Here's a list of events and activities taking place in the Genesee County area this week:
Today, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2008

Events

• FLEA MARKET, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Sunday, V.F.W. Hall, 4008 W. Coldwater Road, Mt. Morris. Details: (810) 785-3348 or (810) 787-5520.

• REPTILE EXPO, buy, trade or sell, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Swartz Creek Masonic Temple, 7839 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. $4 13 and older, $3 seniors and children 6-12, free children 5 and younger. Details: (810) 610-9402, www.tjtropicaljungle.net.

Melissa Cousineau | The Flint JournalDa Peeps teammates watch Sydney's programmed robot run its course in a last-minute practice Saturday afternoon. Da Peeps went on to win the overall competition.

FLINT TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Team 55, also known as Da Peeps, smiled for the cameras after claiming their third consecutive victory in the FIRST Lego League tournament at Carman-Ainsworth Middle School on Saturday.

It means the 10-member group based out of Rankin Elementary School in the Carman-Ainsworth School District will retain the state-champ title and compete in the World Festival in Atlanta, Ga., in April.

Flint Journal extras: See below for information explaining how to use this list. | Read a previous Sybyl's Holiday Wish list

Sybyl's Holiday Wish List is a collaborative effort among human service agencies and The Flint Journal, coordinated by the Resource Center.

We encourage Journal readers to consider these gift requests so people in need will be remembered at the holidays. Gifts should be new or of the quality that you would be pleased to receive. Small and large donations are equally appreciated — help one family or many.

ANIMAL CARE

• Bird seed, blankets, brushes/combs, canned/dry cat/dog food, cat carriers/litter, chew toys, cleaning supplies, crates/doghouses, flea/worm products and more. New Passages Case Management.

ARTS & CRAFTS

• Art sets, beads, brushes, canvas, card stock, clay, coloring books, colored pencils, construction paper, crayons, crochet hooks, frames, glue, knitting needles and more. New Passages Case Management.

• Colored construction paper, crayons, art supplies. Center for Gerontology.

LAPEER, Michigan -- Christmas dog wash to benefit the pets at Paradise Animal Rescue will take place from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Thorpe Animal Hospital, at the corner of M-24 and Davis Lake Road, Lapeer.

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Ace Asphalt & Paving Co. and the Genesee County Road Commission are expected to take home an award of excellence Thursday at an annual event sponsored by the Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan.

FLINT, Michigan -- The public is invited to a free Christmas concert by the St. Cecilia Society at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the MacArthur Recital Hall of the Flint Institute of Music, 1025 E. Kearsley St., Flint.

The concert will feature sopranos Nancy Dahle and Roberta Stoltz Goergen, flutist Mary Procopio and organists Dr. Quincy Dobbs and Andrea Zlatec Floden.

Tea and refreshments will follow the program.

Jackie Poplar

FLINT, Michigan -- Councilwoman Jackie Poplar will host a Christmas party from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Mount Carmel Kennedy Center, 1630 W. Pierson Road.

Children 12 and younger will receive free hats and gloves, refreshments and fingerprinting identification kits. There also will be surprise gifts, clowns and a movie.

Details: (810) 787-7430.

BURTON, Michigan -- IMA Brookwood Golf & Banquet Center will host Breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday (Dec. 13).

DAVISON, Michigan — The 18th annual Davison High School Christmas Craft show spectacular is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the high school, 1250 N. Oak Road in Davison.

Melissa Cousineau | The Flint JournalNew Creation Church of God members volunteer at the BP on Miller and Lennon roads for a gasoline giveaway in which every customer purchasing fuel was awarded 50 cents off every gallon. The volunteers pumped gas for the customers and also cleaned their windshields and back windows.

FLINT, Michigan -- People going through hard times are grateful when churches offer to help. But some ask, "What's the catch?"

The Rev. Herbert Banks of New Creation Church of God in Flint said he's noticed that people are increasingly skeptical when churches reach out a helping hand.

"We've become a nation of skeptics," said Banks, pastor of the 650-member church. "When you help people, you're perceived as trying to bribe them to get them into church."

Banks said he understands the skepticism.

Today, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008:

Events

• FREE KIDNEY SCREENINGS, for ages 18 and older by appointment, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., YWCA of Greater Flint, 310 E. Third St., Flint. Details: (800) 482-1455.

• ANNUAL KIDS CAR SEAT CHECK, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Joseph Pontiac, 165555 Silver Parkway, Fenton. Free. Details: (810) 750-6900.