The South Coast Insider - February 2012

the south coast February 2012 / Vol. 16 / No. 2

coastalmags.com

Love’s in the air Tips and Treats for Your Sweets

Q&A

Meet Mayor Mitchell

Health & Wellness

February fitness tips

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FEBRUARY 2012

Contents In Every Issue

4 6

10

38

From the publisher

On my mind: Ask PAM

Dateline: South Coast

Sweets for your sweet

By Alton Long

FOOD NOTES Book Picks: Books that help

by Magoo Gelehrter

by The Celtic Cricket

V-Day: A husband’s guide

18

The institution of marriage

24

by Elizabeth Morse Read

By Paul Letendre

by Jay Pateakos

Wine NOTES

20

Mayor Jon Mitchell

by Paul E. Kandarian

COVER STORY

16

8

34 Tarot-Scopes

Q&A

By Cara Connelly

Love online

by Jay Pateakos

22

Single servings

By Brian J. Lowney

YOUR HEALTH

28

Voice for good health

By Joyce Rowley

THINGS TO DO

30

36

Watch for signs

by Bill Napolitano

Like music? Listen.

By David M. Prentiss

BUSINESS bUZZ

32

Tax pro or DIY?

By Lisa Aldrich

ON THE COVER Don’t think that just because it’s winter, you should be forced indoors. Bill Napolitano encourages us to embrace, indulge in, and protect the natural beauty of the South Coast. Read more on Page 30. Photo: Paskamansett River in Dartmouth by JoAnn Bernier Cornell.

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

5

FROM THE PUBLISHER February 2012 / Vol. 16 / No. 2

February is the month of love.

Published by Coastal Communications Corp.

It kicks off with the Super Bowl, and whether you love football or not, you’ve got to love the Patriots being in the

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ljiljana Vasiljevic

game—or at least the excuse to spend an afternoon eating junk food.

Editors Joe Murphy Michael J. Vieira, Ph.D. Contributors Lisa Aldrich, Cara Connelly, The Celtic Cricket, Paul E. Kandarian, Paul Letendre, Alton Long, Tom Lopes, Brian J. Lowney, Bill Napolitano, Jay Pateakos, David Prentiss, Elizabeth Morse Read, and Joyce Rowley

The South Coast Insider is published monthly for visitors and residents of the South Coast area. The Insider is distributed free of charge from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay. All contents copyright ©2012 Coastal Communications Corp.

Deadline

After the game ends and the guests leave, do something for your self with Brian Lowney’s tips for making great meals.

Then there’s Valentine’s Day, preceded by the anxiety that accompanies your plans for pleasing your special someone. Check out the insert—just inside our front and back covers—for suggestions that will help you find something perfect.

Paul Letendre offers a husband’s guide, and Al Long shares some sweet wines for your sweetheart. Thinking of marriage? Cara Connelly discusses that institution.

This cold and unpredictable month also is a good time to focus on fitness.

Joyce Rowley showcases some local folks who are speaking out for good health.

20 days prior to publication.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, without written permission from the Publisher. All information contained herein is believed to be reliable.

Coastal Communications Corp. does not assume any financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of an advertisement in which the typographical error occurs.

Circulation 30,000 Subscriptions $25 per year

Address The South Coast Insider 144 Purchase Street • PO Box 3493 Fall River, MA 02722

And yes, it’s time to think about taxes; Lisa Aldrich compares the benefits of tax professionals versus do it yourself software.

Plus there’s more to love in this Insider. David M. Prentiss extols the virtues of classical music, Bill Napolitano shares some love for our South Coast’s forests, rivers, fisheries, and wildlife, and Jay Pateakos interviews a man who loves his city, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

As always, for special deals check out advertisers in print and on website www.coastalmags.com.

For up-to-date listings, things to do or to add your own event, go to our website and select Event Calendar.

Enjoy,

Tel: (508) 677-3000 Fax: (508) 677-3003

Website http://www.coastalmags.com

E-mail

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

editor@coastalmags.com Our advertisers make this publication possible–please support them

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

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7

ON MY MIND

For scrying out loud!

by Paul E. Kandarian

These are very confusing times in America. A bad economy, a country at war, shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor still on the air which, science has proven, suck the dwindling intelligence of the American people right out through their eyeballs.

And to make matters worse, it’s an election year. Technically, it is always an election year. In presidential politics, there’s no such thing as the off season. The incumbent president will, for example, start campaigning for re-election two years before he’s born, while opposing potential candidate-fetuses immediately take to the skies on fetal vulture wings eager to cannibalize any political carrion that presents itself below.

Ah, what a confusing country!

Thank the political gods (the leader of which is Whor, rhymes with Thor) for your favorite explainer of all-things political, Mr. Political Answer Man, or PAM for short, who will answer questions now from the generic ‘You’, that being, well “you,” for short.

YOU: When did the 2012 presidential election start?

PAM: In 1812, and it threatened for awhile another landmark event that year, the writing of “The Baseball Song” by Francis Scott Key, a ballplayer for the Cincinnati Reds at the time.

YOU: I’ve noticed this year the candidates are dressing down. Mitt Romney in jeans. Rick Santorum 8

in a sweater vest. Herman Cain in a “Come to Yo Godfather, Baby Girl, YAH, MAMA!” pizza shirt.

would roam the Earth, and we’d be left to govern ourselves and you know what that would mean.

PAM: You made that last one up.

YOU: Peace on Earth, goodwill to men?

YOU: Like you don’t do that. Anyway, what’s with the casual look?

PAM: It’s a downright comical attempt by rich white men to look like one of us. They’re trying to connect with us.

It is to laugh. They haven’t the faintest notion of what “one of us” is and figure jeans and a sweater, for which they probably paid more for than my entire closet is worth, will do it.

I mean really, you think NittWitt-Mitt pulls up to the gas pump with the last 20 bucks of the week in his designer jeans pocket and thinks, “Hmmm, maybe 15 for gas, the last five for bread, milk and a scratch ticket?

Yeah, that could work,” as he heads off to the graveyard shift at his third job that just might keep his financial head above water and the heat on for another day? Guess again.

YOU: So you’re saying politics is all one big lie?

PAM: Yes, and I’m saying you must have just fallen off the turnip truck to ask such a dumb question. Politicians lie. All of them. From the local level up, with the lies getting bigger and better and more “WTF?” worthy as the office and the stakes get larger. They have to lie to further their agenda. If they didn’t lie, they’d never get elected, offices would go empty, dinosaurs

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

PAM: Yes, and we can’t have that when rich white men need something to do. That one percent is one powerful lobby.

YOU: You say “rich white men,” but you seem to forget we have a black president who didn’t come from money.

PAM: All that doesn’t matter when you suck at your job. And when your approval ratings are as low as the average IQ on Jersey Shore, you suck at your job.

YOU: Is it just me or is the campaign this year incredibly boring?

PAM: No, it is. It’s pretty bad when the best the Republicans can do is put up a cardboard cutout, a smarmy Pillsbury Doughboy, some religious nutbags and a sex-starved pizza maker as candidates. Obama has to be saying to himself, “Wow, the more idiotic they are, the better I look!!”

YOU: Do you miss Herman Cain?

PAM: Oh, hell, yes, I mean there was a man who was a walking Saturday Night Live skit waiting to happen, the way Sarah Palin was. I loved Herman Cain, he took himself so serious and was such a joke, you just have to love that ability to look like a total moron and not really give a crap. 9-9-9!!! I

love it. Uh, you know what 9-9-9 is upside down, right? I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’…

YOU: Why did Michele Bachmann drop out of the race?

PAM: She got tired of the shouts from the crowd, “Hey! How about some ‘Takin’ Care of Business’, baby!”

YOU: The Bachman-Turner Overdrive hit? You know that’s not her, right?

PAM: Yeah, well, she might still be in the race if she just sang the damn song. I mean really, if Herman Cain can sing “Imagine There’s No Pizza,” anything’s possible.

YOU: What do you make of candidates forgetting things, like Cain forgetting his talking points on Libya on camera, and Rick Perry famously fumbling the voting age and date of the election?

YOU: Hey, no big deal, we all forget things, we all have those senior moments! Hell, President Reagan forgot things, President Obama forgets things—like ending the war in Afghanistan as promised, returning America to a robust economy as promised, boosting jobs as promised, minor things to be sure, but hey, we all forget where we leave the car keys from time to time, right?! Well, Obama just forgot where he left America’s car keys. It’ll come back to him.

Lisa Aldrich, CPA Acco u n t in g & Ta x Ser v i ce s

YOU: When?

PAM: I’m guessing November 2016.

YOU: Thank you Mr. Political Answer Man, you’ve been absolutely no help at all.

PAM: Which makes me eminently worthy of running for president, but I won’t. I could use the money, but can’t afford the integrity cut.

Service at Your Doorstep P.O. Box 80082 S. Dartmouth, MA 02748 lisa@laldrichcpa.com 774-264-8576 www.laldrichcpa.com

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

9

Q&A

Jon Mitchell

New Bedford’s Mayor

by Jay Pateakos

I have to hand it to my native land of New Bedford. Tapping Jon Mitchell as Mayor in November, they looked not toward the politics-as-usual like so many cities do each election, but more toward building on the success they have had in the past.

Electing Mitchell was not much different than the chance they took on an unknown political figure in Scott Lang six years ago. New Bedford had seen some substantial growth over Lang’s three terms—the downtown, the waterfront, the Business Park— and New Bedford clearly was looking for more of the same in casting the X in front of Mitchell’s name. Of course, time will tell what that decision will bring to the Whaling City.

In order to get a good grasp of Mayor Mitchell’s goals for his first two years, the South Coast Insider tossed a number of economic development questions at the newly-minted mayor, to see where the focus and energy of his administration would be spent.

Q: The New Bedford Business Park is the 5th largest park in the state, 10

with a clear track record of success; what’s next?

sector. If anything, we need to keep the diversity going there.

A: First off, Tom (New Bedford In-

Q: Executive Director Davis said

dustrial Foundation Executive Director Tom Davis) has done a wonderful job with the park, marketing the park and bringing companies to the park, and I look forward to more of that success.

I think the biggest strength we have in the park is its diversity of its occupants. There is a wide variety of manufacturing sectors from the traditional to the value-added manufacturing of medical devices to highend printing in Reynolds Dewalt. This diverse portfolio, is important in order to enable us to absorb the shock if any one sector breaks down; not having all our eggs in one basket can help us sustain a job loss in any particular

there’s an additional 250 acres of expansion space that he would like to see kept together as one business sector. What are your thoughts on this land and what would you like to see there?

