Christmas gifts sought for foster children
The Children's Network of Southwest Florida is the agency charged with the responsibility of more than 1,800 children across five counties in Southwest Florida. All of these children have been abused, neglected or abandoned in some fashion. Some of these children remain in their homes with the network's supervision; the majority of others of have been taken from their homes and placed into foster care.

In Charlotte County, there are 165 of these children; 100 of whom have been removed from their homes.

These children, through age 18, live in your community. It is the network's goal to provide each child with two gifts. These gifts do not have to be expensive, and you can buy for whatever age group you would like. If you can help, call Aimee McLaughlin at 239-226-1524.

Gift wrapping available for donations
After shopping at the Port Charlotte Town Center mall, leave the gift wrapping to the Woman's Club of Port Charlotte. For donations, the members will wrap your presents using shiny paper, glittering bows and a gift tag.

The Woman's Club gift wrap booth is located at the mall near the food court. The booth is open every day during the mall's normal business hours, including Christmas Eve. Donations will be distributed to more than a dozen local agencies and include the sponsorship of the annual STAR (Special Training And Rehabilitation) program, scholarship awards to vocational and high school students and Treats for Troops mailing.

Poinsettias sold by Charisma
The Charlotte High School Choir, CHARISMA, is currently raising money for a group visit to New York to get the choir singing at Carnegie Hall. As part of their fundraising, they are pre-selling Christmas poinsettias (red, white or pink) at $10 per plant, with $3 per plant sold going to the fund. The Punta Gorda Chamber and Charlotte State Bank have already confirmed that the Christmas displays will be bought from them to decorate their offices. If you can help, simply e-mail Rick Tarter on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with your requirements and he'll organize the rest.

Toys for Tots collection
Toys for Tots are operated throughout the nation and in Charlotte County by the U.S. Marine Corps. Toys for Tots is available at two different locations for the drop-off of any new and unused toys or monetary donations made out to Toys for Tots. Century 21 Aztec, 4456 Tamiami Trail, Unit 11-12 in Port Charlotte as well as at the Sun Flea Market on the corner of Paulson Drive and Veterans Boulevard in Port Charlotte. Look for the decorated Toys for Tots signs.

For information, call the Marine Corps League at 941-740-1775 or Clyde Prier at 941-625-5970.

Special Advent program offered
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 401 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda, is offering a special program for the Advent season. Titled "Our Advent Journey," the program will continue each Tuesday through Dec. 18. The program begins with evening prayer at 5:45 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program beginning at 6:45 p.m. Suggested donation for dinner is $5 per adult, with children 15 and under being free.

The Dec. 4 program is "The Story of the Carol," which traces the history of Christmas carols. The Dec. 11 program, presented by the Rev. Vince Scotto, will review the many Advent and Christmas traditions that have evolved through the ages. The last program on Dec. 18 will be a presentation of Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols."

The public is invited to attend and no reservations are required. For information, contact the church office at 941-639-2757.

Christmas Card Lane call for entries
The Punta Gorda Kiwanis is seeking entries for its Christmas Card Lane. Life-size greeting cards will be on display at Gilchrist Park from Dec. 1-Jan. 5. This is an opportunity to promote your business, church, club, school or organization. You can make your own holiday card, or contract a professional, and your theme could be religious or nonreligious. A number of cards will be recognized in various categories, like "most unique," "most humorous" and "best of show."

The $50 entry fee benefits the Punta Gorda Kiwanis Club's community service efforts and activities. Only 20 spots remain. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for a detailed brochure, and call Gene at 941-637-4669 if you need additional information.

'Nutcracker' performance
The Higher Ground Performing Arts Studio and Suncoast Ballet will present "The Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the North Port Performing Arts Center, 6400 W. Price Blvd. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

You can purchase tickets at the studio, located at 2672 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, or at the center box office. For information, call 941-625-3622 or 941-426-8479.

'Nutcracker' at Community Christian
Community Christian School of Port Charlotte will be presenting the Christmas musical, "The Nutcracker."

At 10 a.m. Dec. 4 will be an open dress rehearsal. The performance date for students, parents and the community will be At 6:45 p.m. Dec. 6. All performances will be held in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte, 20035 Quesada Ave. For information, call 941-625-8977.

Arts & Humanities Council annual holiday open house
The Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County invites the community to its annual Holiday Open House from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. The reception will take place at the council's gallery at 2811-M Tamiami Trail (La Playa Plaza), Port Charlotte. The A&H Board of Directors will provide refreshments and holiday cheer.

