LAWRENCE — The Lawrence Public Library's annual Jowdy Geography Challenge, open to students in Greater Lawrence schools, is today, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
The Jowdy Challenge is a festival of contests, entertainment, and food, made possible by the continuous support of Theresa Jowdy, in memory of her husband Edward Jowdy. The Jowdy's suggested a contest to promote geography education, and the idea has become a tradition at the library.
The categories students have studied up on this year are: Flags of the World, New England: Rivers, Mountains & Famous Places, State Symbols, Seven Natural Wonders of the World and Jowdy Jumble. The 2009 World Book Encyclopedia and 2009 World Almanac are sources for the questions.
The public is welcomed to come and match their knowledge against the student contestants in the final match, which starts at 6 p.m.
Sheldon Low performs at 'First Light'
CHELMSFORD — First Light, the Merrimack Valley's annual Hanukkah concert, will be performed Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Congregation Shalom, 87 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford.
The concert features Sheldon Low, the newest face in Jewish music who is well-loved by youth and family audiences in rock concerts throughout the country. Low's brand-new release, "Light up Shabbat," features some of his greatest songs. His debut album, "On One Foot," released in June 2006, has become a major hit for youth in America, while his second album, "It's All Challah to Me," captures his ability to create fun pop songs for children.
Sponsored by the Merrimack Valley Jewish Federation, the concert is made possible with support from local businesses, including Radiation Oncology of Greater Lowell, P.C.; Ruberto, Israel & Weiner; Pentucket Medical; Demoulas Foundation; Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home; Cowan Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Joan I. Gitlin.
Concert tickets may be purchased in advance, online at www.mvjf.org. Cost is $18 for adults, $9 for people over 60 and children. Tickets purchased at the door on the day of the show are: $22, adults; $12 people over 60 and children. Children 5 and younger are admitted free-of-charge.
Cost includes a candle lighting, concert and dessert reception.
For more information, contact Michelle Soll at 978-688-0466 or michelle@mvjf.org
Radio marathon set to help El Salvador rebuild
LAWRENCE — A radio marathon to raise money for the relief and reconstruction efforts in El Salvador is happening today, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It will be broadcast live on Nuevo Impacto 1490 AM and listeners can pledge financial support to Salvadoran American Humanitarians Foundation by calling either Silverio Insurance Agency, 525 Essex St. at 978-685-9991, and Lawrence CommunityWorks, 168 Newbury St., 978-685-3115.
On Nov. 7, Central America was hit by Hurricane Ida, destroying some 2,000 homes in El Salvador, the country hardest hit. Some 184 Salvadorians were killed, and 50 remain missing. Today, many there are struggling to find food, shelter and medical care.
The hope is that the Lawrence relief effort will ease the burden and help Salvadorians rebuild their homes.
Donations in checks or money orders may be made payable to: "Salvadoran American Humanitarians Foundation." For information contact Delmy Rosales at 978-390-1061 or drosales@lcworks.org or call 978-685-9991 or 978-685-3115, on Saturday until 2 p.m.
