Around the world in cookies - Christmas Flowers Poland

The holiday season brings with it a host of inevitables: You will, no matter what, forget where you stashed the wrapping paper last year. You will, every year, shake your head at the number of presents your children receive. You will cringe, unfailingly, at each January’s credit card bill.

Luckily, there are pleasantly ubiquitous traditions that are a delight to welcome back every December. For most families, holiday cookie baking is the prime example.

Each household has its classic cookies, whether gingerbread or frosted sugar or chocolate chip. But while some traditions are not to be altered, holiday baking benefits from an infusion of new recipes each year, especially when they borrow from other cultures.

At Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park, owner Dobra Bielinski has made it her mission to stock the retro bakery cases with as many types of globally inspired cookies as she can. After a childhood spent in Poland, Vienna and South Africa, Bielinski has acquired a distinctly international approach to holiday treats.

“I think every culture has a fabulous cookie that should be included in my repertoire,” she says. “We do Czech, Hungarian, Austrian, Sicilian, French, German, Mexican and American styles at the bakery. If there is a cookie out there, I usually know about it because I’ve tried to make it.”

One of Bielinski’s perennial favorites is a Mexican wedding cookie, a simple-to-make drop cookie with holiday flavors of toasted pecans and confectioners’ sugar.

“As much as we call it a Mexican wedding cookie, it’s also a quintessentially American cookie. In Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico, traditionally everyone had pecan trees growing,” Bielinski says. “People would make these for parties, hence the name Mexican wedding cookies.”

The recipe is a simple one for families to make together, because fun and easy tasks like rolling the dough into balls and dunking it in confectioners’ sugar are perfect ways for children to participate. The earthy, nutty flavor of the dough is complemented by the sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar, an antidote to the overly frosted and glazed cookies that line shelves around this time of year.

While baking with family can be a way to explore other cultures’ traditions, for some, ethnic recipes are all about reconnecting with one’s roots.

At Sixteen, the restaurant in the Trump Tower Chicago, pastry chef Sarah Kosikowski is used to making delicate, refined confections and desserts. When she thinks of her favorite holiday cookie, though, it’s her grandmother’s rustic chrusciki (kroo-SHEE-kee), or “angel wings,” that supply that ultimate dose of nostalgia.

“My great-grandmother lived in Detroit, and christmas flowers poland  Eve was her big party every year. If you were the lucky one to be standing in the kitchen while she was frying the chrusciki, you’d have powdered sugar all over your mouth,” Kosikowski remembers. “She would never make them ahead of time. Pierogies and other dishes, could make in advance, but not the chrusciki. It’s something I remember always eating fresh.”

The beautiful twists of dough that shape these Polish cookies must be fried in lard or other oil, then quickly tossed with confectioners’ sugar. They will last on a tray for a few hours, but are best eaten while still warm before the sugar and fried dough harden like a funnel cake.

While adults watch batches of dough crisp to a golden brown in the fryer, younger children can be enlisted to dust sugar over the dough ribbons.

Kosikowski says the cookies are a perfect marriage of traditional rusticity and holiday elegance. After all, lard is hardly a refined cooking oil, but the shape of the cookies and their delicate sweetness elevate them to a dessert worthy of serving to company or giving as a gift.

“It’s simple, but it’s an example of the Old World tradition coming back,” she says. “I am absolutely considering putting these on our christmas flowers poland blogs brunch menu at Sixteen. We’re still in the Midwest, where people love that sense of heritage and tradition.”

Whether you’re exploring other cultures’ recipes or sticking to your own family’s favorites, Bielinski says you can never go wrong by making a double batch of cookies.

“In this economy, all of us are forced to work harder for less money,” she says. “When you take the time to bake something for someone else, even after a 50- or 60-hour work week, I think that says a lot.”

Kate Bernot is a Chicago free-lance writer.

Weekend: Your guide to entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania - Christmas Flowers Poland

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA HOLIDAY COCKTAILS AFFAIR: today, 5:30 p.m., Electric City Trolley Museum, $15 advance/$20 at door. 342-7711.

LIVING NATIVITY: today to Sunday, 7 to 9 p.m., Clarks Green Assembly of God, 204 S. Abington Road, Clarks Green. 586-8286.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC: The Sound of Christmas, with Maria Elisabeth von Trapp and Empire Brass, today, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $28 to $60 adults/$15 students. 341-1568.

THE NUTCRACKER: Ballet Northeast in Wilkes-Barre, today, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, Wilkes University, $20/$15; meet-and-greet, today, follows show, Darte Center upper lobby. 283-0647, 408-4426 or 821-8525.

CRYSTAL BAND OF SCRANTON CHRISTMAS CONCERT SERIES: today, 7:30 p.m., Langcliffe Presbyterian Church, 1001 Main St., Avoca.

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE christmas flowers poland blogs : Music Box Repertory Company, today and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 283-2195.

DOUG SMITH BAND: Skytop Lodge, Skytop; holiday quartet, today, 9 to 11 p.m.; Yule Log Ceremony, Dec. 24, 4 to 5 p.m.; dance, Dec. 24, 8:30 to 11 p.m.; New Year's Celebration, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

SCRANTON christmas flowers poland BIRD COUNT: Saturday, all day, 941-9851; count tally and potluck supper, 6 p.m. Dunmore Presbyterian Church, 137 Chestnut St., 342-0141.

SANTA TROLLEY RIDES: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St. 963-6590.

MODEL TRAINS THROUGH THE AGES: 1950s Lionel Christmas display and Santa visit, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Steamtown History Museum. 344-3841.

GRIFFIN POND ANIMAL SHELTER EVENTS: pet photos with Santa Claus, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Petsmart, Dickson City.

SNOW GLOBE: watercolors and holiday ornaments by Jack Puhl, on display through December, Lavish Body & Home, 600 Linden St.; ornament signing, Saturday, noon to 3 p.m.

ANTHRACITE HI-RAILERS MODEL RAILROAD CLUB CHRISTMAS TRAIN DISPLAY: Saturday and Jan. 1 and 7, 1 to 5 p.m.; Bill's ShopRite Plaza, Routes 435 and 502, Daleville, free, donations of cleaning supplies/toiletries accepted for North Pocono Dry Goods Pantry.

SANTA VISIT WITH JUSTUS FIRE COMPANY TRUCK: Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m., throughout Justus. Visit www.jfc28fire.com.

THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS: Spark Gospel Singers, Lenoxville Community Band and buffet dinner, Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Clifford Fire Hall, Main Street, Clifford, $10 and unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, reservations required. 222-3331 or 222-4159

THE NUTCRACKER BALLERINA: Arabesque Academy of Dancing, Saturday, 7 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., $10/$15, benefits Anastasia Fund. Visit www.academyofdancing.com.

ROCKIT CHRISTMAS PARTY: dinner and live music, Saturday, 7 p.m. to midnight, The Regal Room, 216 Lackawanna Ave., Olyphant, $20, reservations required, 21 and older. 489-1901.

FOUR TICKETS TO CHRISTMAS: Saturday and Sunday, 7 p.m., Peckville Assembly of God, Business Route 6, Blakely, free. 489-4961.

PUNK ROCK X-MAS: with The Agarwals, Bad Answers, Small Town Rebellion, Faceless Shadows and Stagnation, Saturday, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St., $5. 878-3970.

