Thursday, May 1
Cultural discussion: "Andover Mass-terpieces, A Celebration of Local Cultural Excellence," 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Addison Gallery of American Art. Aims to bring awareness to the Andover community of the services available through the Andover Cultural Council.
"Prayer in Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust," with Rabbi Robert Goldstein presiding with musical direction by Monica Steele and Idan Irelander, Cascia Hall, Merrimack College, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian Relations at Merrimack College at 978-837-5428, aldebran.longabaughburg@merrimack.edu.
Outback Jazzfest 2008: Masoconomet Regional School Field House, 6 to 9 p.m. at 20 Endicott Road, Topsfield. Great music, fine dining and a rewarding silent auction. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for senior citizens and students. Reservations and information: www.mascomusicparents.com or call 978-609-1554.
"Beauty and the Beast," presented by North Andover High School, North Andover High School, North Andover, 7:30 p.m., $15 reserved seating, $12 at door, $10 advance, $8 students and senior citizens. Contact Karen Kramer at 978-794-1711, ext. 3073.
Friday, May 2
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover. Guest speaker will be Julie Kravetz of Winchester Hospital presenting information related to prostate cancer advances made in therapy and treatment at Winchester Hospital; rotaryandover.org.
Fourth annual Hair of the Dog Wine & Beer Tasting, a benefit for the Methuen MSPCA, from 6 to 9 p.m. Hosted by the Essex Art Center at 56 Island St. in Lawrence, the tasting will also feature an art show of works by 20 Merrimack Valley artists. Cost is $25 at the door or $20 in advance. Tickets can be purchased at Shawsheen Village Liquors, 4 Poor St., Andover, 978-475-3636; at the MSPCA, Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway (Route 28), Methuen, 978-687-7453, ext. 6105; or online at www.mspca.org/nevinsfarm. All ticket proceeds go directly to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm. Ten percent of all wine and art sales will also be donated to the shelter. For more information, go to www.shawsheenliquors.com and click on "Great Wines for Great Causes."
The Friends of the Flint Memorial Library will hold a book sale from 4 to 8 p.m. in the library activity room, 147 Park St., North Reading. Proceeds will benefit the library. Call 978-664-4942 for further information.
Boston Horns jazz and funk fundraiser will hold a concert at Old Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. The concert is being organized to raise money for a jazz scholarship fund. The Andover Band Association, a parent organization that works closely with the bands in town, are trying to establish a scholarship which would be awarded to a senior that plans to further their music studies at the college level. The cost is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door, through any of the jazz band members or at www.bostonhorns.com.
"Beauty and the Beast," presented by North Andover High School, North Andover High School, North Andover, 7:30 p.m., $15 reserved seating, $12 at door, $10 advance, $8 students and senior citizens. Contact Karen Kramer at 978-794-1711, ext. 3073.
Saturday, May 3
Book sale hosted by the Friends of the Flint Memorial Library, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library activity room, 147 Park St., North Reading. Proceeds will benefit the library. Call 978-664-4942 for further information.
Andover Chamber Music Series presents "A Little Night Music," 7 p.m., Lanam Club in Andover. Music and food plus silent and live auctions with guest host, WGBH radio personality Ron Della Chiesa; RSVP to LeslieKaplan@andoverchambermusic.org.
The Friends of the Reading Public Library host a performance by the Nashua Flute Choir at 8 p.m. at 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 781-944-2017.
Yard sale and silent auction, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Andover Baptist Church, 7 Central St., Andover.
Bird walk at 8 a.m. The walk is sponsored by the Merrimack Valley Bird Club and will be led by Al Retelle. Bring binoculars if you have them.
West Parish Church, 129 Reservation Road, will host its May breakfast from 7 to10 a.m. Adults, $6; children, $3.50. Tickets may be bought at the door. Full breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, French toast, muffins, doughnuts and coffee, tea and orange juice.
