VSO plans events

The Valley Service Organization (VSO) has entered its busiest time of the year and is planning several special activities for the holiday season and beyond.

At its Nov. 24 meeting, VSO members continued work on the 2013 Giving Tree, which will be available at Town & Country Realty Monday, Nov. 25; the holiday dance featuring Sam Platts and The Kootenai Three Nov. 30 at the Platte Valley Community Center, and its annual holiday party for the community Winter Wonderland, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus and a free chili and hot dog dinner, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, following the Christmas parade.

The group also set the date Tuesday, Jan. 28, for its annual community blood drive.

Patty Lufkin was welcomed as a new member at this meeting as well.

VSO is led this year by President Cathy Westring. Other officers are Carol Beach, vice president; Dawna Erickson, secretary, and Julie Evans, treasurer. Evans reported at the meeting the purchase of $500 worth of new decorations for Winter Wonderland, made possible through a grant from Bridge St. Bargains.

VSO meets for lunch at the Hotel Wolf at noon the second and fourth Thursday of the month, with the exception of November and December when there is only one meeting each. Anyone interested in learning more about VSO or becoming a member is welcome to attend the organization’s meetings. The next VSO meeting will be Thursday, Dec.12.