May 2024 New England Monthly Magazine

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT CAUSING RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN?

We’ve Got Answers

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MARION $9,750,000

2.76-acre estate with expansive lawn

MARION $2,750,000

Nestled in the heart of Marion Village, this updated home offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

SOUTH BOSTON $1,065,000

South Boston condo in unbeatable location bordering the ever-developing South End and Seaport districts.

POCASSET $2,995,000

MARSTONS MILLS $2,995,000

EASTHAM $2,695,900

Impeccably renovated and maintained, this is waterfront perfection with a private beach and exquisite views.

HINGHAM $899,000

Lovingly restored farmhouse in the sought after Canterbury Villages.

NEW SEABURY $1,895,000

Meticulously maintained luxury condominium overlooking the 10th hole on New Seabury’s Championship golf course.

DARTMOUTH $659,900

Lakefront retreat with park-like grounds and direct views of Lake Noquochoke.

& views, newly constructed carriage house and deeded access to deepwater dock.

Escape to the tranquil shores of Pocasset Harbor with this captivating waterfront residence.

Gracious Colonial home on one acre with 5,021 sq. ft. of refined living space, inground pool, beautiful gardens.

New England’s Leading Luxury Real Estate Brokerage www.landvest.com

Terry Boyle 617-821-7745 tboyle@Landvest.com

Joanna Dresser 617-584-6855 jdresser@Landvest.com

Betsy Lawrence 508-317-8669 blawrence@Landvest.com

As the horizon changes, it’s assuring to know that a

started over 45 years ago by Frank

The Bay Club - 1 Rocky Hill Lane Mattapoisett, MA | $1.579M | Joanna Dresser

5 Narragansett Street Nonquitt, South Dartmouth, MA | $3.995M | Betsy Lawrence

Do you want to preserve the memory of a family event, take a photo with one of your favorite toys (motorcycle, sport car or boat), or memorialize a pet? Perhaps you need to record the contents of your home for insurance purposes.

Has it been a while since you updated your business marketing assets? Rest assured; we are a trusted firm that has made our mark by offering custom services that exceed our client’s expectations in every sense.

Most people have a great idea and a need for professional photography. Now that Spring has arrived, take the time to call us to discuss your plan.

Celebration

FRANK MCNAMEE OF FAMED MARION ANTIQUES SHOP

Celebrates a 50th Anniversary

As a teenager in 1974, Frank McNamee began collecting and selling antiques. A resident of Norwood, Massachusetts, McNamee and his mother, Mary, opened The Wicker Porch, welcoming his father, Frank Sr., to join in after he retired from The Gillette Company.

The Wicker Porch had two locations: one in Wareham and the other on the island of Nantucket. From these initial businesses came the Marion Antique Shop—established in 1989, owned, and managed by Frank and his darling wife of 38 years, Diane.

The couple has shown a commitment to creating a successful antique and collectible business, as well as establishing an auction house—with a partner, each held in high regard as premier purveyors of quality furnishings and artifacts.

They have become a force within the ‘antique industry,’ bringing consigners, customers, and dealers throughout

New England and across the nation to the prestigious shores of Marion.

The McNamees are widely known as a result of working with generations of families who have counted on Frank’s wealth of knowledge and Diane’s sweet disposition and outstanding customer service. They are also recognized for their dedication to civic affairs. Frank has served as the President and maintained board membership with The Sippican Historical Society since 1989.

To congratulate Frank and Diane, visit marionantiques.com, give them a call at 508-748-3606, or drop by and say hello at 335 Wareham Road in Marion. H

For The Year Of The Dragon

Barbara Corcoran, who was once a diner waitress, now a multi-millionaire (with an estimated worth of $100,000,000) and a frequent celebrity guest on the television show Shark Tank, began her real estate career with a $1,000 loan from a boyfriend, turning it into a sales and marketing property conglomerate worth $6 billion, advises for those praying for the price of their dream home to drop with the following:

Don’t count on it, “If rates go down just another percentage point…housing prices will go through the roof!” She continues, “Home prices could go up another 10 percent,” causing expensive procrastination.

~But~

According to the Federal Reserve, and considering the signs of a recession are nearly extinct, there’s a problem brewing with the GDP, indicating the possibility of a ‘growth recession’ due to a slowing economy, joblessness, and a stock market correction.

Such dichotomy begs the question, “Do you believe you can time the real estate market?”

Common sense says buy or sell a home because you want to, and the place to do it is on our pages. It’s where buyers and sellers turn each month.

Our real estate clients are known for their high-caliber luxury properties and premier services; they are the best in the industry, and their success is measured by the number of years they have been showcased in our magazines.

If you’ve been waiting for the ‘perfect’ time to sell and move up to your dream home—today is the day.

As for those considering advertising a real estate or a home improvement business, give us a call to begin the journey of enjoying the benefits of reaching the most desirable consumers looking for reliable and trustworthy services.

Don’t wait—the time has come—make the move!

Let Us Help You Experience The Mass Care Link Difference

Are you facing the challenges of caring for a loved one at home? Perhaps trying to wholeheartedly balance their needs and the daily demands life delivers you?

If this sounds familiar, we are here to assist you in providing an unmatched standard of Adult Foster Care benefits for those striving to stay in their homes.

Mass Care Link is evolutionary, providing a monthly payment to those caring for someone at home while supporting them with a personalized touch.

Costing less than assisted living facilities and nursing homes, with a record of compassion and empathy, we cover the unique needs of our clients.

Families and individuals rely on our services to:

• Ensure caregivers receive a tax-free monthly stipend/payment

• Review and verify MassHealth paperwork and qualifications

• Train and assist with the management and demand of providing 24-hour care

You may not know this fact, but if you qualify as an at-home caregiver, you can earn up to $18,240 yearly.

For a caregiver to meet state requirements, they must:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Reside in the same home as the person they care for

• Not be the legal guardian or legally married to the person being cared for

• Provide necessary medical care and assistance that meets the needs of the person they care for

For your family member or loved one to qualify for Mass Care Link services, they must meet these eligibility points:

• Be 16 years of age or older

• Be approved for MassHealth insurance

• Live with the primary caregiver in the same home

• Require supervision and cueing, or physical assistance daily with at least one of the following needs: bathing, toileting, ambulation, transferring, eating, and/or dressing.

If this sounds attractive and meets your level of interest, contact us today for additional information or to schedule an appointment.

Mass Care Link, Inc.

99 South Main Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02721 Hablamos Español | Falamos Português

call for more information or visit us online at:

If you face the challenges of caring for a loved one at home and trying to balance their needs and necessities,

Mass

Care Link can surely help.

Just deserts 14 CELEBRATION

Marion Antiques announces an anniversary

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South Dartmouth has it all; this resort-type home won’t last 24 IMPRESSIONS

LIVING WELL

32 INTIMACY

Is your relationship stuck? Is your partner acting immature, needy, or rebellious?

We may have answers to your questions

34

WELL BEING

With advancements in life expectancy rising every year, why are older adults finding it difficult to access their doctors or other professionals in the business of healthcare? We found a few reasons for the challenges an aging population faces

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HEALTH

The SouthCoast’s Mass Care Link has a story to tell and programs that come to the rescue for those needing at-home care. Learn how this agency assists in providing compassionate caregivers to the most vulnerable

Newport Mansions, in partnership with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, launched the exhibition, “Gilded Age Newport in Color” at Rosecliff in March, taking visitors back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when African heritage families were active members of a new type of urban setting—the resort community.

