June 2012 PrimeTime by Beacon Media

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J u n e 2012

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aybe it?s the miniature toiletries, or the towels folded like swans, or the ability to have a slice of chocolate cake and glass of sauvignon blanc delivered to your room upon command, but there is something about staying in a hotel that puts you in a completely different frame of mind. The second the luggage is unpacked, you take a deep breathe and there it is - relaxation. It washes over you like the waves on the beach below your guest room window. And there really is something refreshing about a vacation. Taking a week away from your regular duties can give you an entirely new perspective, not to mention renewed energy to tackle those tasks. In fact, even a weekend away can have a rejuvenating effect. Hopefully, you?ll get the chance to feel that vacation vibe first hand this summer. If you?re thinking big, we have a few jet setting suggestions. Don and Joyce Fowler have been to more than two dozen countries, two dozen islands and three dozen states, and recap some of the highlights in this issue. Tom Gentile has some suggestions too. A former Spanish teacher, he has dedicated his retirement to his two passions - travel and theater. He has been to every corner of the world and isn?t slowing down. Conway Tours is bringing groups to the Azores now, or, if you want to stick close to home, we caught up with Travel Agent Judi Hay to talk about the natural wonders of the United States that are not to be missed, plus some tours that will have every minute of your day planned for a reasonable price. But before you go, make sure you?re prepared. Another wise travel agent, Susan Rezendes, broke down all the dos and don?ts for traveling, and whether you?re a beginner or an expert, it?s advice everyone could benefit from. With the advent of travel booking websites, many travelers are taking matters into their own hands. But the truth is, no website can take the place of a trusted agent. Because if your flight is delayed, and you miss your connecting flight, they?ll be the ones rushing to find you an alternative. If you fall sick suddenly, they?re the ones who reminded you to buy trip insurance, ensuring you can take that dream vacation again when you?re feeling up to it. And if you find yourself in a strange country, unhappy with your accommodations, they?ll be the ones stepping in and throwing their weight June 2012 around to make sure your trip is exactly how 1944 Warwick Ave. you envisioned it. Warwick, RI 02889 Now, back to that vacation relaxation ef401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 fect. Seeing the world is an experience like no other - tasting new food, meeting new people Distribution Special Delivery and seeing new places. That being said, you don?t have to fly halfway around the world just PUBLISHERS to get away. A bed and breakfast on Cape Cod Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, has the same chilling effect (the good kind) as John Howell an island getaway. Plus, if you?re on a tight budget this sumEDITOR mer, there are great day trips waiting for you, Meg Fraser just gas up and pack some snacks. megf@rhodybeat.com In this issue of PrimeTime, Mark Brodeur from the state?s Division of Tourism points out MARKETING DIRECTOR some of the hidden gems in the Ocean State Donna Zarrella that will give even native Rhode Islanders a new donnaz@rhodybeat.com appreciation for their state. We?ve also rounded Creative Director up all the important dates and events happenLinda Nadeau ing in our city by the sea, Newport, where a full lindan@rhodybeat.com slate of events promises to keep the local tourism business buzzing. And if you have grandWRITERS children in tow, we?ve provided half a dozen Jessica Botelho, Don Fowler, Don D’Amato, destinations that are perfect for families. Elaine M. Decker, John Howell, Joan Retsinas, Whether you?re hitting the road, flying the Kim Kalunian, Mike Fink, globe or staying close to home, we?ll help you Meg Chevalier, Cynthia Glinick, get to where you?re going. And remember, as Joe Kernan, Kerry Park long as you?ve got that Zen feeling, you?re exADVERTISING actly where you?re supposed to be. REPRESENTATIVES Though miniature soaps really do help.

Pr i m e Ti m e

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Classified ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com Brittany Wardell – brittanyw@rhodybeat.com

Meg Fraser editor

PRODUCTION STAFF Matt Bower, Brian Geary, Lisa Yuettner A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications. PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 400 locations throughout Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.

nextmonth

Hopefully the June issue whet your appetite to what we?re serving at PrimeTime, because July is our annual food issue. Bon appetit!

inthisissue 5 every corner of the world

Thomas Gentile makes traveling his business

6 summer by the sea Ocean-side delights all summer long in Newport

8 travel smart 10 Joy of travel Tips from a travel agent Don and Joyce Fowler recall their global adventures

14 vacation

in the usa

Must-see sights in the land of the free

24 entertain

the grandkids Day trips that offer something for the whole family

PEOPLE & PLACES Doer’s profile......................................................................................... 13 A Worthy Cause................................................................................... 19 Glimpse of RI’s past............................................................................ 20 LIFESTYLES CVS Caremark Charity Classic....................................................... 17 What do you Fink?.............................................................................. 23 SENIOR ISSUES Retirement Sparks.............................................................................. 18 The sky is the limit.............................................................................. 21 Director’s column............................................................................... 22 PROFESSIONAL’S PERSPECTIVE Your Taxes................................................................................................ 28

4 | PrimeTime

June 2012

b y Meg Fraser

every corner of the

World

Providence native Thomas Gentile has pet a lion in South Africa, climbed a mountain in Uganda and went nose to nose with a sea lion in the Galapagos. Consider it professional development. That’s what Gentile thought when he traveled to Mexico as a new, 22-year-old teacher. He was teaching Spanish at Classical High School and decided that a trip to a Spanishspeaking nation would perfect his skills and make him a better teacher. It did make him a better teacher, but Gentile had no idea how that trip would change his life. He returns to Mexico regularly, but has since visited 105 countries and continues to seek out new places and people. He now speaks French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese and, “a little English,” he quips. “I use travel as a learning experience,” he said. If his stories are any indication, Gentile uses travel as a means to challenge himself as well - hence the lion. Gentile was traveling with a Dutch tour group in South Africa when he saw a trained professional feeding a fully-grown lion as part of a safari trip. Gentile asked if he could pet the lion, just as he would pet a cat, to the astonishment of the man. “After about 15 minutes of brow beating him, he said, ‘Alright, it’s at your own risk,’” he recalled. Gentile looked the lion in the eyes and reached out to pet her mane. The photograph taken of him with that lion is one of his most prized travel souvenirs. “I wasn’t afraid.” He wasn’t afraid to climb the mountain in Uganda either, but had no idea what he was getting himself into. He considered giving up, but the guide encouraged him to the top, where they had views of wild gorillas. “I’m glad I did,” he said, adding that animals are always an attraction in his travels. “I’m not afraid of animals; it’s people I worry about.” Surprisingly, these adventures are often the result of impulse. “Most of my trips, I book my own hotel and we just wing it,” he said. Sometimes he travels with friends, and sometimes alone. “My friends really can’t keep up with me.” Often, Gentile combines travel with his other love, which is theater. He is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, the Drama Desk of New York and the Outer Critics Circle, for which he writes reviews and a blog. He started reviewing shows locally, and has since made a name for himself as a Broadway critic and worldwide theater expert.

June 2012

travel

Eight years ago, Gentile retired and traveling became his new job, though he still teaches English twice a week at the International House of Rhode Island. He won’t reveal exactly how old he is but said he is “eligible” to be profiled in a senior living publication like PrimeTime. Gentile usually takes about five trips a year. He’s had to slow down this year because of a health issue, but still visited Senegal in August, Greenland and Iceland in September and Italy in October. “When I don’t travel, people get worried,” he said, laughing. His favorite city is Rome, followed by Mexico City, which is a second home to Gentile. Mexico, Italy and France are all trips he never bores of. He loves the island of Moorea, off Tahiti, where he fed stingrays, and is still in awe of Rio de Janeiro. “It’s blessed by God and embellished by man,” he said of the Brazilian city. Italy has the best food and Senegal is known for its seafood, but Gentile warns travelers to stay away from the lard dish served at a restaurant in Warsaw, Poland. With the exception of a case of Montezuma’s revenge in Mexico and some food poisoning in Thailand, Gentile says he has never had a bad travel experience. The people he has met along the way have made the journey worth it. “I make a lot of friends from everywhere,” he said. On one trip in particular, in Jordan, Gentile met an Iraqi man who struck up a conversation. “He said, ‘our countries may be at war but we are not. We just want the same things: good health and to care for our families,’” Gentile said. It’s conversations like that and experiences like the ones he has had the world over that make Gentile feel blessed. Still, he isn’t ready to put away the luggage just yet. He’ll travel for as long as he can, and share his passion for travel with others. “I’ve been to every corner of the world and I want to see more,” he said. “I want to see as much of the world as I can before I have to leave it.” When asked what trip he hopes to take next, Gentile smiled. “Antarctica,” he said. “You just see animals and ice.”

