On the water in New Bedford July 2013 Vol. 17 / No.7
the south coast coastalmags.com
On board with
summer A Fourth of July feast Celebrating Onset Bay Booking the summer Plus: Datelines and more
Same house, new bank. Same business, new bank.
And, that new bank is a Credit Union – St. Anne’s! Trahan’s Trees and Shrubs in East Freetown is more than just trees and shrubs! For over two decades, the company has been providing total grounds services to local homeowners and businesses throughout the SouthCoast. Since the company began in 1988, Trahan’s had been a big bank customer. But that all changed when they met Linda Morad, Senior Business Development Specialist at St. Anne’s Credit Union.
L to R: St. Anne’s Credit Union Mortgage Originator Tim Souza; Trahan’s Project Designer, Supervisor, and Office Manager Wayne Trahan; Trahan’s President and Owner Susan Trahan; and St. Anne’s Credit Union Senior Business Development Specialist Linda Morad.
“I told Linda I wanted a better mortgage rate, and she ran with the ball,” says Wayne. “She gave me the time and attention I needed, and mortgage originator Tim Souza handled the refinancing details from there and did a really super job! “Once I saw how great they were at St. Anne’s, we did a complete turnaround of all our business accounts, too. We moved everything to St. Anne’s. “A big bank is just a big building, with no personal touch. We were happy to find the professionalism we wanted and the personal touch we hoped for, right around the corner at St. Anne’s Credit Union — It’s perfect for our home and for our business!”
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As the U.S. population ages, our housing needs also change. There are many alternatives in the market place such as condominiums, assisted living, etc. The multi-generational home is one of those alternatives where a mother and father can live under the same roof with children and grandchildren. The home presented here allows three generations to live together, but also independently, helping each other as needed and providing a positive attitude for all generations without traveling miles to help a loved one or child for a short period of time. We designed this house for two available lots in Dartmouth, MA owned by R.P. Valois & Company. This concept is permitted in Dartmouth up to 850 s.f. In other towns there are varying zoning by-laws. There are many iterations of this concept. Call us if you have a lot and wish to explore the possibilities.
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Is Pain after Shingles targeting you?
July 2013
Contents In Every Issue
YOUR HEALTH
FLASH
5
8
Cures in your kitchen
26
By Elizabeth Morse Read
From the publisher
32
Dateline South Coast
By Elizabeth Morse Read
COVER STORY
PROFILES
14 Living and loving
6
Feasting on the Fourth
By Brian J. Lowney
12
Celebrating Onset Bay
By Michael J. DeCicco
Are you booked for the summer? By Joyce Rowley
30
All aboard for New Bedford
By Greg Jones
ON MY MIND
38
Staying abreast of things
By Paul E. Kandarian
your work By Michael J. Vieira
BUSINESS BUZZ
18
24
SRPEDD elects new officers
Puppies, romance and a growing business By Jay Pateakos
28
What price for home rule?
By Steve Smith
THINGS TO DO
20
The perfect summer school
By Joyce Rowley
TAROT-SCOPES ON THE COVER
2
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
22
This month’s tarot for you
By The Celtic Cricket
Pick a summer day, pick one of New Bedford’s marinas, and you will see Old Glory properly displayed on a sailing vessel. Photo by Greg Jones.
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SUSAN STRAUSS
Open Studio Tour 2013
JULY 20 –21 AUGUST 17 –18 www.southcoastartists.org
L I T T L E C O M P T O N & T I V E R T O N , R I • D A R T M O U T H & W E S T P O R T, M A
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Feasts & Festivals July-September 2013
FAST on our HIGH-SPEED FERRIES GET THERE
ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM POINT JUDITH
July 12-14 July 6 & 7 Whaling City Festival New Bedford Folk Festival SatSat, – 11am-9pm, Sun – 11am–8pm Fri, Sun – 9am-8pm www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com www.whalingcityfestival.net July 12-14
July 18 c Whaling Downtown 50’s night Thurs 5-9pm Contact: Joe Jesus 508-971-6033
AHA!(art (A • h istory AHA! istory ••ArcH a rchitecture) FREE arts t& culture celebration in e Downtown NB Every 2nd Thursday of the month from 5-9pm www.ahanewbedford.org
July 20 & 21 3rd Eye Open Sat – 9am-8pm, Sun – 11am-4pm www.3rdeyeunlimited.com
July 4 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular 9pm on State Pier Presented by the City of New Bedford www.newbedford-ma.gov
Multiple runs daily from
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July 6 41st Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Sat – 11am www.cvrcinc.org July 6 & 7 New Bedford Folk Festival Sat – 11am-9pm, Sun – 11am–8pm www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com c
r
August 1-4 99th Annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun – noon-11pm www.portuguesefeast.com August 2-4 Buzzards Bay Regatta www.buzzardsbayregatta.com September 28 & 29 Working Waterfront Festival Saturday – 11am–6pm Sunday – 11am–5pm www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org
For even more to see & do in New Bedford visit www.destinationnb.org Join us on facebook!
The South Coast Insider / July 2013
3
FROM THE PUBLISHER July 2013 / Vol. 17 / No. 7 Published by Coastal Communications Corp.
Welcome to summer and the latest edition of “The
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ljiljana Vasiljevic
all of us, with calendars full of exciting things to do and
South Coast Insider.” This is a special time of year for see. To make sure you don’t miss anything, be sure to have a look at “Datelines,” beginning on page 32 and
Editor Greg Jones
compiled by Elizabeth Morse Read.
Contributors Michael J. DeCicco, Greg Jones, Paul E. Kandarian, Tom Lopes, Brian J. Lowney,Jay Pateakos, Elizabeth Morse Read, Joyce Rowley, Steve Smith, Michael J. Vieira
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 ©2013 Coastal Communications Corp.
Deadline 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.
Onset Bay is a very special place, tucked into a sometimes-missed area of the South Coast. The Onset Bay Association has been busy, as they are every year, putting together a calendar of events that sets the standard for civic groups. Full details on this summer’s activities are detailed by Michael DeCicco on page 12. When two young South Coast people succeed in business, at the age of 25, it’s worth a story, but when their story includes puppies and romance, then it’s a story that we found impossible to resist. Full details start on page 18, in a story by Jay Pateakos. The life of an artist is inspiration for all of us. When you can make a living doing what you love, then you have truly succeeded. The story of Chuck Boucher, detailed by Michael J. Vieiro, starts on page 14 and is an inspirational tale worthy of this magazine. These stories and more are all provided for you by the advertisers who sup-
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port and make this magazine possible. They’re all good South Coast busi-
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nesses and deserve your patronage. Remember to tell them you saw them
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July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
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www.avalonmedicalspa.net The South Coast Insider / July 2013
5
COVER STORY
by Brian J. Lowney
For most folks, the Fourth of July is a relaxing day filled with family, friends, food, and, of course, fireworks as we celebrate the great gift of our freedom.
M
any South Coast residents celebrate that holiday by attending the Annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade in quaint Bristol, Rhode.Island, or by relaxing for a few hours at one of the area’s pristine beaches. After the morning activities, there’s no better way to satisfy a hungry appetite than with a fun-filled cookout. Whether the bill of fare includes traditional hot dogs, hamburgers, assorted salads and watermelon for dessert, or other grilled favorites such as chicken, seafood and fresh vegetables, cookouts are always fun!
The artist as chef According to Gina Croce, owner of Hummingbird Studios in Swansea, cookouts are “great” because there is little to clean after the event and “you get great flavors.” Croce, an award-winning watercolorist, likes to grill fish and fresh vegetables, such as summer squash and fresh mushrooms, in foil packets. “You have individual meals,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to grill.” Seasonings, Croce adds, 6
can be adjusted according to the cook’s preference. When grilling fish, she likes to season the fillets with a little lemon pepper, but adds that many prepared seasonings also can be used to flavor seafood. Croce urges cooks to create their own seasoning blends or to check out what’s available in the supermarket spice section. One of Croce’s many grilling tips is to marinate chicken or steak tips overnight in a mixture of two tablespoons of cider vinegar, a quarter of a cup of quality extra virgin olive oil, some onion powder and other desired seasonings. Allow the meat to marinate until ready to grill. “Use any seasonings you find in your cabinet that you appreciate,” she adds. “This is simple and easy.” When outdoor chefs have limited time, Croce recommends tossing meats and veggies into a zip-close bag with some Italian salad dressing, that also can be used as a zesty marinade.
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
One of the artist’s favorite Fourth of July cookout menus features Black and Blue Burgers, a simple strawberryspinach salad, and grilled corn-on-the-cob. To make the burgers, Croce takes two beef burgers pounded thin, and tops one with about two tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese, leaving enough room to seal the outer edge. Place the second burger on top and press the edges together. Brush each side with Buffalo sauce while grilling and cook until done. “I made them for a party and people went crazy for them,” she reveals. For the corn, Croce makes a foil pan with a lip high enough to hold the drippings. She bastes the
shucked ears of corn with a mixture of melted butter, crumbled Feta cheese and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Rotate the ears for even cooking and basting. Croce’s salad is a great addition to any Fourth of July menu or to any meal when native strawberries are abundant along the South Coast. Simply wash and dry a bag of fresh baby spinach, top with a pint of sliced local strawberries, some crumbled Feta cheese and shelled sunflower seeds, and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette. Toss in a few plump blueberries to create a red, white and blue holiday-themed salad that guests of all ages will enjoy. Following are two recipes to add to your Fourth of July cookout collection:
Tangy Dill Potato Salad Here is a family favorite that is often prepared for cookouts and summer barbeques: Ingredients: n 3 pounds of new potatoes, scrubbed and quartered n ½ cup Italian-style salad dressing n
Spectacular View From Our
¾ cup mayonnaise
n ¼ cup green onions, chopped n
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
n
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
n
1 teaspoon lemon juice
n
2 dashes of black pepper
Directions: Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain, and set aside to cool. While the potatoes are cooling, in a large bowl stir together the salad dressing, mayonnaise, green onions, dill, mustard, lemon juice and pepper. When the potatoes are cooled, stir into the bowl until all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to blend flavors before serving. Enjoy!
