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If you want to know more about forest fires, come to a free panel discussion called “Forest Fires in Massachusetts: Myths and Reality,” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the Gallery Room at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. (The event will also be available through Zoom.)
“There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings out there about wildfires, said Michael Kellett, one of the speakers and the cofounder and executive director of Restore: The North Woods, said.
With the news about wildfires ravaging huge swaths of land in western states, Kellett said, people worry that New England is also susceptible. Yes, wildfires are a major issue here, he said, but not to the extend they are in the west, which has drier grassland and brush. (For more on the risk in Plymouth, see Independent correspondent Dave Kindy’s story here.)
The last big New England forest fire took place in Maine in 1947, said Kellett. Its severity was attributed to the amount of logging going on across the state.
“Usually, big fires are because of unusual circumstances,” he added.
One of the myths is that wildfires burn everything. The reality is that the destruction can be patchy, “not at all like one solid wall of flame.”
Still, the issues around wildfires are concerning. Hence the Oct. 4 discussion.
“How do you best manage forests, protect people’s homes, and is it as big a problem as people say?” Kellett said. “We thought we’d have a discussion and talk about some ideas that people don’t always hear.”
There are a lot of opinions on the subject. Topics discussed the risks of wildfires, the use and goals of controlled burning, and what simple things can be done to protect homes.
Other speakers include: David Foster, director emeritus of the Harvard Forest and its Long Term Ecological Research program, who also coordinates “Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands and Communities” and serves on the editorial board of “From the Ground Up”; Bill Stubblefield, an environmental activist who holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University; and George Wuerthner, an ecologist who is executive director of “Public Lands Media,” a photographer, and the author of several books on topics related to protecting the wilderness.
“They’re all people who really know the issues,” said Kellett.
After the panel discussion, there will be time for questions from the audience. And for $35, you can also attend an in-person reception and lunch with the panelists, from 1 to 3 p.m. To register for the event in-person, on Zoom, or for the lunch, go here.
Monday, September 22
Daniel F. Harrington will give a presentation titled “Larchmont Remembered” in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 6 to 7 p.m. Harrington, a long-time columnist for the Providence Journal and director of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, will talk about the 1907 sinking of the steamship “Larchmont” off the coast of Block Island. The presentation will feature digitally restored photos, graphics, live music, and eyewitness accounts to illustrate the story of the sea disaster. Registration is required – you can do so here.
“The History of Sound,” directed by Oliver Hermanus, starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, and featuring Academy Award winner (and local movie star) Chris Cooper, continues at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The film explores themes of love, memory, and connection during World War I, as two young men share a journey to record the songs of their countrymen. “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” also continues screening. Show times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Veterans are invited to a free coffee hour at the Plymouth Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. It will be hosted by Bob Burke, an executive member of American Legion Plymouth Post 40. No subject is off the table, although plenty of veteran-related topics usually come up. Coffee hours will be held on the second and fourth Monday every month, except for early October because of building construction. The next meeting is set for Monday, Oct. 27. For more information, contact Burke at burkerk@comcast.net or 508-415-8501.
Wednesday, September 24
There will be a free screening of the PBS Frontline special, “Hurricane Helene’s Deadly Warning” at 4:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Members from Sustainable Plymouth, the Town of Plymouth’s Department of Energy & Environment, and the Climate Action Net Zero Committee will be present. The film covers major recent storms in the United States (hurricanes Helene, Harvey, and Sandy) and the implications for community safety and resilience. After the film, find out more about how Plymouth is addressing climate resilience, planning, and emergency preparedness in an era of increasingly extreme weather.
Thursday, September 25
“An Evening with Kathy Mattea,” at the Spire will feature the singer who has been called “one of Nashville’s finest song interpreters” by the Washington Post. Mattea has had a 35-year career with two Grammy wins, four Country Music Awards, four number one country singles, and five gold albums. She contributed to the Ken Burns 2019 PBS documentary “Country Music,” and recently became the new host of the NPR show “Mountain Stage.” The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $57.10 and $63, and you can get them here.
Author and actress Marianne Leone will discuss her latest book, “Christina the Astonishing” at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, in the Pinehills, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It’s no surprise that while Leone’s coming-of-age novel chronicles the pains and traumas of growing up, it also weaves in razor-sharp humor along the way. Copies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $6.76, and you can get them here.
The public is invited to a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., to celebrate a photography exhibit titled “The Art & Science of Recovering Shorebird Populations: The Photographs and Stories of Manomet Conservation Sciences.” The exhibit, which will be on view through the end of September, features 30 images captured across the Western Hemisphere during Manomet Conservation Sciences work to recover imperiled shorebird populations. Each photograph tells a story – of migration, resilience, and the dedicated people working to protect these extraordinary birds. Meet the photographers, hear the stories behind their work, and have an exclusive viewing of the collection. Please RSVP here.
Friday, September 26
The “Green Reads” book club, hosted by Sustainable Plymouth, is scheduled to meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Independent Fermentations, 127 Camelot Drive. This month’s book is “What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures,” an anthology by marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson that explores hopeful, actionable visions of a sustainable future through interviews, poetry, and art from a diverse group of experts and activists. Registration is encouraged, but not required, You can do so here.
