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Point and Shoot 101
Saturday, February 4, 9am-11am
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
6 Plum Island Turnpike
If you are one of the millions of people who own a “point & shoot” digital camera, love nature, AND are a little timid about taking your camera off the automatic setting, then this presentation is for you!  Matt Poole, refuge visitor services manager and avid nature photographer, will present a variety of practical tips and suggestions that will empower you to unleash the capacity for you and your camera to capture beautiful and compelling images of nature. The presentation will be conducted in the refuge visitor center auditorium. Attendees are welcome to bring their cameras, with manuals, if they have specific questions about their equipment. Pre-registration is NOT required.

Joppa Flats Education Center – Saturday Morning Birding
Saturday February 4, 9.30am – 11.30am
Joppa Flats, One Plum Island Turnpike
Our experienced leaders will take you around to all the birding hot spots in the Newburyport/Plum Island area in search of avian activity. Beginners and birders of all skill levels are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your sense of excitement about this great area – one of the best year-round birding locations in the country. For more information on this and numerous other programs offered by Joppa Flats Audubon, please Check our Calendar.

FAMILY FLYBY AT JOPPA FLATS: ENDANGERED SPECIES S.O.S.
Saturday February 4, 10am – 2pm
Joppa Flats, One Plum Island Turnpike
Fly by or settle in for free-flowing nature fun. Crafts, experiments, games, and more for families with children ages 2 to 12.

Newburyport Farmers’ Market
Sunday, February 5, 10.00am-2.00pm
Tannery Market Place Event Tent
Come shop for local produce, free-range meats, baked goods, cheeses, crafts.

Rotary’s Annual Frigid Fiver road race!
Sunday, February 5 12noon – 3pm
Michael’s Harborside on the Newburyport waterfront
If you’re feeling guilty about overeating and couch potato-ing on Super Bowl Sunday, Newburyport has a homegrown cure. Race entry fee is $20 prior to race day with a long-sleeved T-shirt. Race Day entry is $15 with no T-shirt.

Wii for Seniors at Newburyport Public Library
Wednesday, February 8, 10am-11am
Newburyport Public Library, 94 State Street
Seniors are invited to “play” various sports, dancing and competitive-style interactive games using the big screen television.  All skill levels, including beginners, welcome.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – “Behind the Scenes” Refuge Tour
Thursday, February 9, 9.30am – 11.30am
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – Visitors Contact Station- located in parking lot #1
Explore the refuge with a ranger and refuge biologist.  See areas of the refuge that are otherwise closed to the public. Advance registration is required for this program.

The council vote was a response to a request by No More Fukushimas! (NMF!), a local citizen’s group alarmed by a spring 2011 NRC inspection report in which the NRC described structural concrete degradation due to groundwater infiltration at the Seabrook nuclear power plant as “severe” and admitted not knowing the extent of degradation at the aging facility.  NMF! has been meeting with elected officials in local communities to give them information on degradation problems at the 20-year-old plant and to request that they express their concern for public safety to the NRC.  NMF! also has been meeting with local public safety officials to ensure that first responders are aware of conditions at the Seabrook plant.

“We are grateful to the Newburyport City Council for its unanimous endorsement of a resolution to the NRC to take care of safety before considering relicensing.  We are especially appreciative of councilors Barry Connell, Kathleen O’Connor Ives, Ed Cameron, and Robert Cronin for cosponsoring the resolution,” said Bruce Skud of NMF!  “Importantly, this resolution is not a referendum on Seabrook or nuclear power, but evidence of deep concern over public safety due to deteriorating conditions at the aging nuclear power plant.  NMF! considers the degradation problems at Seabrook to be the paramount safety issue facing our region.”

As uncertainty about the safety of the Seabrook nuclear power plant persists – particularly the ability of the facility to withstand an earthquake – NMF! anticipates that city councils and boards of selectmen in other North Shore towns will pass similar resolutions.

No More Fukushimas!
14 Olive Street
Newburyport, MA 0l950

For additional information, contact Bruce Skud, 978-462-3905 or bskud@verizon.net.

While you are resting up for the big game you may want to consider something fun to do before then.  How about….Troegs Beer Dinner, the BOAT Camp Bash, Paul D’Angelo or a snowshoe event at NEER North? Interested? Check out our web site for more information on any of these enticements or other events.

And for much more information on these events and additional greater Newburyport area information go to our web site www.newburyportchamber.org

Spent too much over the holidays? Are you looking for a little extra cash? It is that time again when we start selling our famous “Chamber Big Win” raffle tickets. Take your chance on winning $10,000 in cold hard cash!

