The South Coast Insider - December 2019 by Coastal Communications Corp.

DECEMBER 2019 Vol. 23 / No. 12

coastalmags.com

The season of giving

Community outreach Chill with cocoa Gift guide Good reads

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CONTENTS Annual Holiday Open House Through December 30

Featured on Chronicle, the FRHS’ acclaimed annual Open House lets visitors experience the splendor of a grand Victorian era Christmas. The FRHS mansion is lavishly decked out in an award-winning holiday display from room to room, including a series of dazzling themed trees. Admission is by donation. Hours are 9 to 4 Monday - Friday and 1 to 4:30 Saturdays and Sundays. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and at noon on December 24. For more information, call 508-679-1071, ext. 1 or 2.

Palette Pictures Art Exhibit and Silent Auction Through December 18

Palette Pictures, an annual exhibit and sale of works donated by artists in the South Coast region, offers art lovers a variety of high-quality original art works in a variety of media at small prices. Bidding for each work starts at half of the retail price. Proceeds benefit the FRHS. Hours are 9 to 4 Monday through Friday and 1 to 4:30 Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.

Victorian High Tea in Easton Tea Room

DECEMBER 2019

IN EVERY ISSUE

THINGS TO DO

From the publisher

Dateline: South Coast by Elizabeth Morse Read

COVER STORY

Special Shops by Ron Fortier

Cocoa at the common by Steven Froias

Join the club by Michael J. DeCicco

ON MY MIND

Gone astray thoughts by Paul Kandarian

Have a merry (and safe) Christmas! by Elizabeth Morse Read

Talking stocking by Laura LaTour

Through December 29

Fine English teas, our famous scones, tea sandwiches, savories, and dainty pastries served in Easton Tea Room’s three elegant and intimate parlors with original period details. Located in the historic 1870 Alexander Dorrance Easton house adjacent to the FRHS at 458 High Street. Open for the holiday season on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations recommended.

Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus

December 15, 2019, 9 a.m. to noon

BUSINESS BUZZ

Young and old alike are cordially invited to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visits take place in the lavishly decorated Music Room, where the jolly duo will greet guests in front of one of our dazzling Christmas trees. Please bring your own camera. A volunteer will be on hand to take photos at your request. Admission is free.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Community outreach by Sean McCarthy

Making your space by Ron Fortier

ON THE COVER When doing your holiday shopping, it’s more important than ever to remember to shop local and support your community. Photo courtesy Anthi Frangiadis anthifrangiadis.com

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FROM THE PUBLISHER December 2019 | Vol. 23 | No. 12

Published by Coastal Communications Corp.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE AGAIN! And while

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ljiljana Vasiljevic

season of shopping, don’t lose sight of the true

Editor Sebastian Clarkin

dark days a little warmer and brighter for the

the season of giving can all too often feel like the spirit behind all that stress: making these cold, people who mean the most to us.

Online Editor Paul Letendre Contributors Michael J. DeCicco, Ron Fortier, Steven Froias, Paul Kandarian, Laura LaTour, Tom Lopes, Sean McCarthy, Elizabeth Morse Read The South Coast Insider is published monthly for visitors and residents of the South Coast area and is distributed free of charge from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay. All contents copyright ©2019 Coastal Communications Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, without written permission from the Publisher. All information contained herein is believed to be reliable. Coastal Communications Corp. does not assume any financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of an advertisement in which the typographical error occurs. Deadline 20 days prior to publication.

Throughout the South Coast, community organizations work year-round to do just that. Learn more about their missions and what you can do to help out with Sean McCarthy’s article on page 6. On page 10, Steven Froias shines a light on one of the more colorful parts of the region: the holiday celebrations at Clasky Common Park in New Bedford. This community-organized tradition has brought together a neighborhood and demonstrated the good that can come from some hometown pride. Of course, there’s very literal giving to be done this time of year. While the lure of Black Friday deals and online doorbusters may be impossibly enticing, spare a thought for local retailers and artisans, who offer products infused with originality. On page 14, Ron Fortier highlights some small shops and destinations you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re stocking your sleigh. However you choose to celebrate, don’t forget that you have something to celebrate. Join the chorus, and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

Circulation 30,000 Subscriptions $39 per year Mailing Address Coastal Communications Corp. P.O. Box 3493 Fall River, MA 02722 Phone (508) 677-3000 Website coastalmags.com E-mail editor@coastalmags.com Our advertisers make this publication possible— please support them.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

BUSINESS BUZZ

Volunteers are the lifeblood of community organizations across the region.

Community outreach By Sean McCarthy

IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR when caregivers go into overdrive. Whether it’s for religious intentions, giving back to the community, or the personal pleasure of philanthropy, the holiday season seems to bring out the generous tendencies of those who wish to share their blessings with those who have not been as fortunate. The South Coast has many organizations and individuals who seek to make the holiday season enjoyable and meaningful for all. 8

A force for good “We strive to have a volunteer army that does the most good for those most in need,” says Geoffrey Swires, a Major with the Fall River Salvation Army, an organization that cares for as many as 800 families during the holidays, using 30 additional volunteers. “We work with people who offer their time, talents, and treasure. They make a huge impact in some people’s lives.” The New Bedford Salvation Army serves 3,000 families during Christmas time and uses up to 100 volunteers. “Without volunteers we couldn’t serve the community the way we do,” says Michael Jung, a Major with the New Bedford Salvation Army. “Our volunteers

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

come to us mostly from word of mouth. There are people who enjoy what they’re doing and they’ll tell their friends and recruit them to help as well. Most people are grateful to have an opportunity to serve others and knowing that they are giving back to the community. There’s a social element too – a lot of volunteers may not know each other and they become good friends. It’s a nice way to meet new people and make new friends.” Johnny Garcia, 41, of New Bedford assists three days a week at the Salvation Army doing maintenance work and loading and unloading trucks with food and other donations. “We make it fun,” Garcia says of the experience. “We want to make sure that

everything is taken care of for the homeless and everybody else that comes in. At the end of the day you feel good about what you’ve done – it means a lot to people. The doors are open to anyone and we like providing a hand to help.” Most to the duties that Salvation Armies require of volunteers are simple but significant. The New Bedford chapter relies on volunteers to help fill out applications for Christmas food and gifts. They help prepare the building for their meals while serving the food and they assist in handing out food to local homes and delivering toys. They also rely on people who speak Spanish and Portuguese to translate. The Fall River chapter uses volunteers to cook food, prepare it, serve it, and clean up afterwards. Licensed drivers are used for picking up food from the Greater Boston Food Bank. They also deliver food throughout the area.

Last year, the Fall River Salvation Army spent 40 percent of its kettle income on people who tended them. Families and friends are encouraged to be gratuitous with their time, if only one hour per person. The Rotary Club and the Masons donate some of their time but people of all stripes are welcome to host the kettles. Bernie Smith, 77, of East Bridgewater works at the New Bedford Salvation Army as a member of the Advisory Board, focusing on finance. He was referred to the organization by a friend. “I’d always admired what the Salvation Army does and this is a way to participate in that,” he says. “It’s good to see people benefit from the generosity of the Salvation Army. There’s a personal satisfaction that comes from it.” For adults, volunteering may be a benevolent gesture, but for children it can be a lesson in civic contribution and an introduction to providing for their community.

“At the end of the day you feel good about what you’ve done— it means a lot to people. The doors are open to anyone and we like providing a hand to help.” The Salvation Army is a Christian-based organization that preaches the gospel of the New Testament, but they refrain from forcing their beliefs on their guests. People of all faiths are welcome to partake in their gifts and generosity. “We believe that we do all of this for Christ,” Jung says. “We share the word of the Lord but we don’t discriminate regardless of anything – we serve all of mankind.” And the Salvation Armies rely on volunteers for their renowned red kettle and bell ringing responsibilities at retail stores throughout the area. But their future may be in jeopardy due to a lack of volunteers. “We need volunteers more than ever,” says Fall River’s Curtis Nelson, Chairman of the Salvation Army’s Advisory Board who has been affiliated with the organization for 15 years. “With minimum wage increasing, we’re spending a lot of money to have people who will run the kettles.”