PrimeTime | 5

b y meg fraser

nce the playground for Rhode Island’s wealthy elite, Newport continues to attract tourists and locals with its history, scenic vistas, fine cuisine and a reputation for must-see entertainment. This year, the city adds a jam-packed calendar to the already long list of reasons to make Newport your summer destination. Perennial attractions like the Summer Jazz Series and catching a Newport Gulls game will be supplemented with world-class events. “We’re expecting it will be a very good summer. We all benefit,” said Andrea Carneiro, communications manager for the Preservation Society of Newport County. “All,” in this case, refers to the businesses and community groups that have come together to make tourism flourish in Rhode Island’s seaside resort town. The Preservation Society is one of those key organizations that promotes the city and gives tourists a reason to make Newport their go-to summer spot. In addition to overseeing the Newport Mansions, now open daily, and bringing history to the masses through programs like their Servant Life tour at The Elms mansion, the Society sponsors events each year, as small as historical exhibits and lectures and as large as the Newport Flower Show. “The flower show is certainly new every year. They build the show and the entertainment and the designs around a theme,” Carneiro said. The theme for 2012 is “Salsa: A celebration of Latin cultures.” “We’re expecting it to be a very exciting show - lots of hot colors,” she said. “It should be a lot of fun.” The Newport Flower Show is in its 17th year, and runs from June 22 to 24 at Rosecliffe mansion. This year’s special guests are internationally acclaimed floral designer and owner of Belle Fleur Mario Fernandez, and gardening sensation Derek Fell. Carneiro expects “a number of surprises” for

summer by the

Sea

first-time and return guests. “It’s a beautiful day out in Newport,” she said. “Most garden shows tend to happen in the wintertime inside a big, cavernous hall - we are unique in that we are one of the very few summertime, outdoor shows. There is no more beautiful location than Rosecliffe.” Gardeners will enjoy lectures and demonstrations, but the show also offers a beautiful sightseeing experience with an oceanic backdrop, and a unique shopping experience with more than 100 vendors. The Preservation Society’s summer schedule continues with the Newport Music Festival from July 13 to 29, the Green Animals Children’s Party on July 13, the annual Golf outing on Aug. 6 and, from Aug. 16 to 19, coaching weekend, when authentic 19th century coaches drawn by highly-trained teams of horses will return to Newport. There will be a free to the public driving exhibition on the grounds of The Elms on Saturday, Aug. 18, starting at 10:30 a.m. “People will be able to see them clip-clopping their

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way throughout Newport,” Carneiro said. It will be horses by land and sailboats by sea this summer, as the America’s Cup World Series makes its final stop of the season in Newport. The series sails through from June 26 to July 1, marking its return to a longtime competition site after a nearly 20-year absence. “Narragansett Bay, one of our state’s most spectacular assets, provides a perfect natural venue, and the ongoing infrastructure improvements at Fort Adams make Newport the ideal host for the final stop of the AC World Series,” Governor Lincoln Chafee said in a release when the news first broke last summer. “This exciting event will be a tremendous boost for the Rhode Island economy and continues the relationship between Newport and the America’s Cup.” Sharing the harbor with America’s Cup this summer will be the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival, which is expected to generate $20 million in economic development. From July 6 to 9, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to come to Newport for this festival, which will include the

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June 2012

travel

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HMS Bounty, The Mystic Wheeler, The Lynx, The Tree of Life and some of the most famous ships in the world. When the festival last visited Newport in 2007, 200,000 people were estimated to have attended. The ships arrive on July 5, and are open for tours July 6 to 9. Daily sails are offered in Newport vessels, wrapping up with the Tall Ships Parade of Sail on July 9, just before the tall ships depart to sea at 4 p.m. that day. Add in the Taste of the Tall Ships welcome reception

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on July 5, featuring some of the state’s best restaurants, and a slate of exhibits, music and family entertainment, and The Tall Ships is just another reason to explore Rhode Island’s seaside jewel. For more information on these and more events, go to www.gonewport.com, contact The Preservation Society at 847-1000 or at www.newportmansions.org, or find out more about Ocean State Tall Ships by calling 847-6787 or visiting OceanStateTallShips.com.

(photos courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport)

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b y Meg Fraser

smart

travel

Over the past decade, many travelers have turned to the Internet for their travel needs. They look up a hotel, read a few reviews and book online. They check discount airfare websites and settle on the cheapest flight. But what happens when they arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t satisfied with the hotel room? What happens when their flight gets delayed and they miss their connecting flight? If they booked with a travel agent, there is someone to answer those questions, and find solutions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have years of experience with destinations. There are so many things we can share that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get on the Internet,â&#x20AC;? said Susan Rezendes, owner of The Travel Connection, which has locations in Cranston and Pascoag. If you book through the company, they will handle all aspects of your trip, from hotel, rental cars, activities, tours and more; not to mention, they offer specials you

wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find online. There is a common misconception that booking through a travel agent is expensive, but Rezendes and her team offer services free of charge to clients. Suppliers, such as tour companies, pay them. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, they have a 24-hour help line, so if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in crisis, even hundreds of miles away from home, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone to turn to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We might be able to provide a better vacation for them because of the knowledge and the connections we have. They clearly get more bang for their buck,â&#x20AC;? Rezendes said. Travel agents can match or beat Internet pricing, and often have firsthand experience traveling to destinations or resorts that their clients are looking for. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We handle it all,â&#x20AC;? Rezendes added.

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June 2012

travel

Here is some of her advice for travelers before their big getaway: • Before you visit a travel agent, have an idea of what you’re looking for. Is your vacation about relaxation or adventure? • Have a budget in mind; an agent can work with any figure • Book your trip at least six months in advance • Make sure your passport is valid, and has at least three months before it expires • Even if you’re on a cruise, get your passport ready if you plan to leave the boat • Consider purchas- ing insurance. You don’t want to lose out on the whole cost of your trip if something comes up. Talk to your agent about whether or not the cost is worth it. • Check the size and weight of your luggage in advance. The Travel Connection has samples in their office. • Plan on shopping? Leave some space in your luggage. • Contact your bank to let them know that you’ll be traveling, and find out if you can use your credit card abroad.

• Bring an empty water bottle in your carry on and fill it from a water fountain once you’re past security. • Don’t like peanuts? Bring snacks! • Have a tote bag with you so you have something to carry new purchases, your sweater or any other odds and ends while you’re exploring your vacation destination. • If you’re traveling with children, let your agent know. Some resorts have deals were kids eat or stay free. • If you’re traveling abroad, opt for leather shoes with sole bottoms instead of sneakers. They’re comfortable, but don’t make you look like a tourist. • Blend in! If you look like a tourist, you could be a target for pickpockets or scammers. • Keep your ID and cash in a pocket or purse on the inside of your clothes. • Don’t bring expensive jewelry. • Get to the airport two hours before your flight during the early morning hours of the week. On a Saturday, or late in the day, travel is lighter, so an hour should suffice. • Call ahead, or have your agent call ahead, if you need handicap accessible transportation or accommodations. • If you’re on a cruise or a tour, be mindful of times. You don’t want the group - or boat - to leave without you. The Travel Connection has offices at 473 Atwood Avenue in Cranston (9466010) and 96A Main Street in Pascoag (567-8700). Visit www.travelconnectionri. com for more information.

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1 8 0 0 PrimeTime | 9

b y don fowler

the joy of W

Travel

e have a framed map of the world on our dining room wall. The plaque reads, “Don and Joyce’s World Travels.” There are red pins stuck in the countries that we have visited, and green pins in the states we have been in, representing more than two dozen countries, two dozen islands, three dozen states, and every continent except Antarctica. It’s a bit pretentious, perhaps, but it serves as a daily reminder to us of the wonderful opportunities we have had to visit the many wonders of the world, such as the pyramids, the Great Wall of China and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer statue. More importantly, it reminds us of the friendly and diverse citizens of the world we have met. We enjoy visiting senior citizen groups and Rotary Clubs, sharing our experiences with them. We share photos of wild animals in Africa, Sydney Harbor in Australia, Big Ben in England, the Parthenon in Greece and other famous landmarks, but our most treasured photos - and memories - are of the people we have traveled with and the people we have visited. As we grow older, health issues and finances have limited our travels, but we have such wonderful memories and stories to pass on, not to mention photos to share. I’ve enjoyed writing travel articles, sharing our experiences. The messages we’ve tried to convey are twofold: First, what a wonderful world we live in, and second, what beautiful people there are in that world. The Tower of Babel has fallen, and in spite of language

10 | PrimeTime

differences, we have been able to communicate. Joyce always learns “hello, goodbye, yes, no, thank you and please.” I learn “where is the bathroom?” We might have differences with the political leadership of some of the countries we have visited, but we have discovered that people are the same the world over. They want peace and love and understanding. They want to share their culture, their religion and their lives with you. We have wonderful memories of those people. While we often missed church on our trips, we had many religious experiences. I found it interesting that so many of them revolved around water. Joyce joined in with the Masai women in Kenya, putting cow dung on the roof of their mud huts to keep out the rain, and being rewarded by a tall, stately, ebony colored Massai warrior with precious water from a gourd to wash her hands. We sat on the mud floor and the women asked questions through an interpreter, holding their small babies, constantly chasing flies away from their heads. Bringing back water and sand from the Aegean Ocean to an elderly Greek woman at the Scandinavian Home, whose desire was to reconnect with her homeland, was a real joy. We’ve also enjoyed bringing back water from the great rivers of the world for our church’s baptisms, a tradition we call “waters of the world.” I went snorkeling on an island off the coast of Fiji, where an elderly, handicapped man who took great pride in his work washed my feet, both as I entered and left the small

