Andover Townsman, Andover, MA

February 21, 2008

Andover Townsman calendar

Thursday, Feb. 21

Nature Tots: Furry Friends: Introduce your preschooler to the wonders of the furry mammal friends on the refuge through stories, songs and fingerplays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. For ages 3-5 with indoor and outdoor activities, so dress for the weather. Participants should meet at the Visitors Center. Registration is required. Program is free but space is limited. To register, call 978-465-5753 and press "0" to talk to a staff member. Registration is not complete until confirmation is made by a staff member. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

Drop-in art activity: Paste Paper, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Art Studios, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Made possible by the Lowell Institute and American Dental Partners. Cost included with museum admission. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

Artist demonstration with book artist Annie Zeybekoglu, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Atrium, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost included with museum admission. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

Family art workshop: Accordion-Style Book, 1 to 2 p.m., Art Studios, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Create your own book with artist Annie Zeybekoglu. Designed for children ages 7 and up with accompanying adult. Made possible by the Lowell Institute. Reservation by Feb. 20. To make a reservation, call 978-745-9500 ext. 3011. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

"Creative Salon: Japanese Aesthetics," 6 p.m., Phillips Library Auditorium, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. No reservations needed. Cost is $8 PEM and AIGA members, $10 nonmembers, $6 students. For more information, call Franz Buzawa at 978-994-9694.

"Final Exam" by Pauline Chen will be presented at 7 p.m. at the Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St. As a transplant surgeon, Chen talks about how the medical profession is unprepared for dealing with end-of-life issues. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-475-0143.

Friday, Feb. 22

Little Sprouts will have a special appearance from Leona the Lion from the award winning WGBH series "Between the Lions" from 8:30 to 9 a.m. She will be singing and reading to the children. For more information, call 781-929-2858.

Family art workshop: Accordion-Style Book, 11 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2 p.m., Art Studios, Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Create your own book with artist Annie Zeybekoglu. Designed for children ages 7 and up with accompanying adult. Made possible by the Lowell Institute. Reservation by Feb. 20. To make a reservation, call 978-745-9500 ext. 3011. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

"What's it Worth," an antiques appraisal event hosted by the Andover Historical Society, will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Locke Street. As guests enter, they can register their appraisal item, place it on tables in front of the hall and take a seat in the audience. Skinner appraiser and "Antiques Roadshow" regular Stuart Whitehurst will examine and discuss each item, appraising up to 50 items during the event. Coins, stamps, jewelry and musical instruments will not be appraised at the event. Tickets are $25 for Society members, $30 nonmembers.For more information or to register, call the Historical Society at 978-475-2236.

Phillips Academy music department will present the Academy Concert Band and ensembles under the direction of Vincent Monaco on Friday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Cochran Chapel, 180 Main St., Andover. The program will feature works by Gustav Holst, Joe Garland, Henry Fillmore and G. F. Handel. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the music department at 978-749-4263 or e-mail music@andover.edu.

Saturday, Feb. 23

"A New Year, A New You, Yoga and Wellness Retreat" on Feb. 23 and 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center. Participants may attend for one or both days, and overnight accommodations are available for those who wish to stay. The retreat features either flow style or gentle yoga classes, wellness workshops, lunch, refreshments, time for relaxation, and additional wellness services such as massage, reiki, reflexology, craniosacral therapy and holistic health counseling. Registration are required. For more information or to register, call 978-387-0126 or visit www.drishtiyogaandwellness.com.

The Bald Eagle: Live and Close Up: Tom Ricardi, director of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility, will conduct an educational program for the public with live birds of prey including a bald eagle at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. Registration not required. First come, first served. Space is limited. Cost is $10 adults, $8 children and seniors. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. For more information, visit www.parkerriver.fws.gov.

Sunday, Feb. 24

Free jazz concert: The Friends of Memorial Hall Library present the Essex Jazz Ensemble, featuring flutist Michael Finegold of Andover and pianist Tom McKinley, at 2 p.m. in the library's Memorial Hall. The free performance will also include bassist Bruce Gertz and drummer Jim Lattini. For more information, visit www.essexchambermusicplayers.org.

Phillips Academy music department will present the Phillips Academy Chamber Music Society comprised of faculty and students at 2 p.m. at the Timken Room at Graves Hall, 180 Main St., Andover. Graves Hall is wheelchair accessible. The concert is free and open to the public.

The program will include movements of chamber music by Mendelssohn, Schubert, Debussy, Glinka, Beethoven, Brahms and Mark O'Connor.

For more information contact the music department at 978-749-4263 or e-mail music@andover.edu.

