Christmas is just around the corner

The first weekend of November was a busy time in quiet little Topaz Ranch Estates. The Sagehens hosted their annual Fall Boutique and shoppers turned out early to get the best buys and a jump start on Christmas shopping.

"We were loaded up this year and spilled over outside with 24 vendors for this year's event," Mickie Joy said.

This annual event is a major fundraiser to support the many community projects the Sagehens help with. During the boutique, one table manned by Jackie Funicello and Jo Ann Quessenberry was filled with handcrafted items for sale with all the proceeds from the sale of those items going back into the community. Linda Fields was chosen "Queen for the Day" which won her a basket full of goodies and a little pampering. Funds raised from this event and the gigantic rummage they organize every year go for scholarships, donated as needed to the volunteer fire department or help for families in TRE and surrounding areas who are in need of assistance. The Sagehens have been a community service group for more than 30 years, with a membership of 55. Anyone is welcome to join this fun group of women who do so much good in our community. All you have to do is attend a meeting.

An up-and-coming event, hosted by the Sagehens is their annual Children's Christmas party which will take place from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park building at the end of Carter Way in TRE. The party is for children ages 2-10 and children must be accompanied by a parent. A lunch will be provided for all the guests and there will be games and Christmas crafts for the children as well as a visit from Santa Claus. For those who wish to attend this event, there are sign-up sheets at the following locations: Maggie's Place, Reflection Salon, Nevada Trading Co./Topaz Joe's, Topaz Lodge General Store and Holbrook Mini-Mart. For more information call Helen Lee 266-9105.

n In other local news, the Rosie Red Hatters were rewarded for all their hard work putting together an entry for the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City Oct. 28. which won them a first place in the "novelty" category of the parade. With the theme of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, the Rosie Red Hatters, dressed in their traditional red and purple colors, donned coveralls dyed bright purple with red shirts and hats to resemble bright colored train engineers and followed their float which was a very imaginative train. Congratulations to the Rosie Red Hatters.

n Thanksgiving is just a week away but Christmas is springing up all over. Festivities start with the lighting of the Heritage Pavilion at Heritage Park in Gardnerville Nov. 29 followed by the weekend of Dec. 1-3 with many great events that are guaranteed to motivate a little Christmas spirit in the biggest "grinch." The Town of Minden will be lighting their tree and gazebo, Friday Dec. 1. There will be a German Market place located in the old C.O.D. Garage building on Esmeralda Avenue. Then make plans to see the 11th annual Parade of Lights, Dec. 2 starting from Lampe Park about 5 p.m. So much to see and do the weekend after the Thanksgiving Holidays.

Until next week, have a great "Turkey Day" and keep on, keepin' on.

n Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com