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

A: Flexibility is the key, and we need to be opportunistic in our approach.

Businesses coming to the park are major job creators and will help further the diversification of the park, but it has to be a good fit for our workforce or it won’t work.

Q: New Bedford has had great success securing Tiger Grants to restore long-forgotten rail tracks to func-

tionality. What are your hopes for the dream of the rail coming to the South Coast? What impact will it have on New Bedford when it does come?

A: We need to keep fighting for it because it will be a huge boost to our economy and quality of life, and the way to do it is step by step.

We’ve made a number of improvements to the right of way from here to Taunton and we need to continue to seek those improvements to get us closer. There is a double benefit to this, not only in us getting closer to the rail, but in increasing freight distribution to and from the city.

Q: In one of Mayor Lang’s exit interviews, he talked about his hope for a continuing diversification of the waterfront. What would you like to see in your waterfront? And how would you get there?

A: We want New Bedford to be a

A: There are parts of downtown that

launching pad for alternate energy, and that can happen with the buildout of the south terminal. No matter what happens with the Cape Wind Project, New Bedford needs to be looked at as a viable option for alternative energy growth and we need the state to help market it as such.

have seen success, but there are a number of businesses there that are struggling to make a profit. We need to do a better job of marketing our downtown and show businesses and consumers what the downtown can offer them.

We want to maintain safety, do a better job with trash pickup around the downtown area. But businesses also have their part to play. More residential development downtown could be an option, as well as growing out the footprint of UMass Dartmouth and BCC.

Q: It was recently announced that Route 18 is a year ahead of schedule; what impact will this new roadway and soon-to-be tourist-friendly route have on downtown business?

A: The Route 18 work will have its intended use in allowing people to cross to the waterfront or downtown area without concern for safety, something that has not been possible for decades.

This will put us in line with places like Newport or San Francisco where their waterfront area is thriving.

Q: Over the last ten years, New Bedford has come a long way, bringing itself back to viability in the economic development realm. What are your priorities to sustain that success?

We need to all work to sell our city, showing outsiders the desirability of the area and what has set this city apart from the beginning.

A: Our waterfront can accommodate a variety of uses. We are looking to stay the number one fishing port, and despite the contraction of the fleet we will continue to do everything we can to make this happen. The south terminal project, though not a done deal, is very important to waterfront development, and we have a lot of work ahead on this, but it will pave the way for additional cargo and manufacturing jobs and it will unlock other space that could be used for retail.

The waterfront has the capability of being very diverse. All the components are there for it, we just need to grow it out.

Q: The city is making a hard push to be a wind staging area not only for Cape Wind but for other projects.

What does New Bedford have to do to make this a reality?

This development will allow the creation of retail space and places like hotels and restaurants to flourish. The plan is to give people a reason to walk around, thus developing the State Pier for retail space. That’s why the development of the south terminal is so important, allowing us to move the state pier and develop it for retail space.

Q: Like many downtowns, New Bedford’s is struggling. While there have been some bright spots—the new hotel and a fairly-new restaurant come to mind—there are still a number of empty storefronts along a number of streets in downtown. How can New Bedford make the downtown area alive again like it was in the early 1980s?

A: Overall, the idea is to maintain and grow our identity as a city, much like I talked about in my inauguration address.

One great strength of our city is our uniqueness and we want businesses to set up shop in our city, making their bottom line a paramount importance to us.

We need to focus on improving the city’s livability, improve the school system, and cultivate amenities that everyone can take advantage of in the arts and cultural atmosphere.

We need to all work to sell our city, showing outsiders the desirability of the area and what has set this city apart from the beginning. If we all continue to work on this, we will all get to share in its success.

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

11

DATELINE: SOUTH COAST

News, views and trends... from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay

by Elizabeth Morse Read

February may be cold and short, but it’s long on holidays and things-to-do, both indoors and out! And the kids will not get bored during vacation week, either—check out what’s happening all around the South Coast!

n Learn something new—from fencing to belly-dancing—through The Learning Connection. Go to www. learnconnect.com or call 401-2749330.

Across the region

Your town’s farmers market may be closed for the season, but it’s open year-‘round at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket! For details, call 401-3124250 or go to www.hopeartistevillage. com. Or, to find farm-fresh food near you, go to www.semaponline.org.

n It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…UFOs??

Strange lights in the sky were reported from multiple places along the South Coast in December. (Maybe it was Santa?)

Well, there’ve been no more sightings of the black bears, but a few right whales showed up in the Cape Cod Canal, and there have been several reports of rabid raccoons and skunks —one unfortunate man on the Cape became the first confirmed case of rabies in the state since the 1930s, possibly bitten by a bat. Make sure your pets’ shots are up-to-date. n

The Cape Wind project got a second wind from the state’s courts, which bodes well for the staging terminal slated for the State Pier in New Bedford. n

Check out some of the lesser-known museums on the South Coast, like the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River (www.lizzie-borden.com or 508-6757333), the Museum of Archeology in Middleboro (www.massarcheology. org or 508-947-9005), the Thermometer Museum in Onset (thermometerman@aol.com or 508-295-5504) or the Glass Museum in New Bedford (www.nbmog.org or 508-984-1666). n

If you need to dream of warmer weather, head for the New England Boat Show Feb. 11-19 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Call 617-954-2000. Or visit the Rhode Island Flower and Garden Show at the RI Convention Center Feb. 23-26. Go to www.flowershow.com or call 401272-0980.

n

n If you’re over 50, check out the day trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program. Twin River Casino Feb. 7, a Mardi Gras event Feb. 21, the Rhode Island Flower Show Feb. 23 or Foxwoods Casino Feb. 27. Call 508-991-6171 for complete details.

Acushnet

n

n In spite of a tight economy, South Coast residents donated a record $200K to the Neediest Families Fund, which allows the Salvation Army to help our neighbors during tough times.

Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts were awarded coveted “Race to the Top” federal grant monies toward improvements in early childhood education programs. n

12

The Pocasset Wampanoag tribe is planning to open a traumatic brain injury out-patient clinic somewhere on the South Coast in 2012. n

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Wear a red dress to raise awareness of heart disease at the 9th Annual YWCA Fashion Show and Silent Auction at the Century House on Feb. 18. For more info call 508-999-3255. n

Continued on page 12

Money Minute Tips Setting up Employee Retirement Accounts f your small business is successful, you may have some loyal employees who have helped you get there. Offering your employees a retirement account is a great benefit, but you may be wondering how to go about it. One option to consider is a Simplified Employee Pension plan or SEP, which allows you to make contributions toward your employees’ retirement as well as your own. There are three ways to set up a SEP: you can create your own with the help of a financial advisor, use the IRS standard form, or use a pre-formatted plan offered by a bank or insurance company. In the case of the prepared plan, the financial institution should provide help in explaining the plan to eligible employees and assist them in setting up their accounts. There are many exclusions and limitations that apply, so you should start by talking with a financial professional who will help guide you along the process.

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Continued from page 10

Attleboro n Bring the whole family to the Winter Night Festival on Feb. 25 5-9 (rain date Feb. 26). Call 508-223-2222 or go to www.cityofattleboro.us, and sign up for winter art classes at the Attleboro Arts Museum—call 508-222-2644 or go to www.attleboroartsmuseum.org.

Bristol Enjoy the animals and ambiance at the Coggeshall Farm! Join in the Maple Sugaring Weekend on Feb. 19 & 20, or Kids in the Kitchen on Feb. 21-24. Go to www.coggeshallfarm.org or call 401-253-9062. n

n Enjoy “An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan” performed by Opera Providence at Blithewold on Feb. 24 and 26. Call 401-253-2707 or go to www. blithwolde.org.

Dartmouth

26) – Go to www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505. n Phew! The Hawthorne Country Club was sold at auction to Kevin Santos, owner of the Waterfront Grille in New Bedford. Santos plans to upgrade the HCC and keep it in the golf and banquet business.

Easton Take the kids to the Children’s Museum during vacation week for “Whoddunnit?” presentations from State Police investigators, FBI agents, Child ID and police dogs.

Call 508-230-3789 or go to www.childrensmuseumineaston.org.

n

Fairhaven Someone turn on the fans! The debate over wind turbine installations in town has gotten pretty heated. Stay tuned. n

It’s Bicentennial Year in Fairhaven, so let the festivities begin! Pageants, parades, contests… huzzah! n

Dig in at the Sap-to-Syrup Farmer’s Breakfast at the YMCA on Feb. 18, followed by hayrides and maple sugaring demonstrations.

Purchase tickets at 508993-3361.

n

Browse the Natural Health Choices Symposium at Rachel’s Lakeside on Feb. 18. For details, call 508-999-5167 or 508-996-1995.

Join in the free meditation group every fourth Tuesday of the month at the Unitarian Church. All are welcome—call 508-992-7081. n

Fall River

n

Take a sunrise stroll on the Annual Owl Prowl at The Lloyd Center for the Environment on Feb. 19 (raindate Feb.

The city is getting closer to installing a solar panel array on 49 industrial acres that could save the city $400,000 a year in energy costs. n

n

14

n The renovated Globe mill recently re-opened its doors as the Granite

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Block Global Data Center, which will provide data-management services to companies and institutions both local and global. The South Coast’s sturdy old mill buildings are undergoing a renaissance, in case you hadn’t noticed, attracting developers, galleries, retailers, manufacturers and hightech start-ups. n To find out what’s happening at the Narrows Center for the Arts, call 508324-1926 or go to www.ncfta.org. And you can still take to the sea at Battleship Cove—go to www.battleshipcove.org or call either 508-678-1100 or 1-800-533-3194.

Blount Fine Foods of Fall River recently purchased Cape Cod Chowder of Marion to expand its product line.

Production of the chowders will move to Blount’s renovated plant in Warren RI. n

Bristol Community College is working with the state Attorney General’s office in offering a cyber-forensics program for returning military veterans. BCC also received a grant from the Department of labor to establish special services to help veterans choose courses that align with their military experience. In addition, BCC has partnered with Bridgewater State University to transfer qualifying graduates into BSU’s flight training/ aviation degree program.

n

n Make sure to see the production of “Miss Saigon” Feb. 9-12 at BCC’s Margaret L. Jackson Theatre. For info, call 508-678-7031.

Don’t miss the Annual Young Artist Competition on Feb. 26 at BCC, sponsored by the Fall River Symphony Orchestra. For info, go to www.fallriversymphonyorchestra.org. n

n Plan a vacation week visit at The Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River. Find out what’s scheduled by going to www.cmgfr.org.