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The South Coast Insider / July 2013
7
YOUR HEALTH
Kitchen cures for summer ailments by Elizabeth Morse Read
Once you emerge from winter hibernation into the great outdoors, you learn quickly that you’re not alone. There are insects, jellyfish, poison ivy, fungi and the brutal summer sun out there. You can either itch your way into the fall, spend a fortune on OTC lotions and sprays—or you could raid the refrigerator for old-time home cures that have proved their effectiveness over the centuries. Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—take precautions so you don’t fall prey to the ailments of summer. But if you do succumb, make sure that your kitchen is stocked with the natural antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-fungals, moisturizers and pain relievers that can soothe your athlete’s feet, chlorine-fried hair, sunburn, bug bites, and more.
8
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
There’s a fungus among us “Athlete’s foot” is the politically-correct term describing a highly contagious fungus that can be contracted by walking barefoot in a public locker room, sharing a towel, or touching contaminated exercise equipment in a gym. It can spread to your scalp, armpits, under breasts or folds of fat (yecch) or the groin (aka jock itch)–in other words, wherever there’s skinto-skin contact and it’s dark, moist and warm. Not only must you keep yourself scrupulously dry, from head to toes, but you must take off wet or sweaty clothing ASAP, and wear only cotton underwear, T-shirts and socks. Change your socks and/or shoes throughout the day and never wear the same pair of shoes/sandals two days in a row. Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda into your socks and
shoes to absorb the moisture that the fungus loves. Place sliced or minced pieces of garlic or ginger between infected toes. It will tingle at first, but it will kill the fungus. For other body parts, simmer fresh ginger for 20 minutes, then dab the cooled liquid on the affected area. Wipe the insides of shoes and sandals with a 50:50 mix of vinegar and salty water and allow them to dry for 24 hours.
Having a bad hair day? Does your “do” turn into a frizzbomb on muggy days? Have your blond streaks turned green after too much chlorine exposure? Do your locks hang limp and fly-away by summer’s end? There’s a kitchen cure for each of these disasters. Blow-drying, chlorine, hair products, pollution and over-exposure to the sun will ruin your hair very quickly, but regular maintenance with foods in the ‘fridge can come to the rescue. Frizzy hair can be tamed by rinsing your
shampooed hair with carbonated water, beer, or a 50:50 mix of water and apple cider vinegar–leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse out. Dull limp hair can be rejuvenated by massaging a half-cup of plain yoghurt into damp hair. Leave it in for 20 minutes, rinse out, then shampoo. All-natural conditioners for every type of hair can be made from a veritable shopping list of foods. Make a paste of one cup mayonnaise and half an avocado, or a banana and an avocado, or some olive oil and honey, or a mix of one egg white and three tablespoons of water. Massage your mixture into damp hair and cover it with plastic wrap, then wrap again with a hot, moist towel. Leave it on for 20 minutes (you may need to replace the towel a few times to keep it warm), rinse thoroughly, and then shampoo. Don’t worry about getting any on your face—it’ll moisturize your skin, too!
The eyes have it The skin around your eyes is extremely fragile and will clearly indicate whether you’re stressed, fatigued, dehydrated or over-exposed to the environment. Puffy eyes can be caused by chlorine, sun-glare, “windburn,” or pollution. Drink plenty of water, then relax and cover your tired eyes with slices of chilled cucumber or chilled wet teabags. The tannin in the tea will tighten the skin, as well as relieve the puffiness. Leave the cucumbers or tea bags on for 20 minutes–and keep your eyes closed.
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Burn, baby, burn There are times when even wearing sunscreen won’t completely prevent you from getting burned, especially if you’re in and out of the water. If the skin is blistered or broken, seek medical attention. Otherwise, here are some old-fashioned remedies that many swear by. Drape face cloths soaked in vinegar or diluted baking soda over the affected areas. Apply grated potatoes or cucumbers (or Continued on next page
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their skins) or dab with moistened tea bags. Spoon on plain yoghurt or slightly-beaten egg whites, rinse off with cold water after thirty minutes and re-apply until the pain subsides. Keep a spray bottle of vinegar or tea in the ‘fridge for fast relief while you whip up another treatment for your sunburn.
More than skin deep Sunburn is hardly the only skin affliction you’re likely to suffer in the summer. There’s the heat rash called prickly heat, “ocean itch,” and the dreaded poison ivy. Prickly heat (aka diaper rash) is caused when the sweat glands are clogged beneath tight clothing, especially if there’s skin-to-skin friction involved. Take off the tight running shorts, diapers or swimsuit, jump into a cooling shower and find an airconditioned room where you can dust yourself with baking soda or cornstarch. Switch to wearing cotton-only loose clothing. For those of you who aren’t used to swimming in ocean water, you might find yourself scratching a red rash along the lines of your swimsuit a few days later after you frolicked in the surf. This is where tiny, larval jellyfish have feasted on you: welcome to “ocean itch.” Rinse the rash with a 50:50 mix of water and vinegar, and always shower immediately (naked) after swimming at the beach; don’t let the suit dry on you, because this
will “excite” the little critters and make them bite. Poison ivy (and oak and sumac) is everywhere, and if you’re one of the unfortunate 70 percent of people who react badly when you come in contact with it, take precautions before and after the event. It’s important to wash with soapy water to remove the plant’s oily residue even if you’ve only walked through an area where you saw poison ivy. You might not find out for a few days whether or not you came into direct contact with the leaves. If you think you’ve contracted it, don’t scratch yourself and then touch someone before you’ve completely cleansed and treated the area: you can spread the misery to others, even by sharing a towel. If you’re in the lucky 30 percent, don’t cut it down and then burn it in your backyard fire pit. The smoke carries the poison to your neighbor’s yard. If you do break out in that insanely itchy rash, take a cooling bath with baking soda. Or, you can make a paste of baking soda mixed with cooked oatmeal and spread it on the affected area. Try rubbing the inside of plaintain or banana skins onto the area every hour. Soak facecloths in warmed apple cider vinegar and drape them until they cool. Make a puree of cucumbers and spread it on the rash. And, if you’ve ever wondered if there was a use for all those drippy watermelon rinds, there is: chill and
rub them gently to relieve the burning sensation.
Don’t be a ‘blood donor’ When insects stalk you like tiny vampires and try to eat you alive, your summer vacation can be torture. Not only do mosquitoes leave you scratching madly, but they can carry nasty diseases like West Nile virus or EEE. Deer ticks (hard to see, they’re so small) can carry Lyme disease. There are also biting sand fleas, green-bottle flies, fire ants, wasps, hornets, and bees—oh, my! Just about all of the remedies for poison ivy noted above can help relieve itchy, swollen insect bites, especially taking a soothing baking soda bath. But here are a few more folk-cures: try placing fresh slices of onion on the bitten area for a few minutes, then rinse. Or try a slice of eggplant, which is said to draw out toxins, or a dab of honey or fresh lemon or lime juice. And rubbing raw garlic slices may burn a little at first, but it will relieve the bites, and the smell will repel further curious insects (and vampires!). And my friend Jude swears that directly applying a paste of Adolph’s meat tenderizer and water, then covering it with an adhesive bandage, will stop the pain quickly. So, bring it on, Mother Nature!
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11
THINGS TO DO
Last year’s Onset Cape Verdean Festival at Onset Bay attracted a diverse crowd. This year’s festival, scheduled for August 10, will be bigger and better than ever.
Onset Bay gets it on by Michael J. DeCicco
By all accounts, the Onset Bay Association, established approximately 22 years ago to help boost the foot traffic in and around the small businesses clustered around scenic Onset Bay, is a success story. Thanks to the efforts of the Onset Bay Association, nearly every week of the summer from June to late August features special events that draw thousands of visitors to the bay every year. The list of popular annual events include the Onset-Wareham fireworks on July 6, the “Illumination and Lantern Tour” on July 27, Wednesday nights’ “Summer of Love” concerts, the “Onset Blues Festival” on August 3 and the “Onset Cape Verdean Festival” 12
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
on August 10. Add to this list the bay’s relatively new features, such as the “Fender Bender-Hot-Rod-Motorcycle” show on July 27, Buzzards Bay Production’s “Shakespeare in the Park” running July 21 to 30 and August 4, 5, 6 and 11, and a brand new kayak rental service.
