🌱 Free Flowers From 'Petal It Forward' + Read Mtn. Preserve Expands

Hello everyone! Time for the Saturday edition of the Roanoke Daily. First, a quick order of business for everyone — I will be on vacation for the next several days so an out-of-town contractor will be taking over. So, if you notice any differences that's why. But have no fear. I shall return. Alrighty, in this edition I will report on:

• In depth interviews with all the candidates for city council.
• GO Fest — back and bigger than ever!
• Animal adoption centers host weekend adoption drive.
• And more!

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant.

High: 76 Low: 51.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Roanoke Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that’s you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. With the city council election looming, WDBJ has recently conducted in depth interviews with all 11 candidates running for the four open seats. The Republicans, Democrats, and Independents have all had their turn and you can read the interviews by clicking the associated links. The election is Nov. 8, but you can choose to vote early by mail or by visiting your local registrar's office until Nov. 5. You can locate your registrar's office by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website where you can also learn about the various types of identification that are accepted to cast a ballot. (WDBJ)
2. The Roanoke County Department of Parks and Recreation has announced that it has purchased an additional 56 acres of land with which to expand the Read Mountain Nature Preserve located in the northeast part of the county near the Botetourt County line. The additional acreage will be used to expand the current five-mile trail system running throughout the property and to build a second entrance off Old Mountain Road. The former owner of the additional acreage, Matilda Bradshaw, 81, said, "The view from the top is gorgeous, and for that to remain available to people is what my family and I have always wanted." Parks and Planning Director Lindsay Webb said the funding for the purchase was raised with grants from the Virginia Outdoor Foundation and Pathfinders for Greenways and that construction of the new entrance is likely still years off. (Roanoke Times)
3. A Roanoke florist, George Clements, owner of George's Florist on Franklin Road, will be partnering with MKB Realtors and TFS Roanoke, a wholesale floral company, to offer 5,000 free bouquets to Roanokers. The event is an annual, nationwide event known as "Petal It Forward," organized by the Society of American Florists with the intent of spreading smiles across the land. "Through giving flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter, create happiness, and provide a multitude of smiles around our wonderful community," Clements said. The locations where flowers can be picked up will be announced the week of Oct. 16 and they will be available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19. (WSET)
4. Early reports from Roanoke's Go Outside Festival (a.k.a. GO Fest) are that the event is back and bigger than ever. The event is adding a third stage this year known as the Campfire Stage and that will be used for storytelling, conversations, and demonstrations in addition to the usual features such as live music, beer gardens, and lumberjack shows. "So, we’re going to have different things like talks from the organizers of Black Folks Camp Too to cooking demonstrations to Hoot and Holler, which is story-telling, kinda like the Moth Radio Hour,” said Roanoke Outside Foundation Director Pete Eshelman. “And also the Super Carlin Brothers are going to be doing a live podcast from here as well." The festival started yesterday and will continue through tomorrow. (WDBJ, WFIR)
5. In addition to GO Fest this weekend, Roanoke area animal shelters have announced they are nearing capacity and will be hosting a three-day adoption event in order to find some furever homes for their pets. The Regional Center for Animal Care & Protection, Angels of Assisi, The Roanoke Valley SPCA, Franklin County Animal Shelter, and Franklin County Humane Society are all taking part in the event. Mike Warner, executive director of RCACP, said, "We’re [mandated] by the state to have space, so at some point we have to make those tough decisions to euthanize. That’s what we’re trying to avoid and that’s why we’re working with our partners. If you adopt from one of our partners, then they have room to pull from us.” (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• SORVA Race Against the Clock (8 a.m.)
• Dinosaur Expedition and Safari Encounter at the Berglund Center (8 a.m.)
• Subaru Loves Pets FREE Cat Vaccine Clinic (9 a.m.)
• Kinnfolk at Big Lick Brewing Company (2 p.m.)
• Guns N’ Roses Tribute — Nightrain at Dr Pepper Park (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This baby Eastern chipmunk has come a long way after being caught by a cat. You can see her in rough shape on admission in the last photos and her progress into a healthy young adult in the beginning photos!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Today marks the final week of our Advanced Citizens Police Academy! These individuals are graduating from an eight-week course on the history, structure, daily operations, and more of the Roanoke Police Department." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Highland Park kindergarteners have been learning about Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson recently while reading Rap a Tap Tap as part of Wit and Wisdom reading curriculum to teach the students more about tap dancing." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Diversity Center: "After a beautiful performance of 'Rise Up,' the amazing stories started! They are powerful and inspiring stories that talk to the diverse experiences of our wonderful community. Through laughs and tears, everyone felt the love and strength." (Roanoke Diversity Center via Facebook)
• PLAY Roanoke: "It's safe to say that we're incredibly excited for this weekend's GO Outside Festival! There are lots of returning favorites and plenty of new surprises this year. Be sure to check out the festival map and full schedule!" (PLAY Roanoke via Facebook)

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There you have it! You're officially in the loop for today and I'm off to the airport! I will see you all when I return to duty on Wednesday, Oct. 26!

— 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