ROBERT DALE CHORALE 28TH ANNUAL MESSIAH SING-ALONG: Sunday, 3 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, $15/$12/$7. 586-3921.

PAINTING FUNDRAISER: "Winter in Hawley - 2011," watercolor by Barbara Briden, raffle drawing Tuesday, 5 p.m., Hawley Public Library, 103 Main Ave., Hawley, tickets $3/$5 for two, benefits library.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST: Dec. 25, 8 to 11 a.m., Fresh Food Co., third floor, DeNaples Center, free. 941-7401.

THE NUTCRACKER: Ballet Theatre of Scranton and Marywood University, Dec. 26-28, 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sette LaVerghetta Center for the Performing Arts, Marywood University. 347-2867.

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART: works by multiple artists, on display through Dec. 28, New Visions Studio & Gallery, 201 Vine St.

THIRD ANNUAL MAGICAL FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA: through Dec. 31, Fridays, 3 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m.; and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $5 admission, $1 per activity ticket; Inn at Pocono Manor, Route 314, 1 Manor Drive, Pocono Manor. 800-233-8150, ext. 7631.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: mixed media works by Virginia Pinto Sosik, on display through December, Fidelity Bank, 338 N. Washington Ave.

THE POLAR EXPRESS: model train display by Jim Loven, Nay Aug Park mural by Liz Kluesner, on display through December, Lackawanna County Children's Library, 520 Vine St.

DECK THE HALLS: digital photography by Sarah Edwards, on display through December, Pierre's Fine Clothing and Accessories, 406 Spruce St.

HHM HOLIDAY: hand-painted ornaments personalized by Samantha Rosenkrans, on display through December, The Fanciful Fox, 342 Adams Ave.

HOLIDAY STARS AT THE RITZ: Crystal Mountain figurines and ornaments presented by Carl Schaner, Murano Glass pendants and gift sets by Ann M. Miner, amber jewelry and beads by Andzia, on display through December, Wendell & Company Interior Design & Antiques, 222 Wyoming Ave.

FESTIVAL OF TREES: on display through December, Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St.

112TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: Jan. 1, 8 a.m., Pocono Environmental Education Center, Brisco Mountain Road, Dingmans Ferry, $5, benefits National Audubon Society.

WINTER TRADITIONS OF POLAND AND POLISH AMERICA: on display through Jan. 31, Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m., Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, $4/$2/free to members and children 5 and younger.

CLUBS

AMICI, 1300 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit: Saturdays, Chris Gratz; Wednesdays, Marko Marcinko Jazz Group.

BLU WASABI, Route 6, Dickson City: Monday, Dashboard Mary; Tuesday, Lewis Lake Duo.

BOMBAY CAFE, 80 S. Main St., Archbald: today, Friend of the Gypsy.

CLAM DIGGERS, Days Inn, Route 6, Dickson City: today, The Chatter; Sunday, karaoke.

FORMOSA RESTAURANT, 727 S. State St., Clarks Summit: Thursdays, jazz music with Kenny McGraw and Ron Leas.

HUB LOUNGE, Clarion Hotel: Wednesdays, Open Mic Night; Fridays and Saturdays, Wise Crackers Comedy Show.

JJ BRIDJES, 925 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: today, Double Cross; Saturday, Mojo.

MANHATTAN DRIVE, Best Western Plus, Dunmore: today, Greg Palmer; Saturdays, The Girlz.

MCGRATH'S, Dalton: Saturday, Crystal Skies.

MENDICINO'S PIZZA AND LOUNGE, Routes 502 and 435, Covington Twp.: today, Tony Lessing Lifetime; Saturday, East Coast Trio.

MERT'S, 302 Penn Ave.: today, Invisible Swordsmen; Saturday, Tom Petty Appreciation Band.

MOUNT AIRY CASINO RESORT, Mount Pocono: today, DJ Jamie Callen, CJT Duo; Saturday, DJ Aprile, CJT Duo; Sunday, CJT Duo, Jerry Kozic.

NEW PENNY, 1827 N. Main Ave.: today, Channel 4; Saturday, Unstable Ground.

POOR RICHARD'S PUB, 125 Beech St.: today, Cranky Bitch; Saturdays, DJ Honey Do.

RADISSON AT LACKAWANNA STATION HOTEL, 700 Lackawanna Ave.: Saturdays, Tony Costa Trio.

RUMRUNNERZ BAR AND GRILLE, 600 E. Drinker St., Dunmore: today, Blush; Saturday, Dashboard Mary.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre: Fridays and Saturdays, Jim Waltich Jazz Trio.

SAMBUCA GRILL, 234 Penn Ave.: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Paul Ardito.

SKYTOP LODGE, Skytop: Saturdays, Doug Smith Orchestra.

STATIC NIGHT CLUB, I-81, Scott Exit 199: Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Latin Night Club.

TOMAINO'S, Archbald: today, DJ Dance Party; Saturday, Jeffrey James Band.

WELLINGTON'S, Clarks Summit: today, Wanabees; Saturday, Mark Sutorka.

MUSIC

LADY ANTEBELLUM: today, 7:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, $59.75/$39.75. 800-745-3000.

THE B STREET BAND: Bruce Springsteen tribute band, Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Hilton Scranton and Conference Center ballroom, 100 Adams Ave., $12 advance/$15 at door, 21 and older. 344-2212.

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS: Scranton Circle Choir of the Polish National Catholic Church's Scranton Circle of the National United Choirs, Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Holy Mother of Sorrows Parish, 212 Wyoming Ave., Dupont, free. 654-4262.

TONY ROI: THE ELVIS EXPERIENCE: Jan. 7, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono

SCRANTON BRASS ORCHESTRA: with guest soloists Chris Jaudes and Joseph Boga, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan-McLean Center, University of Scranton, free. 941-7624.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES: An Evening with Erica & Steve Ryan, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m., Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre; Flute & Harp Duo Concert, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m., The Colonnade; Beethoven Festival, March 8, 6:30 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College; Music of the Romantic Era, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre; $26.50. 341-1568.

LISTEN LOCAL SERIES: Jan. 13 and March 30, 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center, Junior Ballroom, $5; Feb. 3 and April 6, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $10.

TAVARES: Jan. 14, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $25/$40.

BARRY WILSON: Jan. 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Lemmond Theater, Walsh Hall, Misericordia University, Dallas, free. 674-6247.

DARIUS RUCKER: Jan. 20, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC: Broadway Love Songs, Feb. 10, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, and Feb. 11, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.; A Beethoven Festival, March 10, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Here to Stay: The Music of Gershwin, April 13, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center, and April 14, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Brahms, A German Requiem, April 27, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; Tribute to Benny Goodman, June 9, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center. 341-1568.

RASCAL FLATTS: Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$39.75/$59.75. 800-745-3000.

LIVE'S ED KOWALCZYK: Feb. 18, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $25/$40.

WINTER WEDNESDAY MUSIC SERIES: Wednesdays, Feb. 22 through March 21, Pike County Historical Society, Milford, $100 season pass. 296-8126.

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER: Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St. 955-1455.

GAELIC STORM AND ENTER THE HAGGIS: March 1, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

ROBERT DALE CHORALE: 27th Annual NEPA Bach Festival: organ concert, March 17, 4 p.m., Elm Park United Methodist Church, 712 Linden St.; Chamber Music Concert, March 17, 8 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church; and Choral Concert, March 18, 3 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church; Pops Concert: The Great American Songbook, with the Doug Smith Jazz Trio, April 20, 8 p.m., Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. 586-9321.

