Plus, the story of Squanto at Pilgrim Hall, jazz pianist Laszlo Gardony at the Spire, Celtic Thunder at Memorial Hall, and more goings-on around town.
PLYMOUTH INDEPENDENT – The nonprofit advocacy group To the Moon and Back “finally” has a home base in Plymouth, after recently receiving a grant of nearly $1 million, reports founder Theresa Harmon, a licensed social worker and nurse. The organization – which advocates for children affected by prenatal opioid exposure – will show off its new digs at 6 Main Street Extension, Suite 615, in the Post Office Square building on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 3 to 4 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration.
Moving into a space of its own and being able to hire additional staff were on Harmon’s wish list since she launched the organization in 2017. To the Moon and Back says it aims to “develop best practices in care for children born with prenatal opioid exposure.” The services it offers include a monthly children’s group, care packages for families of newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome, a grant of up to $500 per child for children born with substance exposure, and other forms of guidance and education for affected families.
It recently received a $958,440 grant from the Massachusetts Community Health & Healthy Aging Funds, enabling the expansion. The Nov. 14 ribbon-cutting event will also introduce two new part-time clinicians – hired thanks to the grant.
“I wanted something that reflected how much we cared for our kids and how far we would go to fight for them,” Harmon said in explaining the nonprofit’s name.
The free event is being catered by local chef Stephen Coe. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions about resources and services, meet the clinicians, and learn more about the organization during the event.
Wednesday, November 6
Pilgrim Hall Museum presents a prize-winning historian and author, Arthur Lipman, who will present a lecture titled Squanto: A Native Odyssey, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the museum on Court Street. Lipman, who has written a biography on Squanto, takes a fresh look at his epic life. Squanto was a real-life historical figure who is associated with the Plymouth Colony’s early survival. Lipman, an associate professor of history at Barnard College, reconstructs Squanto’s upbringing, his transatlantic odyssey, his career as an interpreter, surprising downfall, and enigmatic death. There will be a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 each, $5 for members, and free for students with a valid ID. To find out more or get tickets, call 508-746-0220, ext. 3, or go here.
Thursday, November 7
Craving some jazz in Plymouth? Pianist and composer Laszlo Gardony – a music professor from Berklee College of Music in Boston – performs on the piano at the Spire tonight at 7:30 p.m. Gardony has been noted for his “fluid pianism” by the New York Timesand called a “formidable improviser who lives in the moment,” by JazzTimes. The concert is sponsored by the Eastern Bank Lobby Jazz Series. Expect creativity and innovation in Gardony’s playing, which is influenced by European folk roots and jazz standards. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $15, and you can buy them here.
Friday, November 8
Celtic Thunder is ready to roll on its 15th tour of the United States and Canada. Its concert at Memorial Hall is titled “Odyssey,” and starts at 7:30 p.m. The concert is an exploration of Irish music and culture, with a “voyage” through traditional Irish music, visiting the rhythmic pulse of contemporary Irish music, and combining uniquely original arrangements. Celtic Thunder’s lead vocalists add harmony to the musical “journey.” Tickets are $49, $69, $79, and $99 and you can buy them here.
By Ann Archembault
