Idea for memorial stamp for fallen police officers meets with approval

Al Bertone's quest for a postage stamp honoring fallen police officers is one step closer to reality after the committee approved the design. He received notification from the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee earlier this week that the stamp design, a blue officer's badge draped in a red rose, had been approved.

"They are working on getting it printed and they said they had a lot of letters in support of the stamp," said Bertone, 77.

It could take up to three years before the stamp is actually printed and put into circulation. Each year, the U.S. Postal Service issues about 24 stamps on a variety of topics. The ideas for the stamps are chosen by the committee from ideas submitted by the public.

In the meantime, Bertone has moved on to his next project, collecting signatures for a license plate bearing the same design. To make the plate a reality, Bertone needs to collect 1,000 signatures. So far he has 200.

To add your name to the list of signatures, call Bertone at 841-7005.

A group of riding enthusiasts made the recent holidays better for 25 families in Dayton and Stagecoach with food baskets and gifts.

The High Desert Horsemen, which began in January 2005, collects a food item from each participant on its rides, then at the end of the year makes up baskets for needy families.

Funds were raised by Silent Auctions and donations by the members. Employees of Albertsons in Lake Tahoe donated 13 turkeys and two club members donated 12 turkeys. Baskets were made up that provided an entire turkey dinner.

Linda Mulkey of Stagecoach, secretary/treasurer for the club, said this was one way for the equestrians to give back to the communities that assisted them their first year.

She said the club hopes to double the number of baskets in 2006.

Robert and Lucy Hembrough of Meadow Lane in Stagecoach took first prize in the Light Up Stagecoach Christmas lights contest.

They had a snowball and Santa Claus made of lights, as well as other lighting displays.

"They really went all out," said organizer Margo Easley said. "They had a very extensive display."

Easley said that, although there were only eight entries, there could have been more.

"Many of the homes could easily have been entered in the contest," she said.

Second place went to Gary Beasley of Pueblo Drive for his display that featured a lit 1945 Case tractor, along with stars and "Merry Christmas" spelled out in lights.

Third place went to Donna Snoball of Osage Drive, whose yard was full of decorated Christmas trees.

Each winner received a certificate, a gift certificate from Gold Canyon Steakhouse, a free large pizza from R &S Pizza and a Christmas ornament.

The Hembroughs also received a bottle of wine and a gold-plated Santa corkscrew.

All eight participants received a certificate thanking them for their community spirit.

The contest was sponsored by the Stagecoach Community Development Foundation, a nonprofit group that seeks to promote Stagecoach.

Lori called to report that, while writing a check in the casino area of Safeway on North Carson Street, she misplaced her pen.

"It's not just a ball-point pen," she explained. "It has sentimental value. It's silver and slender and beautiful."

She was awarded the pen upon working five years at Kmart. She ultimately worked seven years for the company.

She is afraid another customer, not realizing the significance of the pen, picked it up.

Anyone with information about the silver pen with a Kmart logo, should call Lori at 887-1173.