Sharlot Hall Museum needs volunteer docents who enjoy working with young students for the Museum’s expanding history tour program.

Currently the program provides local 4th graders hands-on, interactive history lessons and a new program for 2nd graders, requiring additional docents, is slated for later this year.

Potential docents will complete three entertaining classes that cover methods of teaching, different learning styles, a docent’s perspective, interactive tours, local history and historic characters. A teaching background is not required, just a love of working with children. No experience is necessary, and the program is designed for immediate volunteer participation.

“This training gives volunteers a clear understanding of the history of Prescott, the background of the buildings on the campus, and knowledge of the interesting array of historical personages that have shaped our understanding of our community,” explains Karen Churchill, the Museum’s Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

This is your last weekend to experience our first “Wildlights” and animal sights at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary!  The first annual holiday light display is opened to the public every Friday and Saturday through January 3, 2009 from 6 to 9pm.  The park will light up with festive holiday decorations and spectacular light displays along with special scheduled attractions including our very own local MadriGals Vocal Group on, Saturday, January 3, they have some unique music to share!

Special event admission fee is $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non-members and under 3 is always free.  Concessions including hotdogs, popcorn, cocoa, cider and more will be available during the event times as well as our unique gift shop will be open.  Remember to stop by after your holiday experience for that special holiday gift such as our 2009 calendar of animals.  Bring your flashlight or buy one at the zoo! Advance ticket sales are available or more information by calling (928) 778-4242.

See you at the Zoo!

Editors Note: Our original article on WildLights and Animal Sights has some photos of the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary lit up for the holidays that you might enjoy.

Watershed Wednesday is a monthly celebration of the significance of water to all aspects of life, from the biological to the aesthetic, and the practical to the inspiring. Watershed Wednesday events usually focus on the Verde River, our local desert jewel, and emphasize key aspects of Verde protection, including the importance of river habitat and the harm to the upper Verde that will result from water being pumped out of the Big Chino aquifer without an adequate, scientifically based habitat conservation and mitigation plan.

The program for the first Watershed Wednesday of 2009, on January 14th, takes a step back, putting the threats to the Verde in context through a two-part event illustrating water’s importance to all of life.

Fireworks, music and family fun this New Year's Eve.

There's no shortage of fun ways to ring in the New Year around Prescott. Wednesday night downtown Prescott's bars and restaurants will host live music acts of every genre, while families should enjoy Prescott Valley's celebration featuring events for all ages and two fireworks shows.

Let's take a look at what's happening in the Prescott area on New Year's Eve 2008.

Prescott New Year's Eve Events:

Ring in the New Year at Celtic Crossings

Celtic Crossings, Prescott Gateway Mall, 3250 Gateway Blvd off Highway 69

Join us for our New Years Eve Party! Bring $10 and enjoy a champagne toast, party hats and noise makers. Starts at 6:00 p.m., please call 928-443-8454 to place your reservation.

Can't find a babysitter for New Year's Eve? The Prescott YMCA Overnight will guarantee that both you and your kids have a good time ringing in the New Year.

The YMCA offers a well-supervised overnight program is for children 4 -12 years of age. Children will enjoy arts and crafts, a movie and party favors to welcome in the New Year. Refreshments and a continental breakfast will be provided.

The YMCA asked that children bring a sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas or sweats to sleep in, and personal hygiene essentials like a toothbrush.

The cost of the overnight is $30.00 for YMCA Members and $40.00 for Community Members. The registration deadline  is Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008.

Please sign up at the front desk or call 925-445-7221 ext. 36 for more information.

The Town of Prescott Valley will host its first annual New Year’s Eve celebration on Monday, December 31, 2008.

Designed to kick-off the Town’s 30th anniversary as an incorporated town, the ambitious event will feature a wide range of activities including two fireworks displays.

Early Bird family entertainment activities will take place at the Entertainment District on Main Street, near Freedom Station from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Familes will enjoy interactive inflatables, street magic, themed carnival games, balloon sculptures and face painting.

Cap off the afternoon with a visit to the bonfire (east of Main Street on Florentine Road) from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m., while you wait for the first fireworks display that will commence around 6:30 p.m.