. . . WE HONOR THE MORE THAN ONE MILLION MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION WHILE SERVING IN WARS AND MISSIONS SINCE THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

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CULTURE

You don’t want to miss The Preservation Society of Newport County’s “Gilded Age Newport in Color” at the Mansions— Ends June 30

46

PROFILE

A SouthCoast Favorite: Nuno and his family are focused on Portuguese cuisine and outstanding service

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MEMORIAL

This month, we acknowledge a solemn occasion that celebrates those who gave their all and are the best examples of what we need more of from this and future generations

Impressions

RETURN O N I NVESTMENT

BY STEVEN CHAN

TO THOSE WHO ARE SMUG, WITH ATTITUDE AND SPITE, THEIR POWER AND GESTURES INDICATE FAILED INSIGHT. AS FOR THOSE THEY TARGET, IT’S HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY YOU NEED HIDDEN AGENDAS TO ORCHESTRATE YOUR PLAN.

WHEN THE OFFENDED ACCEPTS A SHADOW CAST, THEY GRACIOUSLY RETREAT— REMAINING HUMBLE EVERLAST—AND WHILE YOU DON’T RECALL THE TIME OF YOUR SLIGHT, THEY’VE STORED IT WAY WITH SUBTLE DELIGHT.

THESE PARTING FOES FROM DECADES AGO HAVE ALLOWED MEMORIES OF RUDENESS AND CONTEMPT TO GROW.

WATCHING YOUR ANTICS, POOR DECISIONS, AND MORE, HAS MADE SO MANY GROW WEARY, EVEN BORED.

KNOW THOSE WITH A SUCCESSFUL PATH LAID BEFORE THEM, TAKE JOY IN THE FACT YOUR ROADBLOCKS HAVEN’T STOPPED THEM.

THIRSTING TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED, PRAYING THE LIGHT WILL CONTINUE TO SHINE, IS MORE AN ACT OF DESPERATION, SHOWING FURTHER DECLINE.

PRETENDING, MANIPULATING, AND HAVING OTHERS PLAY COVER, DID YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE YOUR INTENT WOULDN’T BE DISCOVERED?

WITH PAIN AND PLEASURE, LIFE SPILLS ON; YOUR CHILDISH DECISIONS REMAIN FIRMLY IN YOUR MIND. UNSTOPPABLE THOUGHTS THROUGHOUT THE EVENING, THE CHILL OF REJECTION LEAVES YOU UNEASY.

ERRORS AND OMISSIONS PLAY A ROLE; THEY SHOW A LACK OF SOPHISTICATION AND SELF-CONTROL. ADMIRATION MUST BE EARNED, NOT THROUGH FALSE PROMISES MAKING OTHERS FEEL BURNED.

YES, TEDIOUS, THIS EFFORT MAY SEEM TO BE; IT’S NOT ABOUT WINNING, BUT SINCERITY.

STAGNATION IS A HORRIBLE DEATH, AN UNEVENTFUL CAREER WITH A PAYCHECK. AS YOU WATCH OTHERS FEEDING YOUR CONTEMPT, WHY DO YOU SUDDENLY FEEL A NEED TO REPENT? LONG AGO, YOU HAD YOUR CHANCE, BUT YOU DECIDED NOT TO MEND THAT FENCE.

TIME PASSES QUICKLY; WE WALK IN DIFFERENT SHOES; YOU’VE BEEN STIFLED, PASSED OVER, NEVER ALLOWED TO PRODUCE; YOU’RE LEFT TO CARRY WATER FOR THOSE WHO USE, WHILE BEHIND YOUR BACK, THEY LAUGH FOR MAKING YOU THE RUSE.

YOUR SNUB WAS A POOR INVESTMENT, MY NOT BEING TO YOUR LIKING; CONVERSELY, AS FOR ME —IT’S BEEN BOTH REWARDING AND EXCITING. H

The Newport Flower Show

June 21-23, 2024 | Rosecliff, Newport RI

“At Home” will be a celebration of the beauty that flowers and plants bring to the spaces we call home. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a gardening hobbyist or someone seeking inspiration for home decor, this show promises a feast for the senses and a unique perspective on the intersection of nature and your home, indoors and out.

Tickets on Sale • NewportMansions.org

Choose morning or afternoon admission to enjoy all the show has to offer, or reserve your spot at the Opening Night Reception, the start of Newport’s summer season!

Garden Sponsor Event Sponsors Presenting Sponsor

Rosecliff

A SOUTH D ARTMOUTH STUNNER

Resort Quality Livin g —Without Leaving Home

BY STEVEN CHAN

Luxury living takes on a variety of options; some families enjoy seclusion surrounded by wildlife and solitude, while others prefer the excitement and activities of a rigorous lifestyle, which encompasses a feel for the local community and easy access to a wide range of conveniences.

Finding the right neighborhood to raise children is often a challenge; schools, clubs, and cultural opportunities are sought after but are not always nearby. Parents are frequently faced with fierce negotiations between what they want versus what they need, and then there are issues about keeping a watchful eye on the tribe. The best homes involve selecting a location that is conducive to family entertainment

and inviting others with hopes to socialize and recreate.

With these decisions in play, this month’s home review is a clear choice that won’t last long in today’s real estate market.

Where Buttonwood Brook feeds into Apponagansett Bay, leading to Padanaram Harbor and into Buzzards Bay, you’ll find this enchanting dream home. Not only does it have a sought-after SouthCoast zip code, it’s only minutes from sandy beaches, marinas, the New Bedford Yacht Club, a couple of country clubs, and schools. 230 Cushman Lane, in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, has all the bells and whistles.

This prestigious property boasts numerous upgrades and necessary amenities for carefree living; it has everything you can imagine—plus more!

It’s a pristine home with a feel of being on vacation.

Tastefully appointed, it features four bedrooms with three full bathrooms and multiple mini-splits for efficient heating and cooling throughout the house.

The new and sizable kitchen includes a double oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, and built-in wine cooler; all beautifully accented by quartz countertops.

The first level offers a guest bedroom, full bathroom, spacious laundry room with pet bath/shower, and a spa room that could also be used as a home office.

As far as keeping the family together and ensuring they are entertained, a new home buyer will be delighted by a newly installed heated in-ground pool with pavers, plus an outdoor hot tub; from the photos, you can see this listing is picture-perfect.

Plus, as a family grows, the need for transportation also increases. Luckily, 230 Cushman Lane comes with a threestall garage plus ample storage space.

While there may not be the need for protection, it will be comforting to know a security system is included in your new home with your utilities under control through the use of solar panels mounted on the roof.

And now, for the best, envision yourself enjoying an ocean view from an oversized second-floor deck facing the water with a morning coffee or afternoon cocktail and a snack of local shellfish.

The owners painstakingly furnished the home reflecting peace and tranquility, with a flair of modern living. If you’re interested, the owners are offering the house to be sold furnished, which can be negotiated with the price of the property.

There is never a dull moment in South Dartmouth. A quick bike ride to Padanaram Village brings you to upscale dining options and exciting shops, and this will make a cloudy day shine with enjoyment. It’s the place to be along the highly desirable coastline.

With ample room to roam within the 3,158 square-feet of living space, no one has to feel cramped or confined. It’s a home that encourages unique experiences and full participation in life’s exciting journey.

