Good causes
HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE. Thursday, Dec. 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 100 Cummings Center main lobby, Beverly. Accurety will hold a food drive to benefit the Beverly Bootstraps food pantry, which serves local residents in need. Non-perishable food and toiletry items will be accepted. All participants will be entered into a gift basket raffle. Adeline Matton, 978-884-5609 or amatton@accurety.com.
TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE. Saturday, Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Boxford Town Library, 10 Elm St.. Library is partnering with Mandalorian Mercs for a Toys for Tots drive. Meet classic Star Wars characters and bring an unwrapped, new toy to donate to a less fortunate child. Nanci Milone Hill, library director, 978-887-7323.
BROADWAY THEATRE GETAWAY. Tickets are available for the Salem Theatre Company’s $5,000 Broadway Theatre Getaway fundraising raffle that offers the winner a trip to New York City for two, including round-trip travel, two nights’ accommodation, two theater tickets to two performances of the winner’s choosing (based on availability), and up to $500 to cover meals and other expenses. Tickets cost $50 each, and the drawing will take place on Saturday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m., before the final performance of “Reckless” at the STC Theater, 90 Lafayette St., Salem. The winner does not need to be present to win and has up to one year to redeem the prize. Raffle tickets may be purchased at The Art Corner, 264 Washington St., Salem; at the STC Theater Box Office one hour before show time on all show dates; and from STC board members and staff. For complete raffle rules and more information, visit www.salemtheatre.com or call 978-790-8546.
GIVING GARDEN. Five trees, each dedicated to a local charity organization, in the Best Buy wing at the Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, Danvers, during mall hours through Thursday, Dec. 27. Each tree contains ornaments with wishes specific to each charity/organization. Shoppers can purchase the item listed on the ornament, and it will be distributed to the appropriate charity/organization. 978-777-0795.
A CALENDAR FOR CANINES AND FELINES. The Friends of Beverly Animals’ 2013 calendars feature more than 100 color photos of pets who were rescued and adopted out, or who belong to local supporters and friends. Calendars cost $12 each and may be purchased at the Beverly Animal Hospital, Beverly Wild Bird & Pet Supply, Casa de Moda, Marika’s, or by emailing bhannable@gmail.com, or calling 978-922-7190. All proceeds will be used to help homeless animals. Friends of Beverly Animals is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that is working toward establishing an animal shelter in Beverly. For more information, visit www.friendsofbeverlyanimals.org.
Holiday festivities
HOLIDAY PARTY. Thursday, Dec. 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., ArcWorks Community Art Center, 22 Foster St., Peabody. Raffles, music, holiday treats, a free gift and a chance to meet local artists. Free. To reserve a spot, contact Elise Snow, esnow@ne-arc.org, or 978-531-7146.
HOLIDAY ORNAMENT SWAP. Thursday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m., Boxford Town Library, 10 Elm St. Spend $10 to $15 on an ornament, then wrap it in holiday paper and bring it to the swap. Refreshments served. Free. 978-887-7323.
THE FARM NISSE OF APPLETON FARMS. Friday, Dec. 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Appleton Farms, Route 1A, Ipswich. Join Appleton Farms as they thank their Nisse — an elf-like creature who lives in their barns and protects their farmers, animals and crops — for all their good fortune, and offer him porridge, and listen to his tales of mischief. Enjoy holiday crafts, caroling, and socializing. $5 suggested donation per family. Meet in the Carriage Barn. Reserve a spot at 978-356-5728, ext. 18, or afeducator@ttor.org.
HOLIDAY VILLAGE DISPLAY OPEN HOUSE. Saturday, Dec. 22, 1 to 5 p.m., Gerry 5 VFA function hall, 210 Beacon St., Marblehead. The holiday village features a large, lighted display depicting a New England village with a working train, skiing, skating and other miniatures, and a section that depicts Marblehead. Also, Santa will be in attendance from 2 to 4 p.m. Free. 978-741-4712 or ziggyii@comcast.net.
