🌱 RCPS Golden Apple Teacher Awards + Roanoke Pride Festival Weekend

Hello all! Slight change in the publishing schedule here at Patch. From now on you'll be seeing this newsletter Tuesday - Saturday rather than 7 days a week. Anyways, here's he Tuesday edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter all about what's happening in town. Today we have these stories and more...

• A pedestrian is on life support after being hit by a car.
• Annual Open Studios Roanoke overview.
• Can you help find Emma?

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Breezy with a shower in spots. High: 58 Low: 42.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. The Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Awards were held at the Vinton War Memorial on April 19. Over 60 teachers were nominated this year, and 17 were named finalists. The awards were established in 2001 to recognize outstanding instruction in Roanoke County Public Schools and have been expanded to include the Red Apple and Green Apple awards as well as the Golden Apple Awards, which are presented by the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation. The event was attended by members of the Roanoke County School Board. The Golden Apple winner received $1000, and the Red and Green Apple winners, $500. (Vinton Messenger)
2. The 31st annual Roanoke Pride Festival was held in Elmwood Park over the weekend with rainbow flags and a diverse group of attendees celebrating inclusivity and diversity. The festival had various performances and around 80 vendors, including Blue Ridge Pride Sports, which had a mission to promote acceptance of sports among the LGBTQ+ community. The festival organizers emphasized the importance of being proud of who you are and celebrating diversity in a time where everything seems to be changing and there is opposition towards many things. (WSLS)
3. A person was hit by a vehicle in Roanoke on Friday night and is now on life support. The incident occurred on Bennington Street SE just before midnight. The investigation is still active, but police have determined that alcohol was not a factor, and no charges have been filed yet. This is the latest in a line of pedestrian incidents in the southeast and northwest areas of the city with many such events concentrated in the stretch of Williamson Road between Orange Avenue and Hershberger Road. (WDBJ)
4. The annual Open Studios Tour in Roanoke, featuring 38 artists across 12 locations, took place over the weekend. Mary Boxley Bullington, one of the participating artists, said the event is helpful financially and showcases the thriving art scene in the Star City, which includes professional artists and beginners. The event has been taking place for more than 20 years, starting in 2000. "There are more artists than I could possibly even know in Roanoke, and a lot of them are very good. A lot of professional artists, a lot of people who are learning to paint or do whatever they want to do," she said. (WSLS)

Today in Roanoke:

• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Steakhouse and Saloon (6 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Walk and Run at Big Lick Brewing Company (6 p.m.)
• Music Bingo at Big Lick Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Salem Red Sox vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers at Salem Memorial Ballpark (7 p.m.)
• Eggs with Legs at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

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Do you know an incredible mom you'd like the rest of Roanoke to know about, too? Maybe it's your mom — or your daughter, a friend who's a mom or someone who steps up like a mom for the people in her life. Whoever it is, we want to hear about her! Just fill out this simple form and we'll do the rest.

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Eagle Rock, please help find Emma! Emma was being watched at a family friend's on Narrow Passage Road near Mt Bethel Cemetery during a family medical emergency when she ran out the door and bolted. Now her family is desperate to find her!" (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Have you ever seen a bird yawn? How about fall into a deep sleep? Even for us, getting to see this is a rare sight, let alone getting a chance to film it! This is the same Northern Flicker we posted about a few days ago on her first day here." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "RCPS was honored to gather with Roanoke residents and community partners last Friday in support of the Dedication of Estelle H. McCadden Park. Mrs. McCadden retired from Roanoke City Public Schools in 1988 as a home economics teacher." (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "When Ivy first came into our care, she didn't seem to know much about toys. It's not surprising considering where she came from. You can read more about the rescue of these nearly 300 Caucasian Shepherds here ➡➡ " (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "With scenic views atop one of the Triple Crown summits (like this one from Dragon's Tooth hike), there's always adventure waiting in Virginia's Blue Ridge! 🎉 We'd love to know- which local hike do you want to try next?" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)

There you go — you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow 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