Windrush Farm will host its annual "Farm Day" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 30 Brookview Road in Boxford on the North Andover line. Enjoy live music, games, crafts, pony rides and much more in a traditional New England setting. While many activities are free, tickets will be sold for some events. The parking fee is $5. All money raised will benefit Windrush Farm's therapeutic horseback riding programs. For driving direction and more information about Windrush Farm, visit www.windrushfarm.org or call 978-682-7855. Windrush Farm is wheelchair accessible. Rain date is May 4.
New England Classical Singers, David Hodgkins, artistic director — "Sumer is icumin in" at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover. Music of summer, spring and love from the 12th to 20th centuries, $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $5 for students. Tickets are available from choir members, the Rogers Center box office, the Andover Bookstore and at the door; 978-474-6090 or at www.newenglandclassical.org.
"Beauty and the Beast," presented by North Andover High School, North Andover High School, North Andover, 7:30 p.m., $15 reserved seating, $12 at door, $10 advance, $8 students and senior citizens. Contact Karen Kramer at 978-794-1711, ext. 3073.
Kentucky Derby party, the Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport, $50 per person, 978-462-7336 or www.firehouse.org.
Sunday May 4
Open house: The Andover Historical Society will host a free open house featuring the history of Andover's downtown neighborhood, with a special viewing of the society's newest exhibit, "Main Street Memories: A Walk Down Memory Lane," and a project update report by Andover Town Planner Lisa Schwartz, 978 Main St., 978-475-2236.
"Labyrinth Mysteries," a visual presentation about the history of the labyrinth as a meditative device and its use as a therapeutic as well as a spiritual tool, by Victoria Williams, followed by an optional outdoor candlelit labyrinth walk, 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6 Locke St., Andover. Sponsored by the Women's Spirituality Series, free and open to all; 978-475-4454.
Andover Choral Society presents "Messiah," 3 p.m., Rogers Center, Merrimack College; 978-688-6352 or www.andoverchoral.org for tickets.
AVIS work party, Merrimack River trails, 9 a.m to noon. Meet at New England Business Center off Old River Road. Led by Andrea Leary, andrealeary@verizon.net.
Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform an afternoon of concerts from 3 to 5 p.m. at Masconomet High School, Endicott Road, Boxford. The event is free to the public.
The Laurie Chase KidsFest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Washington Square, Merrimack Street and Columbus Park around the area of downtown Haverhill, for teens and kids of all ages.
"Beauty and the Beast," presented by North Andover High School, North Andover High School, North Andover, 2 p.m., $15 reserved seating, $12 at door, $10 advance, $8 students and senior citizens. Contact Karen Kramer at 978-794-1711, ext. 3073.
"Mozart, Monsters and Matisse," with Jim West, part of the Discovery Series at the University of Lowell, 2 p.m. Features innovative puppetry set to the music of Mozart and surrounded by the colorful cutouts of Matisse. Recommended for ages 4 to 9, this show will spark a flurry of puppet-making and cutouts in homes everywhere. Durgin Hall, 35 Wilder St., on the UMass Lowell South Campus, $12; tickets at 978-934-4444 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, www.uml.edu/centerforarts.
Tuesday, May 6
Andover Garden Club Annual Meeting and Floral Design Program, 10 a.m., members exhibiting period designs spanning nine decades. Box lunch to follow. West Parish Church, Andover, free for members, $15 for nonmembers. Contact Susan Johnston at 978-475-7830 or syjohnston@comcast.net.
Conversation Circles at the Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence, 4 p.m. Open to anyone wishing to improve their English language skills, the idea is to give people the opportunity to engage in natural conversation in order to increase their comfort level. Held every Tuesday through May 27, also held at the Asian Center of the Merrimack Valley, 1 Ballard Way, Lawrence, on Thursdays, and running through May 29. For information, call 978-682-1727, ext.117, or 978-794-5789.
Business lecture, "Making the Transition from Business Owner to Business Leader," 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jack Wilson, president of JWA/Video, a 23-year-old management training company working with corporations worldwide delivering training on videos, CDs, streaming media and more, will talk about how to lead with authority and influence. Free program will be held at Enterprise Center, 121 Loring Ave., Salem, Mass.; contact Cathy Julien at cjulien@enterprisectr.org or visit www.enterprisectr.org.