June 2012

travel boat. It was a humbling experience. We sat together in the back of the boat and somehow communicated with his broken English about our families. Families, whether in Africa, Fiji, China, Russia, or anywhere, were of the utmost importance. In Russia, as we did in most of our tours, we had dinner in a local home. This time it was two middle-aged Russian sisters. They spoke no English and we spoke no Russian. Yet, we were able to communicate, eating their food that was grown from a small plot in back of their very modest home at the end of a dirt road. Pictures of families were shared, as they were on our visit to a Chinese family in Beijing’s inner city, where tiny houses were crowded together and an entire block shared one small bathroom. In Egypt, young soldiers with rifles guarded the temples and even stood on the bow of our boat as we sailed down the Nile. One soldier offered to hold Joyce’s walking stick as we took our harrowing camel ride. We pride ourselves with the picture another guard took of us on the camels with the pyramids in the background, but the real picture was the guard with a rifle in one hand and Joyce’s walking stick in the other. When our tour group went off on a difficult climb to a castle or cathedral wherever we visited, Joyce would often sit in the town square and just talk to people. Whether it was a barrister in Ireland, a small child in Iceland or an old man in Brazil who thought Rhode

Island was part of New York, she will tell you that the highlight of her visit was always meeting the local people. The other message we must bring home is the concerns for what we are doing to God’s precious earth. We saw it firsthand, and it is scary: The polluted air in China; the overcrowded conditions in Cairo, Moscow and other cities of the world; and the global warming we saw up close in Alaska and Iceland. We must all join the fight to stop the harm we are bringing to our environment. We ARE the world. We are its people. That’s what we have learned and experienced in our travels.

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PrimeTime | 11

lifestyles

travel

Destination: Azores Looking for an exotic island vacation getaway without the jet lag? Check out Conway Tours’ new, fully escorted one-week vacation to the Azores and the Green Island of Sao Miguel. Rated one of the top 10 vacation spots in the world by National Geographic, the Azores combines the best of Hawaii and Ireland into one trip. Located only four and a half hours from Boston, Ponta Delgada will serve as your base for six nights. Your accommodations will be provided at a four-star hotel located in the heart of this colorful capital. From here, you’ll visit the famed area of Sete Cidades, where its legendary twin lakes are found in the middle of an extinct volcano. You will observe that one lake is blue and the other green; this magnificent natural effect is the most photographed site in the Azores. Discover the Valley of Furnas and its famed hot springs. Savor a traditional cozido lunch, naturally cooked in the volcanic activity of this beautiful area. Explore the Terra Nostra Botanic Gardens and view one of the world’s most impressive collections of exotic flowers and trees. Tour the factory of Europe’s only tea plantation and stroll its rolling fields. Explore the island’s coast where magnificent coastal vistas abound. Visit a stunning 75-acre private ranch where you’ll enjoy lunch and view an exclusive demonstration of the famous Luistano horses. This tour includes direct non-stop flights from Boston, deluxe hotel accommodations, 13 meals, all sightseeing and services of a local guide throughout the tour, all for one great price. Space is limited. Call Conway Tours at (800) 888-4661, visit www.conwaytours.com or visit your local travel agent.

Wave of athletes hits Rhode Island As the temperature heats up, senior athletes are itching to get outdoors and compete in the Rhode Island Ocean Tides Senior Games. Following the guidelines of the National Senior Games Association, the Ocean Tides promote, encourage and conduct programs for men and women ages 40 and older. Those programs kicked off in March, and continue with an exciting slate of summer games.

• Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m.: Cycling 5K-10K in Tiverton • Saturday, June 9, 10 a.m.: Track and Field at Brown University on Elmgrove Avenue • Monday, July 9, 9 a.m.: Golf at Agawam Hunt Country Club, located at 15 Roger Williams Avenue in East Providence • Saturday, July 21, 1 p.m.: Sailing at Bristol Yacht Club, located at 99 Poppasquash Road. Check-in time is one and a half hours prior to the start of the event. All other events check in one hour prior to start • September, TBD: Badminton at Barrington Middle School • Fall, TBD: Table Tennis at the East Side YMCA Registration and sponsorship forms are available online at www.riotsg.org. For more information, contact Chairwoman Nancy Dobie at 253-1425 or by email at rhodytides@aol.com.

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• Cook with a chef. Thanks to Johnson & Wales, Rhode Island has more chefs per capita than any other state. At a J&W cooking class, you can master Greek stews, Asian appetizers or even cupcakes. Classes are not passive sitdown sessions, where students watch a chef cook. Rather, students make the dishes. The head chef-teacher, along with culinary students, circulates through a room of worktables. While you mince, sauté and stir, the professionals advise and pitch in where needed. Afterward, all the cooks, professional and amateur, gather to eat their concoctions. See for yourself: www.jwu.edu/content.aspx?id=17882 • Tour the Culinary Museum. Also at Johnson & Wales, this museum dubs itself the “Smithsonian of Food.” You can examine a bowl from a cannibal, a fish-scaler from Etruscan times or the menus from President Lincoln’s White House dinners. The collection includes 60,000 cookbooks, early commercial stoves, and replicas of the types of diners that originated in Rhode Island. You can also read the history of Del’s Lemonade. Set on the Providence-Cranston line, the Museum draws international visitors. See for yourself: www.culinary.org • Dig for your supper. If you love shellfish, and want to eat the very freshest, you can take a group tour at the Matunuck Oyster Farm. Owner Perry Raso will provide you with waders and a net. You wade into the water to gather your catch. Afterward, he will prepare it for you. See for yourself: http://www.rhodyoysters.com June 2012

people

and

places

Mark Brodeur’s mission is to lure out-of-state tourists, and their dollars, to Rhode Island. As head of the state’s Division of Tourism, he plugs the “Big Draws:” the beaches, Newport mansions, Waterfire and College Hill. Tourists have time for mostly the Big Draws. But Rhode Island offers much more. Brodeur urges retirees to explore those treasures. Thirty years ago, as a student at Johnson & Wales, Brodeur was a professional tour guide for Paragon. From Monday through Thursday, he went to class; on weekends, he led bus tours, generally of retirees. Those retirees essentially stayed on the bus. Today’s retirees are curious, eager to learn and excited to act. In Rhode Island, they can do that. Rhode Islanders have seen the Big Draws. We are, after all, the Ocean State, the home of Roger Williams and the summer colony for Gilded Age millionaires. But the state offers much more. Indeed, Rhode Islanders can vacation at home. Here are Mark’s suggestions:

➦ Historical Treasures

• Walk into history, literally. It’s a small state, and you’ve probably driven through most of it, but take a walk to learn its history. The Rhode Island Historical Society sponsors several weekly walks in Providence, exploring Colonial Providence, the arts community (including stops at the fantastic public sculptures), and a Riverwalk before every Waterfire. On July 21, you can visit the historic world of the Cape Verdean community. On Aug. 18, see the world of H.P. Lovecraft on a tour that draws international visitors. The guides can offer anecdotes about residents. Most Rhode Islanders have visited one or two of Newport’s mansions. But Newport itself is fascinating. Newport History Tours introduce you to the 19th century waterfront, the pirates, colonial settlers and Gilded Age millionaires. See for yourself: www.rihs.org or www.newporthistorytours.org • Visit museums you may have bypassed. The John Loeb Visitor Center at the Touro Synagogue in Newport offers insight into the modern debate about the intersection of government and religion. You can learn why Charles II in 1663 dubbed the state a “lively experiment,” read George Washington’s letter where he proclaimed “to bigotry no sanction,” and learn how Rhode Islanders urged the adoption of the Bill of Rights, guaranteeing freedom of religion. See for yourself: www.loeb-tourovisitorscenter.org • The Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket makes the past real. You can test the agility of your fingers as you try to do the tasks children did in the 19th century textile mills; you can sit in a parochial school class taught by French-speaking nuns or hear speeches from the early union organizers. Finally, you can walk outside, seeing the river that fueled the factories. See for yourself: www.rihs.org/museums_mwc. html • The Roger Williams National Park, yards from the State House, offers occasional guided tours. But even without a tour, you can learn from the guides, who have come to know this original Rhode Islander well. The small house contains background information. See for yourself: www.nps. gov/rowi/index.htm • Tour the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Trail. Established in 1986 by the federal government, the Heritage Trail, running from Worcester to Providence, goes through the mill villages of the 19th century landscape: Upton, Hopedale, Sutton and more. You can download walking maps of them. Or you can glimpse the Valley from the river, via the Blackstone Valley Explorer, a 40-seat riverboat that runs on Sundays during the summer. See for yourself: www.nps. gov/blac/planyourvisit/brochures.htm or www.rivertourblackstone.com

Natural Treasures

➦

• Go birding. Spot purple finches, razorbills and black-headed gulls. Rhode Island boasts more than 80 spots for bird watching. Some spots are well known, like the Norman Bird Sanctuary, but others are less known and less crowded, like the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Warren and the Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield. The state website lists them, as do the Audubon Society and Nature Conservancy. See for yourself: www.visitrhodeisland.com, www. asri.org or www.nature.org

• The ultimate birders’ paradise is the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. The island lures migratory songbirds, gulls and a host of rare birds - as well as the people eager to spot them. If you have never “birded,” buy a book, take out binoculars and look up. Visit Block Island. Even if you don’t look for birds, go to Block Island. Brodeur notes that out-of-state visitors rush there each summer, but fewer Rhode Islanders cross the waters. Start with a ferry ride, stay at an old-world “grand hotel” (or a bed-andbreakfast), walk along the beaches, explore the ponds and discover an Eden close to home. See for yourself: www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index. cfm?id=53541

PrimeTime | 13

b y meg fraser

vacation in the

USA

Travel agent Judi Hay has been around the world and back again, but some of her favorite vacation memories have come not far from her Global Excellence office in the Apponaug section of Warwick. Her advice for travelers, both experienced and novice, is not to count out some of the natural wonders of the United States. “Explore places that you’ve always heard about but never had the time to visit,” she said. For families traveling with multiple generations, she says guided tours are always a good option, and cruises often emerge as the favored choice. Involve kids in the planning, because the more engaged they are, the better behaved they often are. Plus, if they feel like they have a say, they’ll really look forward to the trip you have planned.

