Many local businesses and religious organizations are offering enjoyable social and cultural activities for Heights seniors and their families.

Events are free, unless otherwise noted. Please call ahead to confirm times, make reservations or learn about handicapped accessibility, if needed.

Happy holidays to all of our readers, and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

On Dec. 3 the Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center (SAC) will host a breakfast and a concert featuring a trio from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m. and the concert begins at 11 a.m. (One Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, 216-691-7377)

Another event on Dec. 3 (2–3:30 p.m.), at the Homewood Residence at Rockefeller Gardens, is “Treasure the Memories.” Guests will create a treasure chest with remembrances of departed loved ones to keep them close at heart during the holidays. (3151 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland Heights, 855-308-0877)

An Advent Festival will be held at Church of the Saviour on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring free trade merchandise. (2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-8880)

A community shopping event to benefit the Shaker Lakes Nature Center will be held at Ten Thousand Villages on Dec.12, from 6–8 p.m. Fifteen percent of the net sales will be donated to the Nature Center. The store features handmade and fair trade gifts from around the world. (12425 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-575-1058)

At 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 14, Fairmount Presbyterian Church will host a performance by the Choir of Clare College from Cambridge, England. The choir will sing Advent songs as part of its U.S. tour. Admission is $1. (2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5800)

Cleveland Heights poet laureate Kathleen Cerveny will read the Dylan Thomas classic A Child’s Christmas in Wales in the Meeting Room at the Coventry Village Library on Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3400)

On Dec. 14 and 18, at 6:30 p.m., the movie theater at Severance Center will be telecasting live performances by the Metropolitan Opera of Verdi’s Falstaff on the big screen. Admission is $22 for seniors, $18 for children, and $24 for all others. (3492 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-291-3942)

The 114th annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count will be held at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center Dec. 14 through Jan. 5. This is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world. It provides critical data on bird population trends. Bird walks will be held on Dec. 21 and 28, from 8–9 a.m., to locate and identify local resident winter birds. (2600 South Park Blvd, Shaker Heights, 216-321-5935)

A Holiday Centerpiece Workshop will be held at the Cleveland Heights SAC on Dec. 17 at 11 a.m.  Fresh greens will be provided, plus decorations suitable for any holiday. A materials fee of $7 and advance registration are required.

The local chapter of AARP will be holding its annual holiday party at the Cleveland Heights SAC on Dec. 19 at 12:30 p.m. A hot lunch and entertainment will be provided. Admission is $13 and non-members are welcome.

Also on Dec. 19, the Heights Youth Theatre will perform the Ohio premiere of “A Little Princess” at the Wiley Middle School auditorium, at 2 p.m. The musical is based on Francis Burnett’s children’s novel, as well as on the 1936 Shirley Temple film. Admission is $9 for seniors and children under 6, and $10 for all others. (2181 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, 216-923-1583)

The Noble Road Presbyterian Church invites the community to its yearly Advent Festival on Dec. 22. It starts at 11:30 a.m. with a silent auction, followed by an Advent Community Meal. The festival will include other activities, as well. (2780 Noble Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-382-0660)

On Dec. 25, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will offer its annual Chinese Food and a Movie Day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event includes two films and a kosher Chinese buffet. Movies are free with museum admission ($10 for seniors, $5 for children 5–11, free for children under 5, and $12 for all others). Registration for the buffet, which is $12 for everyone, is required by Dec. 20. (2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575)

The Cleveland Heights SAC is holding a New Year’s Day party on Jan. 1, starting at noon. A hot lunch and entertainment will be provided. Admission is $12 and advance registration is required.

On Jan. 15, the Mandel Jewish Community Center (JCC) will host an intergenerational winter sing-along with children from the center’s preschool. The JCC also provides free live musical entertainment at the Warrensville Community Apartments in Cleveland Heights on Sundays from 1–2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 12:30–1:30 p.m. A hot lunch is available for $1. Pre-registration is required for lunch. (1500 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-831-0700, ext. 1210)

From December through February many local churches will be offering free meals to those in need. For dates and locations please call SAC at 216-691-7377 or go to www.lovinghandsgroup.com.

Click here to read the full article in the Heights Observer.