🌱 VA NAACP Proposes District Maps + Honoring Homeless Lives Lost

Happy Wednesday, people of Roanoke! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and breezy. High: 46 Low: 25.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Roanoke today:

1. As the Commonwealth's house, senate, and congressional district lines are redrawn, the Virginia NAACP says more work needs to be done to ensure communities of color are given an equal vote. In Roanoke, the group is advocating for a redrawing of the current House District 11. "The special masters [who are appointed to redraw the map] should adjust their initial district lines to more closely represent Black communities of interest," said Robert Barnette, Jr., Virginia NAACP president. (WDBJ7)
2. A memorial service was held yesterday at Greene Memorial United Methodist Church to honor the 29 Roanoke homeless individuals whose lives were lost in 2021. Each name was read aloud after a responsive reading. Several community leaders were in attendance. (WDBJ7)
3. Want to give back with your holiday baking spree? Roanoke Rescue Mission is currently collecting cookies, candies, and other sweet treats for its annual Christmas meal. Treats can be dropped off at the mission located at 402 4th St SE from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. this week. The Christmas Day feast will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (WSLS 10)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Star City Safe Dinner And A Movie At Melrose Branch Library Community Room (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Battalion Chief Trevor Shannon has been appointed as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City during the Dec. 20, 2021, Roanoke City Council Meeting. (Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke is looking for volunteers! Visit rescuemission.net/volunteer to sign up. (Facebook)
• Tomorrow (Dec. 23) is the final performance of "A Christmas Story" at Mill Mountain Theatre's Trinkle Main Stage for the 2021 holiday season. Details and ticketing information are available at millmountain.org. (Instagram)
• Hosting a child's birthday party and need a venue? Virginia Children's Theatre offers customized birthday party theatre workshops to match the theme of your party. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.