Letters to Santa

The Pahrump Valley Lions Club and the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce invite all children through the age of 12 to write Santa at P.O. Box 133, Pahrump, NV 89041-0133.

Because Santa and his elves are getting on in years, please be sure to include the name, address and phone number of each child.

This allows Santa and the elves to respond to each child.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Letters to Santa Program is encouraged to contact the Lions Club, P.O. Box 133, Pahrump, NV 89041-0133, or the Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 42, Pahrump, NV 89041-0042.

Santa can be reached by calling 727-9016. On behalf of the Lions Club, Happy Holidays to one and all.

Toys for Tots

The Marine Corps League, Pahrump Detachment 1199 partners with the Marine Corps Reserve to support Toys for Tots.

Toys for Tots will collect new, unwrapped toys from donation boxes at our local businesses to distribute to children in Nye County.

Collection boxes will be located in nearly 40 locations including Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, Albertson's, Smith's, CVS Pharmacy, Desert Valley Regional Medical Center, Willow Creek Golf Course and Walgreens. The boxes will stay in place through Dec. 22.

Tax deductible donations can be made to: Toys for Tots, P.O. Box 5481, Pahrump, NV 89041.

Family to Family Calendar

The December class schedule for Family to Family Connection, 160 S. Emery, is as follows:

Dec. 11 -- Ages to Stages Developmental testing, call for appointment,

Dec. 12 -- Holiday Safety, 1 p.m.

Dec. 15 -- Early Intervention Explore and Learn playgroup, 11 a.m. A developmental specialist and physical therapist will be there to answer questions.

Dec. 18 -- Infant and child CPR, 1 p.m. Children one to five years.

Dec. 19 -- Holiday party/teen parenting, 2 p.m. potluck.

Dec. 22 -- Holiday craft/cookie swap, 1 p.m.. Bring favorite recipe and a batch of cookies.

Dec. 26 -- Nevada check-up applications, 10-3 p.m.

Dec. 29 -- Fact or Fiction immunization class, 1 p.m.

The Back to Basics Parenting class is at 3 p.m. every Wednesday (parents with children birth to 5 years old).

Play group is at 1 p.m. every Thursday.

Resource Lending Library is open from 9- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For car seat safety checks or assistance with Nevada Check-up applications, please call for an appointment.

Call 751-5898 (se habla español) for more information.

Pet adoptions

The Nye County Animal Shelter will host another adoption 10-2 p.m., Dec. 8 at Hollywood Video.

Adoption fees are $64 for dogs and $36 for cats.

Call 751-7020 for more information.

Christmas parade of lights

The VFW and Spotlight on Pahrump are sponsoring a Christmas parade of lights for vehicles and in particular, RVs decorated with lights for Christmas.

There will be a parade of the entries through the Calvada eye beginning at 6 p.m., Dec. 8.

Entry fee is $20 per vehicle.

All proceeds will be dispersed to local charities through the VFW.

Call Dan at 537-2562 for more information.

Contemporary worship

There will be a contemporary worship service 11 a.m., Dec. 16 at 1521 E. Idaho Street in the Mt. Charleston Elementary multi-purpose room.

Music will be provided by "Grateful."

The traditional service will still be held at 10 a.m.

Call 751-5754 for more information.

USDA seminar

The USDA will present an information seminar, at 10 a.m., Dec. 6, at the Bob Ruud Center.

Get information on a nonprofit government loan that allows home purchases with no money down and interest rates as low as 1 percent.

Call 751-8886 for more information.

Gold seekers meeting

The Nye County Gold Seekers will meet at 1 p.m., Dec. 16, 3721 S. Unicorn.

Following the meeting, there will be a Christmas party with refreshments and a raffle for gold nuggets.

Everyone is invited and there will be a $5 donation for the food.

For more information call 727-8771 or 537-2532.

Foreclosure counseling

A mobile resource center to help Nevadans facing foreclosures will visit Pahrump.

A team of credit counselors, lenders, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and representatives from Senator Harry Reid's office will be on hand from noon to 2 p.m., Nov. 30, at the Pahrump Community Library, 701 East Street.

Call Jon Summer or Blair Hiderlite at 202-224-9521 for more information.

Teen night

The Nye Communities Coalition, in partnership with St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church is hosting a teen night at Seemore's, Too! 6-9 p.m., Nov. 30.

Middle school through high school age students are invited to come out for an evening of free food, karaoke and games.

For more information, please call Julie Platson, 537-1115 or the Nye Communities Coalition Office at 727-9970.

