Member's Spring Open Show at the Newburyport Art Association

The Newburyport Art Association presents The Members’ Spring Open Show, All Media, April 2nd to April 25th, in the Sargent and Hartson Galleries.  The opening reception will be Saturday April 10th, 7-9pm, following the Newburyport Artwalk. This exhibit is generously sponsored by Strem Chemicals, Inc.

The NAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and exhibiting its members’ artwork, providing art education for individuals of all ages and skills, and delivering outreach programs designed to benefit all who live or work in the greater Newburyport area. The gallery is located at 65 Water Street in Newburyport.  Hours are weekdays and Saturday, 11am -5pm, Sunday 1pm -5pm. Closed Tuesdays thru April.  For more information call 978-465-8769 or visit the NAA website:  www.newburyportart.org

Coffee House Lecture Series at the Refuge

Friends of Parker River Coffeehouse and Lecture Series

 Thursday March 18^th 7-8pm

 

The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is the world’s largest predatory fish.  New research efforts around the world have begun to help dispel many of the myths surrounding this species’ fearsome reputation.  Exciting new technologies, such as ultrasonic telemetry and satellite tracking, have shed new light on the ecology and migratory patterns of white sharks in various “hot spots” around the world.  However, Atlantic white sharks have been more resistant to focused study due to their rarity and sparse distribution.  Is this presentation, shark biologist Tobey Curtis will provide an overview of the biology of the white shark in the western North Atlantic Ocean.  He will describe his current research on their seasonal distribution and population structure, as well as present preliminary data from several white shares tagged off Cape Cod in September 2009 by Dr. Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. 

Tobey H. Curtis is a Fishery Biologist who currently works for NOAA Fisheries Service in Gloucester, MA, and is a P.D. student at the University of Massachusetts, School of Marine Sciences.  He is a Massachusetts native, but got his B.Sc. degree in Marine Science from Long Island University, and his M.Sc. degree in Fisheries Science from the University of Florida.  Tobey has been actively researching sharks of various species for over 10 years.  These include white, mako, and blue sharks in California, sandbar sharks and smooth dogfish in Delaware Bay, and bull sharks and other coastal species in Florida.  He is currently studying the distribution and migrations of basking and white sharks off New England.

What's New at the Firehouse?

Help us buy chocolate. Become a Firehouse Center for the Arts member NOW!

Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra March 21 3pm $10 Adults $8 Students NYSO families-free

Tickets on Sale Now JACK MEARS and FIRST CALL Sat, Mar 20 at 8p $15 All tickets

Methuen Ballet Ensemble presents COPPELIA Sat, Mar 28 at 3p  Tickets:  $18 / $20

March is coming in like a line... Beware the eyes of March... Mad as a March hair...                                                                                                                   No. No. No. That's all wrong! For something right this month come to the Firehouse for the best in music, dance, family entertainment and art.                         Here is a sampling of what's on the calendar this month.  For more details visit our web site at www.firehouse.org. Hope to see you at the theater!

Something on your mind? Want to receive our weekly newsletter? Contact us. It's your Firehouse.

Tickets On Sale Now! FIREHOUSE ANNUAL KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY  Saturday, May 1, 2010

Parting thought: "Those who dislike classical music have my symphony." Anonymous

The Newburyport Mother's Club wants to help you "Spring Ahead"

Editor's Note - "Whiny Wednesdays" is a recurring series that focuses on giving caregivers fun ideas to do locally.  The result being that Whiny Days are no more!  We are always looking for guest posters for this series, please email us if you're interested.  talk@newburyport-today.com

Newburyport Mother's Club, a local all-volunteer social club that boasts over 700 area families as members, is excited to contribute to "Whiny Wednesdays"!  We will be providing information about community events and things to do, as well as our exclusive events for NMC members.  To find out more about joining Newburyport Mothers Club, visit us ONLINE HERE

Spring Ahead!
Yay! Spring is here. Let's hope the weather comes with it. It's time to put the sleds, skates and skiis away and get ready for April showers! The kids are itching to get outside just as much as we are and of course, there are tons of great places in our area to enjoy the nature of the Seacoast.

