Alamo City Republican Women must have reservations by Friday for those wishing to hear Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who will address the membership at its Christmas luncheon 11 a.m. Dec. 18 at Oak Hills Country Club, Fredericksburg and Callaghan roads. Costs: $20 reservations, $25 at door. To RSVP, call Barbara at 342-5482, or Carolyn at 493-6210 and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by Friday.

Government Canyon Natural Area is taking reservations for a Dec. 21 event, “How Did Native Americans Celebrate Special Occasions?” Part 1: Native Cooking and Plant Usage.

Take a guided hike to a Burned Rock Midden with Site Naturalist Carl Green and Ranger Brian Davis-Brothers. Learn how the American Indians used local plants for cooking and celebrating. Event will be 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 21, is open to ages 12 and older and features rocky terrain. Group size is limited; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; bring at least a quart of water and a snack. Meet at the Visitor Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. Reservations required; to reserve spots, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. Call 688-9055, ext 285 for details.

Government Canyon Natural Area is taking reservations for a Dec. 22 event, “Holiday Habitat Hike” Hike to the protected habitat area of Government Canyon with members of the volunteer Trail Patrol. Open to ages 14 and older who are physically able to hike 12 to 13 miles over broken, rocky terrain with a good portion of elevation gain and loss; group size limited; dress in layers appropriate to the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots; bring at least three liters of water per person, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, hat, and raingear. Event will be 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 22. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower;  Reservations are required; for reservations, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include title and date of event, your name, age if under 18, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. Call 688-9055, ext. 286, for details.

Tuesday

The Helotes Historical Society is having a luncheon meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Old Town Grill & Bistro. Everyone is invited to attend for a “meet and greet” with guests and the speakers: Jack Jordan, former Northside superintendent involved with the NISD Museum Association and part of the Northside oral history project; and Jim Benke, local storyteller. The December meeting will include a time for sharing by members, new members and guests’ favorite Christmas memory, traditions, photos or with a special item. Membership is open to all history loving individuals of all ages.

Wednesday

Shepherd of the Hills Music Ministry presents “The Glory of Christmas” on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The free concert will feature adult and children’s choirs, instrumental ensembles and hand bells. The church is located at 6914 Wurzbach Road between Babcock and Evers (near USAA and the Medical Center). Admission is free.

Nomination forms for the 2008 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award are available at neighborhood H-E-B stores or at www.heb.com and will be accepted through Wednesday.