I got our usual holiday season call from Lodi Adopt-A-Child manager Jerry Glenn on Wednesday.

News-Sentinel staff share their wish lists for Christmas.

Snowflakes, family trees, collector ornaments from the 1940s and 1950s and nativity scenes are some examples of the decorations people will see at Omega Nu's Holiday Home Tour this year.

On a day known for stuffed bellies, afternoon naps and piles of whipped cream on pumpkin pie, some Lodians started off on the right foot: by taking the healthy, charitable route and participating in the Annual Run and Walk Against Hunger in downtown Stockton on Thursday morning.

In an old concrete warehouse on Stockton Street, Kip Gillam quickly grabs a package of Wasa Thin and Crispy Flat Bread and stacks it in a box with peaches, corn and chips with seasoned salt, before sliding the box down the line.

Josh Hughes had an artist’s touch from an early age. He studied his craft and intended to live an artist’s life making pottery and creating sculptures. One day he made a decision to share an art studio with a painter/tattoo artist, and his life changed.

Once again News-Sentinel staffers have selected the absolutely best gifts (Lodi bacon or Wonder Woman mixer, anyone?) to give and to receive this holiday season.

Comedian John Gray will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday at The Gathering Place church, 501 B St., Galt. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is limited to people 13 and older.

The Lodi Association of Realtors will be hosting a Christmas tree can-stacking contest Dec. 7 to help raise money for local charities.

Christmas trees decorated in various themes, sentimental family ornaments, a variety of Santas and the top of a live Christmas tree used as a table centerpiece are some of the holiday decor that can be seen at the Omega Nu Holiday Home Tour.

St. John's Episcopal Church will host the third annual Alternative Christmas Fair from 9 to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 11.

St. Peter Lutheran Church will have a Christmas carol sing-along at 7 p.m. Nov. 30. Apple cider and cookies will be served.

They may not be the new kind of TVs you’ll find on living room walls these days, but you can get the 1990s types for $10 to $13 while contributing to the homeless and otherwise needy.

Cynthia Haynes, CEO of the Clements-Lockeford Chamber of Commerce, was honored by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. for her volunteer work for the chamber and Hospice of San Joaquin.

Staffers share their holiday 2010 wish llists:

Thomas Kinkade paintings show various Christmas scenes. Nativity scenes are all in place and snowmen sit all around. These are some of the items guests will see when they attend the Omega Nu holiday home tour on Sunday.

While playing a tournament in the usual offseason for baseball, the Lodi Reds Baseball Club recently made the most of playing during the holiday season both on and off the field.

From juggling the responsibilities that come from managing a retail store, to starting a charity and providing for his family, Clovis Baptiste has remained busy since returning to the United States after venturing to Haiti in February. Baptiste went to the impoverished island nation to find his family after the massive January earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead or missing.

The Lodi area is pouring out its heart — and pocketbook — to help people devastated by last week's earthquake in Haiti. And local churches are among the most active in the relief effort.

"You might want to take a look at this, son," my father said as he put a pamphlet on my dresser titled, "History of Freemasonry."

Two Lodi pastors, Chris Townsend of Emanuel Lutheran Church and Mark Price of St. Paul Lutheran Church, offer their thoughts on Advent.

I have just about wrapped up my year here as President for the Lodi Association of Realtors.

As the holiday season gets underway, some Lodi homeowners are putting out the finishing touches of themed Christmas trees, glittery stockings, Santas, fairies, wreaths, toy soldiers and retro ornaments. These are a few of the many items used to decorate the homes in the annual Omega Nu Holiday Home Tour. The tour will consist of four homes and two businesses, who will open for the public on Sunday — all in the name of charity. Each homeowner has chosen a non-profit organization to donate funds to.

Lodi High students Tyson Evans and Preston Dillon wanted to do something to reach out to their less-fortunate peers.