Literary Contests, Slow Food Preparations and Black Friday Discounts

Power of the Pen  
San Rafael 5th-8th graders are invited to enter an essay contest with the topic and submit written work to San Rafael Elks Lodge #1108. This is a national contest and requires no entry fee. The last day to enter is Jan. 7, 2012, so get those pens moving. Essays may be sent to the Elks Lodge at PO Box 150789, San Rafael, 94915.

Lady Penguins Take the Court
Swish! Enjoy some college hoops and support the 2011-2012 Lady Penguin basketball team on Tuesday night as they take on Chico State. At The Conlan Center at , 7pm.

Preparing The Big Meal From the Ground Up
The is being held a day early this week, on Wednesday Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., just in time for those interested in a slow food type of turkey day.  Build a Thanksgiving dinner from the ground up and source as many ingredients as possible. Prepare to be wowed by traditional menu items and enjoy the process of preparing the meal.

Give Thanks
Thursday, Nov. 24 is Thanksgiving. Enjoy the holiday and don’t forget to send a shout out in thanks. If you simply must get out for some air, head for the 11th Annual Marin County Turkey Trot. Be prepared to get there bright and early, registration begins at 7 a.m.!

Don’t Let the Shopping Carts Take you Down
Friday, Nov. 25, is Black Friday and there are deals to be had. If joining the masses sounds appealing then check out some of the great deals being offered in San Rafael.   will have extended store hours that day, from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and all merchandise is half price through the weekend. is having a sale, so stop by to get deals on the latest toys added to the holiday Wish Lists. is going to do a brisk business as well, where everything from DVDs to flat screen TVs will be tagged with a discounted price.