The greater New Bedford area has been chosen the “7th Most Artistic City in America” by the Atlantic Monthly website, because of its commitment to the arts and the community support, as well as the economic, cultural and academic boost it gives to the region. This follows the recent kudos from the National Trust for Historic Preservation selecting New Bedford as a national “destination city.” n

Marion

Freetown Freetown native Jackie Bruno has been named weekend news anchor for New England Cable News. n

Lakeville Rising water levels in the town’s many ponds and lakes have local residents on edge, given the flooding they experienced last year. Neighboring towns share the same concerns. n

Apponequet Regional High School senior Katherine Aguiar of Assonet received the Award of Academic Excellence from the Mass. Association of School Superintendents in recognition for her excelling in the most rigorous courses available. n

Mattapoisett The Discovery Channel interviewed resident Alan Gillis, a professor of marine engineering at the Mass.

Maritime Academy, for an episode of Curious and Unusual Deaths, about a bizarre incident on an Australian trawler in 2001. The episode will air sometime early this year. n

n Enjoy the “Suites and Sweets” concert of the Tri-County Symphonic Band at Old Rochester Regional High school on Feb. 5. Tickets are on sale at The Bookstall in Marion, the Symphony Music Shop in Dartmouth and at www. tricountysymphonicband.org.

Children 12 and under free!

n On the second Saturday of the month, check out the books on sale at the Free Public Library. Call 508-7584171.

n A film crew from The Travel Channel recently interviewed staff at the Sippican Historical Society Museum about the mysterious events on The Mary Celeste, a Marion-based ship in the 19th century. The episode will air on The Travel Channel’s “Mysteries at the Museum” show sometime in March or April. Stay tuned!

The former Frigate Steakhouse is slated to become a year-‘round market of New England-grown foods, including fresh organic produce, cheeses, milk and condiments. n

Middleboro The Central Congregational Church, almost gutted by a fire in 2009, reopened its doors on Christmas Eve, after a huge reconstruction which salvaged many artifacts and building materials from the original 1848 building. n

Middletown n Pack a lunch and your binoculars for a Connecticut River Eagles Trip from the Norman Bird Sanctuary on Feb. 11. Call 401-846-2577.

New Bedford

The reconstruction of Route 18 should be finished by this summer, a full year ahead of schedule! n

n The New Bedford Seafood Industry Fund recently awarded generous scholarships to area college students whose parents work in the fishing industry. n Join in the 12th Annual Frederick Douglass Read-a-thon at the Friends Meeting House on Feb. 5.To participate, email laurielorant@earthlink.net.

n The Boys and Girls Club is looking for folks to mentor the kids. Go to www.bgcnewbedford.org or call 508992-8011.

n “New Bedford Energy Now!” is a new city-wide program to help residents and businesses reduce their energy consumption and costs. A free energy assessment and discounted rates on solar panel products are available. Call 855-626-6948 or go to www.newbedfordenergynow.com.

Enjoy an evening of free fun and entertainment at AHA! “Carnevale!” on Thurs., Feb.9 . Go to www.ahanewbedford.org or call 508-9968253 for a full schedule of events – and don’t forget that there’s plenty to do, enjoy and eat at AHA! After Nine. n

Celebrate President’s Day with entertainment, crafts and local history on Feb. 20 10-2 at the Whaling Museum! For complete details, call 508-997-0046 or visit www.whalingmuseum.org.

n

n Don’t miss the excitement at the Ocean Explorium during vacation week! Call 508-994-5400 or go to www.oceanexplorium.org.

Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / February 2012

15

Continued from previous page Feb. 20-24 (school vacation) is “Cabin Fever Week” at the Buttonwood Park Zoo. Special events and crafts every day 12-2 free with admission. Call 508-991-4566 or visit www. bpzoo.org.

Providence

Seekonk

n

Lots going on at the Z! Catch Frank Vignola on Feb. 2, Ana Moura on Feb. 4, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 11, a performance of “The Rivalry” on Feb. 12, Peter Frampton on Feb. 14, Hugh Masekela on Feb. 24, or The Temptations Feb. 25. at the Zeiterion. Call 508-994-2900 or go to www.zeiterion.org. n

n Keep informed on what’s happening in New Bedford by visiting www. destinationnb.org, www.newbedfordguide.com, www.downtownnb.org. and www.newbedford360.com.

Plymouth n Enjoy a free introduction to birding at Morton Park 8-10 on Feb. 4. Register at 781-837-9400.

Portsmouth Listen to the Sweetback Sisters on Feb. 4 or Dirk Powell & Riley Baugus on Feb. 18 at Common Fence Music, 933 Anthony Road.

For a schedule of events, call 401-683-5085 or go to www.commonfencemusic. org. n

16

Trinity Rep opens a great season this month!

There’s Merchant of Venice at the Chace Theatre Feb. 3 – March 11; and a trilogy of new drama, Three

by Three, starting Feb. 16 at the Dowling Stage. Call 401-351-4242 or go to www. trinityrep.com. Discounts for seniors, students, educators and heroes (military, police, and firefighters).

And get discounts for performances of the RI philharmonic, too!

n

n Pack up your ice skates and head for the rink at Kennedy Plaza! For more info, visit www.kennedyplaza.og/ skating-information, or call 401-3315544 x5.

When the kids are out of school, head for the Providence Children’s Museum. Call 401-273-KIDS or visit www.childrensmuseum.org. n

Get in the act at the Providence Performing Arts Center! Watch a performance of “Mary Poppins” Feb. 8-19.

For more information, call 402-4212787 or go to www.ppacri.org. n

Rochester Life Scout Ben Ferreira, 15, received the National Heroism Award from the National Boy Scout Council for his daring rescue of a NH snowmobiler whose snowmobile had caught fire. n

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Get into the swing for spring with golf lessons starting Feb. 27 through the Learning Connection. Go to www.learnconnect.com or call 401-274-9330. n

Swansea n Sign up at the Public Library to complete the 100 Book Challenge between January 9 and December 17, 2012.

Print out a log to keep track of books you read; everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a raffle. Read as you normally would, or use this opportunity to expand your horizons in categories such as NY Times bestsellers, books by New England authors, travel books, and more.

Taunton n Local hunter Timothy Lee was the inadvertent rescuer of “Flash,” a 19year old horse who’d gone missing for a week in the Freetown-Fall River State Forest.

Browse the exhibits at the newlyopened Hart Street Art Gallery! n

Tiverton Check out the unique and free Wedding Artisan Fair on Feb. 11 & 12 at the Four Corners Meeting House. Go to www.tivertonfourcorners.com or call 401-6242600.

n

Wareham n The new Gateway Chamber of Commerce is up and running, focusing exclusively on Wareham businesses and services.

ATTENTION: College Freshmen Secure the BEST summer job now!

Great Part-Time Jobs Available Earn $12.60/hr. (to start) in our Shipping and Production departments.

n Watch a movie from the pool at “Flick and Float” Feb. 3 at the YMCA. Call 508-295-9622.

The Giving Goose, which produces brightly colored clothing for babies and children using children’s drawings, is looking for more young “artists” in the area. Ten percent of sales are donated to charity. Contact 508295-3876 or go to www.thegivinggoose.com.

· $14.55/hr. after 60 days of training · Some type of prior work experience required · Must be at least 18 years old · Must be able to pass a drug test. · Must be willing to work during the summer break

n

n Got books? Don’t throw away your used books, CDs, DVDs or audio books. Drop them off at the Onset Foursquare Church to help them raise money for community projects. Learn more at www.gotbooks.com.

Uh oh, the U.S. Postal Service’s downsizing plans may eliminate Wareham’s mail processing center, which employs almost 100 people.

To view program details or to complete an application visit:

www.goldmedalbakery.com/jobs Or apply in person (Mon-Fri 9:00am–4:00pm, Sat 8:00am–Noon) Gold Medal Bakery 21 Penn Street Fall River, MA

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

If you attend a local college, you can even work part-time now ~ around your school schedule.

n

Warren Catch Danielle Miraglia and special guests at the Stone Church Coffee House on Feb. 11! For details, call 401245-8474 or go to www.churchstreetcoffeehouse.com.

L L OY D C E N T E R F O R T H E E N V I R O N M E N T

2O12 S U M M E R A DV E N T U R E S

for students entering

grades k-8

n

Westport Get some exercise by joining the free cross-country skiing (weather permitting) at the Westport Town Farm on Feb. 4, 11 and 18. Make a reservation by calling 508636-4693 x 13. n

more than just ,camp , L L OY D C E N T E R F O R T H E E N V I R O N M E N T Protecting nature through research and education

430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748 For further information, call 508-990-0505 x15

W W W. L L OY D C E N T E R . O R G

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

17

COVER STORY

Valentine’s Day

A hopeful husband’s guide

by Paul Letendre

Remember how hell-bent we were on impressing and romancing that perfect catch some two or forty years ago? Remember how we got all spiffed up and made reservations at real nice places that we really couldn’t afford? We cleaned the car and wiped down the dash …might have even shined our shoes. We were out to impress.

The months and years pass, familiarity dulls the senses; we may take some things for granted… perhaps we take too many things for granted. We no longer spiffy up and no longer try to hold in our stomachs; we probably don’t even own combs anymore.

Now, we are more hell-bent on playing 18 holes or watching the game.

Alas, it’s Valentine’s Day; time to reimpress the gal and renew the spark.

Time to let that little devil asleep inside of you re-emerge.

This is an occasion for dining out; not for going out to eat. This day is about impressing the gal, about romance, about again getting all spiffed-up. This is a “special” night in the middle of February. Throw in some flowers or a special little gift (jewelry!) and transform the drab midFebruary cold into an orgy of February warmth.

Yes, this is a day to forget the budget.

To hell with the austerity…just go out and do it.

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Where to go?

In the restaurant industry, February is about one thing—Valentine’s Day. It offers a bright spot during a normally dark period. This year, the special day falls on a Tuesday—ideal for the industry. It busies up a night that is traditionally the slowest in the business.

Restaurants are going to go to the wall to impress you on this day.

We’ve got hundreds of restaurants that fill the bill for the night out: you’ve got a wide choice. There is a saying in business, “If you always do what you always do, you’ll always get what you always get.” Do the same old same and get the same old. Get what I mean?

So get adventurous this year…go somewhere that is not on your usual same old list. Maybe go back to an old favorite that you haven’t been to in years; maybe a place that you brought the gal to when you were really trying to impress her. When was the last time you ventured to the Olde Grist Mill in Seekonk, the Lobster Pot or

Redlefsen’s in Bristol, or maybe the Wharf Tavern in Warren?

