🌱 Roanoke Soon To 'Defy' Gravity + SW Fires, McAfee Bodies Connected

Hey, everybody! Time for a fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's going on locally. Today you'll read about these stories and more:

• Allegations of inappropriate use of LGBTQ+ materials at Glen Cove.
• Ryan's Case for Smiles is an easy way to help children.
• The T-Rex Trail is back at Roanoke County's Explore Park.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Cloudy with a shower or two. High: 69 Low: 59.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Parents and supporters gathered at a recent Roanoke County School Board meeting to address allegations of inappropriate use of LGBTQ+ materials at Glen Cove Elementary. Samantha Newell, a Glen Cove parent, organized a peaceful demonstration to show support for the teachers involved. Newell wanted to ensure that each staff member knew they were loved and supported. Concerns were raised by parents during the meeting regarding LGBTQ+ teachings at the school. Damon Gettier, another Glen Cove parent, expressed worry after his son discussed transgender teachings he had reportedly learned at school. Gettier observed rainbow decorations and Pride symbols, including in yearbook photos, and accused the music teacher, counselor, psychologist, and assistant principal of "indoctrinating" the students. Roanoke County Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely stated that the focus of the school district is on the students' learning and well-being, with an emphasis on creating safe and caring environments for all students. (WSLS)
2. Investigations are ongoing into a series of incidents that began with two separate fires in Roanoke City, one on Rorer Avenue Southwest and another on 14th Street Southwest. Shortly after, two deceased individuals were discovered at the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot in Roanoke County. The victims were identified as 62-year-old Lewis James Lambert Jr. and an unidentified juvenile. Both had gunshot wounds, and the incident is believed to be a murder-suicide. Lambert was also a person of interest in the two house fires. One of the fires occurred at Lambert's home, and the other was next door to a neighbor. Fortunately, no one was injured in the fires. The bodies found at the parking lot have been taken to the medical examiner's office. (WSLS)
3. 'Ryan's Case for Smiles' is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with cancer and life-changing illnesses feel better. It was founded in 2007 by Cindy Kerr, who sewed a pillowcase for her son while he was battling osteosarcoma in the hospital. The organization has grown into a worldwide campaign, with over 2.5 million colorful pillowcases bringing smiles to children's faces. The Alleghany Highlands Chapter contributes around 415 pillowcases per month to Carilion Children's Hospital in Roanoke. Since its inception six and a half years ago, they have sewn almost 26,000 pillowcases. Supporting Ryan's Case for Smiles is an easy way to help children and their families navigate through challenging experiences. Each handmade pillowcase features different designs and serves to brighten the day during these dark times. For more information about Ryan's Case for Smiles, visit their website, and to get involved with the Alleghany Highlands Chapter, you can visit their Facebook page. (WFXR)
4. The T-Rex Trail is back at Roanoke County's Explore Park. The immersive and educational experience allows visitors to travel back in time to the era of dinosaurs. The trail features 19 animatronic dinosaurs, five giant insects, photo opportunities, a dino dig pit, and some new attractions. Participants can learn about dinosaurs from the Triassic, Jurassic, and late and early Cretaceous periods, aided by a video series featuring Dino Don. The trail is open from today until August, with tickets priced at $10 for kids aged 2 to 15 and $15 for individuals aged 16 and older. Registering in advance on the Roanoke County Parks website allows visitors to save one dollar on their tickets. (WSLS)
5. An air sports park called Defy Roanoke is set to open in June. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the indoor physical activity center will offer various jumping, tricks, and thrilling experiences. CEO Joe Curro and his wife, Erin, are behind the venture, which is described as a trampoline park on steroids. The park, located at the former Books-A-Million space in Crossroads Mall, represents a $4 million capital investment. The franchise is associated with Defy LLC, a Utah-based company known for developing, operating, and franchising trampoline parks. Defy Roanoke has already hired 30 employees and plans to hire an additional 20. The facility will offer different ticket options for specified time durations, catering to both children and adults. It will also accommodate group events such as birthday parties and corporate gatherings, with spectator seating available for those who prefer to watch the action. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• L’Eroica, Roanoke’s Friendliest Group Road Ride, starting at Cardinal Bicycle’s Grandin Village Location (5:30 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• JSB Variety Show at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

Do you know a Roanoke dad whose texts make you smile? This Father’s Day, celebrate him with a shoutout on Patch. Just fill out this simple form and we’ll do the rest!

From my notebook:

• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Hello Springwood! We were found abandoned on Treebark Road. If you have any information that can help Deputy Olinger figure out who left us here, please call 540-473-8631. We have been taken to Angels of Assisi for some much-needed love!" (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Are you checking me out or am I checking you out? This young Virginia Opossum was ENTRANCED when the camera was placed on her while she was sitting on her wheel. Baby opossums in rehab love running on their wheels." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "This handsome boy is Ralphie, and he is the ultimate snuggle buddy! He loves sitting in your lap or laying across your shoulder. He's also interested in everything you do and just wants to be included. He would love to be your one and only!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "Orange is a color that can’t be ignored. Join us on National Gun Violence Awareness Day and #WearOrange to shine a light on gun violence that takes the lives of 43,000 people and devastates countless others in the U.S. every single year." (City of Roanoke Government via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Roanoke, what a weekend!! 😍🤘Let’s do it again this week!! Wednesday: Jackson Dean with The Jared Stout Band Bank of Botetourt Amped-Up Acoustic Series Friday: Shoot To Thrill with Stone Whiskey!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning, bright and early!

— 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