UNFORGETTABLE FIRE: U2 tribute band, March 17, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $10.

THE FRESH BEAT BAND: March 21, 3 and 6 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$35. 826-1100.

YESTERDAY & TODAY: March 23, 8 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St. 955-1455.

GLORIANA: April 14, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $25/$40.

THE KINGSTON TRIO: April 20, 8 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St. 955-1455.

BOB WEIR - SOLO ACOUSTIC: April 27, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $34.50/$39.50/$44.50/$49.50. 826-1100.

CHORAL SOCIETY OF NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA CONCERTS: German Requiem, with NEPA Philharmonic, April 27; with Wyoming County Chorale, May 5, Tunkhannock; Renaissance and Baroque Masterworks, May 12, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave. 343-6707.

TONY BENNETT: June 2, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $70/$90/$126. 826-1100.

CATHOLIC CHORAL SOCIETY OPEN AUDITIONS AND REHEARSALS: Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Marywood University IHM Center. 587-2753.

SING IN THE WELSH LANGUAGE: first and third Saturday of the month, 2 p.m., First Congregational Church, 500 Luzerne Ave., West Pittston, free. 905-9074.

Stage

LEGALLY WICKED: THE BEST OF BROADWAY: today and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.; Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, $10; wine and cheese reception, Saturday, follows show. 604-4033.

MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS: Three Witches Productions, today and Saturday, 8 p.m., The Lounge, Ramada Inn, Clarks Summit, $10/$7. 851-9479, 352-6226 or email threewitches2010@aol.com.

DEATH OF A SALESMAN: Gaslight Theatre Company, Jan. 6 and 7, 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 8, 2 p.m., Mellow Theater, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St. 955-1455.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS TREASURE TROVE: Jan. 11-13, 7 p.m.; Jan. 14, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Jan. 15, 1 and 5 p.m.; Jan. 16, 1 p.m.; Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, $55.50/$36.50/$24.50/$15.50. 800-745-3000.

JERRY SEINFELD: Jan. 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $65/$80. 826-1100.

CHIPPENDALES: Jan. 13, Genetti's Grand Ballroom, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. 820-8505. Visit www.ticketsalesnow.com.

THE CITIZENS' VOICE CHILDREN'S SERIES: "Are You My Mother?" Jan. 14, 11 a.m.; "Stuart Little," March 31, 11 a.m.; Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

UP AND COMING COMEDY SERIES: Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and April 21; music and cocktails 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, Shopland Hall, $16. 344-1111.

SWEENEY TODD - SCHOOL EDITION: Jan. 20-29, Kiss Theatre Co., Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Twp.

SHREK THE MUSICAL: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.; Jan. 21, 2 and 8 p.m.; Jan. 22, 1 and 6 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

'THE VIEW' WITH A SCRANTON ATTITUDE: Let's Hear It From the Girls, Jan. 27, 7 p.m.; Let's Hear It From Both Sides, March 30, 7 p.m.; Let's Hear It From the Boys, May 4, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

THE AMAZING KRESKIN: Jan. 29, 2 to 4, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $15/$35 with meet-and-greet/$50 for four tickets. 800-745-3000.

THE 39 STEPS: Actors Circle, Feb. 2-5, 10-12 and 17-19, Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road. 342-9707.

JACKIE "THE JOKE MAN" MARTLING: Feb. 4, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $20/$30.

LISA LAMPANELLI: Feb. 18, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

THE MUSICAL ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY - JR.: Feb. 17-19, Kiss Theatre Co., Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Twp.

LITTLE WOMEN: Feb. 17-19 and 24 to 26, Wilkes University. 800-WILKES-U, ext. 4420.

JOHN PINETTE: Feb. 19, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $34.75, all ages. 826-1100.

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.; Feb. 25, 2 and 8 p.m.; Feb. 26, 1 and 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

GILBERT GOTTFRIED: March 3, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $20/$30.

CRIMES OF THE HEART: Actors Circle, March 22-25, 30-31 and April 1, Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road. 342-9707.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S SOUTH PACIFIC: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, March 23, 8 p.m.; March 24, 2 and 8 p.m.; March 25, 1 and 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

RED GREEN'S PERSONAL WIT AND WISDOM TOUR: April 17, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $47.50. 826-1100.

RENT: Phoenix Theatrics, April 20-May 6; Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.; Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. 991-1817.

THE TIMES-TRIBUNE LUNCH BOX SERIES: "A Year with Frog & Toad," May 1, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and May 2, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

'NIGHT MOTHER: May 10-13 and 18-20: Actors Circle, Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road. 342-9707.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, May 18, 8 p.m.; May 19, 2 and 8 p.m.; and May 20, 1 and 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

ART

GRADUATE EXHIBITION: sculpture by Noel Anderson-Corwin and Martha Moore Westbrook, photography by Sue Jenkins and ceramics by Cathleen Repholz; on display through today, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mahady Gallery, Shields Center for Visual Arts, Marywood University.

ARTIST MARKET: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Star Gallery, The Mall at Steamtown. 877-3900.

BUDS, BLOOMS & BERRIES: on display through Dec. 31, Everhart Museum.

MONKEY MAYHEM AND MORE: works by Stephen Hendrickson, on display through Dec. 31, Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 996-1500.

ISAIAH'S CORNER CHILDREN'S HANDS-ON GALLERY: on display through Dec. 31, Everhart Museum. 346-7186.

PERMANENT GALLERIES: on display through Dec. 31; Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.; Everhart Museum, $5/$3/$2. 346-7186.

DECEMBER MEMBERS SHOW: various works from Afa members, on display through December, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

GET OFF YOUR ARTZ: works on furniture, benefiting homeless services at Community Intervention Center, on display through December, B's Floral Design Inc., 131 Penn Ave.

VARIETY OF COLORFUL ART WORK: works by Lisa Temples-Maopolski, on display through December, BEKO Sushi & Grill, 414 Spruce St.

FOUR SEASONS, A "NORTHEASTERN PERSPECTIVE": photography by Jessica Diehl, on display through December, Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts LLC, 516 Lackawanna Ave.

AN AMERICAN'S VIEW OF THE ROYAL WEDDING OF PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON: photography by Francine Douaihy, on display through December, City Café, 116 N. Washington Ave.

FLUENT IN THE LANGUAGE OF ART: mixed media pieces by Marywood University Student Art Therapy Association, on display through December, City Lights, 534 Lackawanna Ave.

FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS: works in clay by Jeff Kuratnick, on display through December, Creedon's Flower Shop, 323 N. Washington Ave.

STUCK TOGETHER: duct tape accessories and fallen branches jewelry by Maura Cummings, on display through December, Eden - A Vegan Cafe, 344 Adams Ave.

NATURE: mixed media works by Elizabeth Lordan, on display through December, GreenBeing, 334 Adams Ave.

RECENT WORKS: oil paintings by Thomas Wise, on display through December, Laura Craig Galleries, 207 Linden St.

LOCAL REALISM: oil paintings on hardboard by Mike Trovato, on display through December, Marquis Art and Frame, 515 Center St.

FOREST WHISPERS: oil pastels by Simona Gavern, on display through December, Platform Lounge at Trax, Radisson at Lackawanna Station Hotel, 700 Lackawanna Ave.