230 Cushman Lane, in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is exclusively listed by Sara Farland, Principal of Anne Whiting Real Estate, a Division of Seaport Realty, located at 240 Elm Street in the same town, and offered for $1,075,000. H

For additional information or to schedule a personalized tour of the home and property, contact Sara at 508-951-4437, call Anne Whiting Real Estate at 508-999-1010, or visit annewhitingre.com.

The owners painstakingly furnished the home reflecting peace and tranquility, with a flair of modern living.

Arrested Development & It’s Influence On Relationships

BY STEVEN CHAN

For those making an immediate assumption about the column’s relationship to the semipopular television sitcom, launched in November of 2003 airing for three seasons on Fox, followed by two additional runs on Netflix, they’re pretty much unrelated except for conceptual similarity, focused on a theme and plot, specific to the role of personality dysfunction. And, while the term Arrested Development eeks the trappings of modern linguistics, its use

was initially documented in 1835 to acknowledge the cessation of physical growth, followed by it attesting to the interference of normal psychological growth, leading to impairment and low IQ in 1983 in Great Britain.

Today, clinicians use the description when referencing the cause and effect of childhood trauma or lack of development through traditional stages of personality, leading to the conclusion that for some, relationships become troublesome because one or more participants didn’t cognitively

or emotionally develop beyond the point where maturity, self-esteem, and coping skills are learned and practiced. Basically, they became stuck, hitting a wall, never to fully develop the ability to connect with another person deeply.

The rate at which a child progresses during personality development is vulnerable to, as mentioned, trauma, the loss of a parent or two, the death of a sibling, physical abuse, or sexual assault. Other factors include neglect, being raised by dysfunctional caretakers who exhibited violent behavior,

alcoholism or substance abuse, and even excruciating bullying and verbal degradation have a role.

If these issues aren’t addressed and resolved, a child will carry the burden into adulthood and repeat the ‘fight or flight’ behaviors. Possessing ‘cognitivedystonia,’ whereas emotions and actions involuntarily react to stress, fear, and insecurities (most relationships face over time), in the same manner, used as a defense and protection of their young minds, the repetitive responses aren’t indefinite, they will expire at some point in a relationship.

The disruption between lovers can cause anger, resentment, poor communication, adultery, trust issues, and often desertion. Even with therapy and understanding, these deep-rooted personality reflexes can be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent.

Often, the afflicted resorts to finding odd comfort by retracting emotionally, exhibiting passive-aggressive behaviors, falling into bouts of depression, or showing signs of an eating disorder marked by large swings of weight loss and gains.

It’s difficult to form an intimate connection with a person having these negative experiences. Life becomes complicated; the more you try to show understanding, compassion, and empathy, the likelihood of them resisting heightens. Even though they desire to be loved and cared for, hoping to enjoy the benefits of security, comfort, and safety from a positive relationship, they feel incomplete, realizing they lack the emotional tools or are unable to feel the sensitivities associated with unconditional love and acceptance.

Some of the telltale signs found in couples with one or both suffering from Arrested Development manifest behaviors indicative of

childhood responses when frustrated or angry; often, even as an adult, they will use expressions that escalate to the realm of screaming, “I hate you,” or they leave the situation—basically running away— until they can recoil to a state of balance, only to return hurt and embarrassed.

There are cases where a significant other or spouse will become provocative to others outside of the relationship, engage in affairs, or become promiscuous; all acts of retaliation or punishment for what they view as hurt caused by others.

To the child-adult, there’s no one to rely on; they’ve never been able to establish security or dependency outside of themselves and have always internalized their feelings and had to invoke internal ill-prepared coping skills to meet and soothe unbearable feelings of loneliness and despair.

Adding confusion to a relationship is the dysfunctional partner will often be joyous, comical, fun-loving, and ‘child-like.’ Their attractiveness lingers when there isn’t conflict; they can show spontaneity, youthfulness, and intimate provocation—but it doesn’t last.

It’s a difficult situation to be involved in; like a broken record, the self-defense mechanisms replay over and over

It’s a difficult situation to be involved in; like a broken record, the self-defense mechanisms replay over and over again, learning from past mistakes goes unheeded, responses are repetitive, and the outcomes remain the same.

again, learning from past mistakes goes unheeded, responses are repetitive, and the outcomes remain the same.

The saddest thing about being involved with a person who has unresolved issues is that, in the end, one or the other person leaves the relationship for survival. In their mind, they accept that change isn’t possible, only escape. When they finally separate, the traumatized will quickly, if not already set up their next relationship while with you, move to another person who they believe will create nonconflicting or aggressive interactions.

New relationships are possible, but there is evidence that even though a traumatized person will seek a passive mate to avoid interpersonal unrest, it too has a host of difficulties.

Recall the existence of Arrested Development. It’s related to unanticipated and uncontrollable events or excessive drama facing an unprepared child, causing them to turn the pain and danger inward. While most would believe peace and serenity are craved, often, the individual is drawn to the identical behaviors they experienced and had to conceal; it’s a situational event causing a reaction internally. All too often, the person is drawn to someone creating drama because it feels normal and acceptable.

It’s not unusual, in extreme cases, for those struggling and forced into a neverending fight for emotional survival to end up alone and isolated, searching for a degree of comfort by avoiding interpersonal contact.

If you feel that you might have similar tendencies described here, we urge you to contact a qualified therapist who specializes in childhood trauma; you don’t have to accept living with unresolved pain. There’s still the opportunity to be successful in love. H

Well Being

BY ROB SAINT LAURENT, M.ED

The Institute of Medicine, an esteemed nonprofit advisory group, says having access to healthcare means a person can make “timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes.”1

We need timely access to quality healthcare services, explains the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), so we can maintain good health, better manage chronic disease, decrease needless disability and untimely death, and attain health equity for all Americans. Timely access means people have healthcare insurance allowing them entry into the healthcare system; they’re assured ready access to care when needed or when they perceive a need; and they have a consistent source of care to promote trust between patient and provider. 2

While it could be argued that healthcare is a fundamental human right, many elderly and disabled Americans know that accessing timely and reliable medical care can be a challenge.

AGING NATION

Research shows that aging populations are much more likely to have a greater number of people living with multiple chronic diseases and disability.3, 4

The percentage of the U.S. population aged 65 and over is projected to increase from 16 percent in 2019

to roughly 25 percent by 2040. Further, most U.S. adults aged 50 and older, of all races, will be burdened by at least one chronic disease by 2050, especially people aged 60-79.3 Likewise, the rate of disability among U.S. adults has been steadily rising, with as many as one in four Americans now living with a disabling condition.5

Knowing this is essential for prioritizing access to highquality healthcare, say researchers.3 Yet, right now, we’re seeing rising numbers of Americans with chronic disease and disability; at the same time, we’re finding older Americans can have difficulty getting the care they need.

DISPARITIES IN ACCESS

The disconnect is revealed in the AHRQ’s 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report. 2

Under the domain of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the AHRQ is the lead federal agency tasked with improving Americans’ healthcare quality and safety. In its 2021 investigative report, trends in healthcare access and disparities in access were the focus. Having health insurance and a normal source of care, experiencing problems when seeking care, and obtaining care when desired were examined using various measures. Authoritative sources were used for data gathering, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the National Institutes of Health, and the United States Census Bureau.

