The Canyon County Festival of Trees theme for 2012 is “Holiday Blessings,” and the event will offer creative tree decorations, entertainment, tasty cookies and original crafts, as well as many gift selections, Nov. 23-26.

The annual celebration held in the Nampa Civic Center, 311 3rd St. S., has a sparkle and charm that has been popular and heartwarming for the past 19 years. As co-chairwomen Linda Clemenger and Pamela Knighten prepare for the 20th anniversary of this event, they report that all the proceeds, more than $500,000 since 1992, have gone to help Meals on Wheels programs in Nampa and Caldwell.

Heidi Curtis, the former coordinator for the Saint Alphonsus Nampa Meals on Wheels, said federal funding has been cut back, and MOW relies on community fundraisers. “We really appreciate the Festival of Trees because it is our largest contributor,” she said. She is now patient services manager at Saint Al’s and works with the new MOW coordinator, Diane Johnson. Julie Warwick is the Caldwell coordinator. These programs deliver nutritious meals to elderly and homebound residents.

Any businesses, clubs, schools, organizations or individuals who desire to help with this fun festival may call Clemenger (459-0439) or Knighten (466-4853) and sign up as sponsors, decorate a tree or donate a silent auction item or handcrafted work. The deadline for contributions will be set-up day, Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The public viewing hours will be 3-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. The Gala Banquet and Live Auction will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27. Advance reservations are required for the gala. Call the Civic Center Box Office, 468-5555.

For more details, call the chairwomen or go to www.CanyonCountyFestivalofTrees.com.

POPULAR NAMPA CHEF MOVES HIS RESTAURANT

Friendly chef Brian Inaba has packed up his menus and left his elegant restaurant on 13th Avenue in downtown Nampa. On Oct. 23 he opened the Copper Canyon at the Broadmore, partnering with the beautiful golf club and serving his trademark meals to the public.

The word spread fast, and by the end of the first week, the lovely dining room was filled with customers savoring the unique cuisine and enjoying the fabulous view of huge old trees and neatly trimmed rolling green golf course.

Brian said the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and lunch only on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Broadmore Clubhouse Manager Netta Hill said she was thrilled to have Brian as the chef and assured me the restaurant would be open Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6 p.m. and would have a turkey dinner with all the trimmings in addition to the regular menu. For reservations, call 466-1114. The clubhouse is on Shannon Drive, off Northside Boulevard, across from Denny’s.

HAVE PHOTO TAKEN WITH SANTA PAWS

Canyon County Pet Haven President Fay Yellen announces the humane society will have its annual fundraiser at Zamzows again, with Santa Paws, the big furry-faced fellow in the classic red suit, ready to have his picture taken with kids, adults, pets, you name it.

Organizer Cheryl Palmer, assisted by Shannon Cade and LeAnn Scarr, reports that Santa Paws will be at the store at 1518 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. The cost for a photo is $8, and the proceeds go to help the work of Pet Haven, caring for the many kitties and cats waiting in their shelter for adoption.

Marie D. Galyean is a journalist and freelance writer who has lived in Canyon County for more than 38 years. Do you have any news about West Treasure Valley people, events and other subjects of interest? E-mail your ideas and stories to riedevine@cableone.net.