The Lookout
Gerard A. "Jerry" Bertrand, president emeritus of the Massachusetts Audubon Society and a recognized leader in environmental conservation, will present "Saving the World's Most Endangered Bird Species," a lecture and slide show on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.
Bertrand, a resident of Hamilton who has been active in international conservation and environmental science for more than 30 years, will discuss dangers that can cause the depletion and eventual extinction of wildlife. He will discuss some of the rarest birds in the world, why they become rare and what can be done to save them from extinction.
Former president of Mass Audubon's board for 18 years, Bertrand is honorary president of the World Land Trust and currently serves on the boards of BirdLife International and the National Audubon Society.
Admission is $4, free to Mass Audubon members. Call 978-462-9998 or visit www.massaudubon.org.
A graceful primer on 'Art of Small Talk'
Etiquette consultant Jodi R.R. Smith explores "The Art of Small Talk" in a Historical Society of Old Newbury program Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Phoenix Room, State Street, Newburyport.
Smith will teach participants how to handle themselves in diverse situations, from casual business events to cocktail parties, with poise and confidence. The interactive program is designed to be both educational and entertaining. It will feature live music, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Tickets are $15. Reservations are required. Call the historical society at 978-462-2681 for a seat.
'Garbage Warrior' focus of free screening
Long Way Home and Transition Newburyport are partnering to present a free screening of the 90-minute documentary film "Garbage Warrior" on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Program Room at Newburyport Public Library, 94 State St,
The film spotlights architect Mike Reynolds' quest to build energy-independent houses out of society's debris — tires, beer cans and water bottles. For 30 years, Reynolds and his followers have devoted their time to advancing the art of "Earthship Biotecture" by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Reynolds will participate in a webinar presented by Long Way Home as part of Build Boston at Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. The cost of the lecture is $25, with $15 with a student ID. Proceeds go to the construction of a vocational school in Guatemala with tires, cans and bottles.
Long Way Home's mission is to break the cycle of poverty among youth in developing communities by creating educational opportunities, cultivating civic interaction. Transition Newburyport is focused on building community resilience by acting together locally to make the transition to a post-fossil-fuel world in a thoughtful and planned way. For more on the organization, visit www.longwayhomeinc.org or www.transitionnewburyport.org.
Visit www.garbagewarrior.com/trailer.html For a trailer of "Garbage Warrior." To register for the workshop, visit www.buildboston.com/ForAttendees.aspex.
Merrimack River Watershed Council annual meeting
The Merrimack River Watershed Council holds its annual meeting Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the headquarters of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.
Information on how the Merrimack River is being protected and an update on council's projects and activities. The results of the 2009 monitoring program will be held, and a new board of directors will be elected.
Before the meeting, a guided walking tour of dune's trail at the refuge will take place at 12:30 p.m. Interested participants should meet at the refuge headquarters. The refuge center exhibits and displays will be open to tour starting at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be available.
For more, call 978-275-0120 or call www.merrimack.org.
Ancient crystal skull on display Saturday at The Way To Balance
Sue and Aaron Singleton, founders of The Way To Balance, LLC Center For Advanced Healing and Training, and The Energy Of Life Intuitive Enhancement Process in Amesbury, are presenting the ancient crystal skull "Dolly" to the public tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. at 21 Water St. in Amesbury.
It will be the first time the skull is shown in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. According to the Singletons, "Dolly" was found with "Max," a Texas crystal skull in Guatemala. Like other skulls, they say its origin is a mystery. Aaron Singleton says people have experienced healing and insight from "Max," and he believes "Dolly" will offer similar experiences.
A suggested $22 donation is requested. For more, call 978-834-0341 or visit www.TheWayToBalance.com.
Traditional fall Greek dinner on the menu
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Harris St., Newburyport, serves up a fall dinner from Yiayia's Greek Kitchen on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The menu will include Klephtes pork, pork loin stuffed with feta and vegetable, which is a traditional meal of the freedom fighters in the Revolution of 1821 against the Turks), salad and dessert. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $6 for children under 12.
Call the church office at 978-465-5757 for more.
Cavalry battle on Civil War group's agenda
The Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack discuss the "Cavalry Battle of Aldie, Virg., June 1863" when it meets Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Route 1), Salisbury.
Steve Bunker will present the featured program. Admission is free. Anyone with an interest in the Civil War is invited. Call Tom at 978-462-8518 for more.
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