Happy Thanksgiving!

From all of us at the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District, Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family, friends and feasts.

Workers recently constructed a bridge (above) as part of ongoing efforts to complete the half-mile "missing link" of the popular Fanno Creek Trail. At the project's completion, by the end of the year, a mostly continuous 4.5-mile paved trail will exist within THPRD's service area.

If you haven't looked through the Winter/Spring 2012 Activities Guide, it's time to start planning.

Registration begins for winter classes and programs on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Winter/Spring 2012 Activities Guide is available in printed form at most THPRD facilities and other community sites, including Beaverton-area libraries.

The THPRD Board of Directors approved a staff recommendation to reduce drop-in fees 33 percent for out-of-district patrons, starting Jan. 1. The cut is designed to increase participation and better align THPRD's out-of-district rates with those of similar agencies in the region.

Please help us provide a meaningful holiday for less fortunate citizens in the Beaverton area. From Nov. 25-Dec. 15, we are encouraging patrons to "Drop In and Help Out Our Neighbors" at our annual food and toy drive.

During the first three days of the collection, Nov. 25-27, THPRD will waive drop-in fees for any patron who donates a new, unwrapped toy (no stuffed animals, please) or at least two non-perishable food items at any participating recreation or aquatic center.

The 27th annual Holiday Bazaar at Garden Home Recreation Center takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy the $5 all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, a visit from Santa, a used book sale and a bazaar featuring handcrafted items from more than 100 vendors.

Also, capture the spirit of the holidays at these December events:

    * Dec 3 & 6: Holiday Teas (Jenkins Estate)
    * Dec. 14: Elsie Stuhr Day/Holiday Party (Stuhr Center)
    * Dec. 21: Holiday Concert (Stuhr Center)

Our programs, classes and sponsored activities may be delayed or canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

When bad weather strikes, we remind you to call our 24-hour hotline at 503/614-4018 or visit our website for the most updated information on facility closures.

Many district facilities will be operating on holiday schedules around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please check www.thprd.org; each facility page has holiday hours listed for your convenience.

Garden Home Recreation Center is seeking fitness instructors with experience in BODYPUMP, kickboxing and Zumba.

For a complete listing of jobs currently available at THPRD, please visit our website.