A snapshot of the trajectory of the U.S. prior to the pandemic, the report showed an overall improvement in care access. The rate of chronically uninsured people under age 65 declined from 13.4 percent to 7.8 percent between 2002 and 2018. From 2012-2019, there was no real change in adults reporting they received care or advice the same day they requested it. And between 2002 and 2018, people reporting their usual healthcare provider being somewhat-tovery difficult to reach by phone during regular business hours declined from 19.1 percent to 15.5 percent.

However, it also showed disparities in care access among subgroups. From 2017-2019, compared to people aged 18-44, those 65 years and over had more difficulty with 25 percent of access measures, though they had an easier time using 63 percent of other services.

... right now, we’re seeing rising numbers of Americans with chronic disease and disability; at the same time, we’re finding older Americans can have difficulty getting the care they need

Meanwhile, compared to people without disabilities, disabled people had a more challenging time accessing care for 42 percent of access measures but had more accessible access to another 42 percent of measures.

Besides age disparities, people of color had more difficulty accessing many care services than White people. Better care was experienced by women in 2019, by people with high incomes, and by those living in the suburbs of large cities. Not surprisingly, people with private insurance had better care access than people with just public insurance.

For senior adults, HHS says factors like an absence of healthcare options in rural areas, steep out-of-pocket insurance costs (averaging almost $7,000 for people aged 65 and over in 2020), and difficulty transitioning to Medicare from private insurance can all complicate and delay care access, worsening health issues and causing preventable emergencies.6

In older research of perceived barriers to healthcare involving nearly 5,000 Medicare recipients, the average age of 76 years, the most prevalent barriers included doctor irresponsiveness to patient concerns, medical debt, transportation, and street safety. Related to these barriers were low income, no supplemental health insurance, being older, and being female.7

It was concluded in the 2004 study that psychological and physical barriers affect elder care access and that poverty likely has more influence on care access than race.

GLOBAL PROBLEM

These issues aren’t confined to the U.S.

A recent Iranian study found similar barriers and challenges to accessing healthcare services in Ghaemshahr, Iran, from the perspective of 29 older adults and 18 healthcare providers. These barriers revolve around individual, structural/system, environmental, and social factors.8

Lack of awareness of available services, for example, can limit patient access. Older people may not be as adept at using mobile phones and other technology as healthy, educated older adults. “This is a critical disconnect,” explain the authors, “as older adults primarily rely on healthcare professionals to provide information about services.”

Healthcare access can also be impacted by the quality and quantity of services. Care workers’ competence, respect for patients, and treatment quality are essential for a satisfied older patient who’s willing to return.

Additionally, care access for older people can be affected by

the degree of frailty, travel distance, lack of transportation and social support, such as in a family member who could help with transit; insurance issues, such as fear of medications, lab tests, and other services not covered by the insurer; adequacy of toilet facilities and waiting environment; the cleanliness/tidiness of care facilities; and patient registration deficiencies that can lead to patient delays, frustration, and anxiety.

Both patients and providers agreed that patients lacked education and needed medical services. Fixing this, the authors say, “requires a deliberate focus on patients’ specific needs.”

They suggest restructuring primary care provision to improve care delivery for older people. Volunteers could identify and guide the elderly and disabled to proper training and services, and providers could be educated on aging and dealing with older adults.

MEDICARE-MEDICAID

Besides transitioning from private to public insurance, there are other accessibility issues with Medicare.

Whereas the original Medicare is government-administered and not sold through private insurance, Medicare Advantage (MA) is obtained through private insurers who set the prices. People with MA enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B can receive benefits from private plans versus conventional fee-for-service.

Research in the New England Journal of Medicine shows people with MA appear healthier than people receiving traditional Medicare in terms of self-assessed health, functionality, and cognitive ability. They also tend to be less educated, earn $20,000-$40,000 (low-to-middle income), and are more likely to be Hispanic due to geography, where there are more Hispanic people living in areas of high MA enrollment versus in rural areas where traditional Medicare is more prevalent.2, 9

The AHRQ’s report found that, in 2019, people over age 65 living in large or medium cities were more likely to have any kind of MA than those residing in the suburbs of large cities. People living in small cities and rural areas were the least likely to have MA. 2

Another area is dual Medicare-Medicaid eligibility. Paid for by Medicare, a person receives Medicare Part A and/or B, along with full Medicaid benefits and/or premium assistance or costsharing via Medicare’s Savings Program. Eligibility is based on age, low income, or disability.

In 2013, more than half of the beneficiaries were limited in activities of daily living, nearly half didn’t finish high school, and they were more often in poorer health and in institutions than non-dual beneficiaries. 2

In 2019, AHRQ found that disabled and poor or low-income people were more likely to be dual eligible. Among people aged 65 and over, Hispanic, Asian, Black, and multiracial people were more likely to be dual-eligible than Whites. 2

PROMOTING HEALTHY AGING

Timely and reliable healthcare access is essential for older and disabled adults. It’s also critical to recognize other determinants

of healthy aging to help Americans age gracefully with less disease burden and thus less burden on the healthcare system.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the environmental conditions that affect our health, functioning, and overall quality of life. HHS’ Healthy People 2030 project identifies five categories of SDOH: healthcare access and quality, economic stability, education access and quality, social/community, and a person’s structural/built environment. All of these can impact how well we age.6

Studies have shown, for instance, that older people are more likely to become disabled and die younger when they have low incomes. They have a better chance of living longer, healthier lives with positive social relationships. About 80 percent of older adults have difficulty with medical documents, like forms and charts, complicating medical decision-making. As people age and functionality declines, convenient, accessible amenities become vital, such as grocery stores, care centers, and safe places for physical activity, as well as transportation services for older people living in rural areas.6

There are things we can do using Health.gov resources, says HHS. For example, as many older people struggle with finding, understanding, and using health information or personal health literacy, older patients could be instructed on how to access their electronic health records and providers guided on how best to explain the information to be sure

patients understand how to make use of it. 6

Healthy People 2030 aims to improve healthcare access for everyone by setting measurable objectives for providers, including evaluating health information tech, wait times for appointments, the ability to get prescription meds and care when needed, and having a reliable source of primary care. 2, 10

On an individual level, older people should be aware of available resources to help them stay healthy, like the National Council on Aging (ncoa.org) and through their local council on aging. H

1. Institute of Medicine, Committee on Monitoring Access to Personal Health Care Services. (1993). Access to Healthcare in America. Millman, M., editor. Washington, D.C. National Academies Press.

2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). (2021, December). 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report [Internet]. Pub. No. 21(22)-0054-EF.

3. Ansah, J. P. & Chiu, C.-T. (2022). Projecting the chronic disease burden among the adult population in the United States using a multi-state population model. Frontiers in Public Health, 10(1082183).

4. Leppert, R. & Schaeffer, K. (2023, July 24). 8 facts about Americans with disabilities. Pew Research Center.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 15). Disability Impacts All of Us.

6. Health.gov. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health and Older Adults.

7. Fitzpatrick, A. L., Powe, N. R., Cooper, L. S., Ives, D. G., & Robbins, J. A. (2004, October). Barriers to Health Care Access Among the Elderly and Who Perceives Them. American Journal of Public Health, 94 (10), 1788-94.

8. Moghadasi, A. M., Sum, S., & Matlabi, H. (2022). Why do older people not use the health services of the integrated aging program? A multidimensional approach in a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 22, 1288.

