Packages for our troops
A local Destination Imagination team is collecting donations for our troops.The collection is being done with the assistance of some of the residents at Marland Place. Toiletries, vitamins, hand sanitizer, candy and hand towels are especially needed. The DI team is collecting through March 18 at five locations in town:
Marland Place, 15 Stevens St., from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorial Hall Library, during regular hours
Mr. Takeout, 52 Haverhill St., for cash donations during regular hours.
Boston Music Center, 209 Andover St., weekdays from 2 to 9 p.m.
ATA Martial Arts, 16 Haverhill St., Monday through Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m.
Call Maria Dankens, 857-225-2393, with any questions.
Run that truly
books it
Registration has started for a family fun run sponsored by the Bancroft Elementary School PTO. “Book-It” is happening on Sunday, May 5 at Phillips Academy.
Walking/running, reading and community participation is the theme of “Book-It.” This is a 5-kilometer trail run held on Phillips Academy’s cross country course or a 1-kilometer Family Fun Run. On race day, there will also be a student book swap in which participants can drop and swap books. Extra books will be donated to the classrooms.
The event is open to the Andover community, kids and adults alike. Participants are encouraged to dress up in costume as their favorite storybook character.
Check in starts at 8 a.m. on the great lawn of Phillips Academy campus. Register at bookittothefinish.com.
Belle of the Ball
prom dresses
Thinking about a prom but need to save a few bucks? Anton’s Cleaners has kicked off its ninth annual “Belle of the Ball Prom Dress Collection” and it sure is a bargain. The mission is to collect, clean and distribute prom gowns to area high school junior and senior girls who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom. Good quality, gently worn or new prom dresses and like-new special occasion purses are needed and can be dropped off at any of Anton’s Cleaners 41 locations - including one on North Main Street in Andover - or Jordan’s Furniture stores through April 1.
All dresses are cleaned by Anton’s free of charge as a community service. In mid-April, a boutique takes place at Simmons College in Boston, where the gymnasium is transformed into the ultimate prom dress “shopping” experience.
Last year, close to 2,000 dresses in a variety of colors, styles and sizes were displayed. Over 400 girls attended the boutique.
[A similar and unrelated event, the Priceless Prom Gown Program, is offered closer to home, in Lawrence, and is in its seventh year.
This year the Priceless Prom Gown Program will be held March 2 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and April 6 and 27 from noon to 5 p.m. It helps local high school students attend prom who otherwise might not be able to do so due to financial hardship or extenuating family circumstances. This boutique program is located behind the Everett Mill in the historic Stone Mill at 15 Union St. in Lawrence. For more information visit the website pricelesspromgownprogram.com.]
Join an 83-year tradition
The Andover Choral Society is inviting new members to join it for the group’s final concert of its 83rd season.
A gala performance of arias, choruses and ensembles from favorite operas will be presented on Sunday, April 28, at 3 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College. Professional Boston-area soloists will add to the festivities. The rehearsals are Mondays at 7:20 to 9:30 p.m. at Christ Church, 25 Central St. in Andover. For more information call 603-893-5636.
The Andover Choral Society is sponsored in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Oscar-worthy mushrooms?
Brasserie 28 Chef-owner Matthew Morello is one of 17 chefs serving gourmet sweet and savory selections at the Ellie Fund’s 17th annual Oscar Experience Boston. It’s a celebration to fight breast cancer and is officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
On Oscar day, Sunday, Feb. 24, Morello will serve what’s described as a savory mosaic of winter mushrooms with black truffle, pinot noir pearls and petite kale salad.
The event will be held at the State Room, 60 State St., Boston. See elliefund.org/oscars2013 or call 781-449-0100 for tickets.
