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HONORING OUR VETERANS
November 2019 1944 Warwick Ave. Warwick, RI 02889 401-732-3100 FAX 401-732-3110 Distribution Special Delivery PUBLISHERS Barry W. Fain, Richard G. Fleischer, John Howell
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Honoring All Heroes unsung heroes
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That’s Entertainment.................9 & 12 Larry Grimaldi..................................... 11 Events.................................................... 13
Giving Back
SENIOR ISSUES
MARKETING DIRECTOR Donna Zarrella donnaz@rhodybeat.com EDITOR / CREATIVE Linda Nadeau lindan@rhodybeat.com
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WRITERS / CONTRIBUTORS Don Fowler, Patricia Raskin, Elaine M. Decker, Meg Chevelier, Larry Grimaldi, Mike Fink PRODUCTION Lisa Bourque Yuettner Brian Geary ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Lisa Mardenli, Melissa Miller, Cheryl Petrarca, Janice Torilli, Suzanne Wendoloski
unique ideas to say thank you
Service Dogs
The many benefits to vets
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History
Veteran’s Day facts that may surprise you
LIFESTYLES
Retirement Sparks................................6 What Do You Fink.................................6 Positive Aging........................................8
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE Your Taxes............................................. 12
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Sue Howarth – sueh@rhodybeat.com A Joint Publication of East Side Monthly and Beacon Communications. PrimeTime Magazine is published monthly and is available at over 150 locations throughout the Greater Providence and West Bay areas of Rhode Island. Letters to the editor are welcome. We will not print unsigned letters unless exceptional circumstances can be shown.
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This Veteran’s Day edition of PrimeTime is respectfully dedicated to the memory of Gilbert Anthony Botelho, who graced our cover twice, and was a dedicated participant at our PrimeTime Senior Living Expos representing the Korean War Veterans Association.
GILBERT ANTHONY BOTELHO December 5, 1928 - August 14, 2019
Gilbert Anthony Botelho proudly served our country during the Korean War with the US Army. He was wounded in Korea in May of 1952 and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was laid to rest with Military Honors at the RI Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.
Honoring all heroes this Veteran’s Day Veteran’s Day, celebrated annually on November 11, commemorates the hardworking men and women who sacrifice their time and put themselves in harm’s way to defend the country’s core values of freedom and opportunity. While Veteran’s Day certainly is a chance to honor those who have donned the uniform during wars and military installments, it also can be a chance to recognize the unsung heroes of wartime - those who step into roles so that soldiers and strategists can focus their attention elsewhere. Take for example Naomi Parker Fraley. In 1942, Fraley was a machine shop worker at the Naval Air Station in Alameda, lif. She was one of scores women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, helping to produce munitions and war supplies. Parker was 20 years old in 1942 and served as the inspiration for what would become one of the most indelible images of the era, known as “Rosie the Riveter.” Parker unknowingly inspired the iconic image after she was photographed at work bent over an industrial machine in a jumpsuit with her hair tied back in a polka-dot bandana. In 2018, Naomi Parker Fraley died at the age of 96, not nearly the household name she perhaps should have been. Rosie the Riveter helped to tout the contributions of female war employees who were defending America by working on the homefront. Rosie was a successful morale-booster, and some may be surprised to learn that Rosie has various incarnations. Norman Rockwell’s depiction of a female riveter, which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post on May 29, 1943, became an iconic staple of that time. Muscular, with a rivet gun on her lap, a sandwich in hand and a boot stomping on a copy of “Mein Kampf ” - and timed perfectly to coincide with the release of a song called “Rosie the Riveter” by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb - Rosie became a household name. But another Rosie image actually predates Rockwell’s Post cover. Naomi Parker Fraley was reportedly the inspiration for an ad created by a lesser known artist named J. Howard Miller. Miller produced a “We Can Do It!” poster for Westinghouse Electric in 1942 aimed at boosting spirits among the company’s workers. The poster helped to recruit new female personnel, according to scholar James J. Kimble. This Rosie was portrayed in a red bandana with her bent arm flexed, rolling up her shirtsleeve. Both Miller’s and Rockwell’s depictions of female war workers became ingrained in popular culture. Rockwell’s cover art was eventually loaned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for use in war bond drives for the duration of the war. Miller’s version has been emulated for generations and still epitomizes a strong female presence in the workforce. This Veteran’s Day is a prime time to delve into American wartime history, with interesting stories like the origins of Rosie the Riveter, and pay homage to all of the heroes that help ensure America’s reputation as a great nation. TF19B431
3 Unique ways to give back to service members Military service in the United States was once more common than it is today. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the draft for military service was ended in 1973, a point in time when 2.2 million men and women made up the country’s active military personnel. By 2018, the number had dipped below 1.3 million. Military service in Canada is also somewhat uncommon, as the Department of National Defence reports that active military personnel totaled just 68,000 as of 2018.
