‘Tis the season to get vaccinated against the flu!

I hope you were at the Seventh Annual Salvation Army and Virgin Valley Community Food Bank Parade of Lights last Thursday evening to watch the brightly lighted parade entries, listen to the holiday music, and partake of hot chocolate and cookies provided by Eureka Casino Resort.

I was honored to be invited to ride on the antique fire truck along with Mayor Al Litman, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. It was wonderful seeing your smiling faces and hearing your cheers along the parade route. Young community volunteers moved about the crowds with carts to collect food donated at the event. I was also heartened by the number of children who were having fun.

The next day Organizer Debbie Benham gave me a peek at an impressive amount of food donated thus far by businesses and individuals. It will be shared among the Salvation Army and the Virgin Valley Community Food Banks. The exact total donated in pounds will be announced at a future city council meeting.

Thank you, everyone, for your donation of food and a special thank you for everyone who decorated vehicles and participated in the parade.

You don’t want to miss the Sixth Annual Christmas With the Donkeys at the Scenic, Arizona, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue on Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. We are fortunate to have a local satellite adoption center operated by Joan Dunkle and Fred Clark that is part of a nationwide rescue founded by Mark and Amy Meyers in Texas.

Joan tells me that in the twelve years they have been operating, the rescue has expanded to include tours, information, education, and training of the American Donkey. In addition to adoption and fostering, they offer “generic” fostering, which allows them to get the animals used to human contact.

A donation of any amount is appreciated. If you want to be named as a foster for one of their donkeys for $30 per month, which pays for food, you can contact Joan at [email protected].

This is such a fascinating program, so if you don’t have time before the holidays, do put this on your list to check out for 2022. Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/PVDR.Scenic.AZ

There's a lot happening on Saturday, December 11, so get up early, have a good breakfast, and bring your dog to be photographed with Santa and the Grinch beginning at 11:00 a.m. at BARK!, in the Brickyard Plaza. Proceeds will go to We Care for Animals and Friends of Mesquite Animal Shelter. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Need a gift for your furry family member? Check out The Modern Pet at 1085 W. Pioneer Boulevard, Suite 190. There are lots of cute holiday items your pet can't do without.

Store Manager Zoe Hansen and her friends wish you a Happy Howliday!

Need a calendar to keep you (or someone else) cheery all year long? The Women's History and Culture Center held a pet contest and created a calendar of the winners and contestants.

You can purchase Preen Your Pet 2022 Calendar for a $10 donation. Proceeds will benefit Friends of Mesquite Animal Shelter, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, and We Care for Animals. (My cat Fibonacci is pictured on the December page).

Contact the center at [email protected] or call

Carol Saldivar at 801-628-1849 or Jean Watkins at 702-345-4088.

On Saturday I stopped by Danielle's Chocolates and Popcorn to check out the goodies at their store at 1155 West Pioneer Boulevard, Suite 102. So much to choose from, sweet, savory, and sugar-free chocolates and other candies. Snowy popcorn comes in several flavors. You won't be disappointed.

Danielle's is one of our city's most popular businesses. This family-run operation located to Mesquite in 2003, having been founded by Calvin and Joyce Lee in Idaho in 1980. In fact, Grandpa Calvin is still dipping chocolates and helping with day-to-day operations with Jocelyn Frawnda alongside other members of the family.

Need to buy sweet treats as gifts for the holidays? Stop by the store or shop online at www.snowypopcorn.net.

Once again, Mesquite Police Department will host “Shop with a Cop” for local youngsters on December 15. Other neighboring law enforcement agencies will also participate in this event.

Children who were carefully pre-selected based upon their needs and circumstance will be picked up from school by their assigned officer and they will go shopping together. This is valuable one-on-one time with the officer and the child while they pick out gifts for themselves and their family.

Then, Mesquite Elks Lodge #2811 will host a hot lunch and dessert with Mr. and Mrs. Claus who will pose for photos with the children. After lunch, the kids will return to school.

This event is fully funded through community donations and MPD would like to thank all past and future supporters of this incredible event.

If you would like to donate to “Shop with a Cop”, drop off your donation at the Mesquite Police Department, 695 Mayan Circle. Checks should be made payable to the Mesquite Police Department. For questions please call 702-346-5262.

Bell ringing is fun. It really is!

I watched so many children encouraged by their parents to put money in the kettle, I couldn't help but smile.

The Mesquite Salvation Army is asking for volunteers to take on one or two-hour shifts at Smith's and Walgreen's.

If you can ring the bells, please call 702-345 5116 and ask for the Kettle Bell Coordinator. Donations stay in the community.

The Salvation Army is also collecting new unwrapped toys and gift cards. Please drop off your donations at 742 West Pioneer Boulevard, Suite D.

The trees have tags for those who have requested specific items. You can choose a tag and purchase the items as a donation for someone in need. The tag and the gifts should be returned to the Salvation Army by December 10.

This takes the guessing out of holiday donation giving and I encourage you to visit our Angel Trees.

The first 50 applications received by City of Mesquite can participate in the contest. You can pick up an application at the Mesquite Recreation Center or download it HERE.

For more information, please contact the Department of Athletics & Leisure Services at 702-346-8732.

Pink Christmas Nevada is holding its second annual event at Scotties at Falcon Ridge Golf Course on December 11 at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour, music, and raffle.

You can join the fun and support three local Mesquite residents who have had financial needs from battling cancer. Anita Burton, Shaquel Cannon, and Wende Wolfe-Killinger have been chosen as beneficiaries this year.

For more information phone Kirsten Pearson at 702-279-2530.

Virgin Valley Theatre Group invites you to A Neverland Christmas Carol.

There are only three more performances, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. and December 11 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets online at http://mctnv.com, email [email protected], or call 702-345-4499. There is a reduced price for ages 17 and under.

Have you stopped by and seen the lovely gifts made by our local artists? This is a wonderful opportunity to find a unique gift. The Mesquite Fine Arts Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Don't miss it.

I will be taking a holiday break. My next newsletter will be sent in 2022.

I look forward to telling you about the many people in Mesquite who make our city a thriving and interesting place to live.

If you know anyone who wants to sign up for my newsletter, please refer them to my website, scroll to the bottom and sign up. It is that easy!

Have a wonderful holiday. Be safe, everyone.

Karen