Trust offers unique holiday gift idea

WASHINGTON, DC — Rainforest Trust recently kicked off a public auction of newly discovered species naming rights, according to a news release. Holiday shoppers will be able to buy the ultimate gift of naming one of 12 species recently discovered in protected areas created by Rainforest Trust and its partners across the tropics. Pre-bidding is underway, and the final auction will take place at an invitationonly event in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8. All other pre-registered bidders can participate by phone and online.

“We have discovered new, amazing plants and creatures, and need to protect them and their habitats. Our auction will enable the public to help us do that. Imagine having a spectacular new species named after a loved one or an organization and knowing that their legacy is tied to saving a species,” said Dr. Paul Salaman, CEO of Rainforest Trust, in a statement.

The auction showcases 12 new-to-science species. Among the finds are an Ecuadorean blueeyed yellow frog; a Colombian frog with leopard-like coloring; speckled red and bright green frogs; an orchid from a Colombian cloud forest that has flame-like orange and rose-colored petals; an orchid with a center resembling peach slices; a deadly trap jaw ant with a mandible that opens to 180 degrees; a gray forest mouse with soft fur and rounded ears; a legless amphibian that looks like a worm; and a gianteyed red salamander. All proceeds will be matched and directly protects the habitat of the specific plant or animal, helping save them from extinction.

The auction takes place primarily online and by phone. The live auction takes place during a private event at Clyde’s Restaurant at Gallery Place in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 8. In person, online and phone bidding starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time that evening for pre-registered bidders. The Freeman’s Auction House will be conducting the auction with support from Invaluable, an auction aggregator. Both are donating their services.

Dr. Salaman has discovered a number of species and was the first person to organize a speciesnaming auction in 1994 to raise funds for conservation work. Today, Rainforest Trust has brought together a record number of species to be named all at once through an auction. Rainforest Trust hopes to raise in excess of $150,000 to save these 12 unique species.

Naming a species is a one-of-akind opportunity for people, companies and nonprofits that are interested in conservation and abating climate change; in search of a truly unique gift with direct impact; or wanting to leave a legacy. Interested shoppers should visit https://auctions.freemansauction.com/auction-catalog/1618B to learn more and to pre-register for the auction. For more information, visit www.RainforestTrust.org.

Gift shop announces holiday hours

The Grotto Gift Shop at the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield will be open for the holidays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, through Dec. 23. The Shrine is located on 50 Montfort Road, Rte. 118, Litchfield.

There is a varied selection of Advent wreaths and candles along with new Christmas ornaments, cards and Fontanini Nativity sets. Unique gifts and books are available for all occasions, particularly baby and children’s items. Learn more at www.shrinect.org

Author to discuss horse history

Ann Jamieson, author of the series “For the Love of the Horse,” will give a talk titled “Horses Change History … and Change Lives” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Morris Public Library

According to Jamieson, no animal has shaped the history of man more than the horse. From providing transportation to delivering milk, coal, and groceries to pulling fire engines and plowing fields, horses have allowed humans to expand beyond their natural limits.

Jamieson is a United States Equestrian Federation judge licensed in hunters, jumpers and hunt seat equitation, and she has shown her own horse, Fred Astaire, in hunters and First Level dressage. She has written numerous articles for magazines and newspapers, including a column for The Litchfield County Times. She writes for Today’s Equestrian magazine, a regional publication focused on the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area. Jamieson lives in Kent.

To register for this event, call 860-567-7440

Bank holding annual Fill-the-Basket drive

LAKEVILLE — Salisbury Bank has kicked off its 11th annual Fill-the-Basket food drive to help local food pantries feed those in need. Salisbury Bank’s 14 branches, located in Berkshire, Litchfield, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties, will collect donations of non-perishable food items and household supplies. Cash donations will also be accepted. All donated items as well as monetary contributions will be donated directly to local food pantries serving each area.

Local pantries are in need of a variety of donations, including canned goods, cereals, macaroni and cheese, cake mix, peanut butter, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and tomato sauce. Household necessities such as paper towels, diapers, shampoo and soap are also appreciated.

Fill-the-Basket runs through Dec. 22 in all Salisbury Bank branches.

Friendly Hands needs food donations

TORRINGTON — Friendly Hands Food Bank is asking groups, organizations and individuals to help with its annual Thanksgiving giveaway. Donations of turkeys, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, vegetables, olives, pies and cake/ brownie mixes are welcome along with turkey gift cards or certificates.

Friendly Hands is also in need of food donations to serve people in need on a daily basis including soups, grape jelly, peanut butter, canned fruits, canned carrots, canned ravioli and Spaghetti O’s, and canned tuna.

The Thanksgiving giveaway will be held Saturday. Donations will be accepted through Thursday at Friendly Hands Food Bank, 50 King St., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call 860482-3338.