FEATURED ON THE COVER NOVEMBER 2014: Korean War Vet Gil Botelho and his grandson David Zarrella, Senior Airman, RI Air National Guard
The vast majority of people in countries where military service is not compulsory will never serve in the military. But that does not mean non-military personnel do not appreciate the sacrifices service members and their families make. In fact, a recent report conducted for Canada’s Department of National Defence found that while many Canadians seem only vaguely aware of what their military does, appreciation for service members was high. Service members and their families make many sacrifices to protect the lives and freedoms of their fellow citizens. The following are three unique ways to give back to these selfless men and women, who often benefit greatly from even the simplest of gestures.
4 | PrimeTime
November 2019
HONORING
VETERANS
The Benefits of Service Dogs
Supporting veterans when they return home Service dogs offer countless benefits to help combat symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they can also be instrumental in rebuilding and uniting families after veterans come home from serving their country. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 30% of American military veterans experience PTSD after returning home from combat. Yet only about 40% of those individuals ever seek help. Service animals are recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The designation is limited to dogs who are trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. In some cases, these tasks are highly physical in nature, such as guiding a person who is blind or pulling a wheelchair. Other roles service dogs play may be less immediately visible, such as providing a calming presence to a person with PTSD who is experiencing an anxiety attack. (Family Features)
More Than a Companion Service dogs are highly trained to assist military veterans in achieving better quality of life. Veterans who utilize service dogs report lower levels of depression and anxiety, fewer hospitalizations and a reduction in medical and psychiatric costs, among other benefits. Beyond what these canines help prevent, consider these examples of what they empower: * Ease loneliness and stress * Reduce social anxiety * Decrease reliance on prescription drugs * Help veterans return to work or attend college * Strengthen personal relationships * Provide security, protection and unconditional love Up to the Task Just like the members of the armed forces they help, service dogs are highly trained professionals with an important job to do, including tasks such as these: * Turn on lights and open doors before a veteran enters his or her home * Nudging, pawing or licking to interrupt flashbacks or nightmares * Utilizing body weight as a grounding mechanism to reduce anxiety or alleviate panic * Retrieve bags with medications or a list of numbers to call during a medical emergency * Provide security and reduce hypervigilance in public places * Pick up dropped items and assist with mobility and ambulation
When You See a Service Dog Service dogs are often large breeds that stand out in a crowd, and their calm demeanor can make it seem perfectly appropriate to approach and pet them. However, it’s important to remember that service dogs are at work and distractions can prevent them from providing the service their owners need. The International Association of Canine Professionals offers these etiquette tips for interacting with service dogs and their owners: * Remember that a service dog is there as support for a person with a physical or health disability, which may or may not be readily apparent. * Respect that health conditions are private matters most people prefer not to discuss with strangers. * Just as you would not stare or point at a person in a wheelchair, avoid calling unnecessary attention to a person with a service dog. * If you must interact, always focus your attention on the handler, not the dog, so the dog can stay focused on its job. Avoid whistling, clapping or otherwise distracting the dog. * Teach children not to approach service dogs. Although most are trained to avoid aggression, a perceived threat to their handlers could result in warning growls or barks that may scare a child. Source: Purina Dog Chow
To see video stories of how service dogs have impacted the lives of veterans and their families, visit DogChow.com/service. In addition, for every purchase of specially marked bags of Dog Chow Complete Adult through Nov. 1, the brand will donate 5 cents, up to $100,000, to the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation Pets and Vets program, which matches veterans experiencing PTSD and other challenges with service dogs, free of charge.
1. Serve as a driver for veterans. Unfortunately, many service members return from overseas missions with disabilities, some of which prevent them from driving. Adults who want to help service members can serve as drivers for veterans who can’t drive themselves. Such a gesture ensures they won’t miss any appointments with doctors or physical therapists, helping them get on the road to recovery that much quicker.
