🌱 Longtime Area Senator To Retire + 'Dance Espanol' At Hurt Park Elem

And just like that it's March. It hardly feels like we just had winter, but I'm not arguing. Anyways, it's time for the Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. Today's issue includes news about:

• 1970s era tools to be displayed from Black-owned business
• Dr Pepper Park announces a new rock show
• A new roundabout coming to Starkey Road

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mild with clouds and sun. High: 68 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Wright’s Refrigeration and A/C Service was unique in its day in the early 1970s as its owner St. Patric Wright was a pioneer in Black-owned businesses. Brown Robertson Park now lies where the business once stood on the corner of Andrews Road and 10th Street in Northwest Roanoke and for the Wrights it was a family affair. Wright's wife was his secretary and assistant and the couple's son, Phillip, remembers it well. "When I was young, I was there with him. When he started putting the central units in these homes and churches, I was there and I seen how hard it was for him to get started," he said. Now Wright's tools will be on display in the Harrison Museum of African American Culture with Wright's family donating them. "I’m hoping they can look at it and see those tools. They’re authentic tools that came in the hands of a person who was an engineer. He actually used those tools and used them to perfection," Phillip Wright added. (WSLS)
2. Roanoke's longtime representative and senior legislator, Sen. John Edwards, has decided it's time to retire. Edwards made the decision after coming home from the most recent session in Richmond, which was his 28th. He was elected in 1995 in a surprise Democratic sweep, and he said he had been thinking of hanging it up for some time. Seeking another term would have meant facing a campaign against a currently serving colleague, Sen. David Suetterlein, who's district and Edwards are now the same after redistricting in 2021. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years in the Senate and the honor and opportunity to improve the lives of my constituents and all Virginians. I appreciate the many who have urged me to seek another term. I look forward to continuing my law practice and to spending time traveling and with my family. I am proud of the many accomplishments I have worked on and I look forward to continuing my work through the remainder of my term," he said in an official written statement on Monday. (Roanoke Times)
3. Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges has announced another concert in its Northwest Ace Summer Concert Series happening this summer — Cinderella's Tom Keifer Band will take the stage on June 18 as part of his Live/Loud 2023 tour! Tom Keifer was the lead singer for Cinderella, an 80s era hair band that pounded out hits like 'Nobody's Fool'; 'Coming Home'; and 'Don’t Know What You Got.' Keifer will be joined by Winger and John Corabi as opening acts and promises audiences should "get ready for a 100 percent live, raucous, loud and slammin’ rock show." Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3 and can be found here. (WDBJ, Dr Pepper Park Press Release)
4. The intersection of Starkey and Buck Mountain roads will soon be the site of a three way stop as VDOT begins construction on a single lane roundabout. The project is expected to take about a year to complete and flaggers will be controlling traffic from the hours of 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. most days. VDOT officials said approximately 12,000 vehicles use the intersection each day and significant congestion is an ongoing issue. So, the purpose of the project will be to enhance traffic flow, reduce delays, and accommodate future growth. The project is being spearheaded by area contractor E.C. Pace in a $3.1 million dollar contract negotiated with VDOT. (WSET)
5. Fourth grade students at Hurt Park Elementary School have been offered the chance to learn something called 'Dance Espanol' that focuses on music, movement, and feelings in an effort to combat mental health problems in youth. The program has been taught for nearly a decade by Southwest Virginia Ballet Artistic Director Pedro Szalay and this year he is partnering with Carilion Clinic in the endeavor. "It’s not only about the movement or how they feel the music, but the music, how they make them feel, not only internally but externally, too, because there’s sometimes you can be smiley, but internally, you’re really sad," he said. The students in the class will be performing at the Berglund Center on March 22 and the show is free. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Networking & Conversation with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares at the Varsity Park Field House in River's Edge Sports Complex (5 p.m.)
• Yoga at the Taubman Museum of Art (5:15 p.m.)
• Brew Ha-Ha at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6:30 p.m.)
• First Wednesday Karaoke Night at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This is the best part of rehab — the release! This Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was returned back to the wild after a stay at our facility. And just in time — this species of bird is the only woodpecker species in the eastern half of North America!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "This Black History Month, we celebrate the officers who serve our community with dedication and courage. Meet Officer Jones and Officer Hampton! Both serve on Alpha Platoon and graduated from the Roanoke Police Academy in 2022." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Police Department: "#ForgeYourPath with Roanoke County as a part time School Resource Officer and earn up to $35/hour, receive a take home vehicle, and health insurance! Contact us now at 540-315-5428. Interested in applying? Click the link to find out more!" (Roanoke County Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Sheriff's Office: "During this final week of Black History Month, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans who have shaped our office. We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of those who came before us, and we honor their legacy in being trailblazers for those who follow in their footsteps." (Roanoke Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "This week is a big week for the Blue Ridge Marathon! 🏃‍♀️ Rates go UP after 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 28. 🏃‍♂️ March 1 is BUMP DAY — Bump up a distance for FREE! Race weekend will be here before you know it!" (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "We are excited to announce Crawford & Power and Jordan Fletcher as the openers for Brett Young at the Budweiser Summer Series on April 26! Tickets are just $39. Tickets are available at brettyoung.brownpapertickets.com." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

And there you have it the first Roanoke Patch of March 2023 is in the bag. Thanks for following along and staying informed and good luck out there on the mountain today! I'll see you tomorrow morning for a fresh cup of what's happening in the 'noke!

— 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