Greeting 2018 // Nathaniel Butler-Jackson rings in the new year at the daytime and quirky version of the midnight ball drop at the Science Museum of Virginia’s “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration for youngsters last Sunday.

Ringing in the new year! // New Year’s Eve in Richmond was a day — and night — of celebration and looking ahead to 2018. hundreds of children and their families gathered early in the day for the annual Science Museum of Virginia’s “Noon Year’s Eve’ celebration for the family friendly bash complete with streamers and a ball drop welcoming 2018.

Ringing in the new year! // Darius Robinson Sr. had his hands full at the museum party, with his daughter, Mariah, 3, on his shoulders and year-old son, Darius Jr., out like a light on his arm.

Later Sunday night, the 18-and-older crowd turned out for “Le Masque 007 NYE Celebration” at the Main Street Station train shed. About 250 people attended the party that had a James Bond Casino Royale theme. Malekah Mason, left, and Myaira Mason, ring in 2018 with champagne and a selfie at the event.

Ringing in the new year! // Joe Foster goes for an air of mystery and intrigue in his mask and bow tie.

Aaerialist Joe Duerksen performs

Models dressed in the latest creations by renowned fashion designer Andres Aquino, leading the way, head out for the finale on the runway. Proceeds from the event were to benefit Single Mothers United.

Cityscape // This usually bubbling fountain spotted Tuesday in Capitol Square offers icy evidence of the brutal cold that has gripped Richmond and much of the East Coast in recent days. Happily, a thaw is on the way. According to the National Weather Service, warming temperatures will arrive Sunday, sending daytime highs above the freezing mark. By next Monday, the forecast calls for the high to leap to around 50, although with a chance of evening rain. Daytime high temperatures are expected to be in the 40s most of next week, according to weather forecasts, with nights continuing to be cold. Looking even further ahead, Inauguration Day is expected to be relatively warm but potentially wet for incoming Gov. Ralph S. Northam. The high is forecast to be around 50, with a 50 percent chance of showers as he takes the oath of office at noon Saturday, Jan. 13, on the south steps of the Capitol.

Swearing-in // Richmond’s new city treasurer, Nichole Richardson Armstead, is sworn in last Saturday by Richmond General District Court Judge Jacqueline S. McClenney during a ceremony in Council Chambers in Richmond City Hall. Mrs. Armstead was elected to the $83,594 post in November, succeeding longtime treasurer Eunice M. Wilder, who retired. Her husband, Stafford L. Armstead, holds the Bible during the ceremony, while their children watch. They are, from left, Katrina, Richardson and Stafford II. Mrs. Armstead, a project management consultant, has 17 years of experience with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She is the daughter of former Richmond City Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson.

Icy waterfall in Bryan Park //

Holiday elegance // The Richmond Chapter of Continental Societies Inc. hosted its annual “Elegance in Black & White Gala” last Friday at a Downtown hotel. More than 200 people enjoyed the black tie dinner-dance and auction featuring entertainment by the Katz Band and comedian Micah “Bam-Bamm White.” From left, Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Continental President Nkechi George-Winkler, Vice President Beverly B. Davis and Dr. Ralph S. Northam, Virginia’s governor-elect, pause during the gala for a photo. The event raises money for the Continental’s annual programs, including winter coats for needy schoolchildren, dental screenings, Easter baskets for hospitalized children, scholarships for college-bound students and camp scholorships for inner-city youths.

Celebrating Kwanzaa // The community celebrated Kwanzaa at last Saturday’s 27th Annual Capital City Kwanzaa Festival held at the Dewey Gottwald Center on the campus of the Science Museum of Virginia. Crystal Turner, right, participates in lighting the candles, each of which represents one of the seven principles celebrated by the holiday. The black candle in the middle represents Umoja, or unity, while the red candles represent Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujamaa (cooperative economics) and Kuumba (creativity) and the green candles represent Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Nia (purpose) and Imani (faith).

Celebrating Kwanzaa // The festival included a procession of drummers and dancers led by Janine Bell, bottom left, founder and artistic director of the Elegba Folklore Society that produces the annual celebration.

Author Ronnie Sidney, a licensed clinical social worker, displays one of his children’s books at the festival marketplace

Kelita Wooten, bottom right, paints the face of a youngster during the festivities that included speakers, workshops and children’s activities.