🌱 Sidewalk Art Show Winners + Mill Mountain Theatre Achievement

Hey, everybody! I'm back with a new edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including...

• Bret Michaels and "Parti-Gras 2023" coming to town.
• Council votes for temporary curfew changes.
• Roanoke College announces partnership with Salem City schools.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Showers around; not as warm. High: 75 Low: 53.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The Taubman Museum of Art recently held its 65th annual Sidewalk Art Show in downtown Roanoke. The event featured over 100 exhibitors showcasing a variety of fine art and craft items and has become a popular tradition in the region and serves as a summer kick-off for the community. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with artists and explore a wide range of artwork, including original paintings, prints, watercolors, sculptures, and more. The event was sponsored by various organizations, including Blue Ridge Beverage Company Inc., Elizabeth Sowder and Glenn Cecil, Arkay, Grand Home Furnishings, LinDor Arts, Liberty Trust, and Brown and Brown Attorneys. (Roanoke Times)
2. Mill Mountain Theatre has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a $15,000 grant from the prestigious Shubert Foundation. This accomplishment comes after an 18-year endeavor and highlights the theater's artistic impact and contribution to the performing arts.
   The Shubert Foundation, a subsidiary of the renowned Shubert Organization, is the oldest professional theater company in the United States and the largest owner of Broadway theaters. As a prominent supporter of nonprofit theaters and dance companies, the foundation provides funds that can be used for operating expenses. In 2022, they distributed $37.6 million among more than 600 nonprofit organizations. John Levin, Mill Mountain Theatre's Director of Development, expressed his gratitude for the grant, emphasizing that it signifies inclusion among professionals who deeply care about their communities and audiences. (Roanoke Star)
3. Roanoke College held a press conference on June 5 to announce their collaboration with Salem City Schools. The partnership aims to secure a planning grant that will assist at-risk students who require college and career preparation support. Several important individuals were expected to be present at the press conference, including Frank Shushok Jr. (Roanoke College's president), Kathy Wolfe (Roanoke College's vice president and dean), Lisa Stoneman (Chair of Roanoke College's Education Department), Curtis Hicks (Superintendent of Salem City Schools), and Jamie Soltis (Assistant Superintendent of Salem City Schools). (WFXR)
4. The Berglund Center is adding a new performance to its Vinyl Vault concert series at Elmwood Park. Musician Bret Michaels, known for his roles as a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and humanitarian, will be performing on Friday, August 25 as part of his Parti-Gras 2023 Tour. He will be joined by special guests Warrant. Michaels has sold over 100 million records, digital downloads, and streams worldwide. He is also a reality TV star and has had highly-rated reality shows. Additionally, Michaels is a lifelong type 1 diabetic. Tickets for the concert will be available for purchase starting Friday, June 9 through various channels including online, by phone, and at the Berglund Center Box Office. Ticket prices range from $45 to $800 for a VIP Table, and on the day of the event, tickets will be priced at $54. (WSET)
5. Roanoke City Council has voted 6-1 to amend the curfew for minors in the city until the end of the summer. The decision was made in response to concerns about the safety of children and teenagers, particularly regarding incidents of gun violence. The new curfew hours are as follows: for teens aged 14-16, the curfew is from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, and from midnight to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For children aged 13 and under, the curfew is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sundays to Thursdays, and from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The amended rule prohibits minors from loitering or being unsupervised in public places during the designated curfew hours. There are exceptions for minors accompanied by parents or authorized guardians, minors on emergency errands or legitimate business, those with parental permission to attend city-sponsored activities, and employed minors traveling to or from work with parental permission. Mayor Sherman Lea expressed the urgency to take action and emphasized the temporary nature of the curfew, highlighting that it will only be in effect for a couple of months during the summer when school is out. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

Wednesday, June 7

• Jackson Dean at Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges (6 p.m.)
• Soul Sessions Wednesday Night Poetry Show at Ursula’s Cafe (7 p.m.)
• Karaoke Night 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:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Check out those feet! We have two young Red-tailed Hawks who were found starving, weak, and starting to become maggot food when they were rescued. These two babies are on starvation protocol and are on medications to support them as they recover." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Police Department: "Meet Officer J. Kline — Officer Kline was just released from our field training program and today was his first day of independent patrol. Officer Kline graduated from the Roanoke Police Academy in February of 2023." (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Thank you to everyone who adopted pets last week, May 29 - June 3. Happy Tails to Vader, Buddy, Quinnzelle, Abby, Ava, Margot, Pepperjack, Biscuit, Ham, Elderberry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Raspberry, and Huckleberry who all went home!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• City of Roanoke Government: "LGBTQ Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. During this honorary month celebrations are held around the world, memorials are held, and recognition is given to the impact LGBTQ individuals have had on history. Happy Pride, Roanoke!" (City of Roanoke, Virginia - Government via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new 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