Construction Begins Today on New Welch School Playground

Today is Friday, April 19. Here are five things to know today in Peabody.

1. Today's the day: The Friends of the Welch School Playground begin constructing their new playspace today at the Swampscott Avenue elementary school. The playground is dedicated to the late Carol Papi. Committee members and volunteers plan to be out from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. both today and tomorrow for construction and there will also be activities for kids. Additionally, you can buy an engraved brick that will find a home at the site of the new playground. Brick orders are due April 24.
   
2. It's Parents' Night Out at the Torigian Family YMCA tonight. Drop your kids off at 6:30 p.m. for some supervised fun for the evening and a little time off for yourself. Registration is open until 4:30 p.m. today and is free for Y family members, but $5 for youth members and $8 per child for non-members.
3. Shine Warm a Little Longer: Lyricora, a North Shore chamber choir, performs the spring concert "Shine Warm a Little Longer" at St. John the Baptist Parish on Saturday (7 p.m.). Tickets are $15.
4. Recycle your styrofoam: There's a monthly styrofoam recycling event on Saturday at Lifoam Industries, LLC, starting at 9 a.m. Check www.refoamit.com for which exact foam can be recycled.
5. There's a cornhole tournament at the Elks Lodge Saturday to benefit the Giving Hope Foundation. There are a variety of prizes as well. The cost to enter is $25 per person; $30 at the door. Teams are $50 each and $60 at the door.

And a sixth item to reflect on: President Obama's visit and message at an interfaith prayer service yesterday morning appears to have allowed the healing process to begin for many affected by Monday's bombing in Boston.

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