Hawaii “People don’t think of Hawaii when they think of traveling within the United States, but it is really a natural wonder,” Hay said. All of the Hawaiian cruises include trips to the island volcanoes, and Hay describes Volcanoes National Park as “an absolutely stunning place to go.” Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui is another must-see spot, and travelers can take a short boat ride to Lanai, also known as the Pineapple Isle. Hawaii is perfect for people who are looking to lie on a beach or just take in the beauty of nature. Whatever your schedule looks like, you have to try the local cuisine. Most cruises are 10 to 14 days, and Hay recommends a 13day, four-island tour, which includes almost all meals for about $4,000 per person.

Niagra Falls Niagra Falls draws tourists throughout the year. Late spring and summer trips offer mild weather, but many families opt to visit this natural wonder during the holidays, and in particular, for the Festival of Lights in November and December. Festival of Lights turns the Falls into a winter wonderland, with more than 3 million lights over four miles, concerts and holiday displays. Maid of the Mist tours open for the season in April and are a bargain at $20 or less. Travelers can stay on the American side, which has a popular American Indian casino, or the Canadian side. A trip to the neighbors of the north makes it an international vacation, but Hay says the Canadian side delivers. “The Canadian side is much more beautiful, but you need a passport,” she said, adding that the Sheridan at the Falls offers fantastic views of the falls. A two-night tour will run you about $500 per person. 14 | PrimeTime

“A lot of [travelers] do cruises because that’s very easy for multiple generations to do. There’s fun geared for different age groups,” Hay said. If you’re planning a trip close to home, give yourself at least two months to plan. If you’re making a week of it, or more, then you should err on the side of caution. If you’re cruising to Alaska, for example, three or four months might not be enough time and you could find your dream tour sold out. Nine months is a better cushion. And regardless of your age or capabilities, she is confident that there is a perfect vacation out there for you, no matter where you want to travel. “We can gear a trip toward your capability in any part of the world,” she said.

Hey, dude Set aside 10 days for a Montana dude ranch tour, perfect for someone who loves the outdoors. The tour starts in Billings, Mo., and follows the path of American explorers Lewis and Clark. The trip has many interesting stops, including Yellowstone National Park, a gold mining cruise and opportunities to go horseback riding or fishing. Staying in a guest ranch completes the western experience, and this escorted trip costs roughly $2,500 per person.

Must-see cities • Escorted tours to New York City are popular even with travelers who live not far from the city that never sleeps. “You could spend weeks in New York and not see everything you want to see,” Hay said.

• Pair Napa Valley and San Francisco together for a six-day tour of California, and your $1,800 trip will include lounging beachside, incredible shopping and a glass of wine - or two.

• New Orleans, she said, “is fun for all ages,” and is accessible to everyone. The food is to die for, and there is plenty of music, history and haunted tours to keep you busy.

• Avoid climbing airfares and jump on a train to the nation’s capitol. “It never ceases to amaze me how much there is to see,” Hay said. Tours of Washington, D.C., can include as many monuments or landmarks as you want, for a relatively low price.

• Waterfalls, safaris, Sea World and a recreation Mexican village are all sights to see in San Diego. “San Diego is a lot of fun too, and it’s a relatively inexpensive trip on a beautiful waterfront,” Hay said.

June 2012

travel

Alaska “People love to cruise to Alaska,” Hay says. She describes Denali National Park and Preserve as one of the nation’s most beautiful sights and the Kenai peninsula is a bucket list must for anyone with a strong sense of adventure. This region of Alaska offers rafting, sea kayaking, dog sledding, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, unbeatable bird watching and just about any outdoor adventure you can imagine. Cruises are usually about seven days and cost roughly $2,000, but Hay strongly recommends saving up for an Alaskan getaway and extending your stay with a land tour for at least a couple of days. A fouror five-day land tour will run up the bill by $1,000 or more, but it’s a trip you won’t forget. “This is just a breathtaking part of the world,” Hay said.

One day at a time Don’t have the time or money to explore the entire country? How about just your corner of the world? Hay and her fellow agents at Global Excellence, or at any Rhode Island travel agent, can help clients book a day trip too. Conway bus tours priced around $100 and up, travel to Maine or Cape Cod, and other New England destinations. There is great shopping in Freeport, Maine, and the quintessential New England scenery traveling along the Kangamagus Highway to New Hampshire’s White Mountains. “These day tours get the seniors out without spending a lot of money,” she said. “They’re looking for a type of trip where they would make friends.”

Wild, wild west If you have young grandchildren in tow, the Old West Pioneer Adventure is a great

family vacation that includes exciting activities for kids and breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. The tour brings you from Phoenix to Sedona, with a train ride to the Canyon and to Navajo areas where old westerns were once filmed. The trip ends in Las Vegas, and May through September is the ideal time to join the adventure. For eight days, Hay says the $2,000 price tag is a bargain. “That’s a really inclusive tour,” she said. “On a tour like this, you’re planned every single day, so you don’t have to worry about how to get from point to point.” Escorted tours like this, she added, are especially good for single people who can make friends along the way.

Global Excellence is located at 20 Veterans Memorial Drive, Warwick. Contact Judi Hay at 732-8080 ext. 113 or email hayjude779@aol.com.

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PrimeTime | 15

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June 2012

CVS Caremark Charity Classic: A winning combination

When 20 of the world’s elite golfers take to the greens during the 2012 CVS Caremark Charity Classic, they’re teeing up for more than great golf. Together, along with fans and sponsors, they’re teeing up for charity. A winning combination from the course to the community, the driving force behind the CVS Caremark Charity Classic is its unwavering commitment to supporting the vital work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout southern New England. Since its inception in 1999, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic has raised more than $15 million, making it one of Rhode Island’s most successful fundraising events. What’s more, because of the tournament’s impressive philanthropic achievements, it has become one of the most popular tournaments with the pros. Throughout the years, the CVS Caremark Charity Classic has had widespread reach throughout the region, providing essential funding to countless worthy charities devoted to improving the lives of kids and families. It is a natural outgrowth of CVS Caremark’s philanthropic heritage as well as the dozens of other sponsors of the event, who have similar charitable missions. The monies raised by the CVS Caremark Charity Classic touch the lives of people of all ages and abilities. A wide cross-section of organizations - both big and small - benefit from the tournament fundraising efforts including, among others: American Red Cross, Autism Project of Rhode Island, Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, Bradley Children’s Hospital, City Year Rhode Island, March of Dimes - Rhode Island Chapter, Meeting Street, Rhode Island Breast Cancer Coalition, Rhode Island Family Shelter, Save the Bay, San Miguel School and Special Olympics Rhode Island. The CVS Caremark Charity Classic’s dual focus makes the tournament a win-win for fans and charities alike. Golf fans enjoy the excitement of high-caliber tournament play, while organizations that are providing critical services to those in need benefit from the tournament’s fundraising focus. “Being a part of the CVS Caremark Charity Classic and witnessing firsthand its contributions to the community has been extremely rewarding,” said tournament co-host Brad Faxon. “As a native of Rhode Island, it is an honor to be part of an event that has such a positive effect and far-reaching impact on the area,” added co-host Billy Andrade. The Charity Classic continues to be an important community event with far reaching impact. CVS Caremark is proud to be part of something so meaningful. BIF_PrimeTimeSeniorLiving_Ad_12.qxd:BIF 3/15/12 2:27 PM Page 1

