The South Coast Insider - April 2013

Who’s who at the Home & Garden Show April 2013

the south coast

Vol. 17 / No. 4

coastalmags.com

Derailed?

The latest on South Coast trains

Red Sox and Disney’s favorite artist Destination: New Bedford The secrets of wine-blending

A garden on your porch Plus…

South Coast activity guide

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Trahan’s Trees and Shrubs in East Freetown is more than just trees and shrubs! For over two decades, the company has been providing total grounds services to local homeowners and businesses throughout the SouthCoast.

Since the company began in 1988, Trahan’s had been a big bank customer. But that all changed when they met Linda Morad, Senior Business Development Specialist at St. Anne’s Credit Union.

L to R: St. Anne’s Credit Union Mortgage Originator Tim Souza; Trahan’s Project Designer, Supervisor, and Office Manager Wayne Trahan; Trahan’s President and Owner Susan Trahan; and St. Anne’s Credit Union Senior Business Development Specialist Linda Morad.

“I told Linda I wanted a better mortgage rate, and she ran with the ball,” says Wayne. “She gave me the time and attention I needed, and mortgage originator Tim Souza handled the refinancing details from there and did a really super job!

“Once I saw how great they were at St. Anne’s, we did a complete turnaround of all our business accounts, too. We moved everything to St. Anne’s.

“A big bank is just a big building, with no personal touch. We were happy to find the professionalism we wanted and the personal touch we hoped for, right around the corner at St. Anne’s Credit Union — It’s perfect for our home and for our business!”

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April 2013

Contents In Every Issue

THINGS TO DO

4

8

From the publisher

5 Letters 30 Pro Tips 32

Dateline: South Coast

By Elizabeth Morse Read

COVER STORY

6

14

South Coast rail inches forward

WINE NOTES

26

Touching South Coast history

By Jay Pateakos

Wine is a many-blended thing

By Alton Long

20

Mini garden, many rewards

ON MY MIND

By Cara Connelly

26

Have your cupcake and eat it, too

38

Delicious apps for dinner

By Paul E. Kandarian

By Brian Lowney

FLASH

21

By Steve Smith

Seen at the Home & Garden Show

Milling around the Brian Fox Studio

24

Seen at the New Bedford Home Show

By Michael J. Vieira

YOUR MONEY

22

Destination New Bedford rejuvenated

By Joyce Rowley

18

Create your own success

By Sherri Mahoney-Battles

ON THE COVER The lack of rail service to the South Coast isn’t because they simply ran out of track. More than 20 years of studies, promises, planning and disappointment are chronicled beginning on page six. Photo courtesy SRPEDD. 2

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

Money Minute Tips Teach Children to Save Day

L

earning good savings habits from a young age can make a big difference in a person’s ability to be financially stable later on in life.

To help, there is an annual campaign each spring called “Teach Children to Save Day” held by the American Bankers Association’s Education Foundation. This year, it is on April 23rd! On or around that day, all bankers, teachers, and parents are invited to do their part in educating local children by using resources found at teachchildrentosave.com.

BankFive will be teaching the 2nd grade students at John J. Doran Community School in Fall River the importance of savings during the month of April. Parents can bring their little ones to a local BankFive branch to open a free Nickels Savings Account so their children can watch their savings grow in their very own savings passbook. It’s never too early to teach children to save!

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The South Coast Insider / April 2013

3

FROM THE PUBLISHER April 2013 / Vol. 17 / No. 3 Published by Coastal Communications Corp.

Thank you for picking up this latest issue of “The South Coast Insider,” the region’s number-one choice for infor-

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ljiljana Vasiljevic

mation on things to do and places to go.

Editor Greg Jones

Our lead story for April is about South Coast rail, or, more precisely, the promise of South Coast rail. While the train

Contributors Cara Connelly, Paul E. Kandarian, Alton Long, Tom Lopes, Brian Lowney, Sherri Mahoney-Battles, Jay Pateakos, Elizabeth Morse Read, Joyce Rowley, Steve Smith, Michael J. Veiera

The South Coast Insider is published monthly for visitors and residents of the South Coast area. The Insider is distributed free of charge from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay. All contents copyright ©2013 Coastal Communications Corp.

Deadline 20 days prior to publication.

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

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

Circulation 30,000 Subscriptions $25 per year

has yet to arrive, things are looking up. Maybe. One of our first issues, nearly 17 years ago, also featured an article about South Coast rail, so go to page 6 and cross your fingers. Our report, from SRPEDD Executive Director Steve Smith, sums up just where we are in our quest.

Have a cupcake. Have several cupcakes. They are the newest, trendiest fun food in the South Coast, maybe nationwide. Brian Lowney has the lowdown on where to go for cupcakes that are definitely not “your mother’s cupcakes.”

