🌱 Free Comic Book Day Is A Hit + 'Angel Of Grandin' Statue Placed

Hello all! Per the new publishing schedule I'm here right on time to check in with the Tuesday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's a look at what's going on locally, including updates on:

• Fincastle museum in the works.
• West End Center hold its biggest fundraiser.
• Fairview teacher qualified for Olympic trials.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Breezy with a t-storm or two. High: 82 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The West End Center, a youth organization in Roanoke, held its largest fundraiser called the Spring Bling at Hotel Roanoke over the weekend. The event included a silent auction, brunch, and a fashion show, and the funds raised will help support the organization's programs such as academic remediation, health, and nutrition for around 150 children who come to the center every day after school. The West End Center has been serving the west end neighborhood since 1979, and the organizers aim to continue helping children in the coming years. (WDBJ)
2. Big Lick Comics had a successful National Free Comic Book Day, where hundreds of comic book lovers came to get their hands on exclusive comic books. The store was one of 16 in the country to win a Marvel giveaway, allowing them to give away Blu-ray copies of “Antman and the Wasp Quantomania.” The event is growing, with over half the number of customers from the previous year arriving within two hours. “All of this is about gratitude for how they are supporting us the other 364 days of the year. So, whether we have free treats in the café or discounts in the store, it really is just a show of appreciation for the folks that keep our lights on,” said co-owner JD Sutphin. (WFXR)
3. English Tomlinson, a fifth-grade teacher at Fairview Elementary School in Roanoke, has qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon. Tomlinson finished 34th among more than 11,000 women who ran in the Boston Marathon on April 17, with a time of 2 hours, 36 minutes and 14 seconds. She has run in only four marathons and found the Boston Marathon experience "electrifying." Tomlinson's time in the Boston Marathon was below the qualifying standard of 2 hours and 37 minutes for the Olympic trials. (Roanoke Times)
4. A sculpture of James Tarpley, also known as the 'Angel of Grandin Village,' has been added to the Roanoke Co-Op in the Grandin neighborhood. Tarpley was a caring and helpful member of the community who passed away, and the neighborhood has since honored his life with a mural and a park named after him. The sculpture, created by artist Betty Branch, depicts Tarpley sitting on a bench with his legs crossed and his arm up, as he often did. Branch worked on the sculpture for months with her daughter, and the bronze replica was cast in a foundry in Pennsylvania. The sculpture is meant to remind people of Tarpley and the good memories they have of him. (WSLS)
5. Botetourt County is working on a new $6 million museum project, funded through a grant from the Department of Historic Resources and with additional funding from the county. The museum will likely be located in the new lower parking lot along U.S. 220. AECOM is leading the design phase, and during the feasibility study, the county will work with a team to determine the best location for the museum. The museum will provide educational tourism opportunities and economic development to the area, as well as serve as a destination for the county and national historical museum acts. The museum building's exact location and footprint are still undetermined. (Botetourt Bee)

Today in Roanoke:

• Line Dancing Night at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (6 p.m.)
• Music Bingo at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Columbia Fireflies at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• JSB Variety Show at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Roanoke to know about, too? We want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, have a look at these awesome moms!

From my notebook:

• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "We are so excited to announce that FAME Allstars Roanoke will be the exclusive paid volunteer group for the 2023 season! Every time you tip at the beer truck or concession stand, you’re supporting these cheerleaders and their dreams! 📣" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Snack time Sunday! 😋 We are overloaded with ADORABLE Virginia Opossums who enjoyed their morning brunch with a side of fresh water. Opossums have to have a very specific diet in order to grow up nice and healthy." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Animal Hospital: "We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for voting us 🎉DOUBLE PLATINUM 🎉in the The Roanoker Magazine Best of Roanoke 2023 edition!" (Roanoke Animal Hospital via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "The Addison Arts Festival was a great success! Band, strings, choir, and dance teams performed. The festival also included an art show and a book fair in the media center." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• 3rd Street Coffeehouse: "Despite last minute location change due to weather, pulled off another great guitar pull today. The highlight was newbie Peter joining us and his beautiful daughter Zelda joining him for a song he wrote for her to close the session." (3rd Street Coffeehouse via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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