Elks support students and seniors

The Tahoe-Douglas Elks Lodge No. 2670 recently recognized a number of Students of the Month at Douglas High School.

Two students from each grade were recognized and presented with a certificate and Walmart gift card from Elks Exalted Ruler Anne Marie Neacy and Treasurer Bev Anderson.

Recipients were freshmen Kate Jensen and Elliott Lewis, sophomores London Cinciala and Jocelyn Crow, juniors Jacob Erickson and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Peck, and seniors Jordan Hoffman and Liam Wall.

Congratulations to these accomplished Students of the Month for November.

The Elks also expressed gratitude and appreciation for students enrolled in the Army JROTC program at DHS. Neacy and Anderson presented JROTC Instructors Mike Glynn and Mark Rogers with a check to thank the cadets and adult leaders for their help and support during many Elks events.

Elks collect donations for Young At Heart

The Elks presented the Young at Heart organization with approximately 200 blankets to gift to area seniors in need. Members of Young at Heart and the Tahoe-Douglas Elks met at the Douglas County Community Center on December 8 to fill bags with blankets, food, and other essentials, which were distributed in time for the holidays.

“Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address their immediate needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.” The organization is always welcoming new members. Find more information at tahoedouglaselks.org/.

Welcome the Winter Solstice

Today marks the last day of autumn, and I can’t help but wonder what winter will bring.

This will be my 30th winter in the Carson Valley, and I don’t remember a snowfall anywhere near as prolific as last year’s. I’ve always said that we enjoy “novelty snow” here; it falls and looks pretty, and all of the excitement is typically melted by noon.

It’s been a pretty dry month so far, but there’s some wet weather in the forecast this week as of this writing. We need the moisture and my fingers are crossed for some of the white stuff; let it snow.

December skywatching delights continue

December’s full moon illuminates the sky this week and reaches its peak just after 7:30 p.m. the day after Christmas.

Tonight and tomorrow night, as the waxing moon works its way toward fullness, it will appear very close to the planet Jupiter in the southeastern sky after sunset. Look for the bright planet to the left of the moon. Thursday night into Friday morning, the moon and Jupiter will appear in close alliance all through the night. On Friday evening, the moon’s position shifts and Jupiter will be visible near the upper right of the moon.

Visit science.nasa.gov/skywatching/nasa-daily-skywatching-guide/ for more details and viewing tips.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.