Montecino & Associates is hosting the first annual “Celebrate The Season”. Come into the office with a can of food for Manna House, vote on the best decorated cubicle and be entered to win a $200 gift card to Target. You may vote daily and the drawing will take place on December 18th.

Do you remember the joy of racing downstairs on Christmas morning to see what presents were their awaiting you? Or, of you don’t remember Christmases like that from your childhood, perhaps you remember the see the joy on your own children’s faces as they opened gifts the gifts you bought for them.

In our area there are parents who cannot give their kids that kind of Christmas and there are children who already know that when they awaken on Christmas morning, there won’t be a tree or a sea of presents.

The Oakhurst Elks Lodge wants help families in our area who are unable to provide such Christmas morning moments on their own by giving gifts to children in need. They are having their annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 15 for 9am to 1pm. The Elks are committed to assisting these children with their wants and needs. Each child at the party will receive toys as well as an item of clothing.

Attendees will be children ages 4-12. At the party they will get pizza, soft drinks and ice cream. And a certain jolly old man in a red and white suit will make an appearance to spread Christmas cheer.

You can help make a child’s Christmas a little merrier by making a donation for this effort. Call the Elks at 559-683-2717 for more details.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16, 3:00PMFRESNO FALCONS VS
VICTORIA SALMON KINGSSpecial Appearance by SpongeBob!KidsHoliday Caroling Party on the ice!

It is once again time for “Christmas in the Mountains.” The Vision Academy of the Arts sponsors this annual event and a good time is had by all. Oakhurst, Coarsegold, and North Fork are filled with holiday joy for the first two weekends on December, and you don’t want to miss it.

Activities include: a tree lighting ceremony, breakfast and photo ops with Santa, storytelling, theatrical performances, traveling musicians, and local artisans will have their creations on display so you can start your Christmas shopping early. There’ll even be a window display contest, so if you come early you can pick your favorite and see if that store wins.

All of this fun is set in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains. You can enjoy the best of nature and the best of neighborly hospitality at the same time. Stop by any store with a pine cone decal in the window to purchase your holiday bracelet ($5). This bracelet gives you access to special treats and services at local businesses.
You may have already seen this year’s guide in participating restaurants, hotels, and shops. “Christmas in the Mountains” begins on November 30. If you haven’t been able to pick up a guide you can visit the Vision Academy website to see the complete schedule.

The Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club will be having their 6th Annual Christmas Tree Auction.  The online auction will be running from November 19th through November 30th.  The live event will take place on December 2, 2007.

A variety of donations are being sought for this event.  They are seeking rare collectibles for the auction.  They would also like to auction off business and personal services.

Some of the items that are available and are listed on the website include, 2 tickets for Great America, 4 tickets to the Falcons Hockey Game, various collectibles including a handmade Santa collectible valued at $200, Nativity sets, items for your home, holiday décor and holiday gift wrap, plus much more.

You may now view some of the amazing trees and wreaths that will be available for live bidding on December 2nd.  Bidding for silent auction items will be available online and will continue into the evening on December 2nd.  Proxy bidding is available to those who are not able to attend the event.  Some online items are available for bidding for up to one week after the event ends. 

The Auction will help the Harry H. Baker Boys and Girls Club and several other local charities.

If you are interested in making a personal donation or attending the live event on December 2, 2007 please call 559-642-0313 or visit their website for more information.