Hellbender Press is holding its annual fundraising silent auction this Friday at Sapphire, 428 S. Gay St. Auction items will be displayed in the front windows with bidding sheets, bidding open from 6 to 9pm. Donated items include handmade quilts, earrings, photographs, drawings, gift certificates and more. All proceeds go to Hellbender Press, East Tennessee's environmental journal, entering its ninth year of publication.

It is a First Friday downtown, and the WIVK Christmas Parade will roll down Gay St at 7pm. The ice rink is open. Please include us in your plans! Do some competitive Christmas shopping and support environmental education and awareness at the same time. Gift subscriptions and tax-deductible donations will also be accepted.

Sapphire Modern Bar and Restuarant has just unveiled its new "Hot Chill Raw Sweet" menu to complement its fine selection of cocktails, wines and spirits. They are allowing us to hold this event free of charge, so please show your gratitude for their support of our community and environment.

If you have an auction item you would like to donate, please contact me at rikki@hellbenderpress.com