Here's a very brief rundown on news and upcoming events, organized by date:

• Wednesday, Nov. 23: Stop by the council's lounge after work for a Thanksgiving kickoff cocktail with complimentary hot and cold appetizers by McDonald's. That's chef Mike McDonald, PGK. Great food starts at 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• Saturday, Nov. 26: Meet in front of the St. James rectory at 9 a.m. to put up the crèche. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER! Bring the usual stuff: ladders, tools, Tyvek for the roof, etc. We will need something to thatch the roof with as we no longer have a supplier for the bamboo we've used in years past. (Ideas and donations welcome!) When we're done, we'll go to our council to decorate it for Christmas.
  
  
• Monday, Nov. 28: Deadline to get in your C&B raffle books in time for the big drawing. Drop them with payment in the council mailbox or mail them to 10 Fair Street, Carmel NY 10512, and make sure your envelope says "Attention DGK Steve Gheduzzi." "You gotta be in it to win it!"
  
  
• Saturday, Dec. 3: Big day at the council! Christmas wreath sales, kids' Christmas party (RSVP to Anthony Falco), family fun activities, march behind our float in the Parade of Lights.
  
  
• Sunday Dec. 4: Ladies Auxiliary Penny Social. Doors open at 1 p.m.
  
  
• Friday Evenings: Drop off donations in support of the Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Drive to help support Rosary Hill Home, which provides palliative care to the terminally ill with cancer. Get the wish list here.