Weekend Planner Dec. 2-4

It's the first weekend in December and there is a lot going on in Carmichael.

1. In high school sports, both and are hosting their own boys basketball tournaments. The Raiders host the Jack Scott Tournament. On Thursday, Rio lost to Roseville 65-56 and fell to Center 57-52, meaning the league rivals Eagles and Raiders will meet today at 5:30 p.m. The host the Fr. Barry Classic where, after defeating Bishop Manogue of Reno 98-46 on Thursday, Jesuit will face Bishop O'Dowd of Oakland at 7:30 p.m. tonight. The Dragons are the two-time defending D-III CIF Northern California Regional champions and are led by 6-foot-7 wing Richard Longrus, a Washington State signee, The Sacramento Bee reported.

2. The 60-voice will be performing a Christmas Concert featuring familiar traditional carols and choruses from Handel’s Messiah tonight at 7:30 pm at , 5025 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.
The chorale group has been bringing fine music to the Sacramento region for 35 years. The holiday performance will be accompanied by an orchestra and featuring the Bel Tempo Handbells. Tickets for adults are $12 if ordered in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets for children (under age 12) are $5.  For advance orders, please call 331-5810. More information about the chorale’s 2011-12 concert/cabaret schedule is available at the River City Chorale website.

3. The is once again participating in . News10, Swansons Cleaners, Tri Counties Bank, The UPS Store and the Salvation Army ask for your help in keeping families warm this winter by donating to the program. Simply stop by the District office at 7837 Fair Oaks Blvd in Carmichael and drop off your new or gently used coats. Remember coats of all sizes will be accepted. The deadline to donate at the District office is Dec. 8.

4. The 's annual Holiday Sale is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will include nature books, pottery, Native American baskets, art, jewelry, photography and more. Refreshments, festive music from the Sacramento Symphonic Winds and gift-wrapping are also available. There is a 20 percent discount in the Discovery Shop and 10 percent discount from vendors for all ARNHA members. You can see get more information on all the above on Effie Yeaw's website at http://www.sacnaturecenter.net .

5. Holiday Show of Hands Fundraiser

Saturday 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

, 5701 Locust Avenue, Carmichael.

St. John’s parents will be hosting their thirty-third annual “Holiday Show of Hands”, an arts and crafts Christmas sale featuring custom work by more than 150 vendors and artists. Special features include the Fashion Pavilion and antiques and collectables in the Antique Cottage. Admission is free.

6. Extend the life and beauty of trees and learn how to gain maximum benefit for years to come by attending a free on Saturday sponsored by the Sacramento Tree Foundation. Discussion topics will include when and how to make pruning cuts and overall pruning strategies for young trees. A session will be held from 10:30-11:30 am at the , 5606 Marconi Avenue.
Weather permitting, there will be an optional walkabout afterwards on library grounds to look at tree structure and pruning. For more information, contact Meredith King of the Sacramento Tree Foundation via email at volunteer@sactree.com or call 924-8733 ext. 122

7. The Carmichael/Arden center is having a Winter Wonderland Parent's Night Out on Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Please see the club for details.

8. Thousands of runners are expected to be racing through our neighborhoods this Sunday during the 29th annual California International Marathon. The 26-mile grueling trek begins at 7 a.m. in Folsom and concludes at the State Capitol. Fair Oaks Boulevard is part of the route so Fair Oaks, Carmichael and Arden Arcade residents can expect to experience delays. These closures may cause some inconvenience so please be cognizant of that when planning your morning activities. Residents can view specific street closures by clicking “More Info” on the marathon’s webpage.

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