The Renaissance choir Vox Lucens returns to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Acton to offer “Christmas Victoria,” a program of sacred choral music for Advent and Christmas. This year’s concert features the music of Renaissance composer Tomás Luis de Victoria, whose compositions have been celebrated worldwide in 2011 as choirs mark the 400th anniversary of his death.  Vox Lucens is a 13-member vocal ensemble that came together in 1998 to explore the Renaissance sacred and secular a capella repertoire. Led by music director Jay Lane, they perform popular favorites as well as lesser Continue reading >>>

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, Cohasset families look forward to seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to town in nautical New England Christmas fashion —  riding into Cohasset Harbor on a fishing boat. “When they come in on the boat, the crowd goes crazy,” said South Shore Community Center program director Paula Murphy. “I didn’t realize how special a day it was until I saw the crowds myself.” This happens every year during Cohasset’s Jingle Bell Walk. But this year, the event will be missing the Mrs. Claus who has become an institution in Cohasset. After 16 years Continue reading >>>

‘Ninety- nine percent of the people are 100 percent fed up,’ Edward J. Markey said last month. WASHINGTON - When US Representative Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts sought to illustrate the divide between average citizens and the oil industry recently, his words echoed from the ragtag protests on Wall Street. “These companies aren’t just the 1 percent of America, they are the 1 percent plus, making billions off the backs of Americans,’’ Markey declared in a news release. Harry Reid also adopted the words of the Occupy Wall Street Continue reading >>>

For Erik Gehring, the Arnold Arboretum was a natural choice. The father of two and part-time nature photographer moved to Roslindale in 2005 and was looking for a special place where he could capture the beauty of nature, somewhere that could set him apart from other photographers. The Arboretum was perfect. He already frequented the park since it was a short walk from his house on Walter Street, and by 2007 he had amassed his own library of pictures.  In late 2008, Gehring released his first “Trees of Boston” calendar for 2009 and has created one every year since then. Trees are chosen Continue reading >>>

In Greater Boston ratings, WCVB was off 32 percent. Ellen is no Oprah. Since she replaced Oprah Winfrey in the 4 p.m. time slot, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has not delivered anywhere near the ratings of her powerhouse predecessor, nationally or in Greater Boston, where her show is carried on WCVB-TV (Channel 5). The station was down about 32 percent at 4 p.m. from last November, when Winfrey had 158,800 viewers. In preliminary November sweeps ratings, it was WHDH-TV (Channel 7)’s newscast that led that time slot, with 107,800 viewers, Continue reading >>>

Give to charity, take a nap – it’s a win/win! When the tryptophan sets in after today’s feast, the last place you’ll want be is at the kitchen sink, scrubbing away. Luckily, today’s “Get out of dish duty” pass will give you a surefire way out - all in the name of charity! Choose your appropriate excuse and buy as many as you’d like for your favorite family members because proceeds go directly to Globe Santa: 1) $5 for “Seriously? I’ve been cooking since 5am this morning.” 2) $10 for “But you’re so much better at doing the dishes than me!” 3) $15 for “I spent Continue reading >>>

Sephardic Sisterhood honors Max Gelerman BRIGHTON – The sisterhood of the Sephardic Congregation of Greater Boston, 74 Corey Road in Brighton, donated a plaque in honor of the Gelerman family for their continuous support of the Sephardic Sisterhood. This coincided with the first Azkara (Yahrtzeit) of Max Gelerman z’l’, who cofounded The Butcherie in Brookline.The full version of this story is only available to online subscribers. Non-subscribers may access the Candle Lighting Times and events calendars for free; to access all other content, please subscribe by following the link Continue reading >>>

The White House Office of the Press Secretary WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post: • Marilyn B. Tavenner – Administrator of the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services The President also announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key Administration posts: • Mark L. Alderman – Member, Advisory Board of the National Air and Space Museum• Keith M. Harper - Member, President's Continue reading >>>