Turnbull Refuge plans winter festival

A big game tour and Winter Festival will be held at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 3.

The refuge is at 26010 S. Smith Road, about four miles south of Cheney on Cheney-Plaza Road.

There will be an elk safari, and educational and entertainment festivities. A special raptor presentation by the West Valley Outdoor Living Center will be given at 11 a.m.

Live animals from the center will be used to illustrate their rehabilitation program.

Music will be provided by Plaid Cat at 9:30 a.m., Brad Keeler at 1 p.m., the Blue Ribbon Tea Company at 2 and Mark Kreilkamp at 3.

Seating in vehicles for the elk tour is limited, so call the refuge at 235-4723 to make reservations for the morning or afternoon tours.

Chili and cornbread will be provided for lunch, and the bookstore will be open for holiday shopping. Children are welcome.

A $5 donation to support environmental education and biological programs at the refuge is suggested. For information, contact Joanne Powell at 928-4673 or jopowell39@aol.com.

Meetings

“Neva-Wood COPS will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday at 4705 N. Addison St. Refreshments provided. Park across the street to the east at the Zion Church.

“The Balboa/South Indian Trail Neighborhood Council will meet next Thursday at 7 p.m. at Balboa Elementary School, 3010 W. Holyoke Ave.

“The Five Mile Prairie Neighborhood Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday at the Five Mile Grange, Strong and Five Mile Roads.