🌱 Patch AM: Have you seen this critically missing man in the Roanoke area?

Morning Roanoke! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Have you seen this critically missing man in the Roanoke area?
• How Roanoke is finally honoring trailblazing educator Lucy Addison
• Why a West Virginia crash victim was flown to Roanoke

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA.

Today's riddle: What did the balloon say to the doctor? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Sunday: Breezy with clouds and sun, with a high of 52 and low of 25 degrees.
• Monday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 48, low: 32.
• Tuesday: Cloudy and warmer, with a high of 60 and low of 43 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Critically missing Herndon man believed to be in Roanoke area (wsls.com) — Virginia State Police say a critically missing 79-year-old man from Herndon may now be on foot in the Roanoke/Troutville area, and his disappearance poses a credible threat to his health and safety. Authorities describe Leonard Hugh Thompson as 5′10″, about 160 pounds, with blue eyes, white hair, and glasses, and urge anyone with information to contact Herndon Police.
   

2. Virginia to honor Lucy Addison with historical marker in Roanoke (wfxrtv.com) — Roanoke is set to receive a new state historical marker honoring pioneering educator Lucy Addison, whose work transformed schooling for Black students here and inspired generations. The marker will recognize her fight to expand Harrison School into a high school and the legacy carried on through Lucy Addison High School and today’s community empowerment center, underscoring how central education remains to Roanoke’s identity.
   

3. Summers County victim airlifted to hospital after car accident in WV (wvnstv.com) — A driver injured in a single-car crash near Pipestem Falls, West Virginia, was airlifted to a hospital in Roanoke with mainly facial injuries. Emergency crews from Summers County and state police responded early Friday morning, and officials say the victim managed to get out of the vehicle alone. Authorities are still investigating the cause and have not released the person’s identity.
   

4. Virginia Tech, Liberty, UVA all earn wins on the hardwoods Saturday (wsls.com) — Roanoke hoops fans got plenty to cheer about Saturday as Virginia Tech stormed back in Blacksburg for an overtime win over Elon, highlighted by Christian Gurdak’s late layup and Amani Hansberry’s double-double. UVA pulled away from Maryland in Charlottesville, while Liberty edged Dayton, giving Virginia college basketball followers across the Roanoke Valley a clean sweep of victories.
   

📸 Around Roanoke

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Roanoke

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 20

• Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
  Taubman Museum of Art , 110 Salem Ave SE , Roanoke
  8:45 pm

Monday December 22

• Hotel Roanoke Conference Center Commission Meeting
  Roanoke, VA Calendar , 110 Shenandoah Ave NW , Roanoke
  1:00 pm

📣 Roanoke Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Sunday December 21

• The Santa Cares Experience
  5 Points Music Sanctuary , 1217 Maple Ave SW , Roanoke
  1:00 pm
• Morning Sunday School
  5512 Hollins Rd , Hollins
  4:00 pm
• Vienna Light Orchestra
  Berglund Center , 710 Williamson Rd NE , Roanoke
  7:00 pm

Monday December 22

• Senior Programs Mexican Train Dominos
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  10:00 am
• Senior Programs Monday Music Jam
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  2:00 pm
• Monday Music Jam for Seniors
  Charles R. Hill Community Center , 820 E Washington Ave , Vinton
  2:00 pm

Tuesday December 23

• A Hike With a View
  FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Roanoke, VA 24018
  10:00 am
• Senior Programs Beginner Line Dancing
  Vinton, VA Calendar , 820 E. Washington Ave , Vinton
  11:30 am

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Holiday - Half Day
  Vinton, VA Calendar Vinton, VA 24179
  12:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Christmas Day
  Vinton, VA Calendar Vinton, VA 24179

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Roanoke PatchAM possible:

• techtronics world — (540) 529-5829
  I sell electronics on line

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
  FOUND on December 20, 2025 in Roanoke, VA 24012 near Near Dale Ave and 9th Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Hollins Rd)
• Morning everyone.
  I just want to say thank you to those who reached out with genuine concern, i appreciate all of you. Depression doesn’t end overnight but i’m feeling… (Nextdoor Villa Heights)

• Coca-Cola Consolidated posted a job opening for Warehouse Material Handler in Roanoke. Apply here.
• Avis Budget Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Airport Manager in Roanoke. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Roanoke here.

Ok Roanoke! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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