News Digest News Digest (December 30, 2005)

Christmas tree pickup

Pleasanton Boy Scouts in troops 941 and 943 will pick up Christmas trees for a $5-$10 donation. The $10 donation is requested for residential trees over eight feet, flocked trees or those at businesses. Orders must be received by Jan. 5. Trees must be in driveways or curbside (Pleasanton only) by 8 a.m. Saturday Jan. 7. The scouts request that tree stands be removed and checks not be attached to trees. Proceeds benefit the scout's annual activities. For more information, call 417 5177 or register online at: www.troop941.org or www.troop943.org Health insurance for kids

For just $10 a month, income-eligible families can obtain health insurance for their children thanks to a new program called "Healthy Kids." Axis Community Health will help eligible families fill out necessary paperwork during the open enrollment period. The Alameda Alliance for Health reports that the Healthy Kids program offers comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage to children who are ineligible for public programs. Healthy Kids is funded locally. Enrollment county-wide is limited to 1,000 children, on a first-come, first-served basis. Immigration status is not an issue. For more information, contact Axis at 462-1755. Exploratorium in Livermore

Lawrence Livermore Laboratory's Discovery Center has five exhibits on loan from San Francisco's Exploratorium. The interactive demonstrations include the Rift Zone, where, with the turn of a knob, a visitor can create a volcano. Avalanche creates deep ravines, mountains and avalanches with cascading black sand. Cloud Rings shoots rings of vapor to the ceiling. Coupled Resonant Pendula illustrates how pendulum work, and Drawing Table allows participants to draw without ever touching a pen. The exhibit will remain on loan through August 2006. For more information, call 423-3272 or visit www.llnl.gov/llnl/community.

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