Thank you for giving

The other day I spoke with Mary Hussman, organizer of the Giving Tree Christmas project. She wanted to be sure that many thanks were given for this great effort.

First, thanks to all the Valley residents who donated and wrapped gifts for Santa and his elves to deliver to children and seniors who would not have had them otherwise. She then thanked Butch and Chris Smith, Sarah Holden and Nicole Smith (elves), Nissa Chichester, and the Walker General Store for their participation and help to make this happen. But, she reserved her biggest thanks for Becky Holden, who worked so long and hard to make this project a success again this year. Thank you so much to all of you who helped.

Birds flying

The California Hawking Club held their field meet in our area for four days last week, so if you noticed a larger number of birds than usual, there was a reason. This is a very challenging and time-consuming sport. It entails the birds, mostly falcons and hawks, getting their natural quarry from the air. This requires much training and hard work. I just wish I had been able to go watch these beautiful birds do as nature has taught them.

High Point curve realignment

I recently received an extensive book of information from Caltrans regarding their study on the realignment of Highway 395 through High Point. It outlines the plan they have found to be most preferred by their agency and our citizens, as well as time frames for construction, etc. It is very interesting and informative reading. Since this project isn't planned to start until 2011, there will be ample time to let our residents know more information as it becomes available. It does seem that Caltrans realizes that this will affect our area greatly, and they seem to be willing to try to make it as smooth as possible. We'll keep you posted.

This and that

-- The Coleville High School basketball teams are at full speed now. The girls are tearing along with a 10-4 overall record and 5-0 in their league. The boys are 3-2 in their league, having met a couple of really tough teams. Their next home games are Friday at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Let's get out and support them.

-- The Topaz Lodge Fishing Derby is still going on, and there are plenty of nice cash prizes yet to be won, so get out there and give it a try.

-- The Antelope Valley Lions Club speakers' contest is scheduled for February 13. No news yet on who will be competing for our school, but I'll let you know as soon as I hear.

-- Hope all you football fans are enjoying the thought of the upcoming Super Bowl February 3 between New England and New York. It'll be a great excuse to eat too much rich food and party with your friends.

-- Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@schat.net or (530) 495-2552.