Community Calendar - November 29, 2012

 Holidays

November 29

CHRISTMAS TREE Lighting  Sponsored by Jackson Silver Unit 68.   7 p.m. at the Legion Hall, Locke Mills.

November 30

SANTA'S COMING  At 5:15 p.m. fire trucks will lead Santa’s musical sleigh down Norway's Main St. from Cumberland Farms to the Advertiser. They will then take a left onto Pikes Hill and a right onto Water St. and meet you at Butters Park by the flag pole and Norway’s "Christmas Trees." Universalist Church bells will chime and Christmas songs will be provided by the OHCHS chorus.   Help Santa light the Christmas trees with his magic dust.  After the tree lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride their sleigh of lights back to the Norway Fire Station where Santa and Mrs. Claus will read a story and books will be won by 2 lucky children! Sit with Santa and have a picture taken and enjoy refreshments.  FMI call Deb at 743-6651 or e-mail  debpart@meglaink.net.

MCLAUGHLIN GARDEN Decorating  10 a.m. at the Garden, 97 Main St., So. Paris.  Participants will have a chance to learn to make evergreen roping and a balsam wreath for outdoors and boxwood trees to deck the halls.  Lunch of soup and homemade bread will be served to those who are helping to prepare the home’s interior for the season.

November 30, December 1

CHRISTMAS IN HARRISON  On Nov. 30, soup and song at the fire dept. from 5-6:30 p.m., lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6:45 p.m. and Santa at the town office from 7-8 p.m.  On Dec. 1, breakfast and lunch items on sale at the Grange Hall, a breakfast buffet at the Olde Mill Tavern from 7:30-9:30 a.m. with donations accepted Christmas baskets, Christmas food, cards and fuel assistance to the local community, a Christmas parade and Santa at 9:30 a.m., craft fair at the Grange and town office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., children's crafts at the Lions Den from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., children's treasure hunt at the town office from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., visit with Santa Claus at his workshop in front of the fireplace at the Olde Mill Tavern from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., cookie walk and gingerbread man decorating at the Harrison Village Library from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.,  Christmas tree sale to support the Harrison community at the Village Tie-Up parking lot from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Harrison Brass Choir will be playing as they wander through the village from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and VFW Hall dance from 8 p.m.-midnight.  There will also be many open houses at various locations.

November 30-December 15

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET  7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9 and 16, at  Schoolhouse Arts Center, Richville Rd. (Rte,. 114).   Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming holiday story about Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, who gets a job working as Santa for Macy's and is great entertainment for the entire family.  Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.  For tickets, call  642-3743 or  buy online at www.schoolhousearts.org.

December 1

HOLIDAY FAIR   Sponsored by the Nezinscot Valley Music Boosters who use the proceeds so provide music and performing arts enrichment opportunities for students.   9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Buckfield Jr./Sr. High School, 160 Morrill St,, Buckfield.  No admission.  This year's fair is the biggest yet and will feature over 90 crafter/vendor tables, as well as lunch items for sale including hot dogs, corn chowder, Italian sandwiches and fried dough.  Santa will be available for photos beginning at 10 a.m. and students musicians will provide holiday music performances throughout the day. The Congregational Church of E. Sumner  will have a raffle table.

ADVENT FAIR  8-11 a.m. at  Trinity Lutheran Church, 34 Buckfield Rd., So. Paris.  Fair will feature Rada knives, food, Christmas decorations, white elephant table and raffle tickets for sale.  Coffee and snacks will be served.

CHRISTMAS FAIR and Tea  1-4 p.m. at the W. Parish Congregational Church, Church St., Bethel.  Treat yourself to a bit of nostalgia and soak in the Christmas spirit while shopping and sharing a cup of tea with friends and neighbors.  FMI  call 824-2689.

BALSAM WREATH Workshop  9:30 a.m. at McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St., So. Paris.  Charge is $20.  Becky Burke will lead the workshop and all materials will be provided and participants take home their creations.  Joyce Sweatt will teach participants how to make bows.  FMI or to register, call the Garden at 743-8820.

