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Community Corner

Holiday Happenings with The Trustees of Reservations

Great Ideas for How to Get Out, Give Back and Enjoy the Season with Family and Friends

Looking for some added spirit (or relief?) as the holiday season approaches? Instead of fighting for parking or waiting in line at a shopping mall, picture yourself touring a lovely National Historic Landmark home beautifully decorated for the holidays, participating in a holiday-themed cooking class, or taking a peaceful stroll with family and friends instead. The Trustees of Reservations are hosting holiday activities throughout the North Shore that are sure to get, and keep you, in the spirit of the season.

And while you’re out and about, to make your holiday shopping easier, The Trustees also offer some local “Green Gift” ideas including a new Appleton Farms Holiday Cheese Sampler featuring four of their hand-crafted cheeses and an Appleton Cooks! gift certificate good for hands-on culinary workshops. To learn more, stop by Appleton Farms (219 County Road, Ipswich) or call the farm, 978.356.5728.

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Holiday Appleton Cooks! Programs at Appleton Farms, Ipswich/Hamilton, MA

For all Appleton Cooks! programs, please contact appletoncooks@ttor.org or call 978.356.5728 x12 to register. Members: $75. Nonmembers: $85.

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Homemade Holiday Gifts from the Farm Kitchen (Appleton Cooks!)

Saturday December 7 | 3-6PM

Often the most coveted gifts are sometimes the homemade ones from our kitchens. Join us as we create both sweet & savory treats perfect for all your holiday gift-giving, including gingerbread biscotti, herbed sea salt, cranberry mustard, fruit & nut granola and more. Not only will we taste these deliciously simple recipes, but we’ll also have fun with creative packaging…each participant taking home their own homemade culinary gifts! Each participant will take home 6 ready-to-give-gifts as well as enjoy a light meal at the end of the class.

Sugar and Spice at Appleton (Appleton Cooks!)

December 12th | 6-8:30pm | $60/$65

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice!  Join us and learn to prepare locally-sourced, festive treats for the holidays: Cranberry Orange Croissant Bread Pudding, Mexican Hot Chocolate with Homemade Marshmallows, Poached Pears with Clotted Cream, and Hazelnut Sugar Cookies are just some examples. The best part will be enjoying these treats together during class!

Healthy Meals on a Budget (Appleton Cooks!)

December 17th | 6-8pm | $40/$45

Want to eat healthier without spending all of your money? This class is for you. We will cover healthy substitutions, menu ideas, and recipes galore. Come join us as we make some super healthy, simply delicious, easy meals you won't be able to resist. This workshop includes sampling from the dishes we create.

The Farm Nisse at Appleton Farms, Ipswich/Hamilton, MA

Friday, December 13 | 3:30–5PM

Appleton Farms has its own Nisse – an elf-like creature who lives in our barns and protects our farmers, animals and crops. Each holiday season, the Farm Nisse appears looking for his holiday porridge. Join us with the kids as we thank our Nisse for all our good fortune, offer him porridge, and listen to his tales of mischief. While we wait, enjoy holiday crafts, caroling and socializing. Special Trustees member event; friends welcome. Please RSVP to afeducator@ttor.org.

Winter Solstice Stroll at Ravenswood Park, Gloucester

Saturday, December 21 | 4–6PM

Join us for a candlelight stroll at twilight in Ravenswood Park. Together, we'll celebrate the winter solstice in our favorite woodland park followed by S'mores and hot chocolate around a warm fire. Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $5. Please pre-register: capeann@ttor.org.

Looking for additional gift ideas once your back after your holiday outing? Consider giving your special someone a “Green” Gift Membership to The Trustees – a gift that keeps on giving – with free entry to most Trustees properties, invitations to special events, and discounts on hundreds of Trustees programs throughout the region. To learn more visit: http://www.thetrustees.org/about-us/press-room/press-releases/holiday-gift-2013.html.

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees are the nation’s oldest, statewide land trust, one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation organizations and an established leader in the conservation and preservation movement nationally and internationally. Supported by more than 100,000 members, donors, and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 111 spectacular reservations – including working farms, historic homesteads and gardens, community parks, barrier beaches and mountain vistas – located on more than 26,000 acres. In addition, The Trustees work closely with permanent affiliates including Boston Natural Areas Network and the Hilltown Land Trust as well as hundreds of community partners to preserve and protect special places and provide year-round programs for all ages. Visit www.thetrustees.org.

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