Daily brief · Ipswich, MA
Russell Orchards picks early ahead of nor'easter
September 25, 2026
Top story
Russell Orchards races to protect crop ahead of nor'easter
With a coastal nor'easter forecast for the weekend, Russell Orchards crews are stripping 30% more apples from the trees most vulnerable to damaging winds across the 120-acre, 18,000-tree property just blocks from the ocean. The family-owned farm has also ramped up cider, hard cider and wine production to preserve more of its crop, and some cider normally sold fresh this weekend can be frozen for later use. "This is prime apple picking time," co-owner Miranda Russell said, noting the orchard draws upwards of 10,000 visitors on a busy fall weekend.
CBS Boston
Ipswich equine massage business 'Mellow Touch' launches
Melissa Cote launched her horse massage therapy business, Mellow Touch, on September 24, 2026, offering muscle therapy, stretching, and recovery care for horses across the North Shore.
The Local News
Russell Orchards heirloom tomato takes 2nd in state contest
Farm manager Devan Ferreira's Speckled Roman tomato earned second place in the heirloom category at the Massachusetts Tomato Contest on September 24, 2026.
The Local News
School supply drive delivers donations to Ipswich schools
A community drive organized by J Barrett & Company agents delivered backpacks and learning essentials to Paul F. Doyon Memorial and Winthrop Elementary schools on September 24, 2026.
The Local News
Dan Blakeslee and the Calabash Club play True North tonight
Live music runs Friday, September 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at True North Ale Company, 116 County Road; the show is free.
True North Ale Company
Ipswich hosts Hamilton-Wenham JV field hockey tonight
Hamilton-Wenham Regional's junior-varsity field hockey team plays at Ipswich on Friday, September 25, at 5:15 p.m.
MaxPreps
Ipswich boys soccer falls 3-0 to Hamilton-Wenham
Ipswich's boys varsity soccer team lost 3-0 to Hamilton-Wenham Regional on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
MaxPreps
Sunset kayak trip explores Crane Wildlife Refuge tonight
A CraneOutdoors kayak outing runs Friday, September 25, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., paddling the refuge's protected waters to look for marsh wildlife; registration is required.
The Trustees of Reservations
Nostos hosts Magic: The Gathering prerelease tonight
Nostos hosts a Reality Fracture sealed prerelease Friday, September 25, from 6 to 10 p.m.; entry is $35, and players can preregister by email.
Nostos
Choate Island Day postponed to Oct. 17
The Trustees postponed Choate Island Day, originally set for September 26, because of weather; it is rescheduled for October 17. Ticket holders will receive rebooking or refund information.
The Trustees of Reservations
Toddlers meet turtles at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary today
Mass Audubon's Terrific Turtles program invites children ages 2-4 and caregivers to explore turtle shells, look for turtles, and make a craft Friday, September 25, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. in Topsfield.
Mass Audubon
Family nature series explores Pavilion Beach tonight
Mass Audubon's North Shore Explorers family series meets at Pavilion Beach in Ipswich Friday, September 25, from 5 to 7 p.m., focusing on coastal ecosystems.
Mass Audubon
Ipswich Housing Partnership, Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board meet jointly Sept. 28
The Ipswich Housing Partnership and Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board hold a joint meeting on September 28, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Town of Ipswich
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