A district representative from the office of Congressman Randy Forbes will hold open office hours from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Main Conference Room of the Suffolk Economic Development Office at 127 E. Washington St. Constituents who need further information or special accommodations may call 382-0080.

Chesapeake Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a Holiday Shoe Drive through Dec. 21. Tights, socks and stockings will also be accepted if new and in original packaging. Donated items will benefit local families through Salvation Army. Call 382-6411 for donation locations.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will perform test lifts on the James River Bridge tonight from midnight to 4 a.m. Traffic will be stopped for approximately 25-30 minutes at a time.

Friday, December 8

The Nansemond Chapter of the Archeological Society of Virginia will hold its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Dennis’ Restaurant, 3356 Western Branch Blvd. Call George Ramsey at 483-2523 for more information.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will perform test lifts on the James River Bridge tonight from midnight to 4 a.m. Traffic will be stopped for approximately 25-30 minutes at a time.

Saturday, December 9

Enjoy a tour of the Riddick’s Folly House Museum, complete with holiday decorations, music and refreshments. Call 934-1390 for more information.

Heirloom Botanica Garden Boutique will sponsor “Natural D\u00E9cor for the Holidays,” to create real beauty for your holiday d\u00E9cor, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free and open to the public. Call 638-0705.

Chesapeake Bay Academy, 821 Baker Rd., Virginia Beach, is holding a College Day from noon-3 p.m. Some schools attending are Virginia Wesleyan College, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, West Virginia Wesleyan College and more. Call 497-6200 for more information. This event is free and open to the public.

New Gospel Temple COGIC is sponsoring a shopping trip to Reading, Pa. For further information, call 986-4921. The public is invited.

Breakfast with Santa will be held at the Whaleyville Community Center at 10 a.m. Fee is $5 and pre-registration is preferred. For more information, call 514-7269.

Santa will call your children on Dec. 13 or 14! Registration forms are due today, and available at any Suffolk Recreation Center, or online at www.city.suffolk.va.us/parks/events. For more information call 514-7267.

The Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival will be held noon-7 p.m. on High Street in Portsmouth. Admission is free. Call 393-8481 for more information.

Suffolk Elks Lodge No. 685, 329 W. Constance Rd., will have a herring breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Cost is $6; menu is herring potatoes, cornbread, fruit, coffee and orange juice. Eat in or take out.

Sunday, December 10

Olde Towne Portsmouth’s Historic Holiday Trolley Tour begins today. Tours depart at 3 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center, 6 Crawford Parkway. Admission is $15/adults, $12/seniors and children under 12. Advance reservations are required. Purchase with a major credit card by calling 393-5111.

Tuesday, December 12

The Suffolk branch of the American Association of University Women will have their holiday party at 7 p.m. Call Lena at 539-3505 to RSVP.

Wednesday, December 13

Morgan Memorial Library is sponsoring a holiday program with storyteller Mark Daniel at 10 a.m. at the library. For more information call 514-7323.

The Suffolk Christian Women’s Connection is sponsoring a Christmas brunch at 9:30 a.m. at Hilton Garden Inn. Music will be performed by Angie Jones, and Maureen Miller, of Waynesville, N.C., will be the speaker. Cost is $13.95 for brunch and nursery, if needed. For reservations call 539-4675 or 539-9430.

The Senior Holiday Gala will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Suffolk National Guard Armory. Pre-registration is required; call 514-7270.

Friday, December 15

New Gospel Temple COGIC is sponsoring a trip to the Miami Heat v. Washington Wizards game in Washington, D.C. For further information, call 923-9488. The public is invited.

The Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department Holiday Basketball Tournament will be held from Dec. 15 through Dec. 17 at Booker T. Washington Recreation Center, 204 Walnut St.

The tournament is for adult men and women ages 18 and up.

Registration runs through December 1. Space is limited! The fee is $200 per team. For more information, call Tameka Dillard at 514-7254 or Curtis Kindred at 514-7265.

Saturday, December 16

Kids can have lunch with Santa at Northern Shores Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pre-registration is required, entrance fee for kids is a new, unwrapped toy. The fee for parents if eating lunch is $3. For more information, call 686-2099.

The Southwestern High School Class of 1970 is holding a Christmas Extravaganza at 6:30 p.m. at Holland Community House, 6887 Neverland Dr., Holland.

John Ward, 1612 Steeple Drive in Crittenden, has turned his yard into a Winter Wonderland and will host Santa Claus tonight from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Families are welcome to come see the lights and get pictures with Santa. Parking will be available at Ebeneezer United Methodist Church across the street. For directions or questions, call 717-4794.

Sunday, December 17

Wilroy Baptist Church, 306 Williams Road, will have a drive-through Christmas Panorama today through Dec. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Drive through and experience 10 scenes from the life of Christ, with live actors. Call 539-5658.

Oakland Christian Church will perform “Sing and Shout for Joy!” a new musical by Tom Fettke. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 255-4353.

