Searching for backpacks and working with wool

The Dayton Martial Arts Program is conducting a back to school supply drive through Friday. The group is collecting backpacks, pencils, paper and other school supplies. The donations will be distributed to the local schools shortly after the new school year begins.

The program is doing the drive to help those in the community and to play an active role in making the community a better place. Donations of traditional school supplies can be dropped off at the Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St. in Old Town Dayton during normal business hours or when the karate class meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Anyone with questions can call 443-5741 or e-mail watermolenkarate@wildblue.net.

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Can you imagine making yourself an embroidered formal dress out of wool? How about a black wool dress, or a snazzy double-breasted, two-toned jacket?

Youth from across Northern Nevada have been hard at work making dresses and jackets for the 50th annual "Make it with Wool" Contest. The contest takes place Saturday in the Exhibit Hall at the Nevada State Fairgrounds in Reno.

"It's a great way for kids to network and meet other youth with similar interests," said JoAnne Elston, a 4-H volunteer leader for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension for 31 years and state director of the contest.

Elston is also the only Nevadan to have received the National 4-H Alumni Award.

The judging of the "Make it with Wool" Contest will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the fashion show at 3 p.m. There is no fee for spectators who want to come see the show.

"You will see some really amazing garments," Elston said. In addition to the entries by youth, there are entries by adults in a separate category. The competition is sponsored by the American Sheep Industry and the Nevada Wool Growers.

For more information on the "Make it with Wool" Contest or 4-H, call Sarah Chvilicek, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension at 784-4848. The 4-H program is a youth leadership and development program of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.