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FRIDAY In the aftermath of America's "shock and awe" invasion of Baghdad five years ago, one of the many tragedies that unfolded before our eyes was the looting of the Iraq Museum in the capital city. Dr. Donny George, the former Director General of the museum, reluctantly presided over the looting and loss of irreplaceable national antiquities, knowledge and treasures, resigning in frustration in 2006. His departure was brought about by the loss of funding for the museum, political clashes; lack of authority, kidnappings and threats to his family — including a death threat to his 17-year-old son. His family fled to Damascus; they eventually came to Stony Brook University in New York, where he now teaches. Dr. George will speak about his war-time experiences and of the tragedy at the Iraq Museum in Jeppson Hall at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (73 Lancaster St.) at 6:30 p.m. this evening, followed immediately by a reception across the street at the Worcester Art Museum. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to hear first-hand about the devastating effects of war from a man with a unique perspective on its place in history. SATURDAY  And speaking of history, no animal has been a more faithful and useful companion to man than the horse. The rise and fall of civilizations, the course of great battles and the exploration and settlement of our planet have all been executed on horseback. Think about it — where would mankind be without the horse? Every now and then, our equine friends need our help — beyond their well-earned and deserved measure of care and attention. That's where organizations like New England Equine Rescues come in, proving intervention and care to horses in need, especially those who have been the victims of neglect or abuse. Beginning at 9 a.m. today at the Topsfield Fairgrounds (207 Boston St.), NEER will be attending the Essex County Trail Association Equine Expo. They'll be selling tack, crafts, raffle items, horse treats, equine art, blankets and more to help their cause. So if you love horses and want to do your share to help care for them, please stop by. For more information, visit www.newenglandequinerescues.com. You can also e-mail
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. We don't know who she is, but we love that e-mail address. SUNDAY Today's theme is babies, human and otherwise: You're invited to be at City Hall (455 Main St.) at 9 a.m. to participate in the March for Babies to help the March of Dimes ensure that every baby has a healthy start in life. Walk as an individual, start a corporate team or celebrate your children or a child in your life with a family team. It's free to participate, and fundraising is encouraged. For more information, visit www.marchofdimes.com or call 508-329-2800.  Other babies are on the minds of the Mass. Audubon/Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary today, as they sponsor a Vernal Pool Prowl (414 Massasoit Ave.) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come learn what makes these temporary vernal pools such an important part of our ecosystem, especially to frogs and salamanders. You'll be mucking around outdoors, so wear appropriate footwear and bring drinking water. And it's free. Guaranteed that children and grown-ups alike will learn something new about these incredible bodies of water — which disappear in a matter of weeks. For more information, call 508-753-6087.
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