NMH invites community to Vespers concert

GILL — Northfield Mount Hermon School will celebrate the winter holiday season with two Vespers performances — featuring choral and orchestral music, carols and readings — on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The events, which will be held in NMH’s Memorial Chapel, are open to the community and free of charge, although registration is required as space is limited. Visit together.nmhschool.org/register/vespers2023 to register.

A reception with refreshments will be held between the two performances, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., in the Bolger House, a short distance from the chapel.

Vespers is a favorite NMH tradition, dating back to the 1930s, and showcases the talents of NMH student musicians and singers.

Map, compass navigation focus of Discovery Center program

TURNERS FALLS — Join Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá to learn how to use a map and compass to stay safe in the woods on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Rain will postpone this event until Saturday, Dec. 16.

Participants are advised to dress for the weather and meet outside the center’s main entrance. This program, sponsored by Montague Public Libraries, is intended for ages 6 and up.

Build your own gingerbread house

TURNERS FALLS — Visitors to the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Great Hall on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. can decorate gingerbread houses with frosting, graham crackers and various candies.

This free program, presented by Montague Public Libraries, is designed for children and their caregivers. For more information, call 413-863-3214.

Series of Canalside Rail Trail walks

TURNERS FALLS — The Great Falls Discovery Center will host a Winter Solstice Walk along the Canalside Rail Trail on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Participants should meet at the center’s main entrance.

A similar walk will be held to celebrate New Year’s Day on Sunday, Jan. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Each walk is about 3 miles long, on a level paved surface. They are intended for adults and children ages 8 and up.

Participants are advised to be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The walk will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trail conditions.

Dance showcase planned for Dec. 16

TURNERS FALLS — Visitors to the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Great Hall on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. can enjoy a youth dance performance by Awesome Art in Motion, with Great Falls Creative Movement.