🌱 Downtown Reports Positive Growth + Salvation Army School Drive

Welcome back, Roanokers! I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Roanoke City Public Schools preparing students for high temperatures.
• Montvale abandoned school turns into community hub.
• Regional meetings for Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 94 Low: 72.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. According to Jaime Clark, vice president of Marketing and Communications with Downtown Roanoke Inc., downtown Roanoke has seen exponential growth over the past decade and continues to grow as more people choose to live in the area. Currently there are almost 1,800 residential units downtown, up 485 percent since 2008, and nine major development projects valued at $199 million underway, including new housing, health care facilities, and businesses. Clark cites the vibrant atmosphere, walkability, events, and amenities like restaurants and shops as reasons people are attracted to downtown living. The ongoing development adds foot traffic and vibrancy to the downtown area. (WSLS)
2. Roanoke City Public Schools has partnered with Virginia Tech to educate students about heat risks and solutions, as heat waves increase. Middle school teacher Leslie Berrett had students measure temperatures around their neighborhoods and learn about the Urban Heat Island Effect in Roanoke. The program taught students to identify heat-related illnesses and brainstorm solutions like planting trees, building cooling centers, and installing more water fountains. Student Michael Artis said learning how they can help cool the city made him feel like a good person. The program aims to prepare students for the effects of climate change in their community. (WDBJ)
3. The Montvale School Preservation Foundation has big dreams to renovate the old Montvale High School into a community hub and has made major improvements, but they need $400,000 from Bedford County for renovations like fixing the roof. The Foundation holds community events at the school and has seen increasing attendance, proving their commitment. Supervisor Bob Davis supports the vision, but the board wants assurances the Foundation will maintain the property before approving funds originally meant for demolition. The Foundation hopes renovations will allow the school to host more community events and spur small business growth in Montvale. (WSET)
4. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is holding a series of public meetings in August for the Blue Ridge Rising regional planning effort, which is bringing together the 29 Blue Ridge Parkway gateway communities in North Carolina and Virginia for the first time to develop strategies for regional growth. The meetings will gather input to select top priority action strategies based on ideas shared at 30 previous local meetings attended by over 400 people. The Foundation encourages the public to register and attend the meetings to help shape the action plan that will benefit Parkway communities. The Roanoke area meeting will be on Aug. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn. (Roanoke Star)
5. The Salvation Army of Roanoke is collecting backpacks and other school supplies like pencils, paper, and folders to help children in need across Roanoke City, Salem, Vinton, and the surrounding counties prepare for going back to school. With rising costs of living, many families are struggling to afford both school supplies and necessities, so donations are needed more than ever. The community can drop off donations at the Salvation Army's office on Dale Avenue or their Family Thrift Store on Williamson Road during business hours. This annual drive provides vital support to local children. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, July 28

• Children's Literature Lecture by Agent Chad W. Beckerman (9 a.m.)
• Roanoke River Greenway Ribbon Cutting (10 a.m.)
• "Matilda the Musical" — Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Huge shout out to the Louise R. Lester Foundation for the $4,000 grant we are honored to have received for technology upgrades and medical supplies!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Can you help us identify these two couples? Deputies are attempting to identify these individuals regarding thefts and trespassing occurring in the 2500 block of Blue Ridge Turnpike." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We are completely out of dry cat food for our pet food pantry, and we urgently need donations. This pantry provides services to keep people and pets united in the Roanoke Valley." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "🚨 LOW TICKET ALERT 🚨 Get your Gabby Barrett tickets NOW at DrPepperPark.com while you still can!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next 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