375th anniversary plans
The Sons & Daughters of the First Settlers of Newbury want to start early to plan their participation in Newbury's 375th anniversary in 2010. The society is looking for anyone interested in getting involved. E-mail treasurer@sonsanddaughtersofnewbury.org, or write Sons & Daughters, P.O. Box 444, Newburyport, MA 01950.
Flag logo T-shirts
Newbury's 375th Anniversary Committee has Newbury flag logo T-shirts in children's small, medium and large for a $10 donation; adult small, medium, large and extra large, also $10; and adult 2X and 3X for $12. The 100-percent cotton, silk-screen shirts are at the town clerk's office, Newbury Town Hall, 25 High Road. Office hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. While in Town Hall, visit the souvenir display adjacent to the treasurer's window. The committee offers a wide array of town memorabilia. Proceeds will fund Newbury's 375th anniversary celebration in 2010. Visit www.newbury375.org for a complete list of sale items.
Committee selling sweat shirts
Newbury's 375th Anniversary Committee is selling its newest collectible, 375th anniversary sweat shirts made of heavyweight 50/50 poly/cotton with the anniversary logo printed on black or ash-colored crew neck shirts. Adult sizes S, M, L, XL and 2X can be purchased with a $20 donation to the Anniversary Committee. On sale at the town clerk's office at Town Hall, 25 High Road, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Other items include T-shirts, "Burying Grounds of Old Newbury" by Dick Cunningham, and more.
Fundraiser May 24
Come support the Triton Class of 2009. A Flea Market/Craft Fair will be held Saturday, May 24 (rain date: Sunday, June 1), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Newbury Green, Route 1A. Cost of space: 10 by 10, $30; 10 by 20, $50. To rent a space, or to donate food or drinks for the class to sell, call Ed Suprin at 978-462-8171, ext. 1166.
Adult retreat June 17
The Center for Grief & Healing is offering a Healing Retreat on Tuesday, June 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Adelynrood Retreat Center in Byfield. The retreat is open to any adult who is grieving the loss of a family member or friend. Preregistration is required, and the event is open to only 20 people. The registration fee is $40 to cover the cost of materials but may be waived if needed. For more information, contact the Center for Grief & Healing at 978-774-5100 or e-mail grief@hns.org
Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm summer programs
July 7 to 11; July 14 to 18: Little Farmers Summer Program, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for children 4 to 6. Children can enjoy outdoor farm activities, working and visiting with farm animals, exploring natural habitat and indoor crafts. Cost for Historic New England members is $110 a weekly session and $160 for nonmembers. Cost includes all materials, snacks and drinks. Space is limited to 25 children per session, and preregistration is necessary.
July 21 to 25; July 28 to Aug. 1: Historic Summer Theater, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for children 7 to 11. Children will use indoor and outdoor fram spaces, farm animals and historic resources to explore the farm's long history. Children will also write, rehearse and perform their own plays. Cost for Historic New England Members is $145 and $190 for nonmembers. Cost of admission includes materials and a premier party. Space is limited to 20 students, and preregistration is necessary.
July 28 to Aug. 1; Aug. 4 to 8: Weaving Room, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for children 8 and up. Children will learn to weave on 14 floor and table looms. The program includes lessons on spinning, dyeing and weaving. Cost for Historic New England members is $110 and $160 for nonmembers. Cost of admission includes materials, snacks and use of weaving equipment. Space is limited to 12 children, and preregistration is necessary.
For registration forms, contact Kathleen Corcoran at 978-462-2634. or e-mail kcorcoran@historicnewengland.org.
Absentee ballots available
Absentee ballots for the May 13 annual town election are now available at the town clerk's office at Town Hall, 25 High Road. Registered voters who will be out of town or otherwise unable to vote on election day may vote at the clerk's office during Town Hall business hours or receive an absentee ballot by mail. A written request is required to receive a ballot in the mail. The deadline for voting by absentee ballot is Monday, May 12, at noon. Town Hall hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call the clerk's office with questions at 978 462-2332.
Homeschooling families welcome
All homeschooling families are invited to join North Shore Explorers, a new support group to meet at the Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm starting in September. Meetings are the first and third Thursday, from 1 to 3 p.m. The theme for the year is Global Village, with a different country profiled each month. Families are encouraged to volunteer leading activities. Children of all ages may participate, though lessons will focus on ages 6 to 11.
To participate, families need to join Historic New England for a $55 annual fee plus $35 per family to pay the staff member needed on site. For more information, contact Courtney Nguyen at 978-257-5326 or courtney@theenchantedlearningcenter.com.
Plover wardens needed
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, on Plum Island, seeks volunteer plover wardens. Beginning in April each year, the entire refuge beach is closed to all public entry to provide undisturbed nesting habitat for the federally threatened piping plover. Greet visitors, provide information on the beach closure, notify refuge officers of closure violations. Varied four-hour shifts (the amount is flexible) from April to August.
For this and other volunteer positions for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Parker River, call 978-465-5754, ext. 208.
