Thursday, December 2 – Thursday, December 9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2

  Storytime for children ages 3 and up, 4 p.m. at the Palisades Branch Library community room, 861 Alma Real.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3

  Pacific Palisades resident Kenneth Turan, the L.A. Times and NPR film critic, discusses and signs the paperback edition of ‘Free For All: Joe Papp, the Public, and the Greatest Theater Story Ever Told,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Turan’s book captures the irresistible history of the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Public Theater’two institutions that, under the inspired leadership of Papp, became a vital source of revolutionary and enduring American theater.   Theatre Palisades’ production of ‘Putting It Together,’ a musical revue showcasing the songs of Stephen Sondheim, 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., through December 15. For tickets ($18-$22) call (310) 454-1970.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

  ‘The Carpenter,’ a gospel jazz musical by Howelett Smith and the Howlett Smith choir, will be performed in a special benefit for the Willie Ross Foundation, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, corner of Sunset and El Medio. For tickets ($35), visit willieross.org. Contact: (310) 546-2016.   The Rustic Canyon Recreation Center hosts a Holiday Art Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Items for sale include doggie sweaters, ceramics, jewelry, paintings, knitted hats and accessories.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

  The Palisades Symphony and the Brentwood-Palisades Chorale perform Hector Berlioz’ ‘Messe Solennelle,’ 7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz. Free admission.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6

  Pacific Palisades resident Diane Reagan discusses ‘Laughing Grandma and Other Meditations,’ 7:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore. Using her mother as inspiration, Reagan reveals ways to live our everyday lives joyfully despite personal difficulties and disappointments. All proceeds from the sale of this book benefit either Village Books or The Sisters of St. Louis.   Christi Wilhelmi will talk to the Palisades Garden Club members and guests about vegetable gardening at home, 7:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. (See story, page 12.)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8

  The Palisades AARP chapter holds its traditional holiday luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at the Woman’s Club, 901 Haverford. Radio/TV personality Jimmy Weldon will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $25. Please contact Mary Cole at (310) 459-8373.   Paul Revere Charter Middle School will host its annual instrumental concert, 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, 1450 Allenford. Free admission.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

  Chamber of Commerce mixer, hosted by Palisades Cares, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Taste, a restaurant in the Highlands Plaza off Palisades Drive. The public is invited. Non-members: $25.   Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the historic dining hall in Temescal Gateway Park. Free parking. The council will hand out its annual Community Service Awards to Andy Frew and Arnold and Sigrid Hofer.   Paul Revere Charter Middle School hosts its annual choral concert, 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, 1450 Allenford. Free admission.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10

  Marquez Charter fourth graders read original poetry created with Michelle Bitting Abrams and California Poets in the Schools, a community-based poetry education program cultivating children’s imagination since 1964 (www.cpits.org), 6:30 p.m. at Village Books on Swarthmore.