CRAFT FAIR  Sponsored by the W. Paris Fire Aux.  9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Agnes Gray School, W. Paris.  There will also be a door prize, a 50/50 and food and beverages available. Venders and crafters are needed and for more information, call 674-5890 or 674-5860.

December 2

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE and Craft Fair  Sponsored by the Western ME Harness Horseman's Assn.   11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Paris Fire Station, 137 Western Ave.  Local independent distributors and crafters  will be together under one roof.  Lunch will be available of chop suey, chowdah and more and there also be raffles and door prizes.  First 50 people will receive a free ornament.  FMI call Heather at 515-0078 or 890-9822.

BREAKFAST WITH FROSTY  Hosted by Oxford SACC & Preschool with proceeds to help purchase food and kitchen supplies for the meal program.  8-10:30 a.m. at the Oxford Community Center. Cost is $5 for  adults and $4 for under 12. (children’s cost includes a frame and picture with Frosty)  Menu will be eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, home fries, baked beans, pancakes and French toast. 

December 4

TREE LIGHTING  At the Buckfield Community Church.  Cookies and carols for the community.

December 6

CHRISTMAS CRAFT Making  2 p.m. at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond.  Charlotte Winchester will be the leader in making tree ornaments. 

Supplies will be provided, but bring a glue gun if you have one.  Program is open to the public at no charge and light refreshments will be served.

December 7, 8

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Presented by the Senior College Players of Bethel.  Admission is free and donations will be accepted to offset royalty fees.   7 p.m. on Dec. 7, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, at the Mason House Exhibit Hall, 14 Broad St, Bethel.  The Players will present 2 audience-participation holiday favorites, "A Child's Christmas in Wales" by Dylan Thomas, and "Memories of a Wonderful Life" by Jonathan M. Zaley.  FMI call Lynn Arise at  824-0080.

December 8

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL  Sponsored by Paris Elementary PTO.  9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Paris Elementary School, 4 Hathaway Rd., So. Paris.  Admission is free.  There will be many local crafters and vendors, Wreath for sale for just $15 and  pick your own bow, a book fair of children's books, Santa's workshop for kids and a food and bake sale.

SANTA CLAUS  12-3 p.m. in the Children's Room at the Paris Public Library, Main St. Santa will meet with children, accepting letters and listening to requests. Children are also invited to make holiday crafts, listen to stories, and decorate cookies.  FMI call the library at 743-6994, or e-mail paris.public.library@MSLN.net.

OPEN HOUSE  10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Gift Shop at McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St., So. Paris.   Gift Shop committee has restocked the shop with stocking stuffers and ideas for gardeners, bringing back favorite items from other years. Boxwood trees will be for sale. Refreshments will be served. Shop will be open Tues.-Sat., from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. throughout the months of Nov. and Dec.

December 8, 9

CHRISTMASTIDE CONCERT  3 p.m. at the 2nd Congregational Church, 205 Main St., Norway.  Because of the enthusiastic response to previous Christmastide Concerts, this year there will 2 performances and there will be tickets which are free.  The Music Committee of the church feels tickets are necessary so that no one will be turned away due to overcrowding.  Tickets are available from any cast member, in the church office and during the Christmas Parade in the church parking lot on Nov. 24th.  Members of the children’s theater group will perform with the adult choir.  Refreshments  will be served following the concert.

December 9

CHRISTMAS MUSIC  4 p.m. at the Casco Village Church United Church of Christ, 941 Meadow Rd. (Rte. 121), Casco.  Choir will sing a variety of music from sacred and classical Christmas favorites to contemporary selections for you to enjoy.  Mixing within the program for everyone to sing will be your favorite Christmas carols.  After the concert there will be refreshments for all.