Many local organizations welcome the contributions of young people. “For people who work at the kettles, bringing your children with you can be a great lesson for them,” Nelson says. “They have fun ringing the bell while they learn about how to think civically and it exposes them to giving.”

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

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local businesses, schools, and churches. They amass more than 4,000 volunteers each year, including the efforts of local high school and college students who often help with wrapping toys and compiling food and clothing for children, as well as accompanying a driver who delivers them along with furniture to the homes of those in need. Joanne Maxwell-Barbarito of Westport has volunteered at the Dartmouth location since it opened. “This is a most accepting community,” she says. “The volunteers are very accepting of the people they’re serving. We serve people with no questions asked – it’s a wonderful feeling for them that no one is judging them.”

to the homeless as well as organizing, sorting, and boxing donations of clothing. They are also needed to help decorate, set up, and serve meals as well as cleaning afterwards. And there are people who also help children in need, particularly Horizons for Homeless Children, an organization which works in 20 shelter locations in southeastern Massachusetts. Horizons largely focuses on their “Playspace Program” geared towards children living in regional shelters providing them with the opportunity for play that supports their healthy development. They establish developmentally-appropriate and trauma-informed “kid friendly” sites for learning and growth, providing books, toys, games, and arts and crafts.

The Dartmouth COA uses volunteers for events such as classes in exercise, computers, and sowing as well as facilitating educational programs. They need people to man the Thrift Store and answer telephones, helping to prepare for events and working as receptionists. The organization also features a program known as “The Discovery Center,” where volunteers are interviewed and matched with local non-profit organizations. According to Nancy Miller, Program Director of the Dartmouth facility, the volunteers for “The Discovery Center” are “retirees looking at the next chapter of their lives and want to share their knowledge and experience.” The three New Bedford COA’s need assistance with their Adult Day Programs

National organizations like the Salvation Army and United Way are still able to make a local impact.

At the Acushnet-based Gifts To Give, 1,000 out of the 1,500 volunteers who assist every month are children, mostly from regional schools. They assist in handling the more than 20,000 pounds of goods that are dropped off at the center each week. The organization is run entirely by volunteers. They primarily process and organize the goods, which are mostly clothes and shoes, books and toys, as well as items such as soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs. Their 60,000-square-foot establishment is referred to as “The Philanthropy Factory.” Another local organization relying on volunteers is Fall River’s Hearts of Hope. This group requires volunteers to put together lunches and help deliver them

People who work for Horizons are known as “Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs). They work at least two hours a week at the same time and same location, typically Monday through Thursday, day or evenings for six months or more. PALs must be at least 16 years old, while anyone under 18 must have an adult guardian who attends both the required training and volunteering. Training is a one-time, three-hour session and people can apply online.

Age appropriate There are often many opportunities for assisting the elderly in South Coast including local Councils On Aging and the New Bedford-based Coastline Elderly Services.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

running bingo games, playing games with the clients as well as arts and crafts. They also use volunteers as tour guides when they take day trips to locations such as Lake Winnipesaukee and Foxwoods. Every four or five months the organizations will go on extended trips to places such as Washington D.C. and Amish Country. Coastline Elderly Services offers four major volunteer programs, among them The Foster Grandparent Program, A Money Management Program, A Nursing Home Ombudsman Program, and their Caregiver Companion and Support Services Program. The Nursing program helps advocate for seniors who are in nursing homes while the Caregiver program has people assisting those with

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dementia and other memory loss issues. Coastline also provides volunteer opportunities in their Nutrition Program, popularly known as “Meals On Wheels” where people can help serve meals to seniors at congregate sites throughout New Bedford and delivering them to local recipients. But for those who are unable to contribute during the holidays, most organizations use volunteers throughout the year. The United Ways of Greater Fall River, Greater New Bedford, and Plymouth County offer a website providing volunteer opportunities at volunteersouthcoast.org. The Greater Fall River United Way is a contributor to the national campaign known as “Warm Coats, Warm Hearts.” Gently-used coats are collected at Burlington Coat Factory located at 181 Mariano Boulevard in Fall River. Clothing donations can also take place at the United Way at 30 Bedford Street in Fall River – including hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, socks, and hand warmers. Volunteers assist with the sorting of the goods as well as their delivery to locations such as Hearts of Hope, Family Services Association, Fall River Emergency Shelter, Stepping Stone, and others. The program started on November 10 and will run until the end of January. Another organization affiliated with the Greater Fall River United Way is SER-Jobs for Progress. An affiliate of the national program SERJobs for Progress located in Dallas, the Fall River chapter is devoted to helping the minority community and the disadvantaged in the area by offering employment services, upgrading of job skills, and increasing business and economic opportunities. SER-Jobs for Progress conducts the national program, Handshake, where local students can get credited or non-credited internships where they assist in things such as office management and assisting staff. Meghan Rogers is the Communications Coordinator at the Greater Fall River United Way. “Volunteers play a vital role in their community,” she says. “Regardless of their contribution, they’re giving of their time and talents to make their community a better and stronger place.”

THINGS TO DO

Cocoa at the Common

By Steven Froias

anta’s Village and the Festival of Lights at Clasky Common Park in New Bedford is one of those beloved traditions which helps create the emotional infrastructure of a city. Yet, even though the sparkling lights have been shining in this graceful space since the 1950s, every now and then it helps to give them some special attention and show them some extra love. And that’s exactly what Cocoa at the Common has done for the past few years. This December, Cocoa at the Common enters its third year. The simple idea with magnificent results was started by Devin Byrnes, owner of the popular downtown New Bedford eatery, Destination Soups. Beginning with the tree lighting on Sunday, December 8, and then moving to every Saturday until the New Year, Byrnes and a cohort of community members set up a station in the midst of

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

the seasonal shine and dispense free hot cocoa to folks visiting the light display. For Byrnes, it’s not about Destination Soups – it’s about community. Particularly, it’s about building community in and around Clasky Common Park during this annual holiday tradition.

The Lights at Clasky Common Park The Commons, or Common Park, was the city’s first public green, founded in the mid-19th century. Sloping down from County Street to Purchase Street, it is full of notable features such as a magnificent Civil War memorial. In 1969, it was renamed Clasky Common Park to commemorate Harold H.J. Clasky, a popular political figure in New Bedford. Each year since 1952, during the holidays in December, Clasky Common Park is decorated with fanciful wooden displays of snowmen, reindeer, elves, and more representing Santa’s Village. Also, different areas within the park represent many

religious traditions – Christmas, Hanukkah, Three Kings Day, and Kwanzaa. The whole of it is then adorned with thousands upon thousands of lights of every color. The tradition began thanks to the initiative of a teacher from Greater New Bedford Regional Technical Vocational High School, and students to this day help set up and maintain the display each year. The decorations and lights fill the upper half of the park’s seven acres, and has done so every year except for a few years in the 1970s due to vandalism.

Cocoa and Community Increased security and vigilance from neighbors brought the light display back after that short period in the 70s. Today, Cocoa at the Common is creating the community space to ensure that they keep shining for a new generation. As it enters its third year, Cocoa at the Common has more elves than Santa’s Village itself. Each works hard to make sure that coming to the Common during the holidays is still a special event for kids of all ages. Holiday strollers through the park can warm up with free hot cocoa during the opening lighting ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. on December 8. The crew will stick around for a few hours during the festivities, which usually include music and performances before the switch is flipped.

“The community has bought in and really helped grow it.” Thereafter, Cocoa at the Common happens from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. on each Saturday evening through the end of December. Each week will feature special guests in addition to the free hot chocolate. Byrnes states, “I couldn’t do it without community support.” Some Destination Soups crew pitch in on some Saturdays, and talent is recruited from throughout the city, too. Dr. Michael Rocha and his Southcoast Brass Band will play one week. The group Princesses of New Bedford will welcome crowds on another. The kids art group Doodles New Bedford will set up a table for an evening. Of course, you never know when there will be some extra special guests arriving at Clasky Common Park. No spoilers, but think jolly and dressed in red with a white beard! You can follow events as they happen this December in New Bedford and get updates at Facebook.com/claskycocoa. For Byrnes, starting Cocoa at the Common has been a labor of love, and one of satisfaction. He says, “I want to emphasize that the community has bought in and really helped grow it. Yes, I started it, but there are a lot of people who help make it happen and add something to make it really special – especially for kids and families.” Cocoa at the Common has certainly helped revitalize this destination in New Bedford. Over the past few years, hundreds of new lights have been added to the display by the Voc-Tech students and City of New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure crew. It is certain to shine brightly for many more years to come, and leave with you with a warm feeling inside, too!

