New Centennial Crossing Development Breaks Ground

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 19. Here are five things to know today in Peabody.

1. City officials and the development team behind Centennial Crossing are holding a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the commercial site in Centennial Industrial Park. The project just recently got underway at 2 First Ave. and will ultimately create a new 40,000-square-foot complex with opportunities for retail, medical, commercial and light industrial uses. "This exciting project represents the first example of new construction since the changes made to the Peabody zoning ordinance earlier this year which now allow for retail use within the business park," says Community Development Director Karen Sawyer.
2. The River House, a homeless shelter for men in Beverly run by North Shore Community Action Programs, is holding its Breakfast of Thanksgiving on Wednesday.
3. The Peabody Public Schools are celebrating American Education Week with an open house on Thursday at the Kiley School and some special guests. Deputy Commissioner of Education Alan Ingram, state Sen. Joan Lovely and state Reps. Ted Speliotis and Leah Cole will all be stopping by for the open house from 3-5 p.m. at 21 Johnson St. and there will be exhibits from each school. Peabody High culinary students will also be providing light refreshments while the Performing Arts Departments offers the entertainment.
4. Stop down to the Children's Room at the Main Branch Library Thursday from 7-7:45 p.m. for some family pajama story time. It's free.
5. Dress down for hunger on Friday. Haven from Hunger is asking local businesses to participate in a "Dress Down Day for Hunger" on Nov. 22. The food pantry asks employers to offer their employees an option to dress down for the day for a suggested donation of $5 to $10 that goes to the Haven. The pantry is located at 71 Wallis St. and serves residents from Peabody, Salem and Lynnfield. Visit www.havenfromhunger.org for more information.