Evidence of success The evidence that all the above are a hit with local tourists and residents includes the observable fact that the
pier parking lot and local restaurants fill early every summer weekend. The association’s president for the past three years, Eleanor Martin, said sometimes not even she can find a parking spot on some summer days. “There’s definitely been a steady increase in the crowds over the years,” Martin said. She explained the association started as a way to help the small businesses in the area get established and keep going strong with the help of special events that draw more visitors to the bay. To this day, the association is run totally by volunteers. Starting five years ago, Martin worked as a volunteer, then a secretary then a member of the
Board of Trustees before becoming president. The volunteerism that keeps the association going is stronger than ever this year, she said. “This year there is more energy, a newer energy coming in,” she said. “More people wanting to get involved.” She likes this development because, she admits, the association-organized events were even bigger in the beginning than they are now. A lot of people who wanted to be involved have dropped out for a variety of reasons. As an example, the movie nights at Onset park band shell have been discontinued for this year because organizers could not get volunteers. This may be one reason not every event on the Onset Bay summer calendar is directly organized by the association. Examples are the fire-
Virginia revived the Cape Verdean Festival in 2003 after previous organizers had been unable, for financial reasons, to keep it going. Lopes said the Onset Bay Association was a great help with that revival and continues to be an important supporter. “We started with no budget, no funding in the kitty,” Lopes said. “We reached out for support from a number of organizations and individuals. The Onset Bay Association let us use their name. We became partners, held joint fundraisers. In two and one-half months we raised the $30,000 we needed.” Since the 2003 festival, he said, attendance has risen from 1,200-1,500 people to between 20,000 and 30,000. He said having the OBA name linked with theirs has made it so much
“The OBA has been right there with us all the way, encouraging us, supporting us… It’s been a very successful partnership.” works, which are run by the town, the “Fender Bender-Hot-Rod” show and the Cape Verdean Festival. “These aren’t exactly Onset Bay Association events,” Martin said. “We put some of these events, like the Fender Bender, under our umbrella so they can have non-profit status.”
Free admission! Every Onset summer event features free admission, except for the Blues Festival. “It’s our one and only fundraiser to get the money for what we don’t charge for,” she said. She notes it costs the association $8,00 and $9,000 per year to pay the quality music acts that perform at this festival. This year’s blues festival will be Onset Bay’s twentieth and is one of the summer’s biggest draws to the area. The other big crowd pleaser is the Onset Cape Verdean Festival, which is celebrating its eleventh anniversary. Anthony “Tiny” Lopes and his wife
easier to get newspaper and other kinds of publicity and the two groups continue to have joint fundraisers. The festival has been able to attract visitors and Cape Verdean entertainers from around the country and fund the eight, $1,000 scholarships it awards every year to local high school students. He said the partnership also helps the festival reach one of its goals, which is to connect with other segments of the community other than Cape Verdeans. The OBA name expands knowledge of the Cape Verdean culture beyond the Cape Verdean community. “The OBA has been right there with us all the way, encouraging us, supporting us,” Lopes said, “It’s been a very successful partnership.” More information on the many activities organized by the Onset Bay Association is available at www.onsetvillage.org, where you can sign up for an e-newsletter keeping you up to date on events and schedules.
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A visit with Chuck Boucher in his studio at the Narrows Center for the Arts can be an assault on the senses. You’re surrounded by colors that are somehow familiar, yet foreign–in images that are scenic, yet surreal.
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July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
When I walked in and say the Sargent painting of “The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit,” I knew I wanted to be a painter,” he said.
And so he painted Even during his service in the Coast
Guard during the “War on Drugs,” when a day’s work might mean heading into a drug deal or an awesome storm that meant steering the boat from the cabin walls because the deck was perpendicular to the sea, Chuck would paint gifts for officers moving
MICHAEL j. VIEIRA
In the adjacent mill space that now is an amazing venue for musicians and artists, the sound of a band blasting a sound check is somehow muted by the colorful paintings and the artist’s heartfelt stories of a life transformed by art. It all started in the mid-1970s, when a Community Service Officer (CSO) named Jane encouraged a project kid named Chuck to go to a grantfunded creative arts program called “Wayfinders.” “She pushed me the hardest,” Chuck said, “that was a big deal.” He was about 12 or 13 years old and at that junction in life where the path can be set by good and bad choices. Sometimes, all it takes it is a shove one way or the other. What the young teenager found, with a little encouragement, was not only free classes at the Wayfinder Center, but also other young people with a passion to create. And there were instructors who encouraged the young talents. “That showed me a different road,” he said, adding that Wayfinders told him that it was okay to draw; that unlike in school, he didn’t have to be embarrassed about his drawing. Chuck also recalls another turning point. It occurred when some instructors, he still remembers some names, took the kids to the Museum of Fine Arts.”
Chuck Boucher reflects on his art and life in his studio in the Narrows Center for the Arts.
on to new assignments. He recalls officers telling him that he was in the wrong place, that he should be an artist, and others who were moved to tears by the gifts. “I thought, ‘I can make this hardhearted guy cry?’ that must be a gift.” After the service, he was one of those angry veterans who went back to school. He took an art class at Bristol Community College in Fall River. “I met Marion Wilner, and she changed my life,” he said, “She told me that I was an artist, and I became one.” The legendary BCC professor who is credited with creating the community college’s art program also steered Boucher to his next mentor: David Loeffler Smith, another icon who headed the painting department at Swain School of Design from 1962 to 1988. “He taught me how to think like an artist,” Boucher said, adding, “These people kept showing up in my life at the right time.”
didn’t allow him to really advance an art career. He didn’t have the time to network or to cultivate gallery shows, but Boucher stresses that he loved the job, especially helping others, and he learned a lot, which has helped him develop his unique style as an artist. When a combination of economic and other factors resulted in Boucher leaving the art store, he tried working in corporate America, but he just didn’t fit in with the retail culture where the bottom line drives the decisions. And his art was suffering. When the studio space opened up at the Narrows, it was Boucher’s wife– and his good friend, artist Brian Fox, who pushed him into being a fulltime artist. “My wife is outrageously supportive,” he said, recalling her words: “You need to do this. It’s time you did something for you.”
Painting is the one place where science and emotion come together.
Down by the Riverside Boucher wanted to be an art professor, but the unexpected costs of eye surgery put a stop to his plans to pursue a Master’s Degree. He ended up taking a job at Riverside Art in Somerset. “It ended up being the perfect job for me for 25 years,” he said. Because the store has always been a haven for artists from the South Coast and beyond, Boucher was able to keep in touch with his professors and to network with local artists. He learned technical skills and was also able to help novice artists, which he loved. In spite of working eight to 12 hour days at the store, he would go home and head right to his studio. “I painted because I loved it,” he said. But the time-consuming work
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Science and art collide
Even the untrained eye can see that what makes Boucher’s work different from other artists is his approach to color. “That’s my primary focus,” he said. None of his colors come out of a tube. He mixes them all and has about 15 unique hues. But he also points out that the colors used near a color make a difference, as does the colors used beneath a color. “It’s all very precise,” Boucher stressed, explaining that the brush size and strokes as well as other techniques also matter. He says that it’s kind of like chess where every move is planned and is focused on the next action. “Painting is the one place where science and emotion come together,” he suggested, adding that some painters focus more on one or the other, but that there really is no right way to create. Continued on next page
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“It’s a problem with no real answer,” he continued. “If there was, then you would go to a museum and see one painting.” In terms of style, Boucher was leaning toward “abstract expressionism” until one day, in New York City’s Times Square, the weather conditions made the area look like a cubist painting. It was an epiphany. “I could fuse together the abstract expressionism and still tell a narrative story,” he explained. And for Boucher, it was the colors that helped tell that story. In order to make the images stand out from the visual “noise” around it, he used color to illustrate the “law of relative comparison.” In other words, nothing exists on its own, but it only has meaning compared to the colors, sizes and other elements which help define it.
A style of his own That has also helped create his unique style which, at first, looks casual and familiar, but then allows the viewers to bring to it their own meaning.
“My paintings are not spontaneous, but they are emotional,” he said. At first, he was frustrated that viewers might not get his intentions–that was until somebody pointed out that if a person spent time looking at the work and then finding meaning in it, then that was a good thing. “Once I let go of my intended message, I got so much more out of it,” Boucher suggested, adding, “I love the comments and interactions.” Some make connections with other noted artists. At least one person asked if Boucher’s work was in a museum, and when told it’s not, he said, “It should be.” For now, his work is available at the Parson House Gallery in Assonet, at Riverside Art in Somerset, and by appointment at his studio or during most Narrows’ events. By the fall, he expects to have expanded hours, to provide art lessons, and to continue to create his unique art. For more information, visit CRBoucher.com or email crboucher@ comcast.net. In the interest of full disclosure, the author was a CSO officer who worked at the Wayfinder Center in 1974-75 and who first met the artist as a young man.
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BUSINESS BUZZ
Putting on the dog by Jay Pateakos
There’s a reason why most people never open their own business. Whether it’s fear of the unknown or even fear of the known—the lack of pay, the long hours or the dealing with employee issues, to name just a few of about a hundred reasons— people just don’t want to deal with the stress of creating and managing their own business. Others, like me, do it and fail, either misjudging their market, capital needs or sales numbers.
Gaining experience For college students Kim Alves and John Mattar, both age 25, the path to entrepreneurship has been a slow, steady and downright successful journey. Their story begins in 2008 when Alves’ father, Steve, owner of Fairhaven’s Steven’s Home Improvement, ran across someone in Newport looking to sell their business that focused on dog-related items. At the time, Kim was studying for a degree in Operations Management and Mattar in Management Information Systems. The pair opted in to the venture, if only to gain valuable business experience. “It was basically a business focusing on décor and gifts for dogs, all different breeds,” said Mattar. “Indoor signs, ornaments, snow globes, you name it.” “Whatever you can put on a dog,” said Alves. “We started selling on eBay first because we didn’t know what direction we wanted to take these products.” Utilizing a 600 square-foot section 18
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
of building at her father’s business, the two, first off, ended up avoiding a major problem most new businesses face–the cost of rent. Like most businesses, Alves and Mattar trudged along in those early years trying to find exactly where their business should be and figuring out how to get there.