9. Neuman, P. & Jacobson, G. A. (2018, November 29). Medicare Advantage checkup. New England Journal of Medicine, 379(22), 2163-72.

10. Health.gov. (n.d.). Health Care Access and Quality.

Access, Support Compassion

CARE LINK

Few are aware of the difficulties people with special needs face than their families and healthcare providers. Having to navigate the narrow channels of limited opportunities and a lack of viable options for the delivery of safe, dependable, and quality Adult Foster Care on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts and beyond hadn’t been easy. That was until the compassionate team of professionals at Mass Care Link, located in Fall River and serving the entire state, came to the aid of those experiencing healthcare challenges with comprehensive services and a unique understanding of their situation.

It's commonplace for individual caregivers and families unfamiliar with the Massachusetts state healthcare network to experience lessthen-pleasurable processes and unsuccessful outcomes in an attempt to provide acceptable levels of care for their loved ones.

The task of completing complicated legal documents while precariously traversing a bureaucracy inherent to an overwhelmed social services system—willing to help—but restrained by limited staffing and inadequate resources to provide personalized attention, leads to frustration and an unacceptable ‘quality of life’ for a person in need of daily assistance.

Without proper advocacy and a

support system of experienced healthcare professionals to lead the way, our most vulnerable citizens are often forgotten.

What’s most troubling, to the point of emotional upheaval and heartbreak, is when a caregiver of an aging parent or an adult-child becomes uncertain of what will happen to their loved one and their around-the-clock care needs, due to not having enough money.

LEADING THE WAY

Realizing the anxiety and exhaustion brought on by the medical requirements and unending commitment necessary to care for individuals so they might live at home had initially caused pause, followed by action, when, in

Based on family experiences, Gonzalez, who was responsible for his aging father’s struggles as he sought assistance, envisioned and later developed a program that would provide sound financial resources and medical consultation, striking a balance between a patient’s needs and a supportive network of professionals.

It wasn’t easy, but it was a worthy effort; the son of an immigrant launched into creating a legacy in his father’s memory and the commitment he had to a community he cherished.

The result of Gonzalez’s work has yielded significant benefits to hundreds of individuals and families over the last 10 years. As the organization reached this important milestone, it continues the original quest of allowing others to access MassHealth caregiver benefits so their parents, sons, daughters, and/or loved ones can remain at home in a caring and loving environment, avoiding placement in a nursing home or state institution.

2013, partners Aneudy Gonzalez and Dharmvir Arora created a healthcare agency that would take on the enormous challenges families had faced for decades; the commiserative gentlemen founded, Mass Care Link, Inc.

The word ‘Link’ has significance as part of the name of this healthcare company because of its specialization and conscientious management in connecting those in need of healthcare to dedicated nurses, case managers, and vital support staff and by eliminating the ‘speedbumps’ placed within the healthcare system. Mass Care Link

ensures the process of obtaining benefits is as seamless as possible while providing support and assistance, alleviating stress by delivering peace of mind for families and its ‘Members’ receiving care.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Funded by MassHealth (Medicaid), Adult Foster Care allows a family member or friend to provide 24-hour services for qualified individuals through the Mass Care Link program while remaining at home. Caregivers receive a tax-free payment for their services to help with the burden of care. Adult Foster Care services through MassHealth can be an ideal solution for those finding themselves caring for a loved one or in need of care, who are unable to live on their own, but would prefer to live with and receive the care they need from someone they know, trust, and love.

PERSONALIZED CARE

Enabling a person to remain at home allows the member to participate in their routines and be active in their community, which is especially beneficial for those with health conditions such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease. There are many benefits of Adult Foster Care including a lower cost than alternative services, such as nursing home care, assisted-living facilities, and in-home personal care services.

HOW TO QUALIFY

Have you considered becoming a caregiver? Are you looking to give back or pay it forward through service or assisting others? In each of these cases, you may be able to apply for monthly payments made directly to you. Mass Care Link can help determine your eligibility, conduct the appropriate assessments, and monitor/ facilitate the process to completion.

ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for the Adult Foster Care program, the potential member must be receiving care, be a Massachusetts

resident (16 years of age or older), have MassHealth Standard or MassHealth CommonHealth insurance, and require assistance with at least one of their daily living activities on a day-to-day basis, confirmed by a doctor’s prescription.

Mass Care Link is an active member of the communities they service and a full-hearted participant in organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Feeding America Partnership. The leadership and its team are also attuned to the challenges many in the community face. The agency is committed to assisting citizens who are underserved or uninformed due to language barriers, economic difficulties, lack of formal education, or general frustration due to the complicated processes when trying to obtain help.

As a provider of life-improving interventions, they must be transparent and meet public trust. Mass Care Link has been nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A ranking. This designation establishes them as an organization following a protocol of responsibility, honesty, and integrity.

Additionally, Mass Care Link has been awarded the esteemed accreditation of the Council on Accreditation (COA), which means they have been evaluated for their business practices—by a third-party and have met a higher standard of operational success.

The organization’s commitment to public service extends to all healthcare professionals who may find it helpful to access information and resources for their assistance or that of their patients. Found on the Mass Care Link website masscarelink.org, is the ‘Resource Center’ providing an online library of noteworthy articles specific to topics addressing nearly every aspect of home healthcare, nutrition, recognizing and avoiding caregiver burnout, and other vital articles and stories only a click away.

Collaboration and compassionate care are essential to meeting the needs of those seeking assistance; here’s a

brief synopsis of Mass Care Link's commitment to those they serve.

EDUCATION AND SUPPORT

Adult Foster Caregivers face many challenges, so having the tools to help those needing care ensures greater results and satisfaction overall. Mass Care Link is a primary connection that facilitates one-on-one interactions, group training, and online resources, giving caregivers the help they need to manage the demands of 24-hour care for their loved ones.

COMPASSIONATE GUIDANCE

It’s a term coined by Mass Care Link; the organization is driven to provide encouragement to their caregivers. Issuing guidance, reassurance, and necessary support to make a full-time commitment to caring for an elder or individual with disabilities at home is their primary objective, one they take seriously.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Mass Care Link can help members maintain a connection to their community through education, outreach, and support. Caregivers provide transportation so members can keep in contact with friends and attend community events.

AUTONOMY

We are centered around the idea that everyone deserves the freedom to live as independently and as safely as possible while at home. We strive to empower Massachusetts residents in every corner of the state with a comfortable and autonomous day-to-day life with 24-hour access to personalized care and health resources.

INCLUSIVITY

With a deep understanding of immigrants’ unique struggles, our team includes diverse perspectives, ensuring caregivers and prospective members of all backgrounds are assisted along their journey to achieve MassHealth program benefits.

COMPASSION

Mass Care Link is mindful of the delicate nature that health challenges can bring. The agency’s team equips every caregiver with support and training necessary to provide the highest standard of care for their loved ones.

PATIENCE

Team members, case managers, and nurses understand the uniqueness of members and caregivers; both deserve understanding, patience and time. Care and comfort move at the individual’s pace by listening and explaining the essential qualities of care necessary in each member/provider interaction.

INNOVATION

The agency is always looking for better methods to provide exemplary care, empower staff to reach their full potential, and partner with individuals, families, and organizations that support members.

Mass Care Link is the team you can rely on, dedicated to serving the SouthCoast community and the entire state of Massachusetts; the goal is to focus on the under-served of all income classes who may not realize they could have access to assistance.

