FARMINGTON – A Christmas community luncheon is planned from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, in Henderson Memorial Baptist Church on Academy Street. These monthly meals are offered free of charge to community members and all are welcome, organizers said.

The menu for December includes baked ham, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans and dessert. For more information, people can call the church at 778-2163 or Dot Bryant at 778-4608.

Musical service to be presented

JAY – The Bean’s Corner Baptist Church choir will present a Christmas musical, “Celebrate the Gift,” by Camp Kirkland at the 10:30 a.m. worship service Sunday, Dec. 19. The half-hour presentation by the 21-voice choir has seven selections, including the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Amen” and traditional carols.

Debra Mason and Ira Hall are soloists. Don Waterhouse is the director and Verna Pike the piano accompanist. Narrators are Bill Igoe, Joy Turner, Erik Mason, Violet Mason and Pastor Roger Nauss.

The church will also hold a Christmas Eve service starting at 6 p.m. It will include a nativity scene with music and readings. Both services are open to the public.

For more information, people can call the church at 645-2925.

Annual holiday observance

FARMINGTON – Pilgrim Commandery No. 19 Knights of Templar will hold its annual Christmas observance at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Masonic Temple on Main Street. Organizers are asking attendees to take note of the time and location.

Bluegrass, country music on program

SALEM – A&E Hill Country Music will bring bluegrass and country music, plus a bit of humor and some good fun when they perform at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Salem Community Building, organizers said.

This event is sponsored by the Salem Pine Tree Club for all who would enjoy a break from the hectic holiday season.

Pierce House open house

FARMINGTON – A holiday open house will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Pierce House on Main Street.

The public is welcome to join the residents for a time of fellowship and light refreshments. There will be a basket available to collect toys for needy children.

Sunday School pageant

WILTON – The East Wilton Union Church will present a Sunday School pageant at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19. It will include the traditional manger scene.

The presentation involves all Sunday school classes, from pre-kindergarten through high school. It is designed to showcase the talents and enthusiasm of the children in the telling of the Christmas story. Everyone is invited to attend.

Christmas cantata scheduled

FARMINGTON – Singers from Strong and surrounding communities will present a Christmas cantata, “Christ Is Born,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Fairbanks Union Church and again at 7 p.m. Sunday at Strong United Methodist Church.

The cantata, written by John W. Petersen, is a blend of music, narration, solos and duets. Soloists will be Elaine Allen, James Emerson, Betsey Coffen and Charles Milewski. Returning this year as narrator is Ruth Buxton; the accompanist will be David Hovey.

Bea Milewski will conduct the group of 35 singers. The public is welcome to attend and hear the Christmas story sung by this group.

Nomination papers available

CHESTERVILLE – Nomination papers are now available for the 2005 town meeting, said Town Clerk Pat Gordon. There is one position open for selectman. Nomination papers require 25 signatures by registered voters and are due by Jan. 24.

Driver education begins Jan. 21

SALEM – The SAD 58 adult education program will offer a driver education class beginning Jan. 21 at Mount Abram High School. The class will be 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for three weeks. The driving portion will take place as soon as weather permits. The instructor is Fulton Ryan.

Interested students, age 15 or older, are asked to preregister by Jan. 14. A $250 deposit must be made by the start of class. The cost is $500, which includes a $10 permit, car rental, insurance and gas.

At registration, students must provide an original birth certificate and a photocopy of their Social Security card.

The maximum number for the class will be 20, so early registration is recommended. To register or obtain more information, people can call the Mount Abram Community Education Center, 678-2701, extension 226.