Good morning, Roanoke.

At Virginia Heights School, the Toy Like Me program helps children with disabilities feel included by offering toys that mirror their needs—a project founded by Frances McCutcheon that involves Roanoke College students and local support groups which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.

AAA warns Roanoke donors to verify online charitable donations before giving as fake charities may mimic trusted organizations (using reputable sources to check legitimacy).

The agency advises using secure websites and credit cards to protect personal financial information during the busy holiday season.

George Porter from Appalachian Power warned that as winter temperatures drop and holiday lights remain on, energy usage and bills will climb, and residents should check low-income energy assistance programs on the company website.

Virginia Tech geoscientists joined an international team using CT scans on fossil skulls of pterosaurs and their relatives to track brain changes in early flyers.

They found early flyers had small brains (similar to non-flying dinosaurs) compared to modern birds, showing large brains were not needed to take wing.

Virginia Education Secretary Aimee Guidera visited the Explore at RC lab school at Roanoke College this morning.

The program lets high school students earn college credits and she expects more Lab School programs to be created under the new administration.

Roanoke City Public Schools will host Walk Up Wednesdays hiring events starting next week at local schools (details on available positions will be provided on site).

Interested applicants can visit the school locations to apply on the spot.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources suspected avian influenza caused dead vultures found on Dec.

2 near Dent St. and Franklin St. in Rocky Mount. Officials said the town water treatment plant remained unaffected and urged residents to steer clear of the area until testing is complete.

Weather permitting, Route 419 will have nighttime left lane closures from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, Dec.

8 and Tuesday, Dec. 9 between Chaparral Drive and Starkey Road for a left turn lane extension onto Bernard Drive—with paving scheduled later.

On Dec. 3, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (a local mental health provider) warned that rising youth gambling risks could hurt teens.

The group urges parents and educators to monitor gaming habits and discuss safe practices.

Holiday Pops Spectacular by Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9 p.m. — Salem Civic Center — $31-$56, Children 12 & under $12 — Experience a heartwarming celebration of holiday classics with LaTetra Lewis and the Pops.

Peen: A Tribute to Ween

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — $ — Experience a lively tribute to the eclectic band Ween featuring The Big Debbies with their unique blend of groove and energy.

Fayetteville Marksmen at Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Berglund Center — $3 beers all game long — Kick off the weekend early with Thirsty Thursday while cheering on the Rail Yard Dawgs.

Roanoke's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Martin's Downtown — Check Eventbrite for ticket pricing — Embrace the holiday spirit with contests, games, and cheers in your ugliest sweater at this festive pub crawl.

The Nutcracker by Southwest Virginia Ballet

3-5 p.m. — Berglund Center — Ticket purchase required — Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with a large cast and live orchestra in this beloved holiday classic.

Handel's Messiah Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA — Ticket info available — Experience the timeless power of Handel’s Messiah through choral and orchestral performance.

Roanoke Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

2-8 p.m. — Jefferson Center — $10 children's tickets — Experience the enchanting tale of Clara and her Nutcracker with stunning performances and holiday cheer.

The Santa Cares Experience

1 PM — 5 Points Music Sanctuary — Free entry — Enjoy seasonal songs with Santa and capture the holiday magic with Cloud Bobby.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Buffet Celebration

5-8 p.m. — The Regency Room — $56 adults, $28 children under 12 — Indulge in a festive buffet dinner in a historic setting this holiday season.

Illuminights Festival

Half-mile of stunning lights — Explore Park — Ticket details upcoming — Experience the magic of over 650,000 lights and festive activities for families.