The agency’s ongoing success is the result of its ‘Leadership Team’ whose expertise and compassion focus on the needs of the members. It takes enormous empathy to connect with people and personalities involved in the rigors of providing personalized care; it also requires an astute understanding of inclusiveness and dedication.

Mass Care Link is focused on developing and growing new systems of care by channeling specialized skill sets while, at the same time, listening to client feedback; the Leadership Team is constantly evolving, creating the next generation of stay-at-home healthcare provider services.

With more than a decade of experience in human services, Tara holds a leadership position with Mass Care Link. As a founding member of the agency, she plays an integral role in creating and conducting policies and procedures that align with MassHealth regulations.

Tara is personally involved in the education, hiring, guiding, and supervision of her team. As the leading member of the group, she provides guidance, support and problem-solves as needed.

Tara relishes the opportunity to lead an organization that provides vital resources to those with specialized needs. At the same time, she’s sensitive to the demands put upon her staff; caregivers can also become overwhelmed with the demanding responsibility of caring for someone on a daily basis. Her unique talents are finding balance in the dynamic of at-home healthcare while supporting effectiveness and efficiencies.

Possessing a balance of high expectations/standards of work ethic, and a sensitivity to worker accommodations makes her an ideal leader; with the ability to maintain staffing assignments and adhere to their quality-of-life experiences and opportunities, her reward is their respect and dedication.

“I’m honored to be part of such a hardworking, dedicated team of people who show such compassion, dedication, and heart every day in the work they do.

Mass Care Link has proven to be a wonderful agency to be a part of, striving to assist the population served with tenacity, understanding, integrity, and warmth; it makes it easy to walk away each day feeling truly gratified with what we are all working towards; providing exceptional services to our members and caregivers, is of paramount importance.”

Heather has devoted herself to caring for others. Her experience in diverse areas of care is unlike many; she’s worked at correctional facilities and provided services for those with physical and intellectual disabilities. Such experiences speak volumes to her commitment to the community.

Heather sees her role as a calling. She puts her soul into appreciating the complexities of human connection.

As a Mass Care Link’s Nursing Manager, Heather strives to carefully tailor healthcare services to members, addressing their unique needs. She understands that the organization’s work is about empowering others to live their best lives through consistent quality care.

“The most rewarding part of working at Mass Care Link is being able to provide our members and caregivers with the resources and confidence to keep their loved ones in their homes safely.”

AT THE HELM

Tara Araujo, Chief Executive Officer

Heather Cabral, Nursing Manager

Mass Care Link ensures the process of obtaining benefits is seamless while providing at-home care, alleviating stress by delivering peace of mind for families and its ‘Members’ receiving care.

Drawing on decades of experience, Michelle is enthusiastic about providing families and caregivers with flexible and accessible homecare options. As Mass Care Link’s Program Manager, she identifies clients’ core non-medical needs and ensures they receive the necessary resources. Her work includes advocating for those seeking care, managing cases, connecting people with community resources, leading training sessions, and coordinating care protocols.

Michelle’s mission is to ensure everyone has access to the care they need while improving their quality of life; she invokes endless opportunities to create change for the benefit of others.

“I have a great deal of compassion for our members and caregivers; it includes ensuring the quality of care received; it can sometimes be as simple as a conversation and a smile. It’s very gratifying knowing our members can remain in their homes with their loved ones because of the resources Mass Care Link has to offer.”

With over 15 years of experience in the field, Katie is well-versed in championing those with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

Working 1:1 with children three years old and younger and providing early intervention services in their home has been absolutely gratifying; she is a beacon of enthusiasm and determination, and as a team worker at Mass Care Link, she’s always ready to lend a hand.

Worth recognition, Katie is an advocate for crafting an environment where everyone receives the highest level of services, fairness, and friendship. She’s a firm believer in a tangible, on-theground approach, and Katie is naturally drawn to a management position.

Seeing the people she helps lead healthier and happier lives brings her immense fulfillment.

“What I love most about Mass Care Link is the way staff collaborate, problem solve, and have an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach, ensuring that every need of our members and caregivers is heard and met.”

In her role as program director at Mass Care Link, Ashley helps her highly trained staff teach caregivers the necessary skills they need to provide comfort and safety for their loved ones.

Being hands-on, Ashley serves as the liaison between doctors and Mass Care Link members. She manages assessments and admissions, referrals, and submissions to MassHealth.

“MassHealth’s constant changes require us to be very adaptive. By staying on top of every change, members receive the most assistance possible from their Adult Foster Care benefits. And, though we are an agency providing services, our members are more than a number.”

Michelle Keough-David, Program Manager

Kathleen (Katie) Riordan, Program Manager

Ashley Gonsalves, RN, Program Director

As a Compliance Officer at Mass Care Link, Cherif helps members and caregivers through the intake process, conducts assessments, assists with placements, and ensures members’ care meets MassHealth program guidelines.

Cherif notes the diversity of the team at Mass Care Link and credits the organization’s success to the many backgrounds of the employees. He believes it’s because of their differences and the ability to connect with the community that the quality of care is elevated.

He believes that being exposed to diverse cultures allows for a better understanding, along with learning novel approaches and effective communication with those they touch.

Cherif says his favorite responsibilities involve “interacting with people;” he enjoys opportunities that allow interpersonal contact and the exchange of ideas. He is also a resource of information, speaking to groups and individuals about Adult Foster Care benefits, home care techniques, and best practices.

“Nothing worth more than striving to restore the social virtue of complementarity and interdependence within a community…Sermon of Humanity at Mass Care Link, Inc.”

NEXT STEPS:

BECOME AN ‘AT-HOME CAREGIVER’

If you face the challenges of caring for a loved one at home and are trying to balance their needs and necessities, Mass Care Link can surely help.

Providing an unmatched standard of Adult Foster Care that benefits those striving to stay in their homes, the agency is revolutionary in offering specialized at-home care with a personalized touch.

For those interested in making a difference in someone’s life or perhaps starting a new career, you may qualify as an at-home care provider, earning up to $18,240 yearly-tax free.

For caregivers to meet state requirements, you must:

n Be at least 18 years of age or older

n Reside in the same home as the person receiving care

n Not be the legal guardian or legally married to the person receiving care

n Have the ability and willingness to provide necessary medical care and assistance equal to the needs of the client

IN NEED OF SERVICES?

For your family member or loved one to qualify for assistance as an Adult Foster Care client, they must meet these eligibility requirements:

n Be 16 years of age or older

n Approved for MassHealth Standard or MassHealth CommonHealth

n Live with the primary caregiver in the same home

n Require cueing and supervision, or physical assistance on a daily basis with at least one of the following needs: bathing, hygiene, ambulation, transferring, toileting, eating, or dressing. H

To learn more or make an appointment, call or text Mass Care Link, Inc. at 866-880-8889 or email info@masscarelink.org.

Mass Care Link, Inc. is located at 99 South Main Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02721, and serves all residents of Massachusetts. Visit masscarelink.org.

Hablamos Español, Falamos Português.

Cherif Diakite, Compliance Officer

PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY TO LAUNCH

“Gilded Age Newport in Color” Exhibition

BY JAMES HOLDEN

The Preservation Society of Newport County, aka the Newport Mansions, in partnership with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, launched the exhibition, “Gilded Age Newport in Color” at Rosecliff in March, taking visitors back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when African heritage families were active members of a new type of urban setting—the resort community.

