Snowflake Fair at St John’s Episcopal Church Dec.1
Topping off an activity-filled year, St John’s is once again in full gear, preparing for the no-holds-barred Annual Snowflake Fair, Winthrop’s one-stop Holiday shopping destination. Taking place on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St John’s Snowflake Staff will be exhibiting full tables of hand-crafted decorations and wearables, one-of-a-kind Attic Treasures, homemade savories by expert cooks, a dizzying assortment of home baking, the always stellar Jewelry Table, and a White Elephant room for child-sized spending budgets and clearance prices.
The Snowflake Staff are creating abundant theme gift baskets in all sizes and for all tastes. St. John’s will also be offering fresh holiday kissing balls and ornamental pine sprays. Shoppers may construct unique gift medleys of cookie confections by the baker’s dozen, always a Snowflake standout. A bounteous gift certificate raffle will add to the suspense and joy of this gift-giving season. Shoppers are urged to arrive early to survey the entire collection, although throughout the sale day, there will be no lack of attractive sundries, notions, and surprises.
Also featured will be an in-house luncheon, where shoppers are welcome to relax, enjoy the company, and rest up for more shopping. The kitchen will be cooking up and selling chef-worthy fish chowder, genuine New England corn-and-shrimp chowder, first-rate chicken salad roll lunches, classic hot dogs on grilled buns — and the St John’s signature Lobster Lunches!  $15 Lobster Lunches may be purchased at the Fair for as long as the supply lasts, or may be specially reserved by calling Carol at 617-913-5182 . Advance Lobster Lunch reservations are recommended for those who wish to be assured of that selection.
The St John’s Episcopal Church website is at http://www.stjohnsepiscopal-winthropma.org/, where upcoming events and observances are posted in detail. The church and parish hall are wheelchair accessible.
HOLIDAY SALE with the Winthrop Ferry
Tickets now through Dec. 7
Want to share the gift of the Winthrop Ferry with your friends and family? A “Hulliday†Sale now through Dec. 7 is being offered. Purchase a pack of 10 commuter trips for $50 and/or a pack of 10 recreational trips for $75. These packages can be used in April and May of 2019. This would make for a great Holiday gift! Please take advantage of these cost savings and share your love for water transportation with all.
https://www.town.winthrop.ma.us/ferry.
Find yourself in a DCR State Park
 Join a DCR Park interpreter to learn about the wonderful natural and cultural history of your state parks. All programs are FREE and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For program cancellations phone 978-937-2094 ext. 121, one hour before start time. Rain cancels.  Bring water. The agency strongly recommends visitors dress appropriately for the weather, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and footwear suitable for walking on the beach, and on paths. For more information phone 781-656-1485 or [email protected]. For a listing of programs at other DCR state parks visit
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/upcoming-programs-and-events.
Belle Isle Marsh
Reservation
 An Oasis for Birds Â
First and Third Saturday, Dec. 1 and 15
NOTE TIME CHANGEÂ 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Discover the abundant birdlife at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will walk while birding for a distance of one mile on easy level terrain. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult. Meet at: On or near the boardwalk to the right of the Bulletin Board, located at 1399 Bennington St., East Boston. Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge.  Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection, cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of  Belle Isle Marsh.
Winthrop Shores
Reservation
 Avian Delights at Winthrop Beach
Second and Fourth, Saturday, Â Dec. 8 and 22Â Â 11 a.m. -noon.
Observe water birds and learn about their adaptations for survival as we walk on the beach sand for a distance of up to one mile. Terrain can be uneven. Some binoculars will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult.  Meet at: Winthrop Beach on Winthrop Shore Drive across from Sturgis Street and 62 Winthrop Shore Drive, Winthrop.
On street parking is available free of charge. Accessible by Public Transportation: Paul Revere Transportation bus 712 or 713 Point Shirley-Orient Heights, arrive at the Winthrop Beach stop then walk down Sturgis Street, Winthrop (If traveling from outside Winthrop, board the bus at the MBTA Orient Heights station on the blue line). Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information (schedule, route and fees).
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.