The work of December Artist of the Month Thalia St. Lewis will be on display. Guests will also enjoy a performance by the Higher Ground Performing Company. The students will dance selections from "The Nutcracker."

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 941-764-8100 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text42117 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Join the Council in celebrating the Season and the Arts.

Christmas Canal Cruises
King Fisher Fleet in Punta Gorda is now booking reservations for its December Christmas Canal Cruises. These popular cruises begin Dec. 7 and run nightly through Dec. 31. Trips are one hour in length and three departure times are offered -- 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Cost is $11 for adults and $5 for children under 12. More details including photos can be found at www.kingfisherfleet.com .com/christmas.cfm. Many of the trips sell out, so early reservations are a must. Call 941-639-0969 for reservations. All cruises depart from Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda.

'Christmas Carols and Spanish Lullabies' concert
The Charlotte Chorale, in its 19th season under the baton of artistic director R. Bruce MacGregor, will perform its "Christmas Carols and Spanish Lullabies" concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at The Center for Performing Arts & Education, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda.

This kickoff to the Christmas season will get listeners into the holiday spirit with sacred and secular Christmas music including a humorous rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" composed by Craig Courtney. In the "Musicological Journey through the Twelve Days of Christmas" each successive day finds a different parody -- Handel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Strauss, Tschaikovsky, Wagner and other composers making incognito appearances, ending with the 12th day set to a pseudo-Sousa "A Stars & Stripes Forever."

A special feature of the evening will be Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest," a suite of nine carols of the Spanish-speaking world telling the story of the nativity as seen through the eyes of peasants living at that time. Most of the Spanish lyrics have been translated into English, enabling the audience to experience the messages in the songs. Harpist Ruth Kornblatt, marimbist Jeff Mael and guitarist Karissa Rottenberk will provide the rhythmic accompaniment for these traditional Spanish carols. Angela Navarro serves as the chorale's piano and organ accompanist.

The Chorale will also perform Menotti's "The Shepherds" Chorus from Amahl and the Night Visitors' (with real-life characters). Audiences for more than two generations have been profoundly moved by the story of Amahl, the crippled shepherd boy, and the three Magi on their way to Bethlehem to visit the Christ Child.

In addition, many other familiar carols plus a "singalong" will be enjoyed.

Concert tickets are $20 and may be purchased from The center's box office at 941-505-7469 or from any chorale member. For chorale information or for information about a Chorale Dickens Ensemble to entertain at your organization's Christmas party, call 941-204-0033.

Ridge Harbor display lit up
Children will be able to visit Santa from 7:30-9 p.m. on Dec. 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, and have more than 200,000 lights behind them. Also, there will be free popcorn and candy canes. What could be more holiday fun? Well, there's Santa's Castle with 5,000 lights surrounded by dancing North Poles and bubbles coming from the castle's wall. It's the Ridge Harbor Christmas display in Punta Gorda. It is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda.

This year it honors our men and women who have served and are serving in all branches of our military.

The display features a 23-foot tall with 8,000 lights and synchronized music and there are 68 mini trees with about 14,000 lights. There are about cartoon characters and more. Want to find out more, check out its Web site at www.ridgeharborchristmas.com.

The display will be lit nightly from 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m.-mindnight on New Year's Eve. The display will be lit each night until Jan. 1. If you want to see it, the site is located at 30361 Alder Road, Punta Gorda. Call 941-639-6631 for information.

There's going to be snow in Arcadia
The forecast is for snow on Dec. 8 in Arcadia. Twenty-five tons of snow will be trucked into the Turner Agri-Civic Center for a holiday celebration from 4-9 p.m. There will be a snow mountain. There will be tractor-pulled hayrides throughout the center's grounds and Santa Claus visits from 6-8 p.m.

The DeSoto County High School brass band and choir performs and church choirs and other talented local acts will also play.

Call 863-993-4807.

El Jobean holds ninth annual Christmas parade
The El Jobean Community League will hold its ninth annual Christmas Parade and festivities from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the El Jobean Park, off State Road 776. The event is free to the public. There will be music, food, vendors, crafts, Christmas Card Lane, parade and a visit from Santa Claus. Parade participants will gather at the El Jobean Fishing Pier and River Beach Road by 9:15 a.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and go through River Beach Road, Commercial Road to El Jobean Park. Parade awards will be given at the league's covered dish dinner Jan. 12.