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

BUSINESS BUZZ

Join the club by Michael J. DeCicco

The James Arnold Mansion, home of one of the city’s most storied social organizations, the Wamsutta Club, is now more open to the public than it’s ever been, and that’s partly due to its headquarters needing a facelift.

n 2016, a group formed a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to focus on preserving the 195-year-old mansion at the top of Spring Street that has housed the Wamsutta Club since 1924, making the club that had owned the facility all those years the lessee under James Arnold Mansion, Inc.’s ownership. The current arrangement has been good for business for both organizations. The Wamsutta Club rents its rooms for a variety of public events, the most prominent example of which is the regularly scheduled “Music in the Gallery” series. This year’s last such concert will be a folk music Holiday show, “The Nield’s Christmas Concert,” on December 6. James Arnold Mansion, Inc. holds

regular “Dinner at the Mansion” events, generally three times a year, that are open to the public (though none have been scheduled for the remainder of 2019), and it makes its rooms available for fundraisers and meetings for groups ranging from the Rotary and Harvard clubs to Foster Grandparents, Your Theater, Inc. and the South Coast Bike Way Alliance. It also holds its own dinner-and-a-show fundraising events such as this past October’s “An Evening with Sinatra,” whose proceeds will benefit the preservation effort. There are also Open House tours of the historic homestead that have been conducted two to three times a year since 2016. The next of these will be during the “28th Annual Holiday House Tour” organized by the New Bedford

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Preservation Society that will start at the Arnold mansion and include a visit to the Rotch-Jones-Duff House mansion, which is further south on County Street, on December 14 and 15 (a Candlelight Tour on the 14th from 4 to 8 p.m.; and Afternoon Tour on the 15th from 1 to 5 p.m.)

Re-open James Arnold Mansion, Inc. president Richard Asquino said his group is working on a plan to have docents or tour guides similar to the ones at the Rotch-JonesDuff House “but we’re not quite there for having regular mansion tour hours. It’s a work in progress.” At the time this new arrangement started, club membership was declining,

Asquino said, “and the mansion required a lot of repairs, a lot to fix up. We formed the group so we could do the work to preserve the mansion for future generations.” In a sense, the preservation group is sort of returning the favor. When the Wamsutta Club bought the building in 1921, it saved it from years of neglect after the Rotch and Arnold families that had owned it for 100 years either died or moved away. Thanks to the Wamsutta Club’s management of it, the building hasn’t been cut up, according to Asquino. “It’s pretty much as it was when it was built in 1821. The same upstairs bedrooms, though individual bathrooms were added in the 1940s,” he said. Wamsutta Club president Robert Morris said the organization added to the original mansion the north and south dining rooms and south lounge, the grill room and the bowling alleys and squash courts that members of what is now mainly a dinner and luncheon club still access. Since 2017, James Arnold Mansion, Inc.

Members only The Wamsutta Club’s roots were grounded in the growing popularity of baseball in the 1860s. New Bedford’s Charles W. Clifford, a graduate of Harvard College, where the new game was all the rage, formed a local team to play the game against other adult teams in the area and named themselves after the strong elder son of chief Massasoit of the Wamponoag native American tribe that originally held the land that became the New Bedford-Dartmouth area. Years after acquiring a club house, the Wamsuttas evolved into the club that bought the mansion in 1921, precisely 100 years after Arnold built the original home and gardens. At the time, the club was flourishing as a business people’s social club, serving as a spot where the heads of New Bedford industries made many a business deal that kept local commerce alive over the years. (Wikipedia records it is where, in the 1960s, Warren Buffet finalized his takeover of Berkshire Hathaway.)

“We formed the group so we could do the work to preserve the mansion for future generations.” has replaced the slate roof with durable “Maine Slate” that will last another 30 years, Asquino said. It’s also removed or pruned trees in the front and side yards, upgraded the plumbing and security systems and the fire alarm system. “The purpose is to restore the mansion and make it more accessible to the public,” Asquino said. That includes eventually creating a small public garden similar to the one the original owners James Arnold and his wife Sarah Rotch built around the mansion in 1821. The Arnolds opened their very elaborate gardens to the public every Sunday, Asquino said. James Arnold grew the food he and his family ate but also gave to the poor. It is said he would leave food for the poor to take on his front porch every week. He co-founded the New Bedford Horticultural Society, and his trustees bequeathed to Harvard University the funds that created the world-renowned Arnold Arboretum.

Its membership eventually declined, club president Robert Morris said, as industry moved away from New Bedford. “We don’t have the organizations and industries we once had. As they moved so did the members of clubs like this one. There was a decline in social club memberships in general.” As an example, he said, the New Bedford Lions Club he once helmed went from 37 members to seven over recent years. To help keep the Wamsutta Club, which is currently at 140 members, in better shape, he said, “Without members, we have to rely on the general public.” That’s why visitors to Wamsutta Club or other events at the mansion will see him going from table to table introducing himself and welcoming them. The public’s knowledge of the club and interest in the club and the image it presents to the public means the future of the club, he said. The partnership with the James Arnold Mansion has been a great help. “We are a team,” Morris said, “and we work together for both our benefit.”

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

COVER STORY

Find your perfect handcrafted gift this holiday season! From left to right: Pottery Works, Flip This Dollhouse, The Glass Connector, and Floating Stone Woodworks

Special shops

By Ron Fortier

e all have lots of stuff – and, every special occasion or holiday, we either go out and buy more stuff for someone or, they go out and buy more stuff for us! The futility is of finding something unique, special, or original that speaks to whomever is receiving a gift, especially at places that sell imported, mass-produced items is usually the cause of lots of anxiety. With the winter holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah fast approaching, the exercise of gift shopping is a frustrating one. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In New Bedford (named, by the way, as one of the most creative cities in the country in several national surveys and publications) you will find plenty of unique, special, and original gift shopping opportunities. Here are just a few examples for you to consider before you head out to deal with the traffic, crowds, parking, and the challenge of finding that perfect something-or-other.

Kilburn Mill Located in the Kilburn Mill at Clarks Cove, 127 West Rodney French Boulevard in the city’s south end, is Flip This Dollhouse (facebook.com/flipthisdollhouse). This unique and special business is owned and operated by interior designer Nathaniel Ellis. His store features over 3,000 square feet of dollhouses and dollhouse furniture, curtains, rugs, lighting, and absolutely everything else you can think of – and it’s still expanding! “We sell thousands of items including dollhouse furniture, much of which is handmade and signed by the artisan in all price ranges,” says Ellis. You can also buy online via Facebook, Etsy, and eBay.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

It seems that big girls are the core customer at Flip This Dollhouse. Stop by and speak to Ellis to find out why and check out the over sixty dollhouses on display, making it one of the largest dollhouse shops in the country.

Floating Stone Woodworks Heading north is a colony of nearly eighty artist and artisan studios called the Hatch Street Studios at 88 Hatch Street. They represent a wide offering of disciplines including painting, drawing, fine furniture, jewelry, fiber art, clothing design, sculpture, and antique restoration. Among their number is Michael Pietragalla and Floating Stone Woodworks (Studio Loft 406 at Hatch Street Studios or floatingstonewoodworks.com) that offers, as Pietragalla describes, “The warmth of a handmade item that cannot be reproduced by a machine.” Floating Stone Woodworks specializes in small items such as kitchen utensils, salad sets, cheese knives and boards, spreaders, and chopsticks and sushi boards. His treasure and ring boxes are not only beautiful but are true keepsakes! “My style of furniture-making has evolved from my perceptions of Japanese (and other Asian) art and design,” says Pietragalla. “Although I make chairs and casework, I have a clear preference for tables. They are architectural in their most basic form, structural in the manner of a building. The legs are posts, the aprons are rafters, and the top is a roof.” The mirrors are also worth more than a look, as are Pietragalla’s unique and exquisite bookcases, consoles, case pieces, and bench furniture. He also offers expert restoration services.

