Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels: Silver to those who are helping others

The Nevada Appeal's "Silver Dollar" and "Wooden Nickel" feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.

Silver Dollar: 1,401 silver dollars to Mike and Loreen Hautekeet of Mike's Pharmacy, for once again hosting their annual turkey roundup. They exceeded last year's total with their take of 1,401 birds, plus food for the side dishes. Thanks to all who donated, including the generous anonymous donor who left a $1,000 check, and those who came in toting 10 turkeys (say that three times fast). Your efforts will go a long way to giving many families in the Carson City area a happy holiday.

Silver Dollar: To Nevada's U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, who broke with the GOP and voted to extend unemployment benefits. The measure failed to pass the House, though, and more than 10,000 Nevadans face losing their benefits at the end of the month. Without that safety net, thousands of Nevadans face homelessness, hunger and worse, dealing a serious blow to our state's fragile recovery. Good for Dean Heller for standing on principle, not party line.

Silver Dollar: To the EPIC program, a collaboration between Carson High School, the Mentor Center and Western Nevada College that pairs students with professionals in the community. The mentors help students be successful through high school and guide them into the next phase of education. Bridget Gordon and Paul Young, who are coordinating the program through the Mentor Center, are looking for volunteers who will work with students from their sophomore year of high school through their first year of college or trade school. It's a big commitment, but one that could make a life-changing difference for a young person. Call them at 445-3282 if you're interested in being a real life hero.

Silver Dollar: We admit it, we're guilty - guilty of catching Royal Fever. Those of us who grew up watching Princess Di's fairy-tale wedding and not-so-storybook life are pleased that Prince William has found a princess-to-be bride who by all appearances is a sensible, down-to-earth girl. May they find the happiness his mother never did.