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Snapshots for Dec. 21, 2004
*Cheer & Jazz Classes* Beginning and intermediate Pom-Pom Cheers classes are fun and provide instruction in basic cheerleading and jazz dance skills, including kicks, jumps, parade marching and performance routines choreographed to music. Intermediate Baton Twirling classes provide basic training in baton twirling, dance twirl and parade routines. The class typically marches in all local parades and are featured performers at Disneyland 's “Twirl & Shout Extravaganza.” Class schedules are available from the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District.


Pre-Chanukah Celebration The Jewish Community School of the Desert, co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation, held a Pre-Chanukah Celebration on Dec. 5 from 4-7 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Palm Desert . The celebration included a free concert featuring Orange County's “Over-Reactors,” irresistible auction items, children's crafts, dreidel games, and delicious food such as Kosher NY Pizza, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and Starbuck's Coffee.


*Desert Friends of John Tracy Clinic* Desert Friends of John Tracy Clinic was founded in 1978 by a group of local women to educate the desert community about availability of clinic services for preschool children with hearing impairments. In 1979, the Guild established a program of annual hearing screenings for Coachella Valley preschoolers. Today, there are 22 certified volunteer audiometrists and more than 22 other members who are trained to assist. The program has grown each year, and, in 2004, nearly 1600 youngsters were screened at 40 schools from Palm Springs to Indio . Screenings are free of charge and held on local school campuses. Preschool students at Bermuda Dunes Preschool had hearing screenings Dec. 2.



*Tree Lighting At Desert Springs Marriott* A special tree-lighting ceremony kicked off the holiday season on Nov. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Desert Springs, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert . Santa was joined by local school choirs who performed holiday songs, and children were invited to have their photographs taken with Santa. The free event was sponsored by the City of Palm Desert Youth Committee and KMIR-TV (Channel 6).



*"Phantom of The Op'ry"* The Raymond Cree Middle School 's drama program presented “Phantom of the Op'ry” on Dec. 2 and 3. The award-winning drama program has been operating for six years under the direction of Palm Springs School District “Teacher of the Year,” Sandy Worswick, and now this program has lost all funding. The drama classes offer children the opportunity to gain self-esteem, public speaking skills and self-discipline. The after school rehearsals give children a positive outlet for energy and creativity.


*Santa Paws* Orphan Pet Oasis held its Holiday Santa Paws event on Dec. 4 from 12-4 p.m. Event participants had their pictures taken with their pets and Santa Paws and enjoyed a bake sale, holiday pet bazaar, a raffle and more. All proceeds benefited Orphan Pet Oasis, the largest no- kill facility in the Coachella Valley that exists completely on donations from the public.


*Kids Tennis Carnival* The National Junior Tennis League of the Coachella Valley held its 4 th Annual Kids Tennis Carnival on Dec. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the event featured basic tennis instruction by over 30 local tennis professionals and an appearance by Mark Woodforde, one of the world's best doubles players. The free event was open to all youth in the valley from kindergarten through high school ages. Over 1,000 attended the carnival, enjoying an afternoon of tennis, pizza, games, food and fun.


Annual Christmas Tree Lot at Palm Springs High Fresh Oregon trees are for sale in the big white tent located in the Palm Springs High School parking lot on Ramon Road at Farrell Drive, west of the football field. The Oregon growers are giving the high school band a percentage of the sales in exchange for the band members' help in unloading the trucks, setting up the trees, helping customers with selections, giving the trees a "fresh cut," and tying them on the customer's cars. Spirit of the Sands Band Boosters members man the tent daily to supervise the students and help manage sales. Band students volunteer in shifts after school and on weekends. For hard hours worked, the students earn credits toward their travel expenses for the band's June 2005 performance trip to Australia and New Zealand .



Winter Wonderland “Winter Wonderland,” the 3rd Annual Holiday Elegance Fashion Show and Luncheon was held on Dec. 4 from 12-3 p.m. at Doral Desert Princess Resort in Cathedral City . The guest speaker was Lisa Whelchel, best known for her starring role as Blair on NBC's “Facts of Life.” The afternoon event included a fashion show by Neil's Apparel, door prizes and holiday carolers and harp music.