Tuesday, December 19

Suffolk Health Department will hold free blood pressure screenings at Chorey Park Apartments from 2-3 p.m. Walk-ins accepted.

Wednesday, December 20

The Suffolk Health Department will hold free blood pressure and diabetes screenings at the Suffolk Senior Center from 10 a.m.-noon. Free blood pressure screenings will also be held at Suffolk Towers Apartments, 181 N. Main St., from 2-3 p.m.

Saturday, December 23

DMV customer service centers are closed. They will remain closed through Dec. 26, reopening Dec. 27

Monday, January 1

DMV customer service centers are closed. They will remain closed tomorrow, and will reopen Jan. 3

Monday, January 8

The Isle of Wight/Surry Relay for Life Kick-off Meeting will be at Benns United Methodist Church, Benns Church Boulevard, Smithfield, from 7-8 p.m. For more information, visit www.iwsrelay.org or call Pat Rice at 483-1748 or Rick Bodson at 365-9794.

Saturday, January 20

The Tidewater Genealogical Society will meet at the Hampton Public Library, 4207 Victoria Blvd., at 10 a.m. TGS President Alice Phillips will speak on “My Genealogical Journey Toward Certification.” For more information call 988-1055.

Tuesday, January 30

An orientation meeting for the 2007 Master Gardener Classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Suffolk Extension Office at 923-2051.

On-going

The Tiny Miss Hampton Roads Pageant will be held on Dec. 3 in Chesapeake for girls ages 0-19 years. Deadline to apply is Nov. 27; for an application call Rhonda at 558-1054.

Heartland Hospice Volunteer Program is looking for volunteers. Volunteers are fully trained with a flexible schedule. You can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have life-limiting illnesses. To offer your time and care, please contact the volunteer coordinator at 934-7935.

The 2006 Suffolk Holiday Parade will be held Dec. 2 in historic downtown Suffolk. This year’s theme is “A Storybook Holiday.” Applications are on the web at http://www.suffolk.va.us/parks/events/index.html, or come by the Suffolk Parks and Recreation office. The deadline is Nov. 3. For more information or to request an

application, call 514-7267.

First aid/CPR/AED instructor training at the Suffolk Chapter of the American Red Cross. Call Lisa Harrell 539-6645.

The Lakeland High School Class of 1996 is planning its 10-year class reunion. To receive up to date information, send your contact information to LHSgrad96@hotmail.com or contact Dion Scott at 819-3518 or Darius Bailey at 435-4617.

Sentara Home Care Hospice Program is currently seeking volunteers to share their time and talents with patients and families in the Suffolk area. Giving just a few hours to be a companion, run an errand, or send a card can make a difference in the lives of others. To learn more, contact Sharon Royster MSW, volunteer coordinator, at 224-4835 or slroyster@sentara.com.

Suffolk High School Class of ’75 is looking for classmates for a reunion. Call Ann Ruffin 582-0155, Paquita Lawrence 535-4021, or Jackie Williams 376-2275.

The Lakeland High School Class of 1997 is planning its 10-year reunion. The officers are trying to compile a list of home addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc. If you are a member of the Class of 1997, please send your contact information to lakeland1997@yahoo.com as well as register on the Lakeland High School alumni website. Should you have questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Christina Riddick at 335-1427.

The John F. Kennedy High School Class of 1973 is planning a gala for its 35th class reunion. Call Dr. Freddie J. Wiggins, 923-1006 or fax, 923-0566.

The Holland United Church of Christ, 6733 South Quay Road has a senior citizens center in the fellowship hall on Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. There are games, bridge, dominoes, checkers, chess, day trips, and more. Transportation available. Call 657-6681.

Crewmembers from the USS Rio Grande (AOG-3) are planning a reunion in Norfolk in the fall of 2006. Call Richard Hughes (480) 895-5611 or email at dichughes@robsoncom.net

Hall Place Civic League, Inc. meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month at the John Constance House, located behind Baker Funeral Home on the corner of W. Washington Street and Linden Avenue, at 7 p.m. All Hall Place residents are encouraged to attend. For information please contact President Tara Stainback at 435-7565.

Hall Place Community Association holds meetings in the Farm Fresh Community Room, at 7 p.m., on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Contact Sandra Parker at 539-5522.

The Forest Glen Class of 1976 is seeking classmates for its 30th reunion. Call Janet Owen at 934-2755 or go to steandim@charter.net

John Yeates Class of 1976 is planning its 30th reunion for the fall and invites the classes of 1975 and 1977 to participate. Send information to jyhs1976@yahoo.com or call Annette Ridley Brimmer at (757) 717-1840.

Nansemond River High School, Class of 1996, will be hosting its 10-year reunion on November 25 at the Greenbrier Country Club. For details or to purchase a ticket go to www.reunionmakers.com., or for updates go to nrhs1996@hotmail.com., or contact Ms. Shakunda Bradshaw at 465-3581.