🌱 Literary Figure Receives Honorary Doctorate + RCPD Hires 3 New K-9s

Morning, everybody! Here's a fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, fresh off the presses with all the community news you need to know, including...

• Layman Distributing expanding.
• United Way launches mental health campaign.
• New SML development approved.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Clouds breaking for some sun. High: 76 Low: 55.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Nikki Giovanni, a well-known literary figure, will be receiving an honorary Doctor of Human Letters from Roanoke College. She has achieved numerous awards and retired from Virginia Tech after 35 years of teaching. Her work includes over two dozen poetry books, 11 illustrated children's books, and several other books and individual pieces. President of Roanoke College Frank Shushok stated that Giovanni is a great example of preparing students for meaningful careers and challenging individuals and communities to be better versions of themselves through her poetry. Giovanni will receive her honorary degree during the Commencement ceremony on May 6, where she will also read one of her poems. "As a poet, teacher, and cultural icon, she bravely calls it like she sees it, challenging us to be better versions of ourselves — both as individuals and communities," said Shushok. (WSLS)
2. Layman Distributing, a small, woman-owned wholesale distributor, is investing $6.8 million to expand its operations in Salem, which will double its operational capacity and create 42 new jobs. The company will relocate to a facility that offers twice the square footage of its current location. Layman Distributing offers over 12,000 stock-keeping units of convenience and grocery store products to its customers, which include convenience stores, restaurants, universities, dining halls, vending services, and independent grocers. The expansion has been supported by various Virginia pro-business leaders, and Layman Distributing's job creation will be supported by the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. "It is encouraging to see a long-tenured business from the Roanoke Region investing in its future growth," said John Hull, executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership. (WSET)
3. The United Way of Roanoke Valley and its community partners are launching a public awareness campaign for National Mental Health Awareness Month called 'Go Green for Mental Health.' They are encouraging people to wear green ribbons and buttons with the mental health awareness flag to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage people to seek help. Many community organizations are involved, and the partners say mental health care issues are on the rise in the Roanoke Valley and across the county. The pandemic has exacerbated mental health needs, and mental health symptoms are showing up earlier in children. Community education and a community-wide response are critical. There is help available for mental health issues, and it's okay to ask for help. (WFXR)
4. Three new four-legged officers — K-9 Magnum, K-9 Knox, and K-9 Vader — have joined the force at the Roanoke City Police Department. The dogs are a Dutch Shepherd, a German Shepherd, and a Belgian Malinois respectively. The department says all three will be trained in narcotics detection and patrol apprehension and are less than 2 years old. They will spend the next few months training with their partners before hitting the streets. With the three new additions, the department has a total of seven K-9 officers. (WSLS)
5. A proposed resort facility at Smith Mountain Lake, including a seven-room motel and 11 canvas cabins, has been approved by the Franklin County Board of Zoning Appeals, despite opposition from residents of the nearby Royal Estates Subdivision. The property is zoned B2, which allows motels, hotels, and tourist facilities, but the residents had appealed the decision claiming that important variables had been overlooked. Some board members questioned whether the canvas cabins were tents or buildings, but ultimately, the decision came down to whether the cabins were tents or not, and the motion to affirm the zoning decision passed 4-2 with one member abstaining. (Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

• 8th Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show at Berglund Center (9 a.m.)
• Community School’s Strawberry Festival at Elmwood Park (10 a.m.)
• Buchanan Garden Festival at Buchanan Town Park (10 a.m.)
• Sidecar’s Kentucky Derby Street Party at Sidecar (4:30 p.m.)
• “The Women,” by Clare Boothe Luce at Showtimers Community Theatre (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Watch this Red Fox kit yawn, bark, and be fed! This tiny fox was found weak and alone by the rescuer. Isn't he adorable? Foxes are expensive to care for — you can make a donation at swvawildlifecenter.org/make-a-donation/ to help!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "We are grateful to the many volunteers, our community, public safety partners, Botetourt County and vendors who made our Senior Social event this past Friday another success." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Regional Chamber: "Happy Small Business Week! Social media doesn’t always make it easy for small businesses to get their information out. Click the link for a few ways you can help!" (Roanoke Regional Chamber via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "If you’re looking for something for mom for Mother’s Day, Chocolate Paper has you covered!! Be sure to stop in and tell them we sent you!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Thank you SO much to 202 Social House for hosting our Downtown Resident Happy Hour last night! We had over 100 residents from all over downtown come out for food, drinks, and socialization. 🍗🍺" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. Remember, new publishing schedule so I'll see you Tuesday morning!

— 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