December 15


LIVING NATIVITY  6 p.m. at the Congregational Church of E.  Sumner, 50 Main St.   Cookies and cocoa afterwards in the vestry.

 December 16

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS   3 p.m. at the 1st Universalist Church, 479 Main St., Norway.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for under 18 and are available at Books 'n Things, Main St., Norway, or online at www.heatherpierson.com.  Presented by the Heather Pierson Quartet. 

December  24

CHRISTMAS EVE Service  7  p.m. at the Congregational Church of E.  Sumner, 50 Main St.

Meetings, events, classes

November 29

MIND THE BODY   Sponsored by Healthy Oxford Hills.  Action and support group meets from 3-4 p.m. every Thu. at the Weary Club, 385 Main St., Norway. Group’s focus is on feeling good physically and mentally. All are welcome to listen, share stories and feel better.  FMI call 739-6222.

November 30

BLOOD DRIVE  1-6 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, Buckfield.

December 1

TAKE A CHANCE Auction  Proceeds to benefit the Oxford County Agricultural Society.  Doors open at 3 p.m. and auction starts at 5 p.m. at OHMS, Pine St., So. Paris.  Over 200 hundred items including tools and  Christmas items plus 50/50 raffle, dollar table items and refreshments.  FMI call Jackie at 739-9411.

CRAFT/YARD Sale and Food Drive  Sponsored by the Grange Community Service Committee to help fund its local projects.  8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Norway Grange, Whitman St.  Local crafters and yard sale vendors will offer items for sale.  There will also be raffles, lunch, snack food and fun.  Boxes will be available for the public to contribute non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

CHINESE AUCTION  Sponsored by Resistance Ministries, a nonprofit youth ministry.  Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the ticket drawing starts at 2 p.m.  at the Oxford Recreation Bldg., King St.  The ticket prices at the door start at 100 tickets for $20.  There are advance ticket deals, while they last, starting at 200 tickets for $25, 300 tickets for $30, 400 tickets for $35 and 500 tickets for $45.  The advance ticket deals are limited to the first 20 people who buy their tickets in advance.  FMI or to buy tickets call 743-6982.

BYOB DANCE  8-12 p.m. at the Harrison VFW Post,  Waterford Rd.  Admission is $10per person for 21 and over. Band will be Cold Blue Steel.  FMI call Ellen at 583-4558.

December 2

CASTLEBAY HARP Concert  2 p.m. at 78 Pleasant St , Auburn. Yuletide music from the Celtic tradition played by folk duo Castlebay featuring Celtic harpist Julia Lane and members of the Auburn Harp Circle. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children.  FMI call 529-5438 or e-mail  castlebay@castlebay.net.

December 3

BLOOD DRIVE  1-6 p.m. at the Denmark Town Hall, E.. Main St., Denmark.

SOCRATES CAFE  6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Waterford Library.  Group offers a forum to discuss current topics and ideas in a warm, friendly atmosphere, where divergent views will be welcome. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.  Topic will be “What Is Spirituality?” with moderator Bob Dow.  FMI call 583-6957 or e-mail the library at wla@waterford.lib.me.us.

December 4

FOOD PANTRY  10 a.m.-noon at the Spurrs Corner Church, Rte. 121, Otisfield.  FMI call 583-4780 or 627-4329.

SENIOR SOCIAL    11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Bridgton Community Room.  Cost is $3 or donation.  There will be  word games, guess jar, Bingo and great food.

KNITTING GUILD  10 a.m. Christmas meeting at the 1st Congregational Church, Main St., So. Paris.  Bring gifts of food for the food pantry.  After a short meeting and program the group will go to Maurice's for lunch.

December 5

VFW MEETING  6 p.m. meeting of  Floyd A. Harlow Jr. VFW Post 9787, at the Post, 58 Main St., So. Paris.

