Local briefly Nov. 16

Pajama program celebrates 10th year

"Danger Season" for children continues through March 31 to ensure that as temperatures drop, children will be warm at bedtime. This is the most important time for the Pajama Program, whose purpose is giving new pajamas and new books to children in need all year long.

"I have more than 100 more children to provide for this year than the last two previous winters. It is a very crucial time, and we need your help," said Christy Bertholf, chapter president for the Northern Nevada Pajama Program. "The pajamas and books go to shelters from Gardnerville to Reno and as far as Elko. Brand new pajamas are needed to keep these children warm on these cold Nevada nights."

To find out how to help, contact Bertholf at christynevada@pajamaprogram.org.

Artist hosts open studio preview sale

Gardnerville Artist Teri Sweeney will once again hold an Open Studio Preview and Sale of her latest work at her Gardnerville studio.

Sweeney, a nationally known Western artist, has been preparing artwork for the 2012 spring show season. The preview offers local art collectors a first peek at her latest work in watercolors and oils and the opportunity to purchase pieces not yet shown to the public.

Along with painting for shows, Sweeney also teaches watercolor classes in Gardnerville and Lake Tahoe and holds several workshops a year at various locations throughout the West. Check out her website at www.terisweeneyart.com to view her current work and for more information about her show, class and workshop schedules.

The Open Studio will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3 and from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the artist's studio at 1092 Oro Way in Gardnerville. For more information about the Open Studio, call 775-790-9261.

Lutherans offer annual Craftique open house

The annual craftique open house featuring many unique hand-crafted items by local artisans will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1201 N. Saliman Road.

For more information, call 882-6528.000

Black and White holiday luncheon Dec. 10

Come and join the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary for an elegant holiday event.

The Black and White holiday luncheon will start at 11 a.m. Dec. 10 with a bake sale and social hour, followed at noon by lunch, at the Gold Dust West Hotel and Casino, 2171 E. William St.

Entertainment during lunch includes Victorian Christmas carolers, a fashion show by White House/Black Market from the Summit, and a surprise visitor. There also will be a silent auction and raffle drawing with many prizes. This is a family event and is open to the public. Tickets are $40 and are available for sale at the Auxiliary Gift Shop at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center or by calling Delsye Mills at 775-883-1532.

The Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary is an all-volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization whose purpose is to render assistance through public activities and fundraising in support of the Regional Medical Center, nursing scholarships, and regional health care needs.

For more information, contact the Auxiliary Gift Shop at 775-445-5142.

Food donations earn free flu shot vouchers

Carson City Health and Human Services is collecting food donations through Dec. 9 for its annual Homeless Christmas

Anyone who donates two cans of food will receive a voucher for a free flu shot or nasal spray vaccine, redeemable from 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4:30 p.m. on immunization Thursdays. Each family may earn up to four flu shot vouchers.

Bring unopened cans of food to the Health Department at 900 E. Long St. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 887-2190.

Democrats set up Angel Tree for Empire students

A Christmas Angel Tree has been set up by the Carson City Democratic Committee at Democratic headquarters, 502 E. John St., Suite G, to provide gifts to children who are students at Empire Elementry School and to the childrens' siblings.

Participants are asked to come in, pick an angel from the tree and learn the first name, age, size, needs and hopes of the child who needs help in having a merry Christmas. Volunteers will gift wrap the gifts for those who need help wrapping. For information call 841-3367.

PAWS for Thanks hosted by Subaru dealership

Subaru's Share the Love PAWS for Thanks event will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Michael Hohl Subaru, 2910 S. Carson St. The day includes pet adoptions, pet CPR training, raffles, pet products for sale, face painting and a coloring contest. Mayor Bob Crowell is expected to make an appearance.

Carson Tahoe Society for the Protection of Animals will be on hand, and its shelter will have a chance to win $20,000 from Subaru and the American SPCA. For more information, call Matthew Hohl at 775-885-0400.

Nugget hosts Pre-Noël Craft Fair this weekend

The second annual Nugget Pre-Noël Craft Fair is open from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday on the second floor of the Nugget. Gifts to fit any budget and style will be offered, including lavender products, scented candles, ladies clothing, handbags, hats, knitted and crocheted items for the entire family, toys, gift baskets, handmade greeting cards, gourd art and framed photography. Live entertainment by Mr. Spoons, Stan and Jo, and the Mountain Girls will be provided throughout the weekend. Food will be available for the public.

Proceeds will benefit Court-Appointed Special Advocates. For information, call 887-1294, email fred@eventsnevada.com or go to www.eventsnevada.com/Nugget.html.

Authors, publishers meet to share work

The first Sierra Authors and Publishers meeting was a big success, according to organizers, so writers and publishers are encouraged to attend the next meeting from 1to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Foreman-Roberts House, at the corner of Carson and Corbett streets.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a short reading. The goal is to provide each member with support, encouragement and information to help them put forth their best work. Critiques and readings will be discussed. For information, contact Pat Cuellar at lifeprints@sbcglobal.net or Sue Ballew at whitecatantiques@gmail.com.