Spring Street merchants celebrate the season

NEWTON — There’s going to be plenty of things to do in Newton this weekend. A wide choice of events, contests and holiday sales on Dec. 12 will culminate with the second annual Project Windows Awards Ceremony at An Open Book at 7 p.m. Project Windows is a themed windows decorating joint effort between Newton merchants and area school art students. “Great Interpretations” provided the theme for the eight window displays in this year’s competition. Judging categories include most creative interpretation and most engaging design as well as a people’s choice award. Ballots are available at participating stores. The eight window displays are “The Gingerbread Baby” by Willow Glen Academy at Feels Like Home; “The Night Before Christmas, also by Willow Glen located at An Open Book; “The Birds” from Lakeland Andover School at Lou’s Music Center; “Winter Wonderland” by High Point High School at The SpringBoard Shoppes; and “Winter Country Holiday” also by High Point at Trimmings. “An Ode to Pop Art” by Sparta High School is at Liberty Tax Service and Newton High School is hosted by the American Convenience Store. People’s Choice ballots will be collected at The SpringBoard Shoppes and tabulated in time for the evening awards ceremonies. Veteran window designer Kathy Milici from 24 Karat Designs Calligraphy Studio will judge the entries across the creative categories. Other activities include: For one hour prior to the awards ceremony members of the Halsted Choral will be caroling on Spring St.. Santa will be in town all afternoon and evening beginning at An Open Book (169 Spring) from 12 to 2 p.m. and then from 5 to 7 p.m. Between 2 and 5 p.m. Santa will be in the lobby of The SpringBoard Shoppes (145 Spring). For those that prefer a bit of cynicism with their holiday cheer, The Grinch will be at Greater Newton Vacuum And Sewing Company (137 Spring). In addition to hosting Santa, An Open Book is hosting story reading and craft activities with Jayne S. Morgan, author of “What to do With Ahhh Chooo?” from 12 to 2 p.m. and the return of Maureen Slamer will sign copies of her book, “The Life of a Nut.” Free refreshments throughout the day. Lou’s Music Center (120 Spring) will give away a free gift with purchase. Bakers of all ages can enter the gingerbread house contest sponsored by Andre’s Restaurant (188 Spring). Drop off your entries by noon for judging at 4 p.m. where there will be prizes for all. Sample a few holiday wine and cheese pairings at Cheddar Alley (155 Spring). Downtown eateries include: J.C.’s Grill House (144 Spring), Narin Thai (11 Main St - on the square), Brenda’s Diner (221 Spring), Happy Wok (223 Spring), Salsa (240 Spring) and O’Reilly’s Pub (271 Spring). Open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., The Springboard Shoppes At Newton (145 Spring) will be celebrating their first anniversary. The four stores have teamed up for a day of celebration, refreshments, Santa and special offers. Mother Moon Baby Boutique is offering 20 to 40 percent savings on selected merchandise. Adiel Artisan Jewelry and Accessories Boutique is offering 5 percent off purchases of $50 or more and 10 percent off purchases of $100 or more. Inner Designs is offering 10 percent off any feathered scarf or wrap purchased that day as well as an additional 10 percent if the item contains the color cranberry, The Color Lady’s color for the month of December. PB&J Stores is introducing the PB&J Rewards Program — spend $50 and get $5 in PB&J Bucks to spend on a future purchase. As an anniversary special PB&J is offering all silk and velvet scarves for $39.95. Prima Donna’s Quality Consignments (166 Spring) new owner, Julie Simms will offer 10 percent on all non-sale items. Flowers In The Attic (161 Spring) is hosting an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m.with free gifts to customers. The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council (133 Spring) has their Holiday Arts Exhibit featuring the work of Toni Chaplin or stop in to Gallery By The Green (103 Spring) and see the works of Geoffrey Leckie. Make a purchase of $50 or more at Traillworks (135 Spring) on Second Saturday and receive a free 2010 Calendar featuring Artwork by Jennie Traill Schaeffer. Walk down Art Alley to The Craft Creators (185 Spring, in the back) to see handmade pottery by Carol Harris. Trimmings (171 Spring), a new youthful women’s clothing and accessories store, invites people to stop in and say hello, browse and shop for the holidays. For model makers and antique shoppers there is Feels Like Home (185 Spring) with their models and special Holiday Kitchen window display. Pet owners will love Maxwell and Molly’s Closet (218 Spring). Charm (216 Spring) has holiday ornaments, gifts, antiques, furniture and decorative accessories. Cromwell Clocks (69 Spring) is having their annual 40-60 percent off holiday sale. Crissy O’s (111 Spring) offers formal gown needs; The Style Shop (178 Spring) has men and boy’s clothing and accessories and Andy’s Shoe Repair (194 Spring) is the place for leather repairs and foot accessories. Spring Liquors (110 Spring) has a seletion of wines and spirits for holiday events.