My son's class just took a field trip to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. I had no idea it was even there! It's just a quick trip down Route 1. The Ipswich River is the Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuary. It offers more than 10 miles of interconnecting trails that invite you to explore the forests, meadows, and wetlands.

In April, listen for the chorus of American toads and pickerel frogs. Watch for river otters, painted turtles, and great blue herons at various times throughout the year. Climb the drumlin and esker, landscape features created by a glacier 15,000 years ago. Huge rocks and exotic trees and shrubs that were part of a former arboretum provide an adventurous walk along the Rockery Trail.

And this summer the excitement continues! You can canoe along eight miles of the Ipswich River that run through the sanctuary and camp on Perkins Island, located a half-mile up the river. Members of the Mass Audubon can rent canoes and also rent a cabin that is conveniently located close to the sanctuary’s office and program facilities and sleeps four.

The Ipswich River Sanctuary is kicking off the season just next week with Early Spring Terrific Toddlers Program. The Signs of Spring program is held on Wednesdays, March 24 or March 31 or Thursday, March 25. Class is held from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM. To sign up, email ipswichriver@massaudubon.org

 

Right in Newburyport we are so lucky to have the Joppa Flats, also part of the Mass Audubon. The Joppa Flats Education Center is located at the gateway to one of the country’s most productive, year-round, wildlife viewing areas—the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and the Plum Island estuary. Highlights for visitors are the many species of birds that utilize the area’s extensive salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays, and coastal waters. During local area field trips, Joppa Flats program participants have recorded over 300 species of birds including the bald eagle, snowy owl, many warblers, shorebirds, and waterfowl. The new visitor center overlooking the Merrimack River includes second-floor observation areas—one indoors and one outdoors—a conference center, a guest services area, and interpretive displays.

Joppa Flats Education Center holds year round educational programming that shouldn't be missed.

Just this week enjoy Parent/Child Walkabouts AM: Birding for Beginners on Friday, March 19 at 10 AM or 1 PM. Classes are 90 minutes long and the cost is $10 for Mass Audubon members and $14 for non members. The fee covers one adult and one child. Additional siblings: $8/member, $12/nonmember. The class is not recommended for children under 3.

Other programs coming up are Family Flybys: The Wonder of Whales. The program will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Children must be accompanied by adults but the program is free for adults and only $3.00 for members and $5.00 for non members.
Or for older children (ages 6-9 years old) check out next week's program Investigate, Create, & Learn: In Search of Seals on Wednesday, March 24 from 3:30 to 5 pm. The class is $10 for members and $14 for non members.
The Newburyport Mother's Club is planning two upcoming events to celebrate Spring at Joppa Flats.

NMC Event: Imagine, Sing, Learn - All About Owls In The Snow
Friday, March 26, 10 – 11 AM
Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, $7/child
IMAGINE being able to see, hear and fly like an owl!  SING about snowy owls hatching from their egg!  LEARN how owls protect themselves, find their prey, survive the winter, and more!
This program is designed
for the creative and curious child ages 3-6. This 60-minute program offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, story time, and a take-home craft. You'll go home with coloring pages and stickers for continued fun and learning!  

NMC Event: Imagine, Sing, Learn – Amazing Eagles
Wednesday, Mar 31, 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, $7/child
This parent/child program is designed
for the creative, curious, and active child ages 3-6. This 60-minute
program offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, story time, and a take-home craft. 
You'll go home with coloring pages and stickers for continued fun and learning!  

To register for the NMC member events, log on to the NMC registration program. To register for the Joppa Flats programs that are open to Mass Audubon members and non members, call 978-462-9998.

Do you have Game?

The Nock PTO is holding the second annual Parent/Teacher Basketball Night on April 1st from 6:30-8pm. Students are gearing up to cheer on their Parent (or Teachers?!) for this competitive night. There will be raffles, half-time contests, food, music and more! Come be part of this fun event… the teachers are already practicing…can the Parents hold their title from last year? All are welcome. Parents looking to play can get sign up forms on line at www.nockpto.com.

