🌱 Ukraine Benefit Concert + Water Balloon Warning for Pirate Days

Happy Tuesday! Ian here with the Roanoke Daily. Here's a look at what's happening around town.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and humid.

High: 93 Low: 71.

Here's to the wonderful local business who sponsors this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Roanoke College will be hosting a benefit concern for Ukrainian refugees featuring Ukrainian Concert Pianist Stanislav Khristenko. The concert will be held at Olin Hall at 3:00 p.m. on July 17th and is sponsored by Roanoke Valley Sister Cities and Ukrainian Americans in Roanoke. "All the monies raised are gonna go to help Ukrainian refugees, to the aid of folks who are displaced, that have no place to go and to house them and to offer medical care," said organizer Dr. Kristina Bulas-Slowikowski. (WFIR News Talk Radio)
2. Argh! There be new laws here! Attendees at Smith Mountain Lake's upcoming Pirate Days are being warned to plan their battles without water balloons this year as a new state law passed last year contains strict guidelines on "intentionally releasing, discarding, or causing to be released or discarded outdoors any balloon made of a nonbiodegradable material or any material that requires more than five minutes’ contact with air or water to degrade," states the Virginia code, 29.1-556.1. And in case you're planning to raise your black flag in protest and lob one out there anyways, Sgt. Tim Dooley of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources said, "It is our intention to address any violations we observe. This can be done in a variety of ways to include educating the individuals regarding the changes to the code or, if warranted, an official warning or summons may be issued." Shiver me timbers! (Roanoke Times)
3. Salem area restaurant owners are reporting a variety of effects from the Salem Fair this year including earlier dinner rushes and larger groups. Dusti Harrelson, assistant manager for AllSports Café said, "Instead of our dinner rush being between 7:00 and 7:30, with the fair going on, I think everyone wants to come out and eat before they get out there. It usually stays the same whether the fair is here or not. We have a great customer base here." But the fair hasn't traditionally been good for every business. "I had planned it at the beginning of the year to close the week of the fair and go enjoy some of the festivities at the fair myself because I knew that business was going to be slow," said, Peggy Fleming, owner of Gina’s Food With Flavor. Next year Peggy said she plans to become a vendor at the fair. (WDBJ)
4. Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department has announced that Explore Park will be having an Adventure Saturday on July 16th featuring their popular T-Rex Trail, Treetop Quest, and Climbing Towers. The event will also feature vendors, live music from Easy Pickins Band, and educational opportunities such as a Forestry Education Hike. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free Yoga for the People at the Main Roanoke Public Library (7:30 a.m.)
• School Board joint meeting with the Board of Supervisors (5 p.m.)
• The Famous Tuesday Night Beer Ride, starting at Twin Creeks Brewing Co. (5:45 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)

Hey Roanoke, Prime Day is officially underway! The Patch Deals team is rounding up the biggest and best savings on electronics, Amazon devices, clothing, kitchen essentials and so much more. Click here to shop and save!

From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Micah Jones, who graduated from William Fleming in June, signed on Friday to continue his athletic and academic career at George Mason University for track. Micah ran track and played football while at William Fleming. Way to go, Micah!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "We are so proud of Doug! He is a recent graduate of our Way Forward Recovery Program and is a shining example to all who stay and work at the Mission. Congratulations on your hard work, determination, and persistence Doug!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Cynthia E. Varnado said, "It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens." We find this absolutely true, so today on National Kitten Day, we're celebrating all things kitten!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This House Finch is in stitches — and not the fun kind! After being brutally attacked by a cat this poor bird’s back was ripped open in addition to losing a large number of his feathers, leaving him unable to fly." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Our friends at the Roanoke Prevention Alliance need your help! All teens are welcome to stop by the Melrose Branch Library this Wednesday at 3 pm to help answer some questions about their community. All participating teens will receive a free ice cream!" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "Come by and see us at Love SE Fest on July 30th! It's going to be a great time!!" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• Roanoke Animal Hospital: "Fun Kitten Facts: How old is my kitten in human years? The first year of a cat’s life is equal to approximately 15 human years. At what age is a cat no longer a kitten? A kitten is an adult after one year." (Roanoke Animal Hospital via Facebook)

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Events:

• Purcellville Wine and Food Festival (July 16)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday. I'll see you tomorrow morning with another update!

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. His interests are in politics, history, and religion and the stories and characters he writes about are centered on the explosive conflicts created when the three intersect. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.

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