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Have you been to the newly remade Stephens Field? Since its “soft opening” in early August, kids have been scrambling around the playground, the pickle ball and tennis courts have attracted hundreds of casual and hardcore players, and kayakers have taken advantage of the improved access to the harbor.
The park, just south of downtown, still looks slightly barren, by design – the idea was to get it up and running during the summer so people could enjoy the new space, made possible by a $5 million makeover that was many years in the planning. The work was funded by $4 million in Community Preservation Act funds and $1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.
With the arrival of cooler weather, crews have been planting trees and shrubbery and putting down grass seed. It’s not hard to imagine how beautiful the grounds will look after they grow in over the next couple of years. Think about it: How many towns can boast two public recreation areas with such spectacular ocean vistas? (Nelson Park to the north being the other.)
The landscaping comes just in time for the official Stephens Field opening ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. It will feature brief remarks from guest speakers John Mahoney, David Gould, Tim Downie, and Doug Gray (the playground will be named in his honor). There will also be family friendly activities, and light refreshments, and, of course, a traditional ribbon cutting.
Downie will be on hand for the dedication of the new pedestrian access way from Sandwich Street in the name of his late father, Chet. The entrance way – which provides a view of the park from Sandwich Street – known as the Chet Downie Scenic Overlook.
Chet Downie ran the Plymouth Boys and Girls Club for more than 40 years, “impacting the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of children,” said town communications director Casey Kennedy. That included overseeing summer programs and the snack bar at Stephens Field.
“Every day that goes by, I realize more and more what a selfless man Chet was,” said Tim.
“One of the most impressive aspects of this project was how passionate the residents of Plymouth felt about Stephens Field,” Bill Keohan, former chair of the Community Preservation Committee and a champion of the project, told the Independent’s Michael Cohen during the summer. “Now, opening Stephens Field is like a barn-raising for the whole community. We have a new park, for a new generation to make new memories of their own.”
And, we might add, let’s treat it with respect.
Monday, Sept. 30
The Plymouth Zen Group celebrates its 15th anniversary with a visit from Zen Master Bon Haeng (Mark Houghton). Ann Miller will give an introductory dharma talk followed by a question-and-answer session with Haeng. It will happen at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 384 Court St., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A $5-$20 donation is suggested.
The Plymouth Garden Club has finished its beautification of Plymouth Public Library’s garden beds with a colorful selection of mums to celebrate the fall season. Always on a mission to add to Plymouth’s natural beauty, the Club encourages you to look and enjoy its latest effort the next time you visit or drive by the library at 132 South St. – before the first frost arrives
Tuesday, Oct. 1
The official opening for Stephens Field will be held from 4 to 5:30. See the lead item in this column for details.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Book Love in the Pinehills presents Marianne Leone reading from and discussing her new memoir, “Five Dog Epiphany: How A Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy.” Noted author Tom Perotta called it “a marvel. A poignant and revelatory memoir about the profound relationship between humans and their canine companions.”
Leone will also screen a short film, “With/In,” which she made with her husband, actor Chris Cooper, during the pandemic. (We’ve seen the film – it’s very good.) The event is at 6 p.m. at 7 Village Green South and is free.
Friday, Oct. 4
First Fridays returns with close to 25 artists, galleries, shops, and showrooms opening its doors for an evening of art, culture, and inspiration downtown. Included in this month’s events is a Spooner House fundraiser and the new members show at the Plymouth Center for the Arts. First Friday events happen between 5 and 8 p.m. For more information, go here.
Memorial Hall presents Foreigners Journey, a double-sided tribute band for bands you can figure out by its name. You can listen any way you want it, as long as you don’t stop believing. (We’re having a vision of the final scene from “The Sopranos.”) The show is at 83 Court St. and starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39 to $59 and you can get them here.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Author Julia Marie Davis will read from, and talk about, her new novella, “Catbird,” from 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Book Love, 7 Village Green South, in the Pinehills. The book is “a poignant fable about a woman, her husband and a catbird, set against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” according to a press release. “Reflecting on global conflicts and human resilience, the book offers a universal message of hope and solidarity in tumultuous times worldwide.”
Friendly Folktales, an interactive program of storytelling and movement about kindness and community will be presented by two award-winning storytellers – Karen Chace and Andrea Lovett, from Northeast Storytelling. The event is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Pilgrimage in Town Square. Their stories are aimed at children ages 3 – 8. “However, all who love stories are urged to join us and bring a neighbor,” the church said. Care for toddlers will be available.
Pilgrim Hall Museum and the Plymouth Antiquarian Society are sponsoring an hourlong walking tour of Burial Hill with historian Dr. Anne Mason at 1 p.m. She’ll highlight “the experiences of war during the American Revolution, Loyalist exiles, and later travelers,” according to a press release. Meet at the top of the cemetery, which is off School Street, for this free event. For more information, go to Pilgrim Hall’s Facebook page, pilgrimhall.org or plymouthantiquarian.org.
Join your friends and neighbors for Plymouth’s Fall Cleanup. This semi-annual, townwide event – now in its 15th year – combats litter and trash left all over town by thoughtless people. Sign up here or at Town Hall (Planning Dept., 3rd floor). For more information, contact Patrick Farah here, or call 508-322-3374. The cleanup will happen rain or shine.
Comedian Gary Vider will be generating laughs at the Spire. Vider, based in New York, recently hosted “#1 Dad”, a limited true crime/comedy podcast series from iHeartMedia, Will Ferrell’s Big Money Player Network, and Radio Point. Gary’s stand-up special “It Could Be Worse” recently premiered on his YouTube channel. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $27 and $30 and you can buy them here.
New World Tavern, 56 Main St., presents That ‘80s Band. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.
Sunday, Oct. 6
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.
The Spire will host Manhattan Short: The World’s First Global Film Festival 2024, at 2 p.m. It will feature 10 short films culled from hundreds of submissions. Tickets are $10 and you can buy them here.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
The Plymouth Garden Club presents guest speaker Mike Badia at 1p.m. at the Chiltonville Congregational Church 6 River St. Badia’s presentation is called “Orchids 101.” He’ll offer tips on the basics of orchid culture (especially phalaenopsis), including watering, fertilizing, light requirements, potting mixes, repotting and pests. Following the program, a traditional English Tea will be served. There’s a $5 guest fee, and “membership inquiries always welcome,” the club says.
Thursday, Oct. 10
The Matt Nakoa Band will perform at the Spire, at 7:30 p.m. In a press release, Nakoa is described as “an internationally touring singer/songwriter, recently appearing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk icon Tom Rush. Fun fact: He accepted studied as a vocalist at Berklee College of Music in Boston alongside two greats: St. Vincent and Esperanza Spalding. Tickets are $22.50 and $25 and you can buy them here.
Saturday, Oct. 12
New World Tavern, 56 Main St., presents Right Turn Clyde. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., and the music starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.