December 2010 PrimeTime

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dece m b e r 2010

Holiday Cheer

A Passion for Poinsettias

must-have gifts • cultural traditions • giving back

2 | PrimeTime

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“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use.”

– Caroline

December 2010

A

s I started to write my letter to the readers this month (which, for the record, is happening during the second week of November), my first instinct was to write about how excited I am for the holidays this year.

On second thought, I questioned whether I had taken a similar path last December, and pulled out an archived issue to double check. I wouldn’t want to repeat myself. What I found surprised me. The December 2009 issue was introduced by a much more cynical version of myself, as I wrote about Christmas creep, and how the holiday season starts too early for comfort. I wrote about the amount that Americans spend on the holidays, and isn’t that a shame when it’s not the message intended?

One year later, I have to say, sorry to be such a Scrooge.

This year I have the exact opposite feeling about the holidays. When 93.3 started playing holiday music around Halloween, I jumped on the bandwagon, and when no one else was around, secretly turned up the radio to listen to everyone from Mariah Carey and Nat King Cole.

The same was true for shopping. I couldn’t wait to pull names for Secret Santa for my extended family, and immediately drafted a list of what I would be purchasing for every sister, friend and coworker on my list.

Based on what I’m seeing from the people around me, a lot of Rhode Islanders are feeling the same way.

It’s been a difficult year, to be sure, and now more than ever I think people want something to look forward to. The year 2010 was defined in many ways by an election season that never seemed to end.

Once Nov. 2 came and went, there was only one date on my mind: December the 25th (insert the date of your celebrated holiday here).

The holidays can be a stressful time, but I think a lot of people are more focused on the good stuff – the decadent food, charitable giving and spending as December 2010 much time as possible with friends and family.

1944 Warwick Ave. In this issue of PrimeTime, read about some folks Warwick, RI 02889 who are doing their part to enjoy December and all 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 its special days. Meet entertainers like the Rockettes Distribution Special Delivery and the Rhode Islanders involved in the ballet, and find out how they’ve come to rely on the holidays for PUBLISHERS their livelihood. Learn how you can give the arts as a Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, unique gift this year.

John Howell On the cover, you’ll see Francine McVay, a Master Gardener from URI who starts her holiday season in EDITOR July with the start of the poinsettia project (talk about Meg Fraser Christmas creep!). megf@rhodybeat.com Also in this December issue, take our advice on this year’s top gifts for people of all ages. On page 15, MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella you’ll even find some presents that give you the oppordonnaz@rhodybeat.com tunity to give back to someone less fortunate.

It hasn’t been the best year for Rhode Island, which Creative Director means that you deserve a break and a holiday season Linda Nadeau that makes you forget about the bills, the laundry and lindan@rhodybeat.com the in-laws sleeping in the next room over. Make the most of the holiday, and no matter what you celebrate, photo editor do it up big!

Darcie DiSaia

inthisissue

5 December in Bloom

Francine McVay spreads holiday cheer through poinsettia project

7 rockette tradition

Rhode Islanders make it big with dancing troupe

8 around the world Different cultures find excitingways to celebrate the season

Pr i m e Ti m e

darcied@rhodybeat.com

WRITERS Susan Contreras, Don Fowler, Don D’Amato, Matt Holmes, Joan Retsinas, Colby Cremins, Mike Fink, Meg Chevalier, Cynthia Glinick, Joe Kernan

11 coal for christmas Homeowners turn to old-fashioned stoves for modern day warmth

15 gifts that give back

Do some good while playing Santa this year

18 take 10 Top gifts for 2010

25 support the arts

Give the gift of entertainment all year long

Happy Holidays

Meg Fraser editor

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Donna Zarrella – donnaz@rhodybeat.com Cindy Mansolillo – cindym@rhodybeat.com Carolann Soder, Lisa Mardenli, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski, Gina Fugere

LIFESTYLES Holiday sanity...................................................................................10 That’s Entertainment.....................................................................12 What do you Fink?..........................................................................13 Gay and Gray.....................................................................................24 SENIOR ISSUES Director’s column...........................................................................14 A new approach to medicine..................................................21

Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com Cindy Mansolillo – cindym@rhodybeat.com

PEOPLE & PLACES Doer’s profile.....................................................................................16 Glimpse of RI’s past........................................................................31

PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Joseph Daniels, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner

FOOD & DRINK Feeling the Flavor...........................................................................23

A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications.

PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.

next month We’re going to kick 2011 with a serious toast to the New Year. Next month PrimeTime will be all about – what else? – Booze!

PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE Your Taxes............................................................................................30

o n t h e c ove r URI Master Gardener Francine McVay

photo by Darcie Di Saia

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holiday cheer

b y meg fraser

F

Bloom

or Francine McVay, the holidays start in July.

That’s when she makes her first trip of the season from her East Providence home to the University of Rhode Island’s East Farm in Kingston. It’s a long commute, but it’s one she will make practically every day through December.

McVay is a URI Master Gardener, and is one of 93 people assigned to the program’s poinsettia project.

URI does the breeding research for four growers, monitoring the size, color and leaf structure of 1,300 plants for months. As one of 30 test sites in the country, they report back to the companies, who can then solidify their plans for new breeds.

There is a healthy batch of solid red poinsettias - the traditional favorite - but beyond them, rows and rows of the plants boast pink leaves and white, orange and speckled.

“We have 67 varieties, and of these 67 varieties, most of them aren’t even on the market yet,” McVay explained.

On her Master Gardener badge, she boasts of 2,500 hours spent toiling over plants. It hasn’t been updated in some time, and after this season, she can’t imagine how many hours will be tacked on.

After a long career in the insurance business, McVay decided it was time to do something just for her. She enrolled in the Master Gardener program, and graduated in 2004. Now a member of the Hall of Fame, she can’t imagine her life without the program.

“Flowers make me smile,” she said. “These become our babies.”

More than 1,000 plants are handled seven days a week, as Master Garden-

December 2010

Photo By Darcie DiSaia

December in

ers work on pest management and perfecting new varieties of poinsettia. In one corner, a “sick ward” keeps plants that need special attention. Come February, the greenhouses will host a sea of vegetables, but it’s the poinsettias that get the most attention.

“Poinsettias were the biggest challenge that there was. I guess, deep in my soul, I must like a challenge,” McVay said.

URI raises the plants at their cost, but recoups it by selling the plants at the end of the season. The annual poinsettia sale is on Dec. 4, starting at 9 a.m. McVay advises shoppers to come early, and to bring the plants directly home. They should stay covered if they’re going to be out in the cold, and once they’re safe indoors, should be kept away from drafts.

“They don’t want to sit in the back of a cold car,” she said. “The warmer it is, the faster they’ll start turning.”

McVay also warns shoppers not to over water their plants, as poinsettias tend to prefer drier soil. It can be difficult for her to part with her plants, having spent so much time with them, and whenever she comes across a poinsettia, she can’t help but examine it as a doctor would her patient.

“My husband doesn’t allow me in restaurants during the month of December,” she said, laughing.

As for her recommendation for the best poinsettia out there? McVay is partial to the Premium Ice plants with their hints of pink, but even she knows, you can’t go wrong with the classic red.

For more information on the URI Master Gardener program, call their hotline at 1-800-448-1011, or visit their website at www.urimga.org. ■ PrimeTime | 5

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December 2010

holiday cheer

b y d o n f o wler

Rhode Island’s

Rockette

Tradition

The Radio City Rockettes are coming to town for nearly three dozen performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

For several Rhode Islanders, it’s a visit that brings back memories.

The late Rosalie Frost (1913-1979), former publisher of the Cranston Herald, was a Rockette back in the early days, when she inherited $100,000 from an elderly woman who had befriended her backstage.

Frost moved to Cranston with her husband, who was the Herald publisher, and succeeded him in the position when he left for military service. The couple divorced, and Rosalie took over the paper, which at the time was printed weekly in tabloid form.

“She wrote a column called ‘Snoopy Scoop’ filled with local chatter and gossip,” current publisher, John Howell said. “If somebody bought a new pool for their backyard, you’d read about it in her column. She would pick up gossip at the local coffee shops, and loved to write about politics.”

Frost was active in community affairs, and was the Rhode Island Press Club’s first Woman of the Year, and the first president of the Cranston Women’s Professional Club. In 1999 she was posthumously inducted in the Rhode Island Press Association Hall of Fame.

Frost was also on the Board of the Cranston Cancer Society, and received the Cranston Brotherhood Award in 1965. When she retired in 1975, she was honored by the R.I. House of Representatives.

Then came Carolyn Dutra.

D

utra is of Rhode Island’s foremost dancers and dance instructors, and is another former Rockette.

Carolyn performed with the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company, and was a soloist and charter member of the Festival Ballet of Rhode Island. She now owns dance studios in Warwick, Cranston and Greenville, and is active in the Rockette’s Alumni Association.

Former Dutra dancers like Kimberly Cobra-Sediak have gone on to the Rockettes and Broadway musicals.

“I am the first native Rhode Islander to be a Rockette,” she proclaimed. “I’m proud to be a Rockette, and I’m proud of all of those before us. We meet three or four times a year, and raise money for charity and scholarships. I danced with alumni at the Plaza Hotel in New York City for their 75th anniversary.”

Back in 1967, Dutra made $100 a week as a Rockette.

“That was a take-home pay of $78.69. We did four to six shows a day, plus rehearsals.

There were 36 of us on stage at a time, with 10 extras to cover days off,” she recalled. “We were all very close. We ate together in the cafeteria, and slept in dorms at Radio City. I was the only new girl at the time.”

Dutra knew at the age of 12 that she wanted to be a Rockette.

December 2010

“Judy Mello, our dance teacher brought us to New York City to see the Rockettes,” she said. “I was 18 when I auditioned. I had just graduated from high school.”

Carolyn danced with the Rockettes until 1970, when she had to make the tough decision to return to Rhode Island to help her family.

“My two brothers were in Vietnam, and my family needed me,” she said. “I still go every year with some of my students.”

