Freebird Party-Goers to Have a Ball Saturday

A canopy of trees, stonewalls, ocean view and chirpy night crickets under night skies are a few reasons why the annual "Bird Ball," complete with great food, open bar, music and dancing, has become one of the most highly anticipated events in Middletown every summer.

The other reason is that Middletowners can't help but get behind the host venue and beneficiary itself, the non-profit Norman Bird Sanctuary, which applies funds raised toward keeping a number of educational and environmental programs running for people of all ages, from kids to adults, while fostering a 325-acre wildlife refuge that's home to countless local and migrating birds.

"The Bird Ball is one of our major events, as well as one of THE parties of the summer season in Newport, with 500 guests attending," said Lesley Muir, Director of Development.

"This year's theme, "Freebird" is all about "peace, love, and good times" with pink, orange, purple, and yellow, peace signs, flower power, dominating the décor," she said. "Overlooking the fields and down to the ocean, the venue is spectacular."

Saturday's event marks the 7^th Annual Bird Ball and—widely known as an upscale yet all-around fun event—the theme this year is "Free Bird." In recent weeks, the organization has worked hard to get the word out to encourage guests to dress the part, so tie-dye, flared pants, and hippy flower-power prints are to be expected to be out in abundance.

DJ Butch will set the disco beat, while Blackstone Caterers is tasked to lay out a tempting buffet spread. A number of silent auction items are also among the evening's offerings.

Proceeds benefit NBS' mission of providing quality environmental education, protecting open space, and promoting the preservation of wildlife habitats and environmental awareness, according to organizers.

"Proceeds from this event support our quality Environmental Education programs," said Muir. "Fifteen thousand school children participate each year, 900 attend our summer camp, and many more people of all ages participate in our year round public programs."

The non-profit Norman Bird Sanctuary relies heavily on the success of annual events like the Bird Ball because it is supported solely through membership dues, trail and program fees, and fundraising efforts.

Established under the will of Mabel Norman Cerio in 1950, the Norman Bird Sanctuary constitutes the largest area of preserved open space in Newport County, according to the organization's website.

The wildlife refuge encompasses roughly 325 acres with seven miles of trails that wind through diverse habitats. Nearly 30 acres are maintained as hay fields. Woodlands are the most prominent plant community, and four ridges provide spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and ponds. The property also includes a visitor's center, gift shop, and 19th Century Barn Museum featuring natural history displays and a children's area with interpretive murals and hands-on exhibits.

Educational programs are offered for students Grades K-12, enabling educators to select from more than 75 engaging and inquiry-based classes, which highlight animal adaptations, wildlife conservation, and New England's unique natural resources.  NBS public programs are also designed for lifelong learning, enrichment and enjoyment, from pre-school activities to Saturday explorers clubs, family nights, wildlife speaker series, and more.

Of course one can't mention NBS without noting the primary beneficiaries of the organization—the numerous breeds and varieties of birds that call the sanctuary home.

Recent sightings have documented such birds as the Least Bittern, Green Heron, Black Crowned Night Heron, Eastern Towhee, Goldfinch, Cardinal, Osprey, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Cardinal, Red-wing Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, Goldfinch, Red-tailed Hawk, Black-bellied Plover, Piping Plover, Yellow Warbler, and many, many more. To see a complete list of sightings, visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary website.

To visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary to either attend the Bird Ball or see the birds directly, click here for directions.

This year's Norman Bird Sanctuary "Bird Ball" sponsors include:

Premier Sponsor:

• William Vareika Fine Arts

Top Sponsors:

• BankNewport
• bioprocessH2O – Tim & Lorrie Burns
• Cabot Creamery Cooperative
• Michele Foster – Foster Associates
• Mr & Mrs. Roger Kass

Important Sponsors:

• CDMI
• Washington Trust

The 7th Annual Norman Bird Sanctuary "Bird Ball," takes place August 21, 2010 at 7 pm on the sanctuary lawn overlooking Rhode Island Sound. The dress is cocktail casual attire and guests are encouraged to dress to the "Free Bird" theme. Tickets are $125 through Friday evening or $150 at the door and includes an open bar, catered buffet meal, and music by DJ Butch.