Festival of Trees

Nathan Adelson Hospice and The Golden Monarch Council is gearing up for the third Annual Festival of Trees.

The Festival of Trees Gala is scheduled for 6 p.m., Dec. 1 at the Nugget Event Center.

Gala festivities include entertainment provided by Deanna O'Donnell and Mr. Music, the host is Dan Rodriguez and the table wines will be provided by Pahrump Valley Winery.

There will be a no host bar, dinner and dancing, silent auctions, surprise raffle and door prizes.

Ticket are $100 for the evening.

For more information call Tonya Brum, 751-5601 or 209-3896.

Freecycle to recycle

The Internet group, pahrumpfreecycle.org is part of a national organization of message boards where members post those things that might be used by someone else rather than throw them away.

The group is locally owned, and new members are always welcome.

For more information log on to www.pahrumpfreecycle.org or call Veronica at 751-9324.

Republican meet and greet

The Nye County Republican Party Central Committee will hold a meet and greet barbecue party at noon Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2841 Dandelion St. in Pahrump.

Hans Gullickson will be the guest speaker, who will inform voters about the Jan. 19 Nevada caucus.

Anyone who wants more information may call 513-8447.

Artist reception

The public is invited to the "Off the Wall" artist reception, 2-5 p.m., Dec. 2 at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort in Tecopa, Calif.

The works are out of this world and easy to take home.

This is a group show with special guest artist Phillip Torrian from Blue Diamond.

The gallery show runs through Jan. 9.

Call 760-852-4420 for more information.

Elks Memorial Service

The Pahrump Elks Lodge #2796 will hold an annual memorial service to remember deceased members at 10 a.m., Dec. 2, 2220 E. Basin Ave.

Family, relatives and friends of the deceased members are welcome to attend.

Call 751-2796 for more information.

Pahrump A-Pum-Pum

Get into the spirit at the Pahrump A-Pum-Pum Festival Dec. 1 and 2 at the Bob Ruud Community Center.

There will be arts and crafts, pictures and breakfast with Santa, performances by the high school choir and jazz band and the Shadow Mountain Players will perform "Jingle Bell Jury."

There will be a kids reading nook and art.

They are still looking for vendors.

Call the Chamber of Commerce, 751-5800 for more information.

Best Friends Kitty Bowl

Best Friends Animal Society will host a "Kitty Bowl" fund raiser, 1-5 p.m., Dec. 2 at the Pahrump Nugget.

There will be raffles with dozens of prizes and a grand prize two-night stay at the Best Friend Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.

Enjoy two games of bowling, shoe rental, goodie bags, face painting, balloon art and free raffle ticket when you register.

Tickets are $30 for singles, $50 for couples and $75 for a family of 6 with the children all under 18.

Donations support the over 800 cats rescued in Pahrump and provide care and a chance at a loving home.

This is also an adoption event.

Call 435-644-2001, ext. 4842 or 4859 for more information.

Tappers benefit show

The Nevada Silver Tappers will present the 17th annual Christmas Benefit Show at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2 at Saddle West Hotel and Casino.

General admission is $10 and limited reserved seating is $15. All proceeds will be donated to the Pahrump Senior Center.

Tickets are available at Saddle West, the Chamber of Commerce and from any Nevada Silver Tapper.

Call B.J. Hetrick-Irwin at 727-7011 for more information.

Pahrump Bike Night change

Pahrump Bike Night will change the meeting day and time starting Dec. 1.

The first meeting is 1-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 at Sonic.

The temperatures are in the 50s and the sun is shining.

No football or NASCAR, so come on down.

Call Pete at 513-1742 for more information.

Toys for Tots fundraiser

Horizon Academy in Amargosa will hold a benefit and open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 1 in the south parking lot.

Sponsored by the Horizon Academy Student Council, the event will feature raffles, a car wash, baked goods auction and great food.

Lunch is free to anyone donating a new unwrapped toy.

The open house will give the public a chance to view the facility and talk to staff and students.

The baked goods auction will be at 1 p.m.

Call 775-372-1199 extension 212 for more information.

Model train meeting

A model train group is forming for all train gauges.

The first meeting is 10 a.m., Dec. 1 at the United Methodist Church.

Call Jim, 727-0142 or Conrad, 751-2230 for more information.

Beta Sigma Phi meeting

Beta Xi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi will meet at 6 p.m., Dec. 5 at Stella's home.

Stella will present the cultural program on chocolate.

All degrees are welcome.

Call 775-304-1895 for more information.

