By CATHERINE LEGG / Community Columnist

One need not leave Montevallo to celebrate a wonderful holiday season. “November,” said Mary Lou Williams, president of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, “is already full of exciting entertainment, interesting local shopping and opportunities to rejoice in the spirit of Christmas by sharing our blessings.”

For the many folks who enjoy musical programs, there are University of Montevallo concerts, all in LeBaron Hall, and beginning at 7:30 p.m.: UM Chorus and Chamber Singers on Nov. 1; Guitar music by Richard Provost on Nov. 7; Charles Wood, baritone, on Nov. 10; UM Chamber Ensembles on Nov. 14; UM Jazz Ensemble on Nov. 15.

There is also the Choral Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Palmer, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Theater goers will enjoy the production of “Pippin” scheduled for Reynolds Theatre on Nov. 10-12, at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 13 at 2 p.m., as well as on Nov. 16-18 at 7:30 p.m.(Tickets: 665-6200).

For art lovers, there are the current exhibit of Dian Kent McCray at the Parnell Memorial Library Gallery and the exhibit by William Frank, Clare Frank Hairstans and Andrew Hairstans on Nov. 1-3 at Block Hall Gallery.

BFA exhibitions are scheduled during the remainder of November.

Other special events include the American Association of University Women’s Book Talk on Nov. 9 in Comer 202. Cynthia Gravelee will review “Dreams of Joy.”

Nov. 13 is the day of Centrala Garden Club’s Tablescapes in the First Baptist Church fellowship hall. Tickets are $15.

Montevallo High School’s Peace Keepers will, on Nov. 15, sponsor a Thanksgiving dinner at $5/plate with proceeds going to Shelby Emergency Assistance and to a meal for the residents of Hope Lodge. Tickets and information: 682-6420.

Everyone is looking forward to the Christmas Street Party and Parade on Thursday, Nov. 17, beginning at 3:30 with the parade at 6 p.m. At 5 p.m. and during the festivities enjoy soup, salad and dessert for only $5 at the First United Methodist Church.

Before all the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins is a good time to plan your sharing. You might adopt an angel from the Angel Tree at the middle school, save and donate aluminum tabs from soda cans to the elementary school for children’s cancer research, donate wreaths ($15 each) for the Blue Star Salute’s Wreaths Across America at the National Cemetery in December (665-4626), or play Santa Claus for a family listed with SEA (665-1942).

Now if your calendar is filled in and you find some empty spaces there, just call Mary Lou at the Chamber office (665-1519); there’s no doubt she can help you with that little problem.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.com.