TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; Content for briefs is selected from e-mail submissions to Community Editor Amy Edgett at aedgett@sierrasun.com. Visit http://www.sierrasun.com to submit events online. Please limit descriptions to 50 words. E-mail submissions may be 150-300 words. Items published in the print edition news space permitting.

Holiday pet photo contest

Whoand#8217;s the best doggie? Whoand#8217;s the prettiest kitty? Whoand#8217;s the cutest hamster? And who doesnand#8217;t like to dress his or her pet up in reindeer ears, Santa hats and elf outfits? Submit your silliest, most sumptuous, simply sensational holiday pet photo to the Sierra Sunand#8217;s Facebook page for entry in the Holiday Pet Photo contest through Jan. 1, 2012. Visit http://www.facebook.com/SierraSun1 to upload your photo on our page. Get your friends and family to and#8220;likeand#8221; your image. First and second prizes will be awarded to the image with the most and#8220;likes.and#8221; Sierra Sun staff will vote for honorable mentions. First prize receives a $50 gift certificate from Barifot Mountain Photo.

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Winners will be announced in January. Select high resolution images will be printed in the Sierra Sun. The Holiday Pet Photo Contest is sponsored by Barifot Mountain Photo, offering Canon cameras and accessories, photo finishing, digital supplies, frames, albums and gifts at 351 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City. Visit Barifotphoto.com or call 530-583-5050.

and#8220;Dam Californiaand#8221; feature film test screening

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Corruption, politics, environmental impacts, corporate greed, and the individual struggle. These are issues that feature-film and#8220;Dam Californiaand#8221; highlight in the ultimate fight to control one of our most vital natural resources and#8212; water.

Join the Squaw Valley Institute Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Resort at Squaw Creek to view the test-screening of and#8220;Dam California,and#8221; an independent feature film created and produced by a team of Tahoe-based filmmakers. This event is free, however, reservations are encouraged. Please contact SVI with your RSVP: info@squawvalleyinstitute.org or 530-581-4138. Donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.

Gallery Keoki/Tahoe Premier Guide to host Chamber mixer

Gallery Keoki and Tahoe Premier Guide will host a special North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Business Mixer Wednesday, Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m., at Gallery Keoki in the Village at Squaw Valley, 1850 South Village Road, Ste. 42, Olympic Valley. No RSVP is required.

Attendees will mix, mingle and network while enjoying hors dand#8217;oeuvres, beverages and live music by Tuck Wilson. Theyand#8217;ll also have the opportunity to take part in Gallery Keokiand#8217;s first-ever pre-season sale with 20-40 percent off framed inventory and gift items while supplies last. North Lake Tahoe chamber members will also receive an additional 10 percent off their purchases at the event.

Gallery Keoki was established in 2003, but reopened with a refined concept under new ownership in July 2010. The stunning galleryand#8217;s mission is to offer all collectors a spectacular experience. Gallery Keoki is also a hip and unique setting for special events.

For more information about the mixer, call Kym Fabel, North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce manager, at 530-581-8764 or kym@puretahoenorth.com.

Get out back, girls

Women backcountry skiers unite Wednesday, Nov. 30, 6:30-8 p.m., at Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City. This informal gathering is for women who enjoy backcountry skiing and riding, so they can connect, network, share stories, talk gear and shop. This event is free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Visit http://www.alpenglowsports.com and 415 North Lake Blvd., Sunnyside-Tahoe City, 530-583-6917.

Holiday Hope: Adopt a Family

The North Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe SAFE Alliance and the Placer County Sheriffand#8217;s Office are hoping to make a difference for families in the community this holiday season through the Holiday Hope Adopt-a-Family Program. Holiday Hope is a rewarding way to celebrate the spirit of giving through the holiday season.

Last year, more than 100 families received meals, toys, and warm clothing through the program. With support from the community this holiday season, these organizations hope to again provide relief to families who face every day challenges, job loss, or unexpected hardships. Families can be adopted by a group of friends, business, family or individuals. Adopting a family will help provide warm clothing, food and toys to families that would otherwise go without. Each family is carefully paired with a donor or donor group and it is up to the donorand#8217;s discretion as to how much to contribute. Gifts are due Dec. 16 and will be delivered to the family a week prior to the holidays.

