<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575048178417.jpeg">The Christmas tree at Nicodemus National Historic Site is fashioned from a tumble weed. NICODEMUS - The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NicodemusNPS/?eid=ARBwt-54zSNM5EfQZtlXwV7ZJw4vHeZMpSNlnnrHT0W_D3pznnYoxvbqoUZUfrmLVJxeAcQlgzhjvkTG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 79, 86);">Nicodemus National Historic Site</a> annual Christmas program will bring back a tradition the first settlers practiced in their early years. The settlers used tumble weeds as Christmas trees since trees were not available on the plains in 1877. The Christmas program will include decorating a large tumble weed Christmas tree, and short children’s play adapted from Angela Bates’ children book - ‘The Adventures of Nicodemus Annie: The First Christmas Nicodemus 1877. The program will take place Sat., Dec. 7, 12-4 p.m., in the Visitor's Center, 304 Washington Ave., Nicodemus, and all are welcome to attend.

Nicodemus 'Tumble Weed' Christmas tree trimming

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575045055907.png">Hays International Travel Club is hosting a Christmas Drop and Shop on Saturday, November 30 and Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Big Creek Crossing (inside the old Hallmark store). Children ages 2-10 are welcome at attend for fun, crafts, games, pizza (at noon and 5 p.m.) and more! Cost is $20/child for as long as you need to shop! Proceeds go to fund students upcoming trip to Germany, France, and Spain in 2020. Email Lhaynes@usd489.com or jpfannenstiel@usd489.com to reserve your child’s spot. Please inform us of any food allergies. Reservation preferred, drop-ins welcome.

Christmas Drop and Shop offered by Hays International Travel Club

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1575044135053.jpeg"> Teaming Up For Tots will once again collect gifts to provide for less fortunate families in Ellis County.&nbsp; Angel names can be picked up at Walmart, Big Creek Crossing, and First Kansas Bank in Hays.&nbsp; Angel gifts may be dropped off at Walmart, Maurices, or the Paisley Pear in Hays.&nbsp; All gifts must be returned by December 11.&nbsp; Thank you so much for supporting your community!&nbsp;

Teaming Up For Tots angel names available 

'The Longest Night' candlelight service

Healing Hearts to meet Dec. 12

HALOS meeting Dec. 11

Plymouth Schoolhouse Christmas Open House

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574883250387.jpeg">The wreaths are hung and shopping has begun but there's something still missing... the bright lights of our big Christmas Tree have yet to twinkle in Downtown Hays. Join us at 10th and Main as we ring in Christmas! Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m. with gifts for the children and be available for photos. FREE hot chocolate will be served while it lasts. Carolers will add to the festive atmosphere. FULL SCHEDULE:Hay Rack Rides in Downtown provided by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bethesdaplaceinc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Bethesda Place</a> | 5:00-7:00 p.m.Dance Performance by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hays-Cheer-Association-392229907936803/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hays Cheer Association</a> Oilers Cheerleading Squad followed by photos with the team | 5:15-5:30 p.m.Caroling with the Ellis Elementary Honor Choir | 5:30-6:30 p.m.Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive | 5:30 p.m.Tree Lighting | 6:00 p.m.Storytime with PAW PATROL and CHILLY from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hayspubliclibrary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hays Public Library</a> | 6:30-7:00 p.m.A visit from the Blue Light Lady and the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ECHSHays/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Ellis County Historical Society</a> | 7:00-7:30 p.m.

