🌱 Longtime Fashion Store To Close + Old Downtown Diner Has New Life

Hello, everybody! It's Tuesday! And that means we survived Monday. So, here's a fresh edition of the Roanoke Daily with what's happening around town over the last 24 hours, including:

• Roanoke area autism organization combines forces
• Black Dog Salvage kicks off market season

Fangen wir direkt an!

But first, today's weather:

A little morning rain; cloudy. High: 61 Low: 47.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A historic building in Downtown Roanoke that once held a popular local diner called Junior Lunch, but that had been vacant for many years, has been remodeled into loft apartments. The project was recently completed by developers Alleghany Partners and spaces are now available to rent. The diner closed in 1994 after the death of its owner John Apostolou, who operated the business for 46 years in that location. Dave Jones, the owner of the building said, "To bring it back and have it utilized again to where people can call it home, it’s gonna be a business coming in as well that’s gonna serve people and I think that’s valuable, and I think it’s good. It’s one of the more special ones to me." The 1 bedroom, 1.5-bathroom lofts are available here. (WDBJ)
2. Black Dog Salvage kicked off its Dog Bowl Market season this past Sunday and will continue to hold the market on the third Sunday of every month. The event started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since grown into a much larger operation with over 100 vendors and artists offering food, music, drinks, and other items. "I was one of the first vendors they invited to be a part of it, and I absolutely love it. In the warmer months, we go outside and the music’s out in the dog bowl area and it’s just a really great community event. It allows us to connect with our local customers on a monthly basis," said vendor Callie Altman. The next market will be held on Feb 18. (WSLS)
3. Roanoke-based organization St. Vincent’s Home has merged with Charlottesville-based Virginia Institute of Autism. Both organizations are focused on helping children and adults who are somewhere on the autism spectrum and together will be the largest nonprofit provider of educational and behavioral services for autism and related disabilities in Virginia. "We are excited to continue offering our evidence-based services uninterrupted, and we believe that our larger footprint allows us to better advocate on behalf of our families at the state and local levels, affecting policy and funding in ways that benefit those we serve," said CEO Dr. Ethan Long in a prepared statement. Current St. Vincent’s CEO Angie Leonard will serve under Long as chief operating officer for the southwest region. (WFIR, Daily Progress)
4. J & J Fashions first opened in Rocky Mount 55 years ago and has been a family operated business that has been passed down through three generations of the Hunt family. Now the last remaining location in the Forum Shopping Center on Starkey Road will close in February. The store has been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues since have caused delays and cancellations in many orders. Current owner Sheila Copenhaver, daughter of original owner and founder Jewell Hunt, said the store has been unable to recover from the loss of profits in addition to Hunt's health declining. "I’m an only child and I want to take care of her the best I can. And I cannot run a clothing store and be there for her. So, I made the decision that’s what I need to do in this season of my life. It’s sad, it’s bittersweet, but our customers are so kind. They’re coming in to wish us the best," she said. (WDBJ)

Today in Roanoke:

• Greater Roanoke Transit Company Board of Directors Meeting at Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (12:30 p.m.)
• Roanoke City Council Regular Session at Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building (2 p.m.)
• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• Fleet Feet Pub Run & Walk at Big Lick Brewing Co. (6 p.m.)
• JSB Variety Show featuring Jaret Stout with special guests at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Look at those toes! 👀 These are the feet of Chessie, our educational ambassador Great Horned Owl, who is non-releasable. Great Horned Owls have one of the strongest grips out of any bird and working with such sharp talons can be dangerous." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Fire EMS Department: "📢 Close before you doze! 📢 These photos are from a fire our department responded to. The difference between the side of the door facing the hallway, and the side facing the bedroom, is incredible. Closing your bedroom door at night is a simple but powerful way to help keep yourself and your loved ones safer in a home fire." (Roanoke Fire EMS Department via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Happy Sunday-Funday Blue Ridge! I was rolling down Blue Ridge Drive with my best leather collar. Thought I would grab a sandwich from the awesome ladies at the Blue Ridge Minute Mart. Animal Control found me and the picked me up for safekeeping. Can you share my post and let my family know I'm waiting patiently for them at the RCACP Shelter in Roanoke." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We often bring pets into our staff offices for some time out of the kennels. It's great enrichment for them, and we get to know their personalities a little better. Mia spent some time with some of our administrative staff recently and loved meeting everyone, exploring, and playing with some new toys!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning for our long climb up Mount Crumpit in the Hump Day edition of the Roanoke Daily!

Oh, one last thing — my stepdaughter is officially a teenager today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA! For your birthday present this year I promise to quit captioning pictures of you. No, just kidding. We both know I'm going to keep doing it. 🤣🤣🤣

— 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 Daily? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com