🌱 Fruitopia Workshop Visits Roanoke + Smith Mountain Lake Improvement

Hello fellow Roanokers! It's me, Ian, host of the Daily. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening around town...

First, today's weather:

Warmer with clouds and sun.

High: 90 Low: 66.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. A Richmond based nonprofit, Hardwired Global, visited Roanoke recently with its simulation workshop, which is designed to support the social integration of refugee groups in areas with a high level of newcomers. "So, for example, here [during the Roanoke workshop] we have Afghan refugees, we have some Hispanic refugees, and we also have Congolese refugees. So, even between those refugee groups, they will have to engage with one another here in their community and in their schools, and we want them to feel comfortable doing that," said Victoria Tiggas, outreach and development officer with Hardwired Global. The event took place at Belmont Library and involved a made up island known as Fruitopia where different fruits represented different people groups. (Roanoke Times)
2. In an effort to improve safety around Smith Mountain Lake, the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission approved a long-discussed no wake zone in and around Mariner's Landing. Efforts have been afoot for years to slow down boat traffic. "What we wanted to do was to have a modification to put two no-wake buoys out there just because people have a tendency to disregard one,” Chris Baker, marina manager, said. The improvements will now go before the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for a final vote. (Roanoke Times)
3. Black business owners in Roanoke are preparing to celebrate Juneteenth to honor the sacrifices and struggles their ancestors made. The Culture Ethnic Shop, owned and operated by Lenai Clegg, pays tribute to her heritage with a sign that calls to mind the Pan-African Flag with its red, green and black design. "We are really looking to grasp something that is ours. And something that can’t be taken away from us. It’s basically like a form of us taking our power back,” Clegg said. Greg Fuller, owner of the new restaurant, The Veganaire, agrees. "They say history is the playbook to life. So, if you know what happened before you can know how to approach the future." (WSLS 10)
4. Roanoke City Police responded late Saturday night to a shots fired call on Kellogg Avenue NW. When they reached the scene they found evidence of a shooting, but there were no shooting victims. They were notified that a man with non-life threatening injuries had voluntarily checked himself into Roanoke Memorial. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing, but police said early reports indicate the assailants all knew each other. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police. (WSLS 10)
5. Two Roanoke area twins, Uriah and Urias Williams, recently graduated from high school and turned their tassels in tandem. The two 17-year-olds have an incredible story of love — having always been there for each other. Urias was diagnosed with autism early in life and was originally considered non-verbal on the spectrum. But now, thanks to the efforts of his brother, his family, Roanoke area educators and Roanoke's REACH program, he has graduated high school and made significant improvements. "When he was a baby, he wouldn’t look at you. As he grew, he would still give you very little in the way of communication. Now, he will look you straight in the eye and tell you, in his own way, exactly what he wants. His independence alone is a success story,” Urias’ parents said. (The Roanoke Star)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Registered Roanoke voters can cast ballots in the city primary (6 a.m.)
• Greater Roanoke Transit Authority — Stockholders Annual Meeting (1:45 p.m.)
• Roanoke City Council Meeting in City Council Chambers (2 p.m.)
• The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride, starting at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (5:45 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Queer Community Picnic at Wasena Park (6 p.m.)
• PAW Patrol Live at the Salem Civic Center (6 p.m.)
• Seph Custer & The Flatbreaks at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Virginia Museum of Transportation said, "Join us for the Star City Motor Madness After Party on June 25 from 5:30 - 10 p.m. featuring Touch of Class Band with Jerome Claytor and food by Chef Claytor's Dream On A Plate! The event will take place rain or shine. (Virginia Museum of Transportation via Facebook)
• Virginia Museum of Transportation said, "Join us on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. for Mommy & Me @ VMT! Each week will be filled with a story, craft and a fun snack to end the group! Our first Mommy & Me at VMT will be Wednesday, June 22 and pirate themed!" (Virginia Museum of Transportation 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. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com