A forum for students from the 5th Congressional District who are interested in attending one of the service academies will be hosted by Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell, on Oct. 19 at Billerica High School, 365 Boston Road, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Each year, Tsongas nominates outstanding students for admission to one of the four academies: the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. (Army); the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.
After a nomination from Tsongas, the students' eligibility will be evaluated by the academies based on their academic and extracurricular records, leadership skills, physical fitness and more. The academies provide a first-rate education and teach leadership, discipline and communication skills necessary to become an officer.
The forum is open to students in grades eight through 12, and their parents. Those who attend also will have an opportunity to learn about the Coast Guard Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Norwich University, none of which requires a congressional nomination.
Representatives from the service academies and Tsongas' Nomination Committee will be available to answer questions about the academies and the nomination process.
Firefighters host fire safety open house
ANDOVER — Have fun and learn about fire safety Saturday at the Fire Department's annual open house.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Center, 32 N. Main St. and will feature children's activities, glucose and blood pressure screenings and fire prevention demonstrations.
Police and health department employees will be on hand.
Fall cleanup set for Memorial Park
ANDOVER — The fall cleanup up of Memorial Park will be on Saturday.
Friends of the park, located across from the library on Middlesex and Greene streets, will work from 9 a.m. to noon to get the park ready for the winter. Volunteers are asked to bring rakes, shovels, gloves and wheelbarrows. Call Phila Slade at 978-683-9282 for information.
Massachusetts Bar offers free advice
Tonight, veterans can Dial-A-Lawyer for free legal advice between 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., as part of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Serving Our Veterans in the Law initiative.
The Dial-A-Lawyer phone number is 617-338-0610. If a caller gets a busy signal, they are asked to hang up and try again. Normal telephone charges will apply.
Benefit to help girl with cancer
LAWRENCE — A fundraiser is being held at the Sons of Italy, 155 Marston St., to help the family of Janelle James, a 14-year-old girl diagnosed acute myeloblastic leukemia, a cancer that starts in the bone marrow.
David James' co-workers at Techprint in Lawrence are organizing the evening for his daughter.
It will be from 7 to 10 p.m. and include music, raffles, prizes, snacks and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and available by calling Paola Cruz at 978-804-3825 or Gina Galizia or Mary Adams at 978-975-1245.
Art takes shape in North Andover
NORTH ANDOVER — The Andovers Artists Guild will host an oil painting demonstration Sunday at the Old Hall across from North Parish Church.
Walpole artist Bill St. George will lead the demonstration. from 2 to 4 p.m. Guild members are admitted for free; guests are asked to donate $5. The Old Hall is at the corner of Academy and Great Pond roads. For information, call 978-975-0015 or visit www.andoversartistsguild.com.
