In our community: Can-It for Christmas, and 'A Christmas Carol' live reading at OCHM

Can-It for Christmas

With the return of the Taunton Christmas parade, after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, the canned goods collection along the parade route is also returning.

Taunton-area residents are being asked to bring canned goods when they come to see the city's annual Christmas parade on Sunday, Dec. 5.

At the beginning of the parade, volunteers will collect the food along the parade route. All collected food is brought to the Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen at St. Thomas Church, where it is sorted and distributed.

Food stocked at Our Daily Bread in Taunton on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (Susannah Sudborough/The Taunton Gazette)
Food stocked at Our Daily Bread in Taunton on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (Susannah Sudborough/The Taunton Gazette)

Going back to the 1991 parade, more than 160,000 food items have been collected and donated to Our Daily Bread and other food pantries.

The parade kicks off at noon, beginning at Broadway and East Britannia Street, and heads south to Taunton Green, then turns onto Main Street and ends at City Hall.

December events at the Old Colony History Museum

All are invited to join the Old Colony History Museum for family-friendly events, both in person and virtually for the month of December. To see everything on offer and to register for those that take place on Zoom, visit the museum's Event Calendar at www.oldcolonyhistorymuseum.org/events.

The Old Colony History Museum, pictured in September 2021.
The Old Colony History Museum, pictured in September 2021.

December Events at the OCHM:

Virtual visit to The Bristol County Natural History Center at Bristol County Agricultural High School

Friday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Virtually “visit” sites to learn about the history of the Old Colony region and beyond. This month, get a special look at the collection belonging to The Bristol County Natural History Center at Bristol County Agricultural High School. This program is free and open to all. Register on the museum's Eventbrite page at http://oldcolonyhistorymuseum.eventbrite.com to get the Zoom link.

Photo Scanning Day

Saturday, Dec. 4, all day

Bring in your photos taken in the Taunton area (people, events, landmarks, holidays, and more) and let OCHM scan them for their digital collection. You'll get back the originals and your images will become a part of OCHM’s photographic record of our community. Loose, unframed photos up to 11x17 inches can be scanned. Limit five per person.

M is for Museum Story Time

Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 10:30 a.m.

M is for Museum is OCHM’s sensory-friendly story time to encourage early literacy in future historians, Books will be middle-to-elementary level, with stations for coloring and Legos and fidget boxes available. Families of all ages are welcome. Drop-in or join on Facebook Live.

Crafternoons

Tuesday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 11

December's craft is craft stick snowmen. Drop in any time this week between 1 and 3 p.m. for a fun, easy craft. The museum provides instructions and all the materials. Crafternoons are free with regular museum admission.

Wednesday Workshop: Faux stained glass

Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Learn a DIY technique for making faux stained glass art. Choose from a variety of templates to create a beautiful display for your windows. This 90-minute, hands-on workshop includes all materials and is limited to 20 people, age 10 and up. Each workshop is $5 for OCHM members or $10 for non-members. Register on Eventbrite at http://oldcolonyhistorymuseum.eventbrite.com or give call 508-822-1622.

Beer with Bronson: Medicine and Medical Objects in the Collections

Thursday, Dec. 9, from 5:15 to 6 p.m.

Grab a pour and take a tour with Curator of Collections Bronson Michaud. Hear about the untold stories from OCHM's collection and take a peek at objects on display just for you. Plus, you’ll receive a Beer with Bronson koozie to keep your beer (or root beer) cold and hands warm. This tour will focus on medicine and medical equipment in the museum’s collection and is free with regular museum admission (OCHM members receive free admission). Drinks will be provided. Register on Eventbrite at http://oldcolonyhistorymuseum.eventbrite.com or call 506-822-1622.

Live reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”

Saturday, Dec. 11, at 4:30 p.m.

Join in the merry-making at the Old Colony History Museum with a live reading of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol," performed by OCHM staff, board members, and friends. Enjoy coffee, cocoa, and holiday goodies while you watch. The reading will begin at 4:30 p.m. but there is fun to be had all day long. Enjoy a Holiday History slideshow accompanied by your favorite tunes of the season all day, along with shopping in the OCHM Gift Shoppe, a display of ornaments from The Christmas City, crafts and hands-on activities, and don’t miss taking a photo with the museum's tree! Admission to the reading of "A Christmas Carol" is free but regular admission will be taken during the museum’s normal hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors 65+, OCHM members and all children 12 and under are free.

"A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens.
"A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens.

Lecture: What should I grow in my medicinal herb garden?

Thursday, Dec. 16, at 5:30 p.m.