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senior

issues

retirement sparks b y elaine m . decker

Places we remember Retirees have plenty of time to go on the vacations they’ve always planned on. Unfortunately, they don’t always have plenty of money to pay for them. As a service to my fellow retirees on fixed incomes, I’ve researched a variety of affordable vacation packages. These are sure to provide memories you will treasure. • California Botanical Delights Travel to California to go to the San Francisco Flower Show. To get into the spirit of things, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. Stop by the thrilling Fruit Exposition up on Blueberry Hill in nearby San José (if you know the way...) We recommend the optional side excursion to Napa wine country, where the air is fresher, the kisses are sweeter and the Pinot is always ready for a summer of love. • Buffet Lovers Getaway For those who love the salt air and yards-long tables of food but are on low-sodium diets, the popular Buffet Lovers Key West package is the perfect weekend getaway. Spend four days and three nights in Margaritaville. Extras include: guided tour of sponge cake factory reputedly owned by Jimmy Buffett, discount on tattoo by island artist Mexican Cutie and all the frozen concoctions you can drink. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about any lost shaker of salt. Package includes plenty of low-sodium sea salt for your meals (or wherever you want to use it). • Glen Campbell Memorial Circuit The special Glen Campbell Memorial Circuit celebrates the cities he immortalized in his chart-topping songs. Trip kicks off in Phoenix, and by the time you get there, the world’s oldest, star spangled rodeo in nearby Prescott will be in full swing. Then it’s on to Kansas, where you’ll be a guest at an exclusive meet-and-greet with the original Wichita Cable Guy. Final stop: Galveston, where you can hear those sea waves crashing and look out beyond the sea. (Oh, wait. That was Bobby Darin...) You’ll also get a souvenir BeDazzler gem setter so you can

come home looking like a Rhinestone Cowboy. • Rock and Roll Nostalgia Tour Rock around the clock on a unique, nostalgic trip to Memphis. It starts with a visit to Graceland, but the real jewel is a private tour of the Rock and Roll Clothing Museum. You begin in the prom room, where you’ll see Marty Robbins’ white sport coat with a pink carnation freeze dried (the carnation, not Robbins) and Elvis’ blue suede shoes. Also there - prom dresses in blue velvet and Chantilly lace. Special footwear collection includes white bucks, saddle shoes and bobby socks, and, of course, tan shoes with pink shoelaces. For an extra fee, get photographed in the original teeny weenie, yellow polka dot bikini or Dooley’s polka dot vest and big panama with a purple hatband. Museum reproductions of all items are available in the gift shop, and seniors get a 5 percent discount. • Magical Islands Cruise This is the perfect autumn vacation for those who enjoy the wind and the mist in their hair. Cruise the Hawaiian Islands on a boat with billowed sails. Ports of call include Kailua-Kona, Waikiki, and finally, on the island of Kauai, Poipu Beach and the mystical land of Honalee. Known for its magical potions and puffs of gentle breezes, Honalee is guaranteed to bring enchanted memories. String and sealing wax come with the package. All tours include local ground transportation. Taxes are extra. Space is limited, so sign up early to be assured to get the tour of your choice. I’m seriously considering the Napa excursion (surprise, surprise). On the other hand, I’ve always secretly wanted to get a tattoo. Well, not on the other hand, actually... Elaine M. Decker’s book, “Retirement Sparks,” is available at Books on the Square, the Brown University bookstore, and Spectrum-India, all on the East Side of Providence, on Amazon.com and in a Kindle version. Contact her at emdecker@ix.netcom.com. We are a well established, stable community dedicated to providing quality care for Assisted living and Dementia Care Residents. Affordable Assisted Living and Dementia Care as well as Skilled Nursing Come and experience the Cortland Place difference where everyone is cared for, Like family.

Call Jen Burns 401-949-3880, ext 140 to schedule a visit and take home one of our homemade apple pies

June 2012

a worthy cause

It’s been said that few things make more of an impact than the bright smile of a child. Sadly, tens of thousands of children each year are diagnosed with lifethreatening illnesses that often remove this expression of joy from their face. For these children, and their families, Make-A-Wish is there to ensure that smiles return and shine brighter than ever. Make-A-Wish began in 1980 when young Christopher Greicius, a 7-year-old being treated for leukemia, wished to be a police officer. Upon hearing of his dream, local law enforcement officers jumped at the opportunity to provide him with a full day of police experiences, even swearing him in as the first-ever honorary state patrolman in Arizona history. More than 30 years later, Make-A-Wish is one of the most recognizable non-profit organizations in the country. Here in the Ocean State, Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is celebrating 25 years of making dreams come true. “Each year, the number of wishes that we grant has grown,” said Paula Montgomery, regional director for Make-AWish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “This growth isn’t necessarily attributed to an increase in diagnosis, but more a result of an increased awareness about what we do.” When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition, many people’s lives are changed forever. MakeA-Wish strives to improve the quality of life for these children and their families by providing an uplifting experience, one that offers them a chance to escape the difficult world of hospitals and treatments. “What we do is incredibly important,” said Montgomery. “One of the things that we say is that while doctors treat the illness, we treat the emotions. The results of our efforts make a huge difference.” According to an impact study conducted by Make-A-Wish of America, the results showed improvements in resiliency, coping ability, improved strength and an increased desire to overcome their illness. Eighty-eight percent of physicians believe the experience positively influenced the child’s physical health, and 96 percent observed improvements in the child’s mental and emotional health. “Part of what we provide is a light at the end of the tunnel - something for a child to look forward to after difficult treatment,” said Montgomery. “When a child is anticipating their wish, we often hear from doctors that they become more receptive to treatment and gain strength.” Make-A-Wish relies upon referrals from parents and guardians, medical professionals, hospital specialists and from the children themselves. Hasbro Children’s Hospital and The Tomorrow Fund are two

June 2012

PEOPLE AND PLACES

b y M ichael j . cerio

Making dreams come true

Make-A-Wish arranged for Star Wars characters to meet Joseph, 7, of Johnston, and Aidan, 9, of Charlestown at T.F. Green to send them on their trip. Both boys wished to visit Walt Disney World during Star Wars Week.

of the local chapter’s primary referral partners. Once they know a child is medically eligible, Make-A-Wish sends a wish team to meet the child and learn about their one true wish. “There are four categories of wishes that we grant: I wish to be, I wish to go, I wish to have, and I wish to meet,” said Montgomery. “There’s a lot of thought that goes in to granting a high-quality, magical wish. We truly aim to create an experience for everyone involved.” Trips to Disney World account for 40 percent of wishes nationwide, but many children also wish to have a dog, go on a shopping spree, be a firefighter, build a backyard playhouse, meet a celebrity and more. “Though the wish requests that we receive can be very different, they’re always

based on a child’s interests and likes,” said Montgomery. “For example, if we have a child who is meeting a celebrity, their wish may also include a spa day beforehand and limo transportation to their big moment.” The average cost to fulfill a child’s wish has increased significantly in recent years. Last year, the local chapter granted nearly 400 wishes, with 50 of them being for Rhode Island children. Of these wishes, more than 70 percent include air travel; prompting the organization to launch a new campaign to accept donated frequent flyer miles: Wishes in Flight. “It’s very easy for donors to transfer their frequent flyer miles to us, and all of the miles we raise in Rhode Island stay here to help us grant wishes locally,” Montgomery said.

Make-A-Wish currently has partnerships with United Airlines, Delta, U.S. Air, and Continental to accept frequent flyer miles from donors. As long as miles are donated before they expire, they’ll never expire once transferred to the organization. Since joining Make-A-Wish, Montgomery has been a part of granting hundreds of wishes with many of the children going on to live long, healthy lives. Perhaps no wish sticks with her more than the very first one she was involved with. During her first week on the job, Montgomery recalls a room makeover for a young girl who was immobile and non-verbal. After finishing her room, the young girl was brought in to see her new space. From this moment, Montgomery was “hooked.” “The smile and look in her eyes was absolutely amazing, and expressed everything we needed to know,” said Montgomery. “This young person could not tell us how she felt, but everyone in the room immediately knew what our work meant to her.” As a 501c3 non-profit, Make-A-Wish relies solely on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations. While the economic downturn has limited people’s charitable dollars, Montgomery says that, “Who we serve, and how we serve, makes people feel good about giving to us.” Montgomery is proud of Make-AWish’s standing as a top-rated charity by Charity Navigator. Eighty cents of every dollar donated to Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island goes directly to help grant wishes. With volunteers playing a critical role in the organization’s work, Make-A-Wish is always looking for people to become involved. If you’d like to get involved with Make-A-Wish, visit their website at www. mass.wish.org or call Montgomery at 781-9474. “It’s important for people to understand our referral process so we can be introduced to children who would benefit from our work,” said Montgomery. “We don’t look at a family’s financial status when working to fulfill a wish. Even if you could afford the wish yourself, you may not be able to do it like we could. We want to create an experience for the child that becomes part of their treatment and provides an unforgettable memory.”

PrimeTime | 19

A GLIMPSE OF RIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PAST

PEOPLE AND PLACES

h i s t o r y w i t h d o n d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;a m at o

Rocky Point â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then and now During the late 20th century, Rocky Point found it impossible to compete with the mammoth Disney Theme Parks and the megalithic amusement centers. Modern transportation, extensive advertising and a more affluent society saw the older amusement parks unable to compete. Rocky Point was no exception. High costs, back taxes and other financial problems destroyed the park. Rocky Point, long the Mecca for youngsters of all ages in the summer, closed to the public in 1995.

