🌱 Roanoke Police Community Forum + Market Building Feedback Wanted

Hello all. I'm back with a fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick dive into what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Bikes stolen from the Boys and Girls Club halting youth cycling program.
• Vinton Baptist, Boys & Girls Clubs, and KABOOM! partner to build new playground.
• Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. donates thousands of dollars to charity.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 86 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke Police and city officials hosted a community forum on Wednesday night for residents to voice concerns about issues in the city, including homelessness, violence, drugs, and scooters. Attendees like Faye Wood wanted to know how they could help, while police Capt. Andy Pulley said it was important to hear all concerns, not just about violence. Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb, who planned to just listen, found himself answering questions since the police aren't solely responsible. The forum revealed how issues intersect and that solutions require cooperation among police, government, businesses, faith groups, and residents. Wood summed up the spirit saying all must work together to improve the community. (WSLS)
2. Last weekend, thieves stole at least nine valuable mountain bikes from a locked trailer at the Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Virginia in Roanoke, including several bikes owned by the club and others donated for use in the club's youth cycling program. The theft interrupts programming for the club's more advanced young riders and presents a significant financial loss, estimated around $15,000. Advocates are seeking the public's help locating the unique, high-end bikes and identifying the culprits so the youth program can resume. The crime highlights the need to expand youth cycling opportunities in Roanoke to serve more children. (Roanoke Times)
3. The Market Building Foundation in Roanoke has launched a community survey and planning process to reinvigorate the historic City Market Building downtown. With changes in the area and pandemic impacts, the foundation aims to ensure the building meets community needs. The process will gather input on the best uses for the space to inspire and gain buy-in to reenergize it. Tenants like Kevin Brown of Reggae Grub Jamaican Cuisine are eager for improvements to attract more people, benefiting downtown businesses. Executive Director Elliot Broyles said upcoming tenant additions will help, but community voices are key to maximizing this downtown cornerstone. The survey is open through Sept. 11, then changes from the ideas will be implemented quickly. (WDBJ)
4. Vinton Baptist Church has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia and KABOOM! to build a new playground on their property to serve the Club's afterschool program housed at the church and local children. The national nonprofit KABOOM! awarded a grant to fund the playground's construction from Oct. 25-27 using volunteer labor. The playground will provide outdoor play space currently lacking at the church gymnasium where the Club meets on weekdays. It fulfills the church's goals of building relationships and community. Children in the Club program and congregation members will design the custom playground. Volunteers are needed to help assemble equipment, spread mulch, and erect fencing donated by the town. The church welcomes community use of the parking and new crosswalks. (Vinton Messenger)
5. Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. held its annual "Cones for a Cause" fundraiser on National Ice Cream Day, donating over $2,000 from sales to local Boys & Girls Club chapters. Owner Jason Kiser says the community made it possible by coming out to support the event, held yearly since Blue Cow opened 6 years ago. The busy summer day feels good for giving back proceeds to the community, building on past recipients like United Way and Feeding America. Kiser is grateful the event aligns with Blue Cow's mission of using ice cream to do good. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

Friday, August 18

• SE Summer Social at Chillin’ Shaved Ice (6 p.m.)
• Mason Creek at The Creekbank behind Twin Creeks Brewing Company (6:30 p.m.)
• Big Lick Conspiracy at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)
• Taylor Scott Band at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

Join us for a fun day of golf while raising money for a great cause at the 2nd Annual Agape Open Golf Tournament on Oct. 7 at Ashley Plantation Country Club!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "That feel when you're by far the eldest out of all your needy little siblings... these are Chimney Swifts, the only swift species found in the eastern United States. These unique birds perch sideways like woodpeckers." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This is Gilbert! He loves to sprint around the room chasing thrown toys and bringing them back for another toss! When he gets tired of running around, he likes to lay down with his toy while getting some attention." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "The Roanoke City Market Building wants your feedback! Local residents, businesses, visitors, and everyone with an interest in downtown Roanoke and the Roanoke City Market Building are invited to take a short survey to provide their thoughts!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Botetourt County: "Broadband installations continue in Botetourt County! This photo was sent to us from a citizen living in Fincastle where fiber has just pulled up in his neighborhood! He couldn't wait to share this exciting news with us!" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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