I would like to make special mention of another great service that we offer to chamber members. We offer a weekly Member2Member email program in which chamber members can directly communicate via email with other chamber members. These very popular Member2Member emails can be shared with anyone. Often times the information is a banking service offer, a new restaurant menu or announcement of a special event. So here is a sample of this week’s offerings.

• Five Cents Savings Bank
• Jewels and Jeans Party

We hope that you continue to check out our new web site www.newburyportchamber.org . Same web site address, just a different look! We are very excited to share it with all of you and the community at large. There is so much valuable information to be found on the web site and we hope that you will bookmark it on your computers so you can refer to it for all things “greater Newburyport!” Please visit the site and use the business directory for all your needs related to work, home and life!

And as always there are so many options for those that may want to shop, dine, rest, stroll, bike, sing, dance, visit and explore. For a complete list of chamber members go to our business directory.

And as always, don’t’ forget to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. So get out there and enjoy all that the greater Newburyport area has to offer.

For more information just go to www.newburyportchamber.org. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the greater Newburyport area!

February 14 is Valentine's Day and National Creme-filled Chocolate Day. Two great reasons to celebrate with chocolate.

My five-year-old son, Henry, is all about calendars right now. He loves crossing off days that have passed, writing in upcoming important events, and even creating his very own calendars. As part of this new passion, he also wants to know the “importance” of every calendar-day, like who was born when and what national observances and celebrations are happening on a given day. As parents, we know that while our children are part of us, they are their own people with their own interests, talents and ideas that often differ from ours; still we secretly hope there will be some great passion we share. That’s why when Henry decided to latch on to holidays and celebrations, a subject I also love, it felt like something magical was happening. Perhaps that’s because I know a little more about celebrations than I do dwarf planets or Japanese pictographs (his other interests), but it’s magical nonetheless—because we get the chance to connect on the same level and build our relationship.

Together, we’ve vowed to celebrate some of the lesser known “holidays” in 2012 that have slid by us in past years, often without their due pomp and paper decorations. This month, for example, we’re celebrating National Chocolate Lovers Month. Not surprisingly, February has a number of days devoted to the adoration of chocolate. There’s Chocolate Fondue Day (Feb. 5), Cream Cheese Brownie Day (Feb. 10), National Peppermint Patty Day (Feb. 11), Creme-Filled Chocolates Day (Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14), Chocolate Mint Day (Feb. 19), Chocolate-Covered Nuts Day (Feb. 25) and National Chocolate Soufflé Day (Feb. 28). That’s a lot of chocolate days. (Are you hungry yet?)

To kick off chocolate month, we spent the week doing a little sampling of all-things-chocolate happening this side of the Merrimac River. It probably goes without saying that it’s been the best endeavor ever.

Valentine's Day has taken over at Winfrey's.

My two-year-old daughter Sadie and I started the loco-for-cocoa adventure solo (just to pick up some materials for Henry) with a visit to Winfrey’s where boxes upon boxes of creme-filled chocolates and truffles, dipped pretzels, and peanut butter cups the size of you hand abound. Where dark and milk chocolates await their Valentine destinations, wrapped inside giant red hearts, dainty ribboned tins and even inside foil-wrapped kissing lips. Chocolate has long been connected with Valentine’s Day due to the reported euphoric feelings connected with eating it, but I think creme-filled chocolates have become a perfect way to express true love because they send the message you love your Valentine inside and out—even the surprise orange-creme centers of them.

While we selected some truffles to bring home to Henry, Sadie was lucky enough to sample a vanilla creme from the hundreds of luscious drops about to be boxed up. She popped the whole thing in her mouth at once. Her eyes widened, then softened as her mouth happily discovered the rapturous sensation that can only be described with a great big, “Mmmm.”

Hot chocolate date at Souffle's on Market Square.

Later that day, the three of us tracked down some of the best hot chocolate in town—at Souffle’s on Market Square. The milk chocolate elixir was made to order for the kids—rich and light at the same time, and sweetly satisfying on a rainy January afternoon. The kids sat cozily for a little while, watching rain drops slide down the window and twirling warm straws of cocoa in their mouths.

Another treat at the top of our favorites list was a trio of petite, triple-chocolate whoopie pies handcrafted at Chococoa Baking Company on Washington Street. While we carefully selected our choice of filled cookie pies from the enticing display inside the shop, co-owner Julie Ganong explained to us how the cakes are crafted and that it’s said these richly satisfying sandwich cookies got their name from excited children shouting “Whoopie!” when their mothers would pull the cakes out of the oven. One bite of the traditional cream-centered whoopie and you’ll know her tale is a true story. I loved the coconut whoopie pie best, Sadie’s choice was raspberry-filled, and Henry (a lifelong Oreo fan) devoured the traditional pie. For Valentine’s Day, Chococoa plans to offer festively decorated tins of whoopie pies. When I heard this, I secretly wished one of those would show up at my house on February 14, and I’d meant to ask, “Exactly how many whoopie pies can you fit in a tin?”