2. Donate your airline miles. Some disabled veterans receive medical treatments far away from home at facilities that specialize in treating certain types of injuries, which can make it difficult for their families to be there for them during their recoveries. By donating airline miles to military families, ordinary adults can ensure injured servicemen and -women can still see their families during difficult times in their lives. Access to such support systems can be a big help as veterans work to recover from their injuries. November 2019
3. Sponsor a service dog. A significant percentage of veterans return home with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD has been linked to a host of conditions, including depression and anxiety. However, programs such as Companions for Heroes, an organization that places service dogs with veterans, has helped many veterans successfully cope with PTSD. By sponsoring a service dog through an organization such as Companions for Heroes, adults who want to help service members can provide an invaluable service to men and women fighting to regain their quality of life. There are many ways for ordinary citizens to show their support for the brave men and women who selflessly serve in the military. GB19B383
PrimeTime | 5
LIFESTYLES
WHAT DO YOU FINK? by MIKE FINK
Noah of Providence I like to quote both Scripture and Shakespeare, the sacred and the poetic. “There’s a Divinity that shapes our ends,” said Hamlet. “Too many have fallen from great and good for you to doubt the likelihood,” warned Robert Frost, the yankee voice of New England. I found both voices right here on Wickenden Street: I bumped into, and hugged, Noah, a homeless, harmless, highly intelligent and gifted prophet. He looked pretty good: “I like the homeless shelter, and they have bins of clothes that fit me, suit me, and they protect me when I am ailing.” Noah has survived trauma and suffered a recent coma. “You’ll feel a pinch, the doctor told me, but it My Noah may wasn’t really that painful, the injection,” Noah told me. He added that he thought he had lost have fallen on his identification bracelet, a sterling silver depiction of Noah’s Ark with the various and sundry hard times but he animals he had taken with him on that ship of meant to save the world from a great flood, is not at all down state deluge, tsunami, the wrath of God, a Bible story that seems so relevant right now, all over the huand out man world. But it was returned to him, and he took it out from his back-pack kit and showed it to me. It was a masterpiece of design that totally suited his own sterling character. You see, my Noah knows the Superman Building better than anyone left alive in this city. It was almost his own proper home, he knew it so well. The Projo architecture critic, David Brussat, praised his knowledge and familiarity with that Ark of a skyscraper. How it served as a lighthouse for such aircraft as Zeppelins, Dirigibles, that clung to the top of the tower like a haven or a harbor. Noah has a special gift for observing design details and admired the elegance of every space in the glory days of what was known as the Industrial Trust Building, the very landmark and emblem of the Industrial Revolution that brought most of our immigrant grandparents here to Providence, Rhode Island. You may well have studied the bas reliefs that trace the full history of the landscape of this city/state, from the native indigenous people through the settlers that came with Roger Williams, all the way through the 20th century which found its metaphor in the Superman Skyscraper. “Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,” like an allegory of energetic Hope, especially through the World Wars that promised those Four Freedoms all over the world. Of speech and religion, from fear and from want. My Noah may have fallen on hard times but he is not at all down and out. He seeks employment, continues to learn and to celebrate his skills and to state his beliefs and opinions with wit and flashes of wisdom. (I had an aunt who didn’t think much of me and labelled me a “dilettante” from her communist viewpoint and so, maybe she was right, but my interest in Noah runs deep. It’s almost a religious belief, that this Noah IS Noah, trying to save us all by respecting the Superman Building from our neglect of our heritage and our history. I’m gonna click my wine glass to his good cheer.
6 | PrimeTime
SENIOR ISSUES
RETIREMENT SPARKS by ELAINE M. DECKER
‘Fishing’ for Seniors Many of you will have heard of “catfishing.” It’s the scam used on social media sites wherein a person pretends to be someone totally different from who they really are in an effort to get personal information from strangers. I recently read about “dogfishing.” That’s a ploy that singles use as a way to meet other singles. They borrow a cute dog from someone and take it to a public place, hoping to catch the attention of someone who might not otherwise notice them. The thinking is that cute dogs are irresistible, making their owners more attractive. Of course, this is a bait-and-switch game, since the person who borrowed Pepper doesn’t have a dog of his or her own. But the hope is that by the time the ruse is exposed, a legitimate connection will have been made. This seems harmless enough, so I decided to adapt the concept especially for single seniors. My husband and I live on a golf course, but we don’t play. It turns out many of our neighbors don’t either and some of them are single. This gave me an idea. If you happen to be similarly situated, don’t let this prevent you from attracting the attention of a desirable mate. Just go “golffishing.” Borrow a bag and some clubs from a friend or a neighbor. Position yourself near the golf cart rental station and wait for a potential mate to strike up a conversation. You might have to tip one of the staff if you plan to be there awhile, but it will be worth it. “Golffishing” not your game? Here’s an option anyone can use: “cheffishing.” Even if all you can do is boil water, you can work this one to your advantage. Invite a group of single seniors to a brunch to sample your favorite appetizers. Order them from one of those on-line delivery services. Be sure to toss the food containers into your trash bins in the garage before anyone arrives. Scatter some appropriate recipe cards around your kitchen counter. The saying is that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Truth is: women are just as taken by a man who can cook, especially if he cleans up after himself. By the time anyone figures out that you ordered in, you’ll likely have found some other common ground to mitigate your deception. Let’s work with a quality many folks are drawn to: physical fitness. For this one, invest in some famous label exercise gear. Under Armour is popular now. Get yourself a senior membership at a local workout place, preferably not the Y. Suit up and go “gymfishing.” This is another ploy that will work
