p.m.)
• Slaughter & Vixen at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Delmarva Shorebirds at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Welcome back to the big wide world! This Virginia opossum was released by one of our interns after several months in rehab after being orphaned and injured at a very young age. We return hundreds of Virginia opossums back to the wild every year." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• PLAY Roanoke: "⚠🐻 PLEASE SHARE: A bear was sighted in Mill Mountain Park near the pavilion today. We're asking park visitors to pack out their trash in Mill Mountain Park at this time. Spending time in our parks means sharing space with wildlife." (PLAY Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Welcome, Georgie! Georgie is a sweet 2-year-old pup who recently joined our Canine Ambassador team, with his mom Erin. He is a lovebug who wants to be everyone’s friend! In typical Cavalier fashion, his tail never stops wagging." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Calling all glam metal fans! Steel Panther is bringing their over-the-top performance to Dr Pepper Park on July 21. Experience the ultimate throwback with their big hair, tight spandex, and classic rock anthems!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! A quick business note — I will be on vacation beginning today so my Patch colleague Karena will be taking over writing duties until I return. Be nice while I'm gone and maybe I'll bring you a little something.

— 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