BRRR! FREEZE FORECAST FOR HOLIDAY WEEKEND
East County News Service November 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County)–A lingering cold air mass, light winds and mostly clear skies will bring frost and freeze conditions for portions of local valleys and deserts from Friday night through Monday morning. The National Weather Service advises bringing pets in overnight to avoid harm and covering or bringing sensitive plants indoors. Temperatures could dip into the 20s in desert areas and down to 31 degrees in inland valleys. Below are forecast details: Forecast Minimum Temperatures Friday Night/Saturday Morning: High Deserts: 23 to 28 degrees San Diego County Valleys East of I-15: 32 to 37 degrees Lower Deserts: 34 to 38 degrees Forecast Minimum Temperatures Saturday Night/Sunday Morning: High Deserts: 23 to 28 degrees San Diego County Valleys east of I-15: 28 to 34 degrees Lower Deserts: 31 to 37 degrees Forecast Minimum Temperatures Sunday Night/Monday Morning: High Deserts: 25 to 30 degrees San Diego County Valleys East of I-15: 31 to 35 degrees Lower Deserts: 35 to 41 degrees
FAMED TIGRESS NATASHA DIES AT ALPINE PRESERVE
By Miriam Raftery November 26, 2015 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers and Bears sanctuary in Alpine has announced the death of its beloved matriarch tiger, Natasha, who was 19 years old. “Natasha was the epitome of the old saying “that’s one tough cookie”, as she had more than her fair share of struggles over the course of her life, but always came out on top,” a post on the organization’s Facebook page states. Natasha and her late mate, Raja, were the founding tigers of Lions Tigers & Bears over 13 years ago. The pair was rescued from Texas where they were being kept in a 6′ x 12′ chain link cage with concrete floors, and no shade or shelter to protect them from the harsh Texas elements. After learning of Natasha and Raja’s situation, Lions Tigers and Bears founder Bobbi Brink worked tirelessly to raise the funds for their rescue, obtain necessary permits and coordinate transport for both tigers – all within one month. In 2002, Natasha and Raja arrived at the Alpine site. Upon arrival at her new home, it became apparent that Natasha was pregnant, and after just one month of being rescued, gave birth to two cubs – Sitarra and Tabu. “Natasha was always quick to greet you with a chuff – her friendly way of saying hello. A very food oriented tiger – Natasha never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a bite to eat. She was always sure to let you know how appreciative she was with her famous “nom nom nom” noises, that were sure to make you laugh and bring a smile to your face,” LTB’s Facebook post recalls. Through the generous support of the McGrath Family Survivor’s Trust and many other donors, the facility was able to build the Tiger Trails habitat and for the first time in their lives, Raja and Natasha were able to feel grass under their paws, look up to an open blue sky and splash and swim in the waterfall pool that they both enjoyed so much. (See East County Magazine’s article and view our video of Natasha and Raja on the first moment they were released into the Tiger Trails habitat: http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/a_purr_fect_place ) Natasha was declawed at an early age by her private owner, causing her to suffer from arthritis for the majority of her life. In 2011, Natasha was diagnosed with uterine cancer, underwent surgery, and made a full recovery after which she continued to enjoy life at LTB. In 2013, Natasha lost her daughter Sitarra unexpectedly, and 8 weeks later, suffered heartbreak once again, from the loss of her lifelong mate – Raja Earlier this year, Natasha underwent ocular surgery to treat a subluxated lens – a result of glaucoma. After further examination, the repair was not possible and veterinarians had to remove the tiger’s right eye. About two months ago, a lesion was found in Natasha’s mouth. A biopsy revealed the lesion was non-cancerous, but Natasha’s blood panel also revealed signs of chronic renal disease, which is a common illness in aging cats. Over the last few weeks, her health declined, though vets continued to work to stimulate her appetite, provide needed nutrition, and keep her comfortable. “Natasha’s passing is the end of an era for LTB, but one that will live on in her remaining daughter, Tabu – and forever in our hearts,” LTB’s statement concludes. “Natasha – you will be missed by so many, our precious girl. Rest easy and run free.” A memorial for members, family and friends will be scheduled to celebrate Natasha’s life in the coming weeks.
