Nevada Recycles Day
November 15
So far, this year, IVGID Waste Not’s HHW and E-waste collection programs have diverted more than 20 tons of toxic materials from the landfill. Household hazardous waste and electronic items accepted for free recycling/disposal include fluorescent light bulbs, household batteries, non-latex paints and stains, cleaners, pesticides, working and non-working electronics (no televisions), computers and computer accessories. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1220 Sweetwater Road, Incline Village, ivgid.org/conservation, 775-832-1284.
Holiday Ice Spectacular
Watch National Championship Ice Skaters rehearse for the Holiday Ice Spectacular on the practice rink outside of Reno’s Eldorado Hotel Casino from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., through November 15. The state-of-the-art portable practice rink is on the Northeast corner of the parking lot on Fourth and Sierra Streets. It was constructed in 48 hours with 4,000 gallons of water using refrigeration coil technology and a 64-horsepower chiller, which keeps the ice frozen solid at about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The Eldorado Showroom stage will be transformed into an ice skating rink for the Holiday Ice Spectacular, scheduled to debut on November 21. It is a thrilling spectacle of dazzling world-class figure skaters in a modern mix of classic holiday songs. Festive costumes, high-energy routines of astonishing precision, and a contemporary version of The Nutcracker promise holiday cheer. Tickets from $28.95 for adults, $19.95 for children, and $23.95 for seniors. Dinner and show packages are available from $38.95. eldoradoreno.com, 800-648-5966.
HollyART Handmade Art and Crafts
November 15 through January 12
The North Tahoe Arts Center showcases handmade, seasonal art and crafts from local artists. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 380 North Lake Boulevard, Tahoe City, next to the Fire Station. northtahoearts.com, 530-581-2787.
Donner Lake Turkey Trot
November 16
Make room for the pumpkin pies and treats in the season ahead. Join the 32nd Annual 7-mile Turkey Trot run/walk around Donner Lake. (Mashed potato mile for the kids). Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. Race starts 10:30 a.m. at West-End Beach. Pre-registration is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Well-behaved dogs on a leash welcome. auburnskiclub.org, 530-426-3313 x 110.
Tour Frank Sinatra’s Tunnel
Friday and Saturday Nights
From 1960 to 1963, famous crooner Frank Sinatra owned the Cal Neva, during which time the casino became a popular hangout for The Rat Pack and mobsters. Sinatra installed a secret tunnel that discreetly carried celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr., and John F. Kennedy from Sinatra’s private chalet to the main building.
Experience the colorful history of the Cal Neva Resort, Spa and Casino firsthand with Tunnel Tours every Friday and Saturday night at 6 p.m. A knowledgeable guide will inform you about those who frequented the property. You might even see a ghost. $8 per person. Meet at the Circle Bar in the Cal Neva, 2 Stateline Road, Crystal Bay. calnevaresort.com, 775-298-3160.
Pancake Breakfast
December 7
The Truckee Tahoe Senior Council sponsors a pancake breakfast on the first Sunday of each month to benefit the local Sierra Senior’s Services and Programs. From 8 to 11:30 a.m. Adults $7, Children $3. The December event is hosted by CATT at the Truckee Donner Senior Apartment Community Dining Room, 10040 Estates Drive, Truckee. 530-550-7600
Cross Country Ski Swap
November 15
Come to the Eighth Annual Tahoe Cross Country Ski Swap, the biggest swap in the region dedicated to Nordic sports. Find clothing and accessories for skate skiing, striding, snowshoeing, and backcountry/telemark at the fundraiser for the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Education Association. Check in your sale items Friday, November 14, from 2 to 9 p.m. Free admission. From10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Raffle at 12 p.m. for season pass, 10-pack, and wax card. And don’t miss Tahoe XC’s Season Kick-Off Potluck Dinner on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Both events at 925 Country Club Drive, Tahoe City. tahoexc.org, 530-583-5475.
Help Local Families This Christmas
Truckee Community Christmas is gearing up to help several hundred local families this holiday season. Truckee Community Christmas collaborates with a number of local groups and businesses collecting and distributing food, toys, and clothing donations. This year’s tough economic climate could make securing donations a greater challenge than in years past. Volunteers and donations are needed.
• Food collection barrels will appear at local grocery stores November 28. Food products should be nonperishable with non-expired freshness labels. No homemade canned or baked goods. Cash and gift card donations gratefully accepted. Lynn Richardson 530-582-2422.
• Toy collection barrels at participating banks, real estate offices, schools, and businesses the first week in December. New unwrapped toys (especially gifts for infants and teens), gift wrap, tags, and ribbons are gratefully accepted. Alissa Just 530- 587-6681, ext. 11 or 530-906-4284.
• Coat collection is at Church of the Mountains, 10069 Church Street, Truckee. Warm, clean, gently used (no holes or broken zippers) adult and children’s coats and snow clothes appreciated. Mindy Harrington 530-582-4752.
• The Adopt-A-Senior program gives locals the opportunity to reach out and help area seniors. Many are homebound and appreciate the extra assistance and attention they receive from our caring community. Donors provide necessities from seniors’ wish lists. Patti Bena 530-587-4550.
• Distribution at the former Sierra Mountain Middle School. Pat Callahan and Joan Hartwell coordinate collection, sorting, packing, wrapping, and distribution during the week of December 15. All donations must be received prior to Friday, December 19.
• For those who prefer to help by simply writing a check, mail contributions to Truckee Community Christmas, P.O. Box 2955, Truckee, CA 96160. All donations are tax deductible. 530-587-2757.
Diamond Peak Lodge Grand Opening
December 6
Diamond Peak just finished a $4 million dollar base lodge renovation, and youre invited to come celebrate at the Grand Opening. The party includes a tour of the new lodge with a commemorative T-shirt, live music, appetizers, drinks, and text message contests. Bring your oldest Diamond Peak season pass or lift ticket for a special grand prize. From 3 to 5 p.m., 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village. DiamondPeak.com, 775-832-1177.
Shop Local Week
December 1 through 7
Take advantage of deals and specials at local retailers. Shopping in the neighborhood helps support locally owned independent businesses, and sustains the North Lake Tahoe economic community, your friends, and neighbors. Watch your mailbox for the North Lake Tahoe Shop Local Contest Card, or pick one up at participating retailers. The more holiday shopping you do locally between December 1 – 24, the more stamps you’ll get on your contest card. Turn your card in at the end of the contest period to be entered for great prizes from North Lake Tahoe merchants. Help make this joint effort between the Tahoe City Downtown Assoc. and North Tahoe Business Association a success. Participants on visittahoecity.com, 530-583-3348.
Tahoe City Holly-Days Jubilee
December 1 through 24
Start the season with the Tahoe City Tree Lighting on December 5. Festivities include refreshments, bonfire, music, and family activities. 5 p.m. Get your Santa photos on December 6 at the Family Winter Wonderland. Hot drinks, refreshments, and more. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Heritage Plaza, Tahoe City. visittahoecity.com, 583-3348.