For information, call 941-629-3640 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text61605 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Rev. Matthew L. Neumann is senior pastor of Pilgrim Church. For information, in addition to calling the number above, you can e-mail the church at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text9633 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //-->\n This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or go online to PilgrimOnline.org. For more information about the Suncoast Chorale, check out their Web site: www.suncoastchorale.org .

Lighted Boat Parade in Punta Gorda
The 18th annual Punta Gorda Lighted Boat Parade sets sail (weather permitting) at 6 p.m. Dec. 8. The rain date is Dec. 15.

The parade sets sail from Edgewater Lake in Charlotte Harbor. For the first time, there will be a sound stage there to announce the boats as they leave. From Beeney Road (off Edgewater), there are empty lots from which to view the start of the parade and hear the announcements. From there, the parade sails directly south across the harbor to Fishermen's Village, where the first vessel is expected to arrive around 6.30 p.m. An announcement sound stage with Charlie Shoe will be located at the village. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot. From Fishermen's Village, the parade continues into the Isles Yacht Club basin, before returning to the harbor and heading east to the Laishley Park Marina. Viewing of the entire parade is also possible from the pedestrian paths of both of the U.S. 41 bridges (no chairs please). Those boats that can continue under the bridges will head for the marina around 7.45 p.m. where there will be another sound stage to welcome the parade back to shore.

Also at Laishley Park, starting at 6 p.m. will be downtown merchant vendors, the CHARISMA Charlotte High School concert choir performing at 7 p.m. and the Tampa Bay Rays Street Team with an interactive batting cage that people of all ages can play for a chance to win Rays prizes.

Check www.puntagorda-chamber.com by clicking on the link to the Lighted Boat Parade. It's not too late to register to participate in the parade with a boat as well. Registration forms, as well as the route map, are also available on the Web site. Call 941-639-3720.

Church holds Holiday Food Fair
The Women's Fellowship of Congregational United Church of Christ will host its annual Holiday Food Fair from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 8.

The fair will feature "Cookies By the Pound," where shoppers can select from a large variety of cookies; dry soup mix in festive jars; homemade soups and entrees such as stuffed peppers, lasagna, chili, meatloaf and baked beans packaged in single and double portions; pies, cakes, brownies and breads; fudge, jams and jellies; as well as handmade gifts and knit items.

Congregational United Church of Christ is located at 1201 Aqui Esta Drive in Punta Gorda. The event is open to the public. For information, call 941-637-8443 from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday.

Turner Center holiday
The Turner Center will once again host a Holiday Celebration from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 8, when they bring in 25 tons of snow and provide a snow slide for the kids. There are many kids who have never seen snow in Florida and the joy on their face is priceless. They also provide a tractor-pulled hay ride throughout the grounds complete with a Christmas carol sing-along. Inside, Santa Claus is ready to see who's been naughty and nice, and he'll be taking notes. Photos will be available for those who want to treasure that special moment. And in our main area, there will be live entertainment by our local schools, churches and talent. Refreshments will be available and there is no charge to the public. Snow is sponsored by Southern Company.

YMCA to bring snow to Charlotte County
The Charlotte County Family YMCA plans to have "snow" delivered to the Dotzler YMCA outdoor center at 22801 Bayshore Road, Charlotte Harbor on Dec. 8. Kids can play in the snow; there will also be craft and food vendors, pony rides, an obstacle course, 60-foot climbing tower, pictures with Santa, and a visit from the Grinch.

The event will run from noon to 6 p.m.; it is free with a minimal charge for parking. For information, call 941-629-9622, ext. 112.

Rotonda Elks Gaelic and Celtic Christmas Festival
The Rotonda Elks open their doors to the general public, in cooperation with Celtic Heritage Productions Inc., as they play host to the Second Rotonda Elks Gaelic and Celtic Christmas Festival. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8-9, the grounds of the Elks Lodge, 303 Rotonda Blvd. E., Rotonda West, will be abuzz with Christmas spirit and a celebration of all things Celtic: traditional music and dance, authentic food and drink, and wares imported from Ireland and Scotland. Feature entertainers include Marcille Wallis & Friends, Dublin-born balladeer Brendan Nolan, The Ring of Emerald School of Irish Dance, and others.

Marcille Wallis & Friends has as its focal point the hammer dulcimer of Marcille Wallis. Wallis has gained national touring status through her appearances at major festivals and tourist attractions. Her "Friends" include vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Don Pigeon, fiddler Frances Pisacane, Scottish-born vocalist Elly Gilmore, and Irish/Scottish dancers Ann and Cal Lloyd. Dublin-born balladeer Brendan Nolan performs throughout the U.S. and Canada. His performances feature a rich baritone voice, innovative musicianship on guitar and bodhr‡n, and good humor. The Ring of Emerald School of Irish Dance, from Kellyn Celtic Arts Inc. is based in Fort Myers, led by Kimberly Knaub and award-winning Irish dancer Jaime Knaub.

