Lifestyle

Community calendar


Published: November 30, 2008

Sunday, Nov. 30

Vocalist D'Amore, 3 p.m. at Atria Marland Place, 15 Stevens St., Andover. Free, open to the public. RSVP at 978-475-4225, ext. 110.

Concert, 4 p.m. at The Collins Center, Andover. Features The Drifters, DeDe Martin and Code 51, The Shirelles, and more. Rex Trailer, host of the children's show "Boomtown," is the emcee. Sponsored by the Massachusetts School of Law. Proceeds benefit the Esperanza Academy, School of Hope; the Merrimack Valley YMCA Reach Out For Youth Campaign; and The Shadow Fund. $25 (balcony), $35 (regular admission), $75 (priority seating, includes reception with the entertainers). Ticket requests can be sent with a check to Paula Clements, Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St., Andover, MA 01810. Include a note stating how many tickets and in which section. No tax is necessary. www.ticketweb.com or www.mslaw.edu.

Circles of Wisdom's 10-Year Anniversary & Open House, noon to 5 p.m. at Circles of Wisdom, 90 Main St., Andover. Lectures. Free, open to the public. 978-474-8010.

Advent Christmas Lessons & Carols, 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 90 Broadway, Methuen. Free. Public is invited and welcome. 978-689-0463.

Monday, Dec. 1

Holly Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. social hour, followed by dinner at Jackson's Restaurant, 478 Lowell St., Methuen. Hosted by the Saint Clare Society of Catholic Women. Gifts will be exchanged. Guests and new members are welcome. 978-683-3085.

Methuen Boys and Girls Club Project fundraiser, 5 to 7 p.m. at McDonald's at the Loop in Methuen. The Project will receive 20 percent of all proceeds during this two-hour period. Includes Christmas carols, sung by Methuen's Girl Scout Troop 626.

Dec. 1 through Dec. 4

Dough Raiser, to benefit Spicket Commons fire victims at Uno Chicago Grill No. 247, 552 Broadway, Methuen. 978-681-1584 or www.unos.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Newcomers Club of the Andovers meeting, 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, 58 Peters St., North Andover. New member coffee first Tuesday of the month. Geared toward new residents, but established residents of Andover and North Andover are welcome. 978-794-4852.

Drumming For Joy, 7 to 9 p.m. at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, North Andover. Led by storyteller/drummer Jane Gossard. Drumming experience is not necessary. Drums will be supplied, or bring a set. Dessert and coffee to follow. Cost is $15 with pre-registration. $20 at the door. 978-682-8815 or www.rollingridge.org.

"Handling the Holidays" with Roberta Taylor, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall Library, Elm Square, Andover. Manage stress and practice the art of balance to help and enjoy the season. Free, open to the public. 978-623-8401, ext. 31, or www.mhl.org.

Merrimack College Chorale debut concert, 7:30 p.m. in the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. A free will offering will be collected to benefit the Augustinian Mission in South Africa. 978-430-7922 or e-mail monica.steele@merrimack.edu.

Wreath Workshop, 10 a.m. at South Church, 41 Central St., Andover. The Andover Garden Club will provide wreaths, and a selection of decorative materials and ribbons to choose from. Design experts will be on hand. Coffee, tea, and holiday cookies will be served. Free for members; $20 for nonmembers. 978-475-7119 or e-mail pianopasta@comcast.net.

Dec. 2-4

Methuen Senior Activity Center trip, New York City "Do Your Own Thing." $540 per person/double occupancy. The center is at 77 Lowell St., Methuen. 978-983-8825.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Methuen Senior Activity Center trip, "Christmas Time with The New Dawn Singers," Log Cabin, Holyoke. $76 per person/double occupancy. The center is at 77 Lowell St., Methuen. 978-983-8825.

FBI Lecture, noon in the White Fund Room, 78-82 Amesbury St., in Northern Essex Community College's Louise Haffner Fournier Education Center, Lawrence. Retired FBI Special Agent Tanya Degenova will discuss her first 48-hour day in the FBI. Free. 978-556-3700 or www.necc.mass.edu.