RECALLING WARMER TIMES: watercolors by Jan Henning, on display through December, Nimble Hill Winery, Chocolate Creations, Cangiano's Deli, Semian Realty Group, 400 Spruce St.

WATERCOLORS OF THE ENDLESS MOUNTAINS: on display through December, Northern Light Espresso Bar, 536 Spruce St.

A TASTE OF POSH: photographs by Leslie Bacanelli, on display through December, POSH at Scranton Club, 404 North Washington Ave.

TERROR AT TINSEL TOWER: featuring drawings in marker by Brian Langan, on display through December, Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

BIGGEST ART CHRISTMAS PARTY IN TOWN: works by local artists, on display through December, Star Gallery, The Mall at Steamtown.

HANDS & HOOVES: children's art chosen by Marley's Mission, on display through December, Starbucks, The Mall at Steamtown, Lackawanna Avenue.

IKE DESIGN GROUP: reclaimed and recycled home goods, on display through December, The Bog, 341 Adams Ave.

HANDMADE CLOCKS BY CHERYL DOLAN: on display through December, The Crazy Pineapple, 317 Linden St.

A DECEMBER TO DISMEMBER: mixed media works by Sean Flynn and Sean McHale, on display through December, The Keys, 244 Penn Ave.

THE MOTH PROJECT: mixed media by local artists, benefit for Children's Advocacy Center, on display through December, The Vintage Theater, 119 Penn Ave.

ASSORTED SURREALTIES: photographic and lens-based art by Peter Hocking, on display through December, Windsor Studio, 408 Spruce St.

ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY ANITA AMBROSE: on display through Jan. 1; Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Summit Frameworks, 111 North Abington Road, Clarks Green.

VISUAL TRUTHS: works by Sally Wiener Grotta and Niko J. Kallianiotis, on display Jan. 6-28, Thursdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., AFA Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.; opening reception, Jan. 6, 6 to 9 p.m.

WILLIAM CHICKILLO AND NANNETTE M. BURTI: on display through Jan. 8, Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m., and by appointment, Skylake Gallery, Route 407, Fleetville. 945-7000.

NORTHEAST PA SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS EXHIBITION: works by junior high and high school students, on display Jan. 21 to Feb. 12; Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m.; Mahady Gallery, Marywood University; awards presentation, Jan. 21, 1 p.m.

A VISUAL FEAST: on display through Jan. 27; Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave. 207-1815.

BEAUTY OF NATURE: photographs by George Clark, on display through Jan. 30, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wyoming County Courthouse Gallery, 1 Courthouse Square, Tunkhannock. 836-3200.

EXCAVATION: photographs by Gary Cawood, on display through Jan. 31, Camerawork, Marquis Gallery, 515 Center St.

STUDENT ART AT THE EVERHART - BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: on display Feb. 3-April 1, Everhart Museum.

GLOBALIZE: GLOBALLY INSPIRED ... LOCALLY MADE: on display through February, 10 a.m., Timmy's Town Center, The Mall at Steamtown.

HOWARD D. BECKER: on display April 21 through Dec. 31, Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale.

ART WALKS: second Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Clarks Summit venues.

WATERCOLORS: by Jeff Lewis, permanent display, Linda Kays Restaurant, Sanderson Avenue.

WATERCOLOR AND MIXED MEDIA: by Bill Woelkers, ongoing exhibit, First Liberty Bank & Trust, 108 N. Washington Ave.

ETC.

ABINGTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES: 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit; Karaoke Night, today, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., grades 4-6; Story Time Teens, Monday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., ages 3-6; Afternoon Book Club, Wednesday, 2 p.m., adults; Tween Advisory Board, Dec. 27, 4 to 4:45 p.m., grades 4-6; Families Helping Families, Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m., adults; Scrabble, Thursdays, 1 p.m., adults.

POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ACTIVITIES: Hibernation Hike, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, Brisco Mountain Road, Dingmans Ferry, free.

A MANICURE FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., Elan Gardens, Venard Road, Clarks Summit, $10, benefits nonprofit supporting young women with breast/ovarian cancers and their families, sponsored by Jewish Federation of Northeastern PA. 961-2300, ext. 4.

ANNUAL POETRY OUT LOUD SCHOOL COMPETITION: Abington Heights High School Drama Society, Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., high school auditorium, free.

MONSIGNOR STEPHEN HRYNUCK 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Dec. 27, Fiorelli's Catering, 1501 Main St., Peckville, $12 by Tuesday, 383-0319 or 383-9487; Divine Liturgy, 9 a.m., SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukranian Catholic Church, 135 River St., Olyphant.

WINTER DINNER DANCE FUNDRAISER: Jan. 21, Summit Tea Room, New Milford, 4 to 8 p.m., $40 single/$75 couple by Jan. 7, benefits Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association. 278-1881.

NEW ENGLAND CONTRA DANCE: Jan. 7, 7 p.m., Church of Christ Uniting, Sprague Avenue, Kingston, $9 adults/$24 families. 333-4007.

LUPUS FOUNDATION OF PENNSYLVANIA 15TH ANNUAL SKI FOR LUPUS DAY: Jan. 8, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. or 4:30 to 10 p.m., Elk Mountain, Union Dale, $25. 888-99-LUPUS or 558-2008.

WINE CIRCLE: Jan. 13, 5:30 p.m., Hotel Fauchere, Milford, fees vary.

MALANKA: EIGHTH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN NEW YEAR DINNER DANCE: Jan. 13, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., doors open 5:45 p.m., St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 N. Seventh Ave., $40. 383-9487.

YOU LIVE HERE, YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS: local history quiz show, May 11-12, 6 to 9 p.m., Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, applications due Jan. 13 to Lackawanna Historical Society, Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave. 344-3841.

KEEP BOUNCING BACK FOR ZACK: Jan. 20, St. Mary's Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., $20, benefits 5-year-old with inoperable brain tumor.

LACKAWANNA AUDUBON SOCIETY EVENTS: Delaware River eagle watch, Jan. 21, snow date Jan. 28, meet at Interstate 84 rest stop 8:30 a.m. or at Milford Beach 9 a.m., 586-5156; Harvey's Lake/Sordoni Farms field trip, Feb. 18, snow date Feb. 25, 8:30 a.m. breakfast, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Dallas; trip departs, 9 a.m., 586-8343 or 945-5226; bird walk, March 10, 8 a.m., Lackawanna State Park, meet at boat launch parking lot, 575-5293.

COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER ASTHMA SKI DAY: Jan. 29, noon to 5 p.m., Sno Mountain Ski Resort, free to children 18 and younger, discounts for their families. 969-8986.

SECOND DINNER BY DESIGN FUNDRAISER: benefits Scranton Cultural Center and Lackawanna Historical Society, March 3 and 4, 10 a.m.; preview party, March 2, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE DAY PARTY: March 10, noon, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: March 16, 7 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, $15 and up. 800-745-3000. Visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

FIGHT FOR AIR CLIMB: March 24, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, sponsored by American Lung Association.

GOURMET GALA: March 25, 5 to 8 p.m., Genetti Manor, Main Avenue, Dickson City, benefits Ronald McDonald House of Scranton. Visit www.thegourmetgala.com.

ELECTRIC CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: April 14-28, various Scranton venues. 296-2333. Visit www.electriccityrw.com.

AN EVENING OF FINE FOOD AND WINE: April 29, 5:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

DIRTY GIRL MUD RUN: May 5, 8 a.m., Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, women only, benefits National Breast Cancer Foundation. Visit www.godirtygirl.com.

