🌱 Curfew Issue Comes Up At City Council + TAP's Head Start Enrollment

Hello, everybody! Here's the Thursday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know. Today we'll cover:

• Peacemakers call out Gun Violence Commission
• Carilion expanding trauma bays
• Bagel shop on wheels coming soon

Let's goooo!

But first, today's weather: Breezy. High: 84 Low: 54.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The president of The Peacemakers, a local nonprofit anti-crime organization focused on community safety, had words for Roanoke City Council at Tuesday night's meeting. Shawn Hunter and several others stood to speak during the public comment session. "There was no, and still is not, no oversight whatsoever over the gun commission," Hunter said. At particular issue, according to Hunter, is the distribution of a $500,000 violence interruption grant last year. The Peacemakers had asked for $50,000, but only received $10,000. Vice-mayor and chairman of the Gun Violence Commision Joe Cobb rebutted, "The commission has liaisons. Every person on the commission has selected two or three of those organizations that they meet with on a regular basis to see how they’re progressing towards their goals." (WSLS)
2. Also at Tuesday night's city council meeting, the issue of a curfew was resurrected with council members widely disagreeing on the effectiveness of such a policy. Mayor Sherman Lea said, "I just think we really need to consider, the Council, doing something to try to stem the tide in this and let young people know, and let their parents know, that we're trying to prevent things happening." Freshman councilman Luke Priddy disagreed. "I'll just say broadly I don't support the idea or enforcement of a curfew," he said. No ordinances for a proposed curfew have been drafted and a vote on any such thing is a ways off with council members agreeing that the right thing to do going forward is hold public meetings to gauge the interest and feelings of citizens on the matter. (WSET)
3. Donnie D’s Bagels & Deli, a popular Daleville restaurant, has announced that they're bringing their offerings to the rest of the Roanoke Valley in the coming months via a food truck — or trailer really. Manager Anson DeGeorgis said it's something the shop is hoping that those who are not as close to the current Daleville operation can be excited about. "They’ll always say that’s a long drive. A lot of people will be able to get out there and get the bagels instead of having to drive all the way out here," he said. The mobile operation is currently licensed to operate in Salem and plans are being made for Roanoke County and Roanoke City. (WSLS)
4. Enrollment for TAP's Head Start and Early Head Start education programs has begun for families who qualify. In-person enrollment events are scheduled for Feb. 24 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Valley View located just off Hershberger Road on Ordway Drive and close to William Fleming High School. TAP’s Head Start Education Coordinator Charmaine Bonds said, "Our goal is to provide a quality learning experience for our children from low-income families that teach not only the children, but also help the family develop different skills — mentally, physically, financially — we are here for support and also to educate." The program also offers health services and screenings as well as items such as diapers and baby formula free of charge. To learn more visit TAP's website here. (WDBJ)
5. Carilion Clinic's Crystal Spring Tower is currently under construction, but when completed will house additional rooms for the treatment of trauma patients for injuries such as gunshot wounds. The clinic recently shared a mock version of the new rooms built from cardboard to show how the rooms would function once they're completed. Carilion is already the region's only level 1 trauma center, but the rooms are expected to be larger than the current ones and are expected to raise the level of services able to be offered to include some of the most complex trauma cases in the area. Officials have said there will be a total of five rooms once construction is complete with four dedicated to adult patients and one dedicated to children. The Crystal Springs Tower facility is expected to be up and running by the end of summer in 2025. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

• DIY Furniture Painting at Black Dog Salvage (9:30 a.m.)
• Women of the Chamber Luncheon Series at the Holiday Inn Tanglewood (11:30 a.m.)
• Upcycling in Furniture Design and Construction at Old Fire Station One (6 p.m.)
• Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs vs. Knoxville Ice Bears at the Berglund Center (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Police Department: "This Black History Month, we want to celebrate the officers who shape the Roanoke Police Department. Meet Officer Williams! Officer Williams is a 4-year veteran of RPD and serves on Charlie Platoon. 'I love my job at RPD because of the positive impact I can have on the community, and also my department.' — Officer Williams" (Roanoke Police Department via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We get many window strike birds like this Song Sparrow from the New River Valley because of efforts by both researchers and students alike to keep tabs on the impacts windows have on birds on college campuses." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Blinky is now named Bowie! Check out this sweet message from his adopters: 'Dear friends from rvspca, I’m writing to let you know how Blinky is doing! He now is called Bowie. He is a very happy kitten, loves to play and feels already very comfortable at his new house. He even likes to have his belly rubbed. He is also very loved! Thank you very much for giving us this amazing opportunity!'" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Virginia Children's Theatre: "Our Season Reveal Event is next week, and we are so excited to share our incredible new season of productions with you! Meet our Season Reveal Company who will entertain you on March 2 with selections from our upcoming 16th season!" (Virginia Children's Theatre via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Stock Bistro & Bar is Downtown Roanoke's newest restaurant. Located in the old Fire Station One building, @stockroanoke offers a unique variety of Nordic-inspired fare and handcrafted libations from the bar." (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• Botetourt County: "Feb. 18-25 is National FFA Organization Week! Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share what FFA is and its impact on members daily. FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education!" (Botetourt County via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for the Friday update!

— 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