5 Things to Know: Presidential Inauguration and MLK Day Today

Today is Monday, Jan. 21. Here are five things to know today in Peabody.

1. It's a rare occurrence, but both the presidential inauguration and national observance of late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday are today.
2. A fundraiser will be held in Beverly Feb. 1 for 25-year-old Peabody resident Erin Dawson, who has persevered through life with a genetic disease and now battles an aggressive brain tumor as well.
3. Mark your calendars for Feb. 6, the Peabody Institute Library will host an evening with award winning author Andre Dubus III, 7 p.m. in Wiggin Auditorium at Peabody City Hall. Dubus has written five books, one of which was made into a film that earned Academy Award nominations (House of Sand and Fog), and he has received numerous literary awards. He teaches full-time at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. His new book, "Dirty Love," is coming out later this year. For more information and to register, call 978-531-0100 ext. 10, or register online.
4. Biz Plan Competition: Local companies are encouraged to enter the 9th Annual North of Boston Business Plan Competition. The Enterprise Center at Salem State University will be offering an informational session for the competition on Jan. 24 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The contest is open to businesses in Essex County and the Merrimack Valley. You can find eligibility requirements and the official rules here.
5. The Peabody Historical Society of Peabody and Museum Textile Services of Andover will host a Sampler Study Day at the Historical Society's Smith Barn at 38 Felton St., Peabody on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. - noon.