🌱 Tanglewood Mall Expansion + BoS Caves To Pressure On CIP Funding

Hey, everybody. It's Easter Sunday and here's the Roanoke Patch Newsletter back in your inbox with what's happening in town. Let's motor!

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and warmer. High: 62 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. Tanglewood Mall has new owners and they are planning a sizable expansion that includes additional space for shopping, eating, and healthcare. The long awaited opening of Roanoke's first Chili's restaurant is set to take place in late spring, Sketchers is expected to open a shoe store, and Carilion is expected to expand both their pediatric and mental health clinics in the near future. "Tanglewood is a huge asset for the county’s economy. It really is becoming a destination for healthcare, shopping, and dining," said Megan Baker, director of Roanoke County Economic Development. So, soon you'll be able to get the kiddos' check ups done, see a therapist about your compulsive shopping or eating habits, and console yourself with a new pair of shoes and a 'Triple Dipper' from Chili's on your way out. Can you say winner? More information about Tanglewood’s expansion can be found here (WDBJ)
2. Roanoke will get its first look at the new Lowe's Home Improvement and Petco partnership at the Lowe's store near Clearbrook and Tanglewood Mall beginning today. The partnership is part of a new "store-in-store" concept being rolled out at over 250 Lowe's locations around the nation that offers shoppers the chance to grab a new toilet plunger and some top soil for the garden while also getting the pooch a shape over make over and some breath mints. Winning combo, right? Lowe's launched the concept with 15 pilot stores and apparently it was a success because they've continued it. Lowe's stores in Lexington and Rocky Mount are also welcoming Petcos in the near future. (WFXR)
3. The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors announced Friday that the county will be giving Roanoke County Public Schools $130 million, the largest amount even awarded the school system by the county. The fund are for the construction of the brand new Career and Technical Education Center on Peters Creek Road and to renovate two elementary schools, Glen Cove and W.E. Cundiff. The funds will be split with the new construction claiming $80 million and the two renovation projects claiming $50 million. "Our business community has shared their desires for well-trained students to enter the workforce immediately. A new CTE facility will expand the programs offered, provide more opportunities for students and meet the needs of our business community. Ensuring our children’s success and sustaining our local economy is critical," said Board of Supervisors Chair Martha Hooker. In a short statement released to no one in particular members of the Roanoke County School Board said, "Nanny nanny boo boo, we win!" (WFIR, WDBJ)
4. A Carilion Clinic pediatrician has been reprimanded by the Virginia Board of Medicine for spanking a patient during an exam in April 2022. Dr. Juan Olazagasti was accused in a written complaint of unprofessional conduct after a woman said she witnessed Olazagasti spank her child. Olazagasti was ultimately charged and convicted of misdemeanor assault, paid a $1,000 fine, and was allowed to return to work with a nurse appointed to accompany him during visits with patients. The written reprimand issued by the board said in part, "By his own admission Dr. Olazagasti spanked Patient A, who was clothed and wearing a diaper, once on his right buttock during a physical examination after the patient slapped Dr. Olazagasti on the face with a rubber glove." Dr. Olazagasti practices at Carilion’s Pediatric Medicine at Tanglewood (he was probably angry at not being able to get a 'Triple Dipper' yet) and in Lynchburg with a specialty in pediatric gastroenterology, according to his online profile. (Roanoke Times)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Grand Easter Buffet Celebration at The Hotel Roanoke (11 a.m.)
• DIY Party at Twisted Track Brewery (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "This is NOT what you expect to find in your attic, and yet that is exactly where this female Wood Duck was found! We aren't sure how long this patient was stuck in the attic — all we know is she was found emaciated and stuck to a glue strip." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Hi friends, my name is Jane. My whole world has changed and I've been having a hard time. I came to the Roanoke Valley SPCA with my two brothers and they've already found their new homes. But because I'm so scared and shy, I haven't found mine yet. I need someone who has patience with me just like the staff here. The staff here say that there is a wonderful person out there who will fall in love with me and take me home. I'd really love to meet them soon, and maybe sharing this post will help." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley: "A huge thank you to Mast General Store in Roanoke for making us the Round up donation for April! We appreciate your support of safe affordable housing in the Roanoke Valley! Shop Mast General Store this month and help out a great cause!" (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "April 15th is UNESCO World Art Day! 🎨 Celebrate by attending the Daisy Art Parade in downtown. In this parade, you will see giant puppets, beautiful floats, and lots of art!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "In honor of Good Friday, our guests have been working on wreaths and other art projects to express their faith. Look at this beautiful project! Give a love, like, or amen in the comments to show our guests how you feel about their work. ❤️" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook

In case you haven't noticed already the editorial staff is off today so I can get away with all kinds of shenanigans. Anyways, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning if I don't get fired in the meantime. 👊💥

— 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