Wednesday, May 7
J. David Broudo will speak on architect Frank Lloyd Wright at 7:30 p.m. in the Art Center Lecture Hall, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Route 127, Beverly. The lecture is free and the public is invited to attend. For more information, call 978-232-2012.
The Essex County Needlecraft Guild of Topsfield is having a needlework exhibit and demonstrations, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Coolidge Hall, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Route 1, Topsfield, free; refreshments will be served.
Thursday, May 8
Genealogy Discussion Group, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Boxford Village Library, 10 Elm St., Boxford.
Friday, May 9
"My Fair Lady," 7 p.m., West Middle School Auditorium, 70 Shawsheen Road, Andover. Tickets available at Learning Express, the West Middle School office and from cast/crew members; $6 advance, $8 at the door; call 978-623-8700.
Opening reception for two exhibits, "10 Years of New Paint: A Retrospective of Plein Air Painting" and "Symbols of Search" (color photographs of New Orleans homes 18 months after Hurricane Katrina), photographs by Goodloe Suttler of North Andover, 5 to 7 p.m., free and open to the public, 56 Island St., Lawrence; www.essexartcenter.com or 978-685-2343.
Performing artist Michael Israel, who creates paintings of America's service people, 8 p.m., $25, Rogers Center of Merrimack College, benefits Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley; 800-892-0890.
Phillips Academy music department will present the 2007-08 Chapin Guest Artists: The Mario Pavone Quartet with Mario Pavone, bass, Michael Mussilami, guitar, George Schuller, drums, and Pete Robbins (Class of '97), saxophone. Also performing is the Academy Jazz Band and ensembles. This concert, free and open to the public, will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St., Andover. Cochran Chapel is wheelchair accessible.
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover; rotaryandover.org.
Saturday, May 10
Crafts in the Park at The Park, on the corner of Chestnut and Bartlet streets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring 100 craft and food vendors presenting their wares. Rain date is Sunday, May 11 indoors at Andover High School Field House.
"My Fair Lady," 7 p.m., West Middle School Auditorium, 70 Shawsheen Road, Andover. Tickets available at Learning Express, the West Middle School office and from cast/crew members; $6 advance, $8 at the door; call 978-623-8700.
Plant sale at the Stevens-Coolidge Place, 139 Andover St., North Andover, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission. Highlights include peonies, Japanese and bearded iris and old-fashioned roses. Preview the plants at 9 a.m.; guided garden tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; self-guided tours of the historic house (first floor) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 978-682-3580 for more information.
Hike with AVIS in Vale, Shawsheen, Indian Ridge and West Parish Meadow reservations, 1:30 p.m. 3.5 miles on wooded trails, over meadows and a glacial esker. Park near arch across from West Parish Church. Led by Dennis Crispo. Call 978-858-0394.
Live music: Don White, singer, writer, comedian, part-time alarm installer, and perennial favorite of the Somerville Funny Folksingers Festival will perform Crossroads Coffeehouse, second floor of Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, North Andover, $15. Advance ticket purchases are available though PayPal at www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org. Tickets are also available at the door on the evening of the concert. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., concert starts at 8 p.m. For further information, call 978-687-3960, 978-687-7948 the evening of the concert, or visit www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org.
An appraisal fair with appraisers from Skinner Auction House of Boston and Bolton will be held at St. Gregory Armenian Church, 158 Main St., North Andover in Jaffarian Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission charge. A verbal appraisal fee is $15 per item or three items for $30. Maximum of six items per person. Cash or checks only, no credit cards. No coins, stamps or jewelry for appraisal. For more information, call Rose Soghigian at 978-256-0594.
