See ducks by the ocean, join a chorus, learn new skills: Things To Do
“What do you want to do?”
If you need an answer to this age-old question for making plans, we’ve got you covered.
In Things To Do, we take a look at, well, things to do, happening every week in the Greater Fall River area and around the SouthCoast.
From weekdays to weekends, there’s always plenty going on.
And we’re not only taking a look at what’s happening this week, we’re also giving you a heads up for events that are coming soon.
This week, we’ve got lots of ways to get outside this month with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, including an oceanside walk where you can spot some ducks. Plus, join a chorus for open rehearsals, attend a movie screening, enjoy the music of Burt Bacharach, and much more.
So when someone asks you what you want to do, you’ve got your plans ready to go.
Here are Things To Do around Fall River, the SouthCoast, and beyond this week:
Ducks, moths, plants and crafts: Get outside with Audubon Society of Rhode Island
There is plenty of natural beauty to be explored in January with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.
On Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., join Audubon at the Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, 769 Sachuest Point Rd., Middletown, for their “Ducks of Sachuest Point” program. Bundle up and follow along with an Audubon naturalist to survey the ducks and other waterfowl that gather along the coast there. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars if you have them. The guide will have a spotting scope to share. This walk is two-and-a-half miles long, on an even-grade path, with benches along the way. There are restrooms at the Visitor Center. The fee is $15 for members and $20 for non-members, and this program is for teens and adults. Register online at asri.org/calendar.
At the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St., Bristol, author John Himmelman will be giving a lecture on Saturday, Jan. 20. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., he’ll be discussing his book, “Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard.” There will be a book signing, and he will be selling signed copies at this event. The fee is $12 for members, and $14 for non-members, and this event is for guests ages 12 and up. Register online at asri.org/calendar.
Also at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, learn how to start a native garden for pollinators and other wildlife. They’re holding a native seed starting workshop on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Get hands-on experience with winter sowing, learn about the importance of native plants, and leave with your very own pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds. This program is for ages 15 and up. The cost is $10 for adult members and $5 for member children; $12 for non-members and $8 for non-member children. Register online at asri.org/calendar.
On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is hosting a paper beads workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn how to make beads out of paper (they are customizable to color and size). This program is for guests age 16 and up. The fee is $10 for member adults, and $5 for member children; $12 for non-member adults, and $8 for non-member children. Register online at asri.org/calendar.
Taunton Civic Chorus holding open rehearsals
The Taunton Civic Chorus, which is celebrating its 65th birthday this year, is now holding open rehearsals for its spring concert. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Berkley Congregational Church, 13 S. Main St., Berkley. No auditions are necessary, and all voices are welcome. Open rehearsals will run until Feb. 1. This year’s spring concert is called “Dreams,” and it will feature songs like “California Dreamin’,” “The Impossible Dream,” “A Million Dreams,” “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” and “Sweet Dreams,” plus highlights from “Mamma Mia.” For more information, contact the chorus via email at taunton.ma.civic.chorus@gmail.com.
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum free for Acushnet residents in January
The Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum, 396 County St., New Bedford, is free for Acushnet residents for the month of January. Upon arrival, guests can show a piece of recent mail or other ID showing their address as proof of residency. For more information, visit rjdmuseum.org.
Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra performs the music of Burt Bacharach
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing music from the catalog of Burt Bacharach on Saturday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 21, at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St. Conductor Steven Karidoyanes will be leading the orchestra, alongside Broadway singers. The Jan. 20 performance will be at 7:30 p.m., and the Jan. 21 performance will be at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets online at plymouthphil.org or by calling 508-746-8008. A free shuttle will run to and from Memorial Hall, starting an hour before the concert, from the parking area of Hotel 1620. The shuttle will return to the parking area following the concert. The 108th season of the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Art House Movie Nights at Tiverton Public Library
The Tiverton Arts Council and Tiverton Public Library have teamed up to present Art House Movies Nights on the third Tuesday of every month. These events will include a screening of a contemporary film or documentary, and discussions focusing on artists, designers, photographers, musicians, and other creative fields. The series kicks off on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m., with a screening and discussion of the film, “Georgia O’Keeffe” (2009; not rated; run time 1 hour and 29 minutes). This film follows the American artist’s life and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. This program is free and open to the public; popcorn and drinks will be provided. The screening will be held at the Tiverton Public Library, 34 Roosevelt Ave.
Learning outside the classroom: Zeiterion Schooltime series goes on the road
The Zeiterion Performing Art Center is taking its Schooltime series on the road, with presentations at New Bedford High School and UMass Dartmouth. This is a chance for students to experience the power of the performing arts. The next performance will be on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m., in the Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Blvd. DRUMLine Live is for grades 9 to 12, featuring choreographed routines and drum riffs based on the HBCU marching band tradition. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.zeiterion.org/learn/landing. For every 10 tickets purchased, The Z offers a free one, to help accommodate chaperones.
Westport Council On Aging offers tech sessions
The Westport Council on Aging continues to offer its technology program for seniors. Classes are held on Wednesday afternoons at the Computer Cafe in the Senior Center, 75 Reed Road, Westport. Classes may also be accessed through video conferencing. The next session is “Video Conferencing with Zoom & Google Meets, FaceTime & Messenger” on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 1:30 p.m.. These classes are for anyone who is 55 and older, and classes are free. One-on-one personalized sessions are available by appointment on Thursday mornings. Registration is required for all classes. Call the Westport Council on Aging at 508-636-1026.
Your Theatre presents “A Doll’s House Part 2” at Steeple Playhouse
The Steeple Playhouse, 159 William St., New Bedford, welcomes Your Theatre’s production of “A Doll’s House Part 2,” by Lucas Hnath and directed by James Sanguinetti. The 2017 Tony-Award-nominated play picks up 15 years after Henrik Ibsen’s groundbreaking 1879 play, “A Doll’s House.” The play opens on Friday, Jan. 19, and performances are scheduled for two consecutive weekends. For more information, visit www.steepleplayhouse.org.
Genealogy presentation at Somerset Public Library
The Bristol Chapter of the Massachusetts Society of Genealogists will hold its monthly business meeting, followed by a presentation, on Saturday, Jan. 20, beginning at noon, at the Somerset Public Library, 1464 County St. The presentation is free and open to the public. Judy Russell will virtually present “DNA and the Hidden Half of the Family.” Guests who wish to attend virtually must register at https://tinyurl.com/BristolJan2024. Closed captioning is available for this presentation. For more information, contact bristol@msoginc.org.
Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus holds open rehearsals
The Southeastern Massachusetts Festival Chorus is holding open rehearsals for its spring season, “You Raise Me Up.” New singers are invited to attend open rehearsals on Mondays, Jan. 22 and 29, to sing with the chorus and learn more about becoming a member. The chorus has openings for all voices. A brief, informal audition will take place after each of these rehearsals. Weekly rehearsals are held each Monday, from 7 to 9 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 785 S. Main St., Raynham. For more information, send an email to admin@smfconline.org.
Have a community event or activity you’d like to see featured? Send us an email at kfontes@heraldnews.com or news@heraldnews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Things To Do: Audubon RI, Tiverton Public Library, Zeiterion Schooltime