Will she be in the audience at PPAC when the Radio City Christmas Spectacular takes over the stage from Nov. 12 to 28?

“You bet,” she said. “I’ve already sold 80 to 100 tickets.”

“I try to instill and uphold the image of the Rockettes in my students,” Carolyn continued. “I’m proud of what they stand for, and I always continue to carry on their tradition.

The training, the discipline, how you dress, how you present yourself...is all part of being a Rockette and being a Carolyn Dutra Dancer.

I’m a stickler for tradition and discipline.”

At 62, Carolyn Dutra keeps herself in shape and works hard overseeing her three studios. Who knows how many of her future students will step on to the stage at the Radio City Music Hall. ■

PrimeTime | 7

Holiday Traditions HANUKKAH The Jewish people had to fight an ardu-

ous battle before returning to their holy city, and when they did, a single day’s worth of oil is believed to have miraculously lasted for eight days – giving them enough light to rebuild their temple. Today, the latkes (potato pancakes) that Jewish families enjoy are fried in oil to symbolize that Hanukkah miracle. In Israel, however, they eat sufganoit, a type of jelly donut that symbolizes the same thing. The other well-known aspect of Hanukkah is the menorah, which represents the eight days of light. The main candle is called the Shamus, and while the candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, they must be lit from left to right and remain lit for at least 30 minutes. No candle should be lit until at least three stars can be seen in the sky.

HOPI SOYALUNA FESTIVAL One

a ro u n d the world

of the Pueblo tribes, the Hopi observe their Winter Solstice on Dec. 22, and it is one of their most sacred ceremonies.

Also called the Prayer Offering Ceremony, Soyaluna is for praying for the New Year and wishing each other prosperity and health. In the tribe’s legends, this time of year is when the sun god has traveled farthest from the earth, and the Hopi must prevent the sun from disappearing. Members of the tribe dress as snakes, warriors, and the sun god himself to make their offerings.

EID-UL-FITR

Unlike the gluttonous holidays like Thanksgiving, Eid-ul-Fitr is all about fasting – or at least the lead up is.

Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset throughout the month-long Ramadan to show love for their holy book, the Koran, and eat only a small meal at night. At the end of the month, they do the whole “eat, drink and be merry” thing for Eid-ulFitr. Not to forget the message, they also donate to charities as part of the holiday.

8 | PrimeTime

December 2010

holiday cheer

SAINT LUCIA DAY

Not unlike some Christmas dolls out there, on St. Lucia Day, Swedish girls wear crowns of green leaves and lighted candles in their hair. It is observed on Dec. 13, and is one of the few saint days observed in Scandinavia. The Lussekatt, a bun made with saffron, is one of the go-to menu items.

THREE KINGS DAY Also known as the Epiphany, Three Kings Day is in honor of the day the three kings visited Christ in his manger in Bethlehem. While many Christians overlook the holiday, a lot of Hispanic cultures recognize the day with a crown-shaped cake.

CHRISTMAS Chances are you know the story. Jesus, believed to be the

Son of God, was born on Christmas. Shepherds came to see the newborn baby, and showered him with gifts. Christmas traditions vary from country to country, though. In England, the Queen addresses the people on Christmas Day. In France, children put their shoes in front of the fireplace, rather than stockings, in hopes that Papa Noel will fill them with gifts.

The Poles know how to celebrate, with the traditional Christmas Eve supper consisting of 12 dishes. The more you eat, the better your future will be.

WINTER SOLSTICE

The day when the Earth’s tilt is farthest from the sun, the Winter Solstice is observed in many different ways, depending on the nation or religion. The indigenous people of Finland, Sweden and Norway, for example, sacrifice white, female animals to the goddess Beiwe and her daughter in order to entice them to bring sun and greenery back from the cold weather.

THE EMPEROR’S BIRTHDAY On Dec. 23, Japan KWANZAA

Translated from Swahili, Kwanzaa means “first fruits.” The holiday started in 1966 to celebrate African culture and honor the harvest. Its roots are in the black nationalist movement of the ’60s.

Like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa calls for the lighting of candles (this time of seven), one for every day of the festival week.

December 2010

NAVIDAD In Mexico, they do Christmas – Navidad – in a big way. Starting on

celebrates the birth of Emperor Akihito, but the date of the holiday changes depending on the birthday of the current leader. It was established as an official holiday in 1948, and is a rare occasion for the general Japanese public to enter into the Imperial Palace.

Dec. 16, there are nine days of candlelight processions called Las Posadas. Children reenact the story of Christ, and communities come together to celebrate and sing. Similarly, Pastorelas are staged throughout the holiday season, which tell the story of the shepherds. Smashing piñatas is another component of the Mexican Christmas celebration, which is more for fun than religious teaching. On Noche Buena, the Mexican counterpart to Christmas Eve, families go to a late night Misa de Gallo mass before a traditional supper.

The day after is a day of rest.

PrimeTime | 9

b y c a r o ly n n u t o v i c ,

certified

personal

LI F E S T YLE S

trainer

Holiday Sanity: T

he holiday season is approaching.

Most of us both look forward to and dread the holidays for our own combination of reasons. I eagerly await the arrival of my family and friends, as I often host one of the meals.

On the other hand, I dread the disruption of my routines and the late nights spent shopping, cooking and cleaning up.

My exercise routine and eating habits are typically derailed. I feel fatigued and frustrated, and then resigned. Do we have to resign ourselves to the customary weight gain from November through January, or can we choose to break the cycle?

Whether you are hosting company, or are the one visiting, the holiday season is wonderful and stressful at the same time.

What is the recipe for staying sane and healthy at this time of year? The first key ingredient is a good sleeping schedule.

Try to get as many hours of sleep as you normally do. Sleep is critical, especially during the holiday season because we’re handling extra stresses and fighting cold and flu viruses as well. Also, going to bed and getting up earlier will give you time in the morning to get organized.

a healthy recipe

Make a plan for each day, and include time for real meals and exercise. A “real meal,” the next ingredient for holiday sanity, is one that includes protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. Regrettably, chocolate is not its own food group.

During the holidays, I find it easiest to have a granola bar and half a banana, and then work out first thing in the morning.

Usually the day gathers steam after that and it’s nearly impossible to find time to exercise.

What about exercise? What if you’re visiting someone? Weather permitting, you can jog or walk every day. Remember to pack the right shoes! Getting outside will give you a break from what’s going on indoors and help you sleep better too.

Throughout the day, volunteer to help with an errand and park at the outer reaches of the parking lot to maximize the physical effort. Be the one to get supplies from the basement and go up and back a few extra times. Hint: the basement

is where many people keep their fitness equipment; so spend a half hour using the treadmill or stationary bike. Keep moving and don’t give in to watching a lot of television.

What if the weather is icy and nasty, and your arthritis is acting up? Chairbased exercise programs have gained in popularity in recent years. Many Baby Boomers are discovering the benefits of chair-based yoga, which can help build and sustain strength and flexibility. Yoga is a great stress-reliever, and there are many DVDs available showing safe, accessible routines. The Resistance Chair also offers a total body workout, and is portable and convenient. You can work all your major muscle groups following the instructional DVDs, and it fits right into the trunk of your car or easily stows in your RV. You can take your home gym on the road with you.

This year, let’s enjoy the bounty of the holidays with joy and without excess.

Meals on Wheels Serves Up

Another Program

We can create order in chaotic, stressful days. We can approach each day with a plan, and choose healthier ingredients.

Change is possible.

A healthy and happy holiday season to all! ■ Carolyn Nutovic is a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a customer service representative at VQ ActionCare, developers of the complete at-home Resistance Chair exercise system for mature adults. For more information, visit www.vqactioncare.com. Carolyn may be contacted at (877) 368-6800 or via e-mail at cnutovic@vqactioncare.com.

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10 | PrimeTime

December 2010

holiday cheer

b y meg fraser

For generations, mothers and fathers have been threatening their children with the unthinkable Christmas surprise: coal.

Coal

for

christmas If you don’t behave, Johnny, you’re going to get nothing but coal in your stocking.

Manny Santo isn’t sure how many kids fear that threat nowadays, but the demand for coal hasn’t diminished.

Santo is the manager of Cranston Coal on Fletcher Avenue in Cranston, which has been in business since 1980. Although coal stoves might seem like a thing of the past to many, Santo says more and more families are turning to coal as the source to heat their home.

“What I’m seeing, is it’s younger people buying coal stoves. A lot of them grew up with parents who had coal, and others just know it’s cheaper,” he said.

In the Cranston Coal office, which is approximately 5,000 square feet with 60-foot ceilings, a single stove keeps the temperature steady, despite the cold winds whipping around the outside of the building. At Santo’s home, the same is true. He keeps his coal stove in the basement, and

December 2010

yet his living space upstairs is cozy at 68 degrees.

Coal stoves are an investment up front, costing in the neighborhood of $2,000, but a ton of coal, which costs $270, is equivalent to 185 gallons of oil.

Older versions have a rustic appeal in appearance, but the newer versions require little maintenance and don’t need to be fed in the middle of the night like a wood burning stove.

“All these new ones, now they’re on a thermostat just like an automatic heater at home. People like that it’s less work,” Santo said. “It’s only a few minutes of work; you light it one time and that’s it.”

Business is steady at Cranston Coal, and Santo believes that can be attributed to the value and quality of heat families are finding with coal stoves.

And for parents looking to make a point?

They have coal-filled stockings for sale for $1. ■

PrimeTime | 11

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

by DON FOWLER

lifestyles

RISD lands a controversial exhibit American sculptor Lynda Benglis is one talented, controversial, innovative and challenging artist.

The RISD Museum of Art has scored a victory by obtaining more than 50 of her works, spanning 40 years, in a must-see exhibit that will run through Jan. 9, 2011.

The museum is the first of only two North American venues for this extraordinary show, New York City being the other.

Benglis uses a variety of material, ranging from layered wax paintings to poured latex and polyurethane foam sculptures, to metal, glass, ceramics and even photography.