Tewksbury Interfaith Choir rehearsals for the annual spring concert will be Sunday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tewksbury Congregational Church in the center of Tewksbury. For more information, call Arlene Wright at 978-851-2809.

Monday, Feb. 25

Andover Women's Club February meeting, 6:30 p.m., North Andover High School Cafeteria. This meeting is the National Honor Society Recognition Night. For more information, call 978-689-4172.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Compulsive hoarding seminar: Defining, identifying and treating compulsive hoarding is the focus of the innovative seminar entitled "Personal Space, Community Risk" from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Elder Services of the Merrimack, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence. The program will cover topics from the causes of compulsive hoarding to differentiating between hoarding and clutter, and knowing when a situation is a health or safety risk. This program is approved for 2.0 Social Work CEUs and is supported by a Lawrence Community Development Block grant. Space is limited. To reserve a seat, call Alicia Hussey at 978-946-1496.

Fishing the Elbow of Cape Cod: Al DelDotto, author of numerous articles published about fishing coastal waters of Massachusetts, will talk about in-shore light tackle fishing for striped bass and blue fish in the Chatham area at 7 p.m. at the Memorial Hall Library. Free fishing tackle catalogs, fishing and boating publications, fishing maps, and camping guides of New England will be available. Fishing videos will be shown from 6 to 7 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call Emily Classon at 978-623-8401 ext. 49.

Thursday, Feb. 28

Author reading and signing: Eve Laplante will read and autograph her book "Salem Witch Judge: The Life and Repentance of Samuel Sewall" at 7 p.m. at the Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-475-0143.

Friday, Feb. 29

The Symphony and Chamber orchestras of Phillips Academy will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Cochran Chapel, 180 Main St., Andover. Cochran Chapel is wheelchair accessible. The program will include Bach's Brandenburg Concert No. 3, directed by Christina Landolt; "Fisher's Hornpipe," arranged by Mark O'Connor; James Matheson's New Work for String Orchestra, directed by Elizabeth Aureden; Schumann's Piano Concerto with Sophie Scolnik-Brower, Phillips Academy Class of '08; Brahms Serenade No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11; Debussy's "Danses Sacree et Profane" for Harp and Strings; and Tschaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, Op. 48, directed by James Orent.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information call the music department at 978-749-4263 or e-mail music@andover.edu.

Saturday, March 1

Children's book signing: North Andover resident and author Anne Broyles will be signing her new children's picture book, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks," from noon to 2 p.m. at Borders Books in Methuen. Based on a true story, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks" is about a young slave girl, who in 1838, walks the Trail of Tears with her Cherokee owners. For more information, e-mail annebroyles@annebroyles.com.

Drop-in art activity: Japanese Dolls Day: Make a paper hina doll in honor of Japanese Hinamatsuri from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Art Studio at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Cost is included with museum admission. Museum admission is $15 for adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. Members, youth 16 and under, and residents of Salem are free. For more information or to register, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Old School Freight Train will perform at 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 239 Woburn St., Reading. Admission is $18, $15 seniors and students. For more information, visit www.osft.net.

Andona's Casino Night will be held from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Old Town Hall. The event will feature Blackjack, Texas Hold 'em, Roulette and more. Music, light food and cocktails will be served. There will be a silent auction with such items as a flat screen television, a diamond necklace, a golf package and more. For more information, visit the Andona Web site at www.andonasociety.org.

Sunday, March 2

Lecture: Internationally recognized journalist Kevin Cullen will share his observations of today's Ireland in a lecture entitled "A Terrible Beauty: Ireland in the 21st Century" during the Northern Essex Community College White Fund lecture at 2 p.m. in the White Fund Room at 78-82 Amesbury St., in the Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center in Lawrence. Parking is available behind the building. Additional parking is available at the Buckley Garage across the street from the campus. Parking is free to those attending NECC events. For more information, call 978-738-7403.

Phillips Academy music department will present the Academy Jazz Band and ensembles under the direction of Peter Cirelli at 3 p.m. in the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. The groups will be performing a variety of pieces by Sonny Rollins, Benny Golson and Duke Ellington, as well as songs by Brazilian composers Edu Lobo and Rafael dos Santos. For more information, call 978-749-4263.

Art and nature story time on Dr. Seuss' birthday: Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a reading of "Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose," explore the ways animals depend on one another and create a set of antlers from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Art Studio at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This program is designed for ages 3 to 6 with an accompanying adult. Cost is included with museum admission. Museum admission is $15 for adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. This program is made possible by New Trade Winds/ECHO. For more information or to register, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

The Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., Route 114, North Andover. The cost is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $5 for children ages 4 and up. For more information, call 978-685-3505 or visit the Web site www.mvpomusic.org.

Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert will perform at 3 p.m. at the First Parish Church, 225 Cabot St., Beverly. Several Andover children will be performing. The event is free to the public.

Wednesday, March 5

Children's book signing: North Andover resident and author Anne Broyles will be signing her new children's picture book, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks," from 10 a.m. to noon at South Elementary School. Based on a true story, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks" is about a young slave girl, who in 1838, walks the Trail of Tears with her Cherokee owners. For more information, e-mail annebroyles@annebroyles.com.

Friday, March 7

Jennifer Ortiz Foundation's second annual Prom Expo and Fashion Showcase at the Elks Lodge, 652 Andover St., Lawrence. The event will include two contests to award four scholarships to lucky Merrimack Valley students attending college in the fall of 2008, as well as the opportunity to see dozens of Merrimack Valley businesses catering to all their prom needs. For more information on how to become a vendor, volunteer or sponsor, call 978-764-6672 or e-mail promexpo@comcast.net.

Opening reception for the exhibit "Impermanence," photography by Shelley Zatsky, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery at the Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-2343 or e-mail cathyessexartcenter@yahoo.com.

Phillips Academy music department will present a concert with the Academy Chorus and Fidelio Society under the direction of faculty member Christopher Walter at 7:30 p.m. in the Cochran Chapel on the Phillips Academy campus, 180 Main St. The chorus will perform works by George Gershwin and Gwyneth Walker along with Japanese folk songs arranged by Allen Combs. The Fidelio Society will be singing folk songs, madrigals, popular songs and the premiere of a new work by composer-in-residence James Matheson. This concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-749-4263.

ECOC program: "The Great Marsh": Explore the beauty of the North Shore's Great March with award-winning photographer Dorothy Monnelly and Franz Ingelfinger from 7:45 to 9 p.m. in the Phillips Library Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This program is free and designed for teens and adults. It is co-sponsored by the Essex County Ornithological Club. Museum admission is $15 for adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to register, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Saturday, March 8

Annual New Trade Winds/ECHO Performing Arts Festival: "Keeping the Fire in the Dark Moon Times" entertains and educates through music, dance, oral traditions, humor and stories as presented by representatives of the cultures of Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts from noon to 4:30 p.m. in the Atrium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. A main performance will take place at 2 p.m. Related drop-in art activities will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Art Studios. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500 ext. 3011.

Sunday, March 9

Workshop: Artist and educator Annie Zeybekoglu helps visitors create their own oragami-style book from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. in the Art Studios at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This workshop is made possible by the Lowell Institute. Reservations are required by March 7. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Friday, March 14

India painting workshop: Create a contemporary work of art that draws inspiration from Indian and Persian miniature painting from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Art Studios at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. All materials supplied by the museum. Cost is $75 for members, $90 nonmembers. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Open auditions for ages 13 through 18 for the Lawrence YMCA's Music Clubhouse second annual "Clubhouse Idol" singing competition will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lawrence Music Clubhouse in the YMCA, 40 Lawrence St., Lawrence. Registration is required prior to March 14. The first round of competition will take place on March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. The top-10 competition will take place on March 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gymnasium. It is open to the public and the audience will decide the winner. For more information, call 978-686-6191 or visit www.lawrencemusicclubhouse.org.

Boston Artists Ensemble concert at 8 p.m. in Phillips Library Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. The program concludes with Beethoven's Opus 9 String Trio, which hints at Beethoven's later exploration of string quartets. Tickets are $20 for members, $24 nonmembers, $12 students. For more information or tickets, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Saturday, March 15

Children's book signing: North Andover resident and author Anne Broyles will be signing her new children's picture book, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks," from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Annie's Books in North Andover. Based on a true story, "Priscilla and the Hollyhocks" is about a young slave girl, who in 1838, walks the Trail of Tears with her Cherokee owners. For more information, e-mail annebroyles@annebroyles.com.

Artist demonstration by Siona Benjamin, whose work reflects her background of being raised Jewish in predominately Hindu and Muslim India, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Atrium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This event is made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

"Dance Katha" with Anita Ratnam at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. in the Atrium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This program incorporates classical and contemporary storytelling and dance. It is made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Drop-in art activity: Take inspiration from traditional gold leafing techniques and Indian textiles, and create your own work of art from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Art Studios at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This program is made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Sunday, March 16

"Dance Katha" with Anita Ratnam at 1 and 4 p.m. in the Atrium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This program incorporates classical and contemporary storytelling and dance. It is made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Wednesday, March 19

Buddhist teacher Laura Howell will offer an Introduction to Meditation workshop from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Learn the basics of meditation to help you achieve a peaceful mind and joyful life. All are welcome. No experience is necessary. This workshop is free of charge. For more information, call 978-474-0823 or e-mail malloyps@yahoo.com.

