🌱 Spring Valley Farm Hosts July 4th + Details on 'Keep Giving' Day

Hello again, everybody! It's time for another week of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Here's what's going on locally over the past few days, including:

• Roanoke County wins five tech awards.
• Roanokers attend town hall on increase in homelessness.
• Former English Gardens complex reopens newly renovated apartments.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 80 Low: 63.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Approximately 60 community members gathered at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke to address the increase in homelessness and discuss possible solutions. The city's rising rent prices, which surpass the national average, have exacerbated the issue. Director of Marketing and Communications at the Rescue Mission Kevin Berry emphasized the importance of facing the problem head-on and engaging the community. A report from St. John's Episcopal Church revealed a 56 percent increase in homelessness compared to the previous year. The Rescue Mission of Roanoke and Total Action from Progress (TAP) have partnered to provide shelter and support to those in need. The CEO of the Rescue Mission, Lee Clark, attributed the higher rate of homelessness to the pandemic. Additional information and ways you can help can be found here. (WDBJ)
2. Fourth of July celebrations are being held at Spring Valley Farm's All-American Festival & Fireworks in Moneta this year. The free event, starting on July 2 at 4 p.m., offers a range of activities for the whole family, including live music, a petting zoo, pony rides, craft vendors, inflatables, games, and more. Attendees can indulge in delicious food from over 19 food trucks, including local favorites like Porterhouse Barbecue, Watts Poppin' and Chillin', Deb's Lemonade, Heavenly Street Eats, and Nana's Ice Cream. Various artists, including Rare Of Breed, TJ Harris, Lighthouse Bible Church Worship Team and Youth Worship Team, and Paris Goggins, will take the stage to entertain the crowd. As darkness falls, the farm will ignite a spectacular fireworks show. For additional details, visit the Spring Valley Farm Facebook page or website. (WFXR)
3. Big Lick Brewing and local organization, The Humble Hustle, have partnered to empower Black youth in the area. The Humble Hustle is organizing its second annual "Keep Giving Day" and has teamed up with Big Lick to create a special drink called the passion fruit mule. For every beer sold, Big Lick will donate one dollar to the Humble Hustle. The funds raised through this initiative will support free programming for children in the community. Tasia Vandervegt, the director of Programming and Initiatives, encourages the Roanoke community to participate in the event, learn about the organization's programming, purchase merchandise, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, those interested can donate directly on the Humble Hustle's website. (WSLS)
4. Roanoke County's Geographic Information System (GIS) and Planning departments have received achievement awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative programs. The awards recognize effective county government initiatives that enhance services for residents. Roanoke County's Communication and Information Technology Department won four awards: GIS Activity Dashboards, GIS Automation for Potential Economic Development, Glo Fiber Illumination, and Legislative Redistricting. NACo's Achievement Awards, presented annually in various categories, highlight innovation and dedication to serving residents. The winners of these awards represent the most innovative and collaborative efforts seen in over 50 years of the program. (WSET)
5. A real estate firm has renovated and reopened 16 apartments at a rental community in Roanoke that was originally built for the working class and veterans after World War II. The community, previously known as English Gardens, has been renamed Gardens at Grandin. The new owner, MDCI Real Estate, plans to reopen 84 more apartments in 17 buildings by the end of the year. The demand for housing in the area has prompted the restoration of the complex, as several new apartment complexes are being built or planned in response to job growth. The rental prices at Gardens at Grandin are below the average for similar apartments in the region, making it more affordable for residents. The complex has a historical significance and is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The renovation expenses for the project exceed $7 million and rent prices will increase as a result. The revitalization of the complex has led to some displacement of former residents, who valued its affordability, convenient location, and walkable neighborhood. (Subscription: Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

Tuesday, June 27

• L’Eroica — Roanoke’s Friendliest Group Road Ride at Cardinal Bicycle Grandin Village (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.)
• 'Paris Is Burning' at the Grandin Theatre’s Pride Month Celebration (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• PLAY Roanoke: "📣 STARTING TOMORROW! 📣 Summer Fun in Washington Park starts Monday, June 26! We're looking forward to lots of summer memories being made. Monday - Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. Inflatables, Bounce Houses, Obstacle Course, and Giant Water Slide Fridays!" (PLAY Roanoke via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We help thousands of wild animals directly when they come through our doors, but our favorite scenarios are when we can help wildlife without them ever needing to come in. A couple called about this Snapping Turtle that they were concerned about, wanting to know how to protect her nest, as this female decided to lay eggs in their driveway!" (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "The Buchanan Swinging Bridge in Botetourt County, Virginia, is a great spot for selfies by the LOVE sign, picnics by the bridge, and even getting on the James River by way of the neighboring Twin River Outfitters! 😍" (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "These toys are a favorite among our cats. We've heard them called many things including Cat Kickers, Lick and Kicks, Paw Pillows and more. They allow cats to use their entire bodies to play by pulling the toy in with their front paws!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges: "Get ready to rock out with Satisfaction/International Rolling Stones Tribute Show at Dr Pepper Park on July 8!" (Dr Pepper Park at the Bridges via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! See you tomorrow for 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com