5 Things You Need to Know Today, April 26

Today is Thursday, April 26. Here are five things to know today in Peabody.

1. Spring flowers to support playground: You can purchase everything from tiger lillies to dahlias online at flowerpowerfundraising.com to help raise funds for a new playground at the . The fundraiser ends Friday.
2. Art center wants to know what you think: The , asking residents what they would like to see and how feel the art center downtown is doing.
3. Local author at GreenFest: Jerry Halberstadt will be at this years' GreenFest, offering visitors to the free family event, something else free as well -- an opportunity to sign for a free download of his book "A Tree for Max." The illustrated story for children tells the tale of Grandfather Apple Tree, the King and all the trees of the forest, messenger swans, and a dog, all cooperating to help a young boy, Max, obtain a tree and adjust to his new home. Most of the photographs in the book were taken in or near Peabody, in the apple orchards at , at Cedar Pond, and in the estuary of the Forest River in Salem.
4. If you didn't attend one of the public forums Tuesday to show off conceptual plans for a new middle school, and let us know what you think. You can also find the presentation online and further information about the project overall.
5. City Council: The Peabody City Council meets tonight, first the Finance Committee at 6:30, followed by a Committee of the Whole session at 6:45 to discuss Aggregate Industries' annual report and then the regular session at 7:30. You can find the agendas for each meeting online at the city's website.