Compassionate and Comprehensive Care

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The Glass Connector Stained glass is back (if it ever really went away at all). Just ask artist Michelle LaPointe, owner of The Glass Connector (Studio Loft 407 at Hatch Street Studios or at facebook.com/ glassconnector) who has been creating her unique, contemporary works of art in stained glass for over thirty years. Her studio is also located in the Hatch Street Studios. As the name says, LaPointe connects glass. But there’s so much more with it than that. She offers beautiful pieces in various and unique themes to hang in your window. She also creates beautiful stained-glass mobiles, 3-D hanging pieces, and both simple and lavish stainedglass jewelry such as one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. I asked her about her Doggie Paws sun catchers. She said they are created “in memory of the loved ones who passed over the rainbow bridge and the ones who are still with us.” The Glass Connector also accepts commissions. “I create custom designs for windows, front doors, sidelights, and kitchen cabinets,” says LaPointe. “Smaller items include sun catchers, wall hangings and, of course, jewelry.”

Pottery Works But wait, there’s more! Located in the heart of downtown is New Bedford Pottery Works at 279 Union Street (etsy.com/shop/ NBpotteryworks). Art teacher and potter Stephanie Sherman and her partner and manager Tim Morgado offer a line of ceramic creations inspired by, made in, and dedicated to the historic city of New Bedford. If you’re looking for smaller, one-of-a-kind hand-crafted gifts, consider their jewelry, refrigerator magnets, gift tags, bottle toppers, ornaments, ring holders, trinket dishes, and more! Sherman says, “We love creating fun and personal gifts, and our customers love that each piece is unique even when multiples are made. They are always telling us that our artwork is different, and we love hearing that! A fan favorite is our sculpted whales and whale ornaments.” Sherman and Morgado’s creations may be found at local events, craft fairs, and at their studio.

MORE HOURS We listened to our patients who wanted expanded hours that were convenient for their schedule. We are open at 7 am during the week so that you can get care before heading to school or work.

Monday – Friday Saturday / Sunday

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MORE CONVENIENCE Clockwise Online Scheduling is available at hawthornmed.com. You can reserve your spot and wait at home instead of in our waiting room.

MORE PROVIDERS Our Urgent Care providers ensure that you have comprehensive care when you are unable to see your own doctor for minor illnesses and injuries. James Chen, MD, PhD Mary Fitzhugh, MD Christopher Johnson, MD Michael Mitchell, MD

Timothy Nace, MD Maria Petrillo-Bolanos, MD Rebecca Chase, NP Kelly Stone, NP

Hawthorn Urgent Care Center 531 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth MA 02747 508-996-3991 hawthornmed.com

We care for children age 10 and older. Please get a referral if required by your insurance for walk-in care.

The South Coast Insider | December 2019

COVER STORY

Have a Merry (and safe) Christmas! By Elizabeth Morse Read

ne of the great joys of the holiday season is recreating the outdoors in our living spaces. Hanging precious family ornaments on the tree, creating islands of light with candles on our window sills, draping swags of scented greenery above doorways and fireplaces—all of these cherished traditions are played out in homes across America every December. But unless caution is taken, these beautiful displays can pose serious dangers to young and old alike.

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

The greatest holiday risk is accidental fires. Every year, 240 Christmas tree fires kill more than a dozen people and cause more than two dozen injuries and almost $17 million in property damage. Tree fires are most often caused by faulty wiring and malfunctioning lighting, but are also caused by the tree being too close to open flames, candles, space heaters, wood stoves, or radiators. Natural trees,

which dry out quickly, are much more likely to catch fire than artificial tress [see sidebars]. Holiday fires caused by trees, candles, and other decorations result in five times the fatalities and twice the injuries as home fires during other winter months. Always keep a secure fire screen in front of an open fireplace. And never throw gift wrapping into a fire – they can flare and send sparks and embers into the room or ignite creosote deposits inside the chimney.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Home fires and burn injuries peak on dates associated with holiday cooking traditions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, due to such things as unsupervised turkey deep-fryers, overcrowded stove ranges, and stoves left unattended. Young children and the elderly are the most likely to die or be injured in a holiday fire. Avoid stringing electric lights on the lower branches of your tree – small CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Season’s Greeting’s Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday — Holiday Schedule — Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019 Closing at 12:00 pm

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 Closing at 12:00 pm

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019 Christmas Day Closed

Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 New Year’s Day Closed

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

How to Choose Your Christmas Tree Nothing say “holidays” more than Christmas trees and decorative wreaths, but for safety’s sake, choose your live trees carefully. If possible, purchase your tree from a local farm or nursery – you want the freshest tree possible, not some netted-up (and dried out) specimen that’s been trucked in and stacked up at a big-box store. A healthy tree will have flexible (not brittle) needles and a sticky trunk. Stand it up and tap it firmly on the ground—only a few needles should fall off. When you bring the tree home, cut an inch or two off the trunk so that it will absorb water more easily. Keep the water level in the tree stand well above the bottom of the cut trunk – and keep pets from drinking the water, as it may contain preservatives and bacteria. If you decide on an artificial tree, make sure that the label says it’s fire-resistant. Either way, anchor your Christmas tree to the wall to prevent it from falling over, and keep it well away from fireplaces, vents, radiators, candles, and exit doorways. Never attach lit candles to a tree as decoration.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

children and pets may be tempted to chew on them, risking poisoning or electric shock and burns. Inspect all string lighting before you drape it for frayed wires, missing bulbs, broken sockets, and loose connections – and avoid overloading outlets and circuits. Beware of burning candles in a dried-out evergreen Advent wreath or interspersed with swags of greenery above your fireplace. Blow out all candles when you leave the room and turn off all decorative lighting when you go to sleep or leave the house. Better yet, use battery-operated candles instead of real candles.

fault circuit interrupters to avoid electrical shock. Make sure your ladder and decorations are at least ten feet from power lines, and that the ladder is firmly placed on the ground before you climb up. As metal ladders can conduct electricity, use only wood or fiberglass ladders when putting up outdoor decorations. And it’s a good idea to have a “buddy” helping you when you’re putting up outdoor decorations, if only to steady the ladder and hand you the equipment.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

All of those pretty holiday decorative touches inside your home can present a choking or poisoning hazard. For instance, spray-on “snow” contains chemicals like acetone and methylene chloride, which can be highly dangerous if inhaled or ingested. The wiring insulation and bulb bases on holiday lighting often contain lead and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), so wear gloves while handling and wash your hands when you’re finished stringing them on the tree. Likewise, wear gloves if you’re setting up decorations containing spun glass “angel hair” to avoid irritation to skin or eyes – and keep them out of reach of children and pets. In addition to being fire hazards, scented

Almost 6,000 people end up in the emergency room due to falls caused by falling off a ladder or roof while hanging outdoor lighting decorations, falling off a wobbly kitchen chair while putting a star on the top of the tree, or by tripping over extension cords, tree skirts, or other holiday decorations. Before you start hanging your strands of lights outside, check the labels carefully. They must be certified for outdoor use with a red Underwriters Laboratory (UL) tag. Hang them from hooks or straps – never nail or tack them to the walls. And always plug them into circuits with ground

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

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In December of 1977, seven female students at Providence College died and sixteen more were seriously injured during a middle-of-the-night flash fire on the top floor of their dormitory. Two of the students jumped to their deaths to escape the flames, which were probably caused by faulty wiring in Christmas decorations set up by the students in their dormitory rooms.

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508-673-5893 holiday candles, potpourri, and air fresheners contain dangerous chemicals like benzene and phthalates. And holiday plants like holly, mistletoe, Christmas cactus and poinsettias can be lethal for children and pets. Stick to silk or plastic versions. Tinsel, bits of pinecones, ornament hooks, tiny tree ornaments, and crèche figurines pose a choking hazard for small children and pets, as do hard candies, nuts, candy canes, and other holiday goodies. Never use ornaments or decorations that look like food or candy – as pretty as they are, forget about the handmade garlands of popcorn-and-cranberries until the children are older. And remember that pets need to be prevented from snacking on human foods like chocolate, sweets containing xylitol, and alcoholic drinks. Best to keep them in a separate room until the party’s over! Wrapping paper, ribbons, plastic bags and bows can present a choking or suffocation risk for small children. Don’t put presents under the tree to tempt them – let Santa leave them on Christmas Eve. Likewise, keep older children’s toys away from small children once unwrapped – small pieces or batteries can choke a curious toddler. So have yourselves a safe and Merry Christmas!