Christmas food donations

Home Health Services of Nevada is accepting food donations for the seniors in need of assistance because of illness, infirmity or inadequate income.

The food will provide Christmas baskets so no one will go without for the holidays.

Donations may be dropped off, 8-4:30 p.m. at 1731 S. Hwy. 160 (next to Country Roads Recreation).

Call 727-5060 for more information.

Christmas cards for Veterans

When you are making out your Christmas cards please include our injured servicemen.

Cards can be sent to:

A Recovering American Serviceman, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, 6900 Georgia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20307-5001.

Haven Selah

Haven Selah has cultural programs for enlightenment.

The upcoming schedule is:

Nov. 30 -- Family Drum Night, 6 p.m., bring drums and a snack to share.

Dec. 2 -- Free style drumming, 2 p.m. Bring rattles and drums.

Dec. 8 -- Dances of Universal Peace, 2 p.m. Dance leaders from Las Vegas teach songs and dance steps for many different cultures.

Haven Selah is located at 1680 N. Blagg Road. Call 727-8633 form more information.

Toys for Tots charity trail rides

Saddlebag Santas Children's Chairities will sponsor guided trail rides to benifit Toys for Tots.

The schedule is as follows:

Dec. 1 and 2 -- The Dunes

Dec. 8 and 9 -- Short Branch Saloon in Crystal

Dec. 15 and 16 -- Steiger Ranch

The Saturday rides are at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday rides are at 1 p.m. All rides are approximately two hours. The cost is $25 per person.

Call Jim Hannah, 702-327-5414 or Sharon Steiger, 775-253-0145 for more information or to sign up for team/family trail rides. These are the contact numbers for directions as well.

Christmas lights

The Ron and Jan Mayer residence invite the public to see the 10,000 light display outside their home, 5:30-9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31.

The decorations celebrate the reason for the season for He is the light of the world.

Turn east on Elderberry from Homestead and North onto National Street. The address is 3361 National Street.

Library calendar

The Pahrump Community Library is located at 701 East Street, and is hosting the following events in December:

Dec. 1 -- Tumbleweed Tales Poetry Group, 10 a.m.

Dec. 1 -- Friends of the Library meeting, 9:15 a.m. Roy Mankins will speak.

Dec. 3 -- Pahrump Computer Users, 1 p.m.; Voice Over Internet Protocol and WiMax wireless network systems.

Computer classes for beginning level users are Monday-Wednesday. Sign-up at the library only.

The winter reading program continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 18.

Tuesday classes are Little pups (ages 2-3), 9:15-9:45 a.m.; Red pups (ages 4-5), 10-10:45 a.m.; Big red (ages 5-12 and Kindergarten), 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The Pahrump Community Library offers home bound delivery service for anyone who is unable to visit the library. Call 727-5930 ext. 12 for more information.

Wednesday is craft class (5th grade and up), 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Call 727-5930 for more information.

OHV workshop

Off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, land managers and other stakeholders are invited to a two-day workshop on off-highway vehicle use in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area 9-5 p.m., Nov. 30 and 9-4:30 p.m., Dec. 1 at the Mountain Falls Golf Club, 5001 Fox Ave.

The workshop will assist the U.S. Forest Service and community members to work together as partners to steward the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area off-highway vehicle trails system. Horseback riders, hikers and mountain bikers are also welcome to attend. Continental breakfast, lunch and breaks will be provided.

Registration is required on line by logging on to www.nohvcc.org and click on the "Forest Service OHV Designation Workshops and Database" link. Registration deadline is Nov. 23.

Call contact Ann Vance, 888-458-0131 or Erick Walker, 702-515-5540.

Cancer victims help available

Walk the Rock has funds available for transportation and lodging expenses to assist those with cancer.

Contact Anna at 727-1414 for more information.

Snow Day stroll

The 2nd annual Real Snow Day by Freedom Homes, will be Dec. 14 and 15, 1531 S. Hwy. 160.

Stroll through the homes, see Santa and get a free gift while they last.

Pictures with Santa will be available.

A coloring contest for kids of all ages will result in a $50 prize to the top child in each of four groups.

There will be lots of prizes, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones.

Call 727-6000 for more information.

Coat drive needs are small

The most requested gift from Santa is a warm coat.

Response has been wonderful but really needed are coats for small children and babies.

Drop off your new and gently used coats until Dec. 15 at Mankins Allstate Insurance, 1271 S. Hwy. 160 (across from Saddle West) or Dream Homes, 3100 S. Hwy. 160, during business hours.