Showing at Rosecliff through June 30, the exhibition will display more than 150 objects ranging from photographs, handbills, business cards, and news clippings to furniture, clothing, jewelry, and ceramics from the collections of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, The Preservation Society of Newport County and other institutions.

The exhibition examines various aspects of everyday life in the African heritage community of

Gilded Age Newport, including where they lived, worked, socialized, traveled, and worshipped. The city offered a rare opportunity for people of color from Providence, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington to experience uninhibited cultural exchange.

“The ‘Gilded Age Newport in Color’ exhibition explores an important chapter in American history when African heritage families could unite and promote their economic and social wellbeing through self-reliance, entrepreneurism, political advancement, and cultural activities,” says Theresa “Soni” Guzmán Stokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. “Rhode Island’s Black Heritage Society has drawn from its over 9,000 linear feet of collections representing an African heritage experience that dramatically marks African heritage excellence. As best described by Booker T. Washington, America’s leading civil rights advocate of the Gilded Age, ‘Success always leaves footprints.’” “We are proud to continue telling

(Left to right) Dr. Christopher Abhulime, Keith Stokes and Simon Goudiaby

stories of the Gilded Age from different perspectives that give us a broader understanding of Newport during this important era,” says Trudy Coxe, CEO of the Preservation Society.

Newport’s earliest African heritage doctors, dentists, teachers, hospitality entrepreneurs, and elected officials appeared during the Gilded Age. Visitors will see how African heritage entrepreneurs leveraged their commercial enterprises to promote economic security and advance their political interests by hosting numerous African heritage social and political gatherings that ran the broad spectrum of political rallies and became the foundation for the later 20th century civil rights movements. Additionally, these entrepreneurs built wealth to invest in and advance civic, recreational, social, and political interests for all people of color.

Visitors will be introduced to significant historical figures like Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland, the first known African heritage physician to live and practice in Newport and a medical specialist to many of the city’s summer elite; accomplished journalist Lillian Susie Fitts Jeter,

who wrote for Ladies Home Journal, The Saturday Evening Post and McCall’s Magazine among other publications; soprano opera singer Abbie Mitchell; and prominent literary critic and poet William Stanley Beaumont Braithwaite.

“Newport is well known as the blissful summer retreat destination for America’s wealthiest families and individuals back in the 19th and 20th centuries, but it was also home to an abundant African heritage community that played critical roles in the economic and cultural development of African heritage and the county overall,” says Anika KimbleHuntley, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “African heritage families were not looking to integrate or emulate the white elite families of Newport; they were looking to do business with them and gain interdependence and establish their communities. This exhibition is an important step in sharing the holistic picture of Newport’s diverse history.” H

To purchase tickets to the exhibit, visit

R.I. Supreme Court Judge Melissa Long (left) and U.S. District Court Judge Melissa DuBose (right)

BY STEVEN CHAN

La family affair

NUNO’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE THRIVES

ittle did Nuno and Anna Chitas know what they faced when, in 2020, the couple opened the doors of their new restaurant on Belleville Avenue, a few blocks from Madeira Field, where the internationally acclaimed, 108-year-old, four-day event, ‘Feast of the Blessed Sacrament’ is held.

It seemed their timing, which could not have been worse, resulted in their new Portuguese restaurant’s closure—within a few weeks of the joyous occasion, fell the COVID pandemic.

As told by the husband and wife, once learning of the news that restaurants were mandated to close, an effort to stop the contagion from spreading, panic set in, and their best-laid plans fell apart.

“I couldn’t believe it; we had a restaurant but couldn’t stay open after a couple of weeks,” Nuno says with a smile; now his business is booming.

As for Anna, who reveals the stress and horror through her inflection, explains, “All we could do was take out orders; Nuno, me, and our son were the only ones who could work here [due to the new regulations] the three of us ran the whole place; we kept us open; it was unbelievable.”

And that they did, because what you learn in speaking with this tight-knit family with more than 36 years of restaurant experience is that besides being a tough business in and of itself, you have to be ready for the unexpected on a daily basis.

Once restrictions were relaxed, Nuno’s Restaurant and Lounge quickly became a

local favorite, drawing diners from as far as Westport to towns along the Cape Cod Canal for authentic European cuisine. However, there’s more to this story that needs to be told.

A chef (Anna in this case, along with her dedicated staff) can accomplish magnificent achievements, recognized by a mouthwatering menu created from family recipes and traditions, but it ends at the door of the kitchen because, once a tray of meals passes to the dining room, lasting impressions will be made or broken by how customers are treated by the ‘front of the house’ (restaurant jargon for service and atmosphere), which is Nuno’s responsibility.

The most notable difference found at Nuno’s versus many other restaurants is that if they’re open, the two owners are—working, and because of their commitment, every guest can be assured they will be treated with optimal courtesy

and respect, meeting a standard of hospitality and service, difficult to find at any business.

The attention to detail is quite overwhelming; the cleanliness of the facility—in totality—is what is comically known within the culture as ‘Portuguese clean,’ meaning the restaurant, bathrooms, tables, floors, bar, and kitchen are spotless! While this factor might not mean much to some, if you were to ask Nuno’s customers what they remember or care about most, after a visit, they’ll tell you, “The food is delicious, and the place is immaculate!”

Nuno and Anna aren’t driven by economics; if they were, they would vastly increase their price, and no one would notice or care. Instead, by offering highquality selections, wines, and cocktails, along with first-class service, the two restauranteurs are proud of their efforts and enjoy sharing a joint commitment to treating everyone who comes into their business as if they were family.

We don’t often do profiles on restaurants, but when we do, it’s because they are the ‘standouts’ in the industry. Additionally, we want our readers to know that “if Nuno and Anna can make it here— on our pages, they can make it anywhere.”

“Bom appetite.” H

Nuno’s Restaurant & Lounge is located at 436 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 02746. Call 774-206-6632 or visit nunosnewbedford.com for more information.

Anna and Nuno Chitas

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A TRIBUTE T O American Heroes

They were brothers-inarms, but brothers also bonded by sacrifice.

Navy SEALS Nathan Gage Ingram and Christoper J. Chambers attempted to board an unflagged ship in the Arabian Sea that was carrying Iranian-made weapons to Yemen on January 11 of this year. As they were leaving their boat to climb the

contraband ship, waves reportedly widened the gap between the two vessels. Chambers plunged into the water. Ingram jumped in to save him. They were never seen again.

The dangers inherent in military service are especially so with Navy Special Warfare Operators; but they exist in every branch and every military occupation. This Memorial Day, we honor the more than one million men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation

while serving in wars and missions since the American Revolution.

Each story is unique; they represent heartbreak to the family and friends left to mourn, and while they all deserve recognition, we can only highlight a few.

Private Furman L. Smith served in the Army’s 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. Eighty years ago, his unit came under intense fire from German forces near Lanuvio, Italy. Severely

Courtesy of The American Legion

outnumbered by the enemy, Private Smith tended to seriously wounded comrades, even as others withdrew. Smith emptied clip after clip of his M-1 Garand rifle and killed at least 10 enemy soldiers before he was fatally shot. The 19-year-old from Six Mile, South Carolina, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

There was Lieutenant Colonel Annie Ruth Graham, who served in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II, the Korean War, and finally, Vietnam. It was while she was assigned to the 91st Evacuation Hospital in Tuy Hoa (pronounced Too-ey Wah) that Graham succumbed to a stroke in 1968. She is one of eight women, three of whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Colonel William “Rich” Higgins was a Marine who served as a chief observer on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

On February 17, 1988, the Vietnam veteran was driving on a coastal road in southern Lebanon when his car was suddenly blocked by another vehicle; he was taken hostage by Hezbollah terrorists. He endured months of torture before his captors released a video of his hanging. He was declared dead by the U.S. government on July 6, 1990. Colonel Higgins was survived by his wife Robin and daughter Christine.

it became the official birthplace after the town held observances on May 5, 1866.