Her works are neatly displayed on pedestals, walls and floors, and include one incredible piece that fills an entire room. “Phantom,” which was completed in

12 | PrimeTime

1971, consists of five objects that are viewed in bright and dim light, and then in total darkness.

In the ‘70s, Benglis began a series of “sparkle knots” made with cotton bunting, plaster, acrylic paint and glitter over metal screen. They fill an entire wall in a room that is shared with unusual wax reliefs on the floor.

My only problem with seeing the varied sculptures was resisting the urge to touch them.

Now approaching the age of 70, Benglis was a defiant female artist who worked in a field dominated by male artists. One exhibit room clearly shows her boldness at a time when many considered her work scandalous (A sign suggests that the area is “inappropriate for young viewers).

This is a rare opportunity to experience the works

of a major American artist. The museum also has available a fully illustrated book published especially for the exhibit.

If you have not visited the new section of the museum, with its entrance at 20 North Main Street on Providence’s East Side, now is the time to do so.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Members are free. Senior citizens ages 62 and older pay $7 and adults pay $10. There is a special “free to all” on the third Thursday of the month, from 5 to 9 p.m. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. is “pay as you wish.” ■

December 2010

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

by MIKE FINK

LI F E S T YLE S

A review in three parts The popular dramatic arts of the year behind us: A television series, a feature film and three documentaries

I

n the springtime of 1960, a friend from high school stopped by my house. He was wearing a gold jacket, and smoking and inhaling a Pall Mall cigarette.

“You’ll make more money and have a better life if you use your verbal skills in the marketplace. You don’t have to move. There’s an ad agency in town.”

I made all sorts of excuses for resisting his counsel.

“I’d rather just think about things and figure out my own pathway in this world,” I said, maybe sadly, or perhaps proudly.

But then, I did go downtown and got a job as a copywriter. I learned the tricks from a few role models at the desks beside me. One was a fellow who drank, and how! He would order two martinis, one for each hand. And the lady - she claimed she had written “When you care enough to send the very best,” for Hallmark. They both came to a sorry end, and I was left to fill in the captions to the sketches the art room sent over for the daily newspaper advertisements. The only one I can recall with any bit of self-regard was “Give her a sunbeam on a winter’s day” as a bid for appliances on sale for Christmas in a mill outlet.

It was 1960, the year of the Kennedy election. I even had the chance to offer a few nice -phrases to describe Jackie’s fashion sense. I only lasted the single year and then I moved on. eOr, rather, back to my classroom. My skills, such as they were, fit in better within literary pursuits, not so much commercial or political propaganda.

But as I watch “Mad Men,” I can’t help but compare notes on the era. Yes, the receptionnist at the entrance desk was a lovely blonde, in a fancy outfit. Yes, there was liquor in the head office. I was asked to speak at the Christmas party, and it was a grand affair at a country ,club, and I got very dressed up for the occasion. And yes, everybody did smoke.

Nevertheless, from a literary viewpoint, I find the show exaggerated and artificial. It’s d the nature of television to push everything so that you never have to think too much, or rinterpret a slight gesture. So they smoke constantly. And, of course, it is necessary to watch othe lovers in bed. Otherwise, your audience might channel surf and the sponsors would lose 9out.

Reviewing the entertainment world’s highlights for the year 2010, and moving right s along to the documentary movies about town, I list three successful efforts and for good measure a sort of disguised autobiography. “Babies” was an import from France that focused on nursing toddlers on the brink of standing upright. I expected it to be a chick-flick, a sentimental merry-go-round, but it turned out to be much more than that, and other than that. It contrasted Africa with its direct, earthy intimacy with us in America using gadgets and gimmicks to care for our babes at an arm’s distance among our things. It contrasted Asia with Europe and celebrated the power of the little ones conquering gravity and reaching and stretching toward the skyline: a glorious tour of the human world!

“Ghost Writer” doesn’t directly narrate the life and career of director Roman Polanski, but it weaves its ironic web based quite clearly on the plight of the filmmaker’s scandalous past and dubious future and has the ring of artistic truth within its fiction account.

“Restrepo” has a cast of 15, a platoon of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, posted in a valley they name for a popular medic and musician named Restrepo, who is killed in action, mourned and avenged. You study the faces and varied moods of the men in extreme close-ups. Eyes, noses, skin blemishes, lips, chins. You also watch them horsing around with each other. This picture is unlike anything you may ever have seen in the genre of “war” films. It sets up no villains to hiss, shows no horrors to shock and, in some perverse sense, “entertain.” In fact, strangely, “Restrepo” is poetic, never political, even beautiful, haunting, and sometimes lyrical, with the landscapes of mountains in the heat of summer and covered with snow in the chill of winter. The faces of the native people, elders claiming money for a cow put out of its misery when it was maimed and wounded, contrast with the youthful features of the diverse American soldiers. This work,

by Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger, produced by National Geographic and edited

by Michael Levine, ranks, for this reviewer, as the finest piece of artistry by camera, crew and all concerned all year long. There is something to lay claim on your mind, eye and ear from beginning to end. And nothing rings false, and no easy opinion mars the sheer genius of the concept.

Not much of substance showed up throughout our summer screens, except for the indies. If you could get to the Avon early enough, or late enough, or if you could cross the bridges to the Jane Pickens in Newport, you might have been able to catch the Joan Rivers documentary.

It provided a relief from the rest of the fare around here. “What a piece of work!” exclaims the subtitle as the camera in close-up studies the artificial and careworn countenance of the stubborn 75-year-old stand up comic.

“I’m not really a comedian; I’m an actress, and it’s just the role I play,” she claims.

December 2010

Being herself in public and here in private makes for a fascinating study. You see her incredibly luxurious Manhattan apartment, her enormous file-cabinet of jokes and routines, and the interiors of the limousines that cruise her from club to theatre, from city to town, from continent to retreat, and from then to now.

You meet her daughter and her grandson, her agents and her guests, her friends and foes. This is the kind of movie I make an effort to get to see; it gives me hope for the future of the industry and craft as it must adjust and resist, create and record. Actually, I am oldfashioned enough not to like to hear women swear. I tire of the ‘F’ word and the use of shock instead of wit, of anger and gesture instead of subtler stuff.

But Joan Rivers lives up to that subtitle. She really IS a “piece of work.” Blacklisted

by Johnny Carson and NBC, she had to make her own way and then stay on course. Her husband and sometime partner committed suicide, her daughter felt overshadowed by her, and her agent faded from view as she aged and fought to stay shining in the spotlight (in her sequins and brilliant costumes and make-up). Nevertheless, she earns our respect and affection for her straightforward struggle and the pathos of her solitary plight. The long list of credits for the creative zest and energy of her movie bio lets us in on the efforts, without major production, that go into making a movie that might inspire some of us locals to follow in her footsteps and theirs.

I spoke to Joan Rivers, once upon a time, at the cocktail lounge of a hotel in Hartford.

I was there to dance with Dorothy Lamour at an affair sponsored by the group that became TCM on channel television. They were toasting the classic stars at champagne receptions.

Meanwhile, Joan Rivers was entertaining with her troupe. It was an evening to remember.

I might have been part of her “piece of work.”

So there it is at holiday time and year’s end, for what it’s worth. I like the way the moving camera writes and then moves on leaving footprints in the sands of the times. Deep in December, it’s fun to remember! ■

Elves for Elders This Holiday Season Seniors RULE is sponsoring the Elves for Elders program for the second time. The program is designed to bring some holiday cheer to a senior who might not otherwise receive a gift.

A team of “elves” has collected names for the stars from nursing homes, senior housing and adult day centers. A first name and a gift idea are placed on a star.

Trees are located at Clements Marketplace in Portsmouth, Warwick Mall in Warwick and Emerald Square Mall in North Attleboro. Customers may take a star, purchase the gift and return it unwrapped to the customer service desk.

The program ends on Dec. 10 for Clements Marketplace and Warwick Mall. It ends on Dec. 17 for Emerald Square Mall.

Gift-wrapping parties will be held at various locations to wrap, sort and then distribute the gifts to the appropriate community. The three gift-wrapping locations are Atria Aquidneck Place in Portsmouth, Jewish Seniors Agency in Providence and Villa at St. Antoine in North Smithfield.

Any questions, you may contact Maxine Hutchins at 286-3821. ■ PrimeTime | 13

b y c o rinne calise r u ss o d i re c to r , r i d e p a r t m e n t o f e l d e r l y a f f a i r s

senior

i ss u e s

Getting the most of your health care dollar

D

ecember heralds the impending close of a very challenging year for seniors and adults with disabilities. The Social Security Administration announced recently that there would be no Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for beneficiaries for the second straight year. For many recipients, Social Security represents a significant part of their monthly income. These beneficiaries must cope with a rise in everyday expenses such as heating, food, taxes and transportation with a flat income stream. Consequently, many people on Social Security have found it necessary to trim their monthly expenditures.

One area of savings they might explore is health insurance and prescription drug prices.

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period offers the state’s 181,000 Medicare beneficiaries an opportunity to look at both their health care insurance and their Medicare Part D plans to see if they can get more value and coverage for their dollar.

And while sorting through the dizzying myriad of options can be a very daunting task, DEA has put together a schedule of open enrollment events across Rhode Island to help Medicare beneficiaries sort out these options so that they can make informed decisions about their health care coverage. Even if you are not thinking of changing your coverage, open enrollment is still a good time to review your health insurance portfolio.

While open enrollment began on Nov. 15, there is still time to make changes in your health care coverage. The open enrollment period extends to Dec. 31. Any changes made in health care coverage will be effective on Jan. 1, 2011.

During November, DEA sponsored enrollment events from Woonsocket to

14 | PrimeTime

Westerly. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 16, the enrollment event calendar continues with more than a dozen educational and outreach sessions across the state. Volunteers from the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) will be on site to help beneficiaries identify their health care choices. If a beneficiary elects to join a particular plan, SHIP volunteers can help them with their enrollment. All enrollment events are free.

