🌱 'Hustle For The Homeless' 5K + 'Hidden In Plain Sight' Documentary

Good morning, Roanokers! It's your humble correspondent here with the Tuesday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, all about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Hollins University graduation includes longtime Danville student.
• Wise Avenue bridge closed.
• Win a copy of Red Reign's new album!

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Hollins University recently held its 181st commencement exercises, where 179 students graduated from the all-women's college. Among the graduates was Lisa Jones from the Danville area, who decided to complete her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies during the pandemic. Jones had started her degree 26 years ago but never finished her thesis. However, motivated by the COVID-19 situation, she dedicated her time to completing her degree and successfully graduated. Jones's achievement serves as an inspiration, showing that it's never too late to pursue and accomplish one's goals. The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was Callie Virginia Smith Granade, a Hollins alumna and the first woman prosecutor in Alabama. (WDBJ)
2. 'Hidden in Plain Site' is a project that aims to uncover and showcase the Black experience in the Star City's history. Founded by Dontrese Brown, the project took over a year to complete and Brown emphasizes the importance of collaborating with community leaders, influencers, historians, and educators to create an accurate narrative for the experience. The project takes the form of a documentary that can be viewed online or through a virtual reality headset. The documentary focuses on six significant locations in Roanoke that have a history of systemic racism, including Burrell Hospital, the Old Lick Cemetery, Henry Street, and the Berglund Center — all sites that were vital to the Black community in Roanoke before urban renewal in the 1950s and 60s. Showings of the documentary will be at the Grandin Theater and the Jefferson Center in the coming months. (WSLS)
3. The Least of These Ministry hosted the 6th Annual 'Hustle for the Homeless' 5K on May 20 aiming to raise funds for serving the homeless population in Roanoke. The nonprofit offers various services such as showers, laundry, hot meals, a warming bus during colder months, and assistance in finding affordable housing. This year the race has gained popularity beyond Roanoke, attracting participants from Bedford County and other areas and raised $20,000 with saw three times the number of runners compared to the first year. The founder of the ministry, Dawn Sandoval, hopes for even greater participation in the future. Those interested in volunteering or learning more can visit The Least of These Ministry's website. (WFXR)

Today in Roanoke:

• L’eroica Group Ride at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village Location (5:30 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• The Original Pub Run starting at The Village Grill (6:20 p.m.)
• Virginia's Lost Appalachian Trail (Kegley Lecture Series) at Christ Lutheran Church (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "On admission, this Turkey Vulture was unable to stand — but look at her now! We suspect this girl was down because of lead poisoning, as a blood test revealed elevated lead levels." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "To celebrate Red Reign’s new album and show this Saturday with KIX, we are giving away a pair of tickets and a copy of their album EVERY DAY THIS WEEK!! Just let us know who you want to rock out with below! We’ll choose a winner Tuesday!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "The Wise Ave SE bridge in will be closed Tuesday, May 23 and Wednesday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day for the removal of debris from the stream that collects at the bridge." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Did anyone get to see Tipsie at today's @Black Dog Salvage Dog Bowl Market? This fun girl is still looking for her new home, so we're hoping that someone fell in love with her today and will call us for a meet and greet tomorrow!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow bright and early!

— 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