🌱 Gun Violence Numbers Released + New 'Perk' Coming To Area Park

Hello, fellow Roanokers! How's everything in your world this morning? Happy Thursday. Here's the Roanoke Daily to get you all caught up on what's happening in our neck of the woods. Today's edition includes updates on:

• The Salvation Army distributes Angel Tree gifts
• Panhandlers a rising problem in Roanoke City
• Artist wanted for park mural

Lesssgo!

But first, today's weather:

Colder with periods of rain.

High: 39 Low: 23.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Panhandlers and homeless vagabonds have long been an issue for some people in Roanoke City, but concern has increased in recent years as area roadways become more congested and pedestrian deaths have seen a sharp rise. Many residents have sent letters to the city council about the matter, but council members say the issue isn't as clear cut as some seem to think. Mayor Sherman Lea said, "People have rights and we have to make sure that if they step across the line on that then we’ll take action, but it’s up to the private businesses to have people not trespass on their property." City law says panhandling in general is not illegal, but standing in medians and trespassing is against the law. (WFXR)
2. Roanoke City's Gun Violence Prevention Commission met Tuesday night and heard a report from the Roanoke City Police Department on the number of shootings documented so far in 2022. That number stands at 65 with 17 having led to fatalities, and closely mirrors last year's numbers of 65 with 15 fatalities. Despite no significant change in overall numbers, members of the commision remain positive about their mission. Commission chair and city councilman, Joe Cobb, said the commision is currently in search of a new marketing strategy in order to get word out about their mission and to help them host more successful efforts. (WSLS)
3. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program gave Christmas presents to families in need in the Roanoke Valley Tuesday morning, including toys and clothes being gathered into bags by dozens of volunteers. Capt. Jamie Clay of the Salvation Army said there were nearly 150 more families registered this year than in years past and that they handed out gifts for more than 1,000 angels. "We can tell what the economy is doing usually by how many angels are registered,” he said. Clay went on to say they couldn't have done what they did without the help of their volunteers. "They are the ones that made this Christmas miracle happen for each one of these families." Volunteer registration for the 2023 Angel Tree program begins next October. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke City leaders are in search of an artist to paint a mural on the north foundation wall below Jefferson Street in River's Edge Park. The city is encouraging community, student, and youth involvement and said artists must be willing to incorporate those ideas into their final design. Douglas Jackson, the city’s arts and culture coordinator, said, "We’ve got lots of ideas, but we want to see what artists think. So we’ve put out a call to muralists to see how they might enliven that wall and kind of reflect upon the activity that happens around it." The budget for the project is $25,000 dollars and detailed information is available here. (WSLS)
5. In addition to approving Brandon Village at its most recent meeting City Council also approved a plan by Keri and Justin vanBlaricom to open a coffee shop in the old caretaker's cottage in nearby Fishburn Park. Under the agreement, reached in November, the couple will purchase the home and the 1.1 acres of land surrounding it for $10 in exchange for investing a minimum of $150,000 into repairs and remodeling. The cottage has been vacant for nearly 30 years and is in need of significant work outside and inside. The tentative name of the coffee shop is Fishburn Perk and will also operate as a community center. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• 3rd Annual Drive-Thru Festival of Lights at Hermitage Roanoke (6 p.m.)
• Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” at Mill Mountain Theatre (7:30 p.m.)
• Gak! 90s Tribute and Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets this last week, Dec. 12-17. Happy Tails to all of the adopters and their new best friends — Gianina, Bruiser, Franklin, Marble, Bear, Rose, Eliza, Milo, Penny, Millie, Miles, Bella, Ivan, and Stardust!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Can you find me? This cozy Eastern Box Turtle is currently one of the 40 turtles overwintering with us. Box turtles usually hibernate by burying themselves into the soil beneath piles of leaves and grasses." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "This morning, Superintendent White presented a challenge coin to Michelle Smith Johnson, who teaches strings at John P. Fishwick Middle School and Garden City Elementary School." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "🎅🍪It’s that time of year! Drop off between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. until Christmas morning. We are asking for donations of home baked cookies that we can serve to our guests at our Christmas Feast. Have fun, 'taste test,' and bring those cookies!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley Television: "The Roanoke Police Department Bike Team is riding in style with the newest TREK service bikes! These new Trek Bicycle bikes are much needed replacements for more than 20-year-old bicycles that they have been using on patrol." (Roanoke Valley Television via Facebook)

There we go... the Thursday edition. Are you all set for Christmas? No? Well, you're running out of time — what are you still doing sitting here? See you all tomorrow morning for 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com