Annual spring gala, "Bliss," Peabody Essex Museum, dining and dancing, 7 p.m. to midnight. The black-tie event begins with cocktails in the museum's East India Marine Hall, followed by an elegant seated dinner in the stunning Atrium. Auction follows, and then dance the night away to the music of Blue Heaven. Individual ticket prices start at $350; table sponsorships are also available; call 978-745-9500, ext. 3216. All proceeds from ticket sales and the auction help fund PEM's education initiatives, school outreach programs and new exhibitions.
Sunday, May 11
The Reading Civic Concert Band presents a Mother's Day concert at 3 p.m. Director/conductor Lucinda Ellert has assembled a light-hearted program, titled "We've No Business in Show Business." Admission at the door will be $8 for students and seniors and $12 for adults, at the Wood End School Auditorium, on Sunset Rock Lane in Reading.
Tuesday, May 13
Conversation Circles at the Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence, 4 p.m. Open to anyone wishing to improve their English language skills, the idea is to give people the opportunity to engage in natural conversation in order to increase their comfort level. Held every Tuesday through May 27, also held at the Asian Center of the Merrimack Valley, 1 Ballard Way, Lawrence, on Thursdays, and running through May 29. For information, call 978-682-1727, ext.117, or 978-794-5789.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
"Container Gardening" from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ashland Farms, 700 Chickering Road, North Andover, presented by the North Andover Garden Club. Master gardener and container designer extraordinaire Jodi Yocher will share some of her design tricks in planting stunning containers for all parts of your yard, patio and deck. Guests are welcome. For more information, call Sorena at 978-794-1811 or Martha at 978-685-1568 or e-mail northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, May 14
Outdoor photography workshop on the AVIS Shawsheen River Reservation, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Bring a camera. Principles of lighting and composition that apply to landscapes (as well as portraits) will be covered. Park on Abbott Bridge Drive. Led by professional photographer Mark Spencer. Call 978-749-9593. Rain date is Thursday, May 15.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Friday, May 16
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover; rotaryandover.org.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Saturday, May 17
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Sunday, May 18
North Andover Garden Club Annual Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover. Features stunning annuals and proven perennials from Garden Club members' own gardens, as well as great gardening advice from the Garden Club members working the sale. For more information, e-mail northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com.
TeamWalk for CancerCare fundraiser at the Tsongas Arena, Lowell. Every dollar raised through TeamWalk stays in the community, directly improving the quality of life for area cancer patients. The event is at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell. Sign up online at www.lowellgeneral.org or call 978-937-6434 for more information.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Tuesday, May 20
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Wednesday, May 21
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. There will be a post-show audience discussion with the artists after the 7:30 p.m. performance.
Thursday, May 22
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Friday, May 23
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Saturday, May 24
AVIS picnic, Shawsheen River Reservation, noon. Bring lunch, picnic blanket, family and friends. Outdoor games. Hike or canoe over, or park on Abbot Bridge Drive or Lupine Road; call Peggy Kruse at 978-474-0176. Rain date is Sunday, May 25.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performances at 2 and 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Sunday, May 25
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance, will be held today.
Tuesday, May 27
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Wednesday, May 28
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 and 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Thursday, May 29
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community, will hold a post-show reception today.
Friday, May 30
Andover Rotary Club breakfast meeting, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., the Lanam Club, 260 North Main St., Andover; rotaryandover.org.
Atria Marland Place and Angel Home Care will host "Seniors Art in Bloom" opening and reception from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring the artwork of three seniors: a current resident of Marland Place, a former resident of Marland Place and a local photographer, at 15 Stevens St., Andover.
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Saturday, May 31
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 8 p.m., with an ASL interpreted performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Sunday, June 1
The New England Regional Theatre presents "The Producers," Mel Brooks' 12-time Tony Award winning hit, to kick off the 2008 season. Tickets are priced from $79 to $42. Performance at 2 p.m. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, 978-232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Ongoing
Woodworking classes: "Hand Planes & Wireless Routers" will be offered Oct. 25 through Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Andover Historical Society. The six-week course is designed to meet the needs of woodworkers, from the novice looking for an introduction to traditional woodworking skills to the advanced woodworker. Novices will learn from the instructors and the more advanced students. Novice students can make a basic, introductory project, such as a footstool or candlebox, from premilled stock. The cost for the course is $60 for members, $75 nonmembers. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.
