🌱 Original People's Forest Walk + VTCRC Game Changer Week

Hello, fellow Roanokers! It's Tuesday, your second Monday of the week. Let's take a look at what's going on while the barista completes your order.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny ... so also kind of cloudy.

High: 79 Low: 57.

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Here are the top four stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, with locations in Roanoke and Blacksburg, will be hosting its annual Game Changer Week series focused on celebrating innovation in the business ecosystem this week. The seminar series has networking and education events planned throughout the week including a keynote address from Jason Pfeifer, the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine. "We look at it two ways — we're providing capacity and opportunity. Capacity through our space, but then opportunity through our programing. We're coming together as a community and that's really helping us win these projects," said Brett Malone, president of the research center. The event is free for attendees and a schedule is available on the event website. (WFIR, Game Changer Week website)
2. The Botetourt Family YMCA in Daleville has announced that its YMCA Early Learning Center will be accepting children ages three through five for its curriculum based program. It is designed to take full advantage of the Y's amenities including The Addy Grace All Abilities Playground and the swimming area. "Child care is a huge need in our community and I think when a lot of people think about the Y, they often think of the gym first and our goal is to really strive and meet the needs of the community and child care is definitely one of those, so that’s also why we’re really excited to be able to provide this,” Kambria Petro, Youth and Family director at the Botetourt Family YMCA. (WDBJ)
3. The second shooting on I-81 in recent months occurred Sunday afternoon near Exit 137 around 7 p.m. The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation was dispatched to the scene and police are searching for the operator of a green Harley Davidson motorcycle. One person was taken to the hospital, but their condition is not known at the time of reporting. Police said the motorcyclist was part of group that is also believed to have been involved in a crash further north on the interstate around the Arcadia area of Botetourt County. (WSET, WDBJ)
4. Saturday afternoon saw a unique event happen in the forests of the Catawba area of Roanoke County as members of the Cherokee and Monacan tribes gathered to walk trails and talk about native plants and trees that have been traditionally used for food and medicine. Hosted by the Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center, The Original People's Forest Walk was lead by Tyson Sampson and Victoria Ferguson of the Cherokee and Monacan Nations respectively. "It’s really important too, to listen to people whose voices have not been amplified in the past, in fact, marginalized and there’s wisdom in that in how we can build relationships with the land that can lead to ways that can lead to regeneration," said organizer Katie Trozzo. (WFXR)

Today in Roanoke:

• Welcoming Week Education Fair at Gainsboro Library (4 p.m.)
• Sunset Dinner at Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival in Buchanan (5:30 p.m.)
• Front Lines Open Mic Night at Golden Cactus Brewing (6 p.m.)
• Roanoke City School Board meeting at Patrick Henry High School (6:30 p.m.)
• Five Habits to Thrive at Uttara Yoga Studios (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke College: "Roanoke College will #NeverForget. Today, members of our campus community along with Sigma Chi, held a remembrance ceremony for Steven "Jet" LaMantia '85. He worked for Cantor Fitzgerald on the 105th floor of the North Tower." (Roanoke College via Instagram)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "... We remember the victims of the attack on 9/11. We honor the sacrifice made by emergency responders that day, including the 343 firefighters of the FDNY, and all those whose lives have been forever changed in the days since." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We're often asked what kinds of collars and harnesses we use with our dogs here at the shelter. For all of our adult dogs, we use Martingale collars. A Martingale is a “no slip” collar that prevents dogs from “backing out” of their collar." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "May we never forget the sacrifices made on 9/11." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Police Department: "What are you doing today? Nothing? Perfect! Come see our recruiters today and watch the last game of the season for the Salem Red Sox! #ForgeYourPath" (Roanoke County Police Department via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "... We remember those who were lost 21 years ago." (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Animal Hospital: "Let's celebrate the deep bond that we have with dogs. This is the day to cherish our friendship." (Roanoke Animal Hospital via Facebook)
• Roanoke Diversity Center: "Make sure to stop by Golden Cactus Brewing and Food Hut Roanoke to pick up your shirt if you’re playing in the PLAY PRIDE league. Also just stop by and hangout with everyone if you’re in the area!" (Roanoke Diversity Center via Facebook)

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Events:

• Online discussion for bed mattresses in Roanoke, VA (September 24)
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That's it for today. See you all 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com