Other musical entertainment is supplied by the Sarasota Scottish Country Dancers, Tampa-based fiddle/guitar/vocal duo "Juniper," Southwest Florida's premier Irish band "West of Galway," the Fort-Myers-based concertina/guitar/vocal duo "Irish Cream," and highland bagpiper David Dines. A popular element of the festival is sure to be the "Jam" at the conclusion of Sunday's entertainment lineup, in which all the weekend's musicians join up for a free-spirited musical "session."

Festival-goers will find vendors of Celtic goods ranging from children's clothing with an Irish theme to wares from the Guinness brand shop in Dublin. There will be food to satisfy the appetite and soft drinks, domestic beers and imports will be served, along with a full liquor bar.

Admission to the event is $5 per day, with children ages 12 and under admitted free, and it is open to the general public. Proceeds benefit Elks Charities, with this year's major recipient to be the Florida Elks Children's Therapy Services, based in Umatilla, Fla. Additional information may be obtained at 941-697-2710 or at these Web sites: www.rotondaelks.com or www.celticheritageproductions.com/rotonda.htm .

Breakfast with Santa
Presseller Delicatessen will hold a Breakfast with Santa at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 at 209 W. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda. Cost is $5 per person. Breakfast is donated by Presseller Deli. All proceeds will benefit the Sacred Heart Building Fund. Outside dining; no rain dates. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at Presseller Deli. For information, call 941-639-3990. To make a donation or for more information on the Sacred Heart Building Fund or Sacred Heart Catholic Church, visit www.sacredheartfl.org .

'Countdown to Christmas' puppet show
Lighthouse Baptist Church, 14251 Chancellor Blvd., Port Charlotte, would like to invite all kids, and kids at heart, to a special free presentation: a "Countdown to Christmas" puppet show. The 45-minute puppet/musical will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9. The church is behind the new Home Depot in North Port. For information, call the church office at 941-624-6462.

Holiday house tour
The Twin Isles Women of Twin Isles Country Club will be sponsoring a Christmas House Tour from 4-6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. The first house -- the place to buy tickets and have refreshments -- is at 790 Monaco Drive, Burnt Store Isles. Tickets are $10, and may also be purchased before the tour at the Twin Isles Country Club, 301 Madrid Blvd.

Suncoast Statesmen and church's Praise Chorale to perform
The Suncoast Statesmen, south Charlotte County's barbershop chorus, will present a concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 9, at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda. This special holiday program will include seasonal favorites by the chapter's own quartets. Chorus selections will include "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" "O Come All Ye Faithful," "White Christmas," "O Holy Night," and "Let There Be Peace on Earth."

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church's Praise Chorale, under the direction of John Jordan, will perform the other half of this Christmas program by presenting "Fum Fum Fum," "Carol of the Bells," "Mary Did You Know?" and "Let There Be Joy." Charles Dirr, the church's accomplished organist, will provide an organ prelude, an interlude and a postlude for the event, as well as accompany the Praise Chorale.

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church extends an invitation to the community for this free concert. A goodwill offering will be taken. The performance is limited to ticket holders. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and can be picked up at the church before or after worship on Sundays. Tickets can also be obtained from the church office during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information, contact the church office at 941-639-0001.

'It's Christmas! Brunch'
All area women are invited by the North Port Christian Women's Club to an "It's Christmas! Brunch," scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club, 5301 Sumter Blvd., North Port. It is $15 inclusive.

Special guest, Tamra Nashburn, talented composer, vocalist, author and professional model, will set the mood with a Christmas concert. Later Nashburn, also the inspirational speaker, will lead attendees down the road of life ... but wait, "Are you wearing the right shoes?" You will want to hear her story of encouragement, when even dreams can have expectations.

For information or a reservation, call Joyce at 941-429-8443 or Vicki at 941-429-2244.

The event is sponsored by Stonecroft Ministries. For information, visit the Web site at www.cwcfl.net.

'Love of God at Christmas'
Peace River Baptist Church invites the public to its Christmas musical drama, “The Love of God at Christmas,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 11 a.m. Dec. 16. This presentation celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Choir of Peace River Baptist Church is under the direction of Music Director Jim Reuter, a founding member of HIS FOUR Ministries, a local Southern gospel group.