The new website Graduating in 2010, Mattar took the
next step in establishing the businesses website, www.dogloverstore. com. Their website, like many new ones, got stuck in what’s called the Google sandbox, where Google hides these websites to assure they are going to be around for a while. “We thought we would create this site and within six months it would be booming,” said Mattar. “It took more like eight months though. It was frustrating. We knew John Mattar and Kim Alves
eventually it would pay off.” In the interim, the pair continued working on the business while doing side jobs; Alves as a caretaker for a local elderly woman and Mattar doing Internet work for an automotive store. “The side jobs kept us going while we waited it out,” said Alves. But nothing prepared the two for the business’ eventual takeoff in late 2011 and early 2012 when sales began to double. But like veteran entrepreneurs, they decided against taking a salary from the business, instead investing it back in the business and continuing their side jobs. Alves said the money always went toward increasing the businesses inventory. “We never took the money and went on vacation with it,” said Alves. “We reinvest.” Mattar began adding to the website, including significant content to each product description and articles
including Pinterest instagrams that have been a huge success so far. “People really respond to the visuals,” said Alves. The hours the pair works continue to vary, averaging four to five hours each day. The two-person team does it all. Print orders, update website, pack and ship orders. “I find myself coming back at 10 o’clock at night, checking the site or doing other things,” said Mattar. “It’s pretty much full time.” But neither of them is looking to give up their side job any time soon. They enjoy it too much. “I’ve always been a believer in doing many things and not putting all your time in one thing,” said Alves.
“You have to have enough faith and drive to go for it,” said Alves. “I always wanted a boutique and he wanted to work with computers. We really got what we wanted. We had a goal and we went after it.” Mattar said the key was in not taking the easy way out. He said they could have stayed selling the products on eBay like many other business they know. Sure it’s more work to create your own website and update it daily, but in the end, think of all the eBay fees his business saves by doing it on their own. “The profit is greater when you get there, but it takes a lot of work,” said Mattar. “Don’t limit yourself,” Alves added.
A ring in the future?
Happy customers
Asking when they plan to get married, the pair looks at each other and laughs. Fingers are pointed, but in the
One thing the two weren’t prepared for was the undeniable love people have for their dogs. And because of
“You have to have enough faith and drive to go for it… I always wanted a boutique and he wanted to work with computers. We really got what we wanted. We had a goal and we went after it.” about products. He cites that one move as a defining moment in the businesses history.
A hit on Google “Google is all about content, quality articles and we had people starting to call and ask about certain breeds we had,” said Mattar. “I write blogs and promote on Twitter and Facebook with each new product as well as going to gift shows.” Revenue continued to increase, as did phone calls from all over the world. They added more product lines and continued to reinvest money into the business that now has more than 50 different product lines and thousands of different products in stock. The pair continues to write articles and do email marketing for their growing band of followers as well as dabble in new forms of marketing
end, they say that, like their business, will come along just fine. Bursting at the seams of its current 600-square foot warehouse, Alves said they have plans to build a home and business on an open lot in Rochester, saving again on the major cost of renting a business spot or the major overhead that follows. “We’ll do that within the next two years,” said Alves who hinted that they may plan to get engaged during that time. “We’ll build a garage next to the home and have everything right there. We plan to just keep growing this.” The most popular dog breeds on their site? The pug, Alves said, which sees a sale each and every day. Asked about the mistakes they’ve made along the way or advice the two may give to other would-be entrepreneurs, Alves said it’s important to always do what you want to do in life.
that—people have a soft spot in their heart you know—they rarely ever deal with an irate customer. Oftentimes, customers will even send them a picture of their dog with the products they purchased. And yes, Mattar and Alves are dog owners, owning a 13-pound Pomeranian called Teddy. “We didn’t realize how much people love their dogs until this,” said Mattar. Sure enough, Alves and Mattar certainly walked into a small business and continue to work hard to improve it while making small yet vital decisions that help keep their business afloat. Like their business, they are taking their courtship just as slow and deliberate. No doubt, if their business endeavor together is any sign of their future as a couple, that golden wedding anniversary will be well within their grasp. The South Coast Insider / July 2013
19
The Lloyd Center for the Environment works with children to explore and learn.
THINGS TO DO
No more pencils, no more books… JoAnn Bernier Cornell
by Joyce Rowley
A lot of kids want to turn off their brain when school gets out in June. But it only makes September more painful, for them and for their teachers. Besides, they’ll miss out on all the cool ways to explore the South Coast. Sign them up for a session or two that lets them have fun while learning. Just don’t tell them it’s “educational.” Dig into reading “Reading is the most important subject a child learns in school. But unless they practice in the summer, it can atrophy,” said New Bedford Public Library Director Stephen Fulchino. “The library’s Summer Reading Program helps ensure that this doesn’t happen.” This summer the theme at your local South Coast library is “Dig into Reading” for kids ranging from preschool to just entering fifth grade in the fall. Reading and activities relate to land, plants and animals. Expect to see the kids learning about fossils and burrowing animals through story times, crafts and activities. Readers get prizes for every hour they read up to five hours. Teens and preteens have their own theme: “Beneath the Surface” which digs a little deeper into the meaning of the books on their reading list. Teens have their own space at the Lawler and Howland-Greens libraries 20
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
with free Wii and Wi-fi, a café setting, and weekly programs. They can earn prizes for every two hours of reading up to 10 hours. Children can sign up for the New Bedford Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program through July 13 at any one of the city’s five libraries, and the weekly programs run from July 1 through August 10. Not in New Bedford? Check your local library for the particulars—every SAILS public library is offering the “Dig into Reading” program, and each one has different activities and hours.
Under the sea Once they’re done digging through the library, bring them to the Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth for “Beneath the Sea” sessions on Mondays from July to midAugust. As part of a varied weeklong program for kindergarten-second graders, the Lloyd Center’s Young Naturalists will learn about the ways
animals live under water. Tuesday through Thursday the theme changes from birds to forests to ponds and streams. For the older kids, there’s the Coastal Studies program. Like the young naturalists, students entering grades 3-8 will explore fresh-water wetlands, earth, wind and power, weather and marine biology. There’s even a weeklong course on canoeing for the ocean explorer.
It’s for the birds! MassAudubon has activities to keep the kids busy and learning about the world around them that they can do on walks with you or on adventure days. Start by visiting the MassAudubon EcoKids webpage to find nature areas near you, “print and go” activities, quests, and “ready, set, go outside” year-round activities. Allen’s Pond Sanctuary in Dartmouth offers scads of programs Continued on page 25
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Continued from page 24 for kids of all ages. Get them started at a Junior Bird Club meeting for ages five to 16. It’s free and open to the public. The club meets monthly and offers hands-on field study and guided birding walks. The next meeting is July 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Allens Pond Field Station. Rhode Islanders can check out the Bristol Audubon Center’s programs of events for families and children at 1401 Hope Street in Bristol Rhode Island. The center is part of a 28-acre wildlife refuge that ranges from upland woods to tidelands. On July 21, the center will host bird banding by experts who will capture, band, measure and release songbirds from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Birds will be carefully removed from “mist nets” set on the property. The professional birders will talk about each bird species’ habits, migration and life history, and participants will see techniques used to band birds. A small fee is charged, so pre-registration is required.
Discover Buzzards Bay Some may remember the Buzzards Bay Coalition as “Save the Bay,” the group that started in the ‘80s to raise awareness of ecological threats to Buzzards Bay. They’ve grown and merged into one umbrella organization that has two learning centers, and lots of fun programs that teaches
Join Audubon Society of Rhode Island naturalists and butterfly enthusiasts for the 10th annual North American Butterfly Association Butterfly Count, held on June 29 and July 13. Beginners are welcome on these walks that teach butterfly identification and promote the understanding of butterfly ecology.
Looking in the sea, sky, forests or ponds... canoeing, camping, snorkeling… with so many different programs offered, you’re bound to have a fun-filled summer of exploration, discovery and wonder at the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
a new generation to love the bay. Sign up for a full day of adventure and exploration on July 20 on Penikese Island located in the middle of Buzzards Bay. The adventure starts at the Buzzards Bay Discovery Center at 9:00 a.m. at 21 Luscombe Avenue, Woods Hole. Once on the island, Coalition education staff will give a tour of Penikese Island School, an oyster farm demonstration and explore the island’s shore and tidelands. Return by 4:00 p.m. to Woods Hole.
If you miss the July adventure, they’re holding another on Saturday, August 10. There’s a fee, and registration is required. Don’t forget to check out the programs at the coalition’s Wheeler Learning Center on Route 18 in New Bedford. There’s a 3-D map of Buzzard Bay; water quality tanks to show how the bay should look and how parts still need work; and interactive screens to explore the bay from the center. For information and registration for these programs: New Bedford Public Library main library: 508-979-1647 MassAudubon Allens Pond 508-636-2437 Rhode Island Audubon Bristol Center 401-949-5454 ext. 3019 Lloyd Center for the Environment 508-990-0505, ext. 14 Buzzards Bay Coalition: Penikese Island adventure 508-999-6363 x226.
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Gemini – This month your money doesn’t come easy for you, so watch your spending. Focus on a budget for that new toy or gadget before purchasing. It will put you in debt if you purchase it on the whim. Cancer – Keep your comments, thoughts and feelings to yourself; don’t share them too freely with others; others will bicker or mock you.
Scorpio – You need to start thinking about job changes and improvements, maybe take that class you always wanted or needed to take. It is all about business this month. Sagittarius – Love and money are very good to you this month. You will share a lot of good times with friends and family and will have a little cash to take a romantic getaway.
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Capricorn – Get up off the couch! No staying home and not doing anything. Say, “Yes” to every cookout or event or even go to the beach and get some sun.
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July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
Taurus – You need to keep moving on and don’t settle for anything else. It is maybe a good time to spend time alone and focus on what you really want and what you want to do in your life.
Libra – Please be a little more patient! Change will happen, but it takes time as haste makes waste.
