🌱 Residents Try To Save Caretaker House + Council, Board Tour Schools

Good morning, Roanoke. I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find news about:

• Organizations make adjustments to better serve homeless during extreme heat.
• G.O.D.S. Foundation hosts Back 2 School 2023.
• Residents gather to support two arrested at school board meeting.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 87 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke City is in the early design stages for a new Washington Park pool, which would require demolishing the historic caretaker's cottage dating back to the late 1700s. A local group called Friends of Washington Park is trying to save the Evans House by transforming it into a community center, arguing that demolishing it would erase an important part of Northwest Roanoke's history. However, the city decided to replace the pool after residents voiced support at community meetings, and hopes to open it by next summer. The Friends group is still trying to preserve the cottage by applying for outside funding, but time is running out and the city appears intent on moving forward with demolition. (WDBJ)
2. The homeless population in Roanoke faces increased vulnerability during extreme heat, as many travel miles between the Rescue Mission and RAM House for overnight and daytime shelter. To help, RAM House purchased bus tickets to transport people between the shelters, while the Rescue Mission extended its hours to allow guests to stay on campus longer. Advocates say donations and assistance for the homeless are just as vital in the summer as the winter, as shelters serve critical needs year-round for people facing dehydration, sunburn, and other heat-related health issues. They urge continued community support during hot months when homeless individuals are especially susceptible. (WSLS)
3. Roanoke City Council and School Board members toured three school construction sites on Monday. The tour included newly renovated classrooms at Lucy Addison Middle School that will temporarily host career and technical education programs. The $95,000 renovation of the former space shuttle simulator area was necessary due to delays in completing the new Charles W. Day Technical Education Center, which has been pushed back to January 2024 due to supply chain issues. Until DAYTEC opens, CTE students will attend classes at separate facilities at Lucy Addison and near Patrick Henry High School. (Roanoke Times)
4. The G.O.D.S. Foundation held a Back 2 School 2023 event in early August to provide free school supplies and backpacks to children in need before the new school year. The event near Goodwill in Roanoke offered games, competitions, raffles, free shoes, food, and ice cream in addition to school supplies. Organizers say it was a chance to give back to the less fortunate and educate the community, including having insurance agencies discuss policies since death often impacts the community. G.O.D.S. Foundation frequently holds community events like coat and toy drives and plans to continue serving both youth and the elderly in the area. (WFXR)
5. Around 20 people gathered outside the Roanoke County Courthouse on Monday to support two individuals arrested at the previous school board meeting in late July. The two were charged with trespassing after refusing to leave the meeting when the superintendent presented Virginia's new transgender student policies. Those rallying said it was important to show community support for LGBTQ people at a time when they feel under attack. Both individuals arrested have an October trial date set after appearing before a judge at Monday's arraignment hearing. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, August 9

• Pollinator Promenade — Brown Robertson Park/Lick Run Highland Farms (10 a.m.)
• Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates — Roanoke City Council (5:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "URGENT foster needed! We're looking for an experienced foster to take in this mom and her six babies for around 3 months. These puppies were just born on July 30, and we're told they are beagle/dachshund mixes. We provide ALL of the necessities!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Wow! We’ve had a crazy run of shows over the last week and a half! We are so incredibly thankful to the community for coming out to six concerts in 9 days! 😍 We could not do it without our amazing summer staff and the volunteers!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "A big thank you to Elks Lodge Roanoke #197 for treating our first responders! On Saturday, they delivered hot meals to all of our on-duty personnel, and opened their facility to all area first responders for food and fun." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "What an #awesomevideo! One of our #homebuyers, Keshia, will be purchasing this year's #rhouse and was on hand as the home was brought to her yard and put together!" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next 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.

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