Most of the open enrollment sites require an appointment to meet with a SHIP counselor. Sites, hours of operation and contact numbers for all events can be found by calling THE POINT, Rhode Island’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, at 462-4444 (462-4445 TTY). The schedule is posted on their website at www.ThePointRI.org. The schedule is also available by calling DEA at 462-3000 (462-0740 TTY). The schedule is posted on the DEA website at www.dea.state.ri.us. Beneficiaries should bring their Medicare card, health insurance card and Medicare Part D enrollment card when they come in to see a SHIP counselor.

There is an open enrollment event scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at United Way/2-1-1 in Rhode Island. Walk-ins are welcome and multi-lingual staff will be available to assist non-English speaking clients. United Way/2-1-1 in Rhode Island is located at 50 Valley Street in Providence. On behalf of the DEA staff, we want to wish you and your family a joyous and peaceful holiday season. The holidays often give a chance to reflect on the strength and support we receive from our families. ■

December 2010

holiday cheer

Gifts that give back

Whether you’re on a stricter budget or not, holiday shopping is a task no one can really avoid. But while you’re checking off your Secret Santa list, why not make your gift dollars stretch and do some good for a worthy cause? Here are a few ways to give your conscience a gift while playing Saint Nick.

Cards for a cure One thing you can’t avoid each December, is the ever-growing list of friends, family, neighbors, mailmen and vague acquaintances to send greeting cards to. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute recommends that while you’re practicing your calligraphy, support cancer research by purchasing your cards from their Classic Favorites collection. They have cards for everyone from Red Sox fans to new grandparents, and for $20, you get 20 cards that can be customized with personal messages or logos for an additional fee. Dana-Farber has other gift items as well, including candles and ornaments. Order online by visiting www.jimmyfund.org/holiday.

Dresses that Cure If you’re not one to shop online, go to the Dresses That Cure boutique in Cranston, where every purchase made benefits the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Dollars spent stay in the state to improve treatment and research on breast cancer. Dresses That Cure was started by Tina Grindeland, who knows all too well how breast cancer can tear a family apart. She started the store to give back, and hopes other Rhode Islanders will join in the cause. The store is located at 1985 Broad Street in Cranston.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend Okay, maybe they aren’t diamonds, but Isabelle Grace Jewelry does have a great selection of customized jewelry. The Wish Upon A Star collection features necklaces adorned with stars, moons and lightning bolts to pay homage to the Make-A-Wish Foundation that makes dreams come true for children with catastrophic illnesses. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the jewelry goes to Make-A-Wish.

For the granddaughter’s dress-up box Buy the little girl in your life a customized tutu in their favorite color, add a few hearts or stars and not only will they be happy, but so will Children’s Hospital Boston, which receives a third of the proceeds from each tutu sold.

A present you can sink your teeth into When in doubt, Christmas cookies are a pretty good fallback. Edible Gifts Plus is an online bakery that sells every cookie, cake and candy you can think of. They make great stocking stuffers, or stock up and have them on hand to pass out at your church’s holiday party. Edible Gifts Plus donates 15 percent of the proceeds from your purchase to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief agency that feeds more than 37 million people in this country annually.

Charity clearinghouse

You can shop on Amazon, at Target, at Best Buy or at Macy’s, and your favorite charity will reap the benefits. At GoodShop.com, more than 1,500 online retailers are on board with sending back a percentage of your purchase tally back to a long list of good causes. The American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals, for example, has racked up more than $35,000 in donations from GoodShop.com. The site also offers coupons and free shipping orders to add incentive to the already philanthropic concept.

December 2010

PrimeTime | 15

DOER’S PROFILE

by JOAN RE TSINAS

The Ballet The stories are not fantastic enough for a generation reared on Star Wars. Imagine: a toy maker, a la Pygmalion, wants his life-like doll to live. A boy falls in love with the doll, whom he spots in a window. His fiancée, jealous, plots revenge against her rival, but discovers the rival is inanimate. Many dances, much music, and some shenanigans later, the lovers - their romance foretold by a sheaf of wheat - marry.

Or consider the family opening gifts around a Christmas tree. A girl is entranced with her gift, a life-sized Nutcracker doll. Her brother, jealous, breaks the doll. Presto: the uncle-toy maker repairs the doll with a magic handkerchief. Clutching her doll, the girl falls asleep. An army of toy soldiers, led by the Nutcracker, battles an army of mice. The Nutcracker, now a Prince, leads the girl through the Land of Snow (with dancing snowflakes) and the Land of Sweets (with a Sugar Plum fairy). When she awakes, the doll is still in her arms.

As for the small girl who lived with 11 others in a big house in Paris, covered with vines, overseen by a caped governess - that rhymed tale sounds too strange for audiences who text message.

But these tales - of Coppelia, the lifelike doll, and Swanhilda, the girl who switched places with her; of Clara, so enchanted with her Nutcracker that she dreams a mystical journey; and finally, of Madeline, Ludwig Bemelman’s imp who walked with friends in two straight lines - delight us over and over.

Fortunately, in December Rhode Islanders can see this trio of ballets, all familiar yet all just as wondrous with the second, third, even the hundredth viewing.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

a holiday tradition Coppelia

Friday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. & 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2:30 p.m.

RI College’s Roberts Auditorium

For tickets, call 334-2560 • Backstage tours for children – 45 minutes before the production • Discussion of ballet – 45 minutes before the production

The Nutcracker

Friday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 19, 1 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Providence Performing Arts Center

Madeline Meets the Nutcracker

Sunday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.

East Greenwich High School

By now Coppelia, staged by the State Ballet of Rhode Island, is a family tradition, not just for the thousands of Rhode Islanders who have made it a holiday rite, but for Herci Marsden, who started the State Ballet of Rhode Island 51 years ago.

In 1962, the fledgling company staged Coppelia. Indeed, Herci danced the part of Swanhilda, as did her daughter, Ana Marsden Fox, now executive director of the State Ballet.

Today, Herci directs the production and her son Mark dances the role of Franz, Swanhilda’s fiancé. This year’s production will include 50 company dancers and 35 children from southern New England dance studios.

Misha Djuric, director of the Festival Ballet and choreographer of this year’s Nutcracker (the 32nd for the troupe, the 12th with Misha’s choreography), has danced a multitude of parts, including Marzipan, the Snow King, Drosselmayer and Trepak.

Misha trained in Europe, where ballet companies consider The Nutcracker a standard part of the repertoire - not necessarily a holiday special. This production too is a family staple; in fact, children will delight in Archibald the Nutcracker dog, his 100th performance (a Yorkshire terrier owned by Mark Fleischer, who danced the part of Clara’s Uncle).

The Rhode Island Ballet Theater, a troupe of children ages 9 to 17, will stage Madeline Meets the Nutcracker, with scenes from the Nutcracker, followed by scenes from the Madeline tales. As a child, Nancy McAuliffe, director of the Rhode Island Ballet Theater, loved Madeline. In fact, her mother-in-law, a bit like Madeline, was raised in a French orphanage. So nine years ago, Nancy, who once danced in the Corps de Ballet at Radio City Music Hall, choreographed key scenes.

See all three ballets. Take your children and your grandchildren. They will revel in the music, the scenery and the stories. And so will you.

“There is a part of children in all of us,” Misha said. ■

16 | PrimeTime

December 2010

The Bridge at Cherry Hill and

PrimeTime Magazine

Holiday Networking Soiree

oPEn YEaR Round

9

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invite you to join us for a

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Mussels Marinara ~ Clam Zuppa (Red or White) Baked Scrod ~ Veal Parmesan ~ Chicken Marsala Shrimp Scampi ~ Fish & Chips Penne Alfredo ~ Chicken Parmesan All entrees are served with Pasta or Potato & Vegetable, A Small Salad can be substituted in place of chowder.

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Great Selection of Beautiful Poinsettias!

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giFt CertiFiCates available December 2010

PrimeTime | 17

gift giving – Take 10

And the Oscar goes to…

Best Pictures on DVD & Blu-ray

A bumper crop of 10 films, rather than the traditional five, vied for best picture honors at this year’s Academy Awards. There was a lot to take in, from the riveting war scenes in “The Hurt Locker” to the tender animated antics in “Up,” where an 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer and a bunch of helium balloons inadvertently hijack an elderly widower.

No wonder judges had difficulty narrowing the field. Every one’s a winner.

–Taniesha Robinson

1 Avatar

4 An Education

( 20th Century Fox) $39.99, two-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo

(Sony Pictures Classics) $28.96 DVD/$38.96 Blu-ray

2 The Blind Side

5 The Hurt Locker (Winner) Summit Entertainment 8 Precious: Based

(Warner Bros.) $19.99 DVD/$24.99 Blu-ray

3 District 9

(The Weinstein Company) $16.99 DVD/$19.99 Blu-ray

$26.99 DVD/$34.99 Blu-ray

6 A Serious Man

on the Novel ‘Push’

by Sapphire

(Walt Disney) $45.99, four-disc DVD/Bluray combo

10 Up in the Air (Paramount) $22.99 DVD/39.99 Blu-ray © CTW Features

(Focus Features) $19.98 DVD/26.98 Blu-ray

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18 | PrimeTime

9 Up

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Designer Consignments, New Clothing, Second Hand & Vintage

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7 I nglourious Basterds

December 2010

holiday cheer

The Year’s Best Children’s Books Books open a world of discovery. This season, tempt a child to find an adventure in words and pictures. hese acclaimed titles were winners or finalists for some of the most esteemed awards in children’s literature for 2010.