equally for both sexes. Someone who is an exercise fanatic normally won’t look twice at a person who is out of shape. And let’s face it, most seniors are. But if you seem like you’re serious about toning up, it’s a whole other ballgame. Nothing says serious better than $150 worth of spandex and a pricey gym membership. If physical fitness isn’t in your wheelhouse, how about reading? Even faux intellectuals can pull this one off. Joining a book club may seem obvious, but unless you’re a widower, it’s not a good idea. First, you’d have to actually read the selected book if you expect to last more than one session. Second, if you’re female, you’ll be in competition with several other women. Many of them will be vying for the attention of the scarce men to be found at these gatherings. The best places for bookfishing are your local library or a quiet park bench. Wear your reading glasses. Of course, the ultimate come-on for most seniors is the doting grandparent. Women in particular find that irresistible. If you have grandchildren of your own, borrow them for this gambit even if they drive you crazy. Don’t have your own? Ask around your neighborhood. There’s bound to be a harried mom somewhere who’ll be grateful to have you watch Junior for a few hours. The trick with “grandfishing” is to find the right venue to settle into with your charge. Indoor malls where seniors go to walk in small groups is a good place to start. With just one little fellow in tow, you’ll have the chance to check out several potential matches. These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Pay attention to what seems to interest the singles in your community and you’ll get other “fishing” ideas that could work for you. Of course, there’s always that universal lure—“dogfishing.” Why not borrow a dog from the local shelter? At our age there’s no shame in what we do for love. You might even decide to adopt for real. Copyright 2019 Elaine M. Decker Elaine M. Decker’s books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon.com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com
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PrimeTime | 7
POSITIVE AGING
SENIOR ISSUES
Principles for Positive Living
by PAT R I C I A R A S K I N
I am happy to be a contributor to Prime Time. My work as a media broadcaster, trainer, interviewer, writer and speaker has always been about positive living. And now that I am older, it is about positive aging. It’s really the same thing as positive living. What changes are the numbers and yes there are changes as we age. We may not hear quite as well, move quite as fast, or walk quite as far, but that doesn’t have to stop us. We have so much experience and wisdom at this stage in our lives. We have made the mistakes, we’ve had losses, we have learned to be resilient and work through change. I look forward to sharing and hearing back from you.
- Patricia Raskin
This is an excerpt from my self-published book Pathfinding: Seven Principles for Positive Living. One of my most memorable moments as a child, was listening to my grandmother tell Russian folk tales as we sat nestled on the bed. I vividly remember her story about a poor, hungry woman who knocked on the door of a stranger to ask for a piece of bread and some water. When she was turned away, the person who refused to offer her food was plagued with frogs or snakes which jumped out of his mouth whenever he tried to speak. However, if the poor woman was welcomed by the host when she knocked on his door, gold and pearls would come out of the host’s mouth whenever he spoke. My grandmother’s message was clear: Perform kind deeds whenever you can. Be loving and kindhearted. Treat people kindly so you will be treated kindly. Speak pearls of wisdom. Respect people. Be compassionate because the pattern of the human race goes from individual to family to group to community to city to state to nation to the world. What is passed from one is passed to all. What is done to one affects everyone. I cherish the times I spent at her side soaking up the stories and heritage she passed on to me. My family heritage is my personal, cultural and professional foundation. It’s my moral, ethical and spiritual compass. In novels, movies and plays, historical and chronological time frames are the keys to character development. Just as historical foundations set the stage in the arts, our heritage serves as the foundation for our lives. We cannot fully understand our lives without comprehending the context of our beginnings.
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As we seek to understand and appreciate those who came before us, we step out of our own personal narratives and into theirs. We step back in time intellectually and emotionally to get a sense for what influenced them in their youth and adulthood. We wonder how our ancestors handled their challenges and struggles. Most of all, we begin to understand them as people, as human beings trying to find their way in a world that was different, yet strikingly similar to the world we inhabit. I think that the importance of knowing our family heritage is that we seek out how the generations before us did it, which helps us to do it better. I encourage you – whoever you are, whatever family background you come from, wherever you are going – to honor the heritage and legacy that is yours and yours alone. Share family stories. Allow your common family history to draw you closer together. Don’t miss any opportunity to visit and vacation with relatives. Let the remembrances you share be monuments to your family’s storied heritage. Explore remote, almost forgotten family paths together. Pathfinding is a family-enrichment activity. It has the same effects as family prayer – it holds families together. It establishes the links for passing family torches from generation to generation. Each generation has to learn important lessons from the previous one. That willingness to learn from each other and apply the family lessons will produce the dividends of sound family values and philosophies. In this way, each generation leaves its own legacy. In my book, I also gathered stories from my late father, who passed at 95. I will always have his stories as a legacy.