How many of us brought dates to these places in efforts to impress, so many years ago. (I might have had hair on my head in those days …I can’t remember.) Maybe you can rekindle some of that early spark that added excitement to our lives.

How about a fancy date night in Newport? Play the role; get decked out, reserve a table at one of Newport’s finest, and maybe even book a room for the night. You might even feel like a teenager again (don’t forget your meds).

Make reservations This is normally one of the two busiest restaurant days of the year (the other is Mother’s Day). Make reservations or expect a very long wait, especially if you plan on dining between six and eight.

Warning: if you make reservations at a chain restaurant, then you will probably end up sleeping in the car. In effect, you will be saying to your loved one, “You are ordinary and predictable.” You will deserve to sleep in the car; chains are ordinary and predictable; they are not special or romantic.

One more hint And finally, if you really want to knock her socks off; skip dessert at the restaurant. Make this special dessert ahead of time. Have the right music set up on the player, have her favorite wine chilled, and take her home for your special, homemade— by you—Petit Chocolate-Mascarpone Cheesecakes. It just might be the best dessert you’ve ever had.

Creating this dessert can also make a mess. Be sure to clean up when you finish. You don’t want her having flashbacks of restoring order to the kitchen after the chocolate-Mascarpone cooking disaster. That could kill the mood.

Allow 90 minutes for prep and cooking time and then chill for at least 4 hours before serving. And please don’t forget the three magic words: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Petit Chocolate-Mascarpone Cheesecake Ingredients: n n

8 oz. Mascarpone Cheese 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, medium chopped

n

3 large eggs

n

1 cup heavy cream

n

¼ cup sugar

n

1 tsp. vanilla extract

n

Pinch salt

Optional stuff: 1 Tbsp. dark rum, brandy, or Grand Manier; whipped cream and chocolate curls.

While pre-heating the oven to 325°, set aside 6 (6oz.) ovenproof cups in a roasting pan. Also, get some water going in a kettle; later on you will need boiling water.

Over low to medium heat, bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan.

Remove simmering cream from heat and stir in chocolate until smooth. Let this cool to room temp.

In a medium to large mixing bowl, blend Mascarpone and sugar with a low-speed mixer or whisk; blend until smooth. Then, one at a time, mix in the eggs until all is smooth. Then add the pinch of salt, vanilla and rum (if you are using rum) and again mix until smoothly blended.

Now, add the chocolate/cream mixture to the Mascarpone and carefully blend.

Divide the batter evenly into the six cups. With the cups in the roasting pan, fill the roasting pan with boiling water to about half way up the cups.

Tent the whole thing with foil.

Now, don’t burn yourself doing this, but put the whole contraption into the oven for roughly 30 minutes. The cakes will be jiggly when done baking.

They will firm up as they cool down.

Let the cakes cool to room temp on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

When serving, top with whipped cream and maybe some chocolate curls (or diamond earrings).

Special offer $5 off lunch entrée or $10 off dinner entrée One coupon per table, not valid with other discounts.

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Open 7 days a week Serving lunch and dinner

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

19

COVER STORY

Love.

Honor.

Commitment.

Modern marriage institutions

by Cara Connelly

I

nstitution?

Why is it referred to as the ‘institution of marriage’? That question may seem like a teaser for an episode of Sex in the City but, where has this ‘institution’ been and where is it going? Who is the typical applicant to this ‘institution’ of higher learning?

According to W. Bradford Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, “Marriage has become a much more selective institution in today’s society.” In many respects this is true.

Today, women have more freedom in a marital choice. Both men and women are waiting longer to marry; they may remain childless by choice.

Women are more self-sufficient, have careers, don’t feel the need to ‘settle’ or answer questions about when they are going to have play dates with friends who have children, or provide grandchildren to the elder generation.

The rate of marriage among Americans ages 25-34 is the lowest in the U.S. Census Reports’ recorded history. Younger Americans are cynical and dismayed about their hopes for 20

marriage. Many watched their parents go through difficult divorces and lived with the consequences. Instead of taking the chance on getting burned, they discard marriage as a defense mechanism. Who can blame them, really?

The divorce rate is heading toward the 60% mark for first marriages and even a more staggering statistic for second marriages. This number can be confusing. Marriages and divorces are much above the national average in the Bible Belt states, and much lower than the average in New England, with the exception of Maine, which ranks in the top ten states for divorce.

the 1980s. The divorce rate was at its highest in the early 1980s and is often referred to as the “divorce revolution.”

Since the new millennium, the divorce rate isn’t necessarily higher; rather, fewer couples are actually getting married. Regionally, that trend is similar. According to several local town clerk offices, the amount of applications for marriage licenses has been on a steady decline over the last several years. In most cases, beginning in 2003 through 2010, the cities and towns saw a decrease in the marriage license application process by nearly 23%.

The media circus It gets better with age The over 34 age group has some better stats. The Census Bureau report of 6 months ago on the longevity of contemporary marriage showed positive indicators: the number of longer lasting marriages in the U.S. has risen; three out of four couples who married after 1990 celebrated a 10 year anniversary. That statistic is substantially higher, a rise of 5%, compared with couples who married in

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Talk about cynicism, the lavish reality wedding of Kim Kardashian to Kris Humphries rings a media orchestrated event and mocks those that really try to make their marriage work. My teen son doesn’t understand my criticism. One of the best days of his life was the day Kim filed for divorce after only 72 days of marriage. He is a huge Kim fan and in his eyes, like so many fans, she can do no wrong. Really?

Various sources, including TMZ.

com reported that family CEO and mother-in-law Kris Jenner was not happy about Humphries’ lack of participation in the family business. Is it just me, or does this sound like being married to the mob?

It was also reported the couple disagreed about where to live.

Humphries wanted to live in Minnesota, but the Karadashian clan is all in Los Angeles. What happened to discussing this stuff before getting married?

And to think, some people are worried about same-sex couples “weakening” the institution of marriage.

Denying devoted couples the right to marry while allowing someone like Kim Kardashian to make a mockery of marriage by selling the rights to the highest bidder does real and lasting harm, on both an individual and a societal basis.

The adjustment to marriage is difficult enough but, to disagree about basic issues, such as finances, where to live, career paths, religion, morals and values just out of the marriage gate, clearly won’t increase the odds of marital success.

Marriage should have love at its heart, the kind of love where one spouse always puts the other first, in front of everything else: in-laws, children, where they live, and money.

Absurdity wedded to nonentity Talk about never letting a good crisis go to waste. Like many people, I believe this marriage was all about the Kardashian celebrity business machine. The Kardashian family is strategic about finding ways to remain in the public eye. It’s hard to top staging a $10 million wedding with People Magazine exclusives and reality TV licensing rights, the boulder-sized ring and the Vera Wang wedding gown.

While the existence of a prenuptial agreement isn’t necessarily evidence of a pre-planned exit strategy, in this case it lends more weight to this theory. And, where is the groom in all the People magazine wedding special issue pictures? Not many pictures of

Kris included—what’s up with that?

No doubt, many people will simply shrug and pass this off as one more bit of celebrity gossip, sensational for a short time and then immediately forgotten.

But what is happening here is not without lasting consequences for society. Many people are concerned about perceived threats to the institution of marriage. But crazy celebrity marriages do real and lasting damage to the institution of marriage, though they may create headlines and profit before they fall apart.

I am sympathetic when a couple believes they have made a mistake getting married. They should do their sincere best to work through their differences, but when there are no children involved they have more freedom to call it a day. Marriage should never be a prison sentence.

The idea of staying together for the kids, for financial reasons, or business reasons makes things more emotional and complicated.

Myra Fleischer is a contributing lead contributor to The Washington Times. She focuses on divorce, property, custody and support, settlement agreements, mediation, asset division and family law. She feels a trial separation can help alleviate a lot of the emotion caused by the difficult issues. Taking a step back and giving yourself time to breathe can help separated couples decide what they really want to gain, and not necessarily what they don’t want their partner to have. Taking time to adjust to the separation and new routines will make the ultimate permanent end to the marriage easier.

No matter what you personally think of Kim Kardashian, she is idolized and admired by millions, particularly young women who aspire to her glamorous life. Their beloved role model can do no wrong. They will not blame Kim or her husband for their problems. They will blame marriage itself.

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

21

The doctor is always in.

Meeting your heart surgeon is one thing.

Getting to know him is quite another.

Before, during and after their surgery, Southcoast heart patients and their families are delighted with the expert care and personal service available close to home. Learn about our outstanding quality at www.southcoast.org/heart.

WINE NOTES

Sweet winE for your Sweetheart

by Alton Long

Heart Surgery at Southcoast.

Instead of a box of candy, how about a bottle of sweet wine as a Valentine gift this year!

Good wine shops usually have a half dozen or more from which to select a gift for your sweetheart, including many in small half bottles.

Big city heart care.

Without the hassle.

Something old

Something borrowed

Sweet wines have been around for centuries. Perhaps the most famous sweet wines are those from the French region of Sauternes of the Graves section in Bordeaux. These wines, referred to as Sauternes, are made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by Botrytis cinerea. It is referred to as the “noble rot”. As the wine grapes “spoil”, the water content reduces, leaving them with a high percentage of sugar.

Sauterne are allowed to become partially raisined, resulting in concentrated and distinctively flavored wines. Then an infection called the “noble rot” is induced or encourage sugar concentration.

Wines from Sauternes, especially the classic Château d’Yquem, can be very expensive, partially due to the very high cost of production, but also to the high demand. There are other regions that can produce such sweet wines and are similar, but are less expensive and typically less distinguished.

You’d almost need a loan to buy some of these delightful wines. The current price for a full bottle of1998 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes Blend will run from $270 to $300. A full 750 ml bottle of 1986 will run you $400!

Naturally the price goes up with the age. And these wines do improve with age, but the demand is also in-

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

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18kt white gold blue sapphire and diamond ring made and designed in Ireland.

1.56 carat sapphire and .58 carats of diamonds

Visit our website and Facebook page — OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK — 20 Commerce Way v Seekonk, MA 800-550-2724 v 508-336-6500

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creasing and the supply is pretty much the same each year. Because of the good vintage, a half bottle 375ml of a 2005 Chateau D’Yquem Sauternes will cost about $325.00. So thank God there are other good dessert wines that we all may be able to afford.

A more modest Sauternes is the Mouton Cadet Reserve 2006 Sauternes. It runs around $35 a bottle (if you can find it.) Earlier versions were considered to have a very classic Sauternes character and well worth the price.

