🌱 Zoo Celebrates Migratory Bird Day + Roanoke Ranks High In Diversity

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter to get you caught up on what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Botetourt BOS approves new form of funding.
• Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell speaks about violence.
• Classic Film "A Matter of Life and Death" at the Grandin Theatre

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 81 Low: 61.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Roanoke?

Partner with the Roanoke Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Roanoke has been named the 25th most diverse area in Virginia, the population of which is becoming more diverse and leading to the emergence of businesses inspired by various cultures. Stacker Media, a company focused on providing data-driven stories to news outlets, compiled a list of the most diverse areas in Virginia based on the U.S. Census Bureau's reports. The data shows Roanoke City's population is around 99,229, with 62.4 percent white, 29 percent Black or African American, 0.2 percent American Indian and Alaska Native, 3 percent Asian, and the rest being of two or more races or other races. Roanoke beat nearby cities Lynchburg and even heavyweights Fairfax and Virginia Beach in the rankings. (WFXR)
2. World Migratory Bird Day celebrates the migration of over 350 species of migratory birds from North America to Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Mill Mountain Zoo is hosting an event to educate the public about migratory bird conservation, with activities such as keeper chats, crafts, face painting, and an art show. Animal-themed artwork will be displayed at the zoo, and those bringing in their own artwork can get free admission. Regular zoo admission covers all activities, and more information can be found on the zoo's website. (WDBJ)
3. Gun violence has become a growing issue in Roanoke, with nearly two dozen shootings reported in 2023 alone. There is a controversy in the community about how to address the problem, who is responsible, and how city leaders and elected officials are keeping citizens safe. Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell faces challenges in putting violent offenders behind bars, as witnesses can make or break a case and are hard to come by. Sentencing guidelines are set by Virginia lawmakers, and convictions are ultimately up to a judge or a jury. Caldwell believes that there are no real solutions in sight and that the problem of violence is not specific to Roanoke City. Caldwell's office and other commonwealth’s attorneys across Southwest Virginia do not track conviction rates. Caldwell stated that he does what he can do, and that's all he can do. (WSLS)
4. The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved a new funding program called Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing Program (C-PACE) for county development. This program allows private banks to loan funds to private individuals for commercial, industrial, clean energy, and multi-family development, with no county money involved. The county ensures that the construction meets energy efficiency, resiliency, storm water management, or similar benefits and verifies that these parameters are met when construction ends. If the loan becomes delinquent, it is collectible in the same manner as a tax lien. The borrower pays an upfront origination fee and an annual administrative fee to defray the county's costs. The benefit to the lender is that it's a safe form of collateral that is hard to discharge in bankruptcy, the borrower can get funds at a low rate, and the county benefits from economic development and high-quality building. The Supervisors unanimously approved the program, which becomes part of the Botetourt County Code. (Botetourt Bee)

Today in Roanoke:

• Spring Plant Sale at the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs (9 a.m.)
• Classic Film Series: "A Matter of Life and Death" at the Grandin Theatre (10 a.m.)
• Poetry in Motion at Mill Mountain Theatre’s Trinkle Main Stage (5 p.m.)
• Parmalee — Take My Name Tour at Dr. Pepper Park (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "“Get out of my pouch!” All of our orphaned Virginia Opossums are given a surrogate pouch to mimic their mother’s. They love to bundle up inside of it during the day while they all nap together." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley Television: "Students at Glenvar High School have a unique way to express their creativity! A donated piano in the lobby has proven a popular way for Roanoke County Public Schools students relive stress and show off talent." (Roanoke Valley Television via Facebook)
• Roanoke College: "Hidden history: How Roanoke College defied the times and reached out to another culture to attract Korean students in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Check out Cardinal News for a fascinating look into an era that is being brought to light!" (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "NEXT THURSDAY, the best beach party in the valley returns! Join us for Delta Dental Party in Elmwood on May 18. Don't forget to order your season pass! Order deadline: May 19 - Order by Monday, May 15 to have it in time!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you Tuesday morning!

— 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