🌱 The Return Of 'Guns N Hoses' + Historical Marker For Area Library

Woo hoo! Friday! Hello all! Here's your fresh copy of the Roanoke Daily, full of local news and information to get your weekend started right including updates on:

• Angels of Assisi Holiday Extravaganza Mega Adoption Event
• Carilion asking for toy and game donations for hospitalized children
• Two Glenvar players headed to state colleges

Let's roll!

But first, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds.

High: 48 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. Angels of Assisi has announced that they will be holding a Holiday Extravaganza Mega Adoption Event along with 10 other area animal shelters. The event will be at the Berglund Center on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 12 - 4 p.m. "It’s fun, we’ve had a slow year for adoptions, they’ve been down about 39 percent this year, so we’re really hoping that people are going to come out, think about it and find their friend,” Anita Scott with Franklin County Humane Society said. (WSLS)
2. The Annual 'Guns N Hoses' charity ice hockey game between representatives of area fire departments and area police departments will return to the Berglund Center for its 19th year on Jan. 28. The event benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the official charity of the International Association of Firefighters, which raised more than $25 million for the MDA through events like this one last year. More than $300,000 has been raised in Roanoke alone with nearly 70,000 people attending the games since they began. (WSET, WSLS, Roanoke Star)
3. Carilion Children’s Hospital and Carilion Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Unit are asking for donations for hospitalized children and teens this year. The items most in need are comfortable clothing, books, games, art supplies, and coloring books. "It’s a great way to give back to your community. A lot of these don’t have these kinds of items even at home, so getting to use them at the hospital can be really special for them,” said Erika Trinkle, with Carilion’s Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient Unit. Donations can be dropped off at Carilion's Tanglewood Mall location and must be delivered by Wednesday, Dec 21. (WDBJ)
4. The Gainsboro Branch Library just outside of Downtown Roanoke will be receiving a new historical marker after a recent approval by the Virginia Board of Historic Resources. The historical marker will detail the origins of the library in Black activism and its trove of Black literature long hidden by a librarian in defiance of city officials on one of the recognizable white and black signs that mark historical sites, 2,600 of which have been erected throughout the state. Manufacturing and installation of the marker is likely to take several months with the proposed location being just outside the library's main entrance at 15 Patton Ave. NW. (WSET)
5. Two students from Glenvar High School will be moving to the next level in their sports journeys after signing to play for two state colleges earlier this week. Championship volleyball player Claire Griffith will play for Bridgewater College and star basketball and soccer state champion Rhyan Harris will be headed to Emory & Henry to play basketball. "It is so exciting. It really felt official when I committed up there, but it feels extra special putting your name on the paper,” Griffith said. Harris echoed those sentiments regarding her choice. "Ever since I stepped foot on campus, when I went on a visit there, I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere of it. I went and met the coaches and players there and it just clicked," she said. (WSLS)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Free Yoga for the People at the main Roanoke Public Library (7:30 a.m.)
• Big Lick Comics Magical Christmas Party at Big Lick Comics (5 p.m.)
• Luminary Nights at Natural Bridge State Park (5 p.m.)
• Felix at 5 Points Music Sanctuary (8 p.m.)
• The What Four / CCS at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)

* There is A LOT going on this weekend, more than I have space to cover here so check out the two area event listing sites below for more! - Ian

The Roanoke Rambler Happenings

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Events

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From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "We have five itty bitty Eastern Rat Snakes right now that hatched out of eggs that were accidentally disrupted. Once it is warm enough to release snakes out into the wild, we will return them back to where they were laid." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke City Public Schools: "Last week, many of our schools took a field trip to see 'The Nutcracker' at the Berglund Center! Did you know that 27 Roanoke City Public Schools students danced in this year's 'Nutcracker'?" (Roanoke City Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "In the shelter, it's important to get regular weights on our pets. It can help us make sure our pets are healthy. Even subtle changes in weight can sometimes be a sign of a health issues." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Instagram)
• Roanoke Ballet Theatre: "On the tenth day of Christmas the 'Nutcracker' gave to me… SOLDIERS MARCHING! We’re marching our way into the theatre tomorrow and are so excited for this weekend! See you all there!" (Roanoke Ballet Theatre via Facebook)
• Downtown Roanoke, Inc.: "Join us Thursday - Sunday at WDBJ7's Elmwood on Ice! ❄Admission = $6 ❄Skate rental = $2 ❄Skate aids for those who need them ❄Fun for the whole family! Details and schedule are available at ElmwoodOnIce.com!" (Downtown Roanoke, Inc. via Instagram)

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Events:

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you tomorrow morning with more news and updates fresh from my keyboard.

— 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