–Danielle Cadet

1

“Going Bovine” by Libba Bray (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $17.99) Printz Award for Young Adult Literature

4

“The Lion & the Mouse” by Jerry Pickney (Little, Brown and Company for Young Readers, $16.99) Caldecott Medal

7

“Mare’s War” by Tanita S. Davis (Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book

2

“When you Reach Me” by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.99) Newbery Medal

5

8

3

“Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $19.95) Newbery Honor

“Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal,” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson (Carolrhoda Books, $17.95) Coretta Scott King Award

“Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” by Grace Lin (Little, Brown and Company Books for Young Readers, $16.99) Newbery Honor

6

“The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate”

by Jacqueline Kelly (Henry Holt, $16.99) Newbery Honor

9

“Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors” by Joyce Sidman (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $16) Caldecott Honor

December 2010

10

“The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg” by Rodman Philbrick, (The Blue Sky Press, $16.99) Newbery Honor © CTW Features

PrimeTime | 19

holiday cheer

gift giving – Take 10

Board Games A New Generation of Classics For old-fashioned family fun, nothing beats a board game. Not to be outdone by the new home entertainment, motion-sensing video game systems like Nintendo Wii, old school classics have upped their game. Some have stayed virually the same, while others use text messaging and electronic components Here’s a look at the new generation.

– Danielle Cadet

1 Monopoly: Revolution Edition (Hasbro, $34.99) Celebrating 75 years! This contemporarversion features a round game board, updated “here and now” pricing and an electronic banker.

2 Clue: Secrets & Spies (Parker Brothers, $24.99) The timeless game of murder and mayhem now includes a new optional text-messaging feature.

3 Scrabble Slam (Hasbro, $29.99) The latest version of Scrabble puts a premium on speedy, serious word building

4 Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It Edition (Hasbro, $29.99 ) 1,800 fresh questions

20 | PrimeTime

5 The Game of Life: 50th Anniversary Edition (Hasbro, $17.99) This commemorative edition includes golden accents and Life coins that spark conversation. Spin the golden wheel and experience the ups and downs of Life.

9 U-Build Battleship

6 Operation Silly Skill Game

(Hasbro, $19.99) Participants build fleets of battleships, aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines and must work to keep their ship safe and blow their opponent’s ships out of the water.

(Milton Bradley, $16.99)Although it still requires a top doc to save the day, Operation boasts a revamped board

10 Candyland: The World of Sweets Game

7 Sorry! Spin

(Hasbro, $9.99)The sweet classic looks much the same as it did back in the day © CTW Features

(Hasbro, $24.99) Getting “home” is more unpredictable than ever, making it anybody’s game to the bitter end.

8 Cranium Scribblish (Hasbro, $19.99)A hilarious new take on the classic “telephone” game

December 2010

b y kerry park You couldn’t exactly say Carole Hesford is always “hands-on” at her job at Westview Health Care Center, but in her position, that’s okay. Carole is one of 40 Westview employees trained in Reiki, a Chinese healing practice developed by a Japanese Buddhist nearly a century ago. Reiki revolves around Chi, or energy flow, and according to practitioners, the practice transfers healing energy through the palms of the hand without ever touching the patient’s body. Hesford learned the art from Westview’s director of nursing, Cheryl Edwards, who is a Master Reiki teacher. She offers classes monthly to Westview caregivers interested in learning more about the traditional Chinese medical practice that promotes relaxation and healing.

Reiki is just one of the components of Westview Health Care’s Alternative Comfort Therapy (ACT) program. About seven years ago, the 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility began exploring alternative therapies to address all aspects of pain and discomfort – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Since then, an interdisciplinary team of certified nursing assistants, psychiatrists, massage therapists, Reiki practitioners, activities personnel, a pharmacist and a chaplain meet regularly to address residents’ needs, taking into account mind, body and soul.

Westview’s ACT program began as a simple quest to help people feel more comfortable. Initially, the staff created “Comfort Carts” filled with personal mementos for each resident, complete with everything from scented lotions mixed personally for them to heated blankets. Shortly after, a “Just for You” program was started for employees to show appreciation for their hard work.

The program offered wellness and comfort services such as nutritional counseling and massage. The concept caught on among the residents as well and before long, a holistic approach to health care began taking shape. Today, Westview offers therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, spiritual guidance, Reiki, footbaths, paraffin treatments and other spa therapies.

Hesford, a health care veteran with 26 years of CNA experience, is also an aroma therapist and licensed massage therapist.

December 2010

A New Approach to Medicine

She is one of two massage therapists on staff. She’s certified in Compassionate Touch, an approach that combines one-on-one focused touch and sensitive massage with specialized communication skills to help enhance quality of life for those

senior issues in later life stages, particularly end-of-life, hospice and Alzheimer’s patients. This year, Westview partnered with the founder of Compassionate Touch, Ann Catlin, to host instruction in Rhode Island. Twice a year, Catlin travels to the West Warwick facility to teach the program to caregivers from facilities down the east coast.

Currently, only four Rhode Islanders are certified in Compassionate Touch, but Hesford hopes that bringing instruction to Rhode Island will change that.

So does new age healing work for afflictions of all ages? Hesford has no doubt.

“We started off about four years ago with about a dozen patients on standing pain medications. We soon noticed that they started requesting their pain medications less and their moods were better,” she said.

The facility then began formally tracking results for 40 patients who were on standing pain medications. At the end of 18 months, of the 40 patients that took part in the ACT program, only three remained on their medication.

“We actually achieved a zero on the level-of-pain assessment that’s measured by CMS [the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services]. That’s almost unheard of. I can’t say that it’s all because of our therapy program, but I definitely believe it helped,” Hesford said.

CMS regularly monitors nursing homes on a variety of quality indicators, from pain levels to pressure ulcers.

Westview’s ACT program works in tandem with the other more standard therapies the facility provides – occupational, cardiac, speech and physical rehabilitation for example. For those going through the grueling process of recuperation following an illness or injury, Westview’s Alternative Comfort Therapy program can give the extra boost needed on the journey back to good health. And for long-term residents in chronic pain, Westview’s staff has seen that regular massage or spa treatments can be the answer their patients have been looking for. ■

PrimeTime | 21

You are cordially invited to attend

“ A Cortland Place Community Christmas�

Thursday, December 9, 2010 • 4:00PM – 7:00PM

CorTlanD PlaCe

20 austin avenue, Greenville, rI 02828

Featuring: • A delectable Jingle Bell Buffet prepared by: Chef Marc Ruggio • A Visit From Santa • The St. Philip Church Religious Education Program Carolers • Festive Face Painting • ‘Tis The Season Balloon Art • And Lots of Holiday Joy!

This free event is open to all Cortland Place residents, families, staff and the community.

RSVP before Saturday, December 4th to 401-949-3880 or via email to: julief@cortlandplace.com

We are proud

to announce the opening

of our new crematory

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22 | PrimeTime

famIly tradItIon of exPerIenCe and CarIng for over

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December 2010

Feeling the flavor

food&drink

b y matt h o lmes

Myth Busters: Kitchen Edition There are many myths and misconceptions about cooking. Most of them are harmless and provide zero difference from the norm. Others will adversely affect your results, or hold some truth but are taken too seriously.

Claim: “Undercooked pork can kill you.”

Truth: While I’m not saying you should eat a handful of raw ground pork, trichinosis is really a disease of the past. Modern pig farming techniques have virtually eliminated its threat. I haven’t heard of any case of this disease, outside of third world nations, in 20 plus years. Depending on the grade and quality of the cut of meat, I personally love my pork chop medium rare.

Claim: “A sharp knife is more dangerous than a dull knife.”

Truth: Absolutely wrong. Yes, a sharp knife will harm you if used foolishly.

The problem with dull knives is that you must apply more force to cut through the item. Once the dull knife finally does cut through and get going, if your finger is in the way…watch out. I’ll take a nicked or sliced finger over no finger at all any day of the week.

Claim: “Adding oil to your pasta cooking water and rinsing it with cold water afterwards, is GOOD because it rinses off the starch and won’t stick as much” Truth: Yes, oil will add some flavor and rinsing will remove some starch but doing both will prevent your pasta from binding or adhering to your sauce. The pasta and sauce should complement one another, not act separately. On a side note, add salt to your pasta water.

Claim: “Cold water boils faster”

Truth: No, it doesn’t. Some items I always start from cold water though, like potatoes and eggs, because the quality is better and more controlled. No one wants soggy potatoes or green hard boiled eggs.

Claim: “Doubling a recipe because you need more means just double everything involved”

Truth: Please don’t. Cooking times need not be doubled, but extra time should be expected. Be wary of doubling seasonings like salt and pepper, it doesn’t usually work. Use the “to taste” method. Fats, especially oil for sautéing, should not be doubled all the time. Too much hot oil while cooking will burn you.

Claim: “Keep the avocado pit in the guacamole to keep it from turning brown.”

Truth: This works only on the areas directly touching the pit. Just add a little lime juice and lemon juice instead.

Claim: “This dish is too complicated for me to make.”

Truth: This is the biggest lie of all. This holiday season, do not be intimidated to try new things. Okay fine, try them on your husband, or wife or kids before you invite the whole family. No one wants to risk embarrassment in front of their in-laws! But seriously, it seems to me that in times like these (rough economy, high unemployment, uncertain world stability, etc.) people usually go back to the basics…Family. Families bond best with great communication over a meal. Let’s all start by not being afraid of our food and then go on to not being afraid to communicate with our loved ones. ■

December 2010

Happy Holidays, good eating and a healthy New Year and remember to feel the flavor!

PrimeTime | 23

GAY & GRAY

LI F E S T YLE S

by CYNTHIA GLINICK

Pell’s legacy lives on F

ourteen years ago, Rhode Island lost one of it’s most valuable voices. Julie Pell, the youngest daughter of the late Senator Claiborne Pell, worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all LGBTQ Rhode Islanders and in her brief 52 years of life she achieved that and more.

Fighting for gay rights legislation through her compassion and political savvy, she exponentially improved the quality of life for all gay Rhode islanders by establishing a permanent fund to continue her work. Equity Action is Rhode Island’s fund for sexual orientation and gender identity. As a permanent endowment at the Rhode Island Foundation, it advances the equitable treatment of and improves the quality of life for all LGBTQ Rhode Islanders and is Julie’s legacy of philanthropy and political activism in the equitable treatment and civil rights of the LGBTQ community.

