What's happening in Trumbull

Friday, Dec. 6 and

Saturday, Dec. 7

Holiday Boutique — The Nichols Garden Club annual Holiday Boutique, Friday Dec. 6, noon-8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Starkweather House, 1773 Huntington Tpke. The club will have fresh decorated wreaths, fresh swags, fresh centerpieces and the ever popular mailbox covers. In addition, there is a four foot, fully decorated designer tree to be raffled. To reserve a mailbox cover, wreath, swag or centerpiece, contact Lee Korzun at 203-521-3739.

Saturday, Dec. 7

Jingle Bell Run — The Nichols Improvement Association (NIA) 24th annual run, a scenic 5K course through historic Nichols. The race begins at 9:30 a.m., on the Nichols Green, includes the Jingle Bell Jr., a free kids fun run, starting at the Nichols Firehouse on Shelton Road at 9:15 a.m. Awards will be given to top finishers in each age category. This year the NIA is also accepting non-perishable food donations for the Trumbull Food Pantry. Participants and spectators are encouraged to drop items off during early number pick-up and on race day to benefit those in need in our community. Open to runners and walkers. Fee: $25 and includes a long sleeve race t-shirt (while supplies last).

A tech-dri version of the race t-shirt is available for an additional $10. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Early number, goodie bag and t-shirt pick-up for all pre-registrants will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Nichols United Methodist Church Hall in Nichols; registration may also be done at this time. Race day registration and number pick-up will take place from 7:15-9:15 a.m., at the Nichols United Methodist Church hall. For more race information to register online go to niajinglebellrun.com. For information on volunteering or sponsoring, contact Fred Palmieri at fpalmieri6134@earthlink.net.

Saturday, Dec. 7 and

Sunday, Dec. 8

Craft Fair — The Trumbull AgriScience Center is hosting their annual holiday craft fair and plant sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Trumbull AgriScience Center at Trumbull High School, 536 Daniels Farm Road.

Get your holiday shopping done. This event showcases cash and carry arts and craft vendors from the local area, as well as holiday plants and wreaths grown in the Agriscience greenhouses.

Saturday, Dec. 7-

Wednesday, Dec. 18

Holiday Shop and Craft Fair — The Holiday Shop at Trumbull High School’s Agriscience and Biotechnology Center, located at 536 Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull, opens on Saturday, Dec. 7, through Wednesday, Dec. 18. Hours are weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will also be a Craft Fair on Dec. 7 and 8. The sale features wreaths, poinsettias, and other plants. Most items are grown or made by the students. For further information, call 452-4200.

Saturday, Dec. 7-

Monday, Dec. 23

Christmas Village — Bridgeport P.A.L. Christmas Village open from 1-8 p.m., daily, located at 7 Quarry Road, Trumbull. Opening day event holiday parade for children ages 11 and under, beginning at 12:30 p.m., with registration from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children can wear a costume, make a float. Prizes for registered participants. The Christmas Village will open 1:15 p.m., following the parade. Christmas trees, animated Christmas scenes and visit with Santa. Infants and children to age 11 will receive a gift from Santa. Admission is $2 per person; photo with Santa, $10. Call 203-576-7604 or e-mail paltrumbull@aol.com.

Sunday, Dec. 8

Children’s Christmas musical — The children of Calvary Church will perform “An Out-of-the-Box Christmas” show at Calvary Church, 498 White Plains Road. Come hear the message of Christmas in a way you’ve never heard before. Two free performances; 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the 6 p.m. performance. For more info, visit calvaryefc.com or call 203-268-3750.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

Drama group — At 7:30 p.m., in the Pinewood Lake Clubhouse, East Lake Road, there will be an organizational meeting for a drama group that will produce a musical in the spring. This group is open to adults and teens; they hope to cast “age appropriate” wherever possible. Looking for actors, musicians and crew and hope to choose a director at the meeting. This production is not limited to Pinewood members, it is open to anyone who would be interested. For more information, call 203-874-6508.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Fill a Firetruck Toy Drive — The Long Hill Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fill a Firetruck Toy Drive from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The event will take place at Long Hill Fire Department Station #3, 4229 Madison Ave., (located 1/4 mile north of the Trumbull Mall). Bring a new unwrapped toy to be donated to Trumbull Social Services and Yale Children’s Hospital. Visit your local firefighters, see the famous decorated fire truck, raffles, take photos with Santa and much more.

Holiday house tour — Trumbull Historical Society annual Holiday House Tour will include five historically and architecturally significant Trumbull homes including a reproduction antique Gunther home, Civil War era Italianate, late 18th century Georgian, an 1850’s carpenter gothic, and a reproduction saltbox with antique barn. Also, stop by the Historical Society, 1856 Huntington Tpke., in Trumbull, to view their new holiday exhibit “A Dickens Christmas.” During the tour, a concert by musicians John Karpinski, Cathleen Cain and Michael Cain at 3 p.m., at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Nichols. The concert is free, but there will be a goodwill offering to benefit young musicians.