Major events in Rocky Point history â&#x20AC;˘ 1726: Thomas Stafford purchases a large amount of land on Warwick Neck, including the area later called Rocky Point. The land remained undeveloped. â&#x20AC;˘ 1840: Captain William Winslow transports Sunday school classes from Providence to Rocky Point on the steamship Argo. â&#x20AC;˘ 1847: Capt. Winslow becomes owner of Rocky Point and he and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Motherâ&#x20AC;? Winslow serve shore dinners on long tables under the trees. â&#x20AC;˘ 1850-1858: Winslow adds a carousel, swings and the Spanish Fandango, the forerunner of the Ferris Wheel. â&#x20AC;˘ 1860: Stephen A. Douglas, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Giant,â&#x20AC;? addresses a large crowd at Rocky Point in his campaign to win the presidency. Despite the good reception at Rocky Point, Douglas loses to Abraham Lincoln.

â&#x20AC;˘ 1860s: The Forrest Casino features minstrel shows, including one with an all-female cast. â&#x20AC;˘ 1877: President Rutherford B. Hayes calls Alexander Graham Bell from Providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Hotel and then visits Rocky Point. â&#x20AC;˘ 1883: John L. Sullivan, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boston Strong Boyâ&#x20AC;? and heavyweight-boxing champion, fights an exhibition with Steve Taylor, drawing a crowd of 2,000. â&#x20AC;˘ 1907: Joseph Carruolo moves his carousel from Lakeside Park in New York to Rocky Point. He becomes known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Merry-Go Round King.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ 1918: After Col. Harrington dies, his widow closes the park for lack of patronage. The park reopens in 1920. â&#x20AC;˘ 1938: Hurricane brings severe damage to Rocky Point, forcing the park to close. It reopens again, parttime, in 1940.

â&#x20AC;˘ 1942-45: Park closed because of World War II shortages and rationing. â&#x20AC;˘ 1949: Rocky Point purchased by Vincent Ferla. His brother Conrad becomes general manager. â&#x20AC;˘ 1954: Hurricane Carol causes havoc and destroys shore dinner hall. â&#x20AC;˘ 1955-60: Rocky Point erects a new dining hall, the Palladium Ballroom and the Windjammer Lounge. â&#x20AC;˘ 1990s: Extensive litigation sees Rocky Point into decline. â&#x20AC;˘ 1996: Rocky Point ceases to exist as an amusement park. Rides and equipment are sold at auction.

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20 | PrimeTime

Mass Relay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 711

www.EPOCHBlackstone.com

Assisted Living . Short-Term Rehabilitation . Long-Term Care Skilled Nursing . Memory Care . Respite . Fitness Center June 2012

senior issues

b y kerry park

The sky is the limit

Woodpecker Hill puts residents in the pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat Woodpecker Hill Health Center is proof that, sometimes, great things come in small packages. Located in Greene, R.I., Woodpecker Hill is home to only 41 residents, placing it on the small side of Rhode Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nursing homes. Still, the energy of the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional staff more than compensates for its diminutive size. From the administrator on down emanates a philosophy that puts the residents first, a tenet that permeates throughout the centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The social component to health care is an important one. No one wants to think about sitting around all day. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the experience we want our residents to have,â&#x20AC;? said Jeff French, Woodpecker Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administrator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The people that live here should have the opportunity to be engaged and active. We try to provide those opportunities and we have a lot of fun while weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it.â&#x20AC;? Those familiar with Woodpecker Hill will tell you that entertainment at the center comes in all shapes and sizes. Belly dancers, fishing expeditions and trips to local events all make it onto the monthly calendar. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We even have visiting monkeys! How many people can make that claim?â&#x20AC;? asked Cindy Monroe, Woodpecker Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity director. Two monkeys regularly visit with Woodpeckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents, one adept at doing tricks and the other, more introverted, better at cuddling. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job to unearth interesting activities for Woodpecker Hill residents and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one she embraces fully.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I try to do things that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to do. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a nursing home, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not shut off from the world. It gets a little crazy but I really love what I do and these days, how many people can say they really love their job?â&#x20AC;? While socializing with monkeys may or may not be your passion, Woodpecker does seem to have something for everyone. What the facility canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide, a family member often pitches in to do. Just ask David Weldy, a resident who found himself flying in the co-pilotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat in a Cessna 180 one Saturday afternoon. The outing came courtesy of Walter Congdon, a former residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son. He and his wife Jean have had a long relationship with the residents of Woodpecker Hill since visiting Walterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father there several years ago. After discovering Weldyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of flying, Congdon was more than happy to fulfill his dream of taking off into the wild blue yonder. It was a special experience that Weldy is eager to repeat. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It got a little bumpy, but it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scary. I had a great time. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready to go again,â&#x20AC;? he said. Making experiences like Weldyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happen, however, can be complicated in a nursing home. Physical limitations, getting the necessary permission from physicians and families, and the availability of staff all play into whether or not an activity can be carried out. Nevertheless, French views the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small size as more help than hindrance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes, our size gives us the flexibility to do what others canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We all wear many hats. Plus, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been blessed with great residents and their families have become our extended family. Everyone pitches in,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

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PrimeTime | 21

senior

b y catherine T erry taylor d i re c to r , r i d e p a r t m e n t o f e l d e r l y a f f a i r s

issues

Abuse cannot be tolerated On June 15, Rhode Island will join with organizations worldwide to observe the seventh annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Concerned individuals are urged to wear a purple ribbon to call attention to this horrific and degrading problem affecting those who ought to be the most revered members of our society. The first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2006 brought together international, national, regional and local organizations in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, which recognizes elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue that cuts across cultural, economic, social and demographic lines. The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) estimates that one in 20 seniors is a victim of elder abuse. NCPEA also estimates that only one in 14 cases of elder abuse are reported. Even in these times of increased public awareness about child abuse and domestic violence, elder abuse is still very much a hidden problem. Elders themselves are reluctant to recognize abusive treatment as abnormal or to report abuse, and often believe they have brought the abuse on themselves. We term it elder abuse when a caregiver, family member or other person with a duty to care for an elder (in their own home or in a community setting) mistreats, neglects or exploits a person 60 or older. Risk factors include strained family relationships, economic difficulties (such as a relativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dependence on the elder for shelter or financial support), illness or

addiction, or caregiver stress. Indeed, in the majority of cases, the abuser is a member of the elderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family or another close associate. Abuse can be physical, such as hitting, pushing, shoving or even aggressive or unwanted grooming. Abuse can be sexual, such as an unwanted sexual advance or touching, or assault. Abuse can be neglect, such as withholding food, medicine, personal care, companionship or needed services. Abuse can be financial exploitation, such as using or living off an elderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income or assets without their knowledge or permission. Abuse can be verbal or psychological, such as yelling at, intimidating, or demeaning an elder. Some people use the vulnerability, isolation, or dependence of the elder as an excuse or opportunity to abuse them. Such treatment of an elder is never normal and never acceptable. Elder abuse, in all its forms, is unlawful in Rhode Island. Rhode Island law 42-66-8 states that any individual suspecting abuse of a person age 60 and older is required to file a report with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA) Protective Services Unit. To file a report, call 462-0555, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Written reports can be addressed to: Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Division of Elderly Affairs, Protective Services Unit, Hazard Building, 74 West Road, Cranston, RI 02920. Faxed reports are also accept-

ed from aging network agencies and must be completed using the DEA Protective Services Referral Form. Call 462-0555 to request a copy of this form. Completed referrals can be faxed to 401-462-0545. Under Rhode Island law, failure to report abuse of an elder may result in a fine of up to $1,000. All reports are confidential. If, after an investigation, a protective service worker has reasonable cause to suspect that an elder has been the victim of assault or exploitation as defined by law, DEA will refer the case to local or state law enforcement. In other cases, DEA works with our community partner agencies and sister state agencies to develop family-oriented solutions for the elder and their caregivers and relatives. Very often, cases of elder abuse can be resolved by coordinating services for the senior, family or caregiver to relieve the stressful conditions that contributed to the abuse of the senior. Community-based supports can include adult day services, case management, home care, housing, legal assistance and guidance, respite care and transportation. The goal is to get help for the elder and get help for the family. Raising awareness is critical to the ultimate goal of eliminating elder abuse. Show your support for the dignity and safety of our elders this June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, by wearing a purple ribbon. Spread the word. Elder abuse has no place in our community.

Congratulations to Prime Time Senior Expo on a great event! For further information on the adaptive devices for the visually impaired that were demonstrated at the OSCIL table, please contact us. Phone: 738-1013 x 13 Toll Free: 1-866-857-1161 Email: info@oscil.org Website: oscil.org Living WeLL Rhode Island FREE six week workshops for people living with chronic conditions including, but not limited to, Asthma, Arthritis, Cancer, COPD, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, and Heart Disease.

Workshops run in convenient locations, in English and Spanish, all year long. Take charge of your health and life! Maria Matias, Program Coordinator, 401-222-7623 HEALTH Information Line 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711

22 | PrimeTime

June 2012

wHAT DO YOU FINK?

LIFESTYLES

by MIKE FINK

You’ve got a friend I have to make one best friend every day. On a Saturday morning, as I stepped out the front door to pick up my newspaper, there was a wild turkey hen right on the doorstep, about to ring my doorbell. I said hello, and she hopped down the stairs and made her way on the brick sidewalk to the rear deck. “Step outside and follow the path to the garden,” I whispered in an urgent tone to my wife, and, recognizing the determination in my low voice, she went out and saw my new best friend, my personal shmoo, among the ivy around the planks. You remember the shmoo? It was shaped rather like a turkey, and the same size, and had good-natured eyes and a kindly disposition. It was a fantasy creature that could gladly provide whatever you needed or wanted. The cartoon invention of Al Capp in the funnies, “Li’l Abner,” it stood for nature itself, which can give us whatever we desire, so long as we don’t destroy her from greed or ill will. I appointed this quiet wildfowl, the very emblem of our earliest American presence among the native peoples, my Best Friend for the Day.

