People & Events

Saturday, December 2

A Holiday Open House will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westminster Historical Society, 110 Main St., Westminster. Relax by the hearth and enjoy hot cider, coffee and holiday cookies. The society has made a special 2007 calendar for Westminster that will be on sale that day, along with other gifts available. For information, call (978) 874-5569.

The annual Christmas Fair at the First Church of Templeton, on the common, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's fair will feature a Country Store with hand-crafted gifts, theme basket raffles, handmade wreaths and crafts, homemade baked goods, kids' Duck Pluck game, Chinese auction, attic treasures, silent auction, and lunch beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, call (978) 939-2784.

"Pet Photos with Santa" will be taken from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tails-A-Waggin, 3 West St., Leominster. By appointment only. Cost is $10. For more information, or to make an appointment, call (978) 537-9612.

Townsend United Methodist Church is presenting its annual American Girl Holiday Tea Party from noon to 2 p.m. at the church, 265 Main St., Townsend. Featured guest will be American Girl doll Kirsten Larson, a pioneer girl growing up in Minnesota. Children may bring their own American Girl doll. The afternoon will conclude with a craft time in the style of 1854. Cost is $15; children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, or to make reservations, call (978) 597-2486.

Stratton Players presents the classic fairy tale musical "Into the Woods" at 2 p.m. and at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Tickets are $18; reservations recommended and can be obtained by calling the theatre at (978) 345-6066.

The Living Nativity, a dramatic presentation of life in the town of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 17 Marshall Hill Road, Westminster. Visitors will see costumed cast members; an open-air Near Eastern market; and Hebrew dancing. Free coffee, hot mulled cider and assorted pastries will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Free and open to the public. For information, call (978) 874-2479.

"A Broadway Christmas" will be performed at 8 p.m. at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green Street, Gardner. Show stopping dances and a visit from Santa add spice to this holiday treat! Tickets are $18. For information, call (978) 632-2403.

The holiday concert "Christmas Near and Far" will be performed at 8 p.m. at Townsend's Memorial Hall. A blend of vocal, piano and string arrangements of holiday music through the ages will be presented for the enjoyment of all ages. Returning for this year's performance are Dan and Elenye German and their children Amanda, Lynea and Tessa. Sponsored by Townsend's 275th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

Sunday, December 3

Paula Meola Dance and Performing Arts Inc. of Sterling will perform "The Nutcracker" at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Route 2A, Fitchburg. Tickets are available at the studio and at the door. Cost is $12 for adults; $10 for children and seniors. For information, call (978) 422- 6989 or e-mail paulameoladance.com.

The Fitchburg Art Museum celebrates the holiday season with a series of free musical performances beginning at 1 p.m. at Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. All concerts are free with museum admission. For information, call (978) 345-4207, or visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.

The Townsend Historical Society will host its annual Holiday Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St., (Route 119) Townsend. For more information, call (978) 597-2106.

The Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library present "Photos with Santa" from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ashby Public Library, Main Street, Ashby. Children will also enjoy doing Christmas crafts. Cost is $5 for the first photo; $2.50 for each additional picture. All proceeds to be used to benefit the library and its programs. For more information, or to make advanced reservations, call (978) 386-5377.

The Townsend Historical Society annual Holiday Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St. (Route 119) Townsend.

Costumed docents will give tours of the circa 1809 house and do hands-on applesauce making at the hearth fireplace. Quilts and needlework from needle artist Joan Leahy Blanchard's private collection will decorate the house and holiday cookies, punch and the freshly made applesauce will be offered. For information, call (978) 597-2106.

Westminster's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting will be held at 4 p.m. on Academy Hill. The celebration will feature pictures with Santa, hot cocoa and goodies, music by Wachusett Winds, and caroling with Westminster Elementary School students. Sponsored by the Westminster Parent Teacher Organization. For information, call Juliet O'Brien at (978) 874-1192 or Christine Sears at (978) 874-1215.

The Living Nativity, a dramatic presentation of life in the town of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 17 Marshall Hill Road, Westminster. Visitors will see costumed cast members; an open-air Near Eastern market; and Hebrew dancing. Free coffee, hot mulled cider and assorted pastries will be served in the Fellowship Hall. Free and open to the public. For information, call (978) 874-2479.

Monday, December 4

The Forever Young Club of Ashburnham will meet at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Joe Foster will provide a program of seasonal music. Refreshments served.

Tuesday, December 5

A "Christmas Tree Pin" craft class will be held at 9 a.m. at the Westminster Council on Aging, located at the American Legion Hall, 127 Main St., Westminster. For information, call (978) 874-7402.

Wednesday, December 6

The Friendship Club will hold a Christmas Party at noon at the Westminster Country Club. For more information, call (978) 874-2036.

A 'Winter Wonderland' paper-crafting workshop will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Townsend Cooperative Playschool, Route 119, Townsend. Create three beautiful layouts for all your holiday and winter-theme photos. Cost is $15. Preregistration required. Proceeds to benefit the school. For information, call (978) 877- 2143.

HealthAlliance Hospital's Annual LoveLight Tree Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at HealthAlliance Diversified VNA Hospice Program, 25 Tucker Ave., Leominster. For information, call (978) 466-2270.

The Hawthorne Brook Middle School Concert Band, Jazz Band and Chorus will present its Annual Winter Concert at 7 p.m. in the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg. Donations to cover the cost of hall rental greatly appreciated.

CDs of the concert will be available to order. The HBMS Band Boosters will host a Bake Sale.

Thursday,

December 7

A flu clinic will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Westminster Senior Center, 127 Main St., Westminster. For information, call (978) 874-7402.

"How Long Will The Money Last" will be presented at 1:30 p.m. at the Westminster Council on Aging, located at the American Legion Hall, 127 Main St., Westminster. Presented by Financial Consulting Group, Inc. This is a catered lunch. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 874-7402.

A financial aid seminar will be held at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Performing Arts Center at Oakmont Regional High School, 9 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. JoEllen Soucier, a representative of the Massachusetts Educational Financial Authority and Director of Financial Aid at Mount Wachusett Community College, will discuss various aspects of financial aid. For information, call (978) 827-5907.