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE SERIES: The Human Body, Life in Space Developed in Conjunction with NASA, May 7, 10 a.m.; The Human Body, May 8, 10 a.m.; and How To Build a Storm: The Weather Show, May 9, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC 40TH SEASON GALA AND VIOLIN AUCTION: May 11, POSH at the Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Ave; violin raffle fundraiser, $10/$25. 341-1568.

VINTAGE THEATER ACTIVITIES: 119 Penn Ave.; Ellen Doyle Dance Experience workout, Tuesdays, 8 to 10 p.m., free; writers critique group, Saturdays, noon to 2 p.m., free.

GREY TOWERS MANSION TOURS: daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 296-9630. Visit www.greytowers.org or www.fs.fed.us/gt.

HOUDINI MUSEUM TOUR AND MAGIC SHOW: open weekends by reservation, 1 to 4 p.m., 1433 N. Main Ave.

PITTSTON AREA MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS: 47 Broad St., Pittston; crochet club meetings, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursdays, 6 to 7:45 p.m.; ages 12 and older; registration.

MUSEUM WITHOUT WALLS: activities for children, first Thursday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ben-Mar Restaurant, 89 N. Main St., Carbondale, $10 per child. 282-1771 or 282-7477.

PIKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS: The Columns mansion tours, Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m.; museum, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SCRANTON GHOST WALKS: daily, 7:30 and 9 p.m., $20/$15reservations required. 383-1821. Visit http://scrantonghosttours.com.

European shares climb before weekend - Christmas Flowers Poland

LONDON — European stocks firmed on Friday as investors tracked gains elsewhere and digested strong US data, but sentiment was clouded by prospects of rating downgrades for eurozone countries.

Clouds of recession hang in the background, with the latest warning from the French statistics office that France is heading for mild recession at the end of the year.

Meanwhile France pointed at what it said was the worrying state of the British economy.

Market analysts are still pondering the economic and political implications of a decision by Britain a week ago to stand aside from a new European Union architecture to tighten budget discipline.

But Poland, winding up its term as EU president, said that Britain would send experts to eurozone talks at the end of the month on new regulations.

Asian shares also followed Wall Street higher on Friday as strong US data on jobs and manufacturing and a successful Spanish bond auction the previous day tempered concerns about the eurozone debt crisis.

"A confident, but tentative, open for European markets as investors continued a reignited christmas flowers poland rally following positive data from the US yesterday, defying the notion of a European contagion diluting global growth as well as tracking Asian gains overnight," said Spreadex trader Shavaz Dhalla.

London's FTSE 100 benchmark index added 0.45 percent to 5,425.66 points and Frankfurt's DAX 30 gained 0.17 percent to 5,740.38 points.

In Paris, the CAC 40 index added just 0.06 percent to 3,000.44, after the official forecast that the French economy will fall into a brief recession in the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2012.

The European single currency advanced to $1.3032, compared with $1.3017 late in New York on Thursday.

Wall Street posted encouraging gains on Thursday, aided by positive data on the US jobs market, industrial activity and trade, but eurozone clouds continued to hover over the markets.

In particular, traders remained cautious as they awaited Standard & Poor's potential credit downgrade of 15 eurozone member countries -- including France and Germany -- while the IMF warned of a miserable outlook for the global economy.

"The (S&P) credit rating agency has a habit of downgrading Europeans late on a Friday night, and S&P put 15 out of 17 eurozone members on negative watch earlier this month," said Forex.com analyst Kathleen Brooks.

"If it does make the move, it would not be totally out of the blue," she added.

Market gains were also capped after ratings firm Fitch downgraded six major global banks overnight, citing increased challenges in their business and the prospect of financial turmoil ahead.

Fitch lowered the long-term ratings on Bank of America and Goldman Sachs in the United States, British bank Barclays, French bank BNP Paribas, German bank Deutsche Bank and Swiss bank Credit Suisse.

The downgrades "reflected challenges faced by the sector as a whole, rather than negative developments in idiosyncratic fundamental creditworthiness," Fitch said in a statement.

By contrast, Fitch affirmed the ratings on Morgan Stanley, Societe Generale and UBS.

The euro meanwhile held above the 11-month low of $1.2946 that was struck earlier this week on intensifying concerns over the eurozone crisis.

"The optimism in the financial markets also reflects the strong auction of Spanish debt yesterday," added economist Derek Halpenny at The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ in London.

The result allowed the eurozone's fourth-biggest economy to distance itself from Italy, which was forced to pay record high borrowing rates in a bond sale just a day earlier.

However, International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde warned overnight that Europe's crisis was escalating and threatens every economy in the world.

"There is no economy in the world, whether low-income countries, emerging markets, middle-income countries or super-advanced economies, that will be immune to the crisis that we see not only unfolding but escalating," she said on Thursday.

With Europe's leaders still struggling after months to come up with a comprehensive fix to end the crisis, Lagarde said the resolution would involve efforts from all countries and regions.

Late on Thursday, the official INSEE statistics agency warned that France will fall into a brief recession and the government's 2012 growth target of 1.0 percent will be difficult to achieve.

INSEE said it expects France to enter a mild recession in the final quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2012 christmas flowers poland blogs .

Christmas Guide: Shopping - Christmas Flowers Poland

North Bucharest is home to the first greenfield mall development in Bucharest, with special attention paid to the architecture and the landscape. Baneasa Shopping City offers a unique blend of shopping through more than 200 stores and refreshments units, with areas devoted to entertainment and leisure. The Grand Cinema Digiplex – the largest in Romania, with 13 large screens suitable for 3D projection, perfect angles of vision and an ultra-comfortable 2,600 seats – is one of the city’s newest attractions, offering a wide range of cinematic experiences under one roof. The mall’s Seasonal Offer Extravaganza is coming up this weekend, Dec 16-18, and will run until midnight. Get your gift voucher from the information desk. Holders of a Baneasa Bonus Card will get two more months’ grace period for shopping bought before Jan 8.

Off DN1. www.baneasashoppingcity.ro.

Belstaff

For those in love with the avant-garde style of Belstaff leather jackets or highly innovative waterproof materials, or perhaps the brand’s association with the Hollywood celebrities who have transformed some of its pieces into universal icons, both men and women can find the latest collections of Belstaff apparel and accessories in this downtown Bucharest mono-brand store.

Calea Victoriei 136. 10.00-20.00.

Cocor Store

The store is unique for the Romanian fashion designers’ gallery on its second floor, which currently brings together more than 30 local designers offering a variety of clothes and accessories at affordable prices and the possibility of bespoke products. Brands include: Doina Levintza, Liza Panait, Catalin Botezatu, Mihai Albu, Anca & Silvia Negulescu, Elena Perseil, Adelina Ivan, Agnes Toma, Cristian Samfira and Cristina Nichita, B-dul I.C. Bratianu 29-33. www.cocor.ro.

Dada

The epitome of a concept store. While enjoying a lunch of fusion food in the unmistakable Dada style, you can peruse or buy a Dada dress or bag at production prices. Why? Because the building’s upper floor hosts the Dada factory itself. Downtown, Dada products and other fancy labels like the local Edita Lupea and Ioana Covalcic can be found in the little shop at Piata Amzei.

Matei Voievod 94bis (restaurant/showroom), Tache Ionescu 1 (shop). www.dada.ro.