In Germany, the winemakers allow the grapes to get riper and riper, so they make a range of sweetness going from Spätlese, meaning ”late harvest” —and is usually just slightly sweet—to Trockenbeerenauslese wines, meaning dried wine berries select from the harvest and often called “TBA” for short. This wine style can be very sweet and comparable to the Sauternes wines. They too, can be very expensive.

The Germans are known for their hierarchy of sweet wines. For the record most German wines are not sweet, maybe off dry but some are even very dry. The price of a German wine is not based on the level of sweetness; for a given producer, it does go up as the level of sweetness rises.

For example, a bottle (750ml) of Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Auslese, 2009, is priced at $89 (average U.S. retail.) Their Beerenauslese runs as high as $150.

Actually almost every wine region in the world has a “dessert” style wine. In Tuscany, they produce a dessert wine called Vin Santo and by some producers Vino Santo. It is usually made from Trebbiano and Malvasia, which are white grape varieties. The traditional méthode is to place the harvested grape bunches on beds of straw and let them begin to dry, thus becoming sweeter. Be careful, if you buy Vino Santo for a dessert wine, as some versions are actually dry.

One shop has a 375ml half bottle of Falchini Vin Santo del Chianti Caratel-

lo 2005 on special for $25.99. Oh—did I forget to tell you that many dessert wines are fairly expensive? That is because they take more grapes per bottle to make it as well as additional handling.

Something new But there are also great sweet wine produced in the U.S. One classic is Beaulieu Vineyards Muscat made in Napa Valley, California. It costs $22 and even more in some shops. This wine was a favorite of the founder of Beaulieu, George de Latour. Muscat is an ancient grape used for producing good wines, especially sweet, around the world. It is known for its fine and delicate bouquet, elegance and intensity of flavor.

Many good Muscat wines are produced on the Peninsula de Setúbal, just off-center on the west coast of Portugal. The region is well known for its fortified Muscat wines known as Moscatel de Setúbal.

The style was allegedly developed by da Fonseca, who is the founder of José Maria da Fonseca, the oldest table wine company in Portugal dating back to 1834. Fonseca still holds a quasi-monopoly control over the production of Moscatel de Setúbal.

One fun dessert wine is Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato Champagne(Forgive me, but U.S. wine makers can use the name “Champagne” so long as the wine is not sold in the European Common Market. But please true Champagne is the name of the French wine produced in the region of “Champagne.”)

Anyway, this wine has nice color, and as the label says is “Deliciously Sweet.”

It runs from $8 to $9 and is great for parties. Some folks think that wine experts do not drink sweet wine, but you will sure surely find many of them in the cellar of any wine lover.

They are without a doubt the best liquid dessert there is.

They are without a doubt the best liquid dessert there is.

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The South Coast Insider / February 2012

27

FOOD NOTES

Servings for singles

by Brian J. Lowney

One doesn’t have to be the loneliest number when it comes to cooking or dining out in a cozy restaurant.

C

ulinary experts, nutritionists, and many singles agree that it’s important that folks who dine alone eat healthy food, and perhaps even learn to navigate around the kitchen.

While many solo eaters grab fast food or rely on frozen entrees, chefs reveal that with careful planning and smart shopping, it’s just as easy—as well as healthier and more economical—to create satisfying meals using fresh ingredients.

Planning for health Marin Woods, clinical nutrition manager at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, emphasizes that it’s important to take the time to eat healthy to help 28

get the right balance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that help a person feel their best and have lots of energy.

“Healthy eating is one of the best things you can do to prevent and control many health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancers,” says the registered dietitian.

Woods says that planning is an important strategy for solo eaters. She suggests taking time to plan menus for an entire week with a corresponding shopping list.

“Canned and frozen vegetables, beans and fruits are quick and healthy additions to meals,” she continues, asking cooks to consider whole grains

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

such as quinoa, barley and pastas.

Other tips include using dried foods, which are easily portioned for one serving, and preparing one-dish meals.

“For quick and simple cooking, choose a dish that serves as the whole meal,” Woods continues, offering examples such as beef, barley and vegetable stew; chicken vegetable and rice casserole; turkey and bean casserole; and vegetarian chili.

That extra helping Another useful tip that Woods offers is to cook “extra” when preparing a meal.

“Cook rice for a side dish for one meal, and then use the remainder in

a casserole or rice pudding,” she tells.

“Bake chicken for a meal and use the leftovers in sandwiches or soup or toss with greens, dried fruit and nuts for a salad.”

Patricia Geary, owner of Patti’s Pierogis in Fall River, says solo diners shouldn’t be afraid to dine alone in a restaurant, and notes that staff often lavish extra attention on unaccompanied guests.

The restaurateur adds for those who don’t want to eat by themselves in public, take-out is always an option.

Portions can be split and refrigerated for another meal at home, or taken to work for a delicious lunch.

The right ingredients

the items.

“It seems like it’s more work, but it’s cheaper,” reveals the Johnson and Wales Culinary School graduate. She adds that when purchasing vegetables, broccoli is a good choice for singles because it can be purchased in small quantities. Carrots sold in bulk, rather than in large cellophane bags, are also an excellent choice and can be bought a few at a time, cooked and drizzled with honey for added taste and appeal.

To beat winter chills, the Polandborn chef recommends making soup stocks—vegetable, chicken or beef— and freezing the broth in small batches. Hearty soups can be prepared by adding leftover meat, rice and vegetables.

The possibilities are endless.

…While it’s okay to purchase foods packaged in individual portions, it’s much less expensive to buy larger quantities and repackage the items.

Executive Chef Agnieszka Richard of the Kinsale Inn in Mattapoisett agrees that many solo diners don’t consider nutrition and rely too often on fast and prepared foods.

She advises all cooks, whether they are preparing meals for one or a large family, to shop at local farm stands or fish markets, take advantage of sales and take the time to prepare nutritious meals.

For example, Richard suggests baking a portion of fresh cod and serving it with a nice salad and vegetables for a delicious Valentine’s Day. In a shallow baking dish, mix a cup of white wine with two tablespoons of lemon juice and a tablespoon of olive oil. Top the fish with crushed Ritz crackers blended with melted butter, and salt, pepper, parsley or desired seasonings.

Bake at 350° until fish flakes.

Richard says that while it’s okay to purchase foods packaged in individual portions, it’s much less expensive to buy larger quantities and repackage

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For a quick and easy Valentine’s dessert for one, Richard suggests enjoying a refreshing scoop of sorbet topped with canned fruit or fresh berries. A few select chocolates or a cup of espresso are a delightful way to finish such a celebration that can be enhanced with favorite flowers and music for a special treat.

“It’s important to eat and enjoy a variety of foods,” says Richard, emphasizing the importance of good nutrition as one of the keys to staying healthy.

Woods reports that there are numerous web sites, like www.foodieview.com, that offer quick and easy recipes, along with the conversions for smaller portion sizes, plus recipes based on ingredients found in most kitchens.

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www.blackbassma.com The South Coast Insider / February 2012

29

COVER STORY

g n i t a d e n i l On

by Jay Pateakos

I’ll be the first to admit that the thought of on-line dating was always a bit weird to me, like desperation, even as a now forty-something. When my marriage dissolved, my ex-wife took the plunge on match.com. I laughed at it at first, until she found quick success with a great guy.

Her success—with someone not from this area—made me think about how we operate in this dating world and how it’s changed in recent years.

30

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Just call me “Beta-Max” Finding a love interest at a bar is getting as obsolete as a VHS tape. Success at on-line dating is everywhere, and once I started doing research for this article, I found dozens of people who had met on-line, even some that have been married for many years, right under my nose.

The choices these days seem limitless. Match.com, eHarmony, eLove, and plenty more, all for basic on-line dating; jdate for Jewish connections, ChristianMingle for people of that faith and a dozen others.

True romance Paige, 41, of New Bedford, met her husband Geoff on-line and they have been married for seven years and have two children. Paige chose match because she found it hard to meet people otherwise. Geoff was one of her first three dates made in the first week when she decided it was time to “just do it” and make match work for her. But it wasn’t a love at first sight: though Geoff was her first date, and they had a quick connection, she carried through on the other two dates. She and Geoff stayed friends for three months before they started to date seriously.

“I had preconceived notions about what I wanted and it was a bit different than Geoff; I thought he was a fun and nice person I wanted to have as a friend,” said Paige, “and as time passed it became clear to me that he was even better than my preconceived notions of who I should be with.”

While Paige found love rather quickly on-line, she says that, like anything, there were hurdles and roadblocks to the endgame.

“Email communication can be hard, there can be misunderstandings; it’s hard to sometimes gauge others’ emotions. There are also all kinds of people on-line, some who want to casually date, some more serious, and some who just want to hook up for one night... I found some occasional communications were kind of creepy,” said Paige.

Familiar advice “Sometimes you just have to take the plunge... just because you chat with someone on line does not mean you have any kind of commitment. Be very careful, and meet in safe places in public and do not give out private information. If you continue dating, get to know not only them but their friends and family as you will get a better picture.

Follow your instincts. Go slow.”

Though we’ll cover some of the pitfalls in a separate article where experts weigh in about on-line dating problems that have surfaced with their clients, the common denominator for many on-line daters is that they go into it looking for an immediate fix, hoping to find that one true love of their life right away. Paige and Geoff, they are rarities. People starting on-line dating should know this is something that’s going to take a lot of time and effort.

“You really need to have a good idea of who you are and how to express that in writing since that is what is coming across to others. If you have trouble describing yourself in words, your profile will be very easily passed over. It’s not for everyone,” said Geoff, 42, who was new to the area when he went on match to meet people.

“It really broadens the number and type of people that you could possibly meet, especially if you are in a new area. It was difficult for me to just write a message to complete strangers, but I would do it again. If I had to do it over again I would be less self-conscious about writing and send more messages to more people.”

Wait ‘til you’re ready Working two jobs and not wanting to find a love interest at a bar, Dawne, 23, of New Bedford, decided to try a number of on-line dating sites including plentyoffish and okcupid. She said while she talked to a number of men over the phone, it took her awhile to find one that she really wanted to date.

“At first it seems kind of impersonal and you really have to dig to find the good ones, but the advantages are you don’t have to meet up with someone unless you really want to, and you know you don’t have to meet up with them until you are ready,” said Dawne, who, like many, took a while to get over the fear of the unknown in on-line dating.

“It’s okay to be scared to take the plunge with all the unpleasant stereotypes you hear of on-line dating, but you Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / February 2012

31

Continued from previous page will never know unless you try and the best part is there’s no rejection, really, as you’re the one in control of the people who you chose to meet.”

