Project Santa Claus is taking donations until Friday.
Friday’s storm made it all but impossible to look for shooting stars during the peak of the Geminids meteor shower. Searching the snippets of sky visible through clouds over the past week or so hasn’t resulted in seeing much by way of meteors for me, either, but there’s still time since the Geminids are predicted to be active through Dec. 20.
Dec. 21 brings the arrival of the winter solstice, marking the astronomical change in seasons along with a gradual return of light.
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere because of planet Earth’s axis tilt and orbital position in relation to the sun. In December, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun and receives fewer hours of daylight than the Southern Hemisphere. From the time of the winter solstice to the summer solstice in June, the Northern Hemisphere gradually receives increasing amounts of light as Earth continues on its orbital around the sun.
Visit the National Weather Service webpage https://www.weather.gov/cle/seasons to learn more about solstices and seasons. There’s an interesting infographic on the page, as well.
If you’re looking for something fun and festive to do during the hours of darkness, check out the Christmas House Light Contest sponsored by The Grill Next Door restaurant, Coldwell Banker Select realtor Jennifer West-Fredrickson, and financial advisor and representative Rhonda Moore of Country Financial.
As a way to spread some seasonal joy and cheer, organizers have compiled a list of lighted holiday displays after receiving submissions from more than 30 homeowners across the Carson Valley. The community is invited to stop by The Grill Next Door, located in the Meadowdale Shopping Center at 1267 Highway 395, Unit K in Gardnerville, to pick up a ballot and map and vote for their favorite light display from the list.
Ballots and maps are also available in Minden at Coldwell Banker Select, 1674 Highway 395, and Country Financial, 1664 Highway N, Suite 104. Digital links can be found on The Grill Next Door’s Facebook page.
Please only vote one time and for one house. Votes must be dropped off in-person to the ballot box at The Grill Next Door by Jan. 2. Prizes will be awarded to the house that receives the most community votes and to one randomly selected ballot entry.
This is the last week to drop off new, unwrapped toys for Project Santa Claus and Toys for Tots at The Grill Next Door. Donations of new and gently used and cleaned warm clothing and blankets to Sertoma’s Coat Drive will continue to be collected at the restaurant through January.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.
