A compilation of upcoming events
World-renowned pianist Jan Mulder to perform at historic Trinity Church
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Moving Forward Methodist Church will present a Christmas concert featuring internationally renowned Dutch pianist and composer Jan (Ian) Mulder performing with the Festival Orchestra on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. at historic Trinity Church in Opelika.
Mulder, who in May was featured in the Coronation Prom at Royal Albert Hall in Great Britain on the evening of King Charles’s Coronation, was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He studied piano and composition at the Rotterdam and Utrecht Conservatories.
His albums, recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, can be heard daily on SiriusXM and other stations. Mulder and his orchestra have appeared more than 400 times on PBS Television.
His inspirational CD series Love Divine, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and AIR Studios in London, are bestsellers in more than 20 countries and have achieved gold and platinum status.
Moving Forward Methodist, a new and rapidly growing family of faith, offers this performance as a gift to the community. All are welcome to attend.
There is no admission charge, however, a Love Offering will be received.
Panda Cares Center of Hope to hold grand opening at Boys & Girls Clubs on Dec. 15
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OPELIKA — In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Panda Express will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest Panda Cares Center of Hope at the Potter-Daniel Clubhouse.
The ribbon-cutting and grand opening will take place on Friday, Dec. 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, is located at 1610 Toomer St. in Opelika.
Panda Cares Center of Hope is a newly renovated space designed to deliver more joy, education and critical social-emotional development to local communities. Rooted in social & emotional development, this program is based on research showing that students do better in school when they spend their non-school hours engaged in fun and academically beneficial activities. The Panda Cares Center of Hope was designed to meet the needs of our Club members and includes collaboration station, library area, learning area, technology, multiple seating areas and additional storage, plus spaces for them to learn, engage and grow.
To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of East Alabama programs, please visit www.bgceastal.org or call 334-502-1311.
Get gifts wrapped and pet a pup
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OPELIKA — Big Valley Animal Rescue will host its annual gift-wrapping event on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Red Clay Brewing Company in downtown Opelika. Bring gifts you need wrapped for donations of any amount.
While waiting for gifts to be wrapped, pet adorable pups up for adoption. Feel free to bring your own four-legged friends.
‘Empty Bowls’ on sale now
Opelika Parks & Recreation’s Pottery Studio, located at 1102 Denson Drive, is pre-selling The Empty Bowls and tickets for next spring’s soup fundraising event. Bowls are $15 each, with every penny going to support the Food Bank of East Alabama. Also on sale will be assorted pottery items and holiday gift baskets. The studio, located at 1102 Denson Drive, is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.