Conversational English Groups Offered at Library Individuals that speak English as a second language are invited to participate in new conversation English groups at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive, beginning in January. The groups are designed to provide a small, comfortable setting to practice English conversation skills. There is no cost to participate but sign up is required by Sunday, December 18. Class sessions run six-weeks long and begin January 9. Sessions are offered on Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. or Tuesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sign-up must be made in person with Cindy DeBoer on the second floor reference area of the library. For more information, call 214-509-4905. Junior Friends feature Hansel and Gretel at Allen Public Library Hansel and Gretel, the popular fairy tale of two brave and resourceful children, will be presented by the Junior Friends of the Allen Public Library, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, in the Civic Auditorium, 300 N. Allen Drive. The Junior Friends, ages 9 through 12, directed, produced, and supervised all theatrical details of the play from beginning to end. After diligent research and consideration, Junior Friends members made their selection from numerous possibilities then studied the elements of presenting a play. This process acquainted them with the library’s theater and puppet show resources. -more- They also studied elementary techniques of costume design, prop and background construction. Upon selection of the performers and repeated rehearsals, the group is almost ready to share the age-old tale that explores many valuable lessons about the ability children possess to overcome adversity and solve their own problems. The tale also provides a twist as related to traditional gender roles in that the girl utilized physical strength and the boy relies upon his intellect to facilitate their escape. Lisa Hinegardner, a resource for the Junior Friends and supporter of the Friends of the Allen Public Library states that working on this play “has enhanced the kids’ confidence in presenting plays.” Important goals of the Junior Friends are to encourage library participation at an early age and help them become familiar with the library’s books, services and programs. Performers for the upcoming Hansel and Gretel are: Kennedy Seefeldt, Hansel Scarlett Smith, Gretel Tory Seefeldt, wood cutter Emily Novak, witch. Katie Thompson, step mother. April Wyatt, story teller The program is free and open to the public. For additional information, call Lisa Hinegardner at 972-727-6573. CALENDAR

December 3
Rudolph Run
7 a.m./Downtown Allen, Main Street
Celebrate the season with a fun 5K competitive race or one-mile noncompetitive run/walk. This year's race takes place on Saturday, December 3 in Downtown Allen. Run fees vary per category entered. Registration packets are available at Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany, Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 110 E. Rivercrest, and selected RunOn! locations in Richardson, Dallas and Coppell. The event features prizes and giveaways along with special appearances by Rudolph and Santa's elves. For more information, call the Adult Athletics Hotline at 214-509-4810.

December 3 and 4
The Friends of the Allen Public Library’s fourth annual Gift Faire Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m./Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m./Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive
Over 22 vendors will provide gifts and services ranging from the curious to the extraordinary for holiday gift giving.
Profits will benefit the Friends of the Allen Public Library who support cultural arts programs such as the popular Bach to Books and Space Camps. Special entertainment will be provided in the auditorium as well. The Gift Faire is free and open to the public.
For vendor or performance information, call Pade Smith at 214-495-4218.

December 3, 10, 17
Saturday Night Rec-n-Roll
7 to 11 p.m., Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany
$3 advance registration fee, $8 activity fee
Saturday Night Rec-n-Roll is a supervised drop-off recreational night for youth in grades 3rd through 6th. Activities include gym play, contests, games, dancing and more. An annual $3 advance registration is required which provides participant ID card and necessary emergency contact information. ID cards must be purchased no later than 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and an ID card is required for entrance. For more information, call 214-509-4750.

December 5
Board of Adjustment Called Meeting
7 p.m./Allen City Hall, Council Conference Room, 305 Century Parkway
For additional information, call 214-509-4160.

December 6
City of Allen Planning and Zoning Commission Meets
7 p.m., Allen City Hall, Council Chambers, 305 Century Parkway
Meetings are aired live on ACTV-15 or available through video on demand approximately 48 hours later at www.allentv.org.
For additional information, call 214-509-4160.

December 6
Allen Public Library Board Meets
7 p.m., Allen Public Library, Meeting Room, 300 N. Allen Drive
For additional information, call 214-509-4900.

December 6 and 8
Swim with Santa
5:30 p.m./Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, 110 E. Rivercrest
$10 for children/parents free
Children will enjoy having their pictures taken with Santa followed by time in the leisure pool as Santa takes a quick wade before heading out for his marathon of preparations at the North Pole. Pre registration is recommended as event participation is limited. Registration is available at the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. For more information, call 214-509-4770.

December 7
Season's Readings at the Allen Public Library
10 a.m. to noon/Allen Public Library, Meeting Room, 300 N. Allen Drive
Celebrate the season with holiday stories and poems read by the Allen Public Library staff. The readings are free and open to all ages.

December 11
Children’s Library Program: “Unexpected Guests: A Serving of Holiday Cheer” 2 and 3:30 p.m. performances/Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Drive A free program for small children and siblings featuring seasonal stories and the puppet show Three French Hens based on a story by Margie Palatini.

December 12
Lunch with Santa
Joe Farmer Recreation Center, 1201 E. Bethany
Registration is required for this event and a spot on Santa’s list.
Admission is $8 and additional information is available by calling 214-509-4750.