Yes, we need men AND women to play – no experience is necessary! All proceeds will benefit the Nock PTO.
Anyone wishing to donate food or raffle items, please email info@nockpto.com – your generosity is ALWAYS appreciated!

Featured Artist Reception at the NAA

 

Karen Jones of Newburyport is the Featured Artist at the Newburyport Art Association from March 18-31, 2010 in the Hills Gallery.

Ms. Jones has been a member  and has taught classes in pastels for the past  4 years.  She received her education from the Museum School at the MFA and is currently with 2 well-known galleries, Renjeau  in Natick and Sheldon Gallery in Newport, RI.  Her work in pastels and acrylics is inspired by well-known artist, Wolf Kahn and several others who work in a similar style - a very loose, bold and colorful technique.  She has also recently taken an interest in digital photography and will have several photographs from a recent trip to the island of San Miguel in the Azores.

There will be a reception on Friday, March 19, 2010 from 7-9 pm in the Hills Gallery.

Newburyport, What's for Dinner?

This week Newburyport-Today welcomes back local cook and blogger Aaron to contribute to our continuing series "What's for Dinner".  Check out Aaron's blog for more recipes and local inspiration Unemployed Guy Vs. Farm Share.

From Aaron's Blog - "I tackle the sometimes overwhelming bounty from the farm share that my wife and I support on the North Shore of Boston, as I try to find a job. We liked the idea of a healthier lifestyle, and supporting local agriculture. Now that I know my farmer and how much went into the food I receive, I don't want to waste any of it. This means facing a fridge full of vegetables which can be daunting, for me anyways.  As a result, over the last two years, as we have gotten closer to our food sources and become discerning consumers in our choices. Along the way we have found opportunities for gastronomic adventures that we want to share. There you have it, unemployed guy vs. farm share."

I know I have done this before (read this post), but I love Shepherd's Pie. Which by the way, is the name of it as long as it is made with lamb. If you use beef, you got yourself a cottage pie. I sometimes use turkey, but can't think of a funny creative name to call it. We're getting close to Saint Patrick's day, and if you find yourself going to party, any version of this will please the crowd.

I went my parents' annual Saint Patrick's Day party on Saturday night, and brought this Braised Beef Cottage Pie. It was a wonderful blend of comfort food with a a gourmet touch. We sang and read poetry to celebrate our Irish heritage. A good time was definitely had by everyone in attendance. (A better time for those who ate the Cottage Pie I brought). 

Braised Beef Cottage Pie

1.5 lb's of chuck stew meat
4 sliced carrots
1 large onion
3 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups dry red wine
1-1/2 cups water
1 tbs Thyme
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
Handful of green beans
1 cup of cheddar cheese
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
One 1-pound celery root
Milk
Butter

Start with the braised beef. In a 5.5 quart dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Coat the meat with salt and pepper and add to the casserole. Brown using medium-high heat. Toss in the carrots and onions and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. When the meat is done add the flour and stir in. Pour in the water and red wine, season with thyme, and add salt and pepper. Turn back up to high, and once the mixture comes to a simmer, cover it and simmer over low heat, stirring every once in a while. Cook for at least two hours. The meat is done when easily shredded with a fork.

Once you've got the beef cooking, put the potatoes and celery root in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the starches are tender. Drain the potatoes and celery root, reserving about 4-8 ounces of starchy water. Return them to the pot with the water, and add butter, salt, and pepper. Start mashing, and add milk to get the creamy texture you prefer. Put aside until the meat is done.

When the meat is done, turn the oven to 350°. Take the meat out of the dutch oven, shred it, and put it at the bottom of a 9x9 casserole dish. Reduce the gravy while you layer the other vegetables in the dish. Fish the carrots and onions out of the dutch oven with a slotted spoon and add to the casserole dish,. Then add the peas and green beans. Add gravy over top of the veggies, saving some for the gravy boat. Spread the mashed potatoes and top with cheddar cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly brown. Don't forget to let cool for about ten minutes or so before eating. The roof of your mouth will thank you.