In keeping with her gift, The Rhode Island Foundation-Equity Action honors community leaders committed to continuing her important work. A ballroom in the Providence Convention Center was the location for this year’s festivities. Sally Lapides, (Chair of the Million Dollar Challenge Campaign Committee for Equity Action) and Guy Abelson were the

event chairs. Also present were Nuala Pell, Julie Smith (Julie Pell’s longtime partner and co-founder of Equity Action) and Elise McCaffrey (their daughter).

Mayor and Congressman-elect David Cicilline introduced U.S. Congressman Barney Frank, the evening’s keynote speaker and recipient of the 2010 Julie Pell Equality Award for National & Regional Advocacy.

Frank spoke, well, frankly, about his tenure as the only openly gay Congressman from Massachusetts and praised the work that Rhode Island is doing to legalize same-sex marriage.

Steve Brown accepted the Julie Pell Justice Award for Community Leadership presented to the Rhode Island ACLU, which has been active in supporting LGBTQ rights for most of its history and continues to promote full justice and equality for all LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.

The Julie Pell Empowerment Award for Social Change & Civic Engagement was presented to three individuals this year.

Peter Hocking, an educator and artist, has devoted his career to public service at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design. Over the past 25 years, he has worked with dozens of Rhode Island non-profits as a partner, board member and strategic planner.

Lise Iwon, current president of Rhode Island Bar As-

sociation, was instrumental in establishing Equity Action with Julie Pell and throughout her career as an attorney and jurist has worked to make the family court system friendlier and more responsive to lesbian and gay couples and families.

Jenn Steinfeld, a founding member of Marriage Equality Rhode Island and an activist on LGBTQ and HIV issues for the past 20 years, currently works as a grant writer for the Providence school system.

In keeping with the Million Dollar Challenge Campaign, Sally Lapides and Guy Abelson appealed to the room that night and brought the fund that much closer to the $500,000 goal the Rhode Island Foundation will match dollar for dollar. It’s not too late to donate! Contributions can be made at www.equityaction.org.

Julie Pell’s vision for the community was a great gift and will continue to bring strength and leadership as we strive for and ultimately achieve equality for all LGBTQ Rhode Islanders. I was honored to have been in attendance at the 2010 Julie Pell Awards and to have made my own small contribution to this essential organization. ■

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24 | PrimeTime

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Contact Maxine Hutchins to sign up 286-3821 Email: seniorsrule@myway.com December 2010

Arts

holiday cheer

by DON FOWLER

Supporting the for the Holidays W

hat could be a better gift in today’s economy than the arts?

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or nothing at all, giving a pair of tickets to a play, concert, dance recital or any arts program will help the program to continue in difficult economical times, while also giving the recipients a pleasant night out.

There are so many wonderful events to choose from that are scheduled around the Christmas season. Here are a few to consider:

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Christmas comes early this year, as the Providence Performing Arts Center will be the home of the world-famous Rockettes from Nov. 12 to 28. A true family affair, the Radio City show has been seen by more people than any other in the world.

We’ve seen it twice in New York, and were awed by the Rockettes, especially their “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” The Nativity Scene will put you in the mood for Christmas, while the kids will love the trip to the North Pole and the arrival of Santa Claus.

One of the greatest musicals of all time, “South Pacific” will be at PPAC Dec. 7 to 12, and “Mamma Mia” returns Dec. 28 to Jan. 2.

FESTIVAL BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER” If you have never seen Festival Ballet’s version of “The Nutctacker,” make this the year to see it on the stage at PPAC with a full orchestra. The popular ballet delights children and adults alike, no matter how many times they have seen it. Dates are Dec. 17 to 19.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” While there are versions of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” from Westerly to Woonsocket, Trinity Rep’s is the granddaddy of them all. To complement the classic, Trinity will present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry during the month of December, directed by Curt Columbus. Six actors will create more than 50 characters to bring Frank Capra’s movie to life on the downstairs stage.

It will be presented as a radio play, broadcast on Christmas Eve in 1946.

NEWPORT PLAYHOUSE GOES FOR THE FUNNYBONE There’s nothing heavy about the plays at the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant, except for the incredible buffet before the play.

This year it is Neil and Caroline Schaffner’s “Guaranteed laugh riot,” “Natalie Needs a Nightie For Christmas,” one of those silly mixed identity comedies, where a man and a woman living in the same apartment have the same names. It is in Newport through Dec. 31.

ONE NIGHT STANDS Rhode Island College gets into the Christmas spirit this year with the Toxic Audio Holiday Concert.

Toxic Audio is a fun, theatrical event featuring the rich harmony of five unique vocalists where the human voice is every instrument in the band. They will do one show at RIC’s Roberts Auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2:30 p.m. ■

December 2010

PrimeTime | 25

SPECIALIZING IN MEMORY CARE The most caring and dedicated staff...just ask our residents

t /FXMZ SFOPWBUFE t "MM UIF DPNGPSUT PG IPNF t ɨSFF IPNF DPPLFE NFBMT EBJMZ t "EVMU EBZ DBSF QSPHSBN t 4FDVSF MJWJOH FOWJSPONFOU t .BOZ SFDSFBUJPOBM BDUJWJUJFT 0BLMBXO "WF $SBOTUPO 3* t www.PacificaVictoriaCourt.com

ght business spotlion Victoria Court

Celebrating 15 years in business!

Our Resident and Personal Care are Provided With Integrity, Compassion and Excellence

Lic #ALR01454

Come see what sets us apart! • Assisted Living since 1992 • Spacious one bedroom apartments • Priority admission to Scandinavian Home Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

Scandinavian Assisted Living Retirement Center 50 Warwick Avenue Cranston, RI 02905

Call for details or arrange for a tour

401-461-1444

Email: TSodipo@ScandinavianHome.com A non-profit organization A CareLink Member

Years of loud music catching up with you?

Glass Audiology

Jodi L. Glass, Au.D.

Doctor of Audiology

complete hearing & hearing aid services statewide

We Still Make HouSe CallS! 401-575-9951 • jlglass53@aol.com www.glassaudiology.com

26 | PrimeTime

You are invited to visit Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living/Adult Day Care with its up-dated interior and modern amenities including the comfortable and cozy fireplace room pictured above.

Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living Assisted Living/Adult Day Care Community is celebrating 15 years in business. When you visit you will see that it is a place where you’ll feel right at home; a place where all the things you enjoy are readily available, and where our most important job is making sure your loved ones are well taken care.

Do you know someone who needs to make a change, but doesn’t want to give up the comforts of home? Well, now you can enjoy the best of both worlds! At Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living, we offer fine living in a comfortable and secured independent environment, with activities, entertainment, wonderful dining, and more.

Our caring Assisted Living and Adult Day Care staff is trained to provide the services to your loved in a supportive environment. Look no further!

Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living offers a full spectrum of services and amenities, both for Assisted Living and Adult Day Care. We will coordinate with you the program that best meets your loved one’s needs as we select the appropriate level of care.

Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living is a private, intimate, Assisted Living Community with 45 private/semi-private suites specializing in caring for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory-related impairments. Located at 55 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, adjacent to the lovely Dean Estates, Routes 295 and 95 are nearby making visits convenient for both family and friends. For more information please contact Executive Director, Lillian Jean Delmonico at 401-946-5522, or email victoriacourtED@pacificaseniorliving.com.

Our commitment to excellence is visible in everything we do every day, live life to the fullest at Victoria Court, Pacifica Senior Living.

December 2010

ght business spotlion At South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center “It’s all about Quality of Life” South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a member of Revera Health Systems, welcomes Reginald Wilcox as their new director of admissions. A native of Ohio, Reginald has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field as a Clinician and as an Administrator. At South County, Reginald is responsible for intake and admissions, informing perspective patients and their family members about the facility, as well as serving patients seeking long term or short term care following falls, surgery, or illnesses.

South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a licensed 120 bed skilled nursing facility with its own rehabilitation department, offering short-term care, long-term care, respite care, and hospice care. If an accident, illness or surgery has left you or someone you care about in need of skilled nursing or rehab care, South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center can help you through those difficult times.

The mission at South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is to help residents achieve the best possible quality of life, This goal is achieved by coordinating all resources to deliver the most advanced nursing and rehabilitative services in a kind and compassionate manner. In a warm and caring residential environment, a wide range of therapies- including physical, mental, social, and recreational – are provided to help residents realize their potential for health and happiness.

At South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recreational and social activities abound. There’s a spacious, dining area that looks out onto a beautiful courtyard, an activity room and common rooms for visits from friends or family. In addition, van transportation is available to medical appointments, for dining out, shopping trips, or other outings – there’s even a hair salon located on the premises and Nintendo’s Wii to help make therapy more enjoyable.

The primary goal at South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is to improve the residents’ function to the highest level of independence possible - and to get the residents up and going. The caring professional staff strives to offer the finest quality health care, rehabilitative, and support services to residents…and their families.

Come and see for yourself. There is a difference in skilled nursing facilities. Visit South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at 740 Oak Hill Road in North Kingston and experience that difference. For more information call Reginald Wilcox, Director of Admissions at 401-294-4545 ext. 4102. You can also visit the website at www.reverasouthcounty.com.

Reginald Wilcox, Director of Admissions December 2010

PrimeTime | 27

The Rhode Island Shriners

IMPERIAL ROOM

AT ONE RHODES PLACE is pleased to offer

EXPANDED HOURS & NEW MENUS • Daily Luncheon (Monday - Thursday) 11:30 am - 2 pm • Full Menu Served Wednesday & Thursday Evenings 5 pm - 9 pm • Friday Luncheon 11:30 am - 3 pm • Friday Early Bird Dinner Special 3 pm - 5:00 pm • Full Menu Served Friday Evening 5 pm - 9 pm • Sunday Breakfast Buffet 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

A Full Pub Menu AvAilAble

Mondays & Tuesdays starting September 7th 4-10PM! 10% Senior Discount Available Every Monday!

PUBLIC INVITED!

