THURSDAY, FEB. 28
FREE COMPUTER SAVVY TALK, Miklos Jako will give a presentation on “Solving Computer Aggravations,” addressing 20 of the most common aggravations a normal person experiences when using a computer. These include finding a file, the cost of ink cartridges, problems with spelling and shading, 3 p.m., Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., North Reading. A former teacher, Miklos Jako has also written a book, Computer How-To for Normal People. Copies of his book will be available at his presentation. In addition to working with special needs adults for many years, he also taught tennis, and tutored high school students for SAT preparation; 978-664-4942.
FRIDAY, MARCH 1
LIVE THEATER, The Phillips Academy Department of Theatre and Dance, Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs. The character of Eugene is played by Adam Brody ‘14 of Andover. Eugene’s father, Stanley, is played by Hemang Kaul ‘13, also of Andover. Brighton Beach Memoirs will be performed in Tang Theatre on the Phillips Academy campus, 7:30 p.m., $5 and tickets can be reserved by calling the Phillips Academy box office at (978) 749-4433; andover.edu. Also being performed on March 2.
EXHIBITS OPENING, “down to sleep,” curated by Joetta Maue, a group fiber art exhibit and “its’ mine!,” a video, soft sculpture and installation by Francesca UlivI, through April 12, with an opening reception tonight, 5-7 p.m., with Artist Talk by Francesca Ulivi at 5 p.m., reception and galleries are free and open to the public, The Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence; Cathy McLaurin cathyessexartcenter@yahoo.com, 978-685-2343.
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
LIVE MUSIC, the Phillips Academy Music Department will present the Phillips Academy Chamber Music Society comprised of faculty and students. This concert, free and open to the public, 6:30 p.m., the Timken Room at Graves Hall on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St., Andover. Graves Hall is handicapped accessible; 978-749-4260, music@andover.edu.
PASSION PLAY, “The Heart of the Cross,” a unique Passion Play, 9:30 a.m., St. Augustine Church, Essex Street, Andover. The spirit of Easter comes to life in this one-woman play through five women who adored Jesus: a young girl who sneaks up the stairs to watch The Last Supper; Veronica and Mary Magdalene who endure with Jesus on the way of the cross; his mother Mary who cleanses and buries Him; and finally, Martha who wonders at the events of Pentecost. Olivia Woodford, professional actress and founder of Healing Theatre, tells of these extraordinary events with devotion, humor and great feeling. Olivia’s plays have been bringing Scripture to life at churches, schools and community events throughout the country for more than a decade. Mass at 8 a.m., followed by breakfast in the parish center and the play in the church at 9:30 a.m. Free will donations welcomed; Brooke Mueller, 978-886-7573, brooke.mueller@comcast.net.
BOOK EVENT FOR KIDS, The Mall at Rockingham Park, Salem, N.H., is blasting off with its annual Book Blast event and inviting families to join in the outer space-themed adventure that celebrates books and the joy of reading, read-aloud session, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Lord & Taylor Court, Level 2. Books that will be shared include: Stars by Mary Lyn Ray, Fancy Nancy: Stellar Stargazer by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser and There’s No Place Like Space by Dr. Seuss, in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Children are invited to bring a new or gently used book to the event to be donated to Family Continuity. Williams-Sonoma will be at the event providing a Stars Wars cookie decorating activity; simon.com/kidgits/.
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
PURIM CARNIVAL, 1 p.m., face painting and prizes. Hotdogs, chips and soda for lunch and HAMENTASHEN!,Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road in Andover; templeemanuel.net, 978-470-1356.
LIVE MUSIC, the Phillips Academy Music Department will present the Academy Concert Bands and ensembles under the direction of Vincent Monaco and Derek Jacoby, 3 p.m., free of charge and open to the public, in Cochran Chapel located on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St., Andover; 978-749-4260, music@andover.edu.
FREE PIANO WORKSHOPS, the Music Program at Northern Essex Community College is proud to present two workshops and master classes in the art of piano playing by renowned music faculty member Christina Dietrich, 4 p.m and Sunday, April 7 at 4 p.m., in the technology center on the college’s Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliott St. The purpose is to give piano players of all abilities the chance to perform and learn; Christina Dietrich at cdietrich@necc.mass.edu, Joyce Brody at 978-556-3321, or necc.mass.edu.
MONDAY, MARCH 4
BOOK TALK, The Shawsheen Village Woman’s Club will be hosting the Memorial Hall Library, 1 p.m., at the Tactician Corporation, 305 No. Main St., Andover; 978-475-4481.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
SENIOR LUNCH, Primary Care Physician William Ingram, MD will talk about nutrition and health, Merrimack Valley Hospital’s 1st floor auditorium from 1 to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 and includes a full dinner and the presentation. Menu includes Irish soup, corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, coffee, tea and Irish dessert cake.Merrimack Valley Hospital is located at 140 Lincoln Ave., Haverhill. Registration is required, Katie at 978-521-8140.