Frostfest tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574882750024.jpeg">Register your house for free by December 1 to be eligible to win the 2019 RE/MAX Pro Tour of Lights contest in Hays! The winner will receive an amazing grand prize! Voting will take place December 6-20 with the winner being announced December 23rd! Register at the following link or by calling 785-621-5400 |&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FREMAXTourofLights%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1JvT411lWTGKpmagb67IXikToLGvE_hGHnZv67giw6G5YdvPrOQU535Bs&amp;h=AT1FgY8aLiB5QGv1RfR2lFISB24rjjdMy-KPoW8vW62tswKRcioq4J07TMtRQTTKWTZs7K3C8c_7-RhAIc0y0VX1LLt7c6pPAripNW3NxU2IHbDZcAOefCdfrlWdeAb-hQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(56, 88, 152);">http://bit.ly/REMAXTourofLights</a>&nbsp;

Enter the Hays 'Tour of Lights' contest

Healing After Loss December meetings

NAMI-Hays meets Dec. 2

RUSSELL - The next opening at the Deines Cultural Center features art from multi-media artist Sierra Furtwangler from Kingston, NY and Toby Flores from Hays, KS.&nbsp;Furtwangler's show, "Entomological Geometry" is a selection of hand-stitched, quilted pieces made entirely from recycled fabrics.&nbsp; <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574808546476.png">"After Botticelli" by Sierra Furtwangler She is a member of multiple music projects in New York, and designs and hand stitches her own costumes for performances. The fabric scraps making up each of the works on display include recycled remnants from these previous projects. The work attempts to invoke relationships between science and witchcraft, biological illustration and shamanism, and to contemplate the existential terror that surrounds our perception and deconstruction of the physical world around us, while heavily grounded in the narratives of art history. Furtwangler earned her MFA in sculpture from State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY in 2010. She has shown in multiple galleries in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington. When not making art she&nbsp;teaches painting, sculpture, and digital art, specializing in disability support.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574808854329.png"> "Get on Your Knees" by Toby Flores of Hays Toby Flores’ show "Iron Steel, and Mary" is&nbsp;sculpture that evokes his passion for metal forging and foundry work through his delightful sense of humor. &nbsp;"At times, my work can be humorous and lighthearted, but this body of work comes from a different place and reflects my passion for iron, steel and the tools that shape them," said Flores.&nbsp;Flores earned a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 2003. He has been teaching sculpture at Fort Hays State University since 2006.&nbsp;The opening reception is Friday, December 6&nbsp;from 5-7 p.m. During the opening Sierra and her husband, Heron’s two-person band "Blood and Stomach Pills" will play a brief set.&nbsp;The Deines Cultural Center is located in downtown Russell at 820 North Main Street. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Call 785-483-3742 for information.

New exhibit opening Dec. 6 at Deines Cultural Center

The Hays Community Assistance Center has set the schedule for its garage sale fundraisers. Dontantions are accepted Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center at 12th and Oak. All sales run on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Upcoming dates: Dec. 3 -1/2 priceDec. 17Jan. 7Jan. 21Feb. 4Feb. 18March 3March 17April 7

Community Assistance Center to host garage sale fundraisers

The Hays Optimist Club will once again be selling Christmas trees at the south end of the Walmart parking lot. Sales begin on Nov. 29. Frasier, Balsam, Douglas and Black Hill Spruce trees will be available. The lot is scheduled to be open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hays Optimist Club Christmas tree lot opens Nov. 29

<h4>Submitted</h4>&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. —&nbsp;Women involved in agriculture should make plans to attend the “Surviving to Thriving: Care for Yourself to Care for the Farm – Women in Ag Workshop” to be held on Monday, Dec. 9 at the K-State Agricultural Research Center in Hays, 1232 240th&nbsp;Avenue. Registration and supper begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program will be from 6:00 to 8:30. Come listen to Will Stutterheim with the Fort Hay State University Kelly Center talk about his experiences with the farm crisis and mental health; Kaley Conner with High Plains Mental Health will give tips on nurturing your mental health; Berny Unruh with Cottonwood Extension will discuss healthy eating for the busy farm family; and Meagan Cramer with Kansas Farm Bureau will finish out the evening sharing organizational tips on bullet journaling and organizing your brain. Advance registration is requested by Dec. 4 to the Ellis County Conservation District at 785-628-3081, extension 3. A $5 fee for the meal can be made payable in advance to the Conservation District at 2715 Canterbury, Hays, Kansas 67601, or at the event. A meal cannot be guaranteed for those who don’t register in advance. The workshop is sponsored by Ellis Co. Farm Bureau, Ellis Co. Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, High Plains Mental Health, K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.&nbsp;