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ON MAINE: DEC. 5 IN LAKESIDE
East County News Service November 26, 2015 (Lakeside) – Santa and his elves are hard at work getting ready for the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce’s 17th annual Spirit of Christmas on Maine Ave. in Lakeside. The holiday tradition takes place on December 5th from 4 to 9 p.m. and is free to the public. With an atmosphere of an old-fashioned, hometown Christmas, the event features the sights and sounds of Christmas including local school performances, Santa Claus and photos with Santa, food and drink, kids activities, rides and jumpy jumps, booths, crafters, and lighting of the community Christmas tree.For more information, visit http://lakesidechamber.org/m/events/view/Spirit-of-Christmas.
MILITARY DOGS GAIN PROTECTION, RIGHT TO COME HOME
By Miriam Raftery November 25, 2016 (Washington D.C.) – The National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Barack Obama includes protection for military working dogs, which will now be guaranteed a return home and retirement in the U.S. “Best of all, the people who know these dogs better than anyone — their handlers who served bravely alongside them on the hot desert sands of Iraq and Afghanistan and on bases around the world — will be given the first rights at adopting these canine heroes,” says Robin Ganzert,PhD, President of the Amreican Human Association, which pushed for the legislation. Dogs have been used in the U.S. military since the Civil War, when they guarded soldiers. In World War I, thousands of dogs were used as couriers and in World War II, Marines used dogs to locate enemy positions. Dogs led jungle patrols in Vietnam and helped detect bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, it’s been estimated that each military working dog saves the lives of 150 to 200 service members. That’s because dogs’ sense of smell is 100,000 times more sensitive than people, enabling them to sniff out explosives and local weapons caches. Dogs also provide companionship to troops far away from home. Before Vietnam, dogs were brought home after their service ended. But during the Vietnam War, dogs were classified as expendable equipment; many were euthanized or left behind by the military. In 2000, President Clinton signed Robby’s Law to enable warrior dogs to be adopted after their military service was over. But in 2014, the National Defense Authorization Act gave the military an option to transfer retired military dogs back to the U.S. – and many were left behind. In 2014, American Humane Association paid for the transportation home of 21 military dogs, helping to reunite them with their former handlers. The Association began lobbying Congress, fighting to allow all military dogs to come home. Finally, the 2016 measure passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Barack Obama. Ganzert concludes, “We thank these brave heroes for serving our country, and we are grateful that every one will finally get the retirement they deserve with those who care for them most.
LA MESA SHIMMERS ON DEC. 9: CELEBRATING COMPLETION OF DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE
East County News Service November 25, 2015 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to join the City of La Mesa in celebrating completion of the $5 million downtown streetscape renovation project on La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa’s quaint village. Experience the newly brightened Downtown Village on December 9th from 4:00-6:00 pm. La Mesa Shimmer will feature a lighting ceremony at 4:30 pm at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd. Refreshments will be provided during the event at Palm Ave. and La Mesa Blvd. and near Date Ave. and La Mesa Blvd. Live bands and students from Peter Pan Junior Theatre will perform along the Boulevard from 4:00-6:00 pm. The updated shopping and dining district features new sidewalks, crosswalks, trees and street furniture, and new lighting including festive string lights at the gateways and major intersections in the village. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT LOCATIONS • Fanny and the Atta Boys – 3rd St. and La Mesa Blvd. • KYXY 96.5 FM Radio – 8278 La Mesa Blvd. 5:30 – 6:30 pm • Sam Johnson Trio – Date Ave. and La Mesa Blvd. • Peter Pan Junior Theater – various locations along the Boulevard KYXY Radio will be giving away tickets to holiday events from 5:30-6:30 pm for the Poinsettia Bowl, Skating by the Sea, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, plus more. The city encourages residents and visitors to bring the entire family to shop, dine, explore and enjoy the festivities in the brightened La Mesa Downtown Village. For more information call 619-667-1333.