Tour hours are between 11 a.m.-4 p.m., but the Historical Society will remain open until 5. Tickets are $30 per person. Mail-in order forms are available in both Trumbull libraries and through the museum.

Tickets at Town Clerk’s Office, Flourishes Gift Shop and City Line Florist starting Nov. 25; also be available day of the tour at the Historical Society; $25 for members and $35 for non-members beginning at 10:30 a.m. Call 203-377-6620 or email Trumbullhistory@gmail.com with questions or to order tickets. For more information, visit Trumbullhistory.org.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Self dog wash and pet photos — PetValu, located at 37 Monroe Tpke.,(in the Chips plaza), will hold a “self dog wash,” from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Trumbull Animal Group (TAG). Cost of the dog wash is $10; shampoo and towels will be provided.

Also, Seth Strohecker from STROtography will be taking holiday photos and will donate a portion of his holiday pet picture revenue to TAG.

Holiday Open House — The Trumbull Historical Society, 1859 Huntington Tpke., Holiday Open House, from 2-4 p.m. View their new holiday exhibit “A Dicken’s Christmas.” Enjoy refreshements, crafts and visit the Nichols Country Store Gift Shop, complete with holiday and Trumbull related gifts. Call 203-377-6620, or visit their website at Trumbullhistory.org.

ONGOING

Divorced Catholics support — “Journey of Hope” program for separated and divorced catholics meets every Saturday, from 10-11 a.m., at Holy Family Parish Office, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield, 203-336-1835.

Learn about the Bible — ‘The Story’ book group at Grace Church, 5958 Main St., in Trumbull. For those wondering where to begin in learning more about the Bible and what’s in it each week in one of two group meetings; Sunday at 11 a.m., or Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Elsa Worth will also focus on the themes of the week’s chapter during the sermon each Sunday in the 9:30 a.m. service. No experience with the bible necessary. For more information or for details on how to get your own books, visit gracetrumbull.org.

Donations needed for animal shelter — Trumbull Animal Shelter, 324 Church Hill Road is in need of the following: Clay litter, rawhide chews, canned cat or canned dog food (any kind) and dog toys for strong chewers (for example, Kongs). Although it is appreciated, soft toys with squeakers and stuffing are discouraged, since the animals can tear them out and get sick. For other items, call the shelter at 203-452-5088 or visit Trumbull Animal Group (TAG) on Amazon.com. Click on Wish List and search for Trumbull Animal Group.

‘Rails to Trails’ — Trumbull Historian/Author, Sue DelBianco’s video on the history of The Trumbull Valley when train was king, promoting industry and linking the communities. The video contains captivating historical images of the railroad, trains, ice houses, mills, and Trumbull’s very own amusement park called Parlor Rock. E-mail Sue DelBianco at delbiancosue@yahoo.com or call 203-260-5394.

Support group — The Language of Letting Go, a support group based on the book by Melodie Beatty. Discover how to live more authentically from your own center. At Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St., on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. More info at gracetrumbull.org.

Monday night bingo — Monday nights, Congregation B’nai Torah, 5700 Main St., Trumbull; 6:30 p.m.; Special games available, as well as progressive jackpot and door prizes in an air conditioned facility. Public welcome. For more information, call 203-268-6940.

Wednesday night bingo — American Legion Post 141 hosts bingo. Doors open at 5, games begin at 6:30, corner of Whitney Avenue and Teller Road. 20 games including winner take all, 50/50 and progressive jackpot, up to $1,600. Families welcome; George Areson, 203-261-6874; Peter Pappas, 203-268-7904.

Stop & Shop gift cards — Trumbull Animal Group (TAG) is selling Stop & Shop gift cards in any denomination and can be used at any Stop & Shop. For every card sold, they will donate 5% back to TAG, which helps defray costs of medical bills for the animals at the Trumbull Animal Shelter. To purchase gift cards, e-mail jlmiller324@aol.com. When the gift-cards have been received by TAG, the purchaser will receive an e-mail notification that the gift card can be picked up at the Trumbull Animal Shelter, 324 Church Hill Road and payment is made at that time. Checks should be made out to TAG. Also, when you use the Stop & Shop gift card, you will still receive your gas points as long as you scan your Stop & Shop card.

Trumbull MS support group — Meets at the Trumbull Library, 33 Quality St., from 6:30-8 p.m., on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, call Amy at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter at 800-FIGHTMS or visit ctfightsMS.org.

Caregiver support group — Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull, 2750 Reservoir Ave., offers a caregiver support group for families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, held the first Wednesday of each month from 4:30-6 p.m. Open to the public. RSVP to Lidia Ayala at 203-268-2400 or e-mail layala@benchmarkquality.com.

Damsels in Divorce — Support group for women in all phases of divorce; from contemplation to completion, take place on the second and fourth Friday nights of every month from 7-8:30 p.m., at Grace Church, 5958 Main St., Trumbull. Look for the signs to see in which space the meeting will be held in when you arrive. Any questions, contact Jennifer at DamselsInDivorce@aol.com.

