Chamber Chorale's Christmas concert
The Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg's annual Christmas Concert and Candlelight Carol Sing is Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 308 Hanover St. The choir and guest brass quartet will perform Daniel Pinkham's "Christmas Cantata," plus an array of seasonal holiday favorites. The program will close with the audience and choir singing traditional carols together by candlelight. The Chamber Chorale is directed by Mary-Hannah Klontz and accompanied by Joan Gurniak. Tickets are available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, and at the door. Adults $8, students $5. For information, go to ccfbg.org or call 540/898-0458.
Learn to avoid
"Safe Shopping--Don't be a Victim of Fraud and Scams" will be presented at the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office substation in the Spotsylvania Towne Centre on Thursday at 2 p.m. All are encouraged to attend this free session, especially seniors. Light refreshments will be served. Sponsored by TRIAD of Spotsylvania/Stafford.
75 local children awaiting mentors
Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters have 75 children on the waiting list--52 of them boys. Among the children are 5-year-old twin boys who live in King George. One is very quiet and shy and the other is very outgoing--a real "people person." Another child on the waiting list is a 13-year-old boy from North Stafford. He has been waiting for a Big Brother for more than a year. He likes to read, ride his bike and enjoys outdoor activities.
A volunteer information session will be held Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the agency, 325A Wallace St., Fredericksburg, near the Falmouth bridge (behind Wachovia Bank on U.S. 1). Call 540/371-7444 or e-mail
Email: info@rbbbs.org to sign up.
DAV auxiliary to sell fruit cakes again
The Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary No. 7 of Fredericksburg is selling 3-pound Claxton Fruit Cakes for $9.50.
This is the auxiliary's only annual fundraiser. Proceeds are used to help needy veterans' families, McGuire regional Veterans Hospital in Richmond and to operate the unit.
The cakes are on sale at Pendleton Western auto and Courthouse Cafe in Spotsylvania Courthouse. Or call 540/898-2348 or 540/373-9257 to order.
Spotsylvanians set holiday concert dates
The Spotsylvanians Community Chorus will present its seventh annual Christmas Candlelight Concert Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at Spotsylvania Middle School, 8801 Courthouse Road. Admission is free. For information, call 540/786-9643 or go to spotsylvanians .com.
United Way needs tax-preparation help
Rappahannock United Way needs volunteers to prepare income taxes for low- and medium-income families. Tax sites will be staffed on various days and times throughout the region. Volunteers would work a minimum of three hours a week.
A minimal knowledge of tax rules and basic computer skills is required. The United Way will provide all reference material, training and testing.
Greeter volunteers also are needed. This requires no study or testing, just the ability to meet with, interview and organize the prospective taxpayers.
Contact Shelby Beck at 540/373-0041, ext. 314, or sbeck@rappahannockunited way.org.