🌱 RAM House Seeking Input On New Location + War On Terror Memorial

Hey, friends! It's Thursday in Roanoke and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community. Today you'll find news about...

• Persinger Cemetery unveils new sign.
• RCPS to vote on new start times.
• Donnie D's Bagels expands to Roanoke.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Times of clouds and sun. High: 74 Low: 53.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation recently held an event to announce its annual Endangered Sites list and reveal a new interpretive sign. The event took place at the Persinger Cemetery, a small family plot owned by the Persinger family in Roanoke. The sign, funded by a grant from the Roanoke Committee of the National Society of Colonial Dames, was installed on the cemetery's iron fence. The cemetery contains the tombstones of two Confederate soldiers, William Persinger Jr. and his younger brother Adolphus, as well as their parents and other family members. The Persinger family owned land along the Roanoke River, where they built a brick house in 1825 and operated a gristmill. The property was eventually developed into the Virginia Heights neighborhood. (Roanoke Times)
2. During the 2022-2023 school year, Roanoke City Public Schools faced challenges in getting students to school. To address these issues, a Transportation Work Group consisting of 38 members was formed. Throughout the year, the work group met regularly to find solutions for RCPS's bus route challenges. One proposal discussed was changing school start times, and during a recent School Board workshop, the work group presented their final recommendation: implementing a staggered bell schedule. The group believed a 15-minute adjustment to start times would be a reasonable compromise without causing significant inconvenience. RCPS's Chief Operations Officer Chris Perkins expressed that this change would improve safety, increase instructional time, enhance student attendance, and align bus routes geographically. The proposal is scheduled for a final vote by the School Board at its meeting on June 13. (WDBJ)
3. The RAM House, also known as Roanoke Area Ministries, is seeking a new location with the help of a generous donor. Currently, RAM House provides shelter and meals to individuals in the area who are struggling with substance abuse and homelessness. The existing facility accommodates around 70 people in their day shelter and serves up to 200 meals per day. But the demand for their services has increased due to the impact of COVID-19, prompting the need for a larger space. The RAM House is appealing to the community to assist in locating a suitable building, preferably between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet, with their ideal size falling within the range of 13,000 to 16,000 square feet. The organization aims to find a location within or near Downtown Roanoke to continue their mission of improving the community. (WSLS)
4. Evergreen Burial Park is honoring the War on Terror in the Middle East this Memorial Day weekend by placing flags on the graves of approximately 4,000 veterans. The observance program, scheduled for Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m., will pay tribute to fallen veterans from all wars, both foreign and domestic. The ceremony will take place near the east gate at the space shuttle Challenger flagpole. Retired U.S. Marine Corps First Sergeant Paul "Chip" McCauley will be the featured speaker. McCauley, who served for 18 years, including two tours in Fallujah, was present during the deadliest bombing in U.S. military history in 1983. He pays tribute to fallen comrades through his music, playing a three-string guitar made from a cigar box. The VFW Post 1264, Good Samaritan Hospice volunteers, and Patrick Henry High School Junior ROTC placed Memorial Day flags at the graves of veterans at Evergreen Burial Park in preparation for the observance. (Roanoke Star)
5. Donnie D's Bagels & Deli is thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of Donnie D's No. 2 in fall 2023. What began as a small bagel shop in Botetourt County five years ago has now expanded into a food trailer and another store. The new location in Roanoke, specifically at 3239 Brandon Ave. SW VA 24018, will be housed in the former Ralph Via Hardware Store, a beloved staple in the area. The new establishment will offer a drive-thru and more space for customers to sit and enjoy their meals. Donnie D's expresses gratitude to their loyal customers and encourages everyone to share the news. They are eagerly embarking on this new journey in Roanoke. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Coffee Talk by the Central Virginia Business Coalition at CoLab Roanoke (8 a.m.)
• Legacy Motown Revue and Empanada Nirvana at Party in Elmwood (5:30 p.m.)
• Line Dancing at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• R&B Karaoke at 2 Chill Restaurant (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We snapped a few quick photos of this GORGEOUS bird before placing him into the outside enclosure where he'll continue to gain strength (and regrow tail feathers from his injury!) before release." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "From the BOB (big ole' bikes) on Mill Mountain to the murals along the greenway, the outdoors is part of our community's DNA, and the new mural Freedom First is putting on the side of their office building is proof." (Roanoke Outside via Instagram)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Thank you to Haley Toyota and Exalted Church for hosting a Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch to close out National Police Week. We’re so grateful for supportive community partners like you." (Roanoke Police Department - VA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Before taking in a relinquished pet, we like to have a conversation with the pet's guardian to see if there is a way that we can help them keep their dog or cat. Maybe we can help out with a pet deposit, or behavior assistance." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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