MUSIC FOR THE HOLIDAYS CONCERT. Saturday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m., Ipswich Performing Arts Center, 134 High St., Ipswich. The Orchestra On The Hill and the Festival Chorus present this annual concert, featuring two world premieres of new seasonal music by local composers. Concert is headlined by soprano soloist Briana Paquin and includes works by Bach, Händel, and Saint-Saens, and a community sing-along of seasonal favorites. $15 suggested donation at the door.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT. Sunday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m., St. John the Russian Orthodox Church, 16 Mount Pleasant Ave., Ipswich. An evening of singing traditional Christmas carols led by the parish choir in the candle-lit historic church. A reception with holiday refreshments will follow. Free. Parking available in the rear of the church at 34 Lafayette Road. Father Spyridon, 978-380-6499 or frspyridon@comcast.net.
CHRISTMAS DINNER. Haven from Hunger will serve a Christmas Day dinner beginning at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 71 Wallis St., Peabody. The event will include a visit and gift from Santa. All are welcome. For more information, call 978-531-1530.
Theater and performances
“CHRISTMAS MEMORIES.” Performed by Sea Change Theatre Company, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21, 22 and 23, with shows at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Sea Change is a new nonprofit theater at Dane Street Church, 10 Dane St., Beverly. 978-500-3885, info@seachangetheatre.com or www.seachangetheatre.com.
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL.” Through Dec. 23 at North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, “A Christmas Carol” has become a holiday favorite throughout New England. Based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale of a curmudgeonly miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by ghosts of Christmases past, present and future hoping to change his destiny and save his soul. This musical, an original adaptation written for NSMT audiences, follows Scrooge through a series of strange and magical journeys, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. Tickets range $45 to $60. 978-232-7200 or www.nsmt.org.
Books
FARMS BRANCH BOOK DISCUSSION. Thursday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Beverly Public Library Farms Branch, 24 Vine St., Beverly Farms. Group will discuss “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating” by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. Handicapped-accessible. Discussion titles available at checkout desk; alternate formats may also be available. 978-921-6066.
Art exhibits
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT. On view through Monday, Dec. 24, at Beverly Cooperative Bank, 254 Cabot St. Work by award-winning Osborne Davis Photography of Beverly. Viewing hours are Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.osbornedavisphoto.com.
“RACHEL ROME HOUPES: A CELEBRATION OF ART.” Solo show on view through Jan. 4, in the ArcWorks Community Art Center Gallery, 22 Foster St., Peabody. Exhibit features oil paintings, acrylics and mixed-media abstract art work by Rome Houpes. Free. Street and public-lot parking available. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. arcworksart.org or www.facebook.com/ArcWorksCommunityArtCenter.
“TAKE TWO: PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM AND JUDY ROBINSON-COX.” On view through January at Cloister Gallery, St. Andrew’s Church, 135 Lafayette St., Marblehead. Exhibit features different photograph styles of landscapes, close-up macro views and abstract compositions inspired by Cape Ann’s atmosphere. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon. Handicapped-accessible. 781-631-4951 or officestandrews@verizon.net.
Clubs
FINZ SEAFOOD AND GRILL. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. to midnight, Bird Mancini. 76 Wharf St., Pickering Wharf, Salem. 978-774-8485.
GULU-GULU. Dec. 20, Ladyhips; Dec. 21, Bunwinkies; Dec. 22, Dr. Dk –– The DARQ Yule. All events begin at 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 247 Essex St., Salem. 978-740-8882.
HARDCOVER CAFE. Dec. 21, Katie O’Brien Duo. 15A Newbury St. (Route 1 north), Danvers. 978-774-1223.
HOWLING WOLF TAQUERIA. Dec. 21, Adria Smith Trio; Dec. 22, Cool Change; Dec. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Steve Spungin. All shows are 10 p.m. to midnight unless otherwise noted. 76 Lafayette St., Salem. 978-774-9653 or www.feedyourwolf.com.
IN A PIG’S EYE. Dec. 21, 4 to 7 p.m., Blues Jam, and 9 to 11:30 p.m., Lydia Harrell CD release party; Dec. 22, Grateful Dead Tribute Band with John Frazee; Dec. 23, 7 to 10 p.m., Brian Cogger and Friends; Dec. 26, Grateful Ted and Peter Tentindo. 148 Derby St., Salem. 978-741-4436.
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
