Community Notes

Ashburnham COA announces holiday hours; upcoming trips

The Ashburnham COA, 1 Memorial Drive, will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, due to the Christmas Holiday and will reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

The Ashburnham Forever Young Club is planning a trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto June 25 to 29, 2007 via Diamond Tours. Includes four

nights lodging, eight meals (four breakfasts and four dinners), guided tours of Niagara Falls and Toronto, a journey to the Falls on “The Maid of the Mist”, gaming at Fallsview Casino, a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Queen Victoria Park and a visit to Casa Lomas, Canada’s most magnificent castle. Cost $420 (double occupancy). Add $140 for single occupancy. Reservations are being accepted; space is limited. For more information on activities or trips available, please call (978) 827-5000.

“Lessons and Carols” to be celebrated

A service of “Lessons and Carols” will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at St. Denis Church, Main Street. This service, sponsored by the Ashburnham Ecumenical Council, is a collection of eight readings of Advent and Christmas, set off by many familiar carols and some special music by string ensemble and harp.

The Fitchburg State College Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Susan Kirchhausen, will play a prelude and postlude and will also accompany the carols. Sandra Fontaine will be the organist for the evening.

Special music in the service will include a solo by harpist, Rosemary Reynolds. Selections will be offered by choirs from Community Church, People’s Church and St. Denis Church and St. Anne’s Parishes.

This is the 13th year that Ashburnham has celebrated “Lessons and Carols” and once again it looks to be a welcome space of beauty and peace in this busy season. Everyone is welcome.