Volunteers needed for 25th 'Messiah' sing

MONT VERNON - For the 25th year, 100 volunteers from 19 communities are preparing to sing selections from Handel's "Messiah" on the first weekend of December. There are no auditions; all you need is a love of great music and a willingness to sing in a chorus. Auditions will be held for soloists after the second rehearsal. There are three rehearsals on the three Sundays leading up to the performances. Bring a G. Schirmer score (or buy one of ours for $10), and a pencil and water to rehearsals.

The chorus is under the direction of Jennifer Erdody, director of the Souhegan Valley Chorus and a music teacher at Milford High School, with accompanist Jill Slocum.

Rehearsals are from 6:45 to 9 p.m. on these Sundays: Nov. 11, 18, and 25 at the Mont Vernon Congregational Church at the top of Route 13 on South Main Street, Mont Vernon. There will be two performances: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m., also at the church.

No tickets are sold; a free-will offering is taken at performances. This is a nonprofit organization, and businesses are invited to contribute or to sponsor a musician for $100. For more information, call 673-3510.

Ham and bean fundraiser Nov. 10

SALEM - A ham and bean fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the First Congregational Church.

Dinner will be served by the members of the youth group from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Philathea women's group will be providing generous portions of ham, two different types of beans, potato salad, cole slaw and rolls. The cost is $8 for adults and $3.50 for children (10 and under).

Come early and visit the Village Fair before dinner. There will be hand crafted gifts and holiday ornaments available for purchase.

The First Congregational Church of Salem is at 15 Lawrence Road in Salem.For more information, call 893-3421 or visit www.FCC-Salem.org.