🌱 Lights Of Hope Campaign + New 3rd Street Bus Depot Opens

Happy Hump Day, Roanokers! Here's the mid-week copy of the Roanoke Daily. Keep reading to find out what's happening in town, including updates on...

• Friendship employee incentives
• Sign-ups for the Blue Ridge Marathon
• Small business Saturday in Downtown Roanoke!

Let's move out!

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny.

High: 50 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Valley Metro's 3rd Street Bus Station, located in front of the Virginia Museum of Transportation in downtown Roanoke, finally opened its doors Monday morning after 8 years of planning and a $17.3 million dollar investment. The opening of the new station means Roanoke went from having the oldest bus station in the state to having the newest. Several Roanokers applauded the new station including Robert Cassidy who said, "I’m a public transit fan. I haven’t owned a car since 2013. I think it’s time the government spent more money on average people." (Roanoke Times)
2. The Ronald McDonald House has begun its yearly 'Lights of Hope' campaign, which encourages people to make donations in honor of their loved ones to help other families stay close together when they most need it. The Lights of Hope Christmas Tree will be lit at a ceremony on Dec. 4 held from 4:30-6 p.m. that will include holiday music as well as Grandpa Ike's Mini Donuts. Starting at 5 p.m. Santa will read "A Christmas Story" and the lighting will begin. (WDBJ)
3. Friendship Retirement Community has announced that it is giving back to team members this holiday season with over $400,000 dollars in bonus incentives. Friendship employs nearly 700 people in the Roanoke Valley and wants to help those employees with the rising prices of groceries, gas, and cost of living. "It is important that we reward the hard work and dedication of our Friendship team during this holiday season. We value every team member and their role in providing quality care to our residents," said President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Hoff. (The Roanoker)

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Today in Roanoke:

• 31st Annual Southwest Virginia Business Hall of Fame at Hotel Roanoke (6 p.m.)
• Views and Brews presented by Roanoke Mountain Adventures (6 p.m.)
• Anthony Wayne Vibe at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Congratulations to Patrick Henry High School- RCPS seniors Caroline Gilreath and Trinity Breedlove for signing to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Thank you MISSION BBQ for once again demonstrating your commitment to giving back. The donation of $1,357 will help support firefighter health and safety initiatives in our department. We are so lucky to have you as a community partner!" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• 3rd Street Coffeehouse: "Great news! We are partnering with the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department to continue our Guitars Under The Star series of guitar pulls throughout the winter at the Discovery Center at Mill Mountain!" (3rd Street Coffeehouse via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Sign-ups for the @footlevelers @blueridgemarathon Ambassadors program are open until Wednesday (Nov. 16). Get your application in now!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Join us for Small Business Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in Downtown Roanoke! Our retailers (and restaurants) will have great deals to begin the holiday shopping season. 🎁 Plus, we're having a kickoff event 9-11 a.m. in Market Square with!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

Slow news day today, but there you have it. You're officially in the loop. I'll see you tomorrow!

— 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