Patricia Raskin, President of Raskin Resources Productions, Inc, and recipient of the 2015 Rhode Island Small Business Administration Award, is recognized as the “powerhouse voice” of positive lifestyle and aging and “positive media” pioneer. An award winning radio producer and business owner, she has served as a catalyst for creating positive change for almost four decades. Raskin’s programs have aired on FOX, PBS, NPR affiliates and for ten years on WPRO radio in Providence. Her internet radio & podcast program, The Patricia Raskin Positive Living Show, in its seventeenth year, is heard on VoiceAmerica.com and iTunes. She has interviewed over 3,000 people including Maya Angelou, Marianne Williamson, Jane Seymour, Jack Canfield, Dr. Memhet Oz and Joan Lunden. Patricia has worked with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Age- Friendly Rhode Island to create radio programs and seminars on healthy aging. Currently, Patricia is producing and hosting a pilot program for Rhode Island Public Television entitled “Positive Aging.” She presents and trainings and workshops locally, regionally and nationally.
November 2019
AGING DISGRACEFULLY Upcoming shows
LIFESTYLES
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT by DON FOWLER
Get info and tickets at agingdisgracefully.net or call 401 288-1188
A New Comedy Show from Doreen Collins & Charlie Hall He’s Everywhere! From stand-up at just about every Rhode Island comedy club to his Ocean State Follies, Charlie Hall has entertained Rhode Islanders for as long as I can remember. For his “real job,” he is a court sketch artist, and in his spare time, he draws political cartoons for the Warwick Beacon, Cranston Herald, Johnston Sunrise and Providence Journal. Charlie Hall, the first inductee into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, has teamed up with Doreen Collins, first female inductee into THE HALL, to present a new comedy show, “Aging Disgracefully”. The comedian, well into his sixties, and his long time Follies performer, “well on her way,” have developed a hysterically funny show that they describe as “stand-up, songs and skits on everything from bingo to botox.” Collins calls it a work in progress, as the duo assesses their audiences’ reactions, which are different every night. At a show last month at Lancellotta’s Banquet Restaurant in North Providence, the packed hall laughed long and loud at their shenanigans, as they poked fun at the aging
process and their role in it. Charlie got the room’s attention by making the usual opening statement: “Turn off your iphones..” but added “pacemakers and heart monitors.” “We are careful about not offending anyone,” Charlie told me after the show. “We make fun of ourselves and near the end come out in costume to do a bit. It changes every night, and we play to the audience, involving them without embarrassing them.” The jokes are funny. Some even a bit corny. Some are risqué, like the old vaudeville days, and Hall and Collins respect that fine line between risqué and raunchy. As a senior himself, Charlie can joke about his experiences with hearing loss and nighttime trips to the bathroom. There are the quips about Viagra and colonoscopies, forgetfulness, and a funny song about AARP, sung to the tune of YMCA. Hall and Collins are masters of ad libs, playing off each other perfectly. This is not a polished show, and I say that in a positive way. While their comic timing is excellent, an occasional flub of a line usually gets the
Friday, November 1 Cucina Rustica 555 Atwood Ave, Cranston Dinner and show.
big laugh. Another funny bit includes a number of home made devices that Charlie has invented for seniors. In one segment, they alternate singing a few lines of a song with their revised words. “Memory” from CATS will have you in hysterics, as it did with one woman whose infectious laugh got the entire room going crazy. The show takes a big breath at the end when Doreen sings a serious song, “I’m Still Here,” which is a message to young people about not forgetting their elders and recognizing their importance and dignity. The audience joins them in “Young at Heart” and all leave having laughed at the aging process, whether gracefully or disgracefully.
To book the show for your next fundraiser or function, contact Doreen Collins at 401-4471594 or Charlie Hall at Rhodecomic@gmail,com.
Sunday Matinee November 4 Twin Oaks Restaurant 100 Sabra St, Cranston. 1pm lunch, show follows Saturday, November 9 Lancellotta’s 1113 Charles St., North Providence Doors open 6:30, buffet 7:00pm, show 8:15 Saturday, November 2 Dan’s Tavern-on-the-Green 615 Callahan Road North Kingstown. Dinner and show. Thursday, Decemer 12 HOLIDAY SHOW Lancellotta’s 1113 Charles St. North Providence, Doors open 6:30, buffet 7:00pm, show 8:15
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Memory Care Center 140 Warwick Neck Avenue, Warwick Member Saint Elizabeth Community
401.739.2844
November 2019
www.stelizabethcommunity.org A non-profit, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) charitable organization and a CareLink Partner
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ANIMAL TALK text & photos by Karen Kalunian
Local❤Adoptable❤Loveable
Delve into the back rooms of Southern New England’s museums. Explore their treasured collections and uncover pieces that often remain hidden away.
