BY DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX
Perhaps a rich chocolate Yule Log jelly roll cake with calories-full of luxurious, luscious creamy filling! (Be careful out there on the party circuit.) Remember, Tis the season to ringa-sing out with the Fa-la-las, the Merry-Merrys, Num-num-nums and to quench the thirst of friends, family and strangers alike by pouring good cheer-worthy mugs filled to the rim with traditional eggnog, or whatever the pleasure of your holiday posse. However, keep in mind that Giving is a Great Gift. We don’t need to go into detail. That’s what the holidays are all about. Joy to the world! Here are some events for your “nice” list to show to Santa. Read on.
Saturday, December 6. 10 am. Squats 4 Tots Charity Fundraiser and toy Drive is only in its 2nd year, but its success is assured again as the Go-To event for the season. Why? For its cute handle—Squat for Tots—and its benefits for all from Grand-Tots to Grand-Pops. Let us list the ways: Bring an unwrapped toy to Frances Stevens Park (N. Palm Canyon Dr/Alejo Rd), receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 10-pack of Pilates Classes at Encore Fitness, free entry for Jan. 17 “Healthy Planet Healthy You” Mayor’s Race, plus other great prizes, and start getting fit for 2015 by joining this annual squat challenge. You’ve got to see it to believe it! Host CBS 2’s Patrick Evans shows the way to celebrate the season and shape up in partnership with the City of Palm Springs to benefit Squat for Tots and DAP (Desert Aids Project). To register now, go to www.healthyplanethealthyyoups.com For details contact 760-333-0827.
Give by Date: Thursday, December 18. You’re guided by Sell-by Dates when grocery shopping. So, when you want to make sure our local foster kids find a gift under the tree just for them, you’ll want to play Santa when the Family Health and Support Network kicks off the 11th annual Holiday Toy Drive. FHSN is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for foster children in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Please do your part by donating an unwrapped toy or gift card, make an in-kind donation or offer a financial contribution no later than December 18, 2014. The gifts will be distributed at a private holiday celebration for children, youth, and families on Saturday, December 20. Volunteer Elves are also needed. Toys may be dropped off at FHSN, located at 74-410 Highway 111, Suite D in Palm Desert today until Dec. 18. Office hours are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. “Children in foster care are separated from family, and siblings may be placed in different foster homes, causing additional stress, anxiety and loneliness during the holidays,” explained Sandra Austin, Executive Director of FHSN. “We want to do whatever we can to alleviate their sadness and lift their spirits by providing them with an evening of dinner, entertainment, and gift giving from Santa Claus. The goal is to provide our children with one special night where they are celebrated, empowered, and given a measure of hope.”
Sunday, December 7, 2:00 PM. The Desert Winds Freedom Band presents their annual Holiday Concert “Joy, A Holiday Celebration” at their new home, the Jewish Community Center of Palm Springs, Temple Isaiah, 332 W Alejo Rd., Bochner Auditorium, calling attendance “a must— sure to get you into the holiday spirit for Christmas and Hanukah.” General Admission $30. Tickets may be purchased at www.desertwindsfb,org, or call 760-776-2700. Email: desertwindsfb@yahoo.com Desert Winds Freedom Band, PO Box 4732, Palm Springs, CA 92263-4732. Want to toot your own horn? Or strum your violin The local group of musicians invite you to come “Join the Band,” call 760-776-2700. Send questions to info@desertwindsfb.org
Sunday, December 7, 6:00 – 9:00 PM. A special evening “For the Children, “a fundraiser presented by OperaArts and the Steinway Society of Riverside County to support music programs for students in the Coachella Valley, will showcase our very own talent before they are celebrated by the world! This wonderful evening includes a cash bar cocktail hour, special piano concert, dinner, and an “opera ” dessert. Join us at the Classic Club/Bellatrix Restaurant for an evening of classical piano featuring some of the Steinway Society’s very youngest and most talented artists. The program continues as OperaArts features a delightful program of opera with soprano Jamie Chamberlin, and tenor Todd Strange, accompanied by OperaArts Music Director Victoria Kirsch. The evening also includes a special awards program honoring mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman, Coachella Valley’s own pianist Gale Enger, and Steinway pianists/teachers, Jim McCormick and Edward Kahn. Tickets:!$125/per person. Reservations now accepted for table sponsors at $1250.00 to seat 10 guests. Call: 760.323.8353 for more information and reservations.
Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 PM. What’s Christmas without the celebratory charm, of Tchaikovsky’s classic The Nutcracker Suite on stage as performed by the Moscow Classical Ballet company with the composer’s heart-thrilling music, vivid costumes, spectacular sets, eternally beautiful dancing and fascinating story of young girl, Clara, her nutcracker doll, the Mouse King, a handsome prince (of course), and the Sugar Plum Fairy. It’s a magical journey for all ages from the beginning of the fascinating fairy tale set at a festive party, to journeys through enchanted kingdoms and forests, to Clara’s awakening from her dream, the timeless story of friendship and love will delight the entire family. The McCallum Theatre offers tickets priced at $85, $55, $35 and $25 available at the Theatre’s web site at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS. The McCallum Theatre, located at 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert CA 92260, accepts payment by cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. The McCallum Theatre Box Office, its phone center and website, are the only authorized outlets for tickets to performances presented at the Theatre. Tickets purchased from any other sources, such as brokers or secondary market websites, are purchased at consumer’s own risk and cannot be guaranteed as valid.
“Don’t Be Clueless” wants to remind you that press releases for inclusion should be in to the Coachella Valley Weekly at least two weeks ahead of the scheduled event! Thanks!
