🌱Valley View Mall Celebrates 38th Anniversary + Support Youth Theatre

Hi all. I'm back with your new edition of the Roanoke Patch Newsletter. Come along for everything you need to know about what's going on these days in town. Today you'll learn about:

• Happy 38th anniversary!
• Support Youth Theatre.
• Great job Habitat For Humanity.

But first, today's weather: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 87 Low: 67.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Yesterday marked the 38th anniversary of the opening of the Valley View Mall. On July 17, 1985, the mall opened its doors for the first time. To celebrate the momentous day, Xavier Roberts, the designer of the famed Cabbage Patch Dolls, was on hand at the event to sign autographs. My, how the times have changed, but the mall is still open. (WDBJ)
2. Come support the community youth and watch Frozen Kids for free on Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. at William Fleming High School! Students in 5th through 8th grades that are part of Staying Safe by Staying Connected Summer Stock Academy are learning about singing, acting, production, and more. They have been working hard over the past two weeks to put this together and produce this full show. Can't wait to see the final, finished product! (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
3. It was a happy weekend for the Johnson family who celebrated getting the keys to their new home from Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. The organization put out a big thank you to all those that gave their support to make this home possible on its Facebook page. (Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley via Facebook)

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

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Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Roanoke:

Tuesday, July 18

• Fair Housing Board — Roanoke City Council (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roanoke Patch: "See 5 New Properties For Sale In And Around The Roanoke Area." (Roanoke Patch)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Mourning Doves are common, but by golly up close they are gorgeous! Mourning Doves are the only native dove found in Virginia." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• The Virginia Zoo: "National Zookeeper Week is a time to appreciate all the amazing work our keepers do every day to care for our animals and support the Zoo. This Zookeeper Week, the Virginia Zoo is giving you a behind-the-scenes look at our keeper's tasks." (The Virginia Zoo via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com