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Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policy as issued. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility. Applicants are individually underwritten and some may not qualify for auto insurance from Plymouth Rock based on driving history or other factors. Premiums will be based on verified information and the coverage choices and policy options that you select. Plymouth Rock pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.

Fall in love at Faxon We are sure to have the purrfect cat or the cutest K-9 to steal your heart so if you are looking for love, check with us first!! Faxon Animal Care & Adoption Center 474 Durfee St., Fall River, MA 508-676-1061

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

BUSINESS BUZZ

Making your space By Ron Fortier

Anthi Frangiadis sees a blank canvas in every empty room. CORINNA RAZNIKOV

Have you ever thought of the spaces you inhabit on a dayto-day basis? What your space looks and feels like says a lot about you. There are places and spaces in your home that serve different purposes. I recently spoke to local architect Anthi Frangiadis about how people use art to decorate or enhance their homes or other personal space. rangiadis’s advice: “Great interiors don’t just hatch themselves, many people are involved from start to finish – you should be one of them!” “If you are going to hire someone such as an interior designer or decorator to help you create, develop, or enhance your space, be certain that the individual listens and understands your lifestyle,” says Frangiadis. “It is also important that they are open to working with you, your architect, or your general contractor.”

Frangiadis often works art into her architectural work. She is also a shop owner. She runs a carefully-curated product and design shop called The Drawing Room in the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. It features original, handcrafted work by New England artisans. “Our focus is on quality craftsmanship whether you are looking for artful gifts or a statement piece to hang on your wall,”says Frangiadis. Frangiadis is proud to have chosen each part of the Drawing Room’s collections with the goal of offering interesting and

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

unique artistic elements to those looking to better define and personalize their own little part of the world. All the artistic and artisan work on display is for sale, order, or commission. These pieces tell the story of “each artisan and their process, and what they’re working on in their studios.” With that in mind, I asked her about decorating with original art and using it as the focal point in interior design planning. “An art collection is personal and can work in any size home. It is not the size of the home, it is the size of the viewing area and the size of the room that help determine the type and size of the art.” For example, “multiple pieces can be hung to give the perception of one large piece.” What about locally available original works of art? “Original art adds an additional layer of meaning to a design scheme; it is selected by an individual who is drawn to it for one reason or another and it makes a space uniquely yours.”

Eye of the beholder

There are myriad reasons why art can speak to you – it can be the color, the memories the piece evokes, the place it represents, the elements used to create it, the story of how it was made. If you can’t find exactly what you want: “Commissioning art allows you to have a piece made-to-order. The size can be adjusted as well as the color and subject matter. The key to this is connecting with the right artist. Asking Rembrandt to paint a Monet is counterintuitive (but I admit it might be fun to see what is produced).” I asked Frangiadis what her thoughts were when it comes to abstract or non-representational art. “In order for abstract or non-representational art to be successful, the customer needs to see something in it that resonates with the story they’re creating for or within a specific room or space.”

“I look at color, composition, technique, and overall harmony. A piece of art should provide you with joy or satisfaction.” She said that art, whether representational or abstract, is personal and subjective. “I look at color, composition, technique, and overall harmony. A piece of art should provide you with joy or satisfaction.” Who specifies what pieces are featured in a room? “If the homeowner wants specific pieces of art from their collection, that’s fine. It’s a mutual agreement – sometimes there are placeholder pieces or no piece at all until the right piece comes along.” Curious about the possibilities your personal space could have? The Drawing Room is a design showroom featuring original handcrafted pieces made by Massachusetts and Rhode Island artists and artisans, furnishings, Farrow & Ball Paint and Paper, Kravet & Duralee Fabrics, and much more. To learn more about The Drawing Room at 36 North Water St., New Bedford, call (508) 992-3494 or visit anthif.com/shop.

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

COVER STORY

Talking stocking Compiled by Laura LaTour

In my family, we allow the children to open two gifts on Christmas Eve. The first gift is a pair of cozy winter pajamas. The second, a seasonally-appropriate book we can snuggle up with that night and help set the scene for Santa’s arrival. Whatever your family tradition, these new titles will help you get ready for those long, cold winter nights and bring a little bit of cheer to your bedtime reading.

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek (Illustrator) $8.99 Board Book (Ages 1-5) Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. Bundle up for a delightful wintry tale that will teach your toddler about the small and large surprises of the season. Awardwinning author Kevin Henkes’ striking text introduces the unique beauty of the winter season. Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings capture the joy of winter. This board book edition with sturdy pages is perfect for little hands (and should fit in a Christmas stocking).

The Crayons’ Christmas

The Boy and the Bear

By Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers $19.99 hardcover (Ages 3–up)

by Sarah Massini $16.99 Hardcover (Ages 3-8)

‘Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. However, everyone—even the crayons—know the best presents are the ones that you give. In this unique book, readers get to see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays. With real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from their envelopes and read, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect gift for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home.

When a lonely little boy receives an invitation to play written on a paper boat, it seems that he has finally found the best friend he’s been longing for. However, Bear isn’t quite the playmate the boy had imagined. Bear may not know how to play games, but when he builds a treehouse, a magical summer begins. Unfortunately, as autumn passes and the first winter snowflakes start to fall, the boy is again left alone. Only then does he truly realize how much he misses Bear. It’s a happy reunion when Bear finally returns in the spring.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Lighthouse Promotions New Year’s Day

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Show & Sale Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares $ 17.99 Hardcover (Ages 4-8) Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer who spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but longs for a different life—one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.

Top Elf by Caleb Huett (Author) $7.99 paperback (Ages 8-12) Santa rocks the North Pole with a surprise announcement! He has decided this is going to be his last year in the Big Red Suit—but instead of letting his oldest son, the unfortunately-named Klaus Claus, take over, he’s opening up the job to any kid who wants to apply. The Santa Trials have begun! Ollie and Celia enter the contest, which is both an adventure and a test of survival. But whoever rises to the top will get a reward even bigger than Christmas.

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Wintercake by Lynne Rae Perkins (Author, Illustrator) $17.99 hardcover (Ages 6-10) When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. Newbery Medalist and acclaimed picture book creator Lynne Rae Perkins weaves a delightful holiday tale full of surprises and gentle humor. This seasonal title is a book about holiday traditions and why they matter, with colorful and detailed paintings depicting the winter forest and its animal inhabitants. It is also a story about making mistakes and how mistakes can sometimes lead to wonderful things.

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Let It Snow By John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle $11.99 mini paperback (Ages 13 and up) This is a fantastic gift idea if you know a voracious reader. Penguin Minis are a collection of new ultra-slim books designed to fit in your pocket (or stocking) —perfect for reading on-the-go. A trio of today’s bestselling authors—John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle— bring all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love and romance that will take your breath away.

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

DATELINE: SOUTH COAST

For complete calendar of events visit

coastalmags.com

News, views and trends… FROM MOUNT HOPE BAY TO BUZZARDS BAY

BY ELIZABETH MORSE READ

Let the festivities begin! Brighten your long winter nights with outdoor lighting displays, indoor merriment, beautiful music and watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Happy holidays! Acushnet Buy holiday gifts, goodies and greenery at The Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet! Take the kids to the 11th Annual Santa’s Farm Follies December1! For info and tickets, call 774-202-1027 or go to thesilverbrookfarm. com. Talk a walk through the Acushnet Sawmills public park and herring weir! Canoe/ kayak launch, fishing, trails. For info, visit savebuzzardsbay.org.

Attleboro The Attleboro Community Theatre will perform “The Man Who Came to Dinner” December 1, 6-8, 13-15. For more info and tickets, go to attleborocommunitytheatre. com. Check out the Capron Park Zoo! Call 774203-1840 or go to capronparkzoo.com. Stroll through Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center! For more info, call 508-223-3060 or visit massaudubon.org.

The holidays will “Sparkle” through January 1 at Blithewold Mansion and Gardens! For more info, call 401-253-2707 or go to blithewold.org.

