Pair of mysteries unfolding at Jabberwocky
Boston writer Margot Livesey offers clues about her latest detective story of the heart, "The House on Fortune Street," when she visits Jabberwocky Bookshop in The Tannery in Newburyport tonight.
"The House on Fortune Street" pays subtle homage to literary figures and works as it offers multiple perspectives on the life of Dara MacLeod, a young London therapist. The first section introduces readers to a Keats scholar who is Abigail's boyfriend. The second section is set in Dara's childhood and is narrated by her estranged father, who is fascinated by Lewis Carroll. The third section mirrors the plot of "Jane Eyre," and the final section is reminiscent of "Great Expectations."
Next week, Agatha Award-winning mystery writer Katherine Hall Page stops by Jabberwocky to share her 17th Faith Fairchild novel, "The Body in the Gallery." She'll talk about her latest mystery set in the heart of bucolic Aleford, Mass., on Thursday, May 15. In addition to Page's characteristic tantalizing cuisine and suspense, "A Body in the Gallery" also features modern art, revenge and a deadly game of deception.
Both readings start at 7 p.m. at the bookstore, 50 Water St. Admission is free. Call 978-465-9359 or visit http://jabberwocky.booksense.com.
Weekend birding to Salisbury and Newbury
Newburyport Birders travels to Salisbury and Newbury this weekend in search of birds. Here's what Sue McGrath of the group has planned:
r Birds Along the Salisbury Historic Rail Trail, a trek along the old Eastern Marsh Trail that offers views of The Great March and some upland, wooded islands, tonight from 6:30 to sunset. Meet at Friedenfels Street in Salisbury. Park just prior to the granite railroad bridge.
r Birds Along Newman Road in Newbury, a leisurely walk searching for birds in an area that Native Americans called Quascacunquen (waterfall, referring to the falls on Parker River), on Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. Meet at Newbury's lower green at the junction of Newman and High roads.
The cost for both outings is $10. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. Registration is not required. For more, call McGrath at 978-462-4785 or visit www.newburyportbirders.com.
Open house at feral cat sanctuary
An open house is planned for today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society's feral cat sanctuary in Danville, N.H. Meet the cats available for adoption as house and barn cats and learn how to sponsor a cat or kitten.
The sanctuary at 183 Colby Road houses 45 special needs kittens in a renovated garage with an outdoor play area. They are cared for by a volunteer staff.
For more information or to schedule a private visit, call June Garvey at 978-462-0760 or visit www.mrfrs.org.
Greek history author highlights new book
Chris Papoutsy leads a presentation on his new book, "Ships of Mercy, the True Story of the Rescue of the Greeks, Smyrna, September 1922," on Monday at 7 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, corner of Harris and Park streets, Newburyport.
Papoutsy's presentation will chronicle the historic event. Copies of his book will be available for purchase and autographing. Admission is free. Light refreshments will follow.
Spring twilight treks amble through Maudslay
Take in the sights of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport in all its spring beauty on a series of Tuesday evening strolls this month. The park interpreter will lead the free treks to different areas of the park every Tuesday in May from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
All ages are invited. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The walks start from the park headquarters across from the main parking lot on Curzon Mill Road. Registration is not required. Call 978-465-7223 for more.
Diverse poets on tap for Powow River reading
New York poet and editor R. Nemo Hill and Powow River Poets member Patricia Callan take turns at the microphone for this month's Powow River Poets reading on Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport.
Hill, an importer and purveyor of silks, textiles and other overseas treasures, shuttles between Southeast Asia and New York, and his poetry reflects influences as diverse as Bali and Brooklyn..He is the author of "The Strange Music of Erich Zann," a narrative poem based on a story by H. P Lovecraft; an illustrated novel, "Pilgrim's Feather; and a chapbook, "Prolegomena To An Essay On Satire."
Callan, a Newton resident, blends the worlds of literature and music..Her book "Out of the Case: Instruments on the Analyst's Couch," a series of poems revealing the phobias and neuroses of musical instruments, will be published in July..A play, "Papa's House," won the Loren Taylor Memorial Playwriting Contest..She has also collaborated with composer Yoko Nakatani on "The Adventures of John Manjiro," a suite of pieces for piano and narrator, which has its American premiere in July.
An open mike will follow the featured readers. Admission is free. Visit www.newburyportart.org or e-mail contactmcantor@prodigy.net for more.
Civil War Roundtable hears from historian
"Portsmouth, N.H., in the Civil War" will be the featured topic when the Civil War Roundtable of the Merrimack meets Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Senior Center, 43 Lafayette Road (Route 1), Salisbury.
Historian Dick Adams will lead the presentation. Admission is free. Anyone with an interest in America's Civil War is invited. Call Tom at 978-462-8518 for more.
YWCA hosts 'Guest Who's Coming to Dinner?'
The YWCA Greater Newburyport is once again hosting its "Guest Who's Coming to Dinner?" fundraiser, a series of 12 intimate dinner parties in Newburyport homes with special guests, on Saturday, May 17, at 7 p.m.
The special guests include NECN news anchor Chet Curtis, former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, author and television host Keith Ablow, Softball Commissioner Bev Wiley, independent filmmaker Lorre Fritchy, Rounder Records co-founders Marian Leighton Levy and Ken Irwin, and Union of Concerned Scientists member Erika Spanger Siegfried. The honored guests will share their talents and insight during the evening.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds support the YWCA. Visit www.ywcanewburyport.org or call 978-465-9922.
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