Community briefs 12/1

NATIONAL ARCHIVES, Family history lecture
The National Archives and Records Administration Northeast Region, 380 Trapelo Road, will feature a lecture on, Family History: Exploring Footnote and other Online Resources, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m. The presentation is intended for novice family historians, and it will open doors to previously unavailable research opportunities. Tours of the archives will be offered at 1:30 p.m.
To register, call 866-406-2379 or 781-663-0121, or e-mail waltham.archives@nara.gov .

BACK PAGES BOOKS, Narrative fiction
A discussion about narrative fiction and cognitive science with renowned scientist Steven Pinker and acclaimed novelist Yael Goldstein Love is Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., at Back Pages Books, 289 Moody St. Pinker is the author of The Language Instict and The Stuff of Thought. He is a New York Times bestselling author and the Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Yael Goldstein Love is a Cambridge-based writer whose work appeared in the National Jewish Book Award-winning collection Who We Are: On Being (and Not Being) A Jewish American Writer. Tickets are required for this event and cost $5.
For more information, call 781-788-9988 or e-mail alex@backpagesbooks.com.

RAW NEW ENGLAND, Community dinner
Dr. Thom Bober & Dr. Julie Burke from Optimum Health Solution will be at the next Raw New England Community dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5 to 9:30 p.m., at UMass Waltham Center, 240 Beaver St. They will administer strategic health assessments that are useful for all adults, both for uncovering early cardiovascular degeneration and/or for obtaining more information and a new perspective of moderate to advanced cardiovascular disease.
Cost is $5, $10 for non-members if you bring organic, unprocessed , raw/vegan/ non-animal based dish to feed 6-8 people. Include recipe and serving implements (labeled with your name).
For more information, call Betsy Bragg at 781-899-6664 or 617-835-2913.

HOVEY HOUSE, Craft Fair
Hovey House will hold a Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Waltham Elks Hall, 101 School St. Featured this year will be a bake table, candy table, crafts, gifts, jewelry, raffle table, silent auction and a white elephant table. Lunch will be available at noon. All are welcome, at no
charge.
For more information, call 781-891-8256.

WALTHAM YMCA, Holiday Extravaganza
The whole family is invited to the Holiday Extravaganza at the Waltham YMCA, 725 Lexington St., on Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 to 6 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying crafts, activities and family fun! And, have an opportunity to take your own picture with Santa! Pre-registration required. Free for Waltham YMCA Family Members; other YMCA members/non-members, $10/family.
For more information 781-894-5295 or www.ymcaboston.org/waltham

DICK ROGERS, Speaking at First Parish
Dick Rogers from Middlesex Human Services will discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the local community during this economic decline Sunday, Dec. 7, 9 to 10:15 a.m., at First Parish Church, 50 Church St. There is no admission charge and all are welcome to stay for the service following the discussion.
For more information, call the church at 781-893-6240.

REAGLE PLAYERS, `It's ChristmasTime'
Reagle Players' ``It's ChristmasTime,'' where you can see The Living Nativity, Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, A Victorian Christmas on Boston Public Garden, Clara and The Nutcracker Dancing Bears, Santa's Workshop, Large Choir of Carolers, Brass Choirs, Seasonal Bell Ringers, Precision Dancers, Dozens of Tiny Tots, Raggedy Anns and Andies, City Sidewalks, Santa, and more, is Dec. 5-14, at Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington St. Tickets are $35-$49.
For information or tickets, call 781-891-5600 or visit www.reagleplayers.com.

REP. KOUTOUJIAN, Holiday Celebration
Join State Rep. Peter Koutoujian at his annual Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at Biagio Ristorante, 123 Moody St.. Suggested donation is $500, $250, $100, $50 or $25.
For more information, visit www.peterkoutoujian.com.

DONNA WHITE'S STUDIO, Reunion planned
Donna White's Studio of Performing Arts is planning an alumnae reunion of students/performers from Janet's School of Dance, Belmont, or Donna White's Studio of Performing Arts, 411 Waverly Oaks Road.
If you know of any former dance students or performers, e-mail pafdance@aol.com.

GORE PLACE, Jane Austen Tea
Gore Place, 52 Gore St., is offering, A Jane Austen Holiday Tea & Tour, on Fridays, Dec. 5 and 12, and Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13. The Great Hall will be transformed into a 19th century tea room offering an authentic English tea of scones, sweets and savory sandwiches. Following the tea, guests will tour the mansion led by a guide in period costume using English author Jane Austen's wonderful words to describe Gore's home and gracious lifestyle in the early 19th century. Seatings are 1, 2:30 and 4 p.m.
In addition, there will be a Children's Tea on Saturday, Dec. 6 and 13, 10:30 a.m. The children's tea will feature a special children's menu and entertainments.
Admission for all the teas is $40 per person, with discounts available. Tickets must be purchased at least one week prior to event. To order, call 781-894-2798. For more information, go to www.goreplace.org.