Cell phone recycling — B’nai Torah Nursery School, 5700 Main St., is continuing its collection of used/broken/unwanted cell phones, batteries and chargers from locations throughout the Trumbull area for refurbishing and distribution to women in crisis to call 911 in case of emergency. Collection boxes in Trumbull locations: B’nai Torah Nursery School, Trumbull Police Station, Old Towne Restaurant, Trumbull Library, Fairchild Library, The Corner Deli, Minuteman Cleaners and Guacamole Grill.

Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull Caregiver Support Group — For families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, held the first Saturday of each month at 2750 Reservoir Ave., from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Open to the public. RSVP to Lidia Ayala at 203-268-2400 or e-mail layala@benchmarkquality.com.

Donations sought — Donate your old but still usable clothing, shoes, sneakers, belts, linens, pillow cases, blankets, curtains or stuffed animals. Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St., now hosts a St. Pauly’s used clothing drop-off shed. Easily accessible, and located in the rear parking lot behind the church. Receipts are available at the shed for your charitable donation. Place donations in plastic bags and tie them up to keep clean and dry. Do no put any rags, fabric scraps, pillows, toys, household goods or electronics in the shed. More information at gracetrumbull.org.

Al-Anon meetings — Al-Anon is a resource for family members and friends affected by alcoholism. Al-Anon meets Monday at 7:30 p.m., and Thursday at 11:30 a.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 5958 Main St. Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Tpke. Alateen helps teens age 12-20 and also meets Thursday at 8 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church. There are no dues or fees to participate. For information, call 1-888-825-2666. Visit ct-al-anon.org. A free publication is available at Al-AnonFamilyGroups.org.

Caregiver’s support group — Maefair Health Care Center, 21 Maefair Court, Trumbull, monthly caregiver’s meeting is held the second Tuesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, call 203-459-5152 or e-mail outreach@maefairhcc.com. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be provided.

Aqua Zumba class — Hosted by Trumbull Parks and Recreation Department, 5892 Main St., aqua zumba class in the Hillcrest pool, 530 Daniels Farm Road. Led by Renay. Pre-registration required. Call 203-452-5060 for more information or Renay, 203-522-2616. Eight-week evening class is 7:30-8:30 p.m., $60, residents only.

Evening prayers — Grace Church, 5958 Main St., on Mondays through Advent at 7 p.m. A quiet half hour of candlelight meditation and prayer accompanied by soft piano music. For more information, visit gracetrumbull.org.

Knitters and crocheters — Meet at Panera Bread in the Trumbull Westfield Mall on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. Enjoy sharing your craft with others. All levels are welcome.

Men’s Club — Tashua Knolls Senior Men’s Club welcomes new members; open to all men age 60 or older, no residency requirements. Club conducts weekly golf competitions, sponsors two bowling leagues during fall and winter months; 261-2069.

Early morning guided meditation — A time set aside for guided relaxation, centering prayer and meditation every Wednesday morning from 7-7:25 a.m., in the Grace Church chapel. For more information, visit gracetrumbull.org. Located at 5958 Main St.

Recreation classes — For caregivers and children ages 1-4. Toddler classes run Monday and Wednesday mornings. Art classes for preschooler ages 3 and 4, Thursday mornings. Call Trumbull Recreation for more information, 203-452-5060; or register in person at the Rec. office at 5892 Main St.

Addiction meetings — Having a problem with alcohol, substance abuse, compulsive behavior or living with a loved one who has an addiction? Higher Ground Ministry, non-denominational, offers help through biblical precepts Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 502 White Plains Road; and Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Frenchtown Elementary School, 30 Frenchtown Road. Meetings are held weekly.

Exercise program — class combines cardiovascular fitness, strength training, agility, balance and coordination for all ability levels, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Teen Center, Indian Ledge Park; 203-253-3179; bootcamp-ct.com. Presented by Chris Terenzio of In-Home Health & Fitness.

Dog first aid/CPR — Certification through the Red Cross in dog first aid and CPR, 100 Corporate Drive; led by Dawn Lowery, certified Red Cross instructor and dog trainer. Contact Pet Degree Dog Training Center, 203-268-BARK (2275) for class times and information; petdegree@aol.com.

Dog obedience — Classes in all levels of dog training and obedience are offered by Trap Falls Kennel Club in Shelton. For more information, registration and class schedules, call 203-450-9485; e-mail tfkctraining@gmail.com, or visit trapfalls.org/Dog_Training.html.

Trumbull Business Network — Meets every Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Helen Plumb Building, 6254 Main St.; trumbullbn.com/; shildneck@snet.net; 203-380-0453.

Furniture donations — The nonprofit Greater Bridgeport Furniture Warehouse Collaborative seeks donations of gently used furniture for low income, homeless and/or disabled individuals and families. Pick up may be arranged; donations tax deductible; 203-335-2725; warehouse hours are Tuesday-Friday, 9-2.