“EMPTY CHAIR AT THE HOLIDAY TABLE” CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTS THOSE NOT WITH US DUE TO OVERDOSES, INCARCERATION AND DRUG VIOLENCE
East Count News Service November 25, 2015 (San Diego)–Each holiday season, A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment & Healing) and moms from around the country share their stories of loss while calling for an end to the war on drugs – which they believe has been disastrous for tens of millions of families. Many of the moms leading this campaign have been personally impacted by the war on drugs. The holidays are a particularly painful time for families – whether they are separated because of a loved one’s incarceration, lost on the streets due to drug problems, in danger because of drug war violence, or have lost a loved one to accidental overdose. Leaders of the Moms United campaign from around the country include: Gretchen Burns Bergman (San Diego, CA), founder of A New PATH, Moms United lead organizer and the mother of two sons who have struggled with heroin addiction and incarceration; Julia Negron (Florida), a mother whose son served several prison terms for drug possession; Denise Cullen (Orange County, CA), founder of Broken-No-More and a social worker whose son died from an overdose, Joyce Rivera (New York, NY) founder of St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction and the sister of an injection drug user who died of HIV/AIDS, Kathie Kane-Willis (Chicago), Director of the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy Roosevelt University, Charmie Gholson (Michigan), Director of Michigan Moms United, Diane Goldstein (Orange County, CA), a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition; Yolande Cadore (NY, NY) director of Strategic Partnerships, Drug Policy Alliance. “I have painful memories of holidays when my son was absent because he was locked behind bars for drug use, and of family celebrations when one of my sons wasn’t included because he was lost in the maze of his addiction.” Gretchen Burns Bergman “We haven’t celebrated the holidays since 2008, when my son died of an accidental overdose. We can’t escape the emptiness.” Denise Cullen “I wait for those with substance use disorders to be served by our health care system rather than languishing in prison. Until that wait is over, there will always be an extra place setting at my holiday table for those who are locked up, thrown away or left out.” Kathie Kane-Willis “I recall driving 4 hours to visit my son in prison for a past Thanksgiving. He was serving time for drug possession and celled with a murderer. The processing time took so long that we never got that visit. He waited in his sally-port on the other side, while we waited at our assigned table for that precious few minutes with my son. That seat remained empty.” Julia Negron Each holiday season Moms United gathers photos featuring a chair with a picture of a lost or missing loved one, and a sign with one of these statements: incarceration, accidental overdose, drug war violence, or stigma. These photos will become a part of a growing collection of personal stories of loss. Moms United has also created a moving and poignant video featuring these haunting pictures. Moms United is asking mothers and others to take action during this holiday season in two ways: Share the empty Chair Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lThIfJgf6mY&feature=share&list=UUUYlhA7-vixU2cphfDmuvQw Use our “Empty Chair” logo as your Facebook profile from Thanksgiving through Christmas:https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201901324948300&set=gm.601049126610989&type=1&theater The Moms United campaign mission is to “end the violence, mass incarceration and overdose deaths that are a result of current punitive and discriminatory drug policies. We are building a movement to stop the stigmatization and criminalization of people who use drugs or who are addicted to drugs. The group is calling for health-oriented strategies and widespread drug policy reform in order to “stop the irresponsible waste of dollars and resources, and the devastating loss of lives and liberty.” Moms United to End the War on Drugs is a project of San Diego-based A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing), a 16-year old nonprofit organization that works to reduce the stigma associated with addictive illness through education and compassionate support, and to advocate for therapeutic rather than punitive drug policies. For more information: www.momsunited.net or www.anewpathsite.org
LIONS TIGERS & BEARS RESCUES SIX EXOTIC ANIMALS