Reservations Are Recommended For Groups Of 6 Or More Guests

• Separate Checks Are Available For Groups Of Up To 8 Guests • Special Cost-effective Banquet Menus Available For Senior Groups • Plentiful Free Off-street Parking • Fully Handicapped Accessible Facility

The Imperial Room at One Rhodes Place

One Rhodes Place (Adjacent to Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet) Cranston, RI 02905 401.467.7102 Reservations & Information

imperialrm@rishriners.necoxmail.com

Holiday Celebrations at the Radisson Hotel Providence Airport

Plan Your Holiday Party with Us! Choose from our Hors d’oeuvres and Buffet Selections.

Min. of 25 people

For more details call Linda O’Keefe at 401-598-2100, ext. 6105 or email ldokeefe@jwu.edu

Or Enjo y… Our Christmas Feast To Go

Feast To Go choices: Serves 10-12 people $ Feast To Go orders must Oven Roasted Turkey........................... inclusive be received by 12/20/10 $ Baked Hearthstone Ham..................... inclusive PLEASE CALL $ Roast Prime Rib...................................... inclusive 401-598-2121

165 160 180

All dinnERS inCludE: Half-gallon Egg nog, Chicken & Orzo Soup, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Vegetable Medley, Assorted Breads & Rolls and Apple Strudel

Home for the Holidays….

Overnight packages available for your out-of-town visiting guests.

For Reservations Call 401-739-3000 Or visit our website www.radisson.com/warwickri

At the Radisson Hotel Providence Airport

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Libations restaurant will be serving lunch and dinner.

Radisson Hotel Providence Airport 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886 401.739.3000 www.radisson.com/warwickri

28 | PrimeTime

December 2010

scenes from the senior living expo.

..

September 27, 2010

Crown Plaza Hotel, Warwick

what people were saying...

“This is the first event my husband and I have attended. We both got a lot out of it.” – expo attendee

“I was very impressed with all I learned from this expo. Keep up the good work.”

– expo attendee

“It was the best senior expo ever for us.

People really stopped and asked questions; not just looking for free stuff!” – expo exhibitor

“Attendance was high and interest level good. Thank you for the opportunity.”

– expo exhibitor

December 2010

“Lots of helpful information to collect and use at home. Nice entertainment and a good way for seniors to get together!” – expo attendee

“Good assortment of booths [and good apple pie]!”

– expo attendee “Location perfect...good feedback from seniors.”

– expo exhibitor

“Great attendance - seniors very interested in the information we provided.” – expo exhibitor

PrimeTime | 29

professional perspective

your taxes

b y meg chevalier

A gift to your tax return The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and most of us look forward to celebrating the joys of the season. However, for some families, it is difficult to cope with the extra burden the holidays can create, especially during hard economic times.

Did you make cash contributions to your favorite charity? Have you recently spent a weekend cleaning stuff out of your garage or basement and then donated it to a local charity? Are you planning to gift some of your money or assets during the holidays, and would like the benefits of a tax deduction at the same time? Here are some of the things you should keep in mind.

Charitable contributions can be tax deductible, but you must have the proper records to support your deduction. To deduct a charitable cash donation, regardless of the amount, you must have a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. Acceptable bank records would include canceled checks or bank or credit union statements containing the name of the charity, the date and the amount of the contribution.

For all donations of property, including clothing and household items, get from the charity, if possible, a receipt that includes a description of the donated property. If a donation is left at a charity’s unattended drop site, keep a written record of the donation that includes a description of the property and its condition.

Here are some additional tips to help you deduct your charitable contributions on your 2010 federal tax return: • Charitable contributions are deductible only if you itemize deductions using Form 1040.

• Contributions must be made to a qualified organization.

• Used clothing and household items such as furniture, linens and appliances must be in good condition.

• Vehicle donations are subject to special rules.

• To deduct cash contributions of $250 or more or items valued at $250 or more, you must have a written acknowledgment from the qualified organization.

• To deduct charitable contributions of items valued at $500 or more, you must complete a Form 8283, Non-cash Charitable Contributions, and attach the form to your return.

• A qualified organization includes non-profit groups that are religious, government agencies, educational, scientific, charitable and the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

More information is available on the IRS website at IRS.gov. A good resource is IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, and Pub 78 Cumulative List of Organizations found on the website or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). ■

Fowler gets a new gig PrimeTime writer Don Fowler has been selected to co-host the popular local cable television program, Senior Digest, which is produced by the Rhode Island Department of Community Affairs.

He will join host Libby Arron in the production of 26 programs, aired weekly on Cox channel 13 and Verizon channel 32.

Fowler has been a guest on the program over the years, and is looking forward to bringing some of the interesting seniors that he has interviewed and written about to the half hour program.

The program airs Sundays at 5 p.m., Mondays at 7 p.m., and Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. on a two-week cycle.

Libby Arron has brought many guests to the program to talk about services available to seniors, health issues, volunteer opportunities, travel and a wide variety of subjects.

“I’m looking forward to working with Libby,” Fowler said. “She has a great understanding and compassion for all seniors, and has helped so many of them to lead a better life.”

Fowler said he hopes to interview seniors who have made a name for themselves in the arts, entertainment, restaurant businesses and movies; areas he has covered for the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald and other publications for more than 35 years. ■ 30 | PrimeTime

December 2010 D

A GLIMPSE OF RI’S PAST

h i s t o r y w i t h d o n d ’a m at o

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Murder Most Foul Sunday, Dec. 31, 1843 was the day that brought about a number of profound changes in the Sprague family and in the history of Rhode Island. On that day, between the hours of 4 and 5 p.m., Amasa Sprague was brutally beaten to death. Amasa Sprague was the wealthy and influential senior partner of the flourishing A. & W. Sprague Company, one of the leading textile firms in the country. A young Irishman, John Gordon, was accused of the crime and was hanged for it. The murder was not the most terrifying or shocking crime Rhode Island had ever witnessed, but it eventually became one of the most significant cases in the state’s history. The murder unleashed a vicious case of prejudice against Irish Catholics; saw an innocent man put to death and eventually brought about the end of capital punishment in Rhode Island. Ironically, it also helped bring about a dramatic growth in the Sprague business and altered the course of the textile industry.

An eyewitness account A contemporary of Amasa Sprague, who was well acquainted with the textile manufacturer and with the Gordon family, wrote an account of the incident for a local newspaper in the late 19th century. He signed the article H.H. and was most likely Hardin Hudson, who testified at the trial concerning the animosity that existed between Amasa Sprague and Nicholas Gordon, brother of the illfated John Gordon. The writer, H.H., tells his readers, “... the whole scene with its various relations was so impressed on my mind that after 50 years I cannot recall the circumstances without a certain thrilling sense of horror.” He tells us that he knew Sprague very well and “...not withstanding

December 2010

my youth, was privileged to call him my friend.”

For many years, mystery hovered over the Sprague case.

Garrett Byrnes, a feature writer for the Providence Journal in the 1930s, was fascinated by the case and wrote a series of six articles concerning the murder and the trial. Byrnes obviously spent a great deal of time and effort in researching the subject. He used the eyewitness report of H.H., printed c. 1893, as well as newspaper accounts from 1844 and copies of stenographic notes from the trial.

Byrnes feels that the interest the case generated was due in part to the fact that Amasa Sprague was a leading citizen of Rhode Island at the time, but he leads us to believe that more significant was the thought that John Gordon was “framed” and therefore an innocent man was hanged for the crime. He says that “it is hard, almost impossible, to separate truth from legend;” claiming that, “From the same sources it is possible either to convict or acquit the man who was hanged.” He adds that, “Mystery will hover always about the Sprague case, and for that reason it will always remain interesting.”

Amasa Sprague: Lord of the Manor Over a long period of time many writers have attempted to evaluate the case and the persons involved. While using the same reports, the conclusions and judgments differ. This seems especially true in evaluating Amasa Sprague and his relationship with the community. Sprague has been described by H.H. as a man of “massive proportions, with a great capacity for physical and mental exertion, and imbued with uncommon tenacity of purpose.” H.H. describes him as “active, genial, hail fellow well met with everyone.” Gar-

Amasa Sprague left this doorway of his lovely mansion on Sunday, Dec. 31, 1843. Soon after he was brutally murdered. (Photo by Will D’Amato)

rett D. Byrnes adds to this picture by saying that Sprague was “a man of consequence, a veritable lord of the manor.”

He says that at age 45, Sprague could claim practically everything in sight of his home as his own. This included the Print Works, the brick company store, and the cottages, which housed his workers. Byrnes says, “Business was good and so was his health.” He tells us that the burly Sprague was 5 feet 9 or 10 inches tall and weighed 190 pounds, which was “well distributed over a powerful frame...”

Other writers, such as Charles Carroll, author of “Rhode Island Three Centuries of Democracy” (1932), add another dimension to Sprague’s personality. Carroll, like the others, describes Sprague as a burly, vigorous man, but adds he was “hot-tempered and overbearing.” He tells us “he had incurred not a few enmities in the neighborhood in which he lived.”

The story of the murder of Amasa Sprague and the resulting trial will be continued.

Wilcox to help lead South County Nursing Reginald Wilcox has been appointed as South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s new director of admissions. Wilcox brings a total of 20 years of experience in the health care field, working both as a clinician and as an administrator.

Wilcox will be responsible for intake and admissions, community outreach, patient satisfaction and informing prospective patients and family members about the center.

He has strong leadership skills, having been a key member of the patient care team at the Ohio State University Medical Center, where he was elected to chair the Total Team Emergency Care Committee. During his tenure, patient satisfaction scores in most categories improved by 8 to 12 percentage points.

Most recently, Wilcox was the clinic administrator for the first Massage Envy franchise in Rhode Island. He was responsible for marketing, staffing and day-to-day operations of the clinic.

Wilcox is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership. He also earned a liberal arts degree from Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information on South County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, or to set up an appointment with Reginald Wilcox, call him at 294-4545. The center is located at 740 Oak Hill Road in North Kingstown.

PrimeTime | 31

letters

to the editor

My life as a thief

By Carl Bloom

My favorite activity is stealing. Now those of you, if any, who never stole anything, not even a bar of soap from a motel, may not know how exciting it can be, but believe me it is. Just the mere idea of secretly breaking some law or rule, after behaving so well all these years can bring on a rush, so imagine the exhilaration when actually carrying out the deed.

