🌱 Experts Warn About Air Quality + Humble Hustle Girls Conference

Hey, neighbors. It's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter — here to impart wisdom and ... urr ... maybe we'll just stick to the news. Here's what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find news about...

• Roanoke City formed a land bank in 2019.
• Virginia Children's Theatre seeks donations.
• Green Film Festival being held today.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Sun and some clouds. High: 75 Low: 53.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke City established a land bank four years ago to transform dilapidated houses into affordable homes. However, progress has been slow, with only a few properties being renovated. Recently, nonprofit developers have started refurbishing seven homes in the Belmont-Fallon neighborhood of Southeast Roanoke. These properties were acquired by Total Action for Progress (TAP), the city's land bank operator, using federal pandemic relief funds. To accelerate the program, the City Council has modified its agreement with TAP, allowing the land bank to acquire properties that would have otherwise been sold in the city's delinquent tax sale auction. The city intends to petition the court to transfer such properties directly to the land bank instead of going through the auction process. (WFIR, Roanoke Rambler)
2. The Humble Hustle Company is a organization dedicated to empowering black youth and fostering community connections. On Saturday, June 10, they are hosting an event called "Ignite Your Purpose" for middle and high school girls. The event aims to provide opportunities for girls to explore different career paths, gain insights on mental health and emotional intelligence, and develop a sense of professionalism and adulthood. Workshops on college readiness, mental health, social media, S.T.E.A.M., entrepreneurship, financial literacy, self-confidence, and leadership development will be offered. The event will take place at Hollins University. For more information, click here. (WDBJ)
3. Health officials are warning about the residual smoke from Canadian wildfires, which will affect everyone to some extent. Some areas face higher risks than others. Dr. Christina Abraham from the Allergy and Asthma Clinic advises people to stay indoors and keep windows closed. If they must go outside, they should wear high-quality masks like KN95 or N95. Even parts of Virginia are experiencing poor to moderate air quality. The fine particles in the air can enter the lungs and are currently 7.3 times higher in Roanoke than recommended by the World Health Organization. The Virginia High School League is also monitoring air quality in the state. Dr. Abraham emphasizes that poor air quality can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate COPD, so it's crucial to remain vigilant. (WFXR)
4. The Virginia Children's Theatre is currently running an emergency fundraising campaign to address its accumulated debt caused by rising costs associated with its mainstage productions. In response to the challenges faced by theaters nationwide during the post-pandemic period, the theater aims to raise $100,000. The staff emphasizes the importance of continuing their shows, as they have a significant impact on the lives of families and children both locally and regionally. To contribute to the Virginia Children's Theatre, visit their donation page here. (WSLS)
5. The Clean Valley Council (CVC) is organizing a free two-day Green Film Festival on June 9th to raise awareness about environmental issues. The festival will feature environmental films and is aimed at promoting a clean and green Earth. The CVC, which began in 1978 to combat litter in the community, has been hosting various events over the years, and this is the third run of the film festival. The festival will take place on Friday, June 9th with the movie "Eating Our Way to Extinction" at the Heights Community Church. On Saturday, June 10th, films like "Wall-E" and "Microplastic Madness" will be shown at the Williamson Road Library, followed by films focused on water at the GCCROA Courtyard. The festival offers multiple opportunities to raise environmental awareness. For more information and ways to get involved, interested individuals can visit the CVC's website. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, June 9

• The Worx presented by Salem After Five at the Salem Farmers Market (5 p.m.)
• No Fences Garth Brooks Tribute at Daleville Town Center (5 p.m.)
• The Dave Matthews Tribute Band at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)
• Green Film Festival 2023 at the Heights Community Church (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Introducing the COOLEST animal from Virginia you have NEVER heard of before! This is a Northern Short-tailed Shrew, one of the world's only VENOMOUS mammals! Yes, you heard it right, Virginia has a venomous mammal! " (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Our leg of the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics VA is complete! Roanoke Police Department staff and recruits ran alongside the Roanoke Sheriff's Office across the City of Roanoke!" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Brillo is really on the lookout for someone to come and adopt her! This week is Pet Appreciation Week and she just wants a family who will appreciate her as much as we know that she will appreciate them." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Regional Chamber: "Q2 Women of the Chamber was EMPOWERING! A massive thank you to Waynette Anderson-Founder, Visionary, Public Speaker who shared her journey in business and life with us today. She challenged each attendee to share their Plan A and stay the course, no matter what comes your way." (Roanoke Regional Chamber via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow 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