Don’t miss the free Christmas concert on December 4 at the Dartmouth Grange Hall, featuring The Bellaphone Show! For more info, go to dartmouthgrange.org.

Enjoy tenor Michael DiMucci’s Fireside Christmas Concerts December 6-8 at Linden Place! For info, call 401-253-0390 or visit lindenplace.org.

Head for Running Brook Vineyards for free live music every weekend year-round! For more info call 508-985-1998 or go to runningbrookwine.com/entertainment.

Head for the Mount Hope Bristol Winter Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm! Cash, credit card, SNAP/EBT, WIC and senior coupons accepted. For more info, go to farmfreshri.org.

Check out the free monthly “Film and Potluck” events on the first Friday of the month through March at the Dartmouth Grange Hall! For more info, go to dartmouthgrange.org.

Check out what’s happening at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium! For details, call 401-949-5454 or go to asri.org.

Wander through Parsons Reserve or take a stroll through Paskamansett Woods, nature reserves operated by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. Don’t miss the free Women’s Walk at Dodge Reserve December 15! For more info, visit dnrt.org.

Carver The Christmas Festival of Lights runs through January 1 at Edaville Railroad! Take the kids on heated train rides illuminated by 17 million lights throughout the park! For more info, call 508-866-8190 or go to edaville.com.

Dartmouth

The Annual Festival of Lights at LaSalette Shrine in Attleboro runs through January 5 – more than 300,000 lights illuminating ten acres! For details, go to lasaletteattleboroshrine.org or call 508-222-5410.

Head for UMass Dartmouth for some holiday music! Guitar and Latin Jazz Ensemble December 3, Wind Ensemble Concert December 4, Choral Concert December 5! For details, call 508-9998568 or go to ahafallriver.com.

Bristol

Take the family to the monthly Open Farm Days at Round The Bend Farm! Grass-fed meats, local veggies, honey, maple syrup and botanicals! For dates and more info, call 508-938-5127 or visit roundthebendfarm. org.

Plan ahead for the annual Bristol Christmas Festival, starting November 30 with the Grand Illumination, a week full of family-oriented activities, music and entertainment! For a complete schedule, visit christmasbristolri.com or visit facebook.com/bristolchristmasfestival.

Find out what’s happening at the Lloyd Center for the Environment! For info, go to lloydcenter.org.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Enjoy an afternoon of Yuletide Holiday Music with the Buttonwood Brass Trio on December 15 at Saint Peter’s Church in Dartmouth, a fundraiser for The Bridge: A Center for Healing and Hope. Tickets at the door, refreshments after the concert! For more info, call 508-997-0903. Then, on January 26, Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with “Beethoven CCL” performed by the South Coast Chamber Music Series. For info and tickets, call 508-999-6276 or visit nbsymphony.org/ souyhcoast-chamber-music-series.

Easton Drop off your donations of animal foods and needed supplies during the “Holiday for Animals” drive through January 28 at the Natural Resources Trust of Easton’s office! All donations will be distributed to local shelters and the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern MA. For more info, call 508-238-6049 or go to nrtofeaston.org.

FALL RIVER - Deck the Halls! Make a trip to the Fall River Historical Society for a Victorian-era Christmas through December 30! Tour the expertly-decorated mansion and trees, attend at High Tea at the Easton Tea Room, or shop for unique holiday gifts at the Museum Shop! For a complete schedule and more info, call 508-679-1071 or visit lizzieborden.org.

W E EX PLOR E AS W E CR EATE.

hese rings are a precious example of Jeweler Peter Tirpaecks’ “redirecting process,” in which he refashions the components of your dormant jewelry items into entirely different designs. Engage yourself in creating an exciting legacy piece that preserves the symbolism and enhances the value of what you own. Jewelry Design & Fabrication Studio

Don’t miss the annual Festival of Trees at the Easton Country Club, held on three consecutive weekends starting November 30-December 16! For details, go to eastonfestivaloftrees.org or eastoncharitabletrust.org. Go on a guided hike, attend a demonstration/lecture or take a mansion tour at Borderland State Park! For more info, call 508-238-6566 or go to friendsofborderland.org.

Fall River Enjoy the 95th season of the Fall River Symphony Orchestra! Listen to the Holiday Pops Concert on December 15! For more details, go to fallriversymphonyorchestra. org. Plan ahead for the Newport Navy Choristers’ Christmas concert on December 8 at First Baptist Church! For more details, go to newportnavychoristers.org.

Head for the Original Easton Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church! For more info, go to facebook.com/ eastonoriginalfarmersmarket.

Don’t miss the South Coast Chorale’s Holiday Concert on December 15 at the Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River! For tickets and info, go to sccchorale.com.

Find out what’s happening at the Easton Children’s Museum! For info, call 508-2303789 or visit childrensmuseumineaston.org.

Don’t miss “A Christmas Carol” at Bristol Community College on December 7-8! For info and tickets, call 508-673-4880 or go to onstagefr.org.

Fairhaven Don’t miss the Benoit Square Lighting and Sing-Along on December 6 and the “OldTime Holiday Fair” on December 14! For more info, go to fairhaventours.com or call 508-979-4085. Check out the “Friday Night Live!” Comedy Series at the Seaport Inn & Marina! Enjoy Paul D’Angelo and Tony V. on January 17! For more info, call 508-997-1281 or go to seaportinnandmarina.com. Start your new year with the Polar Plunge at Fort Phoenix on January 1! For more info, go to fairhaventours.com or call 508-979-4085.

Mark your calendars! Enjoy the holiday season by watching the Spindle City Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” at BCC’s Jackson Theatre on December 21-22! For tickets and info, visit spindlecityballet.org or call 508-536-6073. Remember our veterans! Journey through time and discover a sailor’s life at Battleship Cove, America’s Fleet Museum (508-6781000 or battleshipcove.org) or explore the Maritime Museum (508-674-3533 or battleshipcove.org/maritime-museum). Observe the anniversary of Pearl Harbor on December 7! Find out what’s going on at the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River! For info, go to cmgfr.org or call 508-672-0033. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Don’t miss The Little Theatre’s production of “Starting Here Starting Now” December 5-15. For info and tickets, call 508-6751852 or go to littletheatre.net. Learn how to make 18th-century tin Christmas ornaments on December 1 at the Lafayette Durfee House! For more info, call 774-322-1598 or visit ahafallriver.org. Find that special gift at the Annual Craft Fair at Durfee High School December 7-8! For more info, visit ahafallriver.com.

Lakeville Head for Lakeville to see the Crazy Tech Christmas Animated Light Show, with synchronized music, through December 31! For details, go to crazytechchristmas.com/ showinfo. Buy beautiful holiday gifts created by local craftsmen and artisans on December 13-14 at the “All That Glitters” fair at Loon Pond Lodge, sponsored by the Lakeville Arts Council. For details, visit lakevilleartscouncilma.org.

Marion Listen to the performances of the TriCounty Symphonic Band! The Annual Children’s Christmas Concert will be held December 8 at the Sippican School! For tickets and info, visit tricountysymphonicband.org. Mark your calendar for the Annual Holiday House Tour, starting at Handy’s Tavern, on December 14! For details, visit sippicanwomansclub.org. Plan ahead for the Christmas concert performed by the Sippican Choral Society on December 8 at Wickendon Chapel! For details, call 508-763-2327 or go to sippicanchoralsociety.org. See what’s on display at the Marion Art Center! Plan ahead for the Holiday Shop December 7-8! For tickets and info, call 508-748-1266 or visit marionartcenter.org. Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with “Beethoven CCL” performed by the South Coast Chamber Music Series on January 25 at St. Gabriel’s Church! For info and tickets, call 508999-6276 or visit nbsymphony.org/ souyhcoast-chamber-music-series

NEW BEDFORD - Head downtown on December 31 for “City Celebrates New Year’s Eve”! Fireworks, live music, ice sculptures, dance party, street performers – and more! For more info, go to downtownnb.org.

Mattapoisett Join the annual Santa 5K Run through Mattapoisett while wearing your free-withregistration Santa suit on December 7. For more info, go to nbsantarun.com. Explore the trails, wildlife and scenery of the Mattapoisett River Reserve – leashed dogs welcome. Hike, bird-watch, cross-country ski! For more info, go to savebuzzardsbay.org.