Author Visit, 6:30 p.m. at the Langley-Adams Library, 185 Main St., Groveland. Michael Ramseur, local artist and author, will discuss his new novel, "The Spirit of Antoinette," set at the Danvers State Mental Hospital. A short film of the hospital's history will be shown. Ramseur's artwork is on display at the Mingo Gallery, Beverly. 978-372-1732.

Thursday, Dec. 4

"Light the Tree" Celebration, at 5:30 p.m., at the Atkinson Resort & Country Club.¬  Everyone is invited to join the seasonal merriment and family-friendly activities. The event is free but, in the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program or non-perishable food items for local soup kitchens. The celebration features a variety of fun-filled activities for children and adults alike, including music, caroling, arts and crafts, hayrides, ice carving demonstrations, and more. Everyone gathers around the resort's 40-foot evergreen tree in anticipation of Santa's arrival. Santa officially lights the tree at 6:30 p.m. to a flourish of fireworks. Following the tree lighting, any children — or the young at heart — looking to share their wish list with Santa can meet him in the Legacy Ballroom. Complimentary cookies, donuts, cider, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and water will be available, and those looking for something more substantial will find hamburgers and hot dogs for sale outside, and the Resort's restaurants, Merrill's Tavern and The Stagecoach Grille restaurant, will be open as well.

Caritas Holy Family Hospital's 59th Annual Men's Guild Dinner & Assembly, 6 p.m. social hour, 7 p.m. dinner at the Wyndham Hotel, 123 Old River Road, Andover. $45. One hundred percent of the proceeds support Caritas Holy Family Hospital. Tickets in advance or at the door. RSVP. 978-681-8900.

Author Joan Silva Patrakis visits, 7 p.m. at Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St., Andover. Patrakis wrote "Andover in the Civil War." Free, all welcome. 978-475-0143.

Open House event, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rose and Dove Gourmet, 181 Canal St., Lawrence. Dr. Tara Greaves, FirstHealth of Andover's naturopathic practitioner, will speak about the benefits of eating organic foods. Wine tasting and sampling of some of Rose and Dove's products. 978-689-4141.

Dec. 5-6

Annual Winter Art Show and Sale, at the Kelley Library, 234 Main St. Salem, N.H. Free and open to the public. Hours are Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 8:30 and Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5

Second Annual Danville Blood Drive, Danville Fire Association, 169 Main St., Danville, N.H., from 1 to 6 p.m.

Open House, music and displays, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. Free. 978-685-0693.

Groveland 2008 Flu Clinic, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Center Meeting Room, Town Hall, 183 Main St., Groveland. 978-372-3942.

Holy Family's Holiday Party, 7 to 11 p.m. at Wyndham Andover hotel, 123 River Road, Andover. $28 per person or $280 per table. 978-678-0156, ext. 2104.

Book Signing, 7 to 9 p.m. at Circles of Wisdom, 90 Main St., Andover. Celebration for Elizabeth Foley's new book "Angel Readings for Beginners." Free, open to the public. 978-474-8010.

Phillips Academy Faculty Piano Recital, 7:30 p.m. in the Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St., Andover. Includes music by Robert Schumann, Franz Schubert, Maurice Ravel and Antonin Dvorak. Free, open to the public. 978-749-4263, e-mail music@andover.edu, www.andover.edu.

The Andover Storytelling Guild, 7 p.m. at Andover Bookstore, 89 Rear Main St., Andover. Susan Lenoe, Magdalen Cantwell, Lani Peterson, Jane Gossard, Sandy Hitchins, and Nicolette Heavey will tell holiday stories. Free, all welcome. 978-475-0143.

Happy Holiday Gift Boutique & Garage Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church of the Merrimack Valley, 36 Clementi Lane, Methuen. Features gift baskets, homemade jams, hand knits and Christmas gifts. 978-688-2407.

Christmas concert, 7 p.m. at Cascia Hall, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Presented by the Merrimack College Concert Choir. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited. Advance tickets available. $3. Complimentary refreshments. 978-790-6691.

Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Andover Senior Center, Whittier Court, Andover. The fair will feature seasonal decorations, Christmas crafts, holiday plants, knit goods, gift items, quilted bags, a bake table and more. Community welcome. 978-623-8321.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Pelham Public Library Book Signing, of authors Florine Hirsch and Alistair "Guy" Newton, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pelham, N.H.

