East Bay

01:00 AM EST on Tuesday, November 30, 2004

BRISTOL

Christmas bazaar: The First Congregational Church, 281 High St., will hold its 74th annual Christmas bazaar Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Offerings include a silent auction, grandma's attic, a country store, a bakery, plants and wreaths, crafts and seasonal gifts, specialty baskets, jewelry, a coffee shop, homemade pies, cakes, cookies and breads.

The event will include a specialty luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring lobster rolls, chicken salad and desserts.

All are welcome.

Open for visitors: The Bristol Historical and Preservation Society, 48 Court St., Bristol, will be open Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. The Museum Corner will be highlighted with gifts for those who appreciate Bristol-related items. "Sketches of Old Bristol," posters of Bristol doorways and the Mt. Hope Bridge and Lighthouse, maps, Christmas ornaments and other items will be available for purchase. Also, memberships to the society will be available to purchase as a gift.

For more information, call the society at (401) 253-7223, which is open Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. Memberships are open to all.

Young actors workshop: The Bristol Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Trinity Repertory Company will offer a Young Actors Workshop program for children in grades 8 to 12. The program will be held Dec. 14. from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Oz Cafe at the Bristol Community Center, Thames Street. There is no charge for this program, however registration is required and can be done by calling (401) 253-1611 or (401) 253-7000, ext. 149.

MIDDLETOWN

Exhibit to open: Hunter Gallery at the Drury and Grosvenor Center for the Arts at St. George's School, 372 Purgatory Rd., will open an exhibit of works by Lisa Hansel, "Illuminated Objects," with a reception Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will remain on display through Jan. 1.

Kindermusik: Martha McCann of Tiverton will present two free Kindermusik classes Saturday at Middletown Public Library, 700 West Main Rd. The program, for parents/caregivers and their children will begin at 9:45 a.m. for newborns to 18-month-oldsand at 10:45 for ages 18 months to 3 years.

Kindermusik is a nationally known organization that integrates music, language and movement activities to aid in the development of the child. Kindermusik is currently offered at the List Academy of Music and Arts, 5 Harrison Ave., Newport, a nonprofit organization that features music, theater and film classes. For more information and to register, call McCann at (401) 573-7353.

NEWPORT

Holiday fine arts and crafts: DeBlois Gallery, 138 Bellevue Ave., will open a holiday fine arts and crafts invitational Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Featured will be original art by local artists and artisans, pottery, wearable art, scarves, sculpture, hats, calendars, cards, jewelry and paintings. All are one-of-a-kind gifts. The event is free. The show will remain on display through Dec. 24. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call (401) 847-9977 or visit www.debloisgallery.com.

Volunteers sought: The Top Shelf Foundation of Newport County is looking for volunteers to help fix used bicycles and is accepting donations of gently used bicycles during Project Broken Wheel to be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Newport Grand, 150 Kalbfus Rd.

Over the past few months, the Top Shelf Foundation has collected dozens of second-hand bicycles from its neighbors and the Newport Police Department, who have donated bicycles turned into their possession but never claimed. On Saturday, Project Broken Wheel will shift into high gear as volunteers refurbish these second-hand bicycles which will be given to less fortunate children throughout Newport County for the holidays.

For more information and to sign-up to volunteer to help refurbish old bicycles, call Frank Martucci, food and beverage manager, Newport Grand, (401) 849-5000 or e-mail fmartucciAT Skate center opens for season: The Newport Yachting Center's Born Family Skating Center's fifth annual opening weekend, featuring the 25th annual tree lighting, will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds from this three-day celebration will benefit The Joan Fund at Stopover Services (SOS) of Newport County, a nonprofit organization that provides support services to local teenagers and their families.

The weekend will kick-off with the 25th annual tree lighting Friday from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a boat cruising down America's Cup Avenue. Children will have the chance to meet Santa and share their wish lists while everyone enjoys complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and candy canes. The Victorian Carolers, as well as popular local musical duo, Hamish and Dave, will further create the festive atmosphere and help everyone get into the holiday spirit. A public skate will follow from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and then the evening will conclude with an adult skate from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

The weekend continues Saturday and Sunday with a public skate from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. that includes complimentary snacks and beverages, music and various giveaways. An adult skate will be held from 9:30 to 11 p.m. Also on Saturday, the Learn to Skate program will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. for children and adults at the beginner, novice and intermediate levels. Participants can take part in either of two six-week sessions that will run from consecutive weeks on both Tuesdays and Saturdays. Children must be at least 4 years old to join.

For more information, call (401) 846-1600, ext. 200, or visit www.skatenewport.com.

Annual Christmas tree lighting: Bowen's Wharf will host its 34th annual Bowen's Wharf Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. with the arrival of Frosty the Snowman followed by a Christmas carol sing-along at 5.

At 5:30, Bowen's Wharf serves as a perfect spot for viewing the annual Holiday Harbor Lights Parade of Boats. At 6, the Bowen's Wharf Christmas tree is lit followed by Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive by boat and join an awaiting horse-drawn carriage. One by one, children can climb aboard Santa's carriage and share their Christmas wishes.

The tree lighting ceremony is free. Bowen's Wharf restaurants are open for dining before, during and after the ceremony. Some shops will offer refreshments.

PORTSMOUTH

Senior Center activities: The Portsmouth Senior Center, 110 Bristol Ferry Rd., has issued its December newsletter, "The Windmill." Among the highlights is the center's annual Christmas party, which is set for Dec. 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment and refreshments with a special guest appearance by Santa. Tickets are $2 each, nonrefundable. The party is limited to center members only.

