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Schools

Spookily Easy Ways to Help the Schools

October is shaping up to be a month filled with ways to make a difference in our schools.

Want two fabulous opportunities for festivals this Saturday, Oct. 6? There’s the 55th Annual Fall Kermes Festival at Lynwood Elementary and the Fall Festival at Our Lady of Loretto. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of time to hit both events, and I’m sure the kids have the energy to do both. Take a gander at the fliers to get more information. You can call OLL at 892-8621 for more information.

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Put on your sombreros and head over to Chevy’s on Monday, Oct. 8. That’s when the go-to place in Vintage Oaks will be forking over 15 percent of all proceeds to San Jose Middle School. Bring the flier and lots of friends and family.

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I’m going to dig out the many old digital cameras I’ve got stashed away and drop them off over at Novato High School. How about you do the same? Ms. Ricki Eggert, Digital Arts teacher, is looking for donations of used and older cameras that can be used by Digital Art, Yearbook and Multimedia students. You can drop off your donation in Room 2903 or at the Novato High office with a note indicating it’s for Ms. Eggert.

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While you’re looking through your closets for those cameras, how about you also set aside those winter and rain coats and boots you and your family have outgrown? Hamilton Meadow Park School is starting its much used and incredibly helpful Open Closet program. You’ve got the gently used items, and there are plenty of people in need. Closets have to be cleaned out, assuming you’re not angling for an appearance on an episode of A&E’s “Hoarders,” and what a great way to make you feel good and make others feel warm. You can drop your items off at Hamilton’s office or call 883-4691 for more information.

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Harvest Market’s third annual Pumpkin Bucks fundraiser started on Oct.1 and runs through Oct. 31. (Do I really have to tell you that Oct. 31 is Halloween?) Purchase your pumpkin at Harvest Market, and tell the cashier at the register which school you’d like to support. Fully 100 percent of the profits go to the schools. Word on the street says some schools have had the profits from as many as 500 pumpkins make their way into school coffers. But, wait, there’s more! You also get a coupon for a discount off your next shopping trip. See the flier for more details.

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Finnegan’s is stepping up to help Novato Youth Soccer on Saturday, Oct. 13. All day, just mention that you’re visiting Finnegan’s in support of NYSA, and the fine folks there will fork over 15 percent of the bill back to the league.

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Also on Saturday, Oct. 13, this one from 2-6 p.m., come on over to Red Boy Pizza at Ignacio Center and join in a “FUNdraiser” for the College Dream team Program and the Novato Chess Club. Not only can you get some great pizza, but you’ll be serenaded by the smooth jazz music performed by Carl Oser, a San Marin High school graduate. See the flier for more details.

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It’s not too early to support the annual Vets and Cadets Dinner with its dual purpose of honoring local Marin veterans and raising funds to support the JROTC program at Novato High. This year the event is Thursday, Nov. 15, at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield. You can purchase tickets at the Building Better Citizens for America website or by contacting the JROTC at 314-5429. All veterans and active-duty members attend for free. If you have items to donate to the silent auction or if you’d like to donate so a vet can attend, please visit the website or call the folks at JROTC.

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All right, then, get out there. You know you want do something good. It's a nice feeling to have. And it's even nicer when you get to have fun while doing good.

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