The annual Holiday Craft Show at the O’Connell Center at the University of Florida will be held on Saturday, November 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $1 for students with ID and free for kids ages 12 and under.

For information, call 392-5500.

Holiday Concert

Musical talents of area youth are showcased at the 12th Annual STOP! Children’s Cancer “Holiday Traditions: A Musical Celebration” on Sunday, November 30, 4 p.m. at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This family-friendly event is a “kids helping kids” approach to pediatric cancer research and features Alachua County Youth Orchestra, Gainesville Youth Chorus, Eastside High School Chamber Singers, Columbia High School Chorus and P.K. Yonge Vocal Ensemble singing the best of the season under the musical direction of Dr. Russell Robinson, professor of music at the University of Florida.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12, $10 per person for group of 10 or more. Tickets are available at the Phillips Center Box Office, (352-392-ARTS and 800-905-ARTS), University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and the STOP! office on NW 43rd St. Call (352)377-2622 or visit www.stopchildrenscancer.org.

Haile Homestead Holidays

The annual Haile Homestead Holidays: A Victorian Celebration will be held at the Historic Haile Homestead on Sunday, December 7, noon-4 p.m.

Stroll through the 1856 Homestead decked out in an array of traditional greenery and Victorian finery. Enjoy classical holiday music. Listen carefully as the Homestead’s famous “Talking Walls” whisper their 100-year old stories of holiday festivities. Sip some hot cider as you browse a selection of home-baked goodies and special holiday ornaments, sold to benefit the operation of the Homestead. You’re invited to come to the free event dressed in Victorian costume.

There also will be candlelight visits of the Haile Homestead on Friday, December 12, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. ($10 per person, children under 12 free).

The homestead is located at 8500 SW Archer Road (SR 24).For more information call 352-336-9096 or e-mail hailedocent@yahoo.com or visit www.hailehomestead.org. Volunteers are always needeed.

Newberry Lights Contest

The second annual contest to decorate and light the city of Newberry is open to businesses and residences within the city limits. Two winners, including one resident family and one business owner and their family, will ride in the Newberry Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 20, 5:30 p.m. as grand marshalls alongside mayor John Glanzer.

Register by Friday, November 21 and the judging will be held Tuesday, December 2. To register, visit the organization website at www.newberrymainstreet.org.

Gainesville Harmony Show Chorus

The Gainesville women’s barbershop singers will hold a concert on Saturday, December 13, at the Cofrin Center For The Arts at Oak Hall School.

There will be two shows, including a 2 p.m. matinee and a 6 p.m. performance. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children (matinee only). For more information, call  Sharleen Simpson at 371-1013 or visit www.gainesvillechorus.com.

Ronald McDonald House Luminaries

Help remember families whose holidays will not be as bright due to a child’s illness by purchasing “Light Luminary Kits” from the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville (each $6 kit contains six luminaries).  The lighting date for all neighborhoods will be on Saturday, December 14.

Coordinators are needed to recruit churches, neighborhoods, office departments, organizations and other groups to sell kits in support of the House. Purchased luminary kits help families served at the Ronald McDonald House of Gainesville and the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shand’s Children’s Hospital. To buy a kit or to volunteer, call Kathy Wood at 374-4404 ext. 229 or visit www.rmhgainesville.org.

Al'z Place Needs Volunteers
Al’z Place, a not for profit adult daycare center for individuals with Alzheimer’s near Santa Fe Community College, needs help this summer and throughout the year. No special training is necessary - just a willingness to help. Volunteers may assist with cognitive, physical and musical activities, as well as interact with the clients. You can choose your own hours and days, and you must be at least 16. To enrich your life by helping others, e-mail Robyn Katz (katzr@shands.ufl.edu ) or call (352) 375-3000.

Shands Auxiliary Volunteers Needed
The Shands Auxiliary has volunteer opportunities for caring men and women.  You will have the privilege of helping patients and their families, many of whom are far from home and facing major medical treatment. There are a wide variety of service areas that need volunteers. Picture yourself cuddling babies, escorting a patient to surgery, helping families who are waiting for their loved one's surgery, delivering mail to patients or providing service with a smile in the hospital gift shop. Opportunites are as varied as your talents.  Contact the Shands Volunteer Services Office at 265-0360 for more information.

AARP Driver Safety Program
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Driver Safety Program is designed to address the needs, concerns and physical changes of the mature driver, age 50 and older. The two-day course (4 hours per day) helps refine existing skills and develop safe defensive driving techniques. There are not any written or driving tests. The certificate of completion qualifies graduates for an auto insurance discount. The course costs $10. For information, call 333-3036.

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