Pre-K Thanksgiving in Rego Park

Resurrection-Ascension’s pre-K class in Rego Park learned about the first Thanksgiving and dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans. They drew pictures of what they are most thankful for — their moms and dads, pets, Miss Debbie, their teacher, and their friends.

Our Lady of Refuge parish, Flatbush, invites you to an Advent dinner and religious concert on Saturday, Dec. 8.

Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the school hall. The concert begins at 7:45 p.m. in the church and features English, Kreyol and Spanish choirs, steel bands, dancing by Jeunes Amis de Jesus and a performance by Jornadistas. $20 donation; children under 12, $10. Call 718-434-2090.

Pick up a few gifts and have some fun at the Annual Christmas Craft Fair at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Bay Ridge, on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Many unique items, raffles and refreshments.

All proceeds benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society and their work in the community. For more information, call 718-680-1010.

Students from St. Saviour School, Park Slope, recently competed in a Chess in the Schools Tournament and won several trophies in recognition for their skills. Among them were Brandon Carrillo, Michael Green, Xavier Soto, Tartunie Dorsainville and Nicky Buono.

An Advent Mission will help you focus on the reason for the season. Holy Trinity parish, Whitestone, plans one for Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Call 718-746-7730 for more details.

At St. Kevin’s, Flushing, Advent Vespers Services will be held Sunday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 4 p.m. On the 16th, Sister Ann Marie Kirmse, O.P., an assistant to Cardinal Avery Dulles, will serve as homilist. Call 718-357-8888.

This Week’s Tip of The TabletTalk Top Hat goes to Vincent LaRocca and Robert Ranallo of St. Mel’s, Flushing, who, as a confirmation project, are collecting toys for T.O.P.S., a community-based resource center program. The toys will be sent to the Bushwick community to make Christmas brighter for some needy children.

The boys will collect unwrapped new toys after Mass on Dec. 16 at the church, 28-20 154th St. For more information, call Vincent at 347-272-3277 or Robert at 718-767-3480.

If you enjoy acting, St. Gregory’s Theatre Group in Bellerose is holding auditions for their February production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mouse Trap.” Auditions will be held Dec. 11, 7:30-9 p.m. in the Oak Room.

They are looking for men and women in their 20s to 40+. Have a one to two-minute monologue ready, be prepared to read sides if needed and bring a photo and resume. For more information, call 718-989-2451 or see www.sgtg.org.

St. Clare’s, Rosedale, has the Christmas spirit. They have a wreath-making workshop on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium and an evening of Christmas caroling through the community on Dec. 15. Meet in the school yard at 6 p.m. For more information, call 718-341-1018.

Msgr. Otto Garcia will receive the 2007 Ubi Caritas Deus Ubi Award for distinguished, unselfish support of human services from Catholic Charities at their 2007 Bishop’s Testimonial Dinner on Dec. 10. Michael D. Lappin will receive the Progress of Peoples Achievement Award for outstanding leadership and commitment to affordable housing in the community.

St. Adalbert’s Blackfriars Theatre Group of Elmhurst proudly presents “Forgotten Christmas,” beautiful Christmas music you may have forgotten.

The show will be presented Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 and 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12; seniors, $10; children under 12, $8. Dinner is added on Sunday Dec. 16, immediately after Vespers. Dinner and show: $18; seniors, $16; children, $12.

Call the Friary at 718-639-0212.

Please send your parish and school photos and news items for TabletTalk to lbusetti@thetablet.org.

Golden Couple

Anna and Dominick Valletta returned to St. Mary Star of the Sea, Carroll Cardens, where they were married 50 years ago, to renew their vows, witnessed by Deacon Andrew Gargiulo. A reception at Russo’s on the Bay followed. The couple has a daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.