Holiday cheer really arrived this week with Mother Nature's perfect gift for Tahoe. Get out to look at some of the great lights as they sparkle and glitter in the beautiful white snow. Let's not forget that Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, Dec. 11.

A couple of special events this weekend include a raffle being held at Rookies for Toys for Tots. The Toys for Tots program desperately needs unwrapped toys this year. The Village Center is hosting a special Sip ‘n Shop Saturday, which should be fun. And don't forget that Brunch with Santa is Sunday, and every child attending will receive a special gift from the Children's Cabinet of Incline Village.

A very happy birthday this past week to Henry Vom Steeg of Tahoe Vista. Henry turned 96. Also celebrating birthdays during the week were Ruth Sandin and Ruth Steele. Shannon Skarritt is celebrating Dec. 11, Sylvia Bachman on Dec. 12, Barbara Brooks and Jeff Bendorf on Dec. 13. Happy Birthday!

Did you hear about the great Flapper Party at The Big Water Grille Tuesday night? It was such a popular event that this could become an annual for TWS. Ladies attending included Nancy Lynch, Ruth Greer, Julyne Leonhart, CeCe Elliott, Heather Bacon, Ramona Hackbart, Cathy Piechowski and Joannie Nygren, as well as Judith Buckingham and a lot of other local women. What fun.

Our local We the People Class will be competing at Truckee Meadows Community College Saturday, and everyone in the community is sending good wishes. The team under the direction of Mr. Hyams includes 17 seniors with Walt Borland, Alan and Natalie Tiras, Devon Hymstra, Steven McKay, Ryan Spizman, Jim Mancuso, Del Webb, Amy Henderson, Whitney Foehl, Mr. Milt Hyams, Sr., and Lawrie Lieberman helping the students.

Congratulations to Dave Ferrari, recipient of the 2009 Chris Ballin Award from the Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee.

Best wishes to Loren and Betsy Campbell as they head off for a month in Virginia. We will miss you but know what a great holiday you will have there.

And special wishes to Lyn Berardo who is recovering from pneumonia. Get well Lyn!

Deals and Steals in our community that have been mentioned this week include the Hub Brothers Jewelry Store. They are giving back 5 percent to our local nonprofit organizations on December purchases. The nonprofit is selected by the buyer. This includes if you sell your gold jewelry back to the Hub Brothers too. Awesome idea.

Remember as always to send your news, birthdays, anniversaries along with local deals and steals to jeick@tahoebonanza.com.