Town of Windham's Annual Tree Lighting, at 3 p.m. in the Town Hall parking lot. Santa will arrive by firetruck escorted by the Salem High Marching Band and Color Guard between 3 and 3:15 p.m. Santa will then be in the Cable Studio taking photos with the kids. Girl Scout Troop 12107 will be hosting arts and crafts in the upstairs of the Town Hall — come do an easy craft and get out of the cold! Hot chocolate and cookies will also be served by the Windham Recreation Committee. Windham Middle School sings Christmas Carols in the gazebo, 4:45 p.m. followed by the lighting of the trees at 5 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 10118 will be collecting items for their Mitten Tree, so please bring new hats, gloves, scarves as well!

"A Merry Music Hall Christmas," brass ensemble and organ concert, 7:30 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. Tickets at the door. Reserved tickets, $20; non-reserved, $15; children, $5. For tickets, call 603-898-5702.

Saturday Night Ballroom Dancing, 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell St., Methuen. Entertainment by the Variations. $8 per person. 978-983-8825.

Create an Evergreen Swag, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Lake Street Garden Center, 37 Lake St., Salem, N.H. Participants must register. Call 603-893-5858 or visit www.lakestreet.com.

Christmas Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rolling Ridge Conference Center, 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Snow date is Dec. 13. Crafters wanted. Space fee is $45. Space is limited. 978-682-8815 or www.rollingridge.org.

Art Auction & food Event, 7 p.m. art preview, 8 p.m. auction at Congregation Beth Israel, 501 South Main St., Andover. "Chardonnay, Cheesecake & Chagall" includes art auction, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and dessert. $5. 978-474-0540.

Red Bow Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Parish Hall, 190 Academy Road, North Andover. Crafters and artisans will sell handmade jewelry, knitted wear, holiday decorations, embroidered items, wreaths. Also features a silent auction, gift baskets, quilt raffle, wine raffle, Granny's Attic, photos with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Free admission. All proceeds benefit the North Parish General Fund. 978-687-7948 or 978-689-9549.

Christmas Concert: "Celebration in Hymn!," 7 p.m. at the Portland Street Baptist Church, 29 Portland St., Haverhill. Free, open to all. 978-372-8557, 978-729-1537, www.portlandstreetbaptist.org.

Nutcracker-themed brunch, 10 a.m. and noon seatings at Cedar Crest Restaurant, 187 Broadway, Lawrence. Join Clara and her Nutcracker prince. Children of all ages welcome. $10 for children and seniors, $15 for adults. Tickets are available at NECB Studios, 4 Dracut St., Lawrence. 978-975.0289, www.newenglandcivicballet.org.

Seasonal Craft Fair, 2 to 6 p.m. at Stevens Bennett Home, 337 Main St., Haverhill. Benefits residents' activities. Crafters and donations welcome. 978-374-8861.

Bean Supper, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign War Post 8349, 26 River St., Methuen. Cost is $6 for adults, $2 for children. 50/50 raffle. 978-685-3382.

Father/Daughter semi-formal Snowflake Dance, 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm St., North Andover. First grade only. Limited to 60 couples. Tickets are $25 per couple. First come, first served. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale weekdays, 9 a.m. to noon in the church office. 978-686-4445 or e-mail snowflakedance@verizon.net.

Phillips Academy Chamber Music Society concert, 6:30 p.m. in the Timken Room, Graves Hall, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St., Andover. Free, open to the public. Handicapped accessible. 978-749-4263, e-mail music@andover.edu, www.andover.edu.

Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center, 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Features crafts and lunch. 978-682-8815, e-mail thestaff@rollingridge.org, www.rollingridge.org.

Groveland Garden Club's Annual Greens Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Little Red School House, Broad Street, Groveland. Proceeds help maintain this historic building. 978-521-1928.

New England Classical Singers' annual Christmas presentation, 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Features "Carols and Lullabies" Christmas in the Southwest, with guitar, marimba and harp accompaniment. Lawrence High School Girls' Ensemble will also perform. Tickets are $5, $15, $20. 978-474-6090 or www.newenglandclassical.org.

