In this issue: Public Skating at Centennial Arena An Afternoon of Harp & Song Fun at the Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting New Year's Day Levees Greetings! The holiday season is here and I hope you are able to spend time with your family and friends enjoying the spirit of the season. In the midst of the hectic shopping, baking, and visiting I encourage you to think of others less fortunate. Today, I received this great picture of students from Halifax West High School. It shows the spirit of giving at work in our community as the students delivered three car loads of winter coats, mittens, hats and boots to the Brunswick Street Mission. This photo from the Executive Director of the shelter really says it all. Well done, HWHS!  In this holiday newsletter, I have included a few events that are happening in the next few weeks in our area. I hope you will be able to attend and get in the spirit of Christmas (with or without the snow!). However you and your family celebrate this season, I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year! Public Skating at Centennial Arena There are public skates available at Centennial Arena (27 Vimy Avenue). Remember, helmets are required for all public skating! Pre-School Skate: Mondays 9:00am - 10:30am Recreational Skate: Mondays 3:30pm - 5:00pm Senior Skates: Mondays 12:00pm - 1:30pm; Tuesday - Friday 10:00am - 12:00pm  (Cost: $2.00) Adult Recreational Skate (Age 19+): Sundays 9:00pm - 11:00pm  (Cost: $4.00) For more information, please call the Centennial Arena at 902-490-4926.   An Afternoon of Harp & Song at St. Peter's Anglican Church An Afternoon of Harp & Song will feature my daughter, Caroline Whalen, as a soloist and singers from the East Coast Carolling Co. The concert is at St. Peter's Anglican Church (corner of the Kearney Lake Road and Bedford Highway) at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18th. Tickets are $12 and are available at the door or by calling Glenn Taylor at 443-1257.  Fun at the Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting Councillor Russell Walker and I at the event Congratulations to the organizers of the First Annual Fairview Christmas Tree Lighting! On December 11th Freeman's Restaurant presented the event in support of the Fairview/Clayton Park Community Action Group (CAN). It was wonderful to see so many of you out to celebrate the season with festive treats, Christmas carols and a special visit for the children from Santa Claus himself! I look forward to this becoming a wonderful holiday tradition for our community.   New Year's Day Levees - A Traditional Meet and Greet New Year's Day Levees are a long-time tradition here in Halifax. On New Year's Day the Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor, the military and others mark the start of another year with an open house or reception with food and refreshments which is called a Levee. These are open to the public and provide an opportunity to exchange New Year's greetings, renew old acquaintances and meet new friends. Here in Clayton Park the Royal Canadian Legion in Fairview (50 Hillcrest Ave. at the corner of Main Ave.) is holding its annual Levee from 12-1pm on January 1, 2012. The Legion members welcome everyone to drop by. Saint Benedict Church (Corner of Radcliffe Drive and Dunbrack Street) is also having a Levee. Last year they began this tradition in their new church and this year's Levee will be held from 12:30 - 3pm on New Year's Day. Parishioners bring food from around the world to reflect the diversity of the parish. All are welcome. Contact Information Phone: (902) 443 8318 Email: whalendc@gov.ns.ca Website:  www.dianawhalen.com