Saturday, March 29

Dance performances: The Tamagawa University Dance and Taiko groups will introduce new audiences to Japanese performing folk arts to build mutual understanding and international cultural exchange at 1 p.m. in the Atrium and 3 p.m. in the Morse Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Reservation are required by March 27 for the Morse Auditorium performance. These performances are made possible by the Lowell Institute. Cost is included with museum admission. Admission to the museum is $15 adults, $13 seniors, $11 students. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Symphony by the Sea at 8 p.m. in the Atrium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. A talk with conductor Jonathan McPhee will take place before the concert from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $31 for members, $35 nonmembers, $10 students. Reservations must be made through Symphony by the Sea. For tickets or more information, call 978-745-4955 or visit www.symphonybythesea.org.

Sunday, March 30

Merrimack Valley Suzuki Strings will perform at 3 p.m. at the First Church Ipswich, 2 Meeting House, Ipswich. The event is the 14th annual concert to sponsor Haitian Children through Partners in Development. Refreshments will be served. Donations are requested.

Friday, April 4

ECOC program: Sharon Stichter, director of New England Hummers, presents images and information about ruby-throats and other less-common New England hummingbird species from 7:45 to 9 p.m. in the Phillips Library Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. This free program by the Essex County Ornithological Club is designed for teens and adults. For more information or to make a reservation, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Boston Artists Ensemble concert at 8 p.m. in the East India Marine Hall at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Tickets are $20 for members, $24 nonmembers, $12 students. For more information or tickets, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Saturday, April 5

Aniruddha Knight and Ensemble presents "From the Heart of a Tradition" from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Morse Auditorium at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. Knight performs the early 19th-century Bharatanatyam style, singing as he dances. Tickets are $20 for PEM members and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Heritage of the Arts of South Asia, $25 nonmembers, $50 Friends of Indian Dance. Reservations are required by April 3. For more information, call 978-745-9500, ext. 3011.

Tuesday, April 8

"Flowers for Cutting in a Perennial Garden" from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ashland Farms, 700 Chickering Road, North Andover, presented by the North Andover Garden Club. Master gardener Karen Garlepy will show and describe how to turn your perennial garden in to a cutting garden for fabulous floral arrangements all season long. Guests are welcome. For more information, call Sorena at 978-794-1811 or Martha at 978-685-1568 or e-mail northandovergardenclub@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 13

Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra Honors Chamber Ensembles Concert will perform at 2 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, One Market Square, Newburyport.

Sunday, May 4

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.

Tuesday, May 13

"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.

Sunday, May 18

North Andover Garden Club Annual Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stevens Memorial Library, North Andover. The event 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.

Ongoing

The exhibit "Black and White and Shades of Grey," featuring work from two dozen local painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry and clothing designers, and ceramic artists, will be on display through Feb. 23 at the South Canal Business Center, 29 South Canal St., Lawrence. Admission is free. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.RichGirlRecords.com.

"Impermanence," photography by Shelley Zatsky, will be on exhibit from March 7 through May 2 at the Elizabeth A. Beland Gallery at the Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. An opening reception will be held on March 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on March 21 and April 21. For more information, call Cathy at 978-685-2343 or e-mail cathyessexartcenter@yahoo.com.

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Whistler Museum of Art will exhibit rare 19th- and early 20th-century works that spotlight some of New England's outstanding representational artists including Charles H. Allen, John I. Coggeshall, Walter L. Dean, Charles Demetropolis, Emile A. Gruppe, Aldro T. Hibbard, Lester G. Hornby, Louis Kronberg, Thomas B. Lawson, David Dalhoff Neal, William McGregor Paxton, William Preston Phelps, Arthur P. Spear and Sarah Wyman Whitman. Peter Kostoulakos, a local expert on restoration, will be speaking briefly about restoring artwork at the reception. The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session. These works will be on display from March 1 to April 19 with an opening reception on March 1 from 2 to 4 p.m.

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"Yard Work," a collection of images of thematically decorated domestic property that speaks to American character by local photographer Kevin Salemme, will be on exhibit through March 3 at McCoy Gallery at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 978-837-5000 ext. 4205.

