Holiday events in University Circle
Anastazia Vanisko

The holidays are getting closer, and University Circle is celebrating. The festivities can be seen everywhere- Wade Circle, the Botanical Gardens and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History are all holding special winter events.

In Wade Circle, it is the time of year for ice skating. The Circle’s rink is currently open, and will not close until March 9. On Wednesdays in December, there is live music. Other holiday events are set for throughout the month. Admission is free and skate rentals are $3, with discounted admission to the surrounding museums.

The Botanical Gardens has transformed itself for the holiday season into Glow. This wintry theme extends to the types of plants within the Gardens and the activities it sponsors. The environment is very family-oriented, with gingerbread houses and the Garden Express train for children. There are extended hours on Wednesday and Friday nights, and admission is $12 for non-member adults.

The Museum of Natural History is holding a special exhibit called Ice Age on the weekends. Its activities include ice sculpting demonstrations and live animals shows, and, unlike other special museum exhibits, it is free with museum admission. The exhibit will continue to run until Jan. 5.

The biggest culmination of holiday spirit is occurring Dec. 8 with Holiday CircleFest. Organizations from all over University Circle are contributing in some way. Food, performances and activities, both regular and holiday themed, will be made available everywhere from Wade Oval to the Museum of Contemporary Art to Church of the Covenant. The festivities ensue from 1-7 p.m.

Student groups to sponsor relaxation events
Anastazia Vanisko

The end of the semester is almost here, and that means that everyone is frantically studying for finals. This is no surprise to many groups around campus, and in order to alleviate the stress these groups are sponsoring many events over the coming week that are designed to help students relax.

Thwing Study Over will be held on Dec. 8 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Students can expect plenty of food and activities provided by organizations such as University Program Board, the Residence Hall Association and the Class Officer Collective. Fifteen-minute Massages, provided by 1-2-1 Fitness, are a popular attraction at TSO, and students were redirected to the waitlist within an hour of signups opening, so the event will be sure to attract many people looking for a study break.

On Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m., the sisters of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega are hosting Sweaters and Service. The event will occur at the sorority’s house on Bellflower Road, and any money donated goes to the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, Judson Manor, Rainbow Babies and U.S. troops.

In the performing arts arena, CWRU Symphonic Winds and the Case Jazz Ensembles will be playing in Windi and Jazzi XXV. Three soloists—Jack Borsi, Jeff Einhaus and Katie Acton—will be featured, playing music from Les Miserables and Star Wars. There will be door prizes and snacks for attendees, and tickets cost $8 for individuals and $56 for a group of eight. The show will be Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.