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Ken Stone, chair of the Recycling Committee, said the Swap Shop at the old Cedarville transfer station, 33 Hedges Pond Road, is reopening from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 9. According to Stone, the shop was hugely popular in its inaugural month of October 2025, and he expects that to continue.
“People love it,” Stone said, adding, “We’re very careful in terms of what we take.”
At the shop, which resembles a flea market, people can take whatever they want for free. There’s a drop-off table if people want to donate an item that’s in decent condition but no longer needed. Donated items are screened to make sure they’re acceptable, clean, and functional.
It seems a clear win-win for all involved.
“The idea is to reuse waste – to divert waste from the waste stream,” Stone explained. “That’s why the DPW is backing it, because of the weight.” Since the stuff that gets swapped isn’t filling up landfills, it saves the town in terms of tipping fees.
The Recycling Committee was formed a year ago, and the Swap Shop was one of the first things on its list to do, Stone said. Collaborating with the recent Fix It Clinic at the Plymouth Public Library on April 4 was another.
The shop currently has 42 volunteers and five leads. Stone said that is enough people to ensure they won’t get overwhelmed with having to work every weekend from May until the end of October.
The shop accepts donated household goods, décor, electronic appliances, toys, and more.
“We test everything electronic to make sure it’s functional,” Stone said. There are lamps, microwaves, grills – but not propane or anything that uses gas. Stone said a lot of tools are donated “and people love them.”
There are three sheds at the site that “did not cost the town a penny.” The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection awards recycling dividend points to towns for different types of recycling. Those points, Stone said, translated into money for Plymouth. Another shed was bought with a DPW grant; and the third, smaller shed, was donated by Triple M Dispensary. The smaller shed provides storage for signs and equipment.
The DPW built shelves inside the sheds, fixed a fence in need of repair, painted parking lines, and put up barriers to protect people from traffic.
The shop opened last October for only one month. In that time, Stone said there were over 100 cars a day for the four hours each Saturday. He expects it will be just as popular again.
To see a list of what the swap shop accepts – and what it rejects – go here.
Monday, April 27
“The Christophers,” starring Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, is screening at Plimoth Cinema in Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon, the film is about how an artist’s estranged children hire a forger to finish their father’s paintings so they can sell them. Film 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.
Tuesday, April 28
Look for returning migrating birds on a Spring Walk with Mass Audubon and Manomet Conservation Sciences at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This will be a chance to wander the sanctuary and search for returning feathered friends. Wear appropriate clothing for this activity, which will take place outdoors. Tickets are $14 for adult Audubon members, and $18 for adult nonmembers, and registration can be completed here.
Grab-n-Go dinners are available for anyone between 4:30 and 6 p.m. from the parking lot of the Plymouth Salvation Army. These free dinners are offered the last Tuesday of each month. Stay in the car, as the meal will be delivered to people in their parked cars. There is no eating on the property. For more information, contact Envoy Anne Rich at anne.rich@use.salvationarmy.org or visit the website.
To celebrate National Poetry Month, America’s Hometown Laureates presents an Irish Classic Poetry reading with the Celtic Harp duo, Aine Minogue and Rosemary Caine, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. Minogue is an internationally renowned Celtic harpist, and she will be joined by her friend Caine. The duo will provide music and poetry to celebrate the arc of history surrounding the Celtic harp and Irish poets. This event is free, and sponsored by America’s Hometown Laureates, Inc., the Plymouth Public Library Foundation, The Plymouth Foundation, and The Local Seen.
Wednesday, April 29
A special showing of “Power to the People: John & Yoko Live in NYC,” will take place at 7 p.m. at Plimoth Cinema in Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave.(Another special screening is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, at 4:30 p.m.)The film– covering John and Yoko’s two historic 1972 concerts at Madison Square Garden – is from original stage footage, remixed, restored, and reedited with supervision by Sean Lennon. These were Lennon’s only full-length concerts after leaving the Beatles. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Thursday, April 30
Plymouth G-Pub, 101 Carver Road, recently announced its “We Host Hospitality Referral Program,” a night of networking for local hospitality professionals, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will be an opportunity to connect with others in the hospitality industry, while enjoying bites and drinks. Sign up for the event here.