Elysee Maison Des Parfums

Located in an elegant, Ludovic style villa in Piata Lahovari, the store displays a collection of perfumes and cosmetics in three distinctive salons. A complex experience, from  Menard , the most exclusive Japanese cosmetics house to surprising new fragrances you can also access aesthetic consultancy and tailored fragrance creation services.

Strada Tache Ionescu 29. www.elyseeconcept.ro.

Idelier

On a Piata Romana corner, a Workshop of Ideas coordinated and inspired by the designer Silvia Serban occupies the ground floor of an interwar building. Before continuing to the rooms of the concept store, why not linger in the new café-bar, recline at one of the “must-see” chairs and tables over trendy cocktails or recreate the Manhattan vibe with morning coffee. Besides clothes, shoes and bags, which run from vintage to avant-garde style, the place is also popular for the young and fancy yet traditional jewelry designers such as Maria Filipescu, Roxana Davidescu and Mihaela Tarhuna.Lascar Catargiu 1. www.idelier.com.

Iqonique Class Studio

With a focus on classic, high-quality design, airy and minimal, but unselfconsciously warm and friendly, this discreet, elegant villa in the Aviatorilor area is a space where the passion for aesthetics and rules of style prevail. Choose from unique objects of interior design, gifts for the home, fashion and beauty, wine and gourmet foods and, last but not least, a selection of books and magazines dedicated to relaxation and lounge moments. The showroom presents some brands for the first time in Romania, such as Fornassetti, Ingo Maurer, Palucco, Edra, Jars Ceramics, Lara Bohinc, Uncommon Matters and Hermes Vintage.

Aleea Alexandru 7. Mon-Sat, 10.00-20.00. www.iqonique-cs.ro.

Kristina Dragomir Hats

Artistic hats are executed on frames made by the renowned UK Royal House specialists, with the finest and most exotic materials purchased in London, where the designer actually learned her craft: this is a fantasy world where women have no limits. A meeting for a unique hat made by Kristina Dragomir and a chance to hear her styling advice is available by appointment only from 18.30-21.00, Monday to Friday.

Mihail Kogalniceanu 51, 2nd floor, access code 11.

Madame Briolette

A window full of heads wearing hats, berets and caps on Magheru Boulevard heralds a store with modest interior design, but this means little given the shelves of hats waiting to be tested. Besides fur hats made in Poland or Ukraine, the multitude of felt options and classical models in many colors are created in Romania. Hand-knitted hats and shawls from Hunedoara villages and plenty of colorful leather gloves are among the many other accessories. And all at very affordable prices.

Briolette du Cinema, Magheru 29, corner with Biserica Amzei; Briolette Boutique, Ion Campineanu 12.

Musette

A classic feminine look and comfort, designed by an Italian team, is what characterizes the Romanian-based footwear brand Musette. Bags, clutches and belts, defined by color and style, are also produced under the same name. Cristhelen B is Musette’s premium brand for woman, an exclusive line produced in limited editions. For men, the Giannini line of shoes and accessories are made to the same high standards of quality and affordable prices.

Calea Victoriei 114, Baneasa Shopping City, Bucuresti-Ploiesti 26, Bucuresti Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59, Unirea Shopping Center, Piata Unirii 1, Cotroceni Park, Bd. Vasile Milea 4. office@musettegroup.ro.

Nissa

A one hundred percent Romanian apparel brand for women with a modern-classical style in keeping with the latest international trends, but a very good price/quality ratio. There is a network of shops, most of them in malls, but also a flagship store close to Piata Romana (B-dul Dacia 39, Mon-Sat 9.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-18.00).

Unirea Shopping Center, AFI Palace Cotroceni, Cora Pantelimon, Centrul Comercial Feeria-Baneasa, Centrul Comercial Orhideea.

Pierrot

Interior and garden decorations, gift ideas and christmas flowers poland decorations all under one roof. This store stocks beautiful objects, carefully put together and inspired by various traditions. They bear the names of famous interior design companies from Italy and Germany such as Wald, Shan, Hoff Interieur and Drescher, found exclusively at Pierrot. The product range is wide, from items such as porcelain from the exclusive Villar collection, inspired by the Italian baroque, to affordable products, both contemporary and traditional. The store is a rich source of gift ideas from scented candles and Swarovski crystals, to traditional christmas flowers poland blogs decorations.

Intr. Biserica Alba 1.

Sepala

The footwear brand Sepala, Mihaela Glavan’s high-end line, embraces minimalism. Shoes are simple, with well-defined cuts and cutouts. The must-have of the A/W collection are the over-the-knee boots and high platform shoes going for a sexy look in parallel with the low biker-inspired boots. Sepala Kids and RSM for men make the shopping experience one for the

family.

Benjamin Franklin 9, (Atheneum area). Mon-Fri 10.00-22.00, Sat 10.00-17.00.

The Place Concept Store

The first fashion concept store in Romania is a versatile space mixing luxury and avant-garde fashion collections with the hottest music labels, modern art exhibitions, high-tech gadgets and chic events. The on-trend labels found here include Azzedine Alaia, Oscar de la Renta, Rick Owns, Gareth Pugh, Jil Sanders, Alexander Wang and Sonia Rykiel.

Calea Dorobantilor 102-110. Mon-Fri 10.00-20.00, Sat 10.00-18.00.

Trend’s by Adina Buzatu

A touch of refinement and an interwar atmosphere grace the first boutique covering mainly men’s apparel. Shoes from Ortigni, Magnanni and Bensimon, Albert Thurston braces, Borsalino hats, an impressive collection of cufflinks and ties are all on offer. From the classic casual and elegant designs of Messagerie to the progressive Babette Wasserman, the pieces are versatile and easy to match. But if you are not sure, do not hesitate to ask the owner, who is always pleased to help style you.

Calea Victoriei 83-85 (Downtown boutique), Baneasa Shopping City, ground floor.

www.adinabuzatu.ro.

Venera Arapu

A mono-brand store with a distinctive signature on the interior design, fashion designer Venera Arapu brings a range of clothing from evening gowns to shirts and coats, all dedicated to strong and non-conformist women, yet endowed with refinement and elegance. A special surprise comes from the Vitrina pieces created and manufactured under the designer’s direct supervision by students of the Bucharest Fashion Design Faculty. 

Banu Antonache 59.

Local religion briefs - Christmas Flowers Poland

BENNINGTON -- St. Peter’s Episcopal annual church Christmas tea will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The cost will be $6. The Guild Room will be decorated with candles and greens. There will be cookies, tea sandwiches, coffee, tea and punch. Waitresses will be available to assist you.

The Christmas Shoppe will be open for small gifts such as jelly, jams and ornaments. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The church is located at 200 Pleasant St. Annual Santa Lucia Festival

ARLINGTON -- Once again, the Arlington Community and visitors are invited to share in the Santa Lucia Festival of Lights, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The day starts with holiday open houses at Arlington and Manchester inns and bed and breakfasts from noon to 4 p.m., followed by the christmas flowers poland tree and luminary lighting and community carol sing at 4 p.m. in front of the Arlington Community House. The Festival will conclude with the Santa Lucia Pageant at 5 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. The pageant is an annual tradition set around the story of Santa Lucia and includes carol singing, readings and pageant participation by local youth and adults.

The inn tours are $15 with proceeds benefiting the Habitat for Humanity, all other events are free to the public with a free-will offering or donation to the Arlington Area Food Shelf requested.