Workshop in Hays will focus on mental health, farm crisis, nutrition and more

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574458336916.png">Organizers of the first Resist chapter in northwest Kansas will host the Taking Down Tobacco 101 Course from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Hays Recreation Commission, 1105 Canterbury. All students who want to become a Resist member are invited. RSVP to Alisha Dinges at (785) 625-5521 or <a href="shfalisha@media-net.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">shfalisha@media-net.net</a>. Click <a href="https://archive.hayspost.com/2019/10/02/nonprofit-seeks-to-create-student-anti-vaping-club-at-hays-middle-school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more on the organization. <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574458323335.png">

Taking Down Tobacco course will be Saturday at Hays Rec

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574388696592.jpeg"> ﻿Ho, Ho, Ho.... come take a picture with Santa, enjoy some treats and relax while your child has some fun shopping at Santa’s Workshop, Saturday, November 30, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hays VFW Post 9076, 2106 Vine Street, Hays. Children ages 12 years and younger are invited to visit Santa’s Workshop to buy gifts for their loved ones! Gifts range from $1-$9! Santa and his elves are ready with a MUCH LARGER Selection of quality gifts for men and boys, as well as new and fun gifts for ladies of all ages! Last year was met with so much enthusiasm that we have worked hard to make sure this year’s Workshop is even better! This event is sponsored by Kat’s Hallmark in Hays.

Kids can shop at Santa's Workshop in Hays

Gingerbread house kits needed by Options

Healing Hearts Children's Memorial Christmas tree

<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574372328761.jpeg"> 69th AnnualChristmas City of the High PlainsNovember 30, 2019· 9 AM – 4 PM, Christmas BazaarTrego County Fairgrounds &amp; TCHS Commons· 10 AM – 4 PM, Twelve Days of Christmas DisplayTrego County Historical Society Museum· 2:30 PM, FREE Ticket Booth Opens, VFW HallGet FREE Tickets for Santa Claus &amp; VR Ride· 3 -- 8:30 PM, Santa’s Sleigh Virtual Reality Ride· 4 – 5:30 PM, Child ID Kit, VFW Hall· 4 – 8 PM, View Live Reindeer, Main St.· 4:30 PM, Soup Supper, VFW Hall· 5 – 8 PM, Santa’s Downtown Workshop· 6 PM, Lighting Ceremony· 6:15 PM, Santa Claus Arrives with Children’s TreatsPeople come from near and far to enjoy this magical night.Come make wonderful memories with us!(785) 743-8325<a href="https://www.wakeeney.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wakeeney.org</a>Find us on Facebook @ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GetWaKeeney/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get WaKeeney</a>

WaKeeney Christmas City of the High Plains 

Historic Fort Hays schedules Christmas Past

Hays native, former Army Ranger, to discuss his book 'War Story'

Rush County Christmas Cantata Sun., Dec. 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Otis, at 2 p.m. and at 4 p.m. at the Christian Church in La Crosse.

Rush County Christmas Cantata

Healing Hearts Holiday Children’s Memorial Tree Hanging of Ornaments &amp; Dedication Saturday, November 23, 11:00 a.m. at Jackie Creamer’s, The Dance Studio, 1003 Main, Hays. Healing Hearts is an open group for anyone who has lost a child of any age from miscarriage and stillborn through adulthood. Healing Hearts Support Group Offers hope, comfort, and empowerment to bereaved parents and families in a confidential, caring, respectful environment

Healing Hearts Holiday Children's Memorial Tree ceremony

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