The Whoopie Pie making Newburyport famous at Chococoa.

Another year-round chocolate indulgence we adore is the Dunkin’ Donuts chocolate glazed donut (which we gladly accept in Munchkin form as well), so this little wonder had to be on the chocolate-sampling list. As always, the donuts were pleasingly soft and satisfying. Henry begged for a second (while Sadie gingerly bit off every inch of the glazed outside leaving a ring of inner cake behind). Sadly, even when celebrating important holidays, like National Chocolate Lovers Month, we have to cap the indulgences at some point … in order to maintain their “special treat” quality. But, February is just beginning so each week we’ll continue to sneak in a treat or two and keep the festivities alive.

When Valentine’s Day rolls around in a couple of weeks, perhaps we will have sampled all the chocolate-y wonders Newburyport has to offer. Our mouths will remember breaking into the delicate milk chocolate shells of raspberry creme-filled filled truffles, the gooey glory of a coconut-laced whoopie pie and the smooth, sweet warmth of perfect hot chocolate. But, I think we’ll be at home that day enjoying our own chocolate celebration: dipping pineapple, strawberries and tiny pieces of pound cake into a sea of dark chocolate fondue. Sadie will have it in hair within seconds and Henry will proudly wear a dark chocolate mustache. And we’ll be loving it—just as we should be … in honor of National Chocolate Lovers Month, of course.

Every calendar day of childhood is special (but chocolate helps).

Celebrating small, seemingly insignificant “national” days/months can be a lot of fun. It’s a chance to get creative, be wildly silly and laugh more. It’s also an opportunity to try new things, and learn new things. You could enhance the experience by visiting the library and checking out a couple of fiction or non-fiction books on the topic, or by searching out funny poems (I recommend Shel Silverstein). And if you aren’t sure where to start, check and see if there are days that bring your child’s interests into the spotlight and then make those days hugely special; because little things like that will encourage their interests  (no matter how obscure … National Elevator Day? I need to Google that.), feed their passions and fuel their confidence.

That said, even without holidays and observances, every day really can be special if we make it that way, and we parents know that all too well. But by taking the time to create a little extra magic on an ordinary day, we teach our children that, too.

Do you have a suggestion for the best chocolate spot in town? Share it here! We’d love to hear about it.

Community Videos are Proudly Underwritten by
The Institution for Savings.

From 18th Century Shipping Magnate to 20th Century

Museum members and their guests are cordially invited on Friday evening, February 3rd, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, to our popular and engaging First Friday Night Social.

Meet other museum members, our volunteers and directors.  Invite a friend to share in the experience by introducing your guest to our Custom House Maritime Museum.  Come and enjoy a relaxing evening of conversation, company and maritime discovery in the heart of downtown Newburyport..

Our program for the evening shines a beacon upon the often overlooked maritime connection within the stately Marquand Library. Here, celebrated Newburyport author John P. Marquand’s legacy is firmly anchored to his legendary 18th century maritime ancestors, Captain Daniel Marquand and wife, Mary Hudson Marquand.

We welcome distinguished Newburyport Superior Court Judge, the Honorable Richard E. Welch, III, grandson to author John P. Marquand, as our program guest to discuss the Marquand family lineage.  A thoroughly engaging speaker, Justice Welch will share his thoughts and insights of this venerable two-century-old Newburyport legacy, and entertain questions following.  It’s an event you shouldn’t miss — so please don’t be late — as our presentation this month begins at 6:30pm.

For your refreshment, wine, beer and soft drinks will be served — along with specially prepared hors d’oeuvres created by the amazing Sheila Mullins.  This month, Sheila’s Spice Trade Culinary Adventure draws its inspiration from the ancient Aegean coastal city of Smyrna, Turkey.

We proudly feature the great and distinctive beers of Harpoon Brewery, the official beer of the Custom House Maritime Museum!

We encourage all our members to invite a friend to this event who may be interested in joining our museum.  And please, remember to bring your membership card with you!

Newburyport-Today.com

Listen to our Promo on WNBP
Download a One Page Copy of These Events

Firehouse Center’s 2012 New Works Festival Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary
Friday, January 27 and Saturday, January 28, 8pm – 10pm
The Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts – Market Square
Friday’s performance is a full length play - A Book of Snow by Newburyporter Joshua Faigen who took first place!  Saturday features seven 10-minute plays.