Like last springtime, I am finishing up my semester course called “Birds in Books,” but the elective I teach requires also a bit of hiking and ornithological pursuits. I came across a superb swan building her nest under the bridge at the corner of North Main and Smith streets. It is a marvelous, mysterious, and also disturbing spot. You can look up to the State House and the statue of the glittering “Independent Man,” or gaze downward at the glittering river and there are some surprises in store. Grackles with iridescent hats, mallard duck drakes with jade berets glinting in the sunbeams. Sparrows and pigeons, as well as even robins bathing and drinking in the creek among the pebbles and stones. There is a sort of aqueduct built of good boulders and a lofty terrace with wild grasses and milkweed that attracts monarch butterflies, and a very small corner peninsula. And there, my lady swan has constructed her nest and laid her eight large turquoise eggs. Her husband keeps watch, either posing handsomely and nobly to guard their homestead, or with his long neck underwater in search of delicacies to offer his domestic partner. Mostly,

it is she who can lay claim to having become my Best Friend for the Day. I know the Audubon Society does not approve of swans. Too many already, claiming the waterfront as their territory and fighting off other species of waterfowl. Don’t tell me they befoul the water, though. It is us who do that. The river has empty plastic bottles, bags, cans, tires and every sort of garbage you can imagine, all the junk we manufacture and purchase and then toss into the majesty of nature. It’s disgusting and repellent, and yet, despite it all, in the exquisite spring air, there is the swan. My Swan. My Best Friend. It’s not just allies of feather or fur; I choose human mates as well. Even relatives. My cousin Rhoda from Montreal a beauty in her girlhood. At her sweet 16 party, she was already Miss Strathcona, the contest winner of her class at school. Now she is, at 80, a grandmother, of course, and although she has retained her splendid style, she can barely see from those lovely eyes. She travels with her equally charming granddaughter Carla, who serves as companion, driver and seeing-eye guide. They have, for me, become part of my friendly

Providence East Side. That Canadian connection fell in love with Brown University. Generations have taken their degrees from Brown and served as trustees in the medical school. They visit for commencements and they attend cousinly parties, for Auld Lang Syne, as time flows by like the river. A great-nephew - his name is Jake - served his turn as my new Best Friend. Once I conferred that mock honor upon him, he followed me around like a puppy. At age 11, he joins my collection of chums, pals, buddies, taking his place among the birds and the beasts, the neighbors and the visitors, who share the niches and alcoves of our colony. With commencements, graduations and weddings all upon us this month, following Memorial Day and closing with the beginning of the gradual diminishment of the long daytimes, it’s good to have a Best Friend, even just for the day or the moment. The smile, the touch of a hand, the phrase, half-forgotten from an old song, these must suffice.

Four must-see musicals…

may 30– june 17 sponsored by

june 20– july 14 sponsored by

july 18– august 11

contains adult content and language

august 15– september 2 sponsored by

…and one Rhode Island premiere! winner of the 2009 tony® award for best play! september 6–16

Plus six great children’s shows! �� 6: How I Became a Pirate �� 27: Post Comedy Theatre �� 10: Jack and the Beanstalk

�� 13: SteveSongs �� 3: Honk! Jr. �� 24: Bubbleology

content contains adult and language

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June 2012

PrimeTime | 23

b y Meg Fraser

grandkids

entertain the

So you volunteer to watch the grandkids to give mom and dad a break, but then comes the inevitable question: how am I going to entertain them? If the playground down the street isn’t going to cut it this time, there are plenty of exciting destinations within driving distance that will win the favor of your grandchildren.

Day at the Zoo Want to stay close to home? Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, set on 40 acres. In addition to the animals you’ve come to expect, this Rhode Island destination opens the Hasbro’s Big Backyard and CVS Caremark All Kids Can Treehouse on June 4. These programs offer hands-on learning and play for children. Tickets are $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors and $9.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 get in for free. Roger Williams Park Zoo is located at 1000 Elmwood Avenue in Providence. Visit www. rwpzoo.org or call 941-4998, ext. 316 for more information. Don’t mind a drive? Southwick’s Zoo in Massachusetts bills itself as more than a zoo - it’s an adventure. Walk through the Parakeet Landing aviary or the deer forest, and get up close to the animals. The safari sky ride takes your experience to new heights - literally - as you see the animals from above, and the giraffe encounter exhibit also gets visitors right up to the animals. There are more than 100 exhibits to enjoy, and Southwick’s has plenty of food and a gift shop to round out the trip. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $15 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 get in for free. Southwick’s Zoo is located at 2 Southwick Street in Mendon, Mass., and is open seven days a week from mid-April to mid-October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 1-800-258-9182 or visit www.southwickszoo.com for details.

Seekonk Speedway Since 1946, Seekonk Speedway has brought racing to southern New England, and for 64 years, the track has been family-owned and operated. Also known as “the action track of the east,” the Speedway has races scheduled for 26 weeks, from May through October. There are seven divisions of racecars, including the Pro Stocks premiere division. “The Seekonk Speedway is a family-run racetrack,” said Operations Manager Ed St. Germain. “For 67 years, generations have enjoyed the weekly exciting entertainment in our outdoor venue. As you look around, you see many second, third and fourth generation fans and racers.” The Seekonk Speedway has not only regular races, but special events as well, such as the 24 | PrimeTime

Independence Day Thrill Show on July 1 and the Hometown Heroes events that offer free admission to guests when a driver from their hometown is racing. Hometown Heroes events this month will be held on June 2, 16, 23 and 30, and customers must show proof of residence. “It is truly a great American pastime enjoyed by all who value quality time with their families,” St. Germain added. Seekonk Speedway is located at 1710 Fall River Avenue in Seekonk and the office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 508-336-9959 or visit seekonkspeedway.com.

Six Flags Check out Tweety’s Clubhouse with the little ones in the Looney Tunes Movie Town. Cool off on the Swiss Family Toboggan in Hurricane Harbor. Or, if you’re really adventurous - and your grandkids are tall enough - strap in for Batman: The Dark Knight. Amusement parks aren’t for everyone, but if you don’t mind a day on your feet and a few screams along the way, Rhode Islanders are lucky to be just a drive away from Six Flags New England, located at 1623 Main Street in Agawam, Mass. If you visit during the week, chances are the crowds will be smaller than a summer weekend, but many of the special events are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays. There are more than 30 food options, sprinkled throughout the park, and live entertainment. General admission is $49.99, and $39.99 for children under 54 inches tall. Three-day advance tickets start at $36.99, and a season pass is $69.99. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/newengland or call 413-786-9300.

5 Wits Two courses, Espionage and 20,000 Leagues, lead guests on an unexpected adventure for one of the region’s most interactive entertainment experiences. Does your grandchild love video games? Tell them to put the controller down and drive to Patriot Place, where they become a part of a live-action video game experience. Adventures last for nearly an hour, and new shows usually begin every 15 to 30 minutes. Children and families are faced with challenging puzzles and problem-solving activities as they try to keep up with this fast-paced experience. Educational groups are invited to this 5 Wits production, as the experience draws upon match, science, literature and history. Private groups are also welcome, making 5 Wits a great option for birthday parties or team building exercises. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $14 for children 12 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult. Located within Patriot Place, 5 Wits can be found at 202 Patriot Place in Foxboro, Mass. Call 508-6981600 or visit www.5-wits.com for more information.

June 2012

travel

Mystic Aquarium Sea lions and tiger fish and Beluga whales, oh my! Mystic Aquarium is one of the nation’s leading aquariums, and has brought marine education to children and families since 1973. It’s also a great day out for all ages, with shopping in the area and excellent restaurants nearby. Check out all of the exhibits, but be sure to plan your visit around a feeding time or show. Sharks are usually fed on Fridays at 1:10 p.m., and stingrays are fed at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, but check the event board when you enter the aquarium to confirm when your favorite marine resident will be eating. There are also summer camps and other special programs

If you really want to spoil your grandkid, consider one of the up-close encounter programs. A Beluga encounter puts you in the water with a whale, and can be purchased for $145 for non-members and $137 for members. Whales up close, for younger children or those who don’t want to get in the water, costs $49 for members and $55 for nonmembers. Penguin encounters, a 60-minute program, are $49 for members and $55 for non-members. General admission tickets start at $29 for adults, $26 for seniors, $21 for children ages 3 to 17, and children under 2 get in for free. For more information, visit www. mysticaquarium.org or call 860-572-5955. Mystic Aquarium is located at 55 Coogan Boulevard in Mystic, Conn.

