Warm, with a holiday glow // Wreaths and other holiday decorations adorn doorways, homes and businesses throughout Metro Richmond as people hurry to finish their preparations for Christmas. Santa and his reindeer may find Richmond unseasonably warm Thursday night, when low temperatures will be in the mid-60s. The warm, holiday glow will continue Friday, Christmas Day, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s.

A drone under the control of a Free Press photographer provides this aerial snapshot of the site where Virginia Commonwealth University’s new Institute of Contemporary Art is going up. The $35 million building is under construction at the gateway intersection ofCityscape // Slices of life and scenes in Richmond Broad and Belvidere streets. The photo was taken Friday, Dec. 18. Work began a year ago, but construction was halted for six months to allow the site foundation to be modified to install geothermal wells. The institute, expected to open in early 2017, is to host experimen- tal art and performances.

Welcome aboard // The Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper III, left, proudly stands with sons Landon Riley, 5, and Christian Alexander, 11, and his father, the Rev. Roscoe D. Cooper Jr., after being sworn in Dec. 16 as the Fairfield District representative on the Henrico County School Board. The ceremony, held at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, included the investiture of two incumbent African-American members of the Henrico Board of Supervisors — Frank J. Thornton of the Fairfield District, seated second from left, and the Rev. Tyrone E. Nelson of the Varina District, fifth from the left. The county’s constitutional officers also were sworn in.

Continentals holiday gala // Lots of warm hugs, laughs and toasts to good times were shared at the Richmond Chapter of The Continental Societies’ Elegance in Black & White fundraising gala last Friday at a Downtown hotel. The event benefits special needs children in Greater Richmond. Left, Nkechi George-Winkler, chapter president and former Mid-Atlantic regional director, enjoys a moment with John C. Purnell Jr., advisory board chair.

Also attending a pre-dinner reception are, from left, chapter member Diane Bacon; Gov. Terry McAuliffe; Beverly B. Davis, chapter second vice president and gala event chair; Gwen Drayton, chapter corresponding secretary; and Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.

New firefighters // Members of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services present the colors at the Basic Recruit Graduation Ceremony last Friday at the Richmond Public Main Library in Downtown.

Twenty-two new firefighters will begin serving in stations throughout the city. Kevon Young, left, pins a badge on his father, new Firefighter Keith Young, during the ceremony.

Spreading holiday cheer // Santa Claus suited up to join the Prince Hall Masons of the 26th District to provide holiday cheer and gifts to children from families in need last Saturday at the Walmart on Sheila Lane in South Side. Santa greets Khaliel Walker, left, and Kameron Perez, as they start their shopping trip.

Spreading holiday cheer // Dwight Hagans, top, helps Kyyon White choose a shirt, while Tom Graves, bottom, shops for gifts with two youngsters. Organizers expected Operation Santa Claus to provide gifts to more than 50 families.

Spreading holiday cheer //The district includes lodges from Metro Richmond. After shopping, families enjoyed lunch and fellowship at the Richmond Association of Masonic Lodges at 25th and Leigh streets.