Five+ Things: Local Authors, Taipei Sublime, Luminaria, Living Nativity, A Pause ...

Newtown sorrow: My heart goes out to those whose lives have been altered forever by the events yesterday in Newtown, Conn. It is sad beyond reason.

Sharing Locker: Non-food pantry to assist people in meeting their basic needs for living, to increase their quality of life, and to fill the gap for those who are struggling. Provisions offered include: all-purpose cleaners, dish detergent, hand soap, laundry detergent, SOS pads, deodorant, body lotion, razors, facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, and dry pet food for dogs and cats. At Westminster Unitarian Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Story Hour with 2 Local Authors: Symposium Books features two local children’s book authors today. Collen Kelly Mellor, author of "Grandpa and the Truck" will be on hand from 11:30 to noon. Grandpa and the Truck will do a spirited reading against the backdrop of air horns, jake brakes, bloodhounds baying and hurricane winds. Kristen Calenda takes the floor next, reading her book , “Nubiana: A True Story About a Very Special Kitty" from noon to 12:30 p.m. Nubiana is an inspirational story of how a disheveled and unwelcome cat changed the life of her unexpected new guardians, true non-lovers of cats. Along the way, this heartfelt journey offers caring people, travel and adventure, love and kindness, memories made and shared, togetherness and parting. It's a heartwarming story of a special bond and relationship that forever changed and fulfilled lives. There will be at least one cat at the reading, and at least one truck!

First Lutheran Church Annual Toy Sale: Come and enjoy a complimentary brunch on Saturday and childcare while you shop for very gently used toys, games, books, and activities to help make Christmas bright for the children in your life! Clothed in Christ Thrift Shop will also be open on Saturday. (Goodwill offerings are welcome and will be donated to the East Greenwich Interfaith Fund which helps with heat and rental assistance.) Today from 9 a.m. to noon; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Taipei Sublime: Drummers, dancers, and other performers from Taiwan will present a cultural extravaganza FREE today at Cole Middle School. This is very special event is made possible by the Town of East Greenwich, EG Free Library, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural office in Boston. 2 p.m.

Bra Trade In at Staci’s: Bring in any bra regardless of condition and receive $10 off the purchase of a new one! Limit 4. Offer valid on any regular, new bra purchases until the end of January. Get rid of your ill fitting bras and start the New Year off with new, beautifully fitted intimates that match your look and lifestyle. "Where the Fit is First" Bras that are donated will sent by Staci's Place to Bra-Recycle.com where they are made like new again and distributed to women in need. This is such a worthy cause! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Living Nativity at EGUMC: A free Living Nativity Tour will take place during the open house, with live reenactment of the Christmas story by members of the church, both young and old. (There might even be a few friendly four-legged creatures on the premises.) The Living Nativity Tour will feature scenes from the town of Bethlehem on the night of Christ’s birth. Visitors will be guided through the walking tour, which will be lit by candlelight and torches. The guides will be members of our church, who will narrate the story as the tour progresses. All are welcome. From 5 to 7 p.m.

Stone Ridge Candlelight Tour: The annual luminaria has been happening for more than 25 years, put on by the Stone Ridge Neighborhood Association. Residents line their curbs, driveways, even walkways with paper bag laterns. People from all over come to Stone Ridge to slowly drive the streets with headlights dimmed to take in the festive beauty of that one night. From 5 to 9 p.m.

On Sunday …

St. Gregory the Great Christmas Concert: St. Gregory the Great Music Ministry will present a Concert of Lessons and Carols Sunday afternoon at 4 at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Rd, Warwick. The concert will feature biblical readings and songs to celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas. The Parish Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Ensemble, Emmaus Ensemble and guest soloists will perform. A free will offering will be taken at the concert to benefit the “Keep the Heat On” campaign for heating assistance in RI. For more information, call 884-1666.

St. Luke’s Christmas Concert: All are welcome on Sunday at 4 p.m. for St. Luke’s annual Christmas Concert featuring the Jubilate Bell Choir and St. Luke's children and adult choirs for a fabulous evening of song and Christmas spirit. Canned foods will be collected at the door and there will be a cookie reception following the concert. At St. Luke’s.