A Christmas Tree Charity Day, a Festival of Wreaths, Make Your Own Holiday Poppers, and More in Durham and Middlefield This Weekend

Durham Holiday Stroll
Saturday, 10 a.m. - The First Annual Durham Holiday Stroll will take place on Saturday. Main Street Merchants will be offering special deals all day, and babysitting will be offered at the Durham Activity Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.. Santa will be at the Library from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.The annual tree lighting will be at 4 p.m. on the Town Green. Immediately following the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join together to Stroll Main Street and sing Christmas Carols. Upon the conclusion of the stroll, everyone will gather in front of the United Churches of Durham for a three song concert performed by the Children's Choir. Then, all are invited to proceed to Fellowship Hall for some Christmas Cheer. Refreshments will be provided and if you missed it earlier in the day the Christmas Bazaar will once again be open.

Christmas Tree Charity Day
Saturday, noon - Since 2004, the Hale Hill Farm Christmas tree fundraiser has raised more than $34,000 to benefit charities, such as the Make A Wish Foundation, Save the Children and many more. The event features hayrides, food, beverages, including hot chocolate, entertainment, music, silent auction and a blazing bonfire. More than 6,000 Connecticut residents live with the effects of multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. The cause is unknown, and, and there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Community events, such as the Hale Hill Farm Christmas Tree Charity Day, ensure science keeps moving forward toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. These funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the National MS Society to people in the state living with multiple sclerosis. Guests can choose to either cut their own tree or pick one from a selection of pre-cut trees. There is a suggested $50 donation per tree. Proceeds benefit the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. For more information, please call 860-526-8836 or visit www.halehillfarm.com.

Festival of Wreaths
Saturday, noon - Come see the display of over 20 decorated wreaths donated by businesses, organizations and friends of the Society. Try your luck at winning one to take home! Spend some time over a cup of warm cider and a cookie, mingle and share a holiday story. All proceeds from the festival will be used to maintain the Portland Historical Society's Ruth Callander House Museum of Portland History and to provide educational programs for the community.

Make Your Own Holiday Poppers
Saturday, 2 p.m. - Begin the holiday season with a bang! First invented by a London pastry chef in the 1840s, poppers (or "crackers") have become timeless favorites. Poppers make great gifts, holiday party favors, or New Year's Eve noisemakers. Traditional fillers, like candy, paper hats, and fortunes will be provided or you may bring your own. This is a favorite for both kids and adults. You can also join a team from American Heritage Chocolate as they lead visitors through short, colonial chocolate-making workshops. Free on-site parking is available. For more information, call 860-236-5621 x222 or e-mail erin_strogoff@chs.org.

We Were There: Writing Your Military Experiences
Saturday, 7 p.m. - This series invites Veterans to share their stories in their own voices. All Veterans, either active or retired, are encouraged to come and write their experiences for their own benefit or to share with family and friends. We are currently putting together a compilation of writings to add to the book collection at Russell Library. The workshop facilitator and contact person from the Russell Library is Christy Billings. She can be reached at 860-347-2528 or cbilling@russell.lioninc.org. This program is being sponsored with funds from The Friends of the Russell Library.