Good causes

RETURNABLE BOTTLE AND CAN FUNDRAISER. Saturday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, New England Engine and Machine, 50 Lowell St., Peabody. For Cub Scout Pack 119 and to help the environment, donors are asked to bring 5-cent returnable or refundable bottles and cans. All proceeds will go toward Pack 119’s Scouting activities, including the Pinewood Derby and the Blue and Gold Banquet. Donors should not bring tin cans, food containers or plastic milk jugs.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE. Saturday, Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School cafeteria, 775 Bay Road, Hamilton. The Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donations. Donors must be at least 17, or 16 with a signed parental consent form. To make an appointment in advance, call 800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Art

“RECONSTRUCTED: MY HANDS, OUR HISTORY.” Leisure Art, in collaboration with the Gallery at Porter Mill, first exhibition of the year, through Jan. 27. Assemblage and installation work by Brian Thomas and Sarah Rutherford. All are invited to reception to meet the artist and enjoy refreshments in the gallery at 95 Rantoul St., Beverly, today from 5 to 9 p.m., coinciding with Beverly’s First Thursday Art Walk. studiosatportermill.blogspot.com.

NEW MEMBER EXHIBIT, MARBLEHEAD ARTS ASSOCIATION. Work by 32 new members on exhibit at King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead, from Jan. 5-21, with free meet-the-artist reception on Sunday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m. Juried work by abstract artists, painters of traditional landscapes, photographers and artists using three-dimensional media. 781-631-2608, info@marbleheadarts.org or www.marbleheadarts.org.

WINTER ART SHOW. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., Ipswich Middle School, Performing Arts Center lobby, 130 High St. Features more than 200 works in all media forms created by first-trimester middle school students. Refreshments served courtesy of IMADA. virginia.eaton@comcast.net.

“NIGHT AND DAY.” Paintings by Kevin Kusiolek, Jan. 9 through Feb. 8, with reception on Thursday, Jan. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at ArcWorks Community Art Center, 22 Foster St., Peabody. www.arcworksart.org or. 978-531-7146.

SWAMPSCOTT ARTS ASSOCIATION. Exhibit at the Grosvenor Park Gallery, in the Grosvenor Park Nursing Center at 7 Loring Hills Ave., Vinnin Square, Salem, from Jan. 5 to 31, with a gala opening on Sunday, Jan. 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. The gallery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. 978-741-5700.

“REFLECTIONS ON A WORLD.” Exhibit by local artist/photographer Alyce Underhill at the Cloister Gallery, Jan. 6-30. Opening reception Sunday, Jan. 6, at the gallery, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 136 Lafayette St., Marblehead, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Photographs and small mixed media that incorporate images on panels, canvas utilizing acrylic, transfers, gels and glitter. Gallery hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon. Handicapped-accessible. 781-631-4951; fax, 781-639-7937; officestandrews@verizon.net.

Lectures

NUTRITION FOR A LIFETIME. Friday, Jan. 4, 10:15 a.m. to noon, Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., Hamilton. Nancy Rowse, nutrition and wellness coach from Pure Energy Nutrition, will discuss how to find the food and lifestyle choices that work best for attendees. Rowse will offer techniques for attendees to make gradual changes that enable them to reach their health goals. www.hwlibrary.org.

AMERICAN JEWS AND THE QUEST FOR A MIDDLE EAST PEACE. Monday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m., Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute, 10 Federal St., Salem. Mark Mulgay, one of the founders of the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans, will explain why Israel’s Jewish and democratic character depends on a two-state solution resulting in a Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security. Donations appreciated from nonmembers. www.explorerslli.org or 978-744-0804.

Performances

“HONK!” Thursday, Jan. 10, 6 p.m., Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, Ferrini Auditorium, 775 Bay Road, Hamilton. Miles River Middle School presents musical tale of “The Ugly Duckling.” For tickets, email milesriverhonk@gmail.com. Tickets also available for purchase on the night of the show.

Sale

ST. JOHN’S CHURCH THRIFT SHOP REOPENING SALE. Friday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 19 Chestnut St., Peabody. All Christmas items will be free, including a 6-foot tree with lights. Winter hours are now Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are accepted during open hours. 978-531-0002.

Music

SALEM PHILHARMONIC. Beethoven’s “Emperor” concerto will be performed Sunday, Jan. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at Salem High School, 77 Willson St. Pianist Chia-Jung Tsay featured. This concert, in the Philharmonic’s 108th season and the 46th under the leadership of conductor Alan Hawryluk, will be followed by performances on Sundays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27, at the same time and location. The final performance will include appearances by the Salem High School Symphony, and the Paul Madore Chorale. All concerts are free. www.salemphilharmonic.org.

Discussion groups

MYSTERY MAYHEM READING GROUP. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., Hamilton. Group discusses what makes a good mystery, new titles and participants’ favorite titles. Also, solve the mystery of the day. Theme is “Grand Complications: Twisty Plots and Complex Stories.” Light refreshments provided. Stop by the library for a list of winter/spring 2013 titles and meeting dates. www.hwlibrary.org.

FILM DISCUSSION GROUP. Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main St., Peabody. “Seven Samurai.” Monthly group discusses the art of filmmaking and current trends and historical contexts that drive the creation of selected films. View film prior to discussion. 978-531-0100, ext. 10, or www.peabodylibrary.org.

“THE HOBBIT” DISCUSSION. Thursday, Jan. 10, 7 to 9 p.m., Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union St., Hamilton. “There and Back Again & Beyond: Exploring the Meaning in J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit,’” presented by author and lecturer Sean McDonough, explores what makes the journey so compelling and how it connects with the deeper history of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. www.hwlibrary.org.

Clubs

FINZ SEAFOOD AND GRILL. Friday, Jan. 4, Tony O. Trio. 76 Wharf St., Pickering Wharf, Salem. 978-774-8485.

GULU-GULU. Thursday, Jan. 3, Bright Moments Sextet; Friday, Jan. 4, Smile Makers; Saturday, Jan. 5, The Doctors Fox; Thursday, Jan. 10, Bryan Pero and the Tired Horses. 247 Essex St., Salem. All events begin at 8 p.m. 978-740-8882.

IN A PIG’S EYE. Friday, Jan. 4, 4:15 p.m., blues jam; Monday, Jan. 7, 9 to 11:30 p.m., open mike with Julie Dougherty. 148 Derby St., Salem. 978-741-4436.

HOWLING WOLF TAQUERIA. Friday, Jan. 4, 10 p.m. to midnight, Megan McKenzie/Jeff Buckridge Duo; Saturday, Jan. 5, 10 p.m. to midnight, SERIES (with Qwill and Michael Feingold); Sunday, Jan. 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Steve Spungin. 76 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-774-9653 or www.feedyourwolf.com.