Mother-daughter duo The Grounded Goodwife will give a presentation about the herbal “superstars” that can help treat all kinds of common ailments, from the common cold and flu to anxiety and insomnia and take the guesswork out of starting your own medicinal herb garden. They will speak virtually via Zoom on the big screen in the museum's gallery. There are two ways to participate:

  • Join in person at the museum; seating is first come, first served

  • Join from home. Register on Eventbrite at http://oldcolonyhistorymuseum.eventbrite.com to access the Zoom meeting. The Zoom chat will be open for the Q&A portion.

A Taste of Old Colony History: Lemon caraway cookies

Thursday, Dec. 23, from 6:30to 8 p.m.

Join the OCHM staff from their home kitchens as they try their hand at historic recipes and local favorites. Once you register on Eventbrite, you’ll have access to the recipe of the month and ingredient list so you can cook along, or just sit back and watch. This month's recipe is lemon-glazed caraway cookies. For the recipe and to register, visit http://oldcolonyhistorymuseum.eventbrite.com or call 508-822-1622.

Closed for Christmas break

Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25

About the Old Colony History Museum

The Old Colony History Museum is located on historic Church Green in Taunton. Regular museum hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the museum is $5 and free for museum members.

Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery

There will be a Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at Middleboro's Town Hall Ballroom. Tickets are $40 for general admission, which includes buffet from Lorenzo's, The Hideaway and Coffee Milano, plus cash bar. Tickets can be purchased via EventBrite through www.nemasketriverproductions.com or at the door.

This event features the fabulous Prince of Mystery: Skip Daniels. Daniels is a classically trained magician and has performed his unique brand magic and comedy all over the world.

Skip Daniels will be at the Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. at Middleboro's Town Hall Ballroom.
Skip Daniels will be at the Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. at Middleboro's Town Hall Ballroom.

Some of New England's favorite comics will also be there:

Stacy Kendro has worked clubs in New York, Florida and Las Vegas, among other cities, and is now producing film shorts that she writes, directs, edits and stars in called "The Albanian Assassin." Her credits include: Gotham Comedy Live, Ladies of Laughter (winner), and opening for Joan Rivers.

Stacy Kendro will be at the Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. at Middleboro's Town Hall Ballroom.
Stacy Kendro will be at the Christmas Comedy and Night of Mystery fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. at Middleboro's Town Hall Ballroom.

Dan Miller started in 1992 opening for acts such as Lenny Clark and Dave Atel. He's performed in a variety of different settings, including appearing in "The Departed" and starring in "Mario and Mary's Italian Comedy Wedding," as well as Nick's comedy Stop, fundraisers, clubs and shows all around New England.

Doreen Collins is the first woman inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. A comedic actress most of her life, she has produced, directed and hosted three TV shows and multiple comedy productions and has now published her first book, “Confessions of a Working Girl or How to Get Laid (Off).”

John Perotta is known as "the Italian Don Rickles.” He closed a show at the legendary Friars Club in New York City and has opened for Bill Burr. He's the owner of the Comedy Factory.

November events at Taunton Public Library

Here's what's coming up at the Taunton Public Library for the month of November:

Taunton Public Library
Taunton Public Library

Week Nov. 28

Nov. 29

  • Family storytime, from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

  • Bookworm Buddies, at 6 p.m. For kindergarteners to 2nd-graders, Bookworm Buddies will be reading "Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons," by James Dean. Library copies of the book will be provided, and a get-together to discuss the book will be on Nov. 29. Snacks will be provided, and there will be a craft.

Nov. 30

  • Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club, at 6 p.m. For grades 3 to 5, participants in this monthly book club will receive a passport and earn stickers each time they participate in the program. This is participant-led, so you choose how the story goes as it's read aloud.

Dec. 1

  • Middle Grade Book Club, at 6 p.m. For grades 6 to 8, the book selection is "Roller Girl," by Victoria Jamieson. Call the library to sign up and get a copy of the book. At the meeting, the book will be discussed, and there will be an activity or a craft.

Dec. 2

  • Family storytime, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 3

  • Cozy Baby Time, from 10 a.m. to noon

For the safety of library staff and patrons, masks should be worn during programs by adults and children ages 2 and up.

For Dinovember, the library's month-long scavenger hunt will be happening as usual.

1,000 books before kindergarten

Sign your child up to read 1,000 books before kindergarten. Log any books (no matter how many times you read them) you read to your child, and they can receive a free book at 500 and 1,000 books read.

Taunton Civic Chorus to put on Christmas concert after two-year hiatus

After 21 months of being apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taunton Civic Chorus announces that on Sunday, Dec. 5, it will be presenting "Together at Christmas," a combination of traditional and comical pieces for all ages.

Music Director Matthew Haynes said the concert is the story of hope.

“After the struggles of the past 21 months, the concert embraces the hope, joy, and laughter that was missing from last Christmas,” said Haynes in a press release. “It’s the story of hope that can heal the wounds that have been inflicted on our communities.”