Sasha
Sasha, means “helper of mankind” and you will see that she is just that when you meet her! She is an eight year young Dilute Tortie with a stunning coat and lovely light golden-green eyes. She is looking for a comfortable, loving home where she can spend her days basking in the sunlight through the windows and getting all of the attention she so deserves. She is currently on a prescription diet and the shelter will send you home with a supply of her food to get you off to a great start! Sasha is available at Providence Animal Control located at 200 Terminal Road/Adoption Way, Providence. Call 401-243-6040 for more information. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-3:00, closed Sunday and Monday. If you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen:
ilovedogs1920@gmail.com
It’s a treasure hunt you won’t want to miss.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Digital 36.1 | Cox 1008HD | Verizon FiOS 508HD Comcast 819HD | Verizon FiOS 518HD DirecTV 36 | Dish Network 36
Weiss Ancient Art Gallery RISD Museum
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November 2019
LIFESTYLES by LARRY GRIMALDI
Happy ThanksgivingItalian Style!
CLUES ACROSS 1. Flat-topped hill 5. Fire usually accompanies it 10. Talked 12. Skillset 14. Unembarrassed 16. Where teens spend their days 18. Boxing’s GOAT 19. Used to anoint 20. Rust fungi 22. Panthers’ signal caller 23. Forests have lots of them 25. Lentils 26. One’s self-esteem 27. Where you entered the world (abbr.) 28. High school test 30. Large, flightless bird 31. Expectorated 33. Some practice it 35. Prickly shrub 37. French river 38. Told on 40. Steep hillside 41. Peyton’s little brother 42. Soviet Socialist Republic 44. Welsh river 45. Witness 48. Brews 50. Orange-brown 52. Separates DNA and RNA 53. Mexican agave 55. Self-contained aircraft unit 56. Encourage 57. Atomic #52 (abbr.) 58. About latitude 63. Trivial gadget 65. Film a scene again 66. Small blisters 67. Dark brown
November 2019
CLUES DOWN 1. Advanced degree 2. Goes with flow 3. The Caspian is one 4. Accumulate on the surface of 5. Vascular systems or plants 6. A popular kids magazine 7. __ podrida: spicy Spanish stew 8. Vandalized a car 9. Prefix meaning ‘within’ 10. Soviet labor camp system 11. Strong hostilities 13. B complex vitamin 15. Go quickly 17. Toast 18. A team’s best pitcher 21. A Philly culinary special 23. Small child 24. Unhappy 27. Trims by cutting 29. Weepy 32. It might be on the back 34. Spy organization 35. Female body part 36. Came back from behind 39. Fall back or spring forward 40. Famed traveling journalist 43. Where the current is fast 44. Withstand 46. A Philly football player 47. Records brain activity 49. Aromatic powder 51. Circular panpipe 54. Ship as cargo 59. Bar bill 60. Adult female 61. OJ trial judge 62. One’s grandmother 64. Hot, massive star
Every year when the calendar turns to November, I remember my favorite Thanksgiving story. I believe that warm and fuzzy holiday memories take on a mythical quality with the passage of time. If that’s true, the tale I’m about to tell has all the elements of an Italian comedy. Many years ago, my friend was invited to spend Thanksgiving with a large Italian family. Sitting down at the table at 12:00 p.m. sharp (as is the custom of most Italian holiday feats), he had no idea that he was about to be treated to a Thanksgiving meal fit for a king and his royal family (and most of the kingdom as well). My friend came from a very small family. When he took his place the dinner table, he was automatically adopted into the family that included a large contingent of assorted relatives. He was also conferred the title of Honorary Uncle to the diners at the “Children’s Table.” Little did my friend realize that the dinner table was the “stage” where his immersion into Italian culture and cuisine would play out (complete with dialogue of raucous, lively conversation). The meal began with antipasto. As he sampled the pickled peppers, artichoke hearts, olives, prosciutto and cheeses spread before him, he delighted to discover a new way to begin Thanksgiving dinner. It should be noted here that every family has its own version of antipasto. This explains the annual pilgrimages of tradition-bound family chefs returning to their roots and fighting the crowds at Italian specialty markets on Federal Hill to purchase the delicacies served at elaborate culinary celebrations (including Christmas Eve, the Feast of the Seven Fishes). After the antipasto, soup was served. As he savored the chicken escarole soup, he began to wonder if he needed to cut down on the appetizers. After all, he didn’t want to be stuffed at turkey time. After the soup, the banqueters took a short rest to drink homemade wine. He eyed the Italian moonshine with some trepidation. But he didn’t want to offend his hosts; so he raised his glass, joined in the Salute toast, and sipped. It didn’t take long to realize that more wine would flow before dinner was over. My friend was in for another surprise when the next course arrived. As