Making it work Stuck in a dead-end relationship, Peter, 35, of Dartmouth, decided to see what all the talk was about this on-line dating. He went out with two people, the relationship with one of them continuing for a brief time. He is still searching today, and he says the effort he puts in at first was not what it should be.

“I find on-line dating is a lot like on-line shopping. You have to be willing to spend some time, put in some effort.

You have to pick the best pictures to represent yourself and be prepared to do a lot of writing,” said Peter.

“When I tried to half-do it, I got what I deserved. You have to put the effort in to get results. It gives me an unlimited amount of selection of women to choose from-like a onestop shop, but you have to be careful because not everything is it seems. But I’ve just been dabbling in it. To make it a success I have to go all in or not do it at all.”

Whether it was eHarmony, which causes its applicants to go through a question and answer period with its matches before they exchange phone numbers, or match.com, where you can email potential interests through a match email connection, Michelle, 43, of Marion has seen it all. She is an example that it takes time to find the right person, even if—as is the case here, that person may be near you all along.

and life and love are worth trying for.”

And now for Michelle’s love tale, right in time for Valentine’s Day. After five years of on and off on-line dating, Michelle met her perfect match. Good friends for the past 25 years, Michelle and Chris had plans to go out to dinner with a few friends, much like they had done in the past. The two had never dated.

“I had just joined match.com earlier in the week and I got home and checked my email and opened my weekly matches (each week match finds five people for you of similar ages and likes). To my surprise, there he was, my friend for 25 years, the man who I was having dinner with the very next day, as a match,” said Michelle.

“So, I winked at him and he returned a wink and a laugh.

The next night at dinner we joked about how we were matched up and decided we should take that chance to see. That began our love story. We have been together ever since. It took for us to be matched up on an on-line dating site for us to realize we already had something. “

“You really don’t know until you try, and life and love are worth trying for.”

The sensible approach “On-line dating seemed like it would provide me with a better opportunity to meet men who I thought would be a good match. It allowed me to customize my choices and I could choose the men I thought had the qualities or interests I wanted. At this age, you know what you want and what you’re not willing to settle for,” said Michelle.

“At 43, hanging out at bars or clubs really isn’t the thing to do. Besides, as much as people joke about meeting a man at a grocery store while squeezing the melons, it never happens.”

A single parent with two young children and working a full-time job, Michelle said on-line dating allowed her to meet people when she could find the time. It allowed her to be more selective and to go on a broader search range in regards to distance and interests. She met several great men, many whom she is still friends with today.

“I walked away from each relationship or each date with something,” she said. “You really don’t know until you try, 32

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Seniors on-line

Despite some of the hurdles facing the 20’s-40’s age crowd, older people say it’s harder it is to find a match, and on-line dating looks alluring. That doesn’t mean it’s the instant answer.

Linda, 60, of Fairhaven, said she has struggled with on-line dating because many men in her age group see themselves as 20-or-30-somethings looking for much younger women, or are looking for something very short-term. E-mailing 40-50 individuals on match, she has only received 4-5 responses and no meetings over the last three months.

“I know a couple of people who have found good matches, so I am encouraged. But this process is very ego-challenging when you say ‘hello’ and don’t even get a ‘no thank you’ or ‘I’m dating someone’ or whatever,” said Linda.

On match, if you see someone of interest, you can simply send a “wink” to them to show your interest or email them a quick note. There is no requirement to respond to those.

Linda said, “You have to remind yourself you are only seeking one special someone.”

Experienced on-line daters say you better be prepared to wait up to six months or longer to find a good match.

Patience, as in Linda’s case, should pay off. In this world of immediate communication and gratification, are people willing to wait that long for love?

“In a way, on-line dating opens up a new venue to those of us who do not fit in with the club scene or the Council on Aging,” said Linda.

“If your relationship doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t. Remember that all of our accumulated relationships are the chocolate cake of life and a loving partner is the frosting.”

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33

YOUR HEALTH

YMCA Southcoast was named a LIVESTRONG Community Impact Project award recipient, one of just 200 organizations from across the country selected for this honor. The award will fund LIVESTRONG, a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve holistic health goals. Pictured are (l-r) Fall River Y Director Frank Duffy, LiveStrong instructor Moira Maloney, and Y member Vivian D’Angelo.

Voices for a healthy South Coast

by Joyce Rowley

W

ith South Coast lung cancer rates reported as some of the highest in the state, and obesity, diabetes, and heart disease far too prevalent, a coalition of civic leaders are making their voices heard to change policies that contribute to unhealthy choices.

Nancy LaRue Bonnell, Vice President of Operation at the YMCA Southcoast, envisioned a coalition of civic organizations and leaders that change community policies. With a $40,000 grant from the YMCA of the 34

USA, she began to do just that.

Bonnell invited Southcoast Health Systems to partner with the YMCA Southcoast on the project because its hospitals matched the Y’s urban service areas: Charlton in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford, and Tobey in Wareham. Donna Querim at Southcoast Health Systems, who performs health screening and outreach in the Fall River area, was selected to co-coach with Bonnell on the coalition.

The two coaches sought community representatives with a background in

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

health from Swansea to Wareham to help brainstorm ideas and implement changes in policies. Getting representatives has been challenging, said Bonnell. But she and Querim built a coalition of 26 volunteers from 22 organizations and businesses over the past two years.

By focusing on tobacco prevention, nutrition and an active lifestyle, the group hopes to make it easier for South Coast residents to make healthy choices that will reduce and prevent chronic diseases.

Tobacco prevention “Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death on the South Coast,” said Bonnell. Reducing tobacco use will help change that. According to the CDC, smoking accounts for more than 440,000 deaths per year nationally. And, as noted in a recent Standard Times op-ed article, tobacco is the one consumer product that, when used as directed, causes illness and death, said Lynda Young, M.D., president of the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Working with Bristol County and Cape and Islands tobacco control officers, the coalition met with the Fall River, New Bedford, and Wareham boards of health to changes tobacco permit regulations to reduce smoking opportunities.

The result was a ban on the sale of tobacco in pharmacies in those communities. “It’s a mixed message at best when a pharmacy sells nicotine patches and cigarettes at the same time,” said Bonnell. Fall River and New Bedford voted to ban tobacco sales in pharmacies in 2011, and Wareham’s ban went into effect January 1, 2012.

“We’re hoping this will be a model for the State to use,” said Quirem.

Southcoast Health Systems has also stepped up to change its own tobacco policy. As of January 1, 2012, all of its campuses are completely tobaccofree. Quirem said that there haven’t been complaints from clients.

“People seem to be accepting it,” she said. There are education and support groups available to Southcoast clients if they need assistance with smoking cessation.

Making time for recess Since Massachusetts public schools are required to have wellness policies in place, the Coalition is working to ensure that these policies are being enforced. This meant asking some schools to reinstate recess. With the emphasis on MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System)

test scores, many schools eliminated recess in favor of more classroom time.

The Center for Disease Control recommends 150 minutes of physical education per week for adults and one hour a day for children under 12.

Unfortunately, many children do not get even this minimum activity level.

Having recess provides a safe way to get the active lifestyle needed to prevent many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Nutrition and healthy eating When it comes to nutrition, the coalition picked representatives from the South Coast who were already involved in healthy nutrition. Among these are Derek Christianson, of Brix Bounty Farm. His work with nutrient density, known as “brix,” has become well known throughout the South Coast. Christianson and his wife operate Brix Bounty, their farm in Dartmouth, that creates high-density produce through organic practices.

Since the Y’s community farm at its Dartmouth branch was already partnered with the Hunger Commission, Salvation Army and local food pantries, many of those organizations are helping with the Coalition’s activities on nutrition.

“The whole community needs to be involved to make it healthy for its citizens,” said Quirem.

In this season of giving, resolve to make a difference in someone’s life…

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Future activities For the future, the Coaltion has secured a $500,000 grant from the MA Sate Department of Public Health to continue the work they began.

Mass DPH will be leading the efforts through the lens of cancer prevention.

Bonnell said that they are always looking for new members. The Coalition meets on the last Tuesday of the month at the Southeast Regional Health Office, 1736 Purchase Street, New Bedford. The meeting this month is on the 25th at 7 p.m.

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

35

THINGS TO DO

Labor-In-Vain Brook, Somerset.

Photo by Daryl Keyes.

Coming soon Waterway signs

by Bill Napolitano

In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand,we will understand only what we are taught.”

—Senegalese proverb

36

Another year, more resolutions, more wrinkles, more waistline, less hair…you know.They’re all just markers of age, signs of time. I’ve even begun to feel it in my working life as an environmental planner. I don’t make those graceful leaps over fallen logs in the woods or those effortless stream crossings as in days of yore. My mind must be better though, I haven’t done anything to hurt myself (at least too badly) this year.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my office.Not the desk and computer, bricks and mortar office, but my field

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

office… ‘the great outdoors,’ Southeastern Massachusetts.

We’re blessed with an abundance of unique natural resources. Our coastlines, forests, rivers, fisheries, and wildlife all add to the appeal of our region. All too often we take our environmental assets for granted, assuming that nature can withstand anything that we throw at it, in it, or on it. But if we neglect or ignore our environment, we risk losing part of what defines both the region and the South Coast in particular.

How can we help to promote public

“Never doubt that a handful of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead

awareness, and sound stewardship of our resources?

Well, over the course of my two plus decades here, scores of people and organizations have worked extremely hard to Save the Bay, Save the Taunton River, Save the Farm, Save the Pasky (the Paskamansett River in Dartmouth), Daylight the Quequechan (Fall River), and many other of our special resources; great work, great causes, and often, great bumper stickers.

Problem is, lots of folks, both locally and regionally, don’t know (and if you follow the Senegalese proverb above), don’t understand, or love these gems of the South Coast because they don’t know when they cross paths in the landscape. A bumper sticker may lead me to the internet (maybe), or just a parking lot somewhere. The beloved resource has to become part of the daily landscape, part of the family, part of the geography of one’s life.

The Taunton River Stewardship Council, locally appointed (by their cities and towns) guardians of the federally designated Wild and Scenic Taunton River, had been wrestling with this recognition issue for the past couple of years.

Anonymity was a particular problem

for the Taunton’s various tributaries, those rivers and streams that are so important to the ecological whole.

Indeed, as the largest contributor of fresh water to Narragansett/Mount Hope Bay, the Taunton River is critical to the various life stages of the fish and invertebrate population, including two species of river herring, winter flounder, American oyster, soft-shell clam, American eel, Quahog, and Atlantic sturgeon.