PAL, Registration for basketball
The Police Athletic League will be holding registrations for its winter coed basketball programs for ages 7-18 on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Waltham Police Station, 155 Lexington St. A parent or guardian signature is necessary on boys and girls under 18 years of age.
For further information, call Police Operations at 781-314-3600/

JOSE MATEO BALLET, Locals in `The Nutcracker'
Two young dancers from Waltham - Ayumi Berstein as an angel and Seren Theriault as a mouse - are performing in Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre's ``The Nutcracker'' from Dec. 5-21. Performances are at Brandeis University's Spingold Theatre, Dec. 5-14, and in Duxbury. Ticket prices range from $15-$50.
For more information, call 617-354-7467 or visit www.ballettheatre.org.

CDIA
Holiday Fair, The Center for Digital Imaging Arts, 274 Moody St., presents a free Holiday Fair on Friday, Dec. 5, 4 to 8 p.m. There will be craft tables, a raffle, snacks, drinks and a bake sale, as well as professional photos with Santa and family portraits (available for purchase).
For more information,visit www.cdiabu.com.

WALTHAM LIBRARY, Children's holiday events
Celebrate the December holidays at the Waltham Public Library, 735 Main St., on Friday, Dec. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Families are invited to join in craft activities offered by the students from Bentley Circle K. They're will be face painting and Santa will be there to chat with and have pictures taken with. Drop in any time from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Waltham Public Library.
For a reservation, call the children's room at 781-314-3425, Ext. 4.

NEHRA, Two-part workshop
Northeast Human Resources Association is hosting a half-day workshop broken into two parts, Metrics Based Decision Making in Managing Health Care Expense for the Long Term, and, Help Your Employees Lead Healthier Lives While Reducing Your Healthcare Costs! A Step-by-Step Guide to Worksite Wellness, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 to 11 a.m., at Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave. Cost is $100, $150 for non-members.
For more information and to register, visit www.nehra.com/events, call NEHRA at 781-239-8711 or e-mail vantonetti@nehra.com.

SOLOMON SCHECTER, Open House
Families who want to learn more about Solomon Schechter Day School are invited to an Open House on Friday, Dec. 5, 9:30 a.m., at the Lower School, 60 Stein Circle.
For more information, contact Stephanie Maroun at 617-964-7765, Ext. 4625, or stephanie.maroun@ssdsboston.org.

WEST SUBURBAN YMCA, Winter sports
Registration for West Suburban YMCA's winter sports programs is currently open. Children and adults can begin the winter season with YBA, the Y's basketball league and our men and women's leagues, swimming, and as winter continues, children can also participate in youth soccer, floor hockey, and track. The Y also offers Super Sports and Adventure Programs during Winter School Vacation Week, Dec. 22-23, and Friday, Jan. 2.
For more information or to register, contact the Sports Department at 617-244-6050, Ext. 3012, or visit www.westsuburbanymca.org.

JEWISH GENEALOGY, Family research
Two dramatic stories of digging into lost histories and reuniting long separated families will be featured by the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Boston on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St. Experienced Society researchers Stephen Denker of Brookline and Alexander Woodle of Groton will present their stories of successful family research: Documenting Business History in Cuba , and Reuniting Family Divided by 250 Years. It is free for members; $5 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.
For information, visit www.emanuel.jgsgb.org.

ELIOT CHURCH, Crafts and Carols Party
Crafts and Carols Party at Eliot Church, 474 Centre St., on Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 to 5 p.m., where you can make Christmas ornaments, build an advent wreath, design homemade Christmas cards and sing Christmas carols. Thee event is free, donations will be accepted to cover costs of materials.
Contact Rev. Karla Miller for more information, or to sign up, at revkarla@gmail.com or 617-244-3639, Ext. 204.

TEMPLE SHALOM, `Once Upon a Hanukkah'
The Firelech Jewish Musical Theater presents, ``Once Upon a Hanukkah,'' on Sunday, Dec, 7, 3 p.m., at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple Str. Firelech is a group of actors, dancers and singers who will perform Jewish folk dances and songs of hope, joy and sadness. The program is suitable for all ages. Tickets are $18, $10 for children.
For tickets or more information, contact Loretta Zack at Temple Shalom at 617-332-9550 or lzack@templeshalom.org.