Middleboro Don’t miss “Postcards from Heaven with medium Maureen Hancock” December 7 at The Alley Theatre! Enjoy “A Wicked Drag Cabaret” on December 20! For details, call 508-946-1071 or go to burtwoodschool. com. Spend an afternoon with the kids at the Soule Homestead! Don’t miss the WreathMaking and Holiday Fun Day on December 7! For more info, call 508-947-6744 or go to soulehomestead.org.

Enjoy an evening of wine and gift-shopping at the Holiday Sip and Stroll on December 12 at The Alley Theatre! For details, call 508946-1071 or go to burtwoodschool.com. Head for The Alley Theatre to watch “Matilda” December 5-15! For tickets and info, call 508-946-1071 or go to burtwoodschool.com.

Middletown On Saturdays, visit the Aquidneck Growers Farmers Market at the Newport Vineyards in Middletown year-‘round! Cash, credit card, SNAP/EBT, WIC and senior coupons accepted. For more info, call 401-8485161 or go to newportvineyards.com or farmfreshri.org. Get in touch with nature at the Norman Bird Sanctuary! Take a free guided Sunday Bird Walk! For details, call 401-846-2577 or go to normanbirdsanctuary.org. Head for the Newport Vineyards on Saturdays to visit the Aquidneck Growers Farmers Market year-‘round! Call 401-8485161 or go to newportvineyards.com.

Listen to concerts at the Marion Music Hall! For schedule and more info, call 508-3532150 or visit sixstringmusiccompany.com.

Don’t miss Middleboro’s Annual Town Hall Tree Lighting on December 1! For details, call 774-766-6335 or go to facebook.com/ middleborotoday.

Plan ahead for the Newport Navy Choristers’ Christmas concert on December 13 at St. Lucy’s Church in Middletown! For more details, go to newportnavychoristers.org.

Don’t miss the production of “Emmalina Scrooge” at the Marion Art Center on December 6-7, 13-15! For more info, call 508-748-1266 or go to marionartcenter. org.

Plan ahead for the Pilgrim Festival Chorus’ traditional “Messiah and Carol Sing” on December 20 at the First Congregational Church at the Green in Middleboro. For more info, go to pilgrimfestivalchorus.org.

Listen to the hand bell choir, lessons and carols at St. George’s School on December 13, and watch the 108th Medieval Christmas Pageant on December 15! For details, call 401-842-6736 or visit stgeorges.edu.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

New Bedford Enjoy afternoon tea in the parlors on December 1-2, 8-9 at the whaling-era mansion and gardens at the Rotch-JonesDuff House! For more info, call 508-9971401 or go to rjdmuseum.org. Let your kids explore the Whaling Museum – check out the Discovery Center! For more information, call 508-997-0046 or go to whalingmuseum.org. Mark your calendar for the New Bedford Ballet’s performance of “A New England Nutcracker” on December 7-8, 13-15 at the NBB Community Theatre. For more info, visit newbedfordballet.org or call 508-993-1387. Enjoy fresh local foods year-round! Visit New Bedford’s Indoor Winter Farmers Market at the Kilburn Mill at Clark’s Cove Thursdays through May! Credit, debit and SNAP accepted; free parking at the Elm Street Garage with validation. For more info, call 508-817-4166 or go to coastalfoodshed.org. Check out the exhibits, musical performances and dock-u-mentaries at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center! Listen to Jon Campbell in Concert December 5! Check out the new exhibits and educational programs “F/V Innovations,” exploring the evolution of vessels and gear, through March. For more info, call 508-993-8894 or visit fishingheritagecenter.org. Head for the Zeiterion for Ten Tenors December 5, “A Christmas Carol” December 7, movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” December 9, Popa Chubby December 12, NBSO’s Holiday Pops Family Concert December 14, Cultural Road Trip to Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” December 15, movie “Waiting to Exhale” January 6, NBSO All John Williams January 11, Second City: She the People January 16! For info and tickets, call 508-994-2900 or go to zeiterion.org. Plan ahead for the Christmas concert performed by the Sippican Choral Society December 6 at Saint Joseph’s Church in New Bedford! For details, call 508-7632327 or go to sippicanchoralsociety.org. Don’t miss The Nields’ Seasonal Christmas Concert on December 6 at the Wamsutta Club! For tickets and info, call 508-6738523 or go to destinationnewbedford.org. Explore the city’s history at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park! For a schedule of walking tours and special events, visit nps.gov/nebe. Enjoy the new season of Your Theatre! “The Gingerbread Lady” will be performed January 9-12, 16-19! For more info, visit yourtheatre.org.

Enjoy free family fun and entertainment on AHA! Nights! The December 12 theme is “City Sidewalks.” For details, go to ahanewbedford.org or call 508-996-8253. Gamers, team-builders and mysterysolvers! Head for “Mass Escape” in downtown New Bedford! For more info, call 774-425-3295 or go to massescaperoom. com. Mark your calendar for the 28th Annual Holiday House Tours on December 14-15! Go on candlelight tours through the 19thcentury mansions of New Bedford! For more info, visit nbpreservationsociety.org. Plan ahead for annual Moby Dick Marathon reading on January 4-6 at the Whaling Museum! For details, go to whalingmuseum. org.

Newport Plan ahead for the 49th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Bowen’s Wharf on December 7! For more info, visit bowenswharf.com.

458 High Street - Fall River, MA 508-679-1071, ext. 5

Weekends noon to 4:00 pm November 30 to December 29

Head for the Newport Historical Society’s Holiday Open House on December 1 to hear 18th-century caroling! For more info, call 401-846-0813 or go to christmasinnewport.org. Stroll through the holiday splendor of “Christmas at the Newport Mansions” through January 1! For tickets and details, call 401-847-1999 or go to newportmansions.org. Listen to a Musical Christmas presenting by the Newport Music Festival on December 7 & 8 at Emmanuel Church! For more info, call 401-846-6523 or visit newportmusic. org. Enjoy the free family movie “The Grinch” on December 14 at the Newport Public Library! For details on all holiday events at the library, call 401-847-8720 x 204 or go to newportlibraryri.org. Don’t miss one of the signature musical events of the season – a free performance by the Saint Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble at Emmanuel Church on December 15! For more info, call 401-8470675 or visit emmanuelnewport.org. Stroll on the 48th Annual Christmas in Newport candlelight tour of historic private homes on December 28! For details, go to christmasinnewport.org. Buy your tickets early to see “The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff,” performed by the Island Moving Company, on December 1, 3-6! For tickets and info, go to islandmovingco.org. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Monday - closed • Tue-Thu 11:30am-9pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-9:45pm • Sun 12-9pm

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

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Providence

Christmas in Sign Language will be performed by the James L. Maher Center, on December 14 at the Casino Theatre! For more info, call 401-846-4600 x 3121 or go to mahercenter.org.

Mark your calendar for the start of the new season at Trinity Rep! “A Christmas Carol” will be performed through December 29. “Fade” will be performed December 5 to January 5. For tickets and info, call 401-3514242 or go to trinityrep.com.

Go on a guided Seal Watch boat tour from November through April with Save the Bay, departing from Bowen’s Ferry Landing! For a schedule and info, call 401-203-SEAL (7325) or visit savebay.org/seals. Head for the free Christmas Open House at Newport’s Irish Interpretive Museum on December 14! Celtic music and gifts, refreshments. For more info, go to newportirishhistory.org. Discover colonial Newport by going on a Holiday Lantern Tour beginning November 23! For info and tickets, call 401-841-8770 or go to newporthistorytours.org. Enjoy a dinner-theatre night out at the Newport Playhouse! “Newport to Nashville” musicians will perform on December 12. “A Christmas Comedy” will be performed through December 31. For more information, call 401-848-7529 or go to newportplayhouse.com.

Exclusions may apply • Offer expires 12/31/19

Portsmouth Cut down your own Christmas tree at Escobar Farm! For info, call 401-683-1444 or go to escobarfarm.com.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

Seekonk Explore the outdoors at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, operated by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island! For more info, call 401-949-5454 or visit asri.org.