The coats will be donated to No to Abuse for distribution to the children of Pahrump.

Thank you Pahrump community for your support.

PVHS career fair

Pahrump Valley High School, JobConnect, and Great Basin College will sponsor a college and career fair, 9-2:10 p.m., Dec. 5 in the Building A Gym at the high school.

The focus is education and training opportunities to prepare for a 21st century career.

Representatives will be on hand from Nevada colleges, the military, technical schools, and area businesses.

Parents and students will be invited back to the school for a financial aid workshop at 4 p.m.

Call 727-2283 for more information.

Red Hats Christmas Party

Red Hats on the Go still have a few tickets left for the Christmas Party, 11 a.m., Dec. 8, at Saddle West.

Call Marcie, 910-9819 or Sandy, 751-8997 for more information.

Photos with Santa

Santa Claus will be visiting Pahrump Party Supply 10-4 p.m., Dec. 8.

The young and young at heart are welcome for free photos with Santa and Christmas cookies.

Call Marsha, 727-1167 for more information.

Artist workshop

There will be a collage artist workshop with Donna Yarrell, 10-4 p.m., Dec. 16, at the art gallery at Tecopa Hot Springs Resort in Tecopa, Calif.

Create beautiful art for yourself or as gifts.

the cost is $25 and materials are included.

Bring your lunch or eat at Pastels Bistro on the property.

Call 760-852-4420 for more information.

Adopt a Troop in Iraq

Mt. Charleston Elementary invites the public to help with care packages for the troops in Iraq.

During the month of November donations of non-perishables, toiletries, reading material and other items may be dropped off at the school between 8:30 and 3 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information call 727-7892.

Holiday raffle

Pahrump Community Library is having a holiday raffle for a remote controlled Hummer.

Tickets are $1 each or $5 for 6 tickets.

Tickets may be purchased at the Library.

Drawing is Dec. 19. You do not have to be present to win.

Call 727-5930 for more information.

Grief support for Holidays

Nathan Adelson Hospice invites those who grieve the loss of a loved one to the adult grief support meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, 1480 E. Calvada Blvd.

The meetings in November and December will focus on the challenges of getting through the holidays and discussions of ways to cope with the season after the loss of a loved one.

Call 751-6700 for more information.

Christmas baskets

The Salvation Army is now accepting applications for the Christmas food baskets and Christmas toys.

Christmas application deadline is Dec. 15.

Pick up applications 10-3 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the Salvation Army Social Services Office, 240 S. Dahlia St. (next to the Thrift Store).

Call 775-727-5093 and ask for Adriana to obtain more information.

Holiday trash collections

Pahrump Valley Disposal will be picking up refuse one day late after all holidays this season.

For Christmas and New Year's, collection will be one day late. If your trash day is Tuesday (Christmas or New Year's), then refuse will be picked up Wednesday, and all collections will run one day late from that point.

Quilt raffle Benefit

Veterans wives, Joan Crim, Mary Carroll, Barb Johnson and Sue Palumbo purchased supplies and made a quilt to be raffled off as a benefit for the Pahrump VA Clinic.

Only 1000 tickets are available. The cost is $5, and tickets may be purchased at Pappa Willie's Italian Eatery and HR Locksmith.

Hopefully all the tickets will be sold by Dec. 21 and the quilt can have a new home by the holidays.

Donations can be made to Barb Johnston, P. O. Box 4702, Pahrump 89041.

For more information call 751-5356.

Advent Services

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church is inviting the public to Advent services at 7 p.m., Dec. 5, 12 and 19, at 650 S. Blagg Road.

They will be singing some favorite Christmas carols.

There will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., Dec. 24 at the church.

Call 727-9680 for more information.

Winter farmers market

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension office is sponsoring a winter farmers market Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15 in Petrack Park.

Vendors are welcome. All items must be homemade or homegrown.

Call 727-5532 for information and to reserve booth space.

Wanted:military spouses

The VFW in Pahrump would like to honor all active military personnel spouses from Pahrump, Amargosa and Beatty with a Christmas/Holiday party on Dec. 8.

Thank you for all you do.

Call Vi Morrissey at 702-273-7524 or the VFW.

International food festival

The annual International Food Festival will be held 8-5 p.m., Dec. 9, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 781 E. Gamebird Road.

There will be food, drinks and music from all over the world.

Home cooking dishes include: German, Irish, Hungarian, Mexican, Italian and more.

There will also be a pancake breakfast and homemade baked goods.

Call 727-4044 for more information.