• Waiting room
26
Aries – Your renewal of love and emotional balance will find you this month. A good team of hard workers is the key to happiness; stay focused.
Virgo – You need to speak up and take charge, no more biting your tongue and people will stop walking all over you and taking advantage of you.
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Leo – Focus on your rest and take a break: it is okay to put things off a bit. Lay by the poolside and take a sip of a nice, cold, refreshing drink.
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Aquarius – You need to stop being so trusting. Your focus and motto for this month is, “seeing is believing.” There are too many con artists around you. Take care of you. Pisces – Please look at things from a different point of view and you will see things are getting better and the storm has passed You need to let your hair down and laugh and smile a lot. Visit The Silver Willow in Rehoboth, MA for a private tarot reading.
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The South Coast Insider / July 2013
27
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COVER STORY
B
ooks challenge us. They show us the full complexity of human life,” says UMass Dartmouth literature professor Robert Waxler. Whether he is lecturing his students or a room full of seniors from the Second Half Lifelong Learning Institute, Waxler passionately believes that losing the book culture means losing our humanity. A colleague in the Harvard English department tells him he is in “deep grief,” mourning the loss of the book. But Waxler says books have been defining us as humans for the past 600 years in a way that reveals our depth, self-reflection, and spatial and temporal relationship to history and the world. Deep reading gives us wisdom and a sense of the mystery of existence, he says. To watch the “screen culture” now is to see human beings absorbed into a time and place removed from their surroundings. Staggering around with their mobile device at arm’s length, Waxler says, they no longer recognize real time and space.
by Joyce Rowley
28
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
Digital Natives Borrowing a phrase from Marc Prensky’s article “Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants,” Waxler refers to his students as “digital natives” or people who were born into the system of screen technology. (They refer to him as a “dinosaur,” he says without rancor.) He requires his students to put their cell phones and mobile devices away for at least a half hour during his lectures so that they can focus on reading and discussion. But within 20 minutes, he says, the urge to get their phone to check their email and texts is almost palpable. “It’s as if the device is always in their mind,” Waxler said. “It has retrained the brain to work in a new rhythm.” And it’s no longer who can think deeper, but who can grab information faster. While reading “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway, Waxler will ask
his class to research Joe DiMaggio in the context of the book. In years past, that would have meant visiting a library, going through a card catalogue, and reading several sources—a process that would likely take a couple of days. Now it’s a matter of thumb time. Within five or 10 seconds, students will have pulled out their devices and have the statistics on DiMaggio. It’s fastest equals smartest, in a way that doesn’t reward retention or human knowledge. “We’ve outsourced our memory,” Waxler says. The way digital natives process
Starting a Book Counter-Culture Rather than get rid of electronic devices, Waxler proposes a counter-culture that promotes what he calls “deep reading” to appreciate the depth of literature. He wants people to physically get together and have
a discussion about those books as part of the reading experience. Twenty years ago, Waxler started the Changing Lives Through Literature program with Bristol County Judge Robert Kane. Now an international program, it gives criminal offenders an alternate means to rethink their actions and a chance to develop a sense of where they fit in the larger community through reading. “They map their own story onto the story they’re reading...it’s an extraordinary experience that teaches what it means to be a human being,” Waxler says. “I do not believe that digital devices can ever do that.” Not enough time to read? Turn off the TV. And the cell phone. And the computer. And the tablet. Take a good book to the beach; you don’t have to worry about glare on the screen or getting sand on it or whether the batteries are charged. Just open the book, breathe in the smell of real paper, and recharge your inner battery.
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the information that is constantly changing before their eyes, and the speed with which the images constantly change, short circuits memory, he says. It’s a thought process that is constantly in the present, without a past or future, just the constant now. And it shows in the screen culture’s attention spans. Now reading assignments for books longer than a couple of hundred pages are met with claims that there’s no time, or the book is too long to read. The digital reader lacks focus for the most important thing about reading—completing a book, understanding its meanings and taking time to reflect on what the author was saying.
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“Affliction” by Russell Banks
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
“Fight Club” by Chuck Palahniuk (don’t go see the movie. It’s not as good.)
“Night” by Elie Wiesel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley “The Old Man and the Sea” by Ernest Hemingway
“God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater” by Kurt Vonnegut “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston “Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
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FLASH SRPEDD elects new officers at annual meeting
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July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
The Fairfield Inn in New Bedford hosted the 57th annual meeting of the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) where a new slate of officers was elected for the 2013-2014 term. Jonathan Henry, representing the Marion Board of Selectmen, was elected Chair of
SRPEDD for the 2013-2014 term. Two Special Recognition Awards were presented, noting the work by Keven Desmarais and Keven Desmarais. Other awards went to Rita Garbitt, Commissioner of the Year and Outgoing Chair Randall Kunz of Mattapoisett received the Distinguished Service Award.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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(508) 679 -1071 The South Coast Insider / July 2013
31
BUSINESS BUZZ
The real price of home rule by Steve Smith
We New Englanders take great pride in our town meeting form of government. We brag that it is the truest form of democracy.
I
t can be a fun and fulfilling, but occasionally frustrating, exercise. My town meeting recently had an open debate and vote about the location of medical marijuana facilities and how much aerial mosquito spraying should cost. Any local resident who is a registered voter could attend and participate on an equal level with any town employee or elected official. It was true democracy in action. And we love it. But this sort of democracy is not without its costs—and I’m speaking of costs in dollars and cents, not the intangible ones. It still may be worth it, but the participants are not always aware of the true cost of a full participation democracy. We have 351 municipalities in Massachusetts. Fifty are cities; the rest are towns. Most towns have an open or representative town meeting every year, with many having one or more “special” town meetings in addition. Citizens gather at a local school or town hall, read the warrant, listen to debate and vote on motions. Voters tackle very important issues. They approve budgets, revise zoning, purchase open space and authorize capital expenses. And they do the mundane, such as authorizing cemetery upkeep, repairing boat ramps and approving tree removal. Sometimes town meetings can 32
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
show surprising insight and practical folk wisdom. Sometimes they can show frustrating parochialism and narrow thinking. Allegiance to place is a strong motivator, and allegiance to one’s hometown probably outweighs all others. “I will fight for my community, right or wrong,” is a common sentiment. But sometimes it’s foolish and expensive. Most of Massachusetts’ 351 municipalities have their own police force, fire department, school system, building inspectors, veteran’s agents and
on and on. Massachusetts leads the country in government Balkanization. But our blind allegiance to our hometowns is costing real dollars. Take 911 dispatch, for example. Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns support 264 PSAPs, or Public Safety Answering Points. Each is staffed by a team of people to answer and respond to 911 calls. They must be staffed around the clock, 365 days/year. Maryland, which is of comparable size and population to Massachusetts, has 39 PSAPs. That’s less than 15 percent of our number.
As a resident, I want to be able to dial those three numbers in any emergency and receive a quick and helpful response. In a bygone day, it was comforting to call the emergency number in your town and talk to a familiar voice who knew where you lived and could dispatch a local ambulance driven by someone who knew the town like the back of their hand. But in the age of GPS and cell phones, we can deliver that service more efficiently and quickly. A recent study by the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) found We carry all types that if we consolidated 19 PSAPs into of innerspring, two regional ones, we would save $4.8 Visco Elastic Latex million each year. Selling that idea and specialty bedding Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 sounds like a no-brainer, but instead • it was more like getting our brains 77 Weaver St., Fall river beat in. How dare we suggest that 911 operators should be removed from local I’ve been pleased with police andeverything fire stations to some cold At Home Healthsmith, we believe Home Healthsmith freedom and peace of mind are distant regional facility? How dare we has done. incanComfort at a Price You Can Afford” the “Sleep greatest gifts we offer I’ve been pleased suggest that overburdened police and our customers. We provide -Katherine O. | Warren, RI mobility and safety, ensuring you with everything fire departments cede this responsiAt Homeyour Healthsmith, we believe maintain dignity, despite Home Healthsmith freedom and limitations. peace of mind are your physical Imagine bility has to trained done.operators with the latthe peace greatest gifts we can offer the that comes with our customers. We provide Being a Vietnamequipment? How knowing your home can be est communications -Katherine O. | Warren, RI mobility and safety, ensuring you changed to accommodate your Vet, appreciate dare weI take away a job under local maintain your dignity, despite needs. that a contribution your physical limitations. Imagine control and give was made toit to faceless authorithe peace with With more that thancomes 30 years of Being a Vietnam knowing your home can be experience in the stairlift service Wounded Warriors ties made up of neighboring town changedwe to accommodate your industry, understand the Vet, I appreciate in my name. needs.of living with a disability officials? stress that a contribution can be overwhelming. Home Woodrow Wilson was made to must have been With more than 30 years of • New Construction Healthsmith provides in-home • Additions -Paul W. | Middletown, RI experience in allow the stairlift Wounded Warriors solutions that you toservice thinking about 911 dispatch when he industry, we understand the maintain your level of comfort in my name. • Modular Homes • Renovations stress ofcompromising living with a disability without your said “If you want to make enemies, try can beand overwhelming. Home health safety. Bill & Linda – to change something.” Healthsmith provides in-home -Paul W. | Middletown, YourRI immediate solutions that allow you to II’ve fully understand the appeal of the Barry 508.636.5883 • Westport been pleased maintain yourCusick level of comfort response to my with everything without compromising your situation was WOW! small town operation under local con508.294.8100 boz500@charter.net Home Healthsmith health and safety. Bill & Linda has done. My wife can now– But we trol, staffed by local residents. -Katherine O. | Warren, RIYour come homeimmediate from the response my we make need to berehab aware hospital. thatto when situation was WOW!for it. With that choice, we are paying Being a Vietnam My wife nowRI -Johncan W. | Wakefield, Vet, theI appreciate new technology, thorough home from the trainthat acome contribution was made rehab hospital. ing, andtowell thought out governance Wounded Warriors knees inagreements, myMy name. allsay, of the concerns about thanks! -John W. | Wakefield, RI -Paul W. closing | Middletown, RI individual dispatch operations and -Michelle G. |moving Woonsocket,to RI consolidated regional My knees say, Bill &centers Linda – can be addressed. dispatch thanks! Your immediate to myis harder to solve is the Theresponse piece that Local 1.401.293.0415 situation wasBill, WOW! you & Home -Michelle G. wife | Woonsocket, RI My can now entrenched reluctance to give up a Toll Free 1.855.HHSMITH (447.6484) for a safer home! Healthsmith have come home from the hospital. made it so easy forchange. littlerehab “home rule” and accept At Home Healthsmith, we believe freedom and peace of mind are
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The South Coast Insider / July 2013
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COVER STORY
All aboard for
Greg Jones
T
here is no finer, more secure harbor along the East Coast than that of New Bedford. The hurricane barrier, completed in 1966, closes off the harbor from storm surge. Among the benefits of owning a boat in New Bedford is the fine assortment of marinas where you can dock your boat and the many professional boatyards that provide services to the boat owner at affordable rates. Most boatowners prefer to keep their boat in a slip at a local marina. You can walk onto the boat directly from your car, and there are hook-ups for electricity and water. Wifi, laundry, showers, ice and parking are all part of the package in today’s marinas. Boaters who use the marina become a small community. You’ll be invited to barbecues, afternoon socials and gettogethers, making new friends who share your love of the water. Pope’s Island Marina is managed by the New Bedford Harbor Devel34
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
by Greg Jones opment Commission and is located on the south side of Pope’s Island, midway between New Bedford and Fairhaven. One of the larger marinas in New Bedford, this city-owned facility has all the amenities, including Wifi, laundry, ice, water and electrical hook-ups for boats, pump-out services…this is a full-service marina, with 198 slips and a mooring field. Their season is April 15-October 31. Port Director Jeffrey Steib welcomes all boaters, saying the Pope’s Island Marina, “has a laser focus on customer service in the most interesting, dynamic harbor in the whole state.”