The church is at 478 Berry St., Punta Gorda. Call 941-637-6768.

Paul Todd Christmas Concert
Entertainer, composer, arranger and singer Paul Todd will be performing a Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Life Center of First United Methodist Church, 507 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Todd is most famous for his unique concerts, as he accompanies himself by playing six keyboards simultaneously.

Tickets are $15 in advance, available at the church office and Gospel Gifts in Port Charlotte. For information, call 941-639-3842.

Christmas boat lighting contest
Nav-A-Gator Grill/DeSoto Marina's annual Christmas boat-lighting contest at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Prizes will be awarded at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the restaurant's fire pit. First prize is $100. Call the Nav-A-Gator, 9700 S.W. Riverview Circle, Lake Suzy (off Kings Highway) at 941-627-3474 for information.

Christmas for the Critters
Babcock Wilderness Adventures will celebrate "Christmas for the Critters" Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 during its regular 90-minute Eco Tours. Children who arrive a half-hour early can make pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seed to hang along the Eco Tour route. Tours may be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors who bring a can of dog or cat food for the local shelters will receive $1 off the tour price (up to four people). Reservations are required for the tour. Call 800-500-5583.

Children's Christmas party
The Englewood Art Center will hold the annual children's Christmas party from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 15 at 350 S. McCall Road in Englewood. It promises to be a fun evening. The children will create Christmas gifts and enjoy pizza. The event is free of charge. For information, call 941-474-5548.

Santa's splash party
The Charlotte County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources department announced the third annual Santa's Splash Party from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Port Charlotte Beach Pool, 4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte. The cost to attend the event is regular pool admission plus a non-perishable item such as canned goods, diapers, etc. All items will be donated to mothers and their children at the Homeless Coalition's Chara House. Come enjoy holiday music and a unique opportunity to swim with Santa Claus. Bring your cameras. Please call 941-475-3904 for information.

Holiday show at Lemon Bay Playhouse
"Season's Greetings: Stories to Put a Little Holiday in Your Heart," will be presented at Lemon Bay Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16.

The shows will be performed by members of the Readers Theater of Lemon Bay Playhouse and include selections from "A Child's Christmas in Wales," by Dylan Thomas; a humorous look at the difference between Hanukkah and Christmas; and excerpts from Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory," among others.

Tickets are $5, and the playhouse is requesting that audience members also bring a nonperishable food item for the Englewood Helping Hand food bank.

For tickets, call 941-475-6756 or visit the box office at 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood.

'Christmas with the Celts'
Congregational United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda, invites the public to a special performance by Marcille Wallis and Friends at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. The group will present its "Christmas with the Celts" holiday program. Tickets are $10, and are available for sale at the church office, and at the door the night of the concert. This will be the only performance of "Christmas with the Celts" in Charlotte County. Come experience this festive presentation of holiday cheer. For information about Marcille Wallis, visit www.marcillewallis.com .

The church members welcome the community to join in every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. throughout December as they prepare their hearts and lives for the joyous Christmas celebration. People are encouraged to come to the church during the holiday season to deepen their faith and ponder the "Good News of Great Joy!" For information on the church and special programming in December, call the church office at 941-637-8443.

'Sugar Bowl of Shows' benefit
The Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities presents "Sugar Bowl of Shows," a benefit for families in crisis, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice.

It will be an evening filled with musical standards, a Christmas singalong, special guests, comedy variety, dancing and guest of honor, Bishop Frank J. Dewane. Starring is the John Salerno Band and his "American Songbook," with guest jazz vocalist Debbie Keaton. The event also features Todd Charles, Comedy Spectacular.

General seating is $20; VIP seating is $30 (includes a wine-and-cheese social prior to show). All proceeds from the event will go to the Sugar Bowl Fund, a program that assists families who live in South Sarasota County and Northern Charlotte County that are experiencing an economic hardship. For tickets or information, call Catholic Charities at 941-379-9111.

Candlelight services available
Lighthouse Baptist Church, 14251 Chancellor Blvd., Port Charlotte, would like to invite the public to attend one of the church's special candlelight services at 6 p.m. or 10 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. There will be a unique presentation of the Christmas Story through music and scripture. The service will conclude by the traditional lighting of candles. The church is location behind the new Home Depot in North Port. A nursery is available. For information, call the church office at 941-624-6462.