You may wonder what it is that I steal and whom I steal from. Well, I will tell you. I steal from myself, and what I steal is time. Time? How does one steal time?

It’s like this. Almost every day I have a pile of mail on my desk, some PrimeTime values the papers on a chair and maybe more on top of the file cabinet. Yesteropinions of its readers day, I broke off from checking my mail to listen to a new recording and wants your feedback from the library. Today, I also have laundry on the bed that is half -positive and negative. put away and my training weights on the table crying to be picked Whether you want to up, since I would normally be exercising about now. But instead I’m drop a line of thanks to writing this and thoroughly enjoying doing what I feel like. In fact, one of our writers or you I’m enjoying it all the more since I’m stealing time from all the things disagree with something I should be doing. in the magazine, we want Some of you more organized people who clean off your desks to hear from you. Letters, every day may ask why I don’t finish the laundry, do my exercises, comments or questions and then follow whatever fancy strikes me, but I can’t. Maybe it’s a can be sent directly to the defect in my genes, though I must say I had wonderful parents. But editor at whatever the reason for my behavior, being in my 80s, I’m stuck with MegF@rhodybeat.com it, so I might as well enjoy it. or by mail to On reflection, there could be worse things than being a thief 1944 Warwick Avenue, of my own time, like stealing things. However, to show you I am Warwick, RI, 02889 not completely irredeemable, I am taking a belated break now to do I look forward to talking to my exercises, though the truth is I have run out of ideas on how to you soon! Meg Fraser continue.

Oh yes, where were we, I remember - stealing time; following my heart when I should know better. But could there be some possible merit in sort of going with the flow and doing what fulfills you at a particular moment when your inner desires seem to overpower your sense of order and discipline? If you are retired, as I am, it seems the up side is in increasing the total time each day that you are enjoying yourself.

I can’t see much downside now, but even in my working life as an engineer I did not behave much differently. By following my enthusiasm of the moment, I believe I got more and better work done, including the development of several newpatented products.

Could it be that a part of our minds, say the unconscious, is often a better guide than the part that follows routines and guidelines? I know for myself, for instance, I sometimes stop what I am doing because the solution to a difficult problem that has bothered me suddenly pops into my head. Where did it come from, since I was not consciously thinking about it? So I listen to that other part of my brain that seems to always be at work, even when I sleep. It seems to figure out things that stump my conscious mind.

We have all heard the saying “listen to your heart in making important decisions.” Maybe we should add “and don’t short change your inner mind.” Maybe they are even the same.

I know I should finish this, but there is a magazine article I’m into and I would just like to take a peek at it, so if you will excuse me.

We’re looking for new members . . .

Korean War Veterans Korean Service Veterans Meetings held 2nd Wednesday of every Month

Chepachet Senior Center Rte. 44 1210 Putnam Pike, Chepachet Call Frank 231-3736 or Gil 831-3301 For More Information KWVA – Chapter 3 32 | PrimeTime

CLUES ACROSS 1. Lowest musical range 5. Examine hastily 9. Burns wood (abbr.)

12. Buttocks 13. Heroic tales 15. New York art district 16. Cut into cubes 17. Wipe out information 18. A graphic symbol 19. Decametre 20. Drooping 22. Manuscript (abbr.)

24. Large cat (archaic) 25. Yellow green 29. Defunct fast airplane 32. The cry made by sheep 33. Hostelries 34. Ingested 35. Frosty 36. E. Asia weight units 39. Long fluffy scarf 40. Melancholy 41. Paper thin tin plate 43. Acorn tree 44. Longest division of geological time 45. A miserly person 49. Myanmar monetary units 50. Atomic #37 51. Loins of lamb 55. Deaf language (abbr.)

58. Length x width 59. Type of battery 63. Gastrocolic omentum 65. Strike worker replacement 66. Unaccompanied 67. Tangerine + grapefruit 68. Used to possess 69. Other side of yin 70. Urochord or tunicate

CLUES DOWN 1. Barrels per day (abbr.)

2. Very dry 3. A paper bag 4. Family tree of manuscripts 5. Midway between S and SE 6. Auto 7. Honorable title (Turkish) 8. Bahamian capital 9. Focal points 10. Unit of loudness 11. Yearn 14. Worked with Roebuck 15. Message at end of an e-mail 21. Haitian monetary unit (abbr.)

23. ___ Lanka: old Ceylon 24. Former Spanish monetary units 25. Source of chocolate 26. “The Creation” composer 27. Explosive 28. Genetic information messenger 29. Wooden shoe 30. Covered colonnades 31. Pool area wood 32. A dry cold north wind in SE France 37. Area between the waist and knees when sitting down 38. Female sibling 42. Norwegian currency (abbr.)

45. NCO rank below Sergeant (abbr.)

46. Shenzi in “Lion King” 47. Without difficulty 48. Ancient counting device 51. Frame that holds window panes 52. Blood clam genus 53. No longer having life 54. Light hit of paint 56. Heroic tale 57. Calming pause 60. Common postal form (abbr.)

61. Diarist Frank 62. 1/360 in a circle (abbr.)

64. Top edge of a glass December 2010

December 2010

PrimeTime | 33

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calendar of events Christmas at the mansions Spectacular decorations will soon deck the halls of The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House, as The Preservation Society of Newport County prepares to welcome visitors for Christmas at the Newport Mansions through Jan. 2, 2011. The three houses will be open daily for tours, except for Christmas Day. A Winter Passport ticket providing daytime admission to all three houses can be purchased for $28 for adults, $9 for children 6 to 17. Children under 6 - free. On Dec. 5 at The Breakers, Dec. 12 at Marble House and Dec. 19 at The Elms, Santa Claus will visit from noon to 3 p.m. During the Christmas season, holiday evenings will feature musical performances, as well as dessert and

refreshments. Admission to Holiday Evenings is $28 in advance or $35 at the door. Children 6 to 17 are admitted for $10, and children under 6 are free.

Advance tickets or to see the complete schedule, visit www.NewportMansions. org, or call 847-1000.

Winter Solstice celebration The Art League of Rhode Island will present The Sounds and Rhythms of The Winter Solstice with Paul Winter on Friday, Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of America in Providence. This is the final event of the Art League’s 10th anniversary. Tickets range in cost from $50 to $150. For more information, visit artleagueri.org or call 331-3465.

December 2010

calendar of events

Be Healthy Be Blue Be You

Winter happenings at Audubon.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will hold its annual tree sale at their Education Center in Bristol on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. That same day, the Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield will host the Holiday Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A nature hike on Dec. 6 at the Warren refuge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Starting on Dec. 7, there will be morning bird walks that leave from the Charlestown Mini-Super on Route 1-A at 8 a.m. At the Smithfield, a wildlife wreath making session from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Part of the Armchair Naturalist series will take place on Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Audubon Power Mill Ledges in Smithfield. On Dec. 16, the Holiday Centerpiece Workshop will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, Mass. Winter Plumage Art Exhibit at the Education Center in Bristol, which is on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 28.

Historical holiday line up The Newport Historical Society is pleased to announce the 2010 Holiday program lineup. The Holiday Lantern Tour will return on Friday evenings and a program about winter life in the 18th century, Keeping Warm in the Colonial Period, features the Wanton Lyman Hazard House and a historic interpreter. The 5 p.m. tour runs through Friday, Dec. 17. $12 per person, $10 for NHS members, $5 for children ages 12 and under, and departs from the Museum & Shop at Brick Market at 127 Thames Street. Reservations are encouraged.

Call 841-8770 for details.

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Call today to learn more about the BlueCHiP for Medicare plans available during the Annual Enrollment Period, November 15 – December 31, 2010.

1-888-558-2925 TTY/TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) 1-877-232-8432 We can assist you seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; an Call today to learn more about the BlueCHiP for Medicare plans automated answering system is available outside these hours. available during the Annual Enrollment Period,

November 15 – December 31, 2010.

1-888-558-2925 TTY/TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) 1-877-232-8432 We can assist you seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; an automated answering system is available outside these hours.

BlueCHiP for Medicare is a program of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island—a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. The Medicare contract between Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Federal Government is valid for one year. The availabiliBlueCHiP for Medicare is a program of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island—a Medicare ty of coverage beyond with the end of the current year isMedicare not guaranteed. benefits, Advantage organization a Medicare contract.

The contractThe between Blueformulary, Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Federal Government is valid for one year.

The availabilipharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2012. ty of coverage beyond the end of the current year is not guaranteed. The benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2012.

Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year. Contact Blue Cross & Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year. Contact Blue Cross & Blue Shield Anyone with Medicare may apply, including Blue Shield of ofRhode RhodeIsland Islandfor formore moreinformation. information.

Anyone with Medicare may apply, including those under the age of 65 entitled to Medicare on the basis of disability. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode under Island is anage independent licensee of the Blueon Cross Shield Association. those the of 65 entitled to Medicare the and basisBlue of disability.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of H4152_aepprintad09 File & Use 07122010 Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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30

Then and now The Museum of Work and Culture, 42 South Main St., Woonsocket, will host a gallery on the Preservation Movement then and now through Jan. 10. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is $8, $6 for students and seniors. The exhibit tells the story of preservation in New England.

Walking in a winter wonderland Wickford Village will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Dec. 2 to Dec. 5 when thousands of lights brighten up the historic stretch of the town. Visit www.wickfordvillage. org or call 295-5566 with questions.

A sight to be savored Pawtucket’s Slater Memorial Park will turn into a holiday paradise from Dec. 4 to Dec. 12 for a festive holiday season village display. Visit www.pawtucketri. com or call 728-0500 ext. 251.

Raise the ‘woof’ Approaching its 100th anniversary, the Providence Bay Colony Dog Show will feature four days of events, including shopping, demonstrations and more. Rhode Island Convention Center, Dec. 9 to 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.baycolonydogshow. com or call 458-6000.

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