HARRISON HISTORICAL Society  Potluck supper at 5:L30 p.m. at the Carlson Homestead, across Haskell Hill Rd. from the museum.  Program will be Show and Tell so bring a family heirloom, interesting artifact or a whatzit to show or have a story to tell of growing up in Harrison or an interesting Harrison event or character.   FMI call Elaine.

December 6

ENSEMBLE CONCERT  Presented by Hartford-Sumner Elementary School.  6:30 p.m. at the school, Sumner.  Snow date is Dec. 10.

PARIS CAPE Historical Society  5 p.. Christmas supper party at the home of Cynthia Immonen, 43 Mountain View Dr., So. Paris.  This will be followed by a Christmas story and the singing of Christmas carols.  It would be appreciated if you would contact Cynthia at 743-2384 to tell her what you plan to bring for the supper so that she can coordinate everything. Bread or rolls, salads, casseroles and desserts are welcome.

December 6, 20

FOOD PANTRY  1-3 p.m. at the W. Paris Baptist Church, 15 Church St. Open the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

December 6– May 3

HISTORICAL Society's One Room Schoolhouse  Open the 1st Thu. of each month from 1-4 p.m. on Rte. 26 at Poland Corner. Public is invited to stop by for a tour or just browse.  FMI call 998-4391.

December 8, 9

CHRISTMAS EXPRESS   Presented by Oxford Hills Christian Academy with proceeds to help fund the new Staff Relief Fund.   7 p.m. on Dec. 8, and 6 p.m. on Dec. 9, at 132 E. Main St., So. Paris.  Doors open a half hour early.  Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for students and children. 

December 9

CONCERT  Presented by the Mahoosuc Community Band.   4 p.m. at the W. Parish Congregational Church. Bethel.  FMI call Jane at 357-3524.

December 11

TAR SANDS Meeting  7 p.m. at the Waterford Town Office 366 Valley Rd., Waterford.  Learn more about tar sands oil and how it effects Waterford.  There will be a brief presentation followed by questions and answers.  FMI call Earl at 583-6957 

December 11, January 31

OIL AWARENESS Movies  Hosted by John O'Brien.  7 p.m. at the Waterford Town Office, 366 Valley Rd., Waterford.   Showings are to raise awareness to the threat of tar sands oil flowing through the Portland Pipeline which runs through Western ME and by Sebago Lake. Waterford residents will gather to watch two films, one in opposition to tar sands and one in support of tar sands. A community conversation and questions and answer session will follow.  

December 12

WINTER CONCERT  Presented by Buckfield Middle School.  6:30 p.m. at the high school, Morrill St.  Snow date is Dec. 14.

BLOOD DRIVE  12-6 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 184 Congress St., Rumford.

SENIORS of Bethel  11 a.m. meeting at the Bethel Inn.  Menu is roast pork and the price of the dinner is $12 for members and $15 for non-members.  Crescent Park Chorus under the direction of Linda Stowell will be the program.  Reservations must be made by Dec. 1, by calling Caroline at 824-3226 or Arlene at 824-2877.

December 13

WINTER CONCERT  Presented by Hartford-Sumner El. School.  6:30 p.m. at the school, Sumner.  Snow date is Dec. 17.


December 14

OPEN MIC Poetry Slam  7:30 p.m. at the 1st Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St.   This is free.  Refreshments and children's room available.  FMI call 783-0461.

December 15

PICKWICK CLUB  12:30-2:30 p.m. meeting at the Auburn Public Library, Read any biography of Charles Dickens you choose, to discuss his life and works.  FMI call Alexis  at 778-4510 or Joanne at 583-6957.

December 18

FOOD PANTRY  10 a.m.-noon at the Spurrs Corner Church, Rte. 121, Otisfield.  FMI call 583-4780 or 627-4329.

USDA Local Working Group  Hosted by the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District  10 a.m. meeting at the Oxford County Cooperative Extension bldg., 9 Olson Rd., So. Paris.  Meeting is open to the public.   FMI call Jean at 743-5789, ext. 111.