Hey Newburyport, What's the Word on the Street?

Newburyport-Today is pleased to welcome back local photographer Meg Manion Silliker for our continuing series Word on the Street. Meg is a natural light photographer, whose style has been described as "honest, playful and candid". We are pleased to have Meg join our team of contributors. Check out Meg's Website, Bluelime Photography and look for her strolling around Newburyport snapping photos and asking "What's the Word on the Street?"

Meg managed to get out last week and enjoy the warm weather, she says "The word on the street was 'sunshine' though that changed drastically this weekend!"  Enjoy Meg's fun photos of BEFORE the rain hit!

 

Meg says, "You never know what you might see on the street!" After last week's amazing storm that took down so many trees in Newburyport, these teens were spotted walking down the street draped in pine finery!  

 

 

Kyle Linehan getting ready for a hike at old town hill. Kyle is a physics teacher at Manchester by the Sea High School.


4 1/2 year old Alice enjoying the sunshine and the playground

 

 

Alice and her friend Annie enjoying the tire swing.



South End boys playing basketball - enjoying the warm weather


Zari -posing at the playground

9 year old Silja finger knitting in the sunshine at Perkins Park

 

 

9 year olds - Silja and Rae silhouetted with their finger knitting



This gentlemen was enjoying the sun and pedaling his pups around

 

Newburyport Today and WNBP: This Week in the Port

Listen to our Promo now!

Newburyport-Today is pleased to be working with WNBP to promote our calendar listings on a weekly basis.  Listen for our promotions running every Friday and Saturday on the station. We'll try to keep you informed on all that's going on.  If you are a community group or non-profit organization in the Newburyport area, please send us your listings, talk@newburyport-today.com.

Local photographer Godfrey (Jeff) Sluder is the featured artist at the Laura Coombs Hill Gallery of the Newburyport Art Association. The exhibition, Views from the Water's Edge, runs from March 11 to March 17. His exhibition of digital archival prints depicts landscapes of rivers and shorelines from Nova Scotia to Florida.  The NAA is hosting areception in the gallery from 7 to 9PM on Friday, March 12.  The gallery is located at 65 Water Street, Newburyport, MA.

Details

A dance party with celebrity guest auctioneer KISS 108 and NECN TV Diner's Billy Costa is being held to benefit families impacted by domestic violence on Saturday, March 13. The Party: Jeans & Jewels fundraiser will feature a live and silent auction, dancing, cocktails and food stations at DiBurro's in Ward Hill, Haverhill between 6 p.m. and midnight. Proceeds from the event will benefit the programs of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center offices in Newburyport and Amesbury. Featuring: Sumptuous Food Stations, Dancing and Live & Silent Sponsor Arthur S. Page Insurance   Silent Auction 6PM-7:50PM Live Auction 8PM-9PM Reservations $60 www.jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org

Firehouse Center for the Arts Jonathan Edwards Friday March 12, 8PM Warm as summer sunshine, real as the truth, intimate as a long overdue visit between old friends ... such is a Jonathan Edwards concert.  Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, the man simply delivers, night after night - songs of passion, songs of insight, songs of humor, all rendered in that pure and powerful tenor which, like fine wine, has only grown sweeter with age.     Bubblemania! Saturday, March 13, 11am & 1pm The science, wonder and fun of bubbles, brought to us from the man who has "burst" onto the stage all over the world. Casey Carle, comic "bubbleologist," performs his amazing one-man show. BubbleMania is polished entertainment combining comedy, science, music and a fascinating exploration of bubbles of unusual shapes, sizes and abilities. Among the many featured bubbles are giant floating spheres, soap-film "serpents," bouncing bubbles, balanced columns of bubble foam; cube bubbles and bubbles that burst into flame!