COCOA with SANTA, 9 a.m. to noon at Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. $7 for children, $5 for adults. Child's souvenir photo with Santa, grab bag, children's games, arts and crafts. 978-521-1686 or www.winnekenni.com.

Happy Holiday Gift Boutique & Garage Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christian Fellowship Church of the Merrimack Valley, 36 Clementi Lane, Methuen. Features gift baskets, homemade jams, hand knits and Christmas gifts. 978-688-2407.

Andover Garden Club Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Church, 41 Central St., Andover. Offers custom wreathes, floral arrangements, swags, centerpieces, and bread and soup. Free admission. 978-475-7970.

Sunday, Dec. 7

"A Merry Music Hall Christmas," brass ensemble and organ concert, 3 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. Tickets at the door. Reserved tickets, $20; non-reserved, $15; children, $5. For tickets, call 603-898-5702, after Nov. 1.

Family Holiday Concert, 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra with The Andover Choral Society. Pre-concert silent auction in the foyer. Handicap-accessible. Free parking. For tickets, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.

A Baroque Banquet, 5 p.m. at South Church, Andover. Andover Chamber Music will present Baroque concertos of Bach, Telemann, Hçndel and Vivaldi. Single tickets are $30 and $25, depending on location and seating. Student rush and group sales available. 978-474-6222 or www.andoverchambermusic.org.

Musical service, 10 a.m. at The First Church of Christ, 10 Church St., Bradford. Beverly Rush, guitarist and singer, will perform. Refreshments and fellowship will be offered following worship. 978-374-1114.

Annual Holiday Open House, 2 to 4 p.m. at the North Andover Historical Society, 153 Academy Road, North Andover. Features the exhibit "North Andover Then and Now." Free, open to the public. www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org.

16th Annual Christmas Stroll, 2 to 6 p.m. along Washington and Merrimack streets in downtown Haverhill. The Community Support Committee of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is currently looking for vendors. Vendors can include food, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, gift items, information, games, toys, etc. All booths should have a holiday theme. 978-914-4954, 978-373-5663, e-mail jen@haverhillchamber.com.

The Wisdom Circle, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Circles of Wisdom, 90 Main St., Andover. Commemorates a decade of service, light, and wisdom. Free, open to the public. 978-474-8010.

PHILLIPS ACADEMY CONCERT: SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS, 4:30 p.m. in the Cochran Chapel, Phillips Academy, 180 Main St., Andover. Traditional Christmas readings will be heard, Christmas carols from various traditions and cultures will be sung and played. Features the Fidelio Society and the Academy Chorus. Free. 978-749-4263, e-mail music@andover.edu, www.andover.edu.

FAMILY HOLIDAY CONCERT, 2 p.m. at Winnekenni Castle, 347 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. Free admission. Features Judy Pancoast, award-winning entertainer and acclaimed children's musical artist. Sing-a-longs. Freewill offering to benefit Emmaus Inc. Refreshments will be served. 978-521-1686 or www.winnekenni.com.

Monday, Dec. 8

"The Assassination of Lincoln: Teardown of a Century-Old Mill," 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Essex Art Center, 56 Island St., Lawrence. Opening reception of photo exhibit depicts stages of the Lincoln Foods Mill building's 2008 demise. Refreshments, silent auctions, meet the filmmaker. Free, open to the public. 508-878-3200.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

"Introduction to Mind Thought Consciousness," 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Caring Hands Center for Massage and Well Being, 55 Wingate St., Haverhill. $15. 978-973-2124. E-mail faith_escudero@hotmail.com.

Shopping Fundraiser for St. Michael's School, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rose and Dove Gourmet, 181 Canal St., Lawrence. Mention St. Michael's and 10 percent of one's sale will be donated to the school. Includes a talk and demonstration by Lisa Farwell, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist at FirstHealth of Andover, of the benefits of cosmetic facial acupuncture, 1 to 2 p.m. Refreshments. 978-689-4141.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Workshop, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Professional Center for Child Development, 32 Osgood St., Andover. Learn about Special Education. RSVP at 978-475-3806, ext. 217.

