Good morning! We continue to ramble on and thanks, as always, for your support and interest.

First this week, two issues involving the city Parks and Recreation Department prompted me to started asking some questions about the current state of affairs. That turned into a larger discussion of the city's youth sports system – and a general consensus that it could be better.

Next, Sinclair Holian's Four Quadrants, One City series continues this week. Theresa Gill-Walker, a longtime Northwest Roanoke resident and activist for Evans Spring sat down for an interview.

And backers of a renovation of the Washington Park caretaker's cottage were hopeful they would get a sizable state grant award this fall. That didn't happen, I found out this week. The question now is: What's next?

Be sure to check out our Happenings calendar of events, and our Recurring Happenings calendar, which lists regularly-occurring events — from fitness to bar trivia — that we won't include in our weekly Happenings.

Don't forget to read to the bottom for our recurring historical photo and ICYMI round-up of stories. Questions or comments? As always, just reply to this email, and we'll look forward to hearing from you. – TJ

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Crandall & Katt:

'Unacceptable': Roanoke City Leaders Say Change Is Needed in Youth Recreation Programs

Four Quadrants, One City: Q&A with Theresa Gill-Walker, Evans Spring and Northwest Activist

Washington Park Cottage Fails To Clinch State Heritage Grant, Stalling Restoration Efforts

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 9/24 to 10/1.

Early transportation in Roanoke

The caption to this week’s photograph, circa 1898, reads: “In 1898, the Big Lick Livery Stable stood on Henry Street (1st Street SW) just north of Roanoke's first federally funded post office (located on the NE corner of Henry (1st) Street and Church Avenue) which can be seen in the background. In 1890 this stable was the Horton and Roberts Livery Stable.” The photo comes from the George C. Davis photograph collection. Davis was an early chronicler of Roanoke Valley life. We’re grateful to our friends at the Virginia Room for the image.

And In Case You Missed It:

Hey, you! Yes, you. Each issue we highlight some of our most read stories in recent months. Here are a few:

🚑 Roanoke Councilwoman Settles Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit Against Downtown Restaurant

🤔 Roanoke City Manager Eyes Future of Berglund Center's Name — and Operations Overall

🚗 Ramblings: Audit Shows City Fleet Needs Tune-Up; Roanoke Tree-Cutting Case Settled; Suit Refiled in Toxic City Hall Claim