The viability of the fishery and its supporting habitat is highly dependent upon the river system, including these significant tributaries, and estuary functioning properly as an

been told by those who have seen me prepare them for delivery to their local stewards, extremely attractive; something that calls attention to location, but work with the landscape.

The signs will be placed at the traditional road crossings and bridges, as well as at community waterfront parks and river access points (in some instances, replacing older green or brown highway signs) in the coming weeks and months.

The signs will be put up by Stewardship Council members working with their cities and towns. Hopefully, when biking, walking, or driving over one of these tributaries, you’ll take a moment to notice the sign, the landscape around it, and think about the geography and ecology of your life.

The old wisdom

intact, interdependent ecosystem.

Save the Taunton, Save the Bay, Save the Fishery…it’s all linked!

Perhaps you’ll even think about the stewardship of this resource and how you can join a handful of committed people to help change the perception of this little part of the world.

So, learn about the Chuchemuchnits River (Berkley), understand the Assonet (Freetown), and love Labor-in-Vain Brook (Somerset)! Explore your neighborhood. Find these waterways. Make them part of the family …they’re already part of your home.

Stewardship Well, this handful of committed people has come up with a way to let you know where you are, what you should conserve, and hopefully, why you should love it once you become familiar with it.Signs. Wild and Scenic River signs.Not just for the mainstem Taunton River, but for those underappreciated tributaries which are so important to our ecological health and well-being.

These signs are uniquely designed to stand out in the landscape, and, I’ve

“By preserving this river and its shoreline, we honor the Land, and its future will now be very different” — Spirit Fox

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

37

BUSINESS BUZZ

A taxing dilemma Tax professional or DIY software?

A

s we ring in the New Year, thoughts often turn to taxes and getting that refund.

Once again, it’s time to consider whether it’s better to get a tax professional or do your taxes on your own. Here are some things to consider to help you make that decision:

by Lisa Aldrich

your weekend fix-it project, you make the leak worse and you have to call the plumber? Now it’s at higher emergency rates, not to mention the time involved to fix this now bigger problem. It comes down to your technical knowledge and your appetite for risk.

What’s the cost?

Expertise vs. risk Let’s face it, many people are great at DIY or Do-It-Yourself. For example, some of you can easily fix a leaky faucet. It helps to have some technical knowledge, especially when tempted to opt for what you expect is “the cheaper way out.” You think, well, I’m pretty smart, I should be able to figure this out.

The truth of the matter is that maybe you will, but consider what will you do if something goes wrong (and what is the impact if you don’t even know there is a problem). What happens if during

There are many types of tax preparers, generally differentiated by varying levels of training and experience. Most are now required to take at least a basic competency test. Despite extensive tax training by some, I have typically found that basic fees aren’t significantly different among preparers. So, you should find someone you feel comfortable with, who will prepare your returns on your schedule and lead you through the information to be provided.

The average basic personal return is about $100-$250 depending on the

itemized deductions, number of states filed in, and generally the number of forms needed. DIY software tends to cost at least $60 when you include the state and often charges extra for e-File.

Then you need to add in your time.

The time factor The IRS annually gives an estimate of the time the average person would need to prepare their return. For 2010, this estimate was 23 hours for a basic return and 32 hours to prepare a return that includes a small business (Schedule C) or rental income (Schedule E). How much do you value your time?

Easy e-file Tax preparers filing more than 11 returns are required to offer e-File to their clients. Because they use the service so often, most preparers use good software interfaces and can easily transmit returns without error.

Many are well-equipped to resolve transmit problems, causing no additional time or worry to you.

Regardless of the path you choose this spring, being informed about your options is a great first step to you making a good decision.

Best of luck in this filing season Business and tax tips are not a substitute for legal, accounting, tax, investment or other professional advice.

Lisa Aldrich’s CPA practice focuses on helping business owners build success and personal wealth through a full-range of professional accounting, tax and financial reporting services.

Contact her at lisa@laldrichcpa.com or 774-264-8576.

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

R E PU R P O SE H R E C YC L E H R EUSE H R E PU R P O SE H R E C YC L E H R EUSE

What A FinD! Quality Consignment Furniture

Looking to downsize?

Furnishing your first place?

Time to redecorate?

Offering a great opportunity to recycle your quality used home furnishings.

Fine Furnishings • Home Goods Kitchen Equipment

10%OFF

Tue., Wed., Thu., Sat. 10am-5:30pm Fri. 11am-7pm, Sun. 1-4pm • Closed Monday

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154 Huttleston Ave., Rte. 6 Fairhaven, MA 508-997-0166

Computer Consignment Shop

www.whatafindfairhaven.com

with puchase of $10 or more

— Store Hours — Tue.-Sat. 10am-5pm • Thu.-’til 6pm Sun. & Mon. 12pm-5pm

Clean out those old computers in your basement or closet and sell them for CASH! Same day service, onsite repair, virus and spyware removal, network design and setup

Sewing Machine Repair/Service Fabric Consignment & Sewing Classes Quality Used Sewing Machines for sale

STOCK-UP SALE 10%-50% OFF STORE-WIDE — EXTENDED ’TIL MARCH 3 — County Street • Somerset, MA

275 Martine Street Fall River, MA

(Rt 138 next door to MaRaffa’s)

www.secondhelpingsri.com

Antiques to Shabby Chic An eclectic selection of antiques, vintage, new and handcrafted items Furniture v Prints v China Glassware v Collectibles Hand Painted Furniture Pottery v Jewelry Mon.-Wed. by appointment Thu.- Sun. 11-5pm weather permitting

405 Old Westport Rd. No. Dartmouth, MA 508-991-2922

508-679-9301

Serving the South Coast for 17 years

Seconds Count!

Quality Resale for the Whole Family

Finders Keepers A Woman’s Quality Consignment Boutique Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10-5pm; Sat. 10-4pm

Mens, Womens, Childrens and Maternity Clothing, Handbags, Shoes Jewelry, Books, Baby Equipment

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Designer Name Brand Clothing Sweaters • Coats • Boots • Accessories

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Lifestyles Plaza 270 Huttleston Ave. (Rt 6) Fairhaven, MA M-Sat 9-4:30, Th 9-7:30

394 Second Street Fall River, MA

508-615-9174

Smarty Pants Consignment Women’s Designer Labels, Jewelry, Purses, and much more… *Excludes

designer handbags & jewelry–Expires 2/29/12

VALENTINE’S SPECIAL 30% OFF 1 clothing item with this ad* Hours: Tue & Wed: 9:30am-5pm, Thu & Fri: 9:30am-7pm, Sat: 9:30am-5:30pm

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To advertise here Call 508-677-3000

Quality, Unique Pre-Owned, Womens, Maternity, Childrens Clothing & More S-t-r-e-t-c-h Your Clothing Budget

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Your Entire P urchase with ad T-W 9:30-5, Th-F 9:30-7, Sat 9-6:30 Sun-Mon closed

312 Wilbur Ave. (Rt 103) • Swansea, MA facebook.com/smartypantsqualityconsignment

401-378- 6709 The South Coast Insider / February 2012

39

TAROT-SCOPES

We make custom sizes for your Antique Pieces.

by The Celtic Cricket and his family of psychics at the Silver Willow

We use the tarot to predict your horoscope. If you’d like more in depth and personal information, stop by our shop—The Silver Willow in Rehoboth, MA for a private tarot reading.

Luxurious Bedding at Factory Pricing

We carry all types of innerspring, Visco Elastic Latex and specialty bedding

Free delivery Free setup Free removal of old bedding

Aries – All your hard work will be paying off for you. Keep your focus on budgeting because financial growth is right around the corner. Continue to focus on a monthly budget plan.

Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 • 77 Weaver St., Fall river

508-675-6921

“Sleep in Comfort at a Price You Can Afford” — The Law Offices of —

Karen S. Hambleton Workers Comp Social Security Disability Personal Injury — HOURS — Mon. & Tue. 8:30-4:30pm Wed. & Sat. 8:30-12 Noon Thu. 8:30-5pm • Fri 8:30-6pm

Homer protects me...

YOU can count on ME to fight for your rights!

34 Welby Road • New Bedford, MA kshambleton@yahoo.com 508-207-0282

Taurus – You need to let go of the past and stop pulling it into the future. It is okay to let it end and you need to move on and enjoy new beginnings.

Gemini – Procrastinating this month, will cause bickering with others. So, stop procrastinating. Just get it done and you won’t have to hear the criticism.

Cancer – Now that the holidays are over it’s now time to focus on you and you alone. Don’t give up on your New Year’s Resolution!

Leo – You must learn to be content this month. Stop chasing what you don’t have because it will stress you out too much.

You are doing okay, so just be happy.

Virgo – This month be a happy one if you keep a low profile and keep to yourself.

Don’t make any major changes, and refrain from spreading any gossip.

Libra – Your patience will be tried in the work place; please keep your cool at work.

You can vent when you get home; have one stiff drink to calm down and relax.

Scorpio – This month will stress you out financially and may cause you to be moody due to the lack of funds. Have fun by staying local and thrifty.

Sagittarius – You may find yourself working twice as hard because it’s hard to keep things as they are. Layoffs or cutbacks may find their way to you.

Capricorn – You are a confident Capricorn who wins the prize. By you putting yourself first will open up many doors for you; but, you need to make sure to say “thank you” along the way.

Aquarius – Your laid-back approach to relationships will prove to be useful.

Meditating on what you need to do will help you find your way this month.

Pisces – Don’t focus on restrictions because everyone has a few of them. With an optimistic attitude and small selfimprovements you will be able to see the only one restricting you is you.

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

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The South Coast Insider / February 2012

41

CLASSICAL SOUTH COAST

If you like music

by David Prentiss

If you like music, there is no reason in the world for you not to like classical music, and there are several reasons why you might end up liking it a lot. If you consider yourself a person who likes music and enjoys discovering something new, and even you already know that classical music isn’t your thing, you should keep reading because maybe, just maybe, you’re wrong.

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Let me explain.

Classical music is like all other types of music when it comes to what makes music, music: it has melody, harmony and rhythm just like rock ‘n roll, jazz, country and world music.

And like all other music, it can’t help but wrap itself around our emotions.

But there are some obvious differences, too.

Classical music songs tend to be longer, and the melodies often have more combinations or variations of notes in them, and are not repeated as frequently, so it can take longer before we really become familiar with them (i.e., be able to sing along or hum them).

Some classical music also has harmonies we aren’t

as used to hearing as those we hear in other types of music.

And while classical music has rhythm all through it, the rhythm isn’t usually expressed with a continuous drumbeat like most other types of music.

