🌱 Input Sought For Regional Travel Survey + #WearOrange Campaign

Hi, everybody! It's time for the Esteemed Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with what's happening in Roanoke. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Identity of slain youth confirmed by friends and co-workers.
• Branch Group Golf Tournament for Habitat For Humanity.
• Jackson Dean playing at Dr Pepper Park.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Low clouds. High: 77 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission is seeking input on travel needs in the area. They are conducting a survey to gather feedback on transportation in Southwest Virginia in order to identify areas for improvement. The survey is available in English and Spanish, takes about 10 minutes to complete, and participants have until June 30th to submit their responses. By participating, individuals also have a chance to win a $100 gift card. Click here for the survey link. (WDBJ)
2. The Branch Group has announced its first charity golf tournament, scheduled for Monday, June 5 at the Ballyhack Golf Club. The event aims to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, addressing the issue of affordable housing in the region. The tournament will contribute towards aiding families in need, supporting the charity chosen by Branch's employee-owners. The golf tournament will feature 18 holes of fun, including competitions like closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive. The event will commence with a reception and silent auction on Sunday, June 4, followed by the tournament starting at 10 a.m. on Monday. Additional information about the event can be found on their website. (WFXR)
3. Friends and co-workers of teenager Christian Lambert whose body was found along with that of an older male relative at the McAfee's Knob trail head on Friday reached out on social media to honor his memory. Although the victim's identity was not confirmed by the police, friends and co-workers from the restaurant where Lambert worked described him as a beloved individual who brought positivity and joy to those around him. Lambert was described as a helpful and hardworking person with a kind and pure soul. He was about to graduate from high school, and his co-workers expressed their intention to support him at the graduation ceremony. The police confirmed that the other person who died was 62-year-old Lewis Lambert Jr., but they did not disclose the relationship between the two individuals. Both individuals died from gunshot wounds, with one being self-inflicted, but the police did not specify which person had taken their own life. (WSLS)
4. June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day dedicated to remembering the 43,000 individuals who lose their lives to gun violence annually in the United States. The City of Roanoke is urging its residents to participate in the national #WearOrange campaign on June 2, which aims to show solidarity with the victims and raise awareness about gun violence. The campaign will span from June 2 to June 4, and individuals can find more information about the campaign's origins and objectives by visiting a specified website. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Jackson Dean with The Jared Stout Band at Dr Pepper Park (6 p.m.)
• Open Mic with the Comedy Lab at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Soul Sessions Wednesday Night Poetry Show at Ursula’s Cafe (7 p.m.)
• Ben Trout Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Roanoke dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "With this already rainy week and more wet weather forecasted, you may start seeing more box turtles out and about. Why? There isn't an agreed upon reason, but it may be due to the fact that worms, slugs, and other critters that turtles love come out then, too." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "Turn around, don't drown! Stay safe and dry today, Roanoke. Remember that you can sign up for Star City Alerts to receive emergency notifications, including weather notifications, at https://www.roanokeva.gov/2788/Star-City-Alerts." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke Pride: "As part of our newly adopted Strategic Plan we are looking for interested individuals who want to join the newly formed Board of Advisors for the 2023-2024 Programming Year. If you are interested-fill out the form at the link ➡➡➡" (Roanoke Pride via Facebook)
• The Agape Center Vinton-Roanoke: "'A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.' – Joseph Campbell. On this Memorial Day, we’re thankful for those who gave their lives while serving." (The Agape Center Vinton-Roanoke via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door and up the mountain! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update — 'til then!

— 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