piping hot platters of lasagna were set before him, he began to wonder if an Italian Thanksgiving included the American menu of “turkey and all the fixings.” But the lasagna looked too tempting and the aroma was too enticing for him to pass up. Exhorted by the group’s “Mangia” battle cry, he devoured the lasagna. At long last, the turkey and traditional side dishes were served. As he was enjoying his dinner, (in much smaller portions than he was used to), my friend reminded himself to save room for dessert. The stage was set for another Thanksgiving revelation. Pies were in shorter supply than he anticipated; but large serving dishes packed with an assortment of nuts, fruits, figs, dates, accompanied by a selection of Italian cookies and other baked treats was were new to his palate. There was also an assortment of after-dinner aperitifs such as anisette, sambucca, and amaretto (no Bailey’s Irish Crème to be found) destined to lace the inevitable pot of espresso. The aperitifs are poured into the espresso as an Old World remedy for the over-taxed digestive tract. After the feast had ended and the table was cleared, he realized that Thanksgiving dinner, played out against the constant hum of joyful conversation, had gone on for more than eight hours! My friend realized that he had enjoyed every moment; and he was particularly proud of his Honorary Uncle status. Here’s hoping that you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast in the company of family and friends. And if you’re invited, don’t miss the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving-Italian Style! Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lvgrimald2149@gmail.com.
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LIFESTYLES
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT by DON FOWLER
Country Legend Vince Gill still rocking at 62 Vince Gill has won more Grammy Awards than any other country singer in history. Twenty one, to be exact. He has also won 18 Country Music Association Awards, and sold over 26 million records. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, and was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. At 62 years of age, Vince began an extensive tour of America that continues until the end of the year, stopping for one show in Providence in October at the Vets Auditorium. He played for over two and a half hours, and never sounded better, backed by a powerful band. And after the show he held a “Meet and Greet,” posing for photos and autographs. Vince Gill is no stranger to Rhode Island. Talking with him by phone from his Nashville home, he reminisced about his “good times” in Rhode Island,
especially at the old Warwick Musical Theatre. “I remember the night the electricity went out,” he said. “When they couldn’t get it back on, I moved around to each section and played acoustic. It was quite a night. “I remember fondly the Bonoff family (Buster and Barbara, son Larry and daughter Betsy). They became close friends over the years.” When asked to perform at their final night back in 1999, Vince not only did his show, he stayed well after midnight, playing request after request. “That part of the country is one of the prettiest in the world and people from New England are some of the friendliest. The Bonoff family was among my best friends.” If you watched the recent Ken Burns documentary on the history of country music and the special concert leading up to the series, you saw a lot of Vince
YOUR TAXES
Gill, both in vintage photographs and films, and in recent performances at the Ryman in Nashville, both performing and backing up other singers. “Do you know that that entire process took eight and a half years,” he said. “Sadly, twenty of the performers who appeared in the production have passed away.” “Being a part of that has been one of the proudest moments of my life,” he continued. “Ken Burns told the story of country music with dignity. It was a blessing to be part of it.” If you look back at Gill’s long career, you will see that he loves to share the stage with superstars as well as up and coming singers. You will see him in the Burns’ documentary playing back up guitar and singing duets with country legends. “Some of my proudest moments are working with new singer/songwriters, giving them the encouragement I got in
the early days of my career.” Gill enjoys singing his many hits, like “When I Call Your Name” He still writes new songs, and he is playing some of them from his new album, “Okie,” on his tour. When I told him that my favorite was “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” he said that he always sings the song that is closest to his heart. “If anything I hope I will be remembered for that one.” He’ll end the tour, which will continue with his wife, Amy Grant, joining him with some Christmas music. I thanked him for spending time with one of his biggest fans before he went on the road again, congratulating him for his long career, which at age 62, shows no sign of slowing down. “I hope there’s a lot more to come,” he said.