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Woodworking classes: "Hand Planes & Wireless Routers" will be offered March 8 through April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon and again on 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 foot stool or candle box, from pre-milled stock. The cost for the course is $60 for members, $75 nonmembers. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.

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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 eight 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 recieved by June 1. For more information, call 978-475-2236 or visit www.andoverhistorical.org.

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A group photography exhibit will be on display at the Tewksbury Public Library from now through March 4. For more information, visit www.tewksbury.info/tca.

Churchill Gallery will exhibit a collection of new works by Jim Seitz through the month of February. His minimal technique combines gold leaf over heavy textured canvas and then glazed with multiple layers of acrylics. The effects are traditional, moving to abstract. The gallery is located at 6 Inn St., Newburyport. Hours are Monday and Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 978-462-9891 or visit www.thechurchillgallery.com.

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"Fertile Soil," a new exhibition of sculptural work by Meredith Morten, will be on display from now through Feb. 21 in Montserrat College of Art's Carol Schlosberg Alumni Gallery, 23 Essex St., Beverly. An opening reception will be held on Feb. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information on the exhibit, visit www.montserrat.edu.

Photography exhibit on Urban Renewal will be on display through March at UML Center for Lowell History, Morgan Cultural Center, 40 French St., Lowell. The Jackson/Appleton/Middlesex urban renewal efforts are gaining momentum, promising changes to the landscape of three of Lowell's neighborhoods. Photographer Jessica Hosman, a UML fine arts graduate, captured images of the areas in a series of black and white photos. For more information, call 978-934-4997.

"It's Getting Hot in Here" will be on exhibit from now through April 5 in the Montserrat College of Art Gallery, 23 Essex St., Beverly. An opening reception will be held Feb. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 978-867-9604 or visit www.montserrat.edu/galleries.

"Wedded Bliss, the Marriage of Art and Ceremony" will be on display from April 26 through Sept. 14 at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. General admission to the museum is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. Special exhibitions may require an additional fee. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

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BoomerVenture Campus "Winter Semester"

Energize with Exercise: Energizing workout regimen, focused on building flexibility and strength with a buffet of exercise options on Thursdays from now through Feb. 28 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Cost is $45 for 8 weeks. No prior exercise experience required.

Serenity Yoga: Gentle yoga practice, featuring postures that emphasize strength, balance, flexibility and serenity of mind and body on Thursdays from now through Feb. 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $45 for 8 weeks. Suitable for all levels. Participants should bring a yoga mat, towel and pillow.

BoomerVenture Book Club will be held every second and fourth Thursday night, with rotating leadership, from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Free.

BoomerVenture Campus is located at 30 Whittier Court, on the ground floor.

For more information, call 978 823-8381 or visit www.boomerventure.com. BoomerVenture staff are always looking for ideas and involvement. Send your checks payable to The Town of Andover, 36 Bartlett Street, Andover, MA 01810 c/o BoomerVenture.

"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.

Ongoing at PEM

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.

Exhibits: "Stage Idols" now through Jan. 25, 2009 in the Japanese Kabuki Theater; "The Art of Maori Tattoo" Feb. 23 through Feb.1, 2009; "Wedded Bliss: The Marriage of Art and Ceremony" April 26 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; "Accidental Mysteries" through Jan. 27; "Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style" through Feb. 24; "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 located in East India Square, Salem. Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed New Year's Day. Museum admission is $13 adults, $11 seniors, $9 students. For more information, call 866-745-1876 or visit www.pem.org.

Art Exhibits: "Landscapes," paintings by Nancy Grice, John Mulcahy and Carmelo Polanco, and "Evidences: Footprints, Driplines, Sculpture and Drawing" by Joyce Audy and Zarins will be on exhibit now through Feb. 29 at the Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information, call 978-685-2343 or visit www.essexartcenter.com.

Two person show for Kathleen Hooks, painter of atmospheric landscapes and Larry Preston, painter of still life in the classic representational style, at the 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 gallery hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, email ristuben@gmail.com or dianeayott@comcast.net.

New England Classical Singers, a regional group of singers devoted to the presentation of demanding and interesting choral music, holds tryouts and rehearsals Wednesday, 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 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 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.AdoverChoral.org.

Andover Great Books Group, meets second and fourth Tuesdays, 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 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 the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover, 6 Locke St., Andover. Co-facilitators are Bob Zimmerman and 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 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 mvc-membership@neonflamingo.com

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.

Lowell Opera Company holds rehearsals every Monday, 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 second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. 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 the 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 Ave., 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.

Printing Museum contains 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.

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