Full-service marinas Near the Pope’s Island Marina, tucked in at the Fairhaven end of the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge, is the Seaport Inn and Marina. Unique among New Bedford’s marinas, they have a hotel and a restaurant as part of the marina (but you don’t have to arrive by boat to get a room or enjoy a meal). They’re open from April 15 to
October 31; tie up at the Seaport Inn and marina because, “we’ve got a safe harbor and are pretty much centrally located to everything,” said Stephanie Pacheco, sales manager for the marina.
Indoor boat storage Since this is New Bedford, there has to be a Moby Dick Marina, right? The Moby Dick Marina is located on the south side of the I-495 bridge, at the north end of the Acushnet River. At the Moby Dick Marina, you can store your boat in a “rack” system in a large building that looks like it could ingest the Goodyear blimp. Your boat is lifted up and slid into its own spot, like putting a book on shelf. It’s quick; call the marina 30 minutes before you arrive and it will be in the water waiting for you. If your boat is bigger than 28-feet long or weighs more than 10,000 pounds then you won’t be able to use what the marina calls their “Indoor Valet Rack Storage.” For those boats,
there are 50 slips for rent. The Fairhaven Shipyard has a marina as part of its operation, located along the shore of Fairhaven and well inside the hurricane barrier. It’s a big operation. They can accommodate the kind of boats that lottery winners buy, as well as the kind of boats that ordinary people own. There’s everything that a boater would expect from a top-tier marina, from Wifi to laundry to showers, ice and a ship’s store stocked with boat gear. There are 146 slips, so there is almost always space for another boat. To ask about a slip, call the dockmaster at 774-263-3357. They’re open from May 1 to November 1, but have no winter storage facilities.
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Cozy Cove Marina, located north of Pope’s Island along the Fairhaven shore, is well named. A family business since 1997, it’s a comfortable, traditional sort of marina, where you will find people spending the summer on a houseboat docking next to a family that spends every weekend out on Buzzards Bay. In contrast to most other New Bedford marinas, you can keep your boat in a slip throughout the winter, at half the summer rate. Summer runs May 1 to October 31 at Cozy Cove, where there’s Wifi, laundry, showers and dockside barbecue grills. Owner “Red” Jerome organizes several events for “his” boaters in the course of the summer. Whaling City Marina is on the north side of Pope’s Island, more or less across the street from the Pope’s Island Marina. With 65 slips it’s a smaller marina, but the slips are well protected from the weather and we’re told it’s a quiet marina, with generally calmer water. Whaling City Marina has a dinghy dock, includes water and electricity in your slip fee, and has showers and bathroom facilities. Also located on Pope’s Island, on the south side of the New BedfordFairhaven bridge, is Captain Leroy’s Marina. They have 55 slips, ice, showers and bathrooms, and are open year-round.
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35
DATELINE: SOUTH COAST
News, views and trends... from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay by Elizabeth Morse Read
Banish boredom! Sample the wealth of activities, foods and events on the South Coast this month! Cross a town–or state– line and check out all the farmers’ markets, yard sales, boat races, street fairs, and outdoor concerts. Call your own town’s recreation department, library or park to find out what’s on the schedule every week. Much of what’s going on will cost you nothing but time, so bring the whole family!
saudubon.org/bigbarnstudy or email allenspond@massaudubon.org.
Wear your hat and sunscreen, and don’t forget that hurricane season has begun. And be nice to all the summer folks and tourists, okay?
Tourism officials in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have joined together to create “So New,” a marketing program to attract more tourism to southern New England.
Regional highlights
Technical in Fall River; Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech; and Upper Cape Tech in Bourne.
The UMass system has created the James J. Karam Scholarship Fund for South Coast students planning to attend any of the UMass system’s campuses.
n The U.S. Department of Agriculture will purchase $5 million worth of cranberry products for federal nutrition assistance programs across the country, including food banks.
n Eel poaching has become big (illegal) business in Rhode Island lately, with demand for tiny American eels (“elvers”) fetching $2,000 a pound in Asia.
Starting this month, drivers may have to pay a toll to cross the Sakonnet River Bridge in East Bay RI. The issue is in the courts and will be decided soon. If the tolls go into effect, commuters can use their Newport Pell Bridge E-ZPass transponders or pay $.75 one way. Separate rates will be in place for out-of-state vehicles and trucks.
n
The new pilot of President Obama’s official helicopter, Marine One, is Ryan Lynch, a 2001 graduate of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. n
n Four vocational high schools in South Coast together received almost $200,000 in state educational equipment grants: Bristol County Agricultural in Dighton; Diman Vocational-
36
n
n Will barn swallows disappear from the South Coast? Help the Massachusetts Audubon Society by joining the Big Barn Study. Go to www.mas-
July 2013 / 2012 The South November / The Coast South Insider Coast Insider
n Good news! Bus service between New Bedford and Fall River now runs into the evening, along with many other SRTA routes. For new schedules, go to www.SRTAbus.com or call 508999-5211.
n
n Support the Buzzards Bay Swim July 13. Go to www.splashseries.org, www. savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.
Southcoast Health Systems and Silverbrook Farm of Dartmouth have joined together to form a CSA (community supported agriculture) program to provide weekly deliveries of fresh local produce in Wareham, Fairhaven, New Bedford and Fall River. To sign up, call 508-961-5079 or visit www.southcoast.org/farmersmarket/csa. n
n If you’re a senior citizen, check out the trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program: the Kennebunkport Clambake July 17; the Charles River Boat ride and Cheesecake Factory July 31; and the Provincetown Carnival Parade August 15. Call 508-991-6171.
Our Mission
Bristol
Your Recovery
n Bristol is to the Fourth of July what Plymouth is to Thanksgiving: put it on your bucket list. Call 401-253-0390.
Pack a blanket and a picnic for “Music at Sunset” at Blithewold July 10, July 14, August 7 and August 21. For the concert schedule, go to www. blithewold.org or call 401-253-2707. n
Check out the Mount Hope Fine Arts and Crafts Show at Mount Hope Farm on July 12-14. Go to www.mounthopefarm.com or call 401-683-0146. n
Regaining functionality following an illness, accident, hospitalization, or surgery is the focus of the rehab services we provide. Our rehab team is dedicated to helping you achieve superior results and a safe return home. ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡
Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech/Language Therapy Respiratory Therapy
Send the kids (K-4) to Camp Sequoia at Blithewold. Eight, one-week sessions starting July 1. Visit www. blithewold.org or call 401-253-2707. n
Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River
Dartmouth n UMass Dartmouth students plan a 55-mile relay to Boston to raise money for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. The “Torch Relay” is tentatively scheduled for the weekend after the Fourth of July. For more info, go to www.umassd.edu/ torchrelay. n Experience a “Farm to Table Dinner” at the Dartmouth YMCA on July 27–BYOP (Bring Your Own Plate). The food will be from the on-site Sharing the Harvest Community Garden, a non-profit volunteer-driven farm which donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce to food banks throughout the South Coast every year. Call 508-993-3361 or go to www. ymcasouthcoast.org. n Check out the Summer Adventures program for K-8 kids at the Lloyd Center for the Environment. Call 508990-0505 x 15 or visit www.lloydcenter.org.