Natural High Fitness Club From Couch Potato to 5K Runners can meet on Saturdays at 10am  at the Fuller Field Track The program will help prepare non-runners to actually run the Spring Fever 5K this year. The training will continue to progressively bring intervals of walking and jogging all the way up to race day on May 2.  Details

For the Next 7 Generations: A New England Premiere Documentary Saturday, March 13, 2010, 8:00pm Sunday, March 14th, 3:00pm.  For the Next 7 Generations is a documentary that takes us on the momentous journey of thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers as they travel around the globe to promote world peace and share their indigenous ways of healing. A post screening discussion facilitated by Marc Clopton: Shamanic Practitioner . A portion of the proceeds of this screening will go to the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. This screening takes place at the Actors Studio of Newburyport at the Tannery. 50 Water St. Mill #1, Suite #5, Newburyport, Ma 01950 Ticket prices $15.00 adults, $13.00, seniors, students. . For reservations and information call 978-465-1229 or order online at https://web6.mkat.com/mktixrun/shared/mknporun?dir=mvedc.MKT-382.ASN-E15471&Event=ASN-E15471&page=mkeventregisterfrm.jsp Wheelchair accessible from the Water Street entrance.

**Calling All Plover Wardens!** Sunday, March 14th, 10:00am-12:00pm Do you like being outside? From April through mid August the refuge beach is closed for the Piping Plover a threatened bird species. Help us protect the beach, educate visitors, and get a lot of fresh air! This orientation is open the adult public. Attendance does not obligate you to volunteer! No registration required. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center. 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. **Celebrate the Longer Days With the Birds!** Sunday, March 14th , 3:30pm - dusk Celebrate the longer days with the birds! Join Essex County Ornithological Club President, Sue McGrath, to search for birds on at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. If you have binoculars and a field guide, please bring them along. Please dress in layers, wear warm socks & sturdy shoes. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 1. All programs are FREE but space is LIMITED and advanced registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise indicated. Please call 978-465-5753 to register. Visit us on the web http://parkerriver.fws.gov The refuge visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, NBPT

Programs at Joppa Flats

Saturday Morning Birding:  What's that Bird? Sat, March 13, 10am - 2pm A quick weekend jaunt to see the birds of greater Newburyport. No experience required. Limited to six participants. Children age 8 and up welcome. FAMILY FLYBY AT JOPPA FLATS Sat, March 13, 10am - 2pm New bi-monthly Saturday program! Drop by for free-flowing nature fun at a time that suits your busy schedule. For families with children age 2 to 12. Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Harbor Seals Saturday, March 13, 2:30-5:00 p.m. Joppa Flats teacher Lisa Hutchings takes you and your family to the mouth of the Merrimack River to see wintering harbor seals. For families with children ages 7 and up. OWLS OF THE SALT MARSHES AND FORESTS Saturday, March 13, 4:30-10:30 p.m. Search for diurnal and nocturnal owls in the Newbury/Rowley area, with a dinner and lecture break between afternoon and evening. WATERCOLOR ILLUSTRATION Saturday, February 20, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Artist Gina Lee Kim leads this workshop, which focuses on interpreting nature's colors through the brilliance of watercolor painting. FOCUS ON SEABIRDS Sunday, February 21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Explore Cape Ann to find sea ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls. Special features: harlequin ducks and perhaps a king eider. WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING Wednesdays, March 3, 10(Cape Ann), 17, 24, and 31 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area.  Appropriate for all birding levels. INVESTIGATE, CREATE, & LEARN:EVERYTHING EAGLE Wednesday, February 24, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Teacher-Naturalist Lisa Hutchings invites children age 6 to 9 to learn about local wildlife in this after-school program.

Listen for our weekly events promotions to air on WNBP every Friday and Saturday.

Remember we can only fit so much into one email!  Please check our Newburyport Events Calendar for a complete listing of all that is going in Newburyport. 

If you are a business or community group, please send us your events! 

Kim Gobbi
Newburyport Today
talk@newburyport-today.com

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Sponsored: Do you want to Win $10,000?

The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce invites you to win $10,000! What would you do with the money if you won?  For only $100 you could win $10,000.  Tickes on sale until March 18th.