The Carter Mountain Brass Band, under the baton of Debbi Gibson, will be presenting a multi-media event, “Christmas Around the World,” on Dec. 4, starting at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Gilford. Projected visuals will accompany the music along with interspersed poems and stories. The audience is invited for dessert after the concert. A $10 donation will be appreciated with proceeds to be split between the Church and the band.
Gilford Community Church (GCC) will have a Community Tree Lighting on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. After the tree lighting, carols will be sung outdoors followed by a brief service led by children and youth from the church and community. The evening concludes with refreshments, including coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and brownies). GCC’s holiday celebrations continue with the Annual Christmas Fair on Dec. 2 (4 to 6 p.m.) and Dec. 3 (9 a.m to 1 p.m.). GCC is currently accepting donations of non-electronic items for the fair. Items may be dropped off at the church at 19 Potter Hill Rd. in Gilford. To learn more about GCC, or virtually attend service, visit gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
Girls in Kindergarten to Grade 3, and a caregiver, are invited to learn about opportunities to get involved in your community. Try out sample activities and see the many ways to get involved on Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Canterbury Elementary School, 15 Baptist Rd. You can also join anytime online at girlscoutsgwm.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
Young local authors are invited to read their work during “It’s by the Kids Open Mic Night” on Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Belknap Marketplace. Several readers scheduled to take part in the event are featured in a new book produced and published by the Janice Beetle Books 2022 Challenge Team, It’s by the Kids: An anthology of children’s artwork and stories. This book contains stories and drawings from local children and costs $10, all proceeds will benefit the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction. The reading will be held just outside the auction, so those who take part will also have a chance to experience the auction live. Children who wish to take part in the reading should pre-register with Janice Beetle by emailing Janice@beetlepress.com. Reading material can be across all genres, and material must be suitable for all ages. Readers will have five minutes to present their work. There are a limited number of time slots, so register early! For more information, visit janicebeetlebooks.com or email Beetle.
Two Villages Art Society (TVAS) will hold its annual winter exhibit and sale from November 25 through December 24 in Hopkinton. The works of over 30 artist members will be on display and for sale at the gallery on Main Street. A wide range of work has been selected for the show, including oil and watercolor paintings, ceramics, prints, photos, jewelry, woodworking, glasswork, felted animals, wearable art, and more. They are created by artists and artisans from Hopkinton, Bradford, Warner, New London, and other surrounding towns. The show is arranged by Parker Potter and Kathleen Dustin, members of the TVAS Board of Trustees. Participating artists include Sher Kamman, Steve Frye, Jane Tentas, Eileen Carter, Dan Dustin, Jo Grubman, Jeffry Shapira, Pamela Tarbell, and Helen Fitzgerald. Many of the exhibitors are juried members of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. The Winter 2022 Members’ Art Show takes place at the Bates Building at 846 Main Street in Contoocook (part of the town of Hopkinton). The gallery will be open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m. The show will be open for extended hours during Hopkinton’s “Starry, Starry Weekend” shopping event: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, Saturday Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4. The public is invited to a reception to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments from 12 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.