For more information about Holiday Hope or to adopt a family, please call Ana Liz Servin Bancroft at 530-546-0952 or Cecilia Morales at 530-546-7804.

Learn to ski and board

North Lake Tahoe ski resorts shorten the learning curve with those new to skiing and snowboarding by offering a special savings weekend to get you cruising down the slopes in no time. The 12th Annual Learn to Ski and Board Weekend and#8212;-Learn More on the North Shore, scheduled for Dec. 10-11, is geared for beginners, costs only $30 and includes an all-day beginner lift ticket, group lesson and gear rental. Click to http://www.GoTahoeNorth.com for details.

Candy sales for Soroptimist

Soroptimist International of Truckee Donner is taking orders for Seeand#8217;s Candy for the holidays. Purchase Seeand#8217;s candies and the majority of the proceeds raised by Soroptimist goes directly back to the community in the form of scholarships, awards and community program support. If interested in purchasing candy, contact any Soroptimist member or Lil Schaller at 530-550-5007. Orders are due by Nov. 30 and will be delivered Dec. 12.

Handmade Sierra Holiday

Sierra College announces the inaugural Handmade Sierra Holiday: Fine Art and Craft Sale. Artisans from painters and printmakers to fine woodworkers, jewelers, potters, soap makers and more will sell and display wares. and#8220;Sierra College is the perfect place to showcase the extraordinary local talent of our students and community artists,and#8221; said ceramics instructor Melanie Frakes. The event will take place on the Tahoe-Truckee campus, 11001 College Trail, Saturday, Dec. 3, noon-5 p.m. The event is free for browsers and shoppers. For more information e-mail Melanie Frakes at mfrakes@sierracollege.edu or search for the “Sierra Holiday Fine art and crafts sale” link at http://www.sierracollege.edu.

Local male mentors needed

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada County and North Lake Tahoe are seeking volunteers to mentor local youths. The commitment is generally one hour a week for a year, you set the time and place. Make a lifelong impact on a childand#8217;s life while doing all the fun activities you love! The waitlist for boys to get a mentor in Truckee has more than 10 children and the waitlist for the girls in North Tahoe has six. Please call 530-587-7717, e-mail peggy@bigsofnc.org or visit http://www.bigsofnc.org.

Truckee Masonic Lodge meeting

The Truckee Masonic Lodge holds its monthly meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., 10068 Donner Pass Road, Truckee. All Master Masons are cordially invited to attend. Please call WM R. Brooks Bloomfield for more info, 530-314-9026.

Family Winter Welcome Party at the River Ranch

The River Ranch Restaurant and Lodge will be hosting the 3rd annual Family Winter Welcome/Toys for Tots party on Tuesday, Dec. 6. This is an event for the community with and evening of casual fun, food and music for all. The North Tahoe High School Jazz Ensemble led by Todd Holway will perform a free concert with traditional holiday music starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be free smores on the patio for kids and holiday cookies for everyone. The River Ranchand#8217;s $6 Happy Hour menu will be available until 6:30 p.m. and Chef Julia will be offering at $13.95 Lasagna special that evening starting at 6 p.m. so you can enjoy a little dinner while listening to the concert.

There will be a collection for Toys for Tots so please bring a new unwrapped toy to help out our kids in need in the community. The River Ranch is located at the corner of Highway 89 and Alpine Meadows Road. Call 530-583-4264 for more information.

Wreaths Across America

The Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol will once again participate in the annual and#8220;Wreaths Across Americaand#8221; program with observances in Fernley, Las Vegas and Winnemucca, Nev. This event honors our nationand#8217;s fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen. Taking place at locations throughout the United States, including the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nev., the ceremonies begin simultaneously at all locations Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at 9 a.m. For information contact the Tahoe Truckee Composite Squadron 530-563-6611 or e-mail truckeecap@gmail.com.