Animals are safely en route, soon to find refuge at sanctuaries November 24, 2015 (Alpine)–Bobbi Brink, Founder/Director of Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) in Alpine, and her team are making a 5,000 mile round trip journey to rescue and provide transport to six exotic animals, including four tigers from Ohio. The animals are en route to reputable sanctuaries in Nevada and California. “We are happy to be able to provide these animals with a second chance.” states Brink, in regards to this cross-country rescue. The four tigers were surrendered as a result of state legislation in Ohio, SB 310, which regulates the private ownership of exotic animals. One of the tigers, a white tiger, is being transported to Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary in Imlay, Nevada, while the three other exotic felines will be calling The Shambala Preserve in Acton, Calif. their new home. “It takes a lot of coordination and the collaboration and cooperation of many to put together a rescue like this. It takes all of us sanctuaries coming together to do the right thing for these animals, to really give them an opportunity for a new life,”says Brink. This rescue is the third rescue mission in three consecutive months for LTB . LTB is the only accredited sanctuary in the United States that has a fully-self contained animal transport hauler with features including: onboard first aid (for both animals and humans), an anesthesia machine, running water, air-conditioning, fans, tools, capture equipment and safety transport cages. This hauler is the safest and least stress-inducing way to transport inherently dangerous wild animals like lions, tigers and bears. Since 2012, Brink and her rescue team have successfully relocated over 60 captive big cats (lions, tigers, cougars) and bears out of Ohio, to reputable sanctuaries across the United States, more than any other sanctuary or transporter. Each animal was provided baseline medical examinations and transport to lifetime homes at reputable sanctuaries. Lions Tigers & Bears (LTB) is a federally and state licensed non-profit 501(c)(3) rescue facility dedicated to providing a safe haven to abused and abandoned exotic animals while inspiring an educational forum to end the exotic animal trade. LTB is a NO KILL, NO BREED and NO SELL facility that allows the animals in its care the opportunity to live out their lives with dignity in a caring and safe environment. LTB is one of few sanctuaries in the United States with the highest level of accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and the American Sanctuary Association. For more information or to make a donation to help care for the animals at LTB, please visit www.LionsTigersAndBears.org or call (619) 659-8078.
JUST IN TIME HELPS FOSTER YOUTHS TRANSITIONING TO ADULTHOOD
Part 2 in our series on foster youth programs. Read Part 1 here. By Tasha Matthews November 25, 2015 (San Diego)–Just in Time (JIT) is an organization that helps foster youth receive necessary resources in finance, education, basic needs, and life skills. Just in Time for foster youth was a part of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation in 2003 (now known as Promises2Kids). Since then, Just in Time has vastly expanded, dedicated to helping foster youths through their early adult years. Just in Time has eight programs and is growing more along the way: Basic Needs helps provide for emergency funding when needed for the youth. Financial Fitness brings in elements of financial literacy and financial security, learning about budgets, saving, investments and more. My First Home allows for volunteers to furnish the youth’s apartment for free. Leap Council is a group of foster youths who serve as ambassadors and story tellers, sharing their voices wherever they go. College Bound is a program that helps foster youth with dorm supplies, a laptop, and a printer for the start of their college careers. Career Horizons is a network relationship building opportunity for foster young women to thrive in their professional life. Bridges to Success is the network relationship building opportunity for foster young men. Changing Lanes is a way for foster youth to obtain their permit and then driver’s license, all the while learn the fundamentals of driving. I have been involved in Just in Time since my senior year of high school and what I enjoy most of all is establishing lasting relationships with the people, both staff and volunteers of Just in a Time. They really are so much like an extended family in the sense that they care for the youth and there well being. The first program I participated in was College Bound and felt the love of volunteers in the most fulfilling way. I now participate in Financial Fitness and just recently got my driver’s permit thanks to Changing Lanes. On behalf of East County Magazine, I interviewed Don Wellis, Executive Director of Just in Time, as well as James Monroe, Changing Lanes Coordinator at Just in Time, and Trish Horton, Volunteer Coordinator and they shared ideas of what Just in Time is all about. What got you involved in Just in Time for Foster Youth? Don Wellis: I used to work at Channel 10 news, and had mentored someone who went into foster care system and then met a woman named Jennette, knew the challenges and started marketing, went from the Board to Executive Director of Just in Time. James