In preparation for the full “flower” moon in May, adults can register for a talk about Spring and the Night Sky from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library’s Manomet Branch, 12 Strand Ave. Kim Snyder, an education coordinator from Mass Audubon, will explain how to look at the night sky, seeing shapes and constellations, and how stars have helped people navigate and explore the world. Registration for the talk is required, and can be done here. This is good preparation for a Full Moon Hike on Friday, May 1, at Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Friday, May 1
A new season of First Fridays Plymouth kicks off from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Plymouth. The purpose of these monthly events is to support the small businesses, arts, and culture in the downtown area. This week, Colette O’Connor will play her brand of “gypsy-witch, mesmerizing” songs in front of See Plymouth on 4 North St. Check out the Art Shoppe, 84 Court St., upstairs, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., where you can browse the gallery and make a pollinator craft to take home. Wood artist Jay Goldbach, will demonstrate sugi-ban, the ancient Asian burnt wood technique, while Slainte Plymouth plays live Irish music before the fireplace at Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. All Good Art, 65 Main St., will host a reception showing its latest works from local artists. The Spooner House, 27 North St., will offer free tours (although donations are appreciated). Laughing Moon, 1 Court St., will feature sidewalk sales of art from artists who display in the shop, including works from wood carver Jason Olivia. Find out more about First Fridays and the participating businesses here.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2,” a sequel to the original film from 2006, will be showing at the Plimoth Cinema in Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The sequel recasts some of the original cast members from the successful first film, including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. Fans of the first film will be curious to see whether this one “stands up” to expectations. Film 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.
A Full Moon Hike takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road. This is a chance for adults and children age 8 and older to explore the sanctuary’s trails and enjoy the full moon. In the process, attendees will learn how restoration projects like Tidmarsh help bring back the dark skies to support being able to see the moon and protect the wildlife that depends on the night. Meet with education coordinator Kim Snyder at the main parking lot about 10 minutes early and sign in. Tickets are $10 for member children, 12 for non-member children, $20 for member adults, and $24 for non-member adults. Sign up and get tickets here.
Saturday, May 2
The monthly Burial Hill Tour, from 1 to 2 p.m., will be led by Stephen O’Neill, director of the Hanover Historical Society and the topic is “Town Decides: Plymouth Declares for Independence.” Join the group at the top of Burial Hill, and wear comfortable walking shoes. In case of inclement weather, the walking tour may be canceled. Check Facebook for updates. The series is presented by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum, with tours held on the first Saturday of each month except for January. No registration is necessary.
The public is invited to “Arts in Bloom,” an arts and crafts fair presented by the Great Island Artisans’ Guild at Great Island Overlook Clubhouse, 149 Great Island Road in the Pinehills, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 35 artists from the Pinehills community and beyond will be presenting their creations. This juried fair will feature original baskets; hand-painted items; a variety of jewelry; wooden creations; sewn, knitted, and crocheted items; soaps and lotions; photography; chocolates; jams and granola; fine art; resin items; fleece; stained glass; soy candles; pottery; and more. Every half hour there will be a free raffle giving away a $10 gift certificate to use with any vendor.
The Plymouth Hometown Cleanup will take place all day, rain or shine. Volunteers are needed, and people can join an existing group, create their own, or go solo to help clean up a neighborhood, park, or road that needs attention. Visit Town Hall, or sign up here. Pick up the purple bags provided at the Planning Department, and sign the waiver. Leave the filled bags at the indicated drop location. The Department of Public Works will pick up the bags from the drop locations. Last spring the cleanup gathered 3,420 pounds of trash and litter. For questions, contact Patrick Farah at pfarah@plymouth-MA.gov, or 508-322-3374.
The Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District is hosting its first Acoustic Fest from 1 to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, May 2, from 12 to 2 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will feature live acoustic music performed by local singer-songwriters at various businesses throughout the downtown and waterfront. Stroll through Plymouth while enjoying live performances, shopping, and dining at local establishments. With music outdoors (weather permitting, and indoors if necessary), the fest offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the town’s vibrant arts scene and supporting local businesses. To learn more, visit the website.