Continued on page 34
catholicmemorialhome.org ¡ 508.679.0011 A Member of the Diocesan Health Facilities
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Flat Screen TV with Satellite n Wi-fi n Recliner n Separate reading area n Located on bus line n Multilingual staff: Portuguese & Spanish n
To schedule tours please call 508-998-1188 The South Coast Insider / July 2013
37
Continued from page 32 Hawthorne Medical Associates is building a three-story addition, almost doubling its size, and it should be completed by July 2014. n
Learn more about Adventure Camp and daily activities at Friends Academy. Call 508-999-1356. n
The Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth received a $35,000 grant from the Braitmayer Foundation. The funds will support the center’s Climate Science Learning Projects throughout schools in the South Coast. n
Head for the Annual Greek Food Festival at St. George’s Orthodox Church July 26-28. n
Two first-ever exchange students at UMass Dartmouth’s College of Nursing completed their clinical work at the oncology unit of St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. The two young Brazilian women had received “Science Without Borders” scholarships to study in America. n
Fairhaven Students at the Rogers Elementary School, which has closed its doors, donated almost 2,000 of their school’s library books to the students of Hathaway Elementary School in New Bedford. n
n The Sunday afternoon Farmers’ Market on Fairhaven High School’s lawn has returned through October.
The empty Pizzeria Uno on Rt. 6 will soon be a new Mexican restaurant, Frontera Grill. n
Uh oh… Fairhaven’s two wind turbines were found to be in violation of state noise regulations, according to a preliminary study conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection. This controversy isn’t even close to being over.
n Plan ahead for the annual Feast of Our Lady of Angels in north Fairhaven August 30 through September 2. Call 508-990-0502.
Fall River n The Little Theatre will perform “Surviving Grace” starting July 18, and “How the Other Half Loves” starting August 15. For details, call 508-6751852 or visit www.littletheatre.net. n Fall River native Ernest Moniz has been confirmed as President Obama’s new Secretary of Energy. n The state’s recent Department of Fisheries and Wildlife survey identified 30 active bald eagle nesting sites in Massachusetts, and one of them is at North Watuppa Pond. n Plan ahead for the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost August 22-25. For info, call 508-675-1368 or go to www. grandesfestas.org. n The Narrows Center for the Arts has a great line-up: there’s Block-a-Palooza with Roomful of Blues (FREE!) July 18; Buckwheat Zydeco August 9, and more! For complete details, visit www. narrowscenter.com, www.ncfta.org or call 508-324-1926.
Explore the South Coast’s industrial past at “The Mill Children” exhibit at the UMass Dartmouth’s Cherry & Webb Gallery through Labor Day. Call 845-661-3593 or email info@brillgallery109.com. n
When you visit Fall River’s Battleship Cove (www.battleshipcove.org or 508-678-1100), don’t miss the Marine Museum (508-674-3533) and the Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum (508-674-9340).
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
Mattapoisett “Men Who Cook–Summer Sizzler” will be held July 14 in Shipyard Park. Proceeds will benefit The Women’s Center. Go to www.thewomenscenter. com or call 508-996-3343x25. n It’s the annual Harbor Days Festival July 20-21 at Shipyard Park, rain or shine. For info, visit www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org. n Colleen Sinnott, who recently graduated from Boston College, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to work on a public health study in Ecuador. n Sample “Taste of the Town” under the tent July 16 at Shipyard Park. Proceeds will benefit the Mattapoisett Women’s Club scholarship fund. Call 508-758-2188 or 508-748-1282.
Middletown n Stroll through the Newport Antiques Show July 26-28 at St. George’s School. Go to www.newportantiquesshow.com or call 401-846-2669.
New Bedford
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lessons begin this month. Watch free movies at Island Wharf starting July 10, and get ready for the annual Town Block Party on August 24! Contact the Recreation Department at 774-2178355.
Marion Camp Silvershell returns for eight, one-week sessions. Free swimming
Don’t miss the New Bedford Folk Festival July 6 and 7. Go to www. newbedfordfolkfestival.com. n
n Students in the Robotics Club at New Bedford High School won second place at the National SeaPerch Challenge in Indianapolis.
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Continued on next page
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Continued from previous page n Spinner Publications will be releasing their latest book, “A Picture History of New Bedford: Volume 1.” Covering the period 1602-1925) and edited by Joseph D. Thomas, Alfred H. Saulniers, Natalie A. White, Marsha L. McCabe and Jay Avila, the book details the beginnings of New Bedford starting with Gosnold’s Landing in 1602 to the height of the textile era in 1925. n Bristol County Savings Bank was instrumental in the publication of “A Picture History of New Bedford,” and all the bank branch offices have been offering the limited-edition hard copy since June 19. After July 1, books will be available at local shops or can be ordered on Spinner’s website, www. spinnerpub.com. Books can be reserved and ordered direct by calling 508-994-4564. n The greater New Bedford area will receive almost $300 million in state transportation funding, 50 percent more than last year, for local road and infrastructure projects.
It’s Free Family Day on July 19 at Buttonwood Park Zoo! Visit www. bpzoo.org or call 508-991-6178. n
Don’t miss the 99th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament at Madeira Field August 1-4. Free admission. Learn more at www.PortugueseFeast.com or 508-992-6911. n
A $3 million expansion of the New Bedford Industrial Park will hopefully attract new marine commerce and offshore wind companies. n
Enjoy free family fun and entertainment at AHA! Night. The July 11 theme is “Kids Rule!” and the August 8 theme is “Dancing in the Streets.” Go to www.ahanewbedford.org or call 508-996-8253 x 205. n
The Trustees of Reservations acquired the Haskell Nurseries to create a unique six-acre urban parkland. n
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July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
Mark your calendar: Madeira Field August 16-18 for the Senhor da Pedra Feast. n
n The Center for Alternative Life Medicine (CALM) may soon become the first licensed medical marijuana dispensary in the New Bedford area, operating from an old mill building in the city’s South End.
Thanks to Senator Mark Montigny, the Zeiterion (“the Z”) was earmarked for $200,000 in funding in the state’s proposed budget. n
n The Ocean Explorium has kicked off a major fund-raising campaign, “Save Your Ocean Explorium.” To learn more or donate, go to www.oceanexplorium.org. n The New Bedford Sea Chantey Chorus will perform at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton on July 12. Go to www.sandywoodsmusic. com or call 401-241-7349. n A double header! The “Arctic Visions” exhibit of William Bradford’s classic paintings is on display at the Whaling Museum. Up the street is a complementary exhibit of Bradford’s work at the New Bedford Art Museum, “The Frigid Zone.” Admission to both is free on AHA! Nights. For more info, visit www.whalingmuseum.org or www. newbedfordartmuseum.org. n A man who stole almost $800 left behind on a store counter had second thoughts when he found out that it was a woman’s SSI money, her sole source of income. He returned it to police the next day. n Starting July 11 through August 29, enjoy free “Thursday Evenings in the Park Concerts” at the Whaling National Historical Park garden. Call 508-996-4095 or visit www.nps.gov/ nebe. n The Zeiterion presents Cindi Lauper July 9. Go to www.zeiterion.org or call 508-997-5664.
The newly-renovated ferry terminal for the SeaStreak Martha’s Vineyard ferry will include a concession stand operated by The Celtic Coffeehouse and more convenient parking next door. Tourists on Martha’s Vineyard will be offered a special $50 adventure day pass to visit New Bedford via the SeaStreak. n
n New Bedford homeowners who abut abandoned vacant lots can now purchase them for as low as $250 through the city’s new “Side Yard Program.” Contact the treasurer’s office or visit www.newbedford-ma.gov/ treasurers/treasurers.html. n Let your kids “Express Yourself!” at the ArtWorks’ children’s workshops July 8 through August 23. Call 508984-1588 or go to www.artworksforyou.org/programs/kids. n Ashley Bendiksen, Miss New Bedford 2009, was this year’s valedictorian at Salve Regina University. n Plan some summer family fun with a performance of “Singin’ in the Rain” by the New Bedford Festival Theatre July 26 through August 4 at the Zeiterion. Go to www.zeiterion.org or call 508-997-5664. n New Bedford native Anne Marie Bettencourt, who teaches English at Springfield High School, received the state’s 2013 Teacher of the Year award. n Cruise the city’s historic harbor with Whaling City Expeditions through Labor Day. Call 508-984-4979 or visit www.whalingcityexpeditions.com.
Newport n Head for the Newport Playhouse’s performance of “Beau Jest” through July 7, and “The Hallelujah Girls” July 11 through August 18. Go to www. newportplayhouse.com or call 401848-7529.
“Listen to the music” at the Sunset Music Series, part of Newport Waterfront Events, at the Newport Yachting Center. There’s Chris Isaak July 10; B.B. King July 12; the Doobie Brothers July 17; One Republic July 30, and a lot more! Call 800-745-3000 or go to www.newportwaterfrontevents.com. n
n Stroll through the Newport Antiques Show July 26-28 at St. George’s School in Middletown. Go to www. newportantiquesshow.com or call 401-846-2669. n Plan ahead for the Newport Jazz Festival August 2 through 4. Go to www.newportjazzfest.net or call 401324-4072.
Rochester n Town officials received almost no advance notice that the Boston-toHyannis CapeFLYER train would be flying through town at almost 60 mph. At the last minute, they petitioned the state for flashing lights at a dangerous crossing on County Road.
Taunton n The Taunton Farmers’ Market returns on the grounds of the First Parish Church on Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., starting July 7. Fresh seafood and meat will be available this year. n Eight-year-old Morgan Coughlan wanted to help young victims of the Boston Marathon bombing, so, with her mother, she raised almost $800 to buy American Girl dolls and books to give them.