Swansea Eat Fresh! Eat Local! Head for the yearround farmers market at Stoney Creek Farm in Swansea! For hours and more info, go to semaponline.org.

Taunton Find out who’s on stage the District Center for the Arts! Don’t miss The Edwards Twins December 1, The 60’s Band Holiday Show December 6, Joshua Tree December 7, Fat City Band December 14, Janis Joplin Tribute December 28 – and more! For info and tickets, call 508-386-9413 or visit thedistrictcenterforarts.com.

Tiverton Check out the Holiday Open House at the Chace-Cory House on December 7-8! For more info, visit tivertonhistorical.org.

Check out what’s going on at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts! Don’t miss M!C Blus Christmas December 6, Mini Nutcracker December 8, Red Fish Christmas Party December 16, Digg It December 21, 60’s New Year’s Eve December 31! Heal with a monthly Gong Sound Bath, or with Yoga: Mindful Flow & Meditation on Sundays, or with music and movement on JourneyDance, or join in the Contra Dancing. Sign up for lessons in Zumba, Pilates or figure drawing. For a complete schedule and more info, go to sandywoodsmusic.com or call 401-241-7349.

ASTHMA

Research Study

EMRA is currently enrolling in a research study for an investigational medication

There’s always something going on at Tiverton Four Corners! Check out the Winter Arts & Artisan Festival at the Meeting House on December 7! For more info, go to tivertonfourcorners.com or fourcornersarts.org.

for asthma patients 18-70 years of age. Diagnosed with asthma for at least 6 months, using an ICS or ICS plus one other controller other than Albuterol,

Wareham

and are ex-smokers with a less

Stay fit with Yoga with Laura at the Boys & Girls Club! For a schedule and more info, call 508-295-7072 or go to onsetbay.org.

than 10 pack/year history or non-smokers.

Don’t miss the Christmas Parade down Main Street on December 7! For more info, go to warehamvillage.org.

You may qualify to participate in this research study which has 7 office visits, two of which are

Warren Kick off the holiday season at Frerichs Farm! Buy your holiday trees, greenery, and gifts during the Holiday Open House on November 29 to December 1. For more info, call 401-245-8245 or go to frerichsfarm. com. Get back to your musical roots with Common Fence Music! Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Folkstravaganza on December 31 at Hope & Main! For tickets and info, call 401-683-5085 or go to commonfencemusic.org.

Westport Enjoy the new season of Concerts at the Point with a performance by the Attacca Quartet on December 8. For more info, call 508-636-0698 or go to concertsatthepoint.org. Take the family to the free Sixth Annual Christmas Fair on December 7 at Westport High School! For more info, call 508-6428210 or go to ahafallriver.com.

Note that all times and locations listed are subject to change. Use the contact information provided above to confirm details with event managers before planning your activities.

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

ON MY MIND

Gone astray thoughts By Paul Kandarian

Various and sundry thoughts as we descend into the madness of a dark season I like to call “Missing Summer So Much I Want to Kill Someone.”

peaking of the dark season, here’s some new words for the time of year just after setting the clocks back: “Twi-lie:” Still calling 4 p.m. “daytime” even though it’s stinking pitch black out there this time of year. “Twi-die:” That soul-crushing period of time from setting your clock back an hour until you get used to it – roughly two or three weeks, depending on your tolerance of light deprivation forced upon you for no good stinking reason whatsoever as far as we know “Twi-sigh:” That moment right after twi-die ends and you give in to the painful resignation fact that you may as well be living in stinking Alaska for Christ’s sake, and start drinking during what is technically “daytime,” which is a cruel hoax and outright bullcrap this time of year.

woman doing the fish-face pose because mostly, I hate the fish-face pose, but also if scantily clad women show any interest in a man my age, I question their judgement.

For some reason, lately I’ve been hit with a spate of new friend requests on the great social sewer known as Facebook, and I do not know why. But I delete requests that are of, say, scantily clad young

I figure they’re gold diggers looking for a mark to hit up for money, and honey, you are so looking for gold in all the wrong places. Tin foil is the best I can do. I will approve friend requests if there are

You can’t change time. So you just change your attitude. And load up on the Advil.

December 2019 | The South Coast Insider

more than five or six mutual friends, and by mutual friends, I mean people I actually know. But then, for some reason, some of those people insist on instant messaging me with “The Wave.” It’s that annoying hand icon waving back and forth and with words saying “So and so is waving to you! Wave back to so and so” which is sooooooo damn annoying, so please, never message a waving hand to me. If you insist, you may get a waving hand back – minus four of its fingers. When people like me with negative gagazillion home-improvement skills attempt home improvement projects bloodletting invariably occurs. This time, I was driving a tiny half-inch nail through a tiny piece of wood that was loose under a shelf because it seemed simple and benign and something even I could do. And this time, I’m down a fingernail. I don’t even know what happened – if I hit it, or the nail stuck me, or I banged it. I have no idea, and this is the story of my fix-it-if-I-dare life. Honestly, it’s like my left-hand fingers see a hammer in my right and just say “OK, boys, time to bleed!”

The amazing thing is my older brother literally built his own house, fixes his own cars, builds furniture. My son does beautiful woodcarving projects. Hell, an uncle I never knew who died in WWII was an inventor who created and held patents for things like springs in cars at General Motors back in the ‘30s. Me? I bleed just walking past a rack of hammers at Home Depot. I am blessed, as I like to say, with all the manual dexterity of a snake. We all have our skills. Bleeding is one of mine. My knees have been acting up lately, mostly the right one, mostly after falling on a film set in the spring on both of them, crashing onto a concrete floor. The pain comes and goes, and lately it’s come on hard, so I went to a specialist at New England Baptist, the best of the best in the area of osteopathic medicine. I have a wonky shoulder, too, which a doc there looked at a year ago.

In both cases, the shoulder and now my knees, the same doc walked in, looked at my x-rays and went, “Oh, my.” I love this doc, but she really needs to work on her bedside manner. Anyway, the short version of a long amount of years is: I’m getting old. It’s not really injuries. My shoulder, my knees, are simply arthritic. Injuries just make it flare up. Nothing to be done, but exercise, diet, all the expected stuff, and surgery down the line if it gets that bad. I also told the doc I still play hockey, still a goalie, a position that puts tremendous pressure on the knees. She seemed impressed and went “Wow,” but in a good way this time. I played again the day after the doc visit, got slaughtered, they scored a million goals. And hence the changes in attitude, senior style: after a bad game back in my youth, nothing hurt except my pride. Now after every game, everything hurts – except my pride. You can’t change time. So you just change your attitude. And load up on the Advil.

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The South Coast Insider | December 2019

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The “Inn” at Clifton Offers a Careful Balance of Elegance and Affordability....... Imagine, living in a beautiful New England country inn that overlooks scenic Mount Hope Bay. Discover a carefree senior lifestyle that provides a wonderful new feeling of comfort and security. Contrary to living alone in a large oversized house, especially when assistance is needed, the “Inn” at Clifton can be significantly less worrisome and less expensive. At the “Inn” we have no typical apartments—each one is different and prices do vary according to apartment size, location and specific features. When compared to other assisted living communities, the “Inn” offers so much more. Clifton’s almost all-inclusive rates consist of amenities that many other facilities charge extra for, including.......  Three delicious Meals Daily  Personal Care Services  Green House  Medication Management  Scheduled Transportation  Walking Paths  Step-In Showers  24-hour CNA Staffing  Emergency Monitoring Systems  Library with Fireplace

 Daily Activities  Registered Nurses to monitor your health and well-being  Garden & Water Views  Walk-In Closets  Housekeeping and Laundry Services  Fitness Area  Non-Denominational Chapel  Whirl Pool Spa  And Much, Much More…

And.......here at the “Inn” we deal with the challenges brought on by severe winter weather. We do all of the shoveling. We clean off the frozen windows of your car. Your mail and newspapers are delivered inside. We face the bitter cold outside…while our residents can sit around the fireplaces in the Dining Room, the Parlor and the Library. With family, good friends, a cup of Hot Cider, Cocoa or Coffee, they can capture the special cozy, warm feeling that is unique to the traditional inns of New England.



444 WILBUR AVENUE, SOMERSET, MA 02725  508-324-0200 