Interestingly enough, these differences have a good news/bad news aspect to them. The bad news is that because of the way classical music uses melody, harmony and rhythm, it is actually a bit of a challenge for our brains (at first) to process the music.

The good news is that I said “at first,”—once we listen to a piece of classical music a few times, our brain starts to get comfortable with it and can

process it just as well as it does other types of music.

And then there is a really, really good news aspect to all this: once our brain gets to that comfort level with classical music, the sensory pleasure and emotional impact that it has on us is immense. Think of the intensity of Carlos Santana’s guitar solo in Europa (the live version, of course), the joy of Bruce Springsteen’s Rosalita, or the depth of feeling in Yesterday by The Beatles. Once classical music becomes one of the types of music that you like, it will take you to all those places, and maybe

her music is simply this, “has this ever happened to you? Haven’t you experienced this same tone, insight, shock, anxiety, release?

And when you react to (“like”) a piece of music, you are simply replying to the composer, yes.”

I think that the reason Leonard Bernstein, the man who wrote those words, could compose symphonies and West Side Story is because he understood the essence of music.

That essence is quite simple: music is meant to please us and move us. All good music does that. In-

Music is meant to please us and move us. All good music does that. Including classical music. even to places beyond.

Now, some people claim that you can’t like classical music unless you understand it and you can’t understand it unless you study it and you can’t study it unless … whatever.

People who say such things are mistaking a part of something for the whole. There are aspects of classical music that can be studied in great depth and for those who are so inclined, I am sure that the rewards are great. But classical music is music and what a composer of classical music or any other type of music is saying in his or

cluding classical music.

So, now that you are willing to give classical music a try, what should you do?

I recommend listening to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. You know how it starts (or you’ll recognize it immediately once you hear it, I guarantee). Listen to all four movements (i.e., songs) of the symphony a couple of times each. What Beethoven does with melody, harmony and rhythm is amazing. Listen, enjoy and let the music take you someplace. I know it will.

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www.patenaudejewelers.com

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

43

BOOK PICKS

By Magoo Gelehrter Courtesy of Baker Books - www.bakerbooks.net

At some point this grey wintry month will cause all of us to wish for warm sunshine and soft breezes. Those beautiful days are not far off; they are waiting for us now, just past the last blustery gasps of the last winter storm, just a short way beyond the spring equinox. No one looks forward to those perfect days more than the brides and grooms-to-be who will exchange vows on the special day they have planned for so long.

Here are some books to help with the planning process, to help create the day that you will always remember.

Be the Man: Man Registry Guide for Grooms

by Chris Easter Alpha Books $14.95 paperback

Bride Bible: Inspiration for Planning Your Perfect Wedding

by Sharon Naylor Globe Pequot Press $30 hardcover

Vintage Weddings: One Hundred Years of Bridal Fashion & Style

by Marnie Fogg Lark Crafts $29.95 hardcover

Written by the co-founder of The Man Registry, a popular site visited by millions of grooms and grooms-to-be each year. Be the Man is an irreverent, yet highly-informative guide that will help grooms get through all of the big decisions and obstacles that they’ll be faced with leading up to, during, and after the Big Day. In addition to tons of practical advice, numerous lighthearted stories help readers learn from the insight and mis-steps of the grooms who came before them.

The average engagement lasts for 18 months. During that time the bride and groom will most certainly stress over every last detail to make their Big Day the most perfect day. The Bridal Bible is the bride’s new best friend as it helps the couple navigate their way through the world of invitation designs, ceremony styles, cake flavors, flower bouquets, and much, much more.

The only book you need to plan a wedding, The Bridal Bible offers up an abundance of expert information complete with helpful tips on stressfree planning and step-by-step DIY information and tops it off with stunning visuals and photo galleries that will both inspire and educate the new couple as they make their journey to the altar.

Here comes the beautiful bride, in this followup to Marnie Fogg’s popular Vintage Fashion: Knitwear.

Today’s bride wants a wedding dress that expresses her personal style while also reflecting a rich tradition. Nothing achieves that goal as gracefully as a vintage or replica wedding gown. Whether it’s a dazzling beaded tunic that captures the jazzy energy of the roaring twenties or a glamorous Hollywood-inspired dress from the 1950s, it can shape the entire wedding. With more than 250 photographs, this stunning volume takes readers on a dazzling tour of the past hundred years of bridal fashion, detailing the periods, styles, iconic designers, noteworthy ceremonies, cultural influences, and key looks.

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February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

All-in-One Wedding Planner & Organizer

by Mindy Weiss Workman $27.95 hardcover Weddings require organization, record-keeping, legwork, logistics.

In other words, a planner. From the celebrity wedding planner and author of the The Wedding Book, Mindy Weiss’s All-In-One Wedding Planner & Organizer helps couples keep track of every detail leading up to their Big Day. It’s the organizer that includes exactly what you need: n The big picture and contacts n Budget n Location, location, location! n Menu and flowers n Rentals n The dress! (And what everyone else is wearing) n The guests and the invitations n Music, photography, and videography n Making it official: Rings, licenses, vows, officiants Packed throughout are tips, tools, checklists, spreadsheets, and schedules to help brides (and grooms) manage everything from building a wedding timeline and organizing the dreaded seating chart to getting the wedding party matched and fitted.

From “Will you marry me?” to “I do,” nothing will slip through the cracks.

The DIY Bride: An Affair to Remember Forty Fantastic Projects to Celebrate Your Unique Wedding Style

by Khris Cochran Taunton Press $21.95 paperback Hip and crafty brides-to-be understand the value of doing it themselves. Not only is taking a hands-on approach to nuptials a great way to save money, but it allows brides-to-be everywhere to showcase their own personal style. Author Khris Cochran, the wedding world’s craft guru, understands how an engaged gal today plans and designs her wedding. The creator of DIYBride.com and author of two highly successful DYI Bride books, she has packed this third volume with 40 brand new fun and original projects. Organized by wedding theme, including Sand & Sea, Bright Lights, Big City, and A Touch of Country, The DIY Bride: An Affair to Remember includes themed projects for save-the-dates, invitations, programs, favors, decorations, and more.

A popular price comparison box shows how much these DIY projects can save; a budget section itemizes the costs; and a new box offers extra style variations. With 80 inspiring photos, this is the book brides will say “I do” to for a one-of-a-kind wedding.

How To Start a Home-Based Wedding Photography Business

by Kristen Jensen Globe Pequot Press $19.95 paperback This comprehensive guide takes you through every aspect of setting up and running a home based wedding photography business. Whether you are just starting out or ready to expand your business, you will be shown how to distinguish yourself from the competition, develop your own photo editing system, create a portfolio and a price structure, plus many more insider tips. Kristen Jensen has the experience and know how to show you the way to success.

She became a photo journalist after twenty-five years of modeling for the Wilhelmina and Ford agencies, and is today a leading lifestyle and portrait photographer, known for the modern, candid style she has brought to capturing the elusive beauty of everything from weddings to the latest trends in the fashion modeling industry.

The South Coast Insider / February 2012

45

S t e l l a

L a n e

•

W e s t p o rt,

M A *facsimile

Our Newest Model Home Now Currently Under Construction!

2,492 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2½ bath, Grand Classic Colonial on 117,334 sq. ft. lot - Lot 2

T

his oversized colonial utilizes space well for comfort and enjoyment. This home comes complete with hardwood flooring, granite, tile, spacious 18 x 22 cathedral

family room with fireplace and completed with a gracious master suite with oversized walk-in closet and luxurious master bath. Central air completes this beautiful home.

Come early and make some selections yourself!!

THIS IS AN ENERGY STAR BUILT HOME Sales Price: $459,900

508.677.9234

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Attention: Homeowners/Contractors • Reinforced concrete septic tanks (1,000-10,000 gallon capacity) • Leaching chambers • Landscaping wall blocks & manholes • Manufactured & delivered brick face & plain concrete pre-cast steps (1-8 steps) (different styles available 4’ to 8’ wide) • Riser/covers to build-up your septic covers • Pre-cast sonatubes

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Save thousands in tax credits & rebates!

Plus 20% on your gas bill. Now’s the time!

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46

February 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Heart Care at Southcoast. % Top 5 in U.S. Again!

That’s not just us talking. It’s HealthGrades — the nation’s leading independent health care ratings organization. In fact, Southcoast has been named a recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for heart care by HealthGrades.

If you have heart problems, it’s good to know that the most experienced and established heart program in the region is just minutes away at Southcoast Hospitals.

Our 2012 HealthGrades report card HealthGrades Specialty Excellence Awards • Recipient of the HealthGrades Cardiac Care Excellence Award™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 • Recipient of the HealthGrades Cardiac Surgery Excellence Award 2012

• Recipient of the HealthGrades

Coronary Intervention Excellence Award 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

Clinical Achievements • Ranked among the top 5% in the U.S. for overall cardiac services 2012 • Ranked among the top 5% in the U.S. for cardiac surgery 2012

• Ranked among the top 10% in the U.S. for

cardiology services 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 • Ranked among the top 10% in the U.S. for

coronary interventional procedures 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

“Ed Moniz helped double our business growth.”

Charles Saliby of Guimond Farms speaking about Ed Moniz, Business Development Specialist at St. Anne’s Credit Union “When I met Ed Moniz for the first time, I knew from the start his goal was the same as mine: to help our business grow,” says Charles Saliby, owner of Guimond Farms in Fall River.

“He demonstrated his ability to perform within a short time.”

In fact, with Ed’s help and support, Charles says he was able to double the growth of his business in just five years.

“We were so impressed, we recommended Ed to our family and friends who own businesses.”

Photo on left: Westport Market owner

Rabih Salibi and St. Anne’s Senior Business Development Specialist, Ed Moniz. Photo on right: Ed Moniz and Guimond Farms owner Charles Saliby, with staff Sami Saliby, Nouhad Saliby, Nicole Saliby and cashier/employee Heather Moniz.

“I’m confident that Ed’s knowledge and professionalism will help any business achieve their growth goals,” says Charles’ cousin Rabih Salibi, owner of Westport Market in Westport.

Own a local business?

Charles and Rabih have this advice: “Give Ed a chance and he’ll prove himself to be the best in the business.”

Ready for a local banker who knows how to make things happen for your business? Call Ed Moniz today at (508) 542-7949.

“We’re making a difference.”

Dartmouth • Fall River • Fairhaven New Bedford • Somerset • Swansea

Federally insured by NCUA St. Anne’s Credit Union NMLS #: 525435

www.stannes.com