Red Cross volunteer Paula Ferrales was recognized as the Massachusetts Unsung Heroine 2013 by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. n
Tiverton n The Sandywoods Center for the Arts will present the New Bedford Sea Chantey Chorus July 12, Village Harmony July 20, “Forever Young” July 31, Otis Read August 3, and more! Go to www.sandywoodsmusic.com or call 401-241-7349.
Don’t miss “Celebrate Tiverton!” July 26-29, a three-day festival of concerts, cookouts, parades and road races. Go to www.celebratetiverton.org. n
FREE TOURS http://FairhavenEvents.blogspot.com
Wareham n The free “Summer of Love” concerts have returned to Onset Bay every Wednesday. Call 508-295-7072 or go to www.onsetvillage.org.
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank will open a branch in Rosebrook Place next spring. n
n Mark your calendars for the 20th Annual Onset Blues Festival in Wareham on August 3. Call 508-295-7072 or go to www.onsetvillage.org.
Warren Enjoy a performance of “The Mousetrap” July 5 through August 30, and “The Murder Room” July 12 through August at the 2nd Story Theatre in Warren. For details, call 401-247-4200 or go to www.2ndstorytheatre.com.
n
Westport n Head for the Agricultural Fair July 17-21 at 200 Pine Hill Rd. 4H animals, country bands, tractor pull and more!
Get in touch with nature at the Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn more at www.massaudubon.org or call 508-636-2437. n
Farmers Market
Sundays, 1:00-4:00 p.m. Starting June 16 Fairhaven High School, Rte. 6 Sponsored by Fairhaven Sustainability Committee. Free.
July 4th Car Cruise
Thursday, July 4 9:00 a.m. from Fairhaven High Antique & Classic Vehicles will cruise from FHS to Fort Phoenix.
July 4th Costume Parade
Thursday, July 4, 9:30 a.m. Green Street to Fort Phoenix Dress in a historical costume and march along Green Street from Cushman Park to Fort Phoenix.
Independence Program and Cannon Salute
Thursday, July 4, 10:15 a.m. Fort Phoenix A program including patriotic music, fort history, and the firing of the fort’s five seacoast cannons.
Maritime Day
Saturday, July 13 Blessing of the Boats, tours of historic boats, waterfront activities. Details to be announced FairhavenEvents.blogspot.com.
TOWN OF FAIRHAVEN
Office of Tourism
141 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA
508-979-4085 FairhavenTours@aol.com M,T,Th,F 8:30 - 4:30; Sat. 8:30 - noon
http://FairhavenTours.blogspot.com
The South Coast Insider / July 2013
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ON MY MIND
Staying abreast of things Paul E. Kandarian
B
reasts are funny things. For one thing, they’re part of nature’s redundancy in giving us pairs of essential parts like ears, eyes, nostrils, arms, legs, lungs, just about everything, in case we lose one, say, by leaving it at a TSA checkpoint as we hurry to catch a flight. For another, they’re fairly unobtrusive and not figuring much in our daily lives. Unless you’ve got a boundless Freudian addiction. Or you’re a celebrity with giant, expensive, medically enhanced ones, the kind forever staring you in the face like meaty eyeballs from the cover of supermarket tabloids that you try not to stare at but can’t help, much like not being able to look away from the scene of an awful crash. They’re just so, well, there. We’ve all had breasts since the early us climbed out of the primordial ooze. I could have that exact date wrong, but for the sake of brevity, and a complete lack of actual scientific knowledge, I’ll go with that. Men have breasts, why I don’t know. Evolution: what a fickle mistress. Women have them, for obvious reasons beyond tabloid exploitation. Which reminds
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me of a funny picture on Facebook, where all things funny can be dispensed to millions of bored socialmedia addicts with one click. It had a cute baby with a real or PhotoShopped sneer of suspicion on its face. With it, the words “I looked into my parents’ room last night. I think Dad is stealing my milk.” We all have breasts: little kids; mammals; statues we stare at for great meaning (most of us not finding much beyond, “Wow, they’re perfect!”). Lots of things have breasts. But by and large, pun more or less intended, we don’t really notice them in the day-to-day drudgery of life. Occasionally you can’t help but notice, like when you’re in an impoverished nation and see emaciated dogs with sad eyes and nipples hanging down like long, brown boneless fingers dragging the dirt.
On the beach Occasionally, though, you notice, perhaps without really meaning to. I was at a resort on Bonaire recently with a fellow writer, a happily married young guy, having breakfast at the resort’s upscale al fresco restau-
July 2013 / The South Coast Insider
rant crafted to look like a land-locked boat, complete with bowsprit jutting into azure water covered with seagull poop. The beach was right there, populated on this beautiful day with people of all ages, old, young, families. I was just about to lance my $16 plate of fried eggs when my friend, casually scan-
ning the beach, softly said “Wow.” Naturally, being a man, I knew he meant business. Sure enough, I glanced over and there was this young woman–20-something, blonde, beautiful–walking topless toward the water as casually as she would walk down the street. “Wow,” I said back, and
that’s all men really need to say to each other at times like this, that primordial recognition of a special moment in our species’ development, that being the urge of some women to let it all hang out. We watched, intently yet covertly, as she slowly walked to the water, going deeper and deeper until she was covered up and we returned to our overpriced breakfast. Nearby on a lounge chair sat her husband, reading. “Must be one helluva book,” I said, munching on crisp bacon as tiny seabirds darted about my feet seeking handouts.
Attitude adjustment I have to say I’m not a breast man, a compartmentalizing expression men have to show anatomical allegiance. I’m a leg man, but seeing bare legs on the beach is like seeing seashells. Seeing bare breasts is another thing altogether, causing me to momentarily adjust my body-hemisphere preferences. We saw her again over the next three days, lying in the sun, exposing her youthful torso to public view and skin cancer, seemingly unbothered by either. It became so common, my friend and I would just notify each other to another sighting by a grunt or at best, a random, “Hey,” with accompanying sidelong nod. I later scoured the hotel website and literature for any clothing-optional option. I didn’t find any. I figured this rather secure young lady just chose to
test the boundaries perhaps without even knowing she was. No one at the hotel said anything, which was fine, giving tacit approval to partial nudity. We soon made no more mention of it, my young friend and I, inured to the sight of them, I guess, perhaps not as much as seeing seashells on the beach, but close. We just figured she was a confident young woman comfortable with herself and her surroundings, unknowing or uncaring of the effect on those around her. The only other thought we gave to it was agreeing that the times we have seen beach nudity, it was displayed by pasty-white, lumpy, old, mostly European people who should never be naked and in fact, should count sweatpants and turtlenecks as their chosen beachwear. Particularly visually offensive, we agreed, was the sight of men with too much body and too little Speedos. That thought alone was almost enough to make me throw my breakfast potatoes to the seabirds pecking at my feet. Perhaps we’ve come a long way. Perhaps we are on the cusp of realizing the human body, naked as the day we were born, is acceptable, something a long time coming in a society that denounces the publically bare human form but completely accepts gratuitous gore in movies for the sake of entertainment. If that’s the case, at least for a few days in the Caribbean, evolution, we thank you. Really.
Combine your auto and home insurance for maximum discount
155 North Main Street Fall River, MA
53 County Street Taunton, MA
508-673-5808
508-823-0073
www.rda-insurance.com
FARM TO TABLE DINNER Join us for an evening of local food, music and community. th
Saturday, July 27 at 6 pm
Overlooking the fields of the Sharing the Harvest Community Farm
Food Prepared By: Elle Bee’s · Live Music By: Putnam Murdock
For event information and to purchase tickets please contact the Dartmouth YMCA at 508.993.3361 or visit ymcasouthcoast.org and click on the Dartmouth tab.
Dartmouth YMCA
A Division of YMCA SOUTHCOAST
276 Gulf Road Dartmouth MA 02748
The South Coast Insider / July 2013
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One Solution Home Care 310 Wilbur Ave, Suite 7 Swansea, MA 02777 www.onesolutionhomecare.com Phone: (508) 617-8233 Fax: (508) 617-8587
Who are we? We are a non-medical, privately‑owned home care agency located in Swansea, MA.
Why us? We go above and beyond to provide top‑notch home care for not only our clients, but their families as well. We are bringing back old fashion values to the home care industry. Let us make your life less stressful.
Services we provide: Personal care, companion care and any other needs you or your loved one may have. Dawn Douglas, Vice President of One Solution Home Care
Personalized home care is our number one priority at One Solution Home Care. Our mission is to bring back old fashion values in the home care industry. We are not part of a corporation or franchise. We believe the key to success and client satisfaction, is personalized attentive care for our clients as well as their families. We also believe in above average wages for our Nursing Assistants to ensure you are getting the very best caregivers available. Our company matches up each caregiver and each client based on the clients needs and personality. We treat every client and every caregiver with respect and dignity. For total peace of mind, One Solution Home Care is the best choice. “It isn’t just a job to us, it is a passion.”
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Clifton
HEALTHCARE CAMPUS
WILBUR AVENUE, SOMERSET, MASSACHUSETTS
You Have A Choice in Your Care…Ask for Clifton
CLIFTON REHABILITATIVE NURSING CENTER 508-675-7589
CLIFTON ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY 508-324-0200
Compassion Dignity Comfort CLIFTON OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION CLINIC 508-675-0328
Transitional Care Short-Term Rehab Assisted Living
CLIFTON HOSPICE SERVICES (A community hospice agency) 508-675-7583
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Need Short Term Rehab? For preferred booking status, call our admissions coordinator at 508-675-7589. Clifton is a fourth generation local family organization that, since 1954, has been providing the highest quality of healthcare services to your community, which is also our community.
Proud to be Celebrating Over 50 Years of Dedication to Excellence.