Looking for illumination, even if I have to buy it

While others are out shopping on Black Friday until they're blind, you'll find me lugging out the artificial tree (I used to cut them each year, but now live in the desert, and was tired of buying those Roman candles sold on tree lots) and putting the lights on. The decorating begins when the girls return from spending Thanksgiving with their dad, as they do each year.

Any rate, there I was, up to my eyeballs in lights, when I began to wonder.

Are there really people out there who spend time trying to discover which one of the million lights doesn't work? Or who actually use those teeny fuses that are packaged with the lights?

I've got a spare bag of fuses and replacement light bulbs. Each year, the collection of fuses and bulbs grows and I'm beginning to think they should be made into earrings or some craft project.

Because frankly, I'll be throwing out those strings of lights that don't work before I ever sit down, and with my one proven light bulb try to find the bugger that's causing problems. Or ever even try to locate where the fuses are supposed to go.

Life is just not long enough for me to worry about that.

Any rate, in Dayton, the season of giving or rather, gathering so the giving can begin, is under way.

Liza McGann at Community Threads Thrift Shop (where I found a screaming deal on lights to replace the myriad that were cast away) would like everyone to know they have a lot of Christmas inventory, which the women there have no intention of packing up once the season is gone.

Whether you're looking for lights, as I was, decorations or glassware, they've got it. Visit them at 80 Shady Lane, off Pike Street in Dayton.

The community is invited to a Hometown Christmas from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Community Roots, located on the corner of Highway 50 and Second Avenue.

Photos with Santa will be taken and all monies will be used to support the Lucky Horse Rescue Corral's winter feeding program. One of the wild horse orphans will be on hand.

Also, attendees are encouraged to bring a toy for the Stuff-a-Cop-Car Toy drive. Toys will be given to children in the community.

Additionally, all tree, wreath, garland, cookies, cocoa and cider sales will be used to buy toys.

Dusti Houk, student adviser at Dayton Intermediate School, has again organized the candy-gram fundraiser. Students purchase the candy-grams and all proceeds are used to buy toys and necessities for children.

There's no end to the need this year, folks. Every bit of help makes a difference in a life and it feels good, too. For ways you can help, contact Healthy Communities at 246-7550.

Dayton High School's Advisory Class is conducting a stuff-a-stocking event, asking for donations of anything that could be used as a stocking stuffer including socks, candy, hygiene items and toys. Drop-off those items at the high school.

On another note, it seems there is a Grinch among us. There have been reports of outdoor decorations being stolen throughout Dayton. Heads up. Someone may want your blow-up Santa.

Whoever's doing this should know there are children living in several of those homes, who are very upset by these actions. Shame on you, whoever you are. Buy your own ornaments.

Mark your calendars for the Dayton Intermediate School's Holiday Concert, which takes place 7 p.m. Wednesday in the gymnasium. Music teacher Allison Smith has been working to bring us a special evening of music, presented by the choir and sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade bands. The last performance in October was delightful.

The DIS Family Night Series continues with Science Night, 6 p.m. Thursday. Anne Jolly, seventh-grade science teacher and student council advisor, invites all parents and their children to participate in hands-on experiments and receive ideas and information for the science fair. The science department will be handing out reference materials for the science fair projects.

These evenings provide not only an opportunity for learning, but are a positive way for parents to get a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of our children and to be involved in the school. The activities are fun and the information invaluable.

Have a blessed week.

• Karel Ancona-Henry can be reached at kancona henry@sierranevadamedia.com or at 246-4000.