Columnist Muriel Stevens: Be certain of those who seek cash

Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 | 8:15 a.m.

'Tis the season to be generous, but before you give money to orange-vested "volunteers" who appear on street corners during any fund-raising season, beware.

Read what it says on those large collection tubs and ask questions. Legitimate volunteers can answer questions and their collection containers clearly state the name and telephone number of the charity. A slogan, such as "Save the Children," means nothing.

There are plenty of these almost scammers at traffic light stops around town. Their favorite charity is the person who pays them a fee for what they collect.

Bellagio art gallery: A visit to Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art should fill the bill if you're stumped for gifts. Any number of charming gifts can be found at Bellagio and the price range is exceptional. Books and games for children and for adults; Faberge logo ties and togs and a plethora of other items, too. The stationery, art books and small wares are a joy. A lovely place to shop.

Forum Shops open Christmas Day: The Forum Shops at Caesars will remain open throughout the holidays. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The same hours will be in effect through Dec. 30.

New Year's Eve the shops will close at 7 p.m.; restaurants will remain open. Hours New Year's Day are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Forum Shops are open every day of the year. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Bloomingdale's Home Store: Bloomindale's Home Store at Fashion Show mall has a number of autographed cookbooks by celebrity chefs. A fine gift for any foodie. Look for these signed books in the housewares section.

Gift certificates: Roy's, Fleming's and a host of other restaurants are offering gift certificates. A gift certificate from a favorite restaurant fits all sizes.

Gifts for gamblers: Check out Great Stuff for Gamblers at 3687 S. Procyon Road for gifts for gaming enthusiasts. Great Stuff is the mail order bookstore of Anthony Curtis' (Huntington Press) Las Vegas Advisor newsletter, another great gift for anyone interested in gaming deals and bargains. One beautiful volume, "The Art of Gambling Through the Ages," by Curtis and Arthur Flowers, is $25. For more information call 252-0655.

DogGone Newsletter: Robyn Peters, owner and publisher of the DogGone Newsletter, wants to be the travel agent for you and your dog. The 16-page bimonthly newsletter she produces (with photos) is "devoted to informing dog lovers that they absolutely can take their dogs with them."

Peters and her cocker spaniel, Heidi, live in Colorado. Heidi is training to be a certified therapy dog.

Peters and Heidi travel extensively, staying only in accommodations that allow dogs. Their travels are chronicled in the newsletter.

Coming in January is a cycling-with-pooch trip in Germany and other travel ops. Nothing is off-limits to this intrepid pair. DogGone Newsletter is available by subscription: $25 for six issues. Call 303-449-2527 or 888-DOGTRAVEL, or email roblipete@earthlink.net.