Make time during your hectic year-end schedule for these campus events before the holiday break:

* The annual TTU Choral Department Candlelight Christmas Concert will be Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cookeville High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and available at the door or by calling 6175. The program is led by Craig Zamer, assistant professor of music and director of Choral Activities.

* President Bob Bell and first lady Gloria Bell are opening Walton House to faculty, administrators and community members for a Christmas open house from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6.

Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres served by members of the central administration. Wayne Nabors, Putnam County Clerk, and Carol Tittle, retired member of our Human Resources staff, will play traditional carols.

Walton House’s holiday decorations center on a “12 Days of Christmas” theme this year. Johnson Nursery and Garden Center has donated a traditional holiday tree.

* President and Mrs. Bell are hosting the annual Christmas recognition luncheon for clerical and support staff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the Roaden University Center Multipurpose Room. To accommodate a variety of lunch schedules, the buffet luncheon will be served continuously. No need to make reservations this year.

Staff can expect a traditional holiday luncheon, complete with turkey and dressing and all the fixings. Performing carols will be the TTU Chorale, directed by Craig Zamer, director of choral activities; the Cornerstone Middle School Children’s Chorus, directed by alumnus Frank Tittle and accompanied by Carol Tittle, retired member of our Human Resources staff; and a percussion ensemble comprised of faculty member Eric Willie and students from the TTU Department of Music.

* The Mastersingers will give two Christmas Concerts, the first is Friday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. and the second is Saturday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. Both performances are in Wattenbarger Auditorium and will feature selections from Handel's Messiah. Tickets to the concerts are $10 at the door.

* To cap off the festivities, this year's annual holiday party for the children of faculty, staff and students, hosted by the central administration, is set for 3-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, in the Roaden University Center Multipurpose Room. The free event features refreshments, goodies and special guest appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, Awesome Eagle and the TTU Cheerleaders. It is open to all toddler to 10-year-old children of students, faculty and staff and their families. No reservations required.