Joppa Flats Education Center – THE SUPERBOWL OF BIRDING IX
Saturday, January 28, 5am-7pm
Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike
An annual competition among birders to spot the greatest number of bird species and to earn the greatest number of points based on the rarity of the birds recorded in a twelve-hour period. For all ages and all levels of birders. The competition is followed by supper and awards.

Joppa Flats Education Center – THE WONDER AND THE WOW: PENGUINS AT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
Saturday, January 28, 8.30am-5.30pm
Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Turnpike
Family educator Lisa Hutchings and sidekick Jonathan Brooks take adults to Boston’s New England Aquarium. Fee: $35. Preregistration is required.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – “Behind the Scenes” Refuge Tour
Saturday, January 28, 9.30am – 11.30am
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge – Visitors Contact Station, located in parking lot #1
Explore the refuge with a ranger and refuge biologist.  See areas of the refuge that are otherwise closed to the public. Advance registration is required for this program.

Transition Newburyport – Local Flavor Community Potluck Picnic
Saturday, January 28, 3pm – 5pm
First Parish Church of Newbury
The potuck is a celebration of locally grown, seasonal food. You are invited to bring a potluck dish using as many locally grown ingredients as possible from your garden, CSA, Farmers’ Market, farm stand or local food artisan. Bring the family, your potluck dish, beverage of choice, and a  “mess kit” to help us keep this a “zero waste” event.

Film Club for Teens at Newburyport Public Library
Sunday, January 29, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Newburyport Public Library, State Street
Teens in grades 7 – 12 are invited to enter the realm of the quirky, the independent and the intellectual film.  We will view age-appropriate selections and follow them with some light discussion and serious refreshments.

NEWBURYPORT ART ASSOCIATION WINTER MEMBERS JURIED SHOW, PART II
Thursday, February 2-25
Daily during regular hours
Newburyport Art Association – 65 Water Street
Mediums: Acrylic, Pastel, Mixed Media, Fine Craft, and Photography

Looking for a place to have dinner before or during the game, a place to get great wings or a bakery to satisfy your favorite Patriots fan’s that sweet tooth ? Check the chamber’s restaurant/food/beverage  listings which feature many options for you!

While you are resting up for the big game you may want to consider something fun to do before then.  Can I entice  with an Art Exhibit entitled “Seasonal Views,” the New Works Festival, a Country Music Night or something for your stomach – the Super Hunger Brunch? Interested? Check out our web site for more information on any of these enticements or other events.

And for much more information on these events and additional greater Newburyport area information go to our web site www.newburyportchamber.org

Spent too much over the holidays? Are you looking for a little extra cash? It is that time again when we start selling our famous “Chamber Big Win” raffle tickets. Take your chance on winning $10,000 in cold hard cash! CLICK HERE for more information.

Can I bring to your attention another great service that we offer to chamber members? Great.  We offer a weekly Member2Member email program in which chamber members can directly communicate via email with other chamber members. These very popular Member2Member emails can be shared with anyone. Often times the information is a banking service offer, a new restaurant menu or announcement of a special event. So here is a sample of this week’s offerings.

To The Point Marketing System

Institution for Savings

We hope that you continue to check out our new web site www.newburyportchamber.org . Same web site address, just a different look! We are very excited to share it with all of you and the community at large. There is so much valuable information to be found on the web site and we hope that you will bookmark it on your computers so you can refer to it for all things “greater Newburyport!” Please visit the site and use the business directory for all your needs related to work, home and life!

And as always there are so many options for those that may want to shop, dine, rest, stroll, bike, sing, dance, visit and explore. For a complete list of chamber members go to our business directory http://business.newburyportchamber.org/list

And as always, don’t’ forget to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. So get out there and enjoy all that the greater Newburyport area has to offer.

For more information just go to www.newburyportchamber.org. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the greater Newburyport area!

It doesn’t matter what winter, life or the economy throws at us, great friends and great food can carry us through it all. Join us for a fireside dinner at David’s Tavern to celebrate the art of discussion, the power of friendship and the comfort of food. It’s an evening for best friends to enjoy conversation and listen to our expert talk about food, and re-establishing a positive relationship with it. We’ll have fun, we’ll have food, and we’ll talk.

Visit www.ajh.org to register.
Seating is limited to 48 people.
Buffet dessert table with tea and coffee is included in the price of the meal
Cash Bar
Price: $20 p/p