Holiday events in full swing

Happy day-after-Thanksgiving! If you were one of those people up before dawn in order to take advantage of the pre-Christmas and holiday bargains, more power to you. I have a friend who scours the papers weeks in advance of Black Friday in search of the best deals. She maps a specific route, prepares a detailed list which she sticks to unmercifully, and is usually finished with her gift shopping by noon. Commendable.

I, on the other hand, am content to take advantage of the holiday and sleep in. Of course I use the term "sleep in" liberally. My sons are more than happy to let me know when it is time to get up. Sadly, their internal alarm clock is vastly different from my own. Even so, I may venture out later today to check out the sales and take part in the crazy merriment.

See's Candies fundraiser

There is a way to avoid the holiday shopping crowds altogether. You still have time to order See's candy from the Parent-Teacher Organization at Meneley Elementary. The last day for orders is Dec. 2 and all of your favorites will be delivered to your door by Dec. 8.

All monies raised will support PTO activities at Meneley including assemblies, the annual friendship dinner, scholarships and learning resources in the classroom.

To obtain an order form, contact the school at 265-3154 or stop by at 1446 Muir Drive in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

Elks Spaghetti Feed, Christmas Tree Bingo

The Minden/Douglas Elks annual Spaghetti Feed and Christmas Tree Bingo will be held on Friday, Dec. 5 at the CVIC Hall in Minden. Dinner includes spaghetti with meat sauce, a green salad and garlic bread.

The event gets underway at 4:30 p.m. with a no-host bar and the dinner will start about 5 p.m. Following the Minden Park gazebo lighting event at 6 p.m., the fun continues with an evening of bingo for the entire family back at the CVIC Hall. The prizes for these games will be a 5 to 6 foot Douglas fir Christmas tree certificate from the Carson Valley Garden & Ranch Center. Certificates may also be redeemed for credit toward a bigger Christmas tree. There will also be special games and prizes for the youngsters, too.

Proceeds from the event fund the Elks' Christmas basket program for local seniors in need.

Elks Memorial Service Dec. 7

The Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 will pay tribute to their departed members in a memorial service to be held on Sunday, Dec. 7. This service is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. The solemn ceremony will take place at the Elks Lodge at 1 p.m.

This year the service is especially significant in that it falls on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day. The Elks are known for their patriotism and dedication to veterans, and many Elks are Veterans of World War II.

The Minden/Douglas Elks Lodge is located at 1276 Pit Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos. For more information, contact the lodge at 265-4523.

n Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com