🌱 Roanoke's 'War On Books' + 'Candlebox' Plays Dr Pepper Park

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning with your fresh copy of the Roanoke Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this weekend started off right with a quick review of what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Long-time former local rec league coach to be presented with award.
• Roanoke Police and citizens unite to save kitten from storm drain.
• Healing continues after week of violence.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Warmer with periods of sun. High: 89 Low: 66.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. On Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center, long-time former local rec league coach Joe Gaither will be presented with the Whitney M. Young Award from the Boy Scouts of America Blue Ridge Mountains Council. This award recognizes Gaither's outstanding service and involvement in developing and implementing scouting opportunities for youth from rural or low-income urban backgrounds. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with food and social time, followed by the award presentation program at 7 p.m. (WFXR)
2. A distressed kitten trapped in a storm drain was rescued thanks to a heartwarming operation by the Roanoke Police Department and concerned citizens. Animal Warden Beaman was able to safely retrieve the feline from the drain. The kitten was found to be healthy and is now resting at the Regional Center For Animal Control & Protection after its ordeal. The collective efforts of the police department, Roanoke Stormwater, and citizens helped bring the situation to a happy ending. (WSET)
3. Roanoke is working to heal after a recent surge in gun violence, with 21 homicides so far this year — 17 being deadly shootings. July alone saw 7 homicides, mostly in Northwest Roanoke. Many community members came together for a candlelight vigil, including LaCiann Divers who lost her son NeSean in 2022. The vigil was hosted by F.E.D.U.P. to show unity and solidarity. People shared a moment of prayer as the community grapples with this senseless violence and loss of life. There is a feeling of hopelessness, but the community is fighting back through prayer, vigilance, and speaking out against the tragic shootings. (WSLS)
4. On Sunday, rock band Candlebox will perform at Dr Pepper Park in Roanoke during their "Long Goodbye Tour." Formed in 1993 in Seattle, the multi-platinum band is known for hits like "Far Behind" and will play new songs from their 7th album "Wolves" as well as past favorites. Promising an energetic show embracing all their influences from Neil Young to Radiohead, gates open at 6 p.m. for this rain or shine event with food vendors and pet-friendly policies. Tickets can be purchased here. (WFXR)
5. Angelo Colavita, originally from Philadelphia, has spent most of his adult life in the bookselling business and recently opened the radical literature shop War On Books in Roanoke's West End. Seeking to bring underrepresented ideas to light, the mobile shop-turned-storefront sells independent, empowering books and hosts free book clubs and writing workshops. Located in a compact basement with a bomb shelter aesthetic, War On Books aims to provide a haven for community members to explore literature, spark conversations across ideological divides, and turn political passions into meaningful works. Through this artistic, literary and retail venture, Colavita hopes to take readers and writers on a journey of discovery and expression. (Roanoker)

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, August 5

• CVC & Kiwanis Cleanup Weed Out! (8:30 AM)
• DIY Paint Class — Intro to Furniture Painting (9:30 AM)
• "Matilda the Musical" — Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Get up close and personal with baby Mourning Doves! These four hand-reared tykes just graduated to a bigger cage and they LOVE checking everything out, including a camera we placed in their cage to see how they were doing." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Our friend Emily celebrated her birthday this week with a PAWty at the Roanoke Valley SPCA. We were so happy to host her friends and family and introduce them to our awesome animals! Emily even asked for donations instead of birthday presents!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Outside: "Let's give Tim Lewis a huge round of applause! 👏👏👏 Over the weekend, Tim made his 500th McAfee Knob summit! What an amazing accomplishment! We look forward to watching you conquer your next 500 Tim!" (Roanoke Outside via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "Check out this beautiful piece of artwork made by John who is in The Way Forward Recovery Program! Keep creating amazing work, John 🎨" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you Tuesday!

— 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