Dec. 17
Elves of the Estate — Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot St., Alta Vista community. Do you have a little elf at home? At our Elves of the Estate event, kids can dress up like elves, visit with Santa and take a look around his workshop, enjoy milk and cookies while reading stories with Mrs. Claus, and make their parents a secret gift! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets: $6.15 person, $10.20 pair, $16.35 family. museums@ottawa.ca; phone: 613-247 4830.
Dec. 18
Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration, presented by Jaku Konbit, Jean Pigott Place, Ottawa City Hall, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kwanzaa is an African-centered holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Normally celebrated from Dec. 26 thru Jan. 1, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The Kwanzaa celebration is based on seven principles, with a special emphasis on family unity, and every day one of the candles on a seven-branched called the Kinara is lit.
Dec. 21
Free noon-hour recitals at the Christian Science Church (Metcalfe Street at Gilmour). 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. — Wesley Warren (organ).
Dec. 22
OrKidstra’s Annual Holiday Concert! Fun for the whole family! No charge, but donations to OrKidstra gratefully accepted. Concert begins at 6:30 PM at the Bronson Centre Theatre (211 Bronson Ave.). The concert will feature OrKidstra’s students (children ages 5-18) singing and playing a selection of classics and holiday favourites! OrKidstra empowers kids and builds community through music! Get into the holiday spirit with an inspiring evening of music and song featuring the kids of OrKidstra.
Wednesdays in December
Free noon-day recitals at the Christian Science Church (Metcalfe Street at Gilmour). Wednesdays from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Dec. 7 — Mervyn Games (organ), Joanne Thomas (soprano) Dec. 14 — Teresa van den Boogaard (organ)Dec. 21 — Wesley Warren (organ).
Throughout December
Friends of the Farm’s new book Blooms — about the ornamental gardens at the Farm is available for anyone who loves gardens and flowers, or Canadian history. It is the Friends’ contribution to the country’s 150th anniversary in 2017. Available at www.friendsofthefarm.ca.
For over 35 years, the Christmas Hamper Project — hosted by Centretown United Church — has helped thousands of Ottawa families and individuals who have been referred by Centretown agencies. This year, our goal is to supply 175 recipients with boxes of food, toiletries and small gifts to make their Christmas season brighter. Hampers will be delivered on Dec. 23. To adopt a hamper, please register by Nov. 30 at www.centretownunited.org/xmashamperproject/. To pack hampers and help wrap gifts on Dec. 22, please contact Willy at chp2016.volunteers@gmail.com. To deliver hampers or drive on Dec. 23, please contact Linda at linda.jpollock@icloud.com or phone 613-232-0370. If you prefer, please send a cheque made out to Centretown United Church, 507 Bank Street, K2P 1Z5, indicating “Christmas Hamper Project.” You can also click the “Donate Now” button on the church’s website at www.centretownunited.org/ and selecting the Christmas Hamper Project.
Ongoing
Dawn Breaker Toastmasters Club
Have a fear of speaking in public? The club can help you overcome these fears in a friendly, non-confrontational atmosphere. Meetings are at 7 a.m. on Wednesday at 269 Laurier Ave. West. For more information: 613-834-1562.
Centre 507
Centre 507 is located at 507 Bank St. The centre accepts financial contributions to assist people in Ottawa who need it most. Donations address homelessness, unstable housing, mental illness, addiction and poverty. Volunteers provide haircuts, computer skills and more. For more information: www.centre507.org
Cantonese and Mandarin lessons
Cantonese or Mandarin language lessons for elementary students Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to noon. Provide your child with new language skills this year; $10 fee for Ontario residents. Ongoing enrollment at 391 Booth St. For more information: www.chinghua.ca.
Friends of the Central Experimental Farm
Protecting and preserving a National Historic Site and treasured public venue in the heart of Ottawa. For more information email info@friendsofthefarm.ca,visit www.friendsofthefarm.ca.
Dalhousie Food Cupboard
The Christ Church Cathedral community provides food, donations and volunteer support to the Dalhousie Food Cupboard. The Cupboard serves about 750 people a month. Contact: Barbara Morris at bmmorris@rogers.com or (613)-523-0531.