Stop by during Yankee Homecoming and support them!
Every weekend, and some weeknights too, a dedicated bunch of volunteers assemble each night at the Arakelian Theater in the historic building on Market Square in downtown Newburyport known as the Firehouse Center for the Arts. This small band of good Samaritans ensures that patrons of the arts get settled in their seats in time for the performance; quench their thirst at intermission; and see that food, programs and sometimes CDs are dispersed with dispatch and kindness. Like the “roadies” that Jackson Browne made famous in his song “The Load Out-Stay”, these individuals are the “first to come and the last to leave” too; but unlike the roadies who make “minimum wage” this group who arrives faithfully for every curtain call are volunteers – no paychecks are issued.
Headed up by Evelyn Kovach, the Firehouse Volunteer Coordinator and House Manager, these men and women (about 115 total) undergo a brief orientation and then meet regularly, all in the name of making sure that things run smoothly at the theater for each and every performance. They are an industrious group. So much so that in order to gather socially once each season they have taken to hosting their own Yard Sale. The goal is for proceeds from this sale to total enough to underwrite a September dinner cruise on the Merrimack that will offer them a chance to gather together and for them to be taken care of for a change. Newburyport Whale Watch (54 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA) will whisk the group away from the docks located behind the Firehouse on Sept. 10 at 6:30 PM and afford the volunteers a few hours to sit and share some conversation and a meal.
To support the Firehouse Volunteers stop by and visit their Yard Sale at 16 Laurel Road, Newburyport Saturday, Aug. 4th from 9 AM – 3 PM. Kovach says that like last year, this sale will offer “a little bit of everything” and that there is sure to be a good deal or two to be had for the discerning buyer!
Directions to Laurel Road: Take High Street (Route 113 north) going out of town towards Story Avenue. At Atkinson Common (on your right) veer right onto Ferry Road. At the intersection of Ferry Road and Spofford, stay straight onto Ferry Road. Laurel Road will be the third left on your left.
Calendar Listing
WHAT: Firehouse Volunteers’ Yard Sale
WHEN: Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 9AM – 3PM
WHERE: 16 Laurel Road, Newburyport, MA
For more info please call Evelyn Kovach at 978/462-7876.
About The Firehouse Center for the Arts- The Firehouse Center for the Arts is member-based organization located on the waterfront in Newburyport, with a 195-seat theater. The Firehouse offers “arts inspired experiences” including film, dance, theatre, concerts, children’s programming, a new works festival, and an art gallery which exhibits works by local and international artists. The Firehouse is handicap accessible.
