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Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals is hosting its fourth annual golf tournament on Sept. 14 at Squirrel Run Golf Course. The money will be used to help the surprisingly high number of people in Plymouth who struggle financially to feed and take care of their pets.
The event will feature 80 golfers, a raffle, a silent auction, a visit from the Plymouth Police Department’s safety and comfort dogs, and a truck the group hopes to pack with donated pet food.
Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals is an all-volunteer organization of eight people that assists hundreds of pet owners from Plymouth and surrounding towns by providing them with pet food and supplies, and even help with paying veterinary bills.
“We found that people on fixed incomes, on Social Security, or single people living after their spouse has died, often their only companion [is] their dog or cat,” said board president Beth Hennessy. “And often, they cannot afford veterinary care and sometimes can’t afford food. But this is their best friend and the thing that keeps them going. That really hits me in the heart because I’ve known so many people like that. So that’s where we step in to help.”
Last year, the group paid $29,000 worth of vet bills. This year, it expects to dole of out $40,000.
The organization’s total budget is only about $60,000 range, but that doesn’t include approximately $15,000 of in-kind donations, mostly in the form of pet food. With contributions from businesses such as Pet Supplies Plus, Tractor Supply, Hanson Grain, and Court Street Animal Hospital – among others – it’s assembled a robust team dedicated to its mission.
“We also have 15 to 20 regular volunteers that help out on a daily basis by collecting money, going to events, packing food, staffing the pet food pantries, writing thank you notes, and anything else that needs to be done,” Hennessy said. “We do also deliver food to homebound people if they cannot get out and they’re in desperate need.”
As an example, she recounted a story of Blaze – an 11-year-old golden doodle – to illustrate the impact of Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals.
“Blaze’s owners originally called us because he had a suspicious growth on his leg and the vet wanted to biopsy it. The estimate was $600, and they did not have the money. The vet ended up doing the biopsy for a significantly reduced cost and testing it in-house. We paid for that, and we were also able to cover the cost of Blaze’s wellness exam, vaccines, and an initial supply of medications.”
The golf tournament spots are full but, you can still contribute to the Pack the Truck Pet Food Drive and participate in other fun events. It all starts at 9 a.m. at 32 Elderberry Drive. For more information, go here.
September 9
The Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., presents a night with Steven Karidoyanes, the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director and conductor. He’ll offer a behind-the-scenes look at the music and programs of the Philharmonic. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free. For more information, go here.
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus is holding open rehearsals and vocal placement sessions as it seeks experienced singers, from amateur to professional skill levels, to join its membership for the 2024-25 season. Pilgrim Festival Chorus features 90 singers from more than 20 communities and is dedicated to presenting diverse choral works. It’s also celebrating its 25th anniversary. The sessions will take place at Faith Community Church, 29 Carver Road, at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 16. For more information, go here.
September 11
The Plymouth Garden Club presents Kathie Skinner, a master gardener, to talk about all things hydrangea including how to plant, how to treat the soil, how to control the color and when to prune. It starts at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 6 River St. Tickets are $5 and can be bought at the door.
September 12
Plimoth General Store, 44 Main St., presents local architect, historian (and PI columnist) Bill Fornaciari in a discussion about Plymouth’s schools and how designs changed to meet the needs of the town. The talk starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.
September 13
The Spire presents Quinn Sullivan, a guitar virtuoso and New Bedford native who became famous at the age of 8 by appearing on shows like Oprah and Ellen. He also toured with Buddy Guy for 10 years. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 and you can get them here.
“S.O.S., The San Onofre Syndrome,” a documentary about problems surrounding the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant in San Onofre, California, will be shown at the First Parish Plymouth chapel, 12 Church St. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be available. The movie starts at 7 p.m. Diane Turco of the Cape Downwinders will introduce the film and lead a Q & A afterward.
September 14
The Spire presents Albert Cummings, a blues guitarist who has played alongside guitar legends B.B. King, Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy. Performing songs from his 10 albums – including his latest release, ‘Strong” – Cummings mixes the blues with a little bit of country. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38 and you can get them here.
Priscilla Beach Theatre, 800 Rocky Hill Road, presents the final performance of “They’re Playing Our Song.” This musical comedy about an established composer and his relationship with an aspiring lyricist is both romantic and funny. For tickets, go here.
September 15
The Rebels and Rods car show takes place every Sunday morning in the parking lot of East Bay Grille at 173 Water St., from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., weather permitting. This is a family and pet-friendly event.
September 16
The Pilgrim Festival Chorus is conducting open rehearsals and vocal placement sessions as it seeks experienced singers, from amateur to professional skill levels, to join its membership for the 2024-25 season. See the Sept. 9 listing for more details.
September 18
Pilgrim Hall Museum’s 2024 Speaker Series continues with Creating a Historical Painting: The First Thanksgiving. Karen Rinaldo, creator of the 1994 work “The First Thanksgiving,” will talk about the process behind the image, one of the first to accurately recognize the Wampanoag presence at the 1621 event. At 75 Court St. at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and you can get them here.
September 19
The Plymouth Public Library, in collaboration with the American Parkinson’s Association, convene a meeting for people affected by Parkinson’s Disease. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at 132 South St. and is free. For more information, go here.
September 20
The Spire presents The Best of Foo, a Foo Fighters tribute band. It starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and you can get them here.