Join the Taunton Civic Chorus on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m., at Berkley Congregational Church, 13 S. Main St. Berkeley, for "Together at Christmas."
Join the Taunton Civic Chorus on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m., at Berkley Congregational Church, 13 S. Main St. Berkeley, for "Together at Christmas."

The concert will be held at the chorus' new rehearsal location, Berkley Congregational Church, with a new accompanist, Christopher Hoskins. He has been a member of the TCC orchestra in the past as well as a guest conductor. Hoskins is a junior at Rhode Island College, majoring in music education.

“I love the opportunity; I love the group,” Hoskins stated. “This is a great group of people who are very hardworking and dedicated.” As for the upcoming concert, Hoskins said, “It is important for the choir and community to see the chorus still thriving. The chorus has new members and is growing [despite the fact] we have not performed in so long. Being in Berkeley, we are reaching a larger audience.”

The Christmas event will be the first solo concert since Dec. 2019.

Some of the pieces to be performed include “Merry Christmas Darling,” “Yes Virginia, There’s a Santa Claus,” “Cartoon Christmas,” “A Bit of Holiday Cheer,” and an audience favorite, “Silent Night.”

Join the TCC on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m., at 13 S. Main St. Berkeley, for a bit of holiday cheer.

Admission to the holiday concert is $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the performance, or in advance on Facebook via Paypal, or by check to Taunton Civic Chorus, P.O. Box 217, East Taunton, MA 02718 by Nov. 29. Pre-ordered tickets can be picked up at the Will Call Desk.

For more information, contact TCC at tauntoncivicchorus63@gmail.com.

Dighton Garden Club Festival of Trees

Araujo Farms, 1522 Williams St., Dighton, is hosting the Dighton Garden Club's annual Festival of Trees.

There are more than a dozen trees, all decorated in different themes, that are being raffled off.

Raffle tickets can be purchased daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 5. The drawings will be held at 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, with prizes for the winners.

Newport Navy Choristers’ holiday concert

The Newport Navy Choristers, under the direction of Lori McDowell, will present their annual holiday concert on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 E. Main Rd., in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The concert will benefit the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm, a project of Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District and Portsmouth Middle School.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 15 and under and can be purchased at easternriconservation.org/events/holiday.

The Newport Navy Choristers, under the direction of Lori McDowell, will present their annual holiday concert on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 E. Main Rd., in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
The Newport Navy Choristers, under the direction of Lori McDowell, will present their annual holiday concert on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 E. Main Rd., in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

The Choristers’ Chairwoman, Pat McGue, said in a press release, "After having been limited to virtual rehearsals and performances last year due to the pandemic, the Choristers are thrilled to once again be able to perform live and continue our long tradition of helping local non-profit organizations raise money to support programs which improve the quality of life in our community."

For tickets and more information, visit easternriconservation.org/events/holiday or contact Sara Churgin at schurgin.ericd@gmail.com or 401-225-6033.

At the concert, masks will be required for unvaccinated individuals, and encouraged for all.

Southeastern Mass. Festival Chorus to put on holiday concert at Taunton High

The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus will present its holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time,” on Dec. 11 and 12, at Taunton High School.

The chorus will perform a collection of seasonal favorites, including “Let it Snow,” “Merry Christmas, Darling,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Mistletoe and Holly,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Marshmallow World/Candy Man,” and more.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus will present its holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time,” on Dec. 11 and 12, at Taunton High School.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus will present its holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time,” on Dec. 11 and 12, at Taunton High School.

The performances will be accompanied by a live, 14-piece orchestra.

SMFC Bronze, the newest addition to the SMFC franchise, will perform several handbell arrangements.

Saturday’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. and the matinee performance on Sunday afternoon is at 2 p.m.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus will present its holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time,” on Dec. 11 and 12, at Taunton High School.
The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus will present its holiday concert, “The Most Wonderful Time,” on Dec. 11 and 12, at Taunton High School.

The concert format will be slightly abridged, as a precaution to COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. All CDC, state, local, and public school COVID guidelines will be followed regarding masking requirements.

For tickets, more information, or to sign up for the chorus' mailing list, visit smfconline.org.

Jingle Paws at the Taunton Animal Shelter

The Taunton Animal Shelter is holding its 13th annual Jingle Paws, now through Dec 24. Share some holiday cheer with a pet currently awaiting a home at the shelter. The Taunton Animal Shelter's website is www.tauntonshelter.petfinder.com.

Make a donation in honor of a particular pet at the shelter and/or deliver a special toy, treat, or gift for the pet of your choice. This can also be done as a special gift for someone or in memory of someone.

Forms will be available at the Taunton Shelter at 821 W. Water St., via e-mail at paws4blue@aol.com, or they can be picked up at Raynham Town Hall and Robin's Corner Flower Shop. Your name and the name of the pet of your choice will be noted on the Taunton Shelter website and also at the shelter itself. In addition, you will receive a special photo of the pet you have chosen to sponsor.