Haverhill High School Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 137 Monument St., Haverhill. Includes a presentation, tours of the building, and a student activities fair in the library and mall area to showcase clubs, activities and athletic programs. Open to all middle school students, parents or guardians. 978-374-5700.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Shopping Fundraiser, 5 to 8 p.m. at Rose and Dove Gourmet, 181 Canal St., Lawrence. Benefits Northern Essex Community College. Mention NECC and 10 percent of one's sale will be donated to Hispanic programming at NECC. Sampling of wine and light fare. 978-689-4141.

Free Class on Transitions Lifestyle Weight Management System, 7 to 8 p.m. at the office of Dr. Deborah Fudge, 230 B Pleasant St., Methuen. The comprehensive low glycemic index program incorporates education, the right food choices, targets body fat, exercise, proper supplementation and group support. The 12-week program begins in mid-January. Reserve a seat at 978-685-2001.

Citizens for a Better Government Group meeting, 7 p.m. at the VFW, River Street, Methuen. Organized by the citizens of Methuen to advocate for a Home Rule Charter update under the control of the citizenry of the community by way of the Home Rule Charter Statute including petitioning for a Charter Commission with members. Open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments will be served. 978-208-8128.

Holiday Ice Show 2008 & Toys for Tots Drive, 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Forum Rinks, Ward Hill, Haverhill. Presented by the Skating Club of Andover. Family skate after show. $3. 978-478-5213.

Friday, dec. 12

Christmas concert: "Songs for the Season," 7:30 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. Concert is dedicated to the memory of Walter "Red" Winn. Evening tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and children. Matinee tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children. Group discounts available. 978-914-5384, e-mail tickets@merrimackvalleyplayers.org, www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Haverhill Council on Aging trip, Holiday Pops, 4 p.m. at Symphony Hall, Boston. Tickets are $76 per person. Cost includes ticket to Holiday Pops and transportation. 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

Nutcracker Ballet, 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. $24 for ages 13 to 60, $22 for all others. Group rates available. 978-975-0289 or www.newenglandcivicballet.org.

Willy Wonka performance, 7:30 p.m. at the Old Andover Town Hall, 20 Main St., Andover. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Special pricing for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, 59 Main St., North Andover. 978-794-0001, e-mail actingouttheater@comcast.net.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Christmas concert: "Songs for the Season," 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, 192 Broadway, Methuen. Concert is dedicated to the memory of Walter "Red" Winn. Evening tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and children. Matinee tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and children. Group discounts available. 978-914-5384, e-mail tickets@merrimackvalleyplayers.org, www.merrimackvalleyplayers.org.

Nutcracker Ballet, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. $24 for ages 13 to 60, $22 for all others. Group rates available. 978-975-0289 or www.newenglandcivicballet.org.

Willy Wonka performance, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Old Andover Town Hall, 20 Main St., Andover. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Special pricing for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, 59 Main St., North Andover. 978-794-0001, e-mail actingouttheater@comcast.net.

Alice Peacock performs, 8 p.m. at Crossroads Coffeehouse, Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road, North Andover. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18. Tickets at the door. Advance ticket purchases, www.crossroads-coffeehouse.org. 978-687-3960.

Restorative yoga for families affected by cancer, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at North Parish Church Center for Spiritual Renewal, Old Center Hall, 190 Academy Road, North Andover. For children 10 years and older. Bring two pillows and two blankets per family member. Free. Pre-registration needed. 978-376-1100 or e-mail unionstudioyoga@mac.com.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Timberlane Community Band Christmas Concert, 2 p.m., at the Timberlane Performing Arts Center, Plaistow, N.H. Free admission, refreshments served.

Nutcracker Ballet, 2 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Performing Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. $24 for ages 13 to 60, $22 for all others. Group rates available. 978-975-0289 or www.newenglandcivicballet.org.

Methuen Community Chorus Christmas Concert, 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, corner of Park and Lawrence streets, Methuen. Refreshments will be served immediately following the concert. $7 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-12, free for children under 5. Tickets at the door or in advance. 978-685-1844.

Willy Wonka performance, 1:30 and 6 p.m. at the Old Andover Town Hall, 20 Main St., Andover. $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children 12 and under. Special pricing for groups of 10 or more. Tickets available at Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie, 59 Main St., North Andover. 978-794-0001, e-mail actingouttheater@comcast.net.