Antique Auto Raffle: The Andover Historical Society will raffle off a fire-engine red 1981 380 SL Mercedes Benz Coupe convertible with only 75,000 miles. It has an 8-cylinder, 3.8-liter engine, automatic transmission, power steering brakes and windows, and air conditioning. Included in the package are two sets of rims and tires, a black soft top and a red hard top. A maximum of 250 tickets will be sold at $100 each. All proceeds support the educational mission of the Andover Historical Society. Credit card orders may be placed by calling 978-475-2236 or by faxing the information to 978-470-2741. The winning ticket will be drawn on June 15, and the winner need not be present to win. Faxed ticket orders must be received by June 1. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.
Peabody Essex Museum offers drop-in yoga classes on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Art Studios. Cost is included with museum admission. For more information, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3043.
Peabody Essex Museum exhibits: "Stage Idols" through Jan. 25, 2009, in the Japanese Kabuki Theater; "The Art of Maori Tattoo" through Feb.1, 2009; "Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony," through Sept. 14; "Life Boat" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "To the Ends of the Earth: Painting the Polar Landscape" Nov. 8 through March 1, 2009; "Origami Now" through June 8; "Gateway Bombay" through Dec. 7; "Perfect Imbalance: Exploring Chinese Aesthetics" through May 19, 2009; "Of Gods and Mortals: Traditional Art from India," ongoing; "Intersections: Native American Art in a New Light," ongoing; "All of My Life: Contemporary Works by Native American Artists," ongoing. Peabody Essex Museum is in East India Square, Salem. Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.
"Teaching Matters!" exhibit through July 28 in the Halle Library Archive & Museum Gallery at Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Barbara Broudo 978-232-2257.
"Impermanence," photography by Shelley Zatsky, will be on exhibit through May 2 at the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery at the Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-2343 or e-mail cathyessexartcenter@yahoo.com.
"Cat Club Challenge" will be ongoing on the second Saturday of every month at one80 Sports & Fitness, 226 Andover St., Wilmington. Participants will be tested in standard assessments including the vertical jump, 5/10/5 "Pro Agility," chin-ups, 10-, 20- and 40-yard dash and 5-hop bound. Food and beverages will be provided. Fitness testing is free. For more information, call 978-658-1999.
Churchill Gallery, 6 Inn St. Newburyport. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 978-462-9891 or visit www.thechurchillgallery.com.
"Elements of Art Education," an exhibit showcasing art education graduates of Montserrat College of Art. The exhibition can be viewed during the college's gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, e-mail ristuben@gmail.com or dianeayott@comcast.net.
"Keepers of Tradition: Art and Folk Heritage in Massachusetts," will open May 18 and run through Feb. 8, 2009, at the National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. The exhibit will feature more than 100 works by 70 Massachusetts artists who preserve and revitalize deeply rooted traditions. Funding for the exhibit is provided by Bank of America, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the National Heritage Museum, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A series of performing arts programs will be presented in conjunction with the exhibition. A schedule will be available at www.nationalheritagemuseum.org. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 781-861-6559.
Lawrence Heritage State Park indoor and outdoor guided tours exploring the history of Lawrence. Free; all welcome. Reservations required. 1 Jackson St., Lawrence. 978-794-1655.
Printing Museum contains the world's largest collection of antique printing, typesetting and bindery machines. Includes extensive printing collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission $5. 800 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover. 978-686-0450.
GROUPS
The Merrimack Valley People for Peace meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the First United Methodist Church in North Andover. More information and directions to the meeting can be located at www.merrimackvalleypeopleforpeace.org.
New England Classical Singers, a regional group of singers devoted to the presentation of demanding and interesting choral music, holds tryouts and rehearsals Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. at South School in Andover. 978-465-0181 or 978-857-3067 or www.newenglandclassical.org.
