Holiday Happenings

Published Dec. 2, 2009
By Keesler News Staff
Keesler News Staff

KEESLER AFB, MS -- Toys for Tots -- campaign continues through Dec. 14.

Boxes are set up across the base for donations of new unwrapped boys.
In addition to the regular toy collection, Lt. Col. Scott Solomon plans a musical light display at his residence, 717 Vandenberg Drive in Bay Ridge housing area as another opportunity to donate to the toy drive, from dark until 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Dec. 11-13. Toys for Tots shows last about 20 minutes. Admission is one toy.

For more information on the drive, call Cheryl Moore, 377-3900.
Project Cheer is a charitable initiative coordinated and sponsored by the first sergeants council to help permanent party Airmen with families who are experiencing financial difficulties and need assistance during the holiday season.

First sergeants are in front of the base exchange and commissary to collect donations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20.

Christmas card making -- 5:30-7 p.m. today, craft class at the arts and crafts center. $10 including materials. For more information, call 377-2821.

Christmas card contest - Organizations wishing to compete in this year's Christmas card contest must register their entry at the outdoor recreation office and erect their card in the marina park no later than noon Wednesday.

This year's theme is "Year of the Air Force Family."

Cards must be free standing and painted on a piece of plywood no smaller than 4 foot by 8 foot. The back of the card is to be painted a solid color and must show the name of the squadron and point of contact. Participants are responsible for their own materials.
Winners are announced at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Christmas in the Park celebration, with prizes awarded for first, second and third place.

All cards must be removed by Jan. 4.

For more information, call 377-3160.
Magic Christmas in Lights -- trip to Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, Ala., 5:30-10 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 16. $20 for transportation and admission ticket. Tickets only, $10 adults, $5.75 ages 5-12. For more information, call the information, tickets, and tours office at 377-3818.

Give parents a break -- 4-10 p.m. Saturday. Air Force Aid Society program offers free child care at the child development and youth centers for Air Force families who are referred by base helping agencies such as the airman and family readiness center and family advocacy, as well as first sergeants, commanders and chaplains. Certificates must be coordinated through the airman and family readiness center. For more information, call 377-2211, 377-4116 or 376-8728.

Holiday camp -- 5:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30 at the youth center, ages 6-18. For more information, call 377-4116.

Project Elf Vandy -- provides goodie bags for Keesler personnel who must work after 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To register personnel, commanders call 377-3308 Dec. 7 through 5 p.m. Dec. 18 with the number of bags required. Goodie bags are picked up 2-4 p.m. Dec. 24 at Vandenberg Community Center. Sponsored by Keesler Federal Credit Union and National Productions.

New Year's Eve party - 8 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 31 for nonprior service students only. Free admission, party favors and entertainment. Sponsored by National Productions and Rex Distributing.

Christmas in the marina park and tree lighting -- Dec. 10. Hay rides begin at 4 p.m. Tree lighting at 6 p.m. followed by a visit with Santa. Photo opportunities with Santa; bring your camera. Festivities include live nativity scene, horse and buggy rides, balloon artist, arts and craft booths, free food, hot chocolate and cookies, and holiday music. Sponsored by Keesler Federal Credit Union and Budweiser. For more information, call 377-3160.

Christmas story time pajama party -- 5-6 p.m. Dec. 15 at McBride Library, ages 3 and older. Children are invited to wear their pajamas aboard the "library story-train" and listen to Van Allsburg's The Polar Express. Arts and crafts fun, hot chocolate and brownies. For more information, call 377-2181.

Jingle bell 5-kilometer run -- noon, Dec. 16, Blake Fitness Center; registration begins at 11 a.m. Prizes awarded to the first place male and female winners. Safe holiday running attire encouraged. For more information, call 377-4385.

Free golf -- Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Golf carts and rental clubs not available. For more information, call 377-3832.

New Year's Eve party - 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31. Bowling, dancing, music, party favors, finger foods, prizes, nonalcoholic midnight toast. Alcoholic beverages sold separately. $30 adults, $25 ages 6-17. Ages 5 and younger admitted free. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets on sale at the desk.

Christmas Dinner -- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25 in the Magnolia and Live Oak Dining Facilities. Retirees and their families are welcome at Live Oak.

Holiday lodging - Inns of Keesler accepting reservations for the Christmas and New Year's holidays. For reservations or more information, call 374-0088.