The Homegrown String Band performs, 2 p.m. at Memorial Hall Library, Elm Square, Andover. Family style original and neo-traditional acoustic American roots music. Free, open to the public. 978-623-8401, ext. 31, or www.mhl.org.

First Light 5769 with Beth Schafer in concert, 6 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. Traditional indoor candle lighting ceremony followed by the concert and dessert reception. Also features the children's choirs from Congregation Beth Israel, Temple Emanuel, Congregation Shalom, Temple Emanu-El and the Kadima Community Day School. Advance tickets: $18 per adult, $9 per senior (over 60), $9 per child (over 5), free for children 5 and under. Tickets at the door: $22 per adult, $12 per senior (over 60), $12 per child (over 5), free for children 5 and under. 978-688-0466.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Holiday concert, at 7 p.m., in the Pelham Memorial School Gymnasium, Pelham, N.H. Students, $2; Adults, $3. Featuring the Jazz Band, grade six, seven and eight concert band and chorus.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Saturday Night Ballroom Dancing, 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell St., Methuen. Entertainment by Pete Saran. $8 per person. 978-983-8825.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Free Holiday Concert, 3 p.m. at First Church Congregational, 26 Pleasant St., Methuen. Features the North Regional Theatre Workshop, selections from the Quintessential Brass, and members from the Chancel Choir of First Church. A free-will offering will be presented to benefit Neighbors in Need, Lazarus House and Bread and Roses. 978-687-6547.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Christmas Dinner at Kingston First Congregation Church, hosted by Sandi and Doug Osterloh, is designed to be for anyone that will be alone on Christmas and/or away from their family and friends. Last year was their first year. About 50 people (guests and helpers) shared Christmas dinner together and had a wonderful time visiting, getting to know one another and eating a tasty Christmas dinner. Dinner will be held at the Kingston First Congregational Church on Christmas day at noon. The church will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for fellowship and the dinner. For reservations call contact Doug or Sandi Osterloh at 642-9699. Please leave your name and number if you leave a message.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Haverhill Council on Aging trip, 5 p.m. performance of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical," at the Wang Theatre, Boston. Tickets are $80 per person and include the show, transportation and a bagged lunch. 978-374-2390 or e-mail kbresnahan@cityofhaverhill.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 6

Newcomers Club of the Andovers meeting, 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, 58 Peters St., North Andover. New member coffee first Tuesday of the month. Geared toward new residents, but established residents of Andover and North Andover are welcome. 978-794-4852.

Sunday, Jan. 11

Annual Meeting, 2 to 4 p.m. at the North Andover Historical Society, 153 Academy Road, North Andover. The proposed strategic plan will be discussed. Refreshments to follow. Snow date is Jan. 18. Call 978-686-4035 by noon on Sunday for cancellation notice. www.northandoverhistoricalsociety.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Newcomers Club of the Andovers meeting, 10 a.m. at Panera Bread, 58 Peters St., North Andover. New member coffee first Tuesday of the month. Geared toward new residents, but established residents of Andover and North Andover are welcome. 978-794-4852.

Through Feb. 22

SUNDAY NIGHT SKATING, 6:40 to 8:40 p.m. at Brooks School, 1160 Great Pond Road, North Andover. $3 per person. Bring skates. No rentals. 978-682-9000.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Andover Chamber Music's Valentine Concerts, 7:30 p.m. at the Longy School of Music, Cambridge; and Sunday, Feb. 10, 4 p.m. at the Rogers Center, Merrimack College, North Andover. Single tickets are $30 and $25, depending on location and seating. Student rush and group sales available. 978-474-6222 or www.andoverchambermusic.org.

Sunday, March 1

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra concert, 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Handicap-accessible. Free parking. For tickets, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.

Sunday, April 5

ANDOVER CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT, 4 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Features The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, Scott Joplin and the Original Kings of Ragtime, and a silent film with original music. Single tickets are $30 and $25, depending on location and seating. Student rush and group sales available. 978-474-6222 or www.andoverchambermusic.org.

Sunday, May 3

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra concert, 2:30 p.m. at the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Handicapped-accessible. Free parking. For tickets, call 978-685-3505 or visit www.mvpomusic.org.