🌱 Fifth Annual Welcoming Week + Second Annual Run For Refugees 5k

Hello again, everybody! It's Thursday here in Roanoke ... and everywhere else for that matter, too, but we're focused on the Star City. Let's take a look at what's happening around town.

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First, today's weather:

A couple of showers.

High: 78 Low: 64.

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Here are the top five stories today in Roanoke:

1. The second annual Run for Refugees 5K is set for Friday evening at Wasena Park at 6 p.m. It will be the kick off event for the fifth annual Welcoming Week, a celebration and observance designed to highlight what Roanoke has done to make itself a more welcoming community to people with a variety of backgrounds and what it could still yet do to further that goal. The events are a partnership among Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Roanoke Public Libraries, and the City of Roanoke government. "It's an event to benefit families settled right here in Roanoke. Some of these families have been going through the refugee resettlement process for five to ten years. It's just a passion of ours to help people have all the skills they need and the support they need to be successful," said Jeffrey Wood, the race director. (WDBJ, WDBJ)
2. In an effort to make the Roanoke City Jail a more welcoming — oh, wait — wrong story. That was above. In an effort to make the Roanoke City Jail a place of transformation rather than just punishment, the Roanoke Sheriff's Office has announced a program called (R)I.G.N.I.T.E. that is designed to help change mindsets and cultures and to be a second chance for those who have been imprisoned. The name stands for Residents Individually Growing Naturally and Intentionally Through Education and will include opportunities for inmates such as GED programs, CDL training and culinary classes with the hope of giving them the skills needed to make a successful transition back into the community once they leave the jail. "A lot of times they return back into society, but they don't have a leg to stand on. With these programs we're giving them an opportunity that when they return they can get housing, they can get some stability," said Sheriff Antonio Hash. (WSLS)
3. The Virginia Department of Education has reported that there are over 2,500 vacant teacher positions throughout the commonwealth with a number of localities seeing a steep rate of departure after the end of the 2021-22 school year. In an effort to combat the problem, Hollins University is partnering with local schools, including Roanoke City Schools, through its Hollins Education Program, a program that helps teachers who are working under a nonrenewable, three-year provisional license fulfill the requirements for full teaching licensure and thus a full time teaching position. "Hollins has been an invaluable partner to RCPS, tailoring instruction to our teachers' needs so they in turn have the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of our students. Coursework is completed in a cohort with other RCPS teachers, which allows them to build a community of support while learning and on the job," said RCPS Superintendent Verletta White. (Roanoke Star)
4. The City of Roanoke E-911 Center is conducting a survey to identify areas where emergency services may be improved. It is asking for citizens to take part. The survey will be available through September 20 and can be accessed by visiting the department's website or Facebook page. It is asking especially for respondents who have utilized E-911 services in the last twelve months to participate. The survey will be accompanied by a phone survey of random homes and businesses by the center's staff. (WDBJ)
5. WSLS News Channel 10 sat down with Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea for a frank talk about the topic of gun violence in the city after the recent death of a teenager and other shootings. Lea talked about the need to get more aggressive and stricter in holding suspects accountable for their actions. "We just can't take the lower part of the sentencing guideline. You need to leave here and go to prison if you're shooting involved and apprehended for killing someone, even shooting we need to stiffen penalties up," he said. "Everybody is looking at violence interrupters, interrupt some of the things that are going on. Maybe we need to do more of that. I want to look at maybe getting more security for the housing developments and working with the redevelopment housing authority so they can have their security staffed." (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Yoga for Athletes at Uttara Yoga Studio (9 a.m.)
• The Entertainers at the Party in Elmwood Park (5:30 p.m.)
• Creek Freaks Skills Session on the Roanoke River Blueway at Rotary Park (6:30 p.m.)
• Yoga For Athletes at Uttara Yoga Studio (6:45 p.m.)
• Author Event: Renée Branham, author of "Defenestrate" at Hollins University (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Last month, Superintendent White announced the creation of the Superintendent's Challenge Coin to recognize students, staff, and community members who embody the "We Are One" rallying call. This morning, Mrs. White presented the challenge coins to the first set of recipients!" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "ANOTHER unusual bird! This is a juvenile Clapper Rail, a secretive coastal marsh species that is only found inland during migration (currently ongoing) or if the bird has been displaced due to storms." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke College: "We have had a spirited start to the semester! From our downtown visits, pop-up dog park, and more. We thank all Maroons for bringing your energy and enthusiasm!" (Roanoke College via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Tux is one of the more shy kitties in his family. But he's a big boy with lots of love to give! He also really loves to play and his favorite toys are ones that he can bat around. He just needs the right person to be patient with him." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "Please join us in congratulating our hard-working personnel on the commendations they earned for excellent care of a cardiac patient!" (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Are you in need of a good laugh? Paula Poundstone can help and she is coming to the Jefferson Center Friday, September 9 at 7:30pm. You won't want to miss this. Details ➡ www.jeffcenter.org/events/paula-poundstone" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

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Alrighty! That's it for today. I'll see you tomorrow 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.

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