Tuba time
Beacon Journal columnist Jewell Cardwell will be the featured soloist at Tucker Jolly’s annual TubaChristmas celebration at the University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
This will be the 33rd year for the event that features hundreds of guest tubaists (many adorned with tinsel, garlands and lights) playing and audience sing-alongs.
E.J. Thomas hall is at 198 Hill St. Admission is free for observers.
Check off your gift list
Stuck for gift ideas? Pinterest is a gold mine of ideas.
The sharing site (www. pinterest.com) is a little like an online inspiration board. Users “pin” links to product photos, decorating ideas, craft instructions and other things they think are interesting, so others can see them.
The site is loaded with gift ideas, both to buy and to make. Check out its Gifts section, which divides ideas into price ranges, or explore its DIY & Crafts category.
Some users even create their own wish lists on Pinterest, posting pictures and information on things they’d like to receive.
Tips for savings
Looking for Christmas bargains, but don’t know what to buy that someone special? Visit www. PlasticJungle.com or www.Card Pool.com for the perfect gift.
The sites sell gift cards for up to 35 percent off. Read more about gift cards on Page E3.
If window shopping is your thing and carrying coupons is not, download the RetailMeNot coupons app on your smartphone. At the store, simply show the clerk the coupon you found on your cell. The site also provides “codes” to be used for online discounts.
Holiday pops
The Akron Pops Orchestra will regale listeners with a free holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls. More information at 330-971-8425.
Home for the holidays
This week is the last chance this year to take part in the Home for the Holidays tour at Summit County Historical Society’s Perkins Stone Mansion.
Tours of the holiday decked-out mansion will be 1-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at 550 Copley Road, Akron.
The cost is $6, $4 for seniors, $2 for students, free for SCHS members. Find more information at 330-535-1120 or www.summit history.org.
Place your orders
Now is the time to place food orders for Christmas.
If you want specific cookies, nut rolls, or other holiday pastry, it’s always best to place an order with a bakery.
(Or you can bake your own with the Beacon Journal’s holiday cookie recipes, available at www.ohio.com/cookies.)
The same goes for items from the butcher shop, poulterer and fish market. If you want a particular cut of roast or a special size ham or turkey, call Monday to make your request.