Take Time Out from Football and Leftovers to Introduce Your Pet to Santa

Pet Photos with Santa
Some dogs just dream about visiting Santa, and others dogs will just do it. Saturday is the first day of the extremely popular Pet Photos with Santa at the Marin Humane Society from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Online registration is recommended, but walk-in photos may be available. You will receive two 4x6 prints and a digital file for $25 with all proceeds to benefit the Marin Humane Society. The event is open to all species of animals. Dogs must be on leash, and cats and critters need to be in carriers. Click here to register and view the available dates and times for your pet to see Santa.

"Find the Hero in You"
The need for blood never takes a holiday. In fact, holidays are a difficult time to find donors and the blood banks levels usually decline during this crucial time of the year. Your donation can help save the lives of three people. So when you are shopping, take an hour-long break from the madness and donate. The Blood Centers of the Pacific bloodmobile will be in the parking lot of the Novato Community Hospital, 180 Rowland Blvd. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. Call  1-888-393-GIVE for details.

Scout troops light up the city
For almost 45 years, Novatans have enjoyed a tradition unique to California. Each year, Novato Boy Scout Troops sell luminarias to thousands of homeowners to raise holiday spirits and raise funds for their community service projects, camps and trips. The cost is $8 for 10 luminarias. Families typically purchase 20-30 of the sand-weighted brown bags with candles stuck in them to insure their neighborhoods glow starting at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Each scout troop services a different area of Novato and can be contacted to take orders for luminarias or donations as shown below. 

Troop 42: Services downtown to West Novato, north of Novato Boulevard and the  Presidentials neighborhood surrounding Novato High School. Click here for a downloadable order form or e-mail luminarias@novato-troop42.org.
Troop 82: Services Ignacio, Loma Verde, Hamilton and Bel Marin Keys. E-mail  carolbharris@comcast.net,
Troop 200: Services downtown Novato to West Novato, south of Novato Boulevard. Click here for a downloadable order form or e-mail j.d.rooke@gmail.com.

Rotary Christmas Tree Lot
Buy a holiday tree from the Novato Club of Novato Sunrise Christmas tree lot at St. Vincent Drive and Highway 101 in Marinwood. The Rotary club also offers freshly cut trees, wreaths and garlands. The lot is open weekdays 3 to 6 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 23. Sales benefit local schools, St. Vincent's School for Boys, Boy Scouts, North Bay Children's Center and more worthy causes. Call  883-0800 to learn more.

Bingo at Margaret Todd Center
Over 18 years of age? Come to Big Bucks Sunday Bingo at the Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Rd. This event is open to the public and there is a minimum buy-in of $7. Doors open at noon and the first game commences at 1 p.m. There will be refreshments, door prizes and pull tab games. This is the last bingo game of the year, so don't miss out on the fun. Questions? Call 899-8254.