A “snake appreciation” event, featuring a visit from “Flower” the corn snake, will take place in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 4 to 5 p.m. Attendees can learn about snake biology and how to take care of a snake in captivity. Registration is required, and you can do so here.
The opening celebration for an exhibit titled “Art in Bloom” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. The exhibit features floral interpretations of art from the 58th Annual Juried Art Show created by members of local garden clubs. There will be a raffle to win a floral arrangement. The exhibit will be on view through Sunday, Sept. 28. Weekend hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets to the opening celebration are $20 per person. You can buy them here.
“Eleanor the Great,” starring June Squibb, will start screening at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The drama, directed by Scarlett Johansson, follows the unlikely friendship between a 94-year-old Florida woman (Squibb) and a 19-year-old student from New York City (Erin Kellyman). “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” will continue screening. Film times are 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Guitarist/vocalist Ana Popovic will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Popovic’s recent tour is celebrating her new album “Dance to the Rhythm.” Born in Serbia, now living in L.A., she is known for her “electric guitar wizardry and captivating live shows.” Tickets are $53.50 and $59. You can buy them here.
Saturday, September 27
A “Free Fun Day” in Myles Standish State Forest at Fearing Pond is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest, the state Department of Conservation & Recreation, and MassWildlife. The event will feature a fishing derby for all ages – with poles, bait & instruction provided, and no license needed – along with nature crafts, s’mores making, a wildlife display, a raffle and prizes.
Create a fall wreath at a Fall Wreath Making workshop at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees will start with a willow wreath base, and add fall grasses, colorful leaves, and acorns or pinecones to finish their creation. The cost is $37.44 for members, and $42.99 (with fees) for non-members, and you can sign up here.
The public is welcome to attend the Fall Festival – the 6th Annual Health & Wellness Fair, at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is a collaboration between the library, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, and the Greater Plymouth Community Health Network Alliance. The festival, which will take place on the library’s front lawn, will feature a farmers market, a cooking demonstration, health education and risk screening, and social service and health resources. There will also be fun activities for children, snacks, music, and more.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s opening night “Notes from Home,” led by music director Steven Karidoyanes, will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth South High School Performing Arts Center, 490 Long Pond Road. The theme of the orchestra’s season is “The Best of Times.” The concert will feature Valerie Coleman’s “Seven O’ Clock Shout,” Amy Beach’s “Bal Masqué,”and Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” with narration by actor and tenor Ron Williams. Finishing out the concert will be Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2, Ukrainian (“Little Russian”). The audience can also attend a pre-concert talk by Karidoyanes at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the pieces and the composers. Tickets are $35 and $70. You can buy them here or by calling the office at 508-746-8008.
Who’s Next will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. The Who tribute band has performed at post-concert events for The Who and also shared the stage with the band’s legendary – and late – John Entwhistle. Tickets are $35.50 and $39. You can buy them here.
Sunday, September 28
“A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music and Dance Sensation” will bring a line-up of Irish dance champions to Memorial Hall at 4 p.m. The dancers – some from “Lord of the Dance” and “Riverdance” productions – will carry the audience “through the story of Ireland’s tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit.” The show combines traditional Irish music with a modern twist and features live musicians. Tickets are $40.98, $52.23, $63.48, and $74.74. You can buy them here.
Monday, September 29
Bring your pet rock (no, really) to “A Geologist’s Intro to Rock Collecting” in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. from 6 to 7 p.m. This hands-on presentation will demonstrate how to start your own rock and mineral collection. The presentation will include a selection of local (and exotic) specimens to examine close-up. Registration is encouraged, and you can do so here.
Wednesday, October 1
The Teen Craft Club at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., will present Chocolate Fondue for Teens from 6 to 7 p.m. There will be snacks to dip in melted chocolate, and boxes to take pieces home. Registration is required. You can do so here.
Thursday, October 2
Jazz pianist Stephen Page will perform in the Fehlow Meeting Room at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 4 to 5 p.m. Page has been performing and teaching jazz piano for more than 30 years and has worked with legends such as singer Sheila Jordan and saxophonist Archie Shepp. Page teaches at Amherst College and Deerfield Academy. Registration is required. You can do so here.
Friday, October 3
Downtown’s First Friday event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy “Dutch Treat” at Pilgrim Hall Museum, 75 Court St., with free admission to a special showing of an heirloom needlework, “Exile in Leiden,” depicting the Pilgrims’ 12-year stay in the Netherlands by artist Elizabeth Creeden. You can also see two recently restored massive 19th century paintings. Historic houses will be open for free mini tours, including at the Spooner House, 27 North St., the Mayflower House, 4 Winslow St., and the Jabez Howland House, 33 Sandwich St. At the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., view the 58th Annual Juried Art Show as the Irish band Slainte Plymouth plays. Enjoy a demonstration of anime at the center by artist Teri Kole. The boutique hotel Sisu, at 7 Lincoln St., will host a pop-up “s’mores toasting around the fire” until 9 p.m., so that might be a good place to end the evening.
Saturday, October 4
Learn about wildfires and controlled burning at a panel discussion on “Forest Fires in Massachusetts: Myths and Reality” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Gallery Room at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. See the lead item in this column for more information.