Ocean House, 1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, RI , 02891

Children can visit and take photos with Santa and enjoy holiday craft activities. Guests are asked to bring one unwrapped gift per child, to be donated to children in need.

Art Exhibits/Openings

Lyme Art Association, 90 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT , 06371

The Lyme Art Association’s annual member show and sale featuring more than 200 works of art in all themes, sizes and mediums, well priced for holiday gift giving. Opening Reception on Sunday, December 2, 2 – 4 pm. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10-5 pm, and by appointment.

Art Exhibits/Openings

Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, Branford House, University of Connecticut-Avery Point, 1084 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT , 06340

Please come to the opening reception for the exhibition, "U. Roberto Romano Papers: Photographs of Child Labor in Coastal Countries" at the University of Connecticut-Avery Point’s Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art in Branford House. The reception will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 12, from 5:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, and admission is free.

The exhibition features the photographs of Roberto Romano (1956-2013), an award-winning filmmaker, photojournalist, and human rights activist who spent his life documenting exploitative child labor in foreign countries (and in the U.S.) in order to improve the lives of children worldwide. On display are some of Romano’s most iconic images – beautifully arranged compositions of poignant subjects that reveal both the photographer’s aesthetic sensibilities and his dedicated pursuit of social justice.

In addition, never-before-seen works from Romano’s time exploring the jermals (fishing platforms) off the coasts of Indonesia examine the difficult and hazardous lives of the young boys who joined the crews in order to support their families on shore. The exhibition concludes with a stimulating series of UConn student artwork – inspired by Romano’s efforts – that explores child labor in the chocolate industry in Africa and how legislation is beginning to eliminate this unfortunate phenomenon.

"U. Roberto Romano Papers: Photographs of Child Labor in Coastal Countries" runs from Sept. 13 to Dec. 16 at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery at Branford House on the UConn-Avery Point campus. It is open from 12:00-4:00pm, Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is free.

Community

The Hugo A. Simonelli VFW Post 3263, 60 Stonington Westerly Road, Mystic, CT

8-11 a.m.; $7

May 13 - Mother's Day breakfast (Mothers eat for free).

Community

Crystal Mall, 850 Hartford Turnpike, Waterford, CT

avoid the line with Santa's FastPass and reserve your magical moment with Santa online at: http://simonsanta.com; (860) 442-8501.

Community

Stone Bridge Farm, 116 Crary Road, Griswold, CT

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 24-25, and every weekend until Christmas; visit these wooly animals and enjoy holiday music, hot chocolate and more; www.stonebridgealpacas.com; (860) 376-5027.

Community

Bill Memorial Library, 240 Monument Street, Groton, CT , 06340

It’s the month of giving! This year, the Mystic & Noank Library and the Bill Memorial Library in the City of Groton are partnering together to collect food for our neighbors in need. Throughout December, both libraries will be offering a seasonal exchange that allows you to help the hungry while clearing yourself of late fees. Bring nonperishable, unexpired food items to either library and, in exchange, you will pay off your fines!

For every food item you bring in, $1 worth of fines will be forgiven. Please note - food donations cannot be used for lost or damaged material fees. You may make multiple donations; you may also make donations even if you don’t have any fines!

Food donated to the Bill Memorial Library will be given to the food pantry at Groton Human Services, food donated to the Mystic & Noank Library will be divided between the Food Bank at the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Shelter and the Food Pantry at Groton Human Services.

Community

VFW Post 3263, 60 Stonington Road, Mystic, CT

1 p.m., (860) 235-3518.

Community

VFW Post 3263, 60 Stonington Road, Mystic, CT

4 p.m., at least five hams will be raffled off; tickets available at the Club Canteen; (860) 235-3518.

Community

St. John's Episcopal, 400 Main St., Niantic, CT

4 p.m., a non denomination holiday memorial service remembering those in our lives who have died; refreshments to follow service; email: info@brianshealinghearts.org.

Community

Grace United Methodist Church, 10 Park Ave., Westerly, RI , 02890

6-7 p.m., meeting; (401) 575-9837; www.oa.org.

Community

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT

6 p.m.

Community

Garside’s Holiday Lighthouse , 235 Montauk Avenue, New London, CT , 06320

Please Join Us on Saturday Dec 15th to kick off the Event ~ We will be collecting the following items; Non-Perishable Food, New and Gently Used Children’s Books, Diapers, and Infants/Childrens Hats and Gloves