Generals John Murray and John A. Logan called on all communities to honor the war dead every year.

Logan had been impressed with how the South had honored Confederate soldiers for years. In 1868, Logan, who was head of the prominent veterans group, “Grand Army of the Republic,” issued a proclamation that “Decoration Day” be observed nationwide. The date chosen was May 30 because it was not on the anniversary of a battle. It was a day to honor fallen veterans of all American wars. Even so, many communities did not want to observe “Decoration Day” because of lingering resentments from the Civil War.

the heroes who helped end a war.”

Many of the men rest in graves at Normandy American Cemetery. Others found peace at Arlington or in their hometown burial places. And many more survived the war and raised their families under the peace and freedom that they and their brothers and sisters-in-arms fought so hard to achieve.

In The American Legion Preamble, we pledge to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars. We do this not to pat ourselves on the back or impress people with stories of our own military service. We know what we did. But we are also witnesses. Veterans have seen heroism in its purest form.

As proud Americans, we should all remember that our freedom is not free. It is only possible because heroes, some from our own families or neighborhoods, have paid a high price.

The first Memorial Day wasn’t called by that name; rather, it’s believed to have been a celebration, with a parade, of freed slaves and Union soldiers marching through Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865.

A year later, in Waterloo, New York, the Memorial Day concept was created;

The alternative name, “Memorial Day,” wasn’t commonly used until World War II, a two-front fight against tyranny in which more than 400,000 American servicemembers would die. Among those heroes were men singled out by President Ronald Reagan as he stood at an outdoor lectern in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1984. “Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs,” President Reagan said. “And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are

Veterans served alongside the very men and women that we remember on this solemn holiday. One such witness was Lou Conter. On April 1, 2024, Lou passed away at age 102. He was the last survivor of the USS Arizona. During Pearl Harbor observances in 2020, Lou said to The American Legion, “We’re not the heroes. The 1,177 who went down with the ship are the heroes. You have to remember we got to go home, get married, have children and grandchildren, and we’ve lived a good life. Those who didn’t get to do that should be called the heroes.”

Lou’s sentiment was undoubtedly influenced by his humility, for he did serve heroically throughout his 26-year Navy career. However, his more significant point must also be remembered. We are able to raise families, continue careers, and live good lives because of the sacrifices made by young men and women who never came home. We must always remember them.

May they all rest in peace, and God Bless America. H

To learn more, visit legion.org.

Running a business poses many challenges, and from your experience, you’ve learned that unless everyone is on board with the same focus and determination, any chance of producing a result evaporates before it’s allowed to succeed.

Winners pull together; each team member knows they can rely on one another, and they also understand the value and importance of an experienced coach—one who shares insight while keeping everyone on course.

We take the guesswork out of your advertising and marketing project with experience, commitment, and longevity; you can be assured we’ll listen and share in the challenges you face.

When you decide your company needs a refresh and become more competitive, contact a marketing company known for creating brand identity and reaching new customers for their clients.

For more information, call Steve at 508-971-1969 or email nemedia@earthlink.net.

• Depart from New Bedford’s historic waterfront; a short walk to downtown New Bedford’s many restaurants, boutique shops, museums & galleries.

• Enjoy the gorgeous views of Buzzards Bay as you make your way to the laid back island of Cuttyhunk.

• Friday Night Sunset Cruises! Breathtaking scenery, comfortable accommodations, not to be missed excursion.

SPRING: APRIL 29, 2024-MAY 23, 2024

Depart New Bedford

SUN MON TUE WED THU

State Pier,

SAT 9 AM 9 AM 9 AM 9 AM

Depart Cuttyhunk

SUN MON TUE WED THU

3 PM 3 PM 3 PM 3 PM

EARLY SUMMER: MAY 24, 2024-JUNE 20, 2024

Depart New Bedford *Additional trips Memorial Day Weekend-Monday, May 27@1 PM.

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

9 AM *9 AM 9 AM 9 AM 9 AM 9 AM & 6 PM 9 AM

Depart Cuttyhunk **Additional trips Memorial Day Weekend-Monday, May 27@1 PM

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

3 PM **3 PM 3 PM 3 PM 3 PM 3 PM & **7 PM 3 PM

WEATHER NOTE: IF SEVERE WEATHER IS PREDICTED, IT IS ADVISABLE TO CALL IN ADVANCE OF DEPARTURE FOR POSSIBLE SCHEDULING CHANGES. 508.992.0200

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT

To get a ticket you must have a reservation through our online reservation system. No charge for children 2 years and younger. The office must be notified at the time of ticket purchase about each child 2 years and under that will be traveling with you, in order to accurately count all persons on board the vessel. Dogs, on leash, are welcome at no charge. For non-web or special group payments and for check, cash or different form of payment, please email reservations@cuttyhunkferryco.com or call 508.992.0200. You can leave a message and your reservation will be held.

COMING SOON!

COASTAL HOME!

CALL FOR PRICING (508) 951-4437

230

EXCLUSIVE LISTING FAIRHAVEN HARBOUR

CUSHMAN LANE SO. DARTMOUTH

433,158 sq.ft. | baths beds | 0.79 acres |

1 Crow Island, Fairhaven, MA : This island property in the heart of Fairhaven's harbour is a rare treasure! The harbour's serene waters provide a natural boundary, offering a sense of seclusion while still being conveniently close to the town's amenities. Whether you are a visionary developer, an astute business owner, or someone seeking to create a waterfront residence like no other, this island is a rare canvas awaiting your masterpiece. The possibilities are as vast as the horizon that surrounds it.

Exclusively listed by Team Simas & Sbordone: (508) 287-0003.

Exclusively listed with Sara Farland

Located minutes from Padanaram, this stunning South Dartmouth home features desirable upgrades and amenities, including: mini splits throughout the house (everything is electric), new kitchen appliances, and quartz countertops. The first floor offers a guest bedroom, full bathroom, spacious laundry room with pet bath, as well as a spa room which could also be used as a home office. The backyard has a new heated in ground pool with pavers installed in 2023, as well as an outdoor hot tub. In addition, the home has a three stall garage for ample storage space, a security system, and solar panels. Enjoy the ocean view from the large second floor deck on the back side of the house!

Sara Farland | Christian Farland | Fatima Simas | Nona Sbordone

Kevin Blake | Lori Pacheco | Tom Pratt | Yasmin Aponte

Sara Farland | Christian Farland | Fatima Simas | Nona Sbordone

Michelle Jacobsen | Brooke Riley | Diane Tomassetti

Kevin Blake | Lori Pacheco | Tom Pratt | Yasmin Aponte

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250 Elm St. Padanaram Village, S. Dartmouth | (50 8) 999-1010 | annewhitingre.com

250 Elm St. Padanaram Village, S. Dartmouth | (50 8) 999-1010 | annewhitingre.com