Monroe: I first got involved as participant of Financial Fitness, College Bound, my first home and when I graduated in December last year I was offered a job to work in Just in Time. Trish Horton: I was a professional life coach, coaching young women and wanted to give back to the community and to young people who were at the powerful, defining moment in their life and help them learn to better trust themselves and so I joined Career Horizons, Career Horizons is a ten month cohort program of about 20 foster youth and coaches for the community; it’s all about resume building, practicing interviews, life and wellness, when your spending time providing young women to connect with a community of supporting, knowledgeable women. They meet with the volunteer and figure out what kind of career they want. It’s all about life and relationship. What is the overall mission statement of JIT? DW: JIT mobilizes the community to help transitioning foster youth to become self sufficient and achieve a sense of well being JM: It’s youth first, we are focus on the participant who receive the services that they need and ensure that become confident, capable, connected TH: Let’s focus on connection: so connecting transitioning foster youth to a community of support to allow them to be more self sufficient survival to thriving let them become capable confident and connected because they don’t have that conditional support from coming out of the system. It’s like they have an extended family for the foster youth, Lots of changes and tough times for foster youth, Help from the Heart. What legacy would you like to build here or what goals do you have for JIT? DW: Every foster youth would have community of support that they can rely on and a strong foundation that exist as long as necessary to be capable, confident, and connected. JM: My goal is to use my talents and strengths to benefit the demographic that we have and I want to be a team player and the legacy I have making sure things happen for the goals we have. TH: Volunteer engagement is all about providing connections for the youth. We find volunteers that have the skills and resources to offer the youth relationship that help them feel more connected to people and that enable them to create the changes in their life that they desire. In terms of the goals,, it’s to create an authentic, organic environment as the trust builds naturally over time. From the volunteer side, we want to give them an opportunity to connect and support the youth,, devoting their skills to more youth. Also with the organization, they enable the organization and save us money so we can spend it on the youth. What is the most memorable experience you’ve had at JIT? DW: It’s hard to say and hard to pick one. It was at one our First Walk the Talk event and just seeing all the youth who were there and how they were interacting with the people who were there; I have known foster youth who hide they were foster youth in the shadows and under the radar and to see them in a place of pride and being able to talk to anybody despite status and job is a very satisfying and memorable. JM: Instances that are memorable are when
FIRE DESTROYS MOBILE HOME IN LA MESA
November 23, 2015 (La Mesa)- A fire on Wednesday morning destroyed a mobile home in the 7400 block of Oakland Road in La Mesa. The loss is estimated at $50,000, including contents. Heartland Fire & Rescue crews from La Mesa, with assistance from San Diego Fire, arrived within six minutes after the initial report to find fire burning through the roof. All occupants were out of the structure when firefighters arrived. There was some minor fire spread to the exterior of an adjacent mobile home as well as a plastic shed that was destroyed. Due to the heavy fire load inside and outside of the structure, fire crews were not able to fully contain the fire for almost 30 minutes. There were no firefighter or civilian injuries reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigatio
READERS & WRITERS CALENDAR: FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2015
This column is also published in the http://EastCountyMagazine.org Readers November 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – November 22 (Sunday, 12:00 pm) — Weekends with Locals. As part of our ongoing Weekend with Locals Program we will be hosting Greg Blake Miller author of Decemberlands: Holiday Stories. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | November 22 (Sunday) — Adventures by the Book is pleased to announce our Je Suis Paris Fundraising Adventure. After hearing of the heartbreaking attacks on Friday, November 13, 2015 we decided that to combat the feeling of helplessness in not knowing how to help our Parisian friends, with a Fundraiser where 100% of the proceeds will go to the French Red Cross and their relief efforts. In just one week, on November 22, 2015, we are rallying together a group of fabulous, Paris-inspired authors at the Cheese Store of San Diego (who generously donated their venue to the cause) and will be hosting a silent auction during the evening. If you have any questions regarding the event please contact us, we hope you will announce our time sensitive Fundraiser on your community calendars and feature it in upcoming news. Susan McBeth, founder of Adventures by the Book is also available for interviews, as are several of our authors. For more information regarding the event, please contact Susan McBeth at (619) 300-2532 or at susan@adventuresbythebook.com. November 23 (Monday, 6:30) — Attorney Martin Kruming will be the speaker at the monthly meeting of the San Diego Writers/Editors Guild. Check the website for more details and directions: http://SDWritersGuild.org. November 28 (Saturday, 11:00 am) — Toddler Storytime – The Grinch!. Join us for stories and funwith a special guest. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | November 30 (Monday, 12:00 pm) — Warwick’s and Words Alive are proud to be hosting bestselling author of worldwide acclaim Isabel Allende at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina. She will present her newest novel, The Japanese Lover. This is a ticketed luncheon in conjunction with Words Alive. From internationally bestselling author Isabel Allende comes an exquisitely crafted love story and multigenerational epic that sweeps from present-day San Francisco to Poland and the United States during WWII. The Japanese Lover is a tender story that explores issues of race and identity, abandonment and reconciliation, and centers on two women: elderly, enigmatic Alma and her caretaker, the younger, devoted Irina, who is hiding a dark past. With an intricate, gripping plot that takes readers inside the US internment camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during the war, the novel captures both the horrifying acts and the beautiful deeds of which mankind is capable. Here is Isabel Allende at her masterful best. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | November 30 (Monday, 7:30 pm) — Warwick’s is hosting the New York Times bestselling author Kate Morton to present her newest novel, The Lake House. Kate Morton, a native Australian, holds degrees in dramatic art and English literature. She lives with her family in Brisbane, Australia. From the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Secret Keeper and The Distant Hours, an intricately plotted, spellbinding new novel of heartstopping suspense and uncovered secrets. Living on her family’s idyllic lakeside estate in Cornwall, England, Alice Edevane is a bright, inquisitive, innocent, and precociously talented sixteen-year-old who loves to write stories. But the mysteries she pens are no match for the one her family is about to endure… One midsummer’s eve, after a beautiful party drawing hundreds of guests to the estate has ended, the Edevanes discover that their youngest child, eleven-month-old Theo, has vanished without a trace. What follows is a tragedy that tears the family apart in ways they never imagined. A lush, atmospheric tale of intertwined destinies, this latest novel from a masterful storyteller is an enthralling, thoroughly satisfying read. For more information regarding the event, please contact Warwick’s Books | 7812 Girard Avenue | La Jolla, Ca | 92037 | Ph. (858) 454-0347 | http://www.warwicks.com | December 2 (Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm) — Adventures by the Book™ is pleased to present OLLI at SDSU: Culture & Cuisine of Persia Lunch Edventure with award-winning San Diego author Zoe Ghahremani at Sufi Mediterranean Cuisine, 5915 Balboa Ave, San Diego CA 92111. OLLI at SDSU Membership is required to attend this event and may be obtained for a nominal fee at the time of registration. About the Event: Adventures by the Book™ is pleased to partner with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at San Diego State University for a Culture & Cuisine of Persia Luncheon Edventure, featuring Ghahremani, who will share real-life stories in Iran that inspired her novels. Event includes lunch, tax, gratuity, beverage, book discussion, Q&A, book signing, and the opportunity to meet the author up close and personal in an intimate and authentic setting. About the Author: Zoe Ghahremani is the author of three books: Sky of Red Poppies, The Moon Daughter, and The Commiserator (Persian). Her work has been featured in a number of anthologies including Tremors: New Fiction by Iranian-American Writers, A Year In Ink, and The Poetry of Iranian Women. Among the awards she has won are: The California Stories, KPBS One Book, One San Diego, and San Diego Book Awards. December 5 (Saturday, 3:00 to 8:00 pm) — Find the Elf contest. As part of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce 23rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event, Old Town Ramona Shops will be participating in the annual Find the Elf Contest. Pick up your Elf Finder Guide at any one of the participating shops to start. Then, visit each one and find the special