🌱 OAA Grants Roanoke Area $750,000 + Latest News On Fishburn Perk

Good morning, everybody! It's time for the venerable Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Today we have these stories and more:

• Chris's Coffee & Custard debuts new box truck.
• Friendship residents raise funds for LOA.
• Salem Red Sox helping to bring Negro League history in Roanoke to light.

Let's motor!

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Now, today's weather: Cloudy with a few showers. High: 70 Low: 61.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority (OAA) has recommended that Roanoke and nearby localities receive over $750,000 in national opioid settlement payments. The settlements, which result from agreements with pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers, are expected to continue for at least 16 more years and exceed $1 billion in total funding nationwide. The Roanoke area has experienced high overdose rates in recent years, with approximately 60 opioid overdoses per 10,000 emergency department visits reported in 2021. However, the overdose rates have slightly decreased this year, with an average of about 50 opioid overdoses per 10,000 emergency department visits reported monthly from January to May. (Subscription: Roanoke Times)
2. The former Fishburn Park Caretaker's Cottage journey from disused and empty to coffee shop isn't over despite the rezoning request for the 1.1-acre property being denied by the Roanoke City Council. Despite setbacks, the vanBlaricoms have been discussing alternative solutions with the city. These include giving the city priority to purchase the property if the vanBlaricoms decide to sell it, extending the closing date on the purchase, and clarifying that 0.6 acres will be used for the coffee shop while the remaining 0.5 acres will remain open space. The vanBlaricoms have faced opposition, particularly regarding the use of the open space. City Council member Stephanie Moon Reynolds expressed concern about the future use of the land if it were sold. She would only support selling the 0.6 acres for the coffee shop and leaving the rest as city property. The vanBlaricoms, despite the challenges, remain hopeful and willing to compromise to make their vision a reality. The proposed amendments will be presented to the City Council for consideration. If approved, the vanBlaricoms will need to resubmit a rezoning request by June 26 for further review. (WDBJ)
3. Chris's Coffee and Custard is embarking on a new venture with the introduction of a box truck. This expansion will enable them to offer additional training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The local coffee shop aims to take its sweet treats on the road, attending events in Roanoke through the use of the food truck. In collaboration with Noke Van Company, the shop plans to renovate the truck's interior, equipping it with the necessary tools to serve coffee and custard while traveling. The owner, Beth Woodrum, emphasized that the shop's mission includes training young people in social and life skills, and the new truck will facilitate the expansion of these opportunities. By bringing their products directly to the community, they hope to raise awareness and appreciation for the abilities of these exceptional individuals. The food truck will make its debut appearance at Roanoke's Taco Fest in September, marking the beginning of this exciting new chapter for Chris's Coffee and Custard. (WSLS, WDBJ)
4. The residents of Friendship Retirement Community have organized the Let's Give Lunch fundraiser to support the Local Office on Aging (LOA). This annual event aims to raise funds for the LOA's Meals on Wheels and Nutrition services, which benefit older adults in the greater Roanoke Valley. The residents and employees of Friendship purchased 60 lunches and raised $1,200, with each $20 donation providing funds for two meals. The residents' motivation to contribute stemmed from the desire to support seniors in their community, as well as the appeal of the delicious lunch. Friendship has a history of partnering with local agencies, allowing senior living residents to actively engage with their community and make a positive difference. (The Roanoker)
5. The Salem Red Sox helped to bring Negro League history in Roanoke to light with the help of David Denham, Salem general manager Allen Lawrence, and Negro League legend Larry LeGrande who organized African American Heritage Night in Salem, coinciding with Major League Baseball's Juneteenth commemoration. Denham, connected to Negro League Baseball for almost 30 years, wanted to highlight the accomplishments of Negro League players in Roanoke. The event aimed to educate the local community about the Roanoke Black Cardinals and Larry LeGrande, as their stories were relatively unknown. The night featured displays and discussions about the history of Negro League players. (Subscription: Roanoke Times)

Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, June 21

• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Down East Wood Ducks at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Eggs with Legs at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "The members of the Roanoke Police Department extend our condolences to the family and friends of Wintergreen Police Officer Mark Christopher Wagner II. Our thoughts and prayers are with you." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This adorable adult Red Fox was found on the side of the road with a broken leg. Foxes can be dangerous animals because they are a high-risk rabies vector species and have to be handled with care but this little one isn't feeling very well and is easy to deal with." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, June 12-17. Happy Tails to Penelope, Ralphie, Esme, Deno, Chessie, Tipsie, Zinfandel, Hubert, Fleming, Sunflower, Riesling, Benny, Duke, and Marlo who all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Thank you MKB, REALTORS for the love! Community awareness is critical to helping those in need in our area. ♥️" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— 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