Both the

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Arlington Community House and Saint James Church are located on Route 7A in the center of Arlington.

For more information about the Santa Lucia Festival of Lights, call Amie at 802-375-6516 or email amie@sover.net.

Sunday, Dec. 11

The Jubellaire Ringers provide Advent music

BENNINGTON -- Ring out the bells! The Jubellaire Ringers, along with trumpet and drum, will be providing music throughout the 10 a.m. celebration of the Third Sunday in Advent at Second Congregational Church on Hillside Street.

The church will light the Candle of Joy in the Advent wreath, and children are invited to place items in the "putz" or Moravian crèche. After this Time for the Children in All of Us, children up through grade 5 are dismissed for Godly Play, and the middle- and high-school class will meet. The Rev. Mary Lee-Clark’s sermon is entitled "Comfort and Joy?" based on the readings from Isaiah and Luke’s "Magnificat." Nursery care is provided throughout worship.

A time of fellowship and refreshment for the whole church family follows in Webster Hall, with alternative giving opportunities available through Heifer Project International. Gifts for the Giving Tree for Sunrise as well as Seafarer Ditty Bag items are due this Sunday and all other Gifts for the Giving Tree are due next Sunday.

Second Congregational Church is an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, and its wheelchair-accessible building is located on Hillside Street. For more information, call the church office at 442-2559 or visit www.bennscc.org.

Third Sunday of Advent at St. Peter’s

BENNINGTON -- All are welcome to the Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. (Rite 1, said) and 10 a.m. (Rite 2, with hymns) at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Worship is led by the Rev. L. Paul Gratz -- transition minister; Derek Stannard -- organist/choirmaster and the Chancel Choir.

Anyone interested in participating in the choir only needs to show up at 9:05 a.m. in the chancel area for rehearsal. All are welcome!

In John’s Gospel, John the baptizer tells the priest and Levites, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

St. Peter’s is an open and affirming church that respects religious inquiry and welcomes all people to the Good News of Christ’s presence and a place at His table. The church is located at 200 Pleasant St. and is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, call the parish office at 442-2911 or visit www.stpetersbenningtonvt.com.

First Baptist celebrates Third Sunday of Advent

BENNINGTON -- The First Baptist Church of Bennington welcomes the public to a celebratory day of Advent-related gatherings on Sunday.

During the 9:30 a.m. morning worship, the congregation gathers to light the third candle of Advent, which recalls the fullness of joy Christians find in this season nearing ever closer to christmas flowers poland blogs . The Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot, coordinating minister, will offer the sermon "Witnessing Advent," exploring a portion of the lyric prologue of the book of John, the Fourth Gospel of the New Testament.

Later at 6 p.m., the congregational children offer a program exploring the familiar Nativity story through brief vignettes and singing Christmas carols. Immediately after the program, the congregation will host a potluck and enjoy fellowship time. Both morning and evening events are open to the public.

The First Baptist Church of Bennington is "a place for healing, community involvement and spiritual grounding." Located at 601 Main St., downtown, the congregation is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches/USA. To learn more, visit www.fbcbennington.org or call 442-2105.

Third Sunday of Advent observed

NORTH BENNINGTON -- The North Bennington Congregational Church welcomes all to its 11 a.m. worship service on this third Sunday of Advent, led by the Rev. Penny Rich Smith. The sermon, "Dare to Rejoice!," will be based on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126 and John 1:6-8, 19-28. There will lighting of the third Advent candle and a children’s time, after which Sunday school classes will meet for pre-school through grade 8.

Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for coffee hour and a time of fellowship. The church is located at 8 Bank St. and is wheelchair accessible from the back door at the parsonage driveway. For more information, call the church office at 442-5161.

Sermon: ‘Jumping for Joy’

EAST ARLINGTON -- All are invited to the Federated Church of East Arlington on Ice Pond Road on this third Sunday of Advent as the congregation lights the pink Advent candle respresenting joy at the 10 a.m. service of worship.

Nursery care for children under 3 is available every Sunday from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. Children 3 through 10 are invited to attend the service through the Time for Children and then go to Bailey Hall with their teachers for the children’s Sunday program.

The day’s Scripture lessons include Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28 and Psalm 126. It is the Psalm with its balance between sorrow and joy that provides the food for thought for the Rev. Kathleen Clark’s sermon, titled, "Jumping for Joy." The church will also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism with a baby girl and her family during the service. The choir will be conducted and accompanied by Music Director Mary Andrews.

Following worship, all are invited to join us for coffee hour in Bailey Hall.

All those who took a red stocking are reminded that the gifts are to be returned today to the box in the sanctuary.

The public is invited to the Interfaith Service of Remembrance at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington at 2 p.m., when there will be a time to pause and remember with gratitude those who have died this past year.

Senior meals are served on Tuesday and Thursday at noon. To participate in the Ride-Share Program, call the church office at 375-2548; for more information, visit www.earlingtonfedchurch.org.

The Federated Church of East Arlington maintains denominational ties with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.

Community Service of Remembrance

BENNINGTON -- The twenty-third annual Community Service of Remembrance, sponsored by Hanson-Walbridge Funeral Home and VNA & Hospice of SVHC, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11, beginning at 2 p.m., at Mount Anthony Union High School, 301 Park St.

The interfaith service honors the memory of loved ones in our community and includes candle lighting and placing of doves on the memory tree by friends and family members in attendance. In announcing this service, Mark and Lisa Shea, owners of Hanson-Walbridge, said, "We encourage anyone who has experienced the loss of someone special to attend the service and pay tribute to their memory."

Area clergy will be participating in the service and special music will be performed by local musicians.

There is no cost to attend the service or to have a dove placed on the tree in memory of a loved one. All attending are invited to join us immediately following the remembrance service for a time of fellowship and refreshment.

Support, ideas and suggestions will be provided, as well as laughter and refreshments.

For further information, call Shea Family Funeral Homes at 802-442- 4329 or VNA & Hospice at 802-442-5502.

Evensong with Advent Lessons and Carols

ARLINGTON -- At 4 p.m., there will be a special service of Evensong with Advent Lessons and Carols at St. James Episcopal Church. This is a quiet, reflective service of readings and traditional Advent carols.

The music and readings reflect the message of expectation and hope that characterize the season of Advent and anticipate the miracle of the birth of Christ. Following the service, there will be an informal talk to introduce the 2011 exhibition of "Los Nacimientos," a display of more than 50 nativity scenes reflecting the art and culture of Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Peru, Ecuador, Canada (Inuit and Anglo), England, Italy, China, Portugal, Germany, Poland, the United States and even the Vatican. The nativities are made from papier maché, ceramic, straw, bamboo, stained glass and many other interesting materials. All are welcome.

"Los Nacimientos" are available for public viewing each week throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons (Now until Jan, 6, 2012) as listed: Sundays - before and after the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. worship services; Monday through Thursday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 10, before and after the St. Lucia Festival at 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, before and after the Advent Lessons and Carols Evensong at 4 p.m.; Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, before and after the 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. services; Christmas Day, Dec. 25, before and after the 10 a.m. service.

For more information about these events or any other services at St. James’ Episcopal Church, call 375-9952; send an e-mail to stjamesparishoffice@gmail.com; or visit the church website at www.stjamearlingtonvt.org.