“Letters by Candlelight: Voices of the Hedge Family at Home”- dramatic readings of letters written by Plymouth’s Hedge family – takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hedge House, 126 Water St. Presented by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society, the event will take place in an intimate atmosphere lit by electric candles, with dramatic readers in costume reading the actual letters from the Hedge family in the 1860s. Tickets will be for 20-minute increments, so select the preferred time slot when purchasing. Tickets are $13 for society members, $18 for nonmembers, and available to purchase here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its concert “Blockbuster Broadway,” with Steven Karidoyanes conducting, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The program will feature guest artists from Spot-On Entertainment, including vocalists Campbell Walker Fields, Carole J. Bufford, and Farah Alvin, with Ryan Shirar as pianist. There will also be a repeat concert set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, in Memorial Hall. The performance will showcase iconic songs from Broadway plays such as “Waitress,” “Hamilton,” “Jersey Boys,” “Funny Girl,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Cabaret,” “Les Misérables.” and “The Lion King.” Tickets are $35, $60, $70, and $150, and you can order them for either the Saturday or Sunday performance here. There’s also an option for a Saturday evening pre-concert cocktail party at 6 p.m. in the Blue Room at Memorial Hall, for an additional $25.
Sunday, May 3
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra reprises its concert “Blockbuster Broadway,” with Steven Karidoyanes conducting, at 3 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The program will feature guest artists from Spot-On Entertainment, including vocalists Campbell Walker Fields, Carole J. Bufford, and Farah Alvin, with Ryan Shirar as pianist. Tickets are $35, $60, $70, and $150, and can be purchased here.
The Plymouth Downtown Waterfront District’s Acoustic Fest continues from 12 to 2 p.m. Stroll, shop, and enjoy the outdoor (indoor if necessary) music in downtown Plymouth at this free, family-friendly event.
Another special showing of “Power to the People: John & Yoko Live in NYC,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. at Plimoth Cinema in Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The film– covering John and Yoko’s two historic 1972 concerts at Madison Square Garden – is from original stage footage, remixed, restored, and reedited with supervision by Sean Lennon. These were Lennon’s only full-length concerts after leaving the Beatles. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Monday, May 4
The Dr. Robert M. Shiff Forum presents pianist Sergei Novikov in Concert from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. From Tchaikovsky to “Phantom of the Opera,” and from Duke Ellington to Billy Joel, Novikov’s performance promises to “delight the audience,” and include a “sense of humor.” Since moving to the United States from Russia in 1990 at the age of 21, he has become a major force in contemporary composing while traveling throughout the New England area. The event is free, but registration is required. To register, go here.
Tuesday, May 5
A workshop for writers who feel stuck, “The Next Right Step,” led by author Kendra Vaughan, takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. The workshop focuses on self-assessing, identifying realistic next steps, and making decisions with confidence. Register here for this free workshop.
Saturday, May 9
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus will present its spring concert, “Evening and Morning – Music to Lighten Our Darkness,” at 7:30 p.m. at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square. Artistic directors William B. Richter, conductor, and Elizabeth Chapman Reilly, organ, will lead the chorus. The concert explores themes of illumination and transformation through two works: “Sunrise Mass” by Ola Gjeilo and “Vesperae solennes de confessore” (Solemn Vespers) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Tickets are$25, and $20 for seniors and students over 18. Card to Culture attendees and children 18 and younger are free. Tickets are available here and at the door, subject to availability.
America’s Hometown Garden Club will hold its plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St.
The Plymouth Recycling Committee’s Swap Shop, 33 Hedges Pond Road, opens from 9 a.m. to noon, and will continue being open on Saturdays through October. See the lead story in this column for more information.
Sunday, May 10
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus offers another chance to see and hear its spring concert, “Evening and Morning – Music to Lighten Our Darkness,” at 4 p.m. at The Church of the Pilgrimage, 8 Town Square. Tickets are$25, and $20 for seniors and students over 18. Card to Culture attendees and children 18 and younger are free. Tickets are available here and at the door, subject to availability.