Getting back to nature This is New England, which means there are dozens upon dozens of camping options across the region. Name the state you want to go to, or how far you want to drive, and a quick search will yield multiple options for camping. Nestled between Boston and Cape Cod, Normandy Farms is a popular choice for many families. Not just a spot to pitch a tent, Normandy Farms is a luxury camping destination that allows for RVs, tents or even deluxe cabins that can be rented. With three self-service laundry areas and three full-service restrooms, it’s not your average camping experience. Normandy Farms features four swimming pools, Jacuzzis, sauna, a fitness center, arcade, two playgrounds, bike paths and a creative arts center that offers movies, arts and crafts, cribbage and other activities. The facilities include a fishing pond, picnic area, horseshoes, shuffleboard, disk golf, bocce and courts to play basketball, volleyball, softball and soccer. The season picks up this June, with several special events planned, including Father’s Day Weekend from June 15 to 17 and a Hawaiian Luau Weekend from June 22 to 24. Rates vary. Normandy Farms is located at 72 West Street in Foxboro, Mass. For

June 2012

PrimeTime | 25

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LABORATORY SERVICES

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June 2012

ght business spotlion Scott & Handwerger, LLP Helping clients prepare for the future

J. Katherine Scott, Esq.

Laura G. Handwerger, Esq.

Serving Rhode Island and Massachusetts IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: • Estate Planning, Including Wills & Trusts • Probate & Estate Administration • Special Needs Planning & Guardianships • Medicaid Planning & Elder Law

690 WARREN AVE., EAST PROVIDENCE, RI 02914 We are conveniently located right off I-195

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www.riestatelaw.com

We are happy to meet with clients in other mutually convenient locations, as necessary. The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers in the general practice of law. The court does not license or certify any lawyer as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.

June 2012

Heatherwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center “It’s all about you, it’s all about the experience” Subacute Care • Rehabilitation • Long-Term Memory Care Neighborhood

398 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 • (401) 849-6600 Barrington based, mature, experienced professional driver is available to drive anywhere, anytime when you can’t.

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Life is full of the unexpected. The anticipation of the “unexpected” is actually what makes life spontaneous, surprising and replete with memories. It is true, though, that at times these unexpected events can be filled with loss and sorrow, ultimately leading to rash decisions. It has been said, however, that if you are prepared, there is no reason to fear what lies ahead. Indeed, with thoughtful planning and professional guidance, there are ways to prepare for the eventualities of life so that when they come along, they can be endured with peace of mind and confidence. The law firm of Scott & Handwerger, LLP, which recently opened an office in East Providence, embraces the philosophy that when you make informed decisions you will be fully prepared for both the unexpected and inevitable events in life. Attorneys J. Katherine Scott and Laura G. Handwerger bring a special sensibility to their practice, in which they focus on Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning and Guardianships. Both attorneys have lived closely with elderly relatives, and have devoted their careers to helping their clients with personal planning, especially as it relates to issues associated with aging. Their practice is known for its compassionate and professional work on behalf of clients who span all ages and financial positions. Attorney’s Scott and Handwerger remind their clients that proper estate planning is important, no matter the size or complexity of their estate. Through your estate plan, you can, while you are still living, decide how, when and to whom you want your property and assets to be distributed, even after your death. With the professional guidance of this highly skilled team, you can rest assured that every possible outcome is considered. They can help you establish basic estate planning documents, such as wills and powers of attorney, as well as more complex planning tools such as revocable and irrevocable trusts. Attorneys Scott and Handwerger can also assist you with all Probate matters, including Guardianships and walking you through the often emotional task of administering estates after the passing of a loved one. Their singular goal is to make this process as smooth as possible, with every consideration given to the survivors and the wishes of the loved one. This new partnership brings to their ever-growing list of clients a uniquely personal touch, bred from a deep-rooted respect for the senior population and the challenges they often face. This sensitivity, combined with over 25 years of legal experience, make Katherine and Laura an exceptional team. The law practice of Scott & Handwerger, LLP can be reached at 401-654-6770. Their office is located at 690 Warren Avenue in East Providence. They accept clients from throughout Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Call them today!

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Cranston, RI 02905

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Call for details or arrange for a tour... we would love to meet you. PrimeTime | 27

your taxes

professional perspective

b y meg chevalier

Boating on Narragansett Bay At last, the sun has made a long awaited appearance and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to get out the bottom paint and boat wax and prepare your boat for a summer of sailing or motoring on Narragansett Bay. At this point, the last thing on your mind is income taxes. However, if the boat shows beckoned and you succumbed and purchased a boat, there is something you should consider when you file your taxes next year. Does your boat have cooking, bathroom and sleeping facilities? If it does, it might qualify as a main or second home for federal tax purposes. Generally, home mortgage interest is any interest you pay on a loan secured by your home (main home or a second home). The loan may be a mortgage to buy your home, a second mortgage, a line of credit or a home equity loan. You can deduct home mortgage interest only if you meet all the following conditions: • You must file Form 1040 and itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). • You must be legally liable for the loan. You cannot deduct payments you make for someone else if you are not legally liable to make them • Both you and the lender must intend that the loan be repaid. In addition, there must be a true debtor-creditor relationship between you and the lender. For you to take a home mortgage interest deduction, your debt must be secured by a qualified home. This means your main home or your second home. A home includes a house, condominium, cooperative, mobile home, house trailer, boat or similar property that has sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities. You can have only one main home at any one time. This is the home where you ordinarily live most of the time. A second home is a home that you choose to treat as your second home. If you have a second home that you do not hold out for rent or resale to others at any time during the year, you can treat it as a qualified home. You do not have to use the home during the year. Additional information on the deductibility of mortgage interest can be found in Publication 936, Home Mortgage Interest Deduction. The publication can be downloaded from the web at www.irs.gov. You can also order it by calling 1-800-829FORM, (1-800-829-3676).

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calendar of events Gentian Garden Tours The Gentian Garden Club is sponsoring the “Gentian Gems” Garden Tour on Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The self-guided tour includes 10 private gardens designed, planted and maintained by their owners. Tickets are $25 per person and include a boxed lunch. Tickets for the garden tour only are $20 per person. To purchase tickets, checks payable to the Gentian Garden Club should be mailed to Alyce Peddar, P.O. Box 464, Chepachet, RI 02814. For more information, call 934-9212 or 568-3345. French tradition comes alive The newly formed French Heritage Center Committee is excited to announce that its main event “A Québécois Dance” will take place on Sunday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Holyoke Lodge of Elks, 250 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Tickets are $15 per person June 2012

and can be purchased at the door. Purchase tickets in advance by sending a check to the French Heritage Center, P.O. Box 1063, Chicopee, MA, 01021, by calling Jacques Senecal at 413-519-3315 or by e-mailing atfrenchconnectiontickets@ gmail.com.

Motherhood: The Musical Through July 1, Trinity Repertory will stage “Motherhood the Musical.” Shows are Wednesday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, call 351-4242 or visit tickets.trinityrep.com.

Honoring your father On Father’s Day weekend, fathers and their families who have been faced with multiple sclerosis will ride 150 miles to benefit the MS Society of Rhode Island. The 25th anniversary Bike MS: Ride the Rhode is expected to attract 2,000 cyclists and volunteers the weekend of June 16 and 17 and it will feature a spectacular crossing of the Newport and Jamestown bridges. To participate in the event or to volunteer, visit www.bikeMSrhodeisland.org or call 7388383, option 2.

Forever Plaid The goofy revue “Forever Plaid” centers on four young male singers killed in a car crash that are revived and given one last chance to fulfill their dreams. June 1 to 17. Theatre by the Sea, 358 Cards Pond Road in South Kingstown. Call 782-TKTS or visit www.theatrebythesea.com. Tickets are $39, $47 or $54, and show times vary. Polo, anyone? Opening day is on June 2, and every Saturday after that, Glen Farm will come alive with the International Polo Series, played through September. Admission is free. Glen Farm is

located on Route 138 in Portsmouth. For a full schedule, visit glenfarm.com or call 847-7090. Jazz it up The second in the American Music Series at Courthouse Center for the Arts is Jazz, on Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. Guitarist Gray Sargent and bassist Marshall Wood of the Tony Bennett orchestra bring their quartet for this event. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, call 782-1018 or visit www.courthousearts.org. Gaspee, Gaspee, Gaspee Gaspee Day fireworks will take place on June 8 at 9 p.m. in Salter’s Grove Park in Warwick. Admission is free. From June 8 to June 10, there will be a Colonial Encampment in Pawtuxet Park, from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 8, all day on June 9 and until noon on June 10. And finally, on June 9, the Gaspee Days parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Narragansett Parkway. PrimeTime | 29

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calendar of events Garden City Center Art Festival Join more than 125 contemporary artists for the Garden Ctiy Center Art Festival on June 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Enjoy food, live music and strolling entertainment. Garden City Center is located at 100 Midway Road in Cranston. Call 3743899 or visit www.festivalfete.com for more information.

Music on the island The Block Island annual Music Festival will take over Captain Nick’s Rock n’ Roll Bar from June 12 to 17. Open from 5 p.m. to midnight each evening, admission is free. This grassroots festival pushes the envelope and features music from some of the most talent undiscovered artists in the region. Call 800-825-6254 or visit blockislandmusic.com.

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The most important decision of your life may be about your death. It’s a subject few people enjoy talking about– especially when you’re young and healthy.

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