GARDEN TALK, Master Gardener Laurel Landers teaches us that early March, when the days are getting longer, is a great time to start plants from seed indoors. In this hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to start arugula, mesclun, and nasturtiums from seed to harvest indoors for your salads by the end of April, as well as starting perennials and annuals.Bring your own containers, baskets with liners and seedling trays. Seeds and seed-starting soil will be provided. Hosted by North Andover Garden Club; northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com, Lisa at 978-689-9318.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
POET LECTURES, Mayda del Valle, acclaimed poet and spoken word artist, will present a White Fund Lecture titled “The Passion of Poetry and the Power of Artistic Expression “ in partnership with Northern Essex Community College, at Lawrence High School, 70-72 North Parish Road, Lawrence, 8:45 to 10 a.m. This event is free and open to the public; 978-738-7403, necc.mass.edu/whitefund.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
IRELAND EXHIBIT OPENS, Lorica Artworks presents “Ireland in Real Time,” an art exhibition created by a diverse group of contemporary artists from Ireland and New England, opening with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m., through April 13, at Lorica Artworks, 96 Main St., Andover; Mia Guerrera at 978-470-1829 or mguerrera@loricaartworks.com. Also at loricaartworks.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
LIVE MUSIC, Session America, Crossroads Coffeehouse, 8 p.m., $15. Crossroads Coffeehouse of the North Parish UU Church is located at 3 Great Pond Road, 2nd floor, in North Andover, doors open 7:30 p.m.; crossroads-coffeehouse.org via PayPal. If not sold out, tickets will be sold at the door on the evening of the concert. Crossroads is an all age, alcohol-free venue; home baked desserts, coffee and teas are sold before the show and at intermission, crossroadscoffeehouse.org, 978-687-3960.
SUNDAY, MARCH 10
FREE IRISH MUSIC, with Brian Corcoran of Andover, well-known Irish singer, 2 p.m., Chapel at West Parish Garden Cemetery, 129 Reservation Road, Andover; 978-475-3902. Donations go to the continued restoration of the cemetery.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
GARDEN TALK, “Gardens to Visit in New England,” 7 to 9 p.m., St. Michael’s Parish Hall, Main Street, No. Andover. Laura Eisener, owner of Laura D. Eisener Landscape Design, and Mass. editor for “People, Places, and Plants”, teaches at the Arnold Arboretum Landscape Design Institute at Harvard will talk on publicly accessible gardens - arboreta, botanical, historic house, horticultural testing, and nursery display gardens, hosted by The North Andover Garden Club; northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com, Lisa at 978-689-9318.
BOOMER LEARNERS, adults 50 and older who are interested in learning for the fun of learning are invited to attend Northern Essex Community College’s College of Older Learners (CoOL) seminar showcase from 2 to 4 p.m., in room 103B in the David Hartleb Technology Center on the Haverhill campus, 100 Elliott St. Attendees will learn more about each seminar and meet the seminar leaders. This event is free and open to the public; necc.mass.edu/community-engagement/cool/, coolnecc@gmail.com, 978-556-3110 and leave a voice-mail message. You can also contact Ruth Young at ruth.young01@verizon.net.
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
PSYCHIC FAIR, benefits the American Diabetes Association, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Hall, 6 Locke St., Andover, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Advertised to have psychic tarot readers, as well as a psychic medium who will offer readings for $20. Free admission; 978-788-5201.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
WHAT’S IT WORTH EVENT, the Andover Historical Society will host “What’s it Worth” appraisal event with appraiser, auctioneer and owner of Royka’s Gallery in Boston, Paul Royka; 7 to 9 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6 Locke St., Andover. Guests may bring one item to be appraised or come to listen and enjoy Royka’s entertaining and enlightening appraisals, $15 for Andover Historical Society members and $20 for non-members. Guests may bring items such as fine art, Chinese art, jewelry, art glass & Tiffany Studios items. For larger items, pictures will suffice. Firearms, coins and stamps will not be appraised at this event. To register, call the Historical Society 978-475-2236.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
LIVE MUSIC, trumpeter Richard Watson and organist Douglas Major, 4 p.m., the Unitarian Church, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport. The program features works by Telemann, Tomasi, Hovanness, Damase and Major’s “St. Michael Concerto.” Suggested donations are $15, $10 for seniors, children and students free; frsuu.org or 978-465-0602 Ext. 401.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
ANIMAL RIGHTS DAY, topical animal issues presented by animal rights experts, combined with animal tricks and demonstrations, will highlight the Massachusetts School of Law’s Seventh Annual Animal Rights Day, starting at 8 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. A complimentary breakfast at 8 a.m.will kick off the event; a complimentary lunch will also be provided. Although not required, MSL organizers request an e-mail from anyone interested in attending. The e-mail should be sent to animallaw@mslaw.edu, with “Plan to Attend” in the subject line. The event will take place at MSL, located at 500 Federal St., Andover; 978-681-0800.
