Community briefs

With less than a month before the ball drops and we bid good-bye to 2006, the Nevada Appeal is preparing for one final look back at the stories and events that helped define the year that was and we need your help.

We need you to let us know what stands out in your mind as the most important local and national stories of the past 12 months and why. E-mail your responses to jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-1217 by Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. and then look for the selections in the paper and online at www.nevadaappeal.com Dec. 24.

Carson City

United Blood Services needs blood for the holidays

The community blood supply is always low during the holiday season, due to the weather, sickness, shopping and celebrating; however, with cancer, operations, accidents and other trauma, blood is needed most during the holidays. United Blood Services is encouraging the community to join them in their Season of Giving campaign. An ornament representing each of their hospital patients has been placed on the Christmas tree.

Each donor can choose an ornament to take home knowing that they have helped this patient. The goal is to have each ornament chosen by Christmas. During December there will be a drawing for an iPod Shuffle and an overnight stay at Harrah's, Reno. Scooter Santa will also be in attendance 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 16.

Refreshments will be served and each child will receive a gift. United Blood Services is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Saturdays they are open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. the last Sunday of every month. Saturday morning donors receive continental breakfast and every other Wednesday is Pizza Night courtesy of Pizza Factory.

For information or to schedule an appointment, call 887-9111 or visit www.bloodhero.com.

Web browsing class for novice computer users offered

The Carson City Library will be offering an introduction to using a Web browser at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Library auditorium, 900 N. Roop St. A reference librarian will cover the basics for novice Web users; e-mail and chat rooms are not covered. To reserve a seat call 887-2244.

Alzheimer's presentation and workshop Wednesday

The Alzheimer's Association will be holding a free presentation and workshop entitled "Maximizing Your Memory and Maintaining a Healthy Brain" from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Dr. For information call 786-8061 and ask for Krista Scheel.

Learn about the Donner Party at the railroad museum

Weather historian Mark McLaughlin will present a free program on the Donner Party at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, 2180 S. Carson St. The illustrated talk will be based on his book about the Donner Party. Call 687-6953.

'Welcome Winter' program at Brewery

Revive your spirits with "Welcome Winter: A Musical Celebration" at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St.

The show features Celtic and other holiday entertainment by the Gairin duo on vocals, accordion, guitars, mandolin, Irish bouzouki, and bodhran, and by the Silver Strings on fiddles, flute, and cello.

The program includes Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales," narrated by Rita Geil and refreshments.

Tickets are $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors, students and BAC members and free for children age 12 and under. Tickets are available at the BAC, 883-1976, online at ActivityTickets.com, or at the door. All proceeds benefit the Brewery.

Dayton

Dayton ski club holding enrollment meeting Wednesday

The Dayton 4-H Ski and Snowboard Club will be holding its final enrollment meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dayton Intermediate School's Multipurpose room. The club is open to anyone ages 9 through high school. Cost is $220 if you provide your own equipment and $260 if you need rentals. For information, call 246-0961.