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
by M E G C H E VA L I E R
The Earned Income Tax Credit can put money in taxpayers’ pockets The Earned Income Tax Credit benefits working people with low-to-moderate income. Last year, the average credit was $2,445. EITC not only reduces the amount of tax someone owes, but may also give them a refund, even if they don’t owe any tax at all. Here are a few things people should know about this credit: * Taxpayers may move in and out of eligibility for the credit throughout the year. This may happen after major life events. Because of this, it’s a good idea for people to find out if they qualify. * To qualify, people must meet certain requirements and file a federal tax return. They must file even if they don’t owe any tax or aren’t otherwise required to file. * Taxpayers qualify based on their income, the number of children they have, and the filing status they use on their tax return. For a child to qualify, they must live with the taxpayer for more than six months of the year. 12 | PrimeTime
Here’s a quick look at the income limits for the different filing statuses. Those who work and earn less than these amounts may qualify. Married filing jointly: * Zero children: $21,370 * One child: $46,884 * Two children: $52,493 * Three or more children: $55,952 Head of household and single: * Zero children: $15,570 * One child: $41,094 * Two children: $46,703 * Three or more children: $50,162
The maximum credit amounts are based on the number of children a taxpayer has. They are the same for all filing statuses:
* Zero children: $529 * One child: $3,526 * Two children: $5,828 * Three or more children: $6,557 Taxpayers who file using the status married filing separately cannot claim EITC. For additional information, please visit www.irs. gov/EITC and Publication 5334, Do I Qualify for EITC? November 2019
A Veterans Home Run: A PawSox 5K Walk ‘N Run Saturday, November 9th, 2019
Join us as we honor those who have served our country in our 4th annual Pawsox Foundation 5K Walk “N Run. Proceedswill support Operation Stand Down RI. Ocean State Job Lot and the PawSox will be holding a Food Drive to benefit Operation Stand Down. Please bring any non-perishable food items you wish to donate to our food drive for the families served by Operation Stand Down. Please contact the PawSox directly at (401) 721-7300 with any questions. milb.com/pawtucket/events/2019-pawsox-veterans-5k
Gearhead DIY Super Center Veterans Day Celebration
We are honoring our Veterans from all branches of the military, including POW’s and MIA. We ask that you make a donation to support those who have served our Great Country. ALL donations will go to help local Veterans in need. We will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs while listening to our local Fife and Drum Corps. We will also be unveiling a project assisted by our students of our free welding seminars. Hope to see everyone here to show their support!! Sunday, November 10, 2019, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, 250 Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick
Artists’ ExchAngE
FrEE
clAssEs for seniors (smAll FE E For mAtE r iAls)
NOVEMBER EVENTS The 7th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans November 2, 2019
The WaterFire Salute to Veterans will honor and recognize all United States veterans, active and reserve military personnel and families for their service, sacrifice and contributions to this nation. Dora VasquezHellner, Junior Vice Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Rhode Island will be the 2019 Keynote Speaker for the WaterFire Salute to Veterans Opening Ceremonies at the Rhode Island State House.
Build with a purpose
Calling Veterans. Looking for a new mission or purpose? Come build with us for the day. If you are a returning Veteran from active duty or looking for a new mission and purpose, we invite you to come build with us for the day. This is a great way to help reintegrate back into society and help build alongside people in your community or learn new skills. Friendly environment with other like minded vets. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited. Saturday, November 9, 2019. 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Talcott Street, Woonsocket
Classes in:
Art Theater Ceramics 490-9475
Call for info 50 Rolfe Sq., CRanSton
www.artists-exchange.org
East Greenwich Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2019 Main Street, East Greenwich
10AM. From Academy Field, the parade will continue to First Avenue (Rt.401) for a wreath-laying ceremony at the corner of Cliff Street. The parade will then proceed North on Main Street to the Town Hall for closing ceremonies. In the event of inclement weather, a ceremony will be held inside Swift Community Center at 121 Peirce Street.
North Kingstown Veterans Day Parade November 11, 2019 201 West Main St., North Kingstown
The observance of Veterans Day will begin at 9:00AM with wreath laying ceremonies at the Civil War Memorial (80 Boston Neck Road) and at the memorials in nearby Veterans Memorial Park to pay homage to thos lost in the nation’s armed conflicts. Parade will start at 10AM. and will follow West Main and Brown Streets
Holiday Extravaganza Craft Fair NOVEMBER 16, 2019, Cranston, RI, VFW (Kelley Gazzero) Jump start your holiday shopping with our crafter’s and vendors. Secret Angels Society Craft Fair NOVEMBER 30, 2019, W,Warwick, RI, West Warwick Country Club. All types of crafters, Santa will be there. Also a raffle table. St. Ann’s Church Annual Christmas Bazaar and Silent Auction November 23, 2019 9:00AM - t. Ann’s Church Lower Level, 2 Russo Street, Providence
November 2019
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BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS and
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401-274-0438
DERMATOLOGY
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November 2019
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November 2019
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It’s Time for the Baby’s First Savings Account
It’s Time for Her First Auto Loan
It’s Time for Their First Home Mortgage
It’s Time for you to get the personalized service you deserve.
OceanStateCU.org | 877.397.1900 or 401.397.1900 Federally insured by NCUA
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Let us be a part of all your Firsts. November 2019