H.O.R.S.E. to hold holiday open house

WASHINGTON — The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines will hold its annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a snow date of Sunday, Dec. 9.

Hourly Tours to meet the many horses, a Silent Auction with many “must have” items such as toys and horse accessories begin at 10 a.m., and Pony Rides are held from 12-2 p.m. The popular bake sale will offer tables filled with a variety of home baked goods, from cakes to cookies, many beautifully wrapped and ready to be given as gifts. OMI Jewelry, bracelets and necklaces by Amy, and hand made scarves and hats will also be available, as well as a Prai Gift Basket filled with skin care products and brand new to the market Equilibre Body Lotions. All proceeds support the farm and caring for the horses.

Featured items in the tack sale are two Wintec Isabell Werth dressage saddles, one in almost new condition; a Gopher trail saddle and a Travis Bohannon roping saddle as well as a variety of saddles, bridles, blan-kets, boots, helmets, grooming equipment and new and used equine clothing.

Several horses are avaialble for sponsorship. a program that includes four visits a month during which you can groom, spend time with, and hand-walk the horse for $50.

H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization located at 43 Wilbur Road, Washington, CT. For more info about our event, or to make a tax deductible donation, go to www.horseofct.org or call 860-868-1960.

Dance teach-a-thon benefits Habitat

The Arthur Murray Dance Center of Danbury will host a Dancing for Homes Teach-a-Thon to benefit Housatonic Habitat for Humanity on Friday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., that will not only improve one’s dancing skills but help build strong neighborhoods.

Gift certificates are now on sale for the January event at $85 for a 30-minute lesson and is good for singles as well as couples. People can feel good about buying a lesson for themselves — or as holiday gifts — while supporting the creation of housing for local working families.

“We are very pleased to offer this special program to support the incredible work that Habitat for Humanity does in our area, providing housing to families in need and helping provide financial stability and revitalizing the community at the same time,” said Andy Cabell, owner of Arthur Murray of Danbury.

Fran Normann, Executive Director of Housatonic Habitat for Humanity, said, “We are grateful to Andy and his talented team of instructors at Arthur Murray for hosting this teach-a-thon to support our mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of qualified working families and strengthening neighborhoods and communities.”

Gift certificates for use anytime of the year, for group or personal classes, are also available at https:// arthurmurrayofdanbury.com/shop/

Arthur Murray of Danbury is at 345 Main Street. For information, www.arthurmurrayofdanbury.com or 203-792-0176.

Bank launches annual ‘We Believe’ program

LAKEVILLE — Salisbury Bank is continuing its 30-year tradition of the “We Believe” program this month, collecting toys and donations for children.

“As we kick off our 31st annual toy drive, we encourage the community to join us in experiencing the joy of giving this holiday season,” said Rick Cantele, President and CEO, in a statement.

“With your kindness and generosity, we can help to make this a very special time of year for some children who would otherwise not experience the joy of the holiday season. You can drop off new, unwrapped gifts at any of our fourteen Salisbury Bank offices by Dec. 17,” Cantele said.

Gift ideas include, but are not limited to, sports equipment and balls, books, board games, handheld electronic games, backpacks, building sets, craft kits, purses, and cosmetics. Additionally, gift cards to local retailers are also welcome.

Car donations wanted

HARTFORD — Residents are invited to donate a car, truck or van and help raise funds for a local private school. Towing provided; vehicles can be running or not running.

The donation can be used for a charitable tax deduction. Call Charter Oak Education d/b/a Sterling Education at 860-643-1100 for further details.

Choir to present ‘The Glory of Christmas’

TORRINGTON —The Crossroads Ecumenical Choir and Orchestra sponsored by the First Congregational Church of Torrington will present the cantata “The Glory of Christmas” by Lloyd Larson and also selections by Handel and Mozart. Under the direction of Ken Beyer, the concert will be held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 9 in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church.

Interested singers and instrumentalists are invited. Rehearsals for singers began Sept. 30, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary and will continue weekly on Sundays at the same time. First Congregational is located at 835 Riverside Avenue, Torrington. Interested singers and instrumentalists are encouraged to contact Ken or Betsy Beyer at tele: 860-496-1289 or at beyermusic@snet.net.

Writing competition submissions sought

WESTBROOK — Shoreline Arts Alliance is presenting the nineteenth annual Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children’s Literature competition. This contest affords unpublished Connecticut authors and illustrators of children’s books the opportunity to have manuscripts and portfolios reviewed by literary agents and possibly by editors and art directors at some major publishing houses for children’s literature.

The Tassy Walden Award for New Voices in Children’s Literature is a Connecticut statewide, juried competition opened to Children’s Literature writers and illustrators who are not published or under contract for publication. Categories are: Picture Book (text only), Illustrated Picture Book (author and illustrator must be same person), Children’s Book Illustrator Portfolio, Middle Grade Novel and Young Adult/Teen Novel. All submitted works that meet the contest guidelines will be sent to literary agents for the first tier of judging. Works deemed outstanding will then be sent on to publishers and editors at major publishing houses for children’s literature. All submissions for this year’s contest must be postmarked by Feb. 1. Call for Entry may be downloaded at www.shorelinearts.org.

Visit www.ShorelineArts.org or call 203-453-3890 for 2019 Entry Form and guidelines.