Painting exhibit at Lakeville Public Library

Lakeville painter Daniel Cooney's latest exhibition is on display in the Great Ponds Gallery at the Lakeville Public Library.

“Drip-Line Variations and Other Recent Work" is the result of Cooney's introspection during the COVID-19 pandemic, a revisiting of a small series of paintings he produced in the late 1990s while living in France.

Lakeville painter Daniel Cooney's latest exhibition, “Drip-Line Variations and Other Recent Work," is on display in the Great Ponds Gallery at the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct St., Lakeville, through Dec. 28.
Lakeville painter Daniel Cooney's latest exhibition, “Drip-Line Variations and Other Recent Work," is on display in the Great Ponds Gallery at the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct St., Lakeville, through Dec. 28.

The exhibit will be on display at the Lakeville Public Library, 4 Precinct St., Lakeville, through Dec. 28.

For more information, visit www.lakevillelibrary.org/great-ponds-gallery, or contact Cooney at 4dcooney@gmail.com.

Freetown Council on Aging

On Mondays, the pool table is available at 9 a.m., knitting and crocheting club is at 10 a.m., and card games (Pitch) are from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bingo is on Tuesdays, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Scrabble is on Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Art class is on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.

Visit with the podiatrist on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 9 a.m. Call Dr. Markowitz for an appointment at 1-401-455-3554.

The COA has a veterans agent. Call the COA for further information.

“20-20-20” classes with Ellie are on Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. behind the COA, rain or shine. Bring water bottle, hand weights and folding chair. Suggested donation is $5.

Call Monday thru Friday to schedule an appointment with the senior van service.

For SHINE, call the COA for an appointment.

The Freetown Council on Aging is located at 227 Chace Road in East Freetown. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Fridays, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

For more information, email Barbara at Freetowncoa@aol.com or Rosemary at Freetowncoa@comcast.net or call 508-763-9557.

Help make watershed plan for Taunton's drinking water

The Assawompset Ponds Complex and Nemasket River are unique among waterbodies in the diversity of uses that they support, which include recreation and scenic beauty, drinking water supply for 250,000 people in New Bedford, Taunton and beyond, and essential migratory habitat for river herring and endangered species.

A measuring stick at the Nemasket River gates show historically low water levels at about 6 inches, nearing the record low seen in 2016.
A measuring stick at the Nemasket River gates show historically low water levels at about 6 inches, nearing the record low seen in 2016.

The Assawompset Ponds Management Team is seeking the insight and local expertise of the broader APC-Nemasket watershed community to enrich and support an ongoing project to develop a Watershed Management and Climate Action Plan that reduces flood hazards, protects drinking water supplies, improves storm water management, and enhances habitat and recreational access.

Funded by an MVP Action Grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, a team of multi-disciplinary specialists has joined with the APC Management Team to serve as a project Steering Committee guiding the development of the Watershed Plan. The Steering Committee includes participants from: Freetown, Lakeville, Middleboro, New Bedford, Rochester, and Taunton.

All residents living in or relying on waters from the APC-Nemasket watersheds are a vital part of the stakeholder network whose actions can support watershed health and climate resilience. Your watershed stewardship efforts can begin or continue with participating in an inclusive community engagement process. Through a series of public workshops, community members are invited to share their personal experience of existing conditions throughout the watershed, and insight into potential management actions.

These public meetings will focus on a particular topic as it relates to the watershed. There are two options for participation — an in-person workshop or a virtual meeting via Zoom. In-person events will be held outdoors, with activities for children and light refreshments available. The in-person and Zoom meetings, while separate, will occur on the same date and time. In the case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held solely on Zoom. Use the registration form available at https://bit.ly/register-apc to receive additional in-person meeting details and Zoom link access.

Ecology and Unique Habitats

  • March 23, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., location TBD in Middleboro

Recreation and Stewardship

  • April 13, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., location TBD in Rochester

Land Development

  • April 27, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., location TBD in Freetown

Open House — Meet your Plan!

  • June 1, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m., location TBD in Lakeville

Visit the project webpage at www.SRPEDD.org/apc-nemasket-plan to take a virtual tour of the watershed, learn more about the plan, sign up for project updates and meeting announcements, register for upcoming events, review past presentations and meeting summaries, and provide additional input via written comments. For those without access to a computer, call the project hotline at 508-938-6031. Leave your name and number, and organizers will follow up with instructions for accessing meetings by phone.

To submit your news

To share your events with the community, reach out to the Taunton Daily Gazette newsroom at newsroom@tauntongazette.com.

Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: In our community can-it for Christmas A Christmas Carol comedy night