SNOW HOPPERS  6:30 meeting on the 3rd Tues. of the month at the  Paris Town Office.  All are welcome to attend.

December 19

WINTER CONCERT  Presented by Buckfield High School.  6:30 p.m. at the high school, Morrill St.  Snow date is Dec. 20.

December 20

BLOOD DRIVE  1-6 p.m. at American Legion Post 112, King St., Oxford

December 24

BLOOD DRIVE   8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 277 Burnham Rd., Bridgton.

December 26

BLOOD DRIVE  10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Aubuchon Hardware, Main St., Norway.

December 28

FOOD PANTRY  1-5 p.m. at the E. Otisfield Baptist Church, Rayville Rd.  FMI call 539-4619.

January 3– May 3

HISTORICAL Society's One Room Schoolhouse  Open the 1st Thu. of each month from 1-4 p.m. on Rte. 26 at Poland Corner. Public is invited to stop by for a tour or just browse.  FMI call 998-4391.

February 7– May 3

HISTORICAL Society's One Room Schoolhouse  Open the 1st Thu. of each month from 1-4 p.m. on Rte. 26 at Poland Corner. Public is invited to stop by for a tour or just browse.  FMI call 998-4391.

March 7– May 3

HISTORICAL Society's One Room Schoolhouse  Open the 1st Thu. of each month from 1-4 p.m. on Rte. 26 at Poland Corner. Public is invited to stop by for a tour or just browse.  FMI call 998-4391.

April 4– May 3

HISTORICAL Society's One Room Schoolhouse  Open the 1st Thu. of each month from 1-4 p.m. on Rte. 26 at Poland Corner. Public is invited to stop by for a tour or just browse.  FMI call 998-4391.

Public Suppers

December 1

BUFFET BREAKFAST   Sponsored by the United Parish Congregational Church of Harrison and N. Bridgton, with proceeds to provide Christmas food cards and fuel assistance  for those in need.   7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Olde Mill Tavern, Harrison.  Donations appreciated.  Breakfast features scrambled eggs, homemade pancakes, home fries, fruit, sausage, coffee cake, muffins, coffee, tea, hot cocoa and orange juice.

ROAST TURKEY Dinner  5 p.m. at Deering Memorial Methodist Church, corner of Main and Church St.,  So. Paris.  Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for under 12.  Ample parking behind the library and the town office.

PUBLIC SUPPER  Sponsored by the Waterford World's Fair Assn.  5-6:30 p.m. at the No. Waterford Congregational Church, 15 Green Rd. across from Melby's Market, Rte, 35, No. Waterford.   Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.  Menu is Dana's famous baked stuffed haddock with all the fixings, mashed potato, coleslaw, veggie, bread, drink, and homemade pie.   There will also be an auction immediately following the supper of homemade jellies and jams, baked goods and misc. items.

SOUP, STEW, CHOWDER Supper  10% of profit goes to the local food pantry.  5 p.m. at the 1st Baptist Church of Paris.  Cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for 12 and under.  Featured will be homemade soups, stews, chowders, breads, salads, beverages and desserts.  FMI call 754-7970 or 743-8296.

December 2

COUNTRY BREAKFAST  Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bethel with proceeds to benefit community projects and scholarships.  7:30-to 11 a.m. at Ordway Hall, Gould Academy, Church St., Bethel.  Advance tickets are $7 for adults, $8 at the door and $3 for children.  All Bethel Rotary members have advance tickets for sale and they may also be purchased from Holly at We've Got The Look, Rte. 26, Locke Mills,  Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, breads, beverages and more.   FMI or tickets, please call Ellie at 592-9614.

December 8

HAM SUPPER  Benefit for Amy Gotham of Hartford to help her with medical expenses.   5 -7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge in Buckfield.  Donations will be accepted.  FMI or to make a donation, please contact Karen at 388-2372.

