Holiday Sale Dec. 9-10

The Partnership Committees of First Congregational Church of Old Lyme are holding their third annual Holiday Sale Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, in the Fellowship Room of the church.

There will be Haitian arts and crafts, Palestinian olive oil and soaps, Lakota jewelry and crafts, and ane-of-a-kind handmade items from “The Ladies Who Stitch”: knitted scarves, mittens and hats, baby quilts, aprons and potholders, holiday napkins and more. Hours are 9-3 Saturday and 9-1 Sunday.

Make-It-Yourself Craft Fair Dec. 2

Children of all ages can make gifts, toys and holiday decorations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 19 Jay St., New London. The Make-It-Yourself Craft Fair includes adult assistance making candy houses, beaded balls, felt ornaments, wooden toys and other items. All except wreaths cost $1-$3.

Tea and chocolate anyone?

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m., Waterford Public Library is holding a Downton Abbey themed English tea and chocolate pairing event including a talk on the history and health benefits of tea and dark chocolate plus instructions on how to brew a proper cuppa, how tea varieties differ, and the tenets of chai/tea ceremonies.

Kim Larkin of Klassic Kreations has taught creative workshops for over 20 years with a passion for sharing her experience with others. She is a licensed commercial chocolatier and is certified by the Specialty Coffee Assoc. in Coffee Foundations. She is also a lifelong tea aficionado.

Registration is required for this event as space is limited. Visit www.waterfordpubliclibrary.org for information.

CUSH holds annual meeting Nov. 29

Clean Up Sound & Harbors (CUSH) will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. at the Thompson Exhibition Building at Mystic Seaport Museum. The highlight of the meeting will be the release of their 15-year Water Quality Report Card for the estuaries of Stonington.

Night for the Environment Dec. 2

The 3rd annual "Night for the Environment," benefiting the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, will be held from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 2 at Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard at 113 Pendleton Hill Road in North Stonington. This casual event will feature food, a cash bar, and live music by local musicians The Fake Experience.

“Night for the Environment” follows the release in October of the league’s annual Environmental Scorecard, which is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. To view the results of this year’s scorecard, visit: https://www.ctlcv.org/scorecard2023.html.

Tickets to the event are $75; for information, email mike@ctlcv.org.

Anti-racism series continues Dec. 2

Waterford RISE will host the third in a three-part anti-racism series on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9:30 to11 a.m. at the Waterford Public Library. The series is open to the public and addresses a variety of questions about racism.

This third presentation will provide participants with strategies they can use when encountering racism at home, at work, at school, and in the wider community. Aqua Drakes and Katie Burton will facilitate the conversation, which is funded by Waterford RISE with support from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and Ledge Light Health District. Register by accessing the library’s calendar of events or by calling the main desk.

Ukelele music in Norwich Dec. 9

Join local ukulele player Gina Turcketta for a Ukulele Strum & Learn Holiday Jam in the Otis Library Community Room from 10 to noon Saturday, Dec. 9.

Participants will learn (or refresh) simple chords, then put them to good use playing holiday songs together. Ukuleles will be provided for the class, or you may bring your own.

This free program is for adults. Registration is required on the calendar at www.otislibrarynorwich.org, or call 860-889-2365, ext. 128.

Day of Infamy noted Dec. 7 in Norwich

A Remember Pearl Harbor ceremony will be held at 11:55 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in the Norwich City Hall Council Chambers at 100 Broadway.

The remembrance will commemorate those who died on the Day of Infamy, including several from the Norwich area. For information, call 860-608-0472.

Toy drive to support Catholic Charities

Bozrah Automotive Repair Center will be hosting a Toy Drive now through Dec 15 to aid Catholic Charities in their assistance to families in the region.

Unwrapped, new toys for girls and boys up to age 17 can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the repair shop, 4 Rachel Drive in Bozrah. Gift cards and cash will also be accepted in lieu of a toy. For information, call (860) 889-2365, Ext. 128.

Groton Library holiday art show

The main branch of the Groton Library at 52 Newtown Road will feature the two-dimensional works of local illustrator and author Matthew Goldman, aka Constant Waterman, from Dec. 2 through the 28th.

Opening reception will be 10-4 Saturday, Dec. 2. The artist will be available throughout the reception, and refreshments will be served.

Goldman is an active member of the Artists Co-operative Gallery of Westerly. He has written and illustrated seven books and is best known for his two books of local history, “Landmarks You Must Visit in Southeast Connecticut” and “More Landmarks You Must Visit in Southeast Connecticut.”

Book discussions at East Lyme library

December events at East Lyme Public Library's December will include a book discussion on “Lily and the Octopus” by Steven Rowley at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Also, a Men's Book Discussion Group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, to discuss “The Map that Changed the World” by Simon Winchester.

A Mystery Book Discussion will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, to mull over “Clark and Division” by Naomi Hirahara..

The Out-of-This-World Book Discussion group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 to ponder “The Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan. This is a science fiction and fantasy book discussion group that meets bimonthly.

For book group and other library event information, visit www.eastlymepubliclibrary.org.

Mystic Garden Club holds greens sale

The Mystic Garden Club Greens Sale will take place on Dec. 1-2 at Union Baptist Church, 119 High St. in Mystic. Hours are noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2.

Mystic Garden Club designers will be on hand to create custom wreaths, including a wide selection of ribbons,pinecones, shells, starfish and other adornments.

Christmas tree ornaments also will be sold, featuring the popular “Harbor Lighthouse.” Tabletop arrangements and mixed green trees are also available, more information is available at www.mysticgardenclub.org.

Profits go towards community grants and scholarships. In addition, the club decorates and maintains the downtown Mystic planters throughout the year.

Community Bulletin Board is a free service of The Day. To contribute, email times@theday.com.