All through December
Grab-and-Go Crafts
At the Meadowbrook Public Library during regular library hours. These are free crafts that may be taken home to make. Each week there will be new crafts.
StoryWalk
All month at the Christiansburg Library. Brains and bodies get exercise by reading and walking the trail. The walk begins at the library at the College Street entrance of Downtown Park. This month’s book is The Emperor’s Egg.
Virtual Cookie Recipe Exchange
All month at the Christiansburg Library. Share a favorite cookie recipe on Facebook. A special craft — a take-and-make snowman with hot cocoa-in-a-car — will be available while supplies last.
Through Monday, Dec. 21
Voting in holiday decorating contest
The Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a residential holiday decorating contest. Staff will visit each destination to determine the top 10 entries, which then go on the town’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cburgvagov) for voting by the community. Voting runs through 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21. Once all applications are received, decorated homes who give permission will be included in a map for others to visit on a self-guided light tour.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Saturday Creative Writing Group
At the Meadowbrook Public Library from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Those taking part should bring your work for small-group feedback and editing.
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
From 2-4 p.m. online. DnD is now virtual on Discord. The library staff suggest downloading Discord on your device for ease of access, but this is not required. To join the Discord server, contact shodges@mfrl.org for more info. For ages 11 years and up.
Community Conversations
From 2-4 p.m. at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library
This week’s topic is Media and Polarization. Community Conversations offers a safe format to listen to and learn about the opinions of others. It’s an opportunity to discover shared interests, intentions and goals and to leave behind assumptions and judgments. Based on conversations and guidelines developed by Living Room Conversations.
Monday, Dec. 21
Around the World: Virtual Holiday Edition
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Christiansburg Library
This is another virtual adventure touring the world. To be explored on Facebook are the holiday traditions of Mexico. Stop by the library for a take-and-make craft.
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Rambling Readers
From 2-4 p.m. at the Jessie Peterman Memorial Library
This is a safety distanced group activity involving reading and walking for a little exercise and some intellectual stimulation. Readers taking part will walk and talk about what books they’re all currently reading and enjoying. The walk will start at the library and cover roughly two miles. Dress warmly and with appropriate footwear for the hills and uneven footing. Call the library for more details.
Polar Express Storytime
6:30 p.m. at the MFRL Library Online
Join in on Facebook live for a special Polar Express storytime. Complimentary hot chocolate packets and a small craft will be part of the fun. Supplies are limited.
Through Tuesday, Dec. 22
Radford Business window and residential decorating contest
Throughout the city. Tour the commercial districts and neighborhoods from the safety of a vehicle and then vote for favorites. A map of the decorated homes and businesses is available on RadfordChamber.com.
Through Dec. 24
Wrapping for a Reason
A holiday wrapping booth to raise money for local emergency assistance is in operation in Uptown Christiansburg (formerly NRV Mall), near Bath & Body Works through Christmas Eve.
Volunteers are needed to wrap gifts in a sanitary, socially distanced environment. All proceeds benefit the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, commonly known as MCEAP, which provides emergency food, clothing, utility, rent and mortgage assistance to Montgomery County residents year-round. The sign-up link is https://tinyurl.com/w4r2020.
Persons unable to volunteer their time and talents this year may consider donating supplies such as hand sanitizer and disinfecting spray/wipes so all proceeds can go directly to help community members in need. A monetary, tax-deductible, year-end donation to MCEAP is also welcome. Details are at mceap.com or 540-260-3173. For more information, email w4areason@gmail.com or text/call 540-239-1093.
Thursday, Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Jan. 1
Christiansburg closings for Christmas, New Year’s
The town’s facilities will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas day on Dec. 24-25.
Solid waste normally scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 24, will be collected on Tuesday, Dec. 22, along with Tuesday’s regular collection.
Solid waste normally scheduled for Friday, Dec. 25, will be collected on Wednesday, Dec. 23, along with Wednesday’s regular collection.
The town’s facilities will be closed for New Year’s Day on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Solid waste normally scheduled for Fridays will be collected on Thursday, Dec. 31, along with Thursday’s regular collection.
Saturday, Dec. 26
Escape of the North Pole
4:00 p.m. at the MFRL Library Online
On Discord, a live play of a North Pole Escape Room or participants may play at their own pace. Email shodges@mfrl.org for more information.
Monday, Dec. 28
Hibernation Station
1:00 p.m. at the MFRL Library Online
Through Thursday, Dec. 31
Christiansburg Leaf Collection
The Town of Christiansburg’s annual free leaf collection is underway and runs through Dec. 31, weather permitting. Public Works crews use a special truck that vacuums the leaves. Therefore, they will collect only piles of loose leaves; leaves placed in bags will not be accepted. Please do not place your pile of loose leaves in a way that blocks sidewalks, sanitary sewers, solid waste carts, drainage ditches or utility meter boxes. If you are concerned your leaves may blow away prior to pick-up, please place a tarp on top of your pile. Crews will remove the tarp when they get there, collect your leaves and leave your tarp behind.
Through Monday, Jan. 4
United Way Festival of Trees
The United Way and some of its partner agencies are decorating Christmas trees in their offices as a way to help spread some holiday cheer in these troublesome times. Pictures of each tree will be posted on unitedwaynrv.org/tree.
Residents of the NRV have the job of picking their favorite tree by visiting the United Way website anytime through Monday, Jan. 4, checking out the trees and casting a vote. A special trophy will be awarded to the winner.
Voting will be cast by donations of any amount.
Through Thursday, Jan. 21
Girl Scout Cookie Sales
The Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council are taking orders for cookies that will be delivered in mid-January. Gift certificates can be purchased through Jan. 14, 2021, by emailing info@gsvsc.org or calling 540-777-5100. Girl Scout cookies are $5 a box. To locate a Girl Scout to take an order, contact the girl scouts at info@gsvsc.org or 540-777-5100.
When the cookies arrive in the region in mid-January, Girl Scouts will be delivering them in different ways: masked drop-offs to the customer’s door; cookie booth drive-thrus; online ordering with shipping via Digital Cookie; cookie delivery service (The details are being worked out work with a national food delivery service. They will be announced on Jan. 12.); and voice-activated sales via Echo home systems.