PUBLIC SUPPER  Sponsored by the Paris Fire Dept. Aux.  with all proceeds to benefit the fire dept.  Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 4-12 and free for 3 and under.   5 p.m. at the Paris Fire Dept., Western Ave., So. Paris. Supper features turkey pie, mashed potatoes, veggies, macaroni and cheese, salads, cranberry sauce and homemade desserts.  

December 11

SENIOR LUNCHEON  Sponsored by Harrison Parks and Rec.  Meet at 10:45 a.m. in the parking lot at the Harrison Town office and car pool to Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield.  Doors open at 11:30 a.m.  Cost is $35 and $25 for Harrison residents.  Delicious lunch will be served at noon featuring homemade corn bread, garden salad, roast chicken with cranberry glaze, potatoes, veggies, dessert and coffee (beer and wine available).  Between courses Stone Mt. Art Center will show some famous and heartwarming holiday movie clips from your favorite Christmas movies.   Call Paula at 583-2241 to reserve your seat. Payment due upon registration and the deadline is Dec. 3. 

 ONGOING

Mondays

H.O.P.E. GROUP  4-6 p.m. at the Haskell House at the 1st Congregational Church, 17 E. Main St., So. Paris.  Ken Hamilton is the leader. FMI call 890-3673.

First Monday

SOCRATES CAFE  6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Waterford Library  Group offers a forum to discuss current topics and ideas in a warm, friendly atmosphere, where divergent views will be  welcome. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

Fourth Monday

CRYPTOGRAM CHALLENGE  11 a.m. at the Paris Public Library, Main St.  FMI call the library at 743-6994.

First/Third Tuesdays

FOOD PANTRY  10 a.m.-noon at the Spurrs Corner Church, Rte. 121, Otisfield.  FMI call 583-4780 or 627-4329.

Third Tuesday

SNOW HOPPERS  6:30 p.m. meeting at the Paris Town Office.  All are welcome to attend.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN United  11:30 a.m. dinner  followed by a program at the 1st Congregational Church, Main St., So.   Paris.  For reservations, call Janice at 743-5770.

Wednesdays

ANCESTRY  ASSISTANCE  10 a.m. at the Paris Public Library.   Explore Ancestry's genealogical resources with Shannon.  You may bring your own laptop.  Please pre-register by calling the library at 7843-6994.

TERRIC TALES  10:30 a.m. at Norway Memorial Library, Main St.  1/2 hour program for ages 2-5 featuring books, songs, finger plays, rhymes and a craft. To register call 743-5309.

Thursdays

MIND THE BODY   Sponsored by Healthy Oxford Hills.  Action and support group meets from 3-4 p.m. every Thu. at the Weary Club, 385 Main St., Norway. Group’s focus is on feeling good physically and mentally. All are welcome to listen, share stories and feel better.  FMI call 739-6222.

STORY TIME  10 a.m. at the Paris Public Library, Main St.    Stores and crafts for ages birth to 4 years.   FMI call the library at 743-6994

First /Third Thursday

FOOD PANTRY  1-3 p.m. at the W. Paris Baptist Church, 15 Church St.

Second Thursday

RUBBER STAMPING  5:30 p.m. at the Paris Public Library, Main St.  Materials fee is $10.  Make 3-4 projects at each class with Kathy Pulsifer.  To sign up call Kathy at 539-4335 or 890-6874

Fourth Thursday

BOOK CLUB with Old and New Classics  7 p.m. at the Paris Public Library, Main St.  FMI call Michaela or Jennifer at 743-6994.

Fridays

BOOK TIME  10:30 a.m. at Norway Memorial Library.  15 minute program for birth to age 2 featuring stories, finger plays and lap sits.

Fourth Friday

FOOD PANTRY   1-5 p.m. at the E. Otisfield Baptist Church, Rayville Rd.  FMI call 539-4619.

Second Saturday

STORY TIME  11 a.m. at Norway Memorial Library, Main St.  This is a themed story time and children of all ages are welcome to join in the fun.   FMI call the library at 743-5309.