Christmas Eve Family Worship of Carols and Candlelight
Congregational United Church of Christ, 1201 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda, invites the public to join in at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, for an evening of Christmas Eve Family Worship of Carols and Candlelight. Special pre-service music will welcome early arrivals. Bring your family; come hear the joy and promise of the Nativity story, and be warmed by candlelight and the singing of familiar Christmas carols. Join the celebration of the birth of Jesus and receive a warm welcome, a message of hope, and learn about God's love.

The church members welcome the community to join in every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. throughout December as they prepare their hearts and lives for the joyous Christmas celebration. People are encouraged to come to the church during the holiday season to deepen their faith and ponder the "Good News of Great Joy!" For more information on the church and special programming in December, call the church office at 941-637-8443.

Hanukkah Celebrations

Public menorah lighting at the Town Center mall
One of Southwest Florida's largest Hanukkah celebrations is set for Dec. 4 at the Port Charlotte Town Center mall (near Dillard's). The event, Chabad of Charlotte County's third annual Hanukkah Celebration, will begin at 6 p.m. The program will include a grand menorah lighting, a musical performance by the Naples Klesmer band, latkes, doughnuts, crafts and Hanukkah gifts for children. The celebration is free and open to the public.

In launching the Hanukkah campaign in Charlotte County, Rabbi Simon Jacobson, director of Chabad of Charlotte County, says "The eternal message of the menorah lights has particular significance in light of current world events which remind us all too starkly that the forces of oppression and darkness are still present." For information about Hanukkah or about Chabad of Charlotte County, visit www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com or call 941-833-3381.

Festival of Lights
Temple Beth El of Punta Gorda will be celebrating Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah begins at sundown on Dec. 4 and lasts for eight days. The historical significance of Hanukkah is:

Judah of the Maccabbe lead a victorious revolt against the Hellenistic Syrians who occupied the land of Israel around 165 B.C. It is said that when the Temple was to be rededicated, only one cruse of sacramental oil was found. The oil was supposed to burn for only one day, however, it miraculously lasted for eight full days. Thus, the holiday is celebrated for eight days with an additional candle being lighted each night.

For information about Temple Beth El of Punta Gorda, call 941-637-9434.

Temple Shalom Hanukkah services
The first night of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, begins on Tuesday. This celebration recognizes the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

The temple will have a Light Up Shabbat Service and dinner to honor Hanukkah starting at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. The service will include students of the religious school. Dr. David Katz and Rabbi Solomon Agin will provide the music, with the rabbi playing the bass fiddle. Dinner, for which reservations were required to be made by last week, will follow the service.

Temple Shalom Religious School of Port Charlotte will have a Hanukkah celebration starting at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9. The students, their friends and congregants will be treated to latkes, dreidels, chocolate gelt, lighting the menorah and a magic show. The temple opens its doors to all children of the community. Temple Shalom, 23190 Utica Ave., Port Charlotte, is located on the corner of Utica and Sherwood avenues. For more information, call the temple office at 941-625-2116.

Hanukkah celebration, services at Temple Beth El - North Port
Temple Beth El, 3840 South Biscayne Drive, North Port, will hold a joyful Hanukkah celebration at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The holiday begins with a Havdalah Service followed by a dairy meal including potato latkes. There will be music, sing-alongs, dreidel games and a raffle drawing. Cost is $10 for adults; no charge for children. Checks should be made payable to Temple Beth El. RSVP by Saturday to Temple Beth El, Hanukkah Committee, P.O. Box 7195, North Port, FL 34290. For information, call 941-445-5628 or 941-493-4205.

Hanukkah, Charlotte Jewish community highlighted in December
During the month of December, the Charlotte County Historical Society at 22959 Bayshore Road, Charlotte Harbor, has invited Temple Shalom and the Sharon Chapter of Hadassah to present a display detailing the holiday of Hanukkah and the contributions of the Jewish community toward the development of Charlotte County.

The county, as we know it today, was not established until 1921, and the Jewish community arrived some years later. Though the display will continue throughout the month, a reception for the entire community will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 11. All members of the Temple and the community are urged to attend to show support for the accomplishments of this community's Jewish family.

Temple Shalom is located at 23190 Utica Ave. in Port Charlotte, and is the only congregation in Charlotte County that is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. Guests are always welcome. For information, call 941-625-2116.

Kwanza Celebrations

Blanchard House hosts event
The Blanchard House Museum will have a Kwanzaa celebration from 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7 for the family. Join them for full ceremony and traditional food. The Blanchard House Museum is located at 406 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Punta Gorda. For information, call 941-575-7518.