A holiday bazaar will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include a big ticket drawing with a $500 first prize, $200 second prize and $100 third, fourth and fifth prizes. There will also be a bake table and offerings from the center's kitchen as well as items from the new Red Hat Society, domestics, crafts, knitted items, plants, jewelry and more.

A New Year's Eve dinner dance will be held Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Music will be by Jes We Three and the menu will be a hot and cold buffet with Danish and coffee served at midnight. Tickets, which are $25 per person and nonrefundable, will not be sold at the door.

A trip to Cape Cod for Christmas shopping is set for Dec. 13. A Viking mini-motorcoach will travel to the Cape Cod Mall and Christmas Tree Shop. The bus will leave at 9 a.m. with a return between 4 and 5 p.m. Those participating will need to be at the center by 8:45 a.m. The fee, which includes gratuity, is $3 each for members or $10 for nonmembers.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Wellness Van will visit the center Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free workshop will include recipes for the holidays along with tips on holiday eating and how to maintain one's weight during the holidays.

The center's mealsite will host a brunch Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are required. Call (401) 683-2223 for information and to reserve a seat.

The mini-fitness center is ready and waiting for its equipment to arrive. Because of the many special events and activities held in December, it is not expected to open to members until February. Those planning to use the facility will need a doctor's note. This note should state that the member is able to use the equipment, such as treadmills, exercise bikes and weights. This note will be kept in the center's file to comply with its liability insurance. Also, proper footwear will be required along with appropriate attire for exercising. There will be a sign-up sheet in January for those who would like to participate in this program.

Among the month's activities are card nights offering poker on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. and pitch league/high low jack Wednesdays at 7 p.m. There is also bridge on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and canasta on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Bingo will be held Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Those eligible for RIDE transportation to the center's mealsite for lunch should call the mealside supervisor, (401) 683-2223.

The computer lab is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with free Internet access available for members. The lab is closed Wednesday mornings when computer class is in session.

The 2005 Dine-Out entertainment book is now available at the center's office. The books, which are on sale for $20 each, offer two-for-one and 50 percent discounts on year-round travel, dining, shopping, movies and more.

Students from Portsmouth High School's Multi-Cultural Club will join senior citizens for an intergenerational program Dec. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at the school, Education Lane. Participants will cut, shape and decorate holiday cookies, make greeting cards and design crafts, etc. Transportation will be provided for seniors. Advanced reservations are required. Call (401) 683-4106 to reserve or sign-up at the center.

The center, which is normally open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be closed for the Christmas holiday Dec. 24 and 27 and Jan. 3.

The center's board will meet Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. and the next monthly members meeting will be held Jan. 24 at 1:15 p.m.

TIVERTON

Craft fair: The Tiverton Senior Center's knitting and quilting group and its watercolor class will hold a craft fair Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center, 207 Canonicus St.

The fair will include infants and children's handmade sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens, crocheted afghans, lap robes and ponchos and handmade quilts and dog bones (neck pillows). The watercolor class will exhibit and have for sale original watercolor paintings.

Holiday concert: The Four Corners Arts Center will host a holiday concert featuring soprano Kate Grana, accompanied by Christina Breindel, Friday at 8 p.m. at the Meeting House, 3852 Main Rd. at Tiverton Four Corners.

This year's holiday concert will feature works by traditional English composers as well as German lieder (Brahms, Straus, Schubert), Italian lyric poems (Bellini, Verdi), arias (Puccini, Humperdinck), and songs of the season.

This will be Grana's third appearance at The Meeting House; her previous performances have been sold out. Seating is limited. Reservations are suggested by calling (401) 624-2600. Tickets are $15 at the door.

WARREN

Advent Penance Service: 20 The five Catholic churches of Warren will unite to offer a Advent Penance Service Sunday at 5 p.m. at St. Alexander Church, 221 Main St. All are welcome.

Senior Center activities: The Warren Senior Center has published its December newsletter. Upcoming events include a holiday dance Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. featuring music by DJ Steve Burke from Pleasure Island and holiday refreshments.

A hearing screening will be held Thursday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and blood pressure checks will be held Dec. 9 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

The monthly Silver Screen Movie will be held Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at Showcase Cinema in Seekonk. The featured film will be White Christmas starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney. The senior bus, which leaves at noon, is available to those in need of a rid. The fee is $1 for the movie and refreshments. Sign up with Danny Drake or Betty Hoague, (401) 247-1930.

The center's annual Christmas party will be held Dec. 9 at the West Valley Inn. Tickets are $18 for members. The group will depart from St. Thomas's parking lot at 10:45 a.m., returning around 4 p.m. The event will include a luncheon and an afternoon of dancing and entertainment. Meal choices include baked stuffed shrimp, boneless chicken with walnut dressing or prime rib. Payment is due at time of reservation and the deadline to register is tomorrow.

A trip to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Wang Center in Boston will be held Dec. 15. Although the trip is full, those who've signed up are reminded that the bus leaves St. Thomas's parking lot at 9:45 a.m.

Among the ongoing activities listed are the crocheting and crafts group, Mondays at 7 p.m.; aerobics, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 a.m.; whist, Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.; ceramics, Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; art class, Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; craft class, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. and bingo, Fridays at 1 p.m.

The center will be closed Dec. 24 and 31 and the mealsite will be closed Dec. 24 and 27.