Newcomers Club of the Andovers holds a coffee hour the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, Route 114, North Andover. Gathering is geared toward new members, but established residents who are interested in joining or volunteering for the club are welcome. Kids are also welcome. For more information, call Vickie Gallant at 978-809-7404 or Heather Ryan at 978-794-7926.
Andover Choral Society is seeking additional voices for the upcoming concert season. Group rehearses every Monday at 7:20 p.m. at Christ Church on Central Street and performs at the Rogers Center for the Arts. For more information, call 978-682-0196 or visit www.AndoverChoral.org.
Andover Great Books Group meets second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. to discuss book of the week. Memorial Hall Library, Andover. Call Jean McGreehan at 603-667-9610.
Downtown Women's Club, professional network of women, meets first Wednesday of each month at Glory, 19 Essex St., Andover. Free; open to the public. Visit www.downtownwomensclub.com or call Jennifer Tortorella at 978-270-8060.
Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Wingate at Andover, 80 Andover St., Andover, and every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 58 Peters St., North Andover. Visit www.foodaddicts.org or call 781-321-9118.
Men's woodcarving group meets Mondays at 9 a.m. at Andover Senior Center, 36 Bartlet St., Andover. 978-623-8321.
Merrimack Valley Chapter of PFLAG — Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, providing support, education and advocacy, meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, 6 Locke St., Andover. Co-facilitators are Bob Zimmerman and the Rev. Ralph Galen. Call 978-475-4454, or send an e-mail to PFLAGinAndoverMA@aol.com.
Treble Chorus of New England auditions for the youth choir for children ages 6 to 18. Joining the youth choir provides children with an opportunity to learn about fine choral music of all periods. Rehearsals held Mondays in Andover. To schedule an audition time, call 978-837-5461 or e-mail to anovello@treblechorus.com.
Embroiderers Guild of America meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Dedicated to teaching and preserving needlework as an art form. Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St., Tewksbury. Call Rosemary Carter at 781-893-0959 or e-mail mvc-membership@neonflamingo.com.
Lowell Opera Company holds rehearsals every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Western Avenue Studios, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. New members welcome; auditions not required. 978-441-6926 or www.operalowell.org.
Merrimack Toastmasters Club meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main St., North Andover. Call Bill Cashman at 978-475-0721.
Merrimack Valley Camera Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover. Call 978-686-0900.
Merrimack Valley Chorus, a women's a cappella group, rehearses every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Wilmington Arts Council Building, 219 Middlesex Ave., Route 62, Wilmington. Call Kate at 978-692-1843.
Merrimack Valley Townsmen Barbershop Chorus rehearses Mondays at 7 p.m. at All Saints Church, Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill. No experience necessary. 978-688-5306.
Methuen Community Band rehearses every other Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. All instruments and skill levels welcome. Methuen High School, 1 Ranger Road, Methuen. Call Lori at 978-794-1973.
North Parish Quilters meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., September through June. New members welcome; guest fee $5. Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading. Call Susan Reichter at 978-475-6973.
North Reading Community Chorale welcomes new members and rehearses Mondays at 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 235 Park St., North Reading. Free membership. Call 978-664-4800 or visit www.nrcc.us.
North Regional Theatre Workshop, rehearsals every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen. Singers and dancers ages 18 and older welcome. Call 978-681-0355 or visit www.nrtwinc.com.
Skirts and Flirts Square Dance Club dances held every Thursday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Shawsheen Elementary School, Shawsheen and Hopkins streets, Route 12, Wilmington. 978-658-4022.
Stompers Country Line Dance Production holds dances every Wednesday and Sunday, 7 to 11 p.m. at GuestHouse Inn & Suites, Exit 47 off I-93, Methuen.
Toastmasters International meets second and fourth Mondays of the month, 7 to 9 p.m. at Haverhill Public Library. Improve your public speaking skills. All welcome. www.friendlypersuasion.org.
Turkey Town Trotters Square Dance Club meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, Sutton Street, North Andover. 978-682-3280 or 978-682-2403.
