A Christmas Party is at the Bulwer Community Center, 254 Jordan Hill Road, this Friday, December 2, 7-11 p.m. For all ages, with dance music by The Drew Family and Todd Aiken. Sharon Moore says "Come and help the young (and adults) learn some of the old-time dances, including square dancing with Jim Naylor." Potluck lunch; bring a dish, but no nuts, please. Free-will donations will help support the Center. Info: 819-889-2608.
A NEWPORT TEA A Christmas Tea for Newporters aged 55-plus is Tuesday, December 6, at 1 p.m., at the Municipal Hall, 1452 Route 212, in Island Brook. Lynn Maisonneuve invites us to a pleasant afternoon with music by Mrs. Réjeanne Vachon, a Viactive demonstration, sampling of a "fabulous new tea" donated by David's Tea, and door prizes.
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT "To your health!" is the toast of two Christmas Concerts with carols and classical music in Cookshire, by a trio of classical musicians: Myriam Genest-Denis, flutist; Marie-Michelle Raby, pianist; and Marianne Chapdelaine, soprano. Their concerts will benefit the much-needed health clinic without appointment, open to all, planned for Cookshire.
Dates: Saturday, December 10, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 11, at 3 p.m. Both are at the Trinity United Church, 190 Principale East, Cookshire-Eaton. Tickets are $25/adult, and $5/child aged 12 or under. Get tickets at the Centre de Santé Cookshire (the health centre at 160 Pope Street), 819-875-5535 x 106, or NoelSanteCookshire@gmail.com.
AN ARTS SALON Also on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, is the Salon des artisans du Coeur villageois de Cookshire-Eaton. It's a variety of arts and crafts, unique and authentic creations, all under one roof. And that roof belongs to the Maison de la Culture John-Henry Pope, 25 Principale East, Cookshire, the former Anglican parsonage.
There will be jewelry, textile arts, wood sculptures, Christmas decorations, pottery, and more. Artisans will demonstrate their arts, and purchasers can participate in several drawings during the weekend, totaling a value of $500. On Saturday, the exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: 873-825-7003 or 819-571-7497 or Facebook, Maison de la Culture John-Henry Pope.
A SAWYERVILLE SERIES Loisirs Sawyerville (Sawyerville recreational committee) is planning a series of upcoming events. If it's Thursday, it's bingo at 7 p.m. at the Sawyerville Community Centre, 6 Church Street. The last bingo before the holidays is planned for December 15. The proceeds go to help create more local activities and events. Such as, for example, a Country Dance course, coming in the new year.
If it's Saturday, December 10, it's the Santa Visit, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the skating rink, with sleigh rides, hot chocolate, gifts for the children, and quality time with Santa.
If it's any day, Loisirs Sawyerville offers you a calendar of historical Sawyerville photos, on sale at the Sawyerville Elementary School for $20 each, also for the benefit of activities. Info: Danielle (819-553-8655) or Martine (819-553-8500).
And if you are a musician, Loisirs Sawyerville wants you to plan ahead for an Amateur Night on Saturday, February 18, at the Complexe hotelier Ramana. "This will be a closing activity for the Plaisirs d'hiver," writes Jennifer McMullin. "Attention, musicians! Get out of your garages! All types of music, solo or in group. You only have to bring your musical instruments for one, two or three tunes." Info: "Loisirs Sawyerville" on Facebook.
FROZEN MEALS Do you like the idea of not having to cook all the time? Do you enjoy meals such as Fettucini Salmon, Meat Loaf, Beef Bourguignon, to name just a few? And do you like soups or desserts? If so, the Centre d'action bénévole (volunteer action centre) du Haut-Saint-François has something for you.
You can order a minimum of eight frozen meals to stash in your freezer for quick-and-easy meals. They're just $5/meal and $1 per soup or dessert (optional). "Even better, these low prices include free delivery to your door every two weeks. Just heat and enjoy," says Diane Grenier. The service is open to all, regardless of age, and gift certificates are available. Questions? Contact Diane at 819-560-8540 x 9.
VIACTIVE The bilingual Viactive groups are taking a break for the holidays. In Bury and Sawyerville, the last session is December 14, starting again January 11. In Newport and Cookshire, the last session is December 7, starting again January 18.
CHURCHES Anglican: On December 4 at 11 a.m. is Holy Eucharist in Cookshire with The Rev. Canon Ron West and The Rev. Dr. Patricia Peacock. To know whether St. Paul's Bury will have a Service of the Word at 9:30 a.m., or will join the 11 a.m. Holy Eucharist in Cookshire, call 189-887-6802. On December 11, Services of the Word are at 9:30 a.m. in Bury, and 11 a.m. in Cookshire. Both Sundays, Sunday school is in Bury at 9:30 a.m. Info: 819-887-6802.
Baptist: In Sawyerville, the worship service is at 9 a.m. in French, and 11 a.m. in English. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. in English and French. Info: 819-239-8818.
United: On December 4, services are in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. with guests Sarah Heath and Liz Warlund, in Sawyerville at 11 a.m.. In Bishopton at 2 p.m. is a Christmas carol service, followed by caroling around Bishopton. Info: Wendy Main, 819-884-5417, or Tami Spires, minister, 819-884-1203.
On December 11, in Cookshire at 9:30 a.m. and Sawyerville at 11 a.m. is White Gift Sunday, receiving non-perishable food items for the Cookshire and Sawyerville Elementary Schools' Christmas baskets. Info: 819-889-2838 (listen to message). Messy Church: An intergenerational story, crafts and meal at the St. Paul's Anglican Church in Bury on Tuesday, December 6, at 5:15 pm. No fee. All are welcome. To have a place at supper, please contact Tami Spires (United Church Minister) in advance: 819-884-1203 or spiresta@hotmail.com.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email ra.writes@gmail.com by December 5 for publication December 14 or by January 2 for January 11.