Upcoming

Advent Lessons and Carols

BENNINGTON -- A Service of Lessons and Carols for the Fourth Sunday of Advent will be offered at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church, 238 West Main St., on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. Old Testament Scripture will be interspersed with music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Italian and English Renaissance composers Giovanni de Palestrina and Thomas Ravenscroft, respectively, and modern composers Alfred Burt and Thomas Savoy.

The service will begin in darkness with the chanting of Matins, the first prayer of the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, and end with the singing of the Rorate Caeli, which is a hymn used in the Mass and Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church on the last Sunday of Advent. Its text, "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One," is a plea from all who long for the coming of Christ. The public is welcome to attend. All facilities are accessible to those with disabilities, and convenient parking is available.

Worship and activities at Whiteside Church

CENTER CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- The choir at The Whiteside Church will present the cantata " Down From His Glory" on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the 11 a.m. worship service, under the direction of Fred Lucrezio. Pastor Cal Witham is bringing a series of messages on the names given to the Lord Jesus Christ and their meanings.

He invites those whose church does not have a Christmas eve service to the Whiteside Church Christmas eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. There will be lots of special music and congregational singing with Fred Lucrezio at the grand piano and Roselyn Litwin at the Hammond organ.

Each Lord’s Day there are Bible classes for all ages at 10 a m., with Lenny Proch teaching the book of Nehemiah to the adult class. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. there is Bible study and prayer -- Thom Litwin is now giving an in-depth study on the book of Genesis.

The public is cordially invited to any and all services

s de S� o h �' �- West Main St., on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. Old Testament Scripture will be interspersed with music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Italian and English Renaissance composers Giovanni de Palestrina and Thomas Ravenscroft, respectively, and modern composers Alfred Burt and Thomas Savoy.

The service will begin in darkness with the chanting of Matins, the first prayer of the Roman Catholic Liturgy of the Hours, and end with the singing of the Rorate Caeli, which is a hymn used in the Mass and Divine Office of the Roman Catholic Church on the last Sunday of Advent. Its text, "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down the Just One," is a plea from all who long for the coming of Christ. The public is welcome to attend. All facilities are accessible to those with disabilities, and convenient parking is available.

Worship and activities at Whiteside Church

CENTER CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. -- The choir at The Whiteside Church will present the cantata " Down From His Glory" on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the 11 a.m. worship service, under the direction of Fred Lucrezio. Pastor Cal Witham is bringing a series of messages on the names given to the Lord Jesus Christ and their meanings.

He invites those whose church does not have a Christmas eve service to the Whiteside Church Christmas eve, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. There will be lots of special music and congregational singing with Fred Lucrezio at the grand piano and Roselyn Litwin at the Hammond organ.

Each Lord’s Day there are Bible classes for all ages at 10 a m., with Lenny Proch teaching the book of Nehemiah to the adult class. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. there is Bible study and prayer -- Thom Litwin is now giving an in-depth study on the book of Genesis.

The public is cordially invited to any and all services

Lovell Town Column Ethel Hurst 207-925-3226 - Christmas Flowers poland

Just a reminder that today is the "date which will live in infamy” Dec. 7, the day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I hope that teachers would remind the student what this day means to many older people still living that remember how that day changed the world. Bless to all those who made the supreme sacrifice and didn’t live to see Dec. 7, 2011, 70 years later.

On Sunday, Nov. 27, the Fryeburg/Lovell VFW Post No. 6783 held a thank you breakfast for those who volunteered to work in the VFW booth during the Fryeburg Fair. It was at the breakfast that post member Henry Middlemiss announced that Poland Springs had donated an AED Defibrillator made by Zol to be used in case of an emergency at the hall. Seeing a need for this type of equipment at the hall because of all the events like bingo, the adult exercise class the christmas flowers poland concert and other functions Henry set out to find a way to get the equipment donated to the VFW. He contacted Donna Woodward and Mark Dubois at Poland Spring in Fryeburg and made inquiries as to how you go about asking Poland Spring to make this type of donation. Poland Spring’s policy of making a donation each month was taken into consideration and the company agreed to put the VFW into the November slot. This type of portable equipment can be use by anyone; you just follow the verbal instructions. Fryeburg Rescue Chief Stephen Goldsmith was introduced and he showed how the defibrillator was used. At one time CPR would be used also but the EMS has changed the way CPR is done today with emphasis on the chest presses being uninterrupted but constant. To show the post’s appreciation, Post Commander Richard King gave Donna Woodward, representing Poland Springs, an official certificate of thanks for her part in the Post receiving this valuable piece of life saving equipment.

The tree lighting in the village was wonderful. Families, children, moms, dads and grandparents gather round the tree to sing Christmas carols before tuning on the tree. Not long after the tree was shining bright the sound of sirens excited the children who knew who was coming down the street thanks to the volunteer firemen. Santa and Mrs. Claus were followed into the Stephen and Tabitha King hall in the library so the children could tell their inner most wishes for Christmas. Refreshments were plenty and voices were gay a wonderful way to end a beautiful day.

I love Lovell and the people who live here and the people who thought enough of Paul McLaughlin to fill the fire station on Saturday night. I heard rumors that probably 500 attended the pasta dinner all to support a smiling guy with his wonderful wife and seven kids who happens to be going through a tough patch right now. Type 4 cancer is a challenge to both these guy and they’ll fight the good fight. To all those who helped out on the dinner and those who showed up to support the family a huge round of applause and a big Thank You.

The Fryeburg/Lovell VFW Post 6783 Christmas concert was marvelous. There is nothing better then an orchestra playing smooth music to entertain. The Christmas sing along was great putting everyone in the mood for the holidays. This tradition of Fan Fare is one that makes those who attend very happy. Thanks to Fan Fare and the VFW for bring a touch of Christmas to Lovell. By the way the special solo of the four flautist was wonderful.

On Sunday, Dec. 18, the Lovell Historical Society will have decorated the Kimball-Stanford House in the Christmas holiday spirit for the christmas flowers poland blogs Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. The bakeshop will be brimming with holiday goods to take home for later and the Hospitality Table will have free cookies punch tea or coffee. To remember this event the children will have a chance to do some cookies decorating themselves. There will be four raffle items, proceeds to go toward the continued work of the volunteers of the Society.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, there will be a Santa’s secret workshop at the New Suncook School for New Suncook students and local youngsters. The children will have the opportunity to either create a Christmas gift or shop in the Workshop for that special gift for a love one. Can’t decide what to buy? The workshop workers will be willing to give advice bring your list included in the newsletter. Sorry, parents aren’t allowed in the workshop but they can enjoy the book fair, maybe finding just the right book for their child. There also will be snacks and the parents can watch a basketball game while the kids are busy shopping. Santa will be at the workshop so don’t forget your free picture. If a parent or grandparent would like to volunteer to help that day you can contact Jean Andrews at (207) 925-1163.

Don’t forget the Lovell United Church of Christ online Holiday Auction. You have until 9 am Dec. 11 to try out your bidding skills on lots of items. Proceeds to go toward Operation Renovation so our church will stand for a century more. The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library adult book discussion series continues on Monday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. The December discussion will focus on "Fly Rod Crosby: The Woman who Marketed Maine" by Julia Hunter and Earle Shuttleworth.

The United Church of Christ Thrift Shop will hold a $1 a bag sale from Saturday Dec. 10 to Monday Dec. 19. All toys, books and puzzles are free. Come in and look around, you never know what treasure you’ll find.