Page 26 is the place to start your search.

Amongst all our regular contributors, Sherri Mahoney-Battles stands out for the quality of her writing and how useful her articles are.

This issue marks the end of her 12-part series on “the entrepreneurial nation,” and she has saved the best for last. Have a look on page 18 for her encouraging words.

There’s lots more inside. “Dateline: South Coast,” compiled by Elizabeth Morse Read, starts on page 32, and is our region’s most complete listing of activities, from concerts to walks in the park to museums.

Welcome to spring.

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

Phone (508) 677-3000

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Website www.coastalmags.com

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

facebook.com/thesouthcoastinsider 4

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

LETTERS What’s the name of that soup?

That was an interesting recipe in this month’s “Insider”, but the Portuguese in the area would call that “Kale Soup”.

Most of them are now thinking the writer of the article doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

I’m a PortugueseAmerican who’s worked as a cook and spent time in Portugal and that is the normal recipe for Kale Soup not Caldo Verde.

You can check with any restaurant in the area and they’ll agree with me. Caldo Verde has a potato base and less ingredients than listed.

Please print a correction and you’ll keep your readers trusting you.

—Joseph Rapoza (via email) My first restaurant exposure to Portuguese Soup was in the early 70s, when I worked at the now long-defunct Albernaz’s Restaurant in the Ocean Grove section of Swansea. At that restaurant, the Portuguese soup that was on the menu was interchangeably called, Kale Soup, Calde Verde, Soupish Caldene and Portuguese Soup.

Since that time I’ve spent almost 40 years in food service, have been in thousands of restaurant kitchens here and in Canada, and have learned, as one chef told me, “A recipe is like a song, the words are the same but the notes will be different.”

I have also seen the soup made with kidney beans (red and white), garbanzo beans, ditilini and cabbage. You’re right, Portuguese chefs maintain that the difference between caldo verde and kale soup is that caldo verde has potatoes (sometimes they are mashed before adding to the soup) and kale soup doesn’t include potatoes. Additionally, the kale is sliced into smaller, thinner pieces in kale soup, according to to some chefs.

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—Paul Letendre The South Coast Insider welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. Please keep your letters brief and to the point. No name-calling or libelous attacks will be published, and we ask that all letters be signed. Writers who wish to remain anonymous will have their names withheld on request. Send your letters to The Editor, South Coast Insider, PO Box 3493, Fall River MA 02722 or send us an email at editor@coastalmags.com.

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COVER STORY

South Coast Rail inches forward

by Steve Smith

The Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu is credited with saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” He reportedly said that sometime around 550 B.C. Could he have been referring to South Coast Rail? It sometimes feels that way.

T

his long awaited project has followed a torturous path for nearly three decades, but there is real–albeit snail-like–progress to report.

But first, to put this into perspective, here are a few historical “milestones” (and I use that word advisedly).

1958 - Rail service from Southeastern Massachusetts to Boston is discontinued after more than 100 years of continuous service.

1980s – The Dukakis Administration proposes the idea of reviving this rail service.

1992 - Governor Bill Weld promises train service to a Fall River Chamber of Commerce audience, stating: “Sue me if it doesn’t happen.” Fortunately for the former governor, nobody took him up on the offer.

1995 – MBTA completes an “Expanded Feasibility Study” supporting rail to Boston via the “Attleboro Route.”

6

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

1999-2000 – State releases Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) supporting the “Stoughton Route.”

Final EIR released two years later.

2003 – MBTA halts planning and permitting process while Gov. Mitt Romney analyzes cost issues.

2007 – Planning restarted from the beginning by newly-elected Governor Deval Patrick.

2008 - Phase one of re-study evaluating dozens of alternatives is completed; environmental notification filed with Massachusetts.

2009 – (Award winning) Economic Development Land Use Corridor Plan released.

2011 – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Massachusetts MEPA office jointly release the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Report.

So now it’s 2013, and where are these trains that we’ve been hearing so much about?

State and local officia ls celebrate the com pletion of a rail bridge in Ne w Bedford—evidence of slow but steady progress in restor ing full com muter rail ser vice to the South Coast.

For the past 10 years or so, there have been the twin 800-pound gorillas poised to stomp on our regional dream. Gorilla #1 is the environmental permits, while #2 is the price tag. There is positive progress to report on both fronts, but we’re still on Lao-Tzu’s path.

First the permits. Under federal water quality legislation, the Army Corps of Engineers must sign off by issuing a “Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative” finding. This convoluted term is affectionately known as the LEDPA. The Corps is leaving no stone unturned in its review of this project.

They are exhaustively studying the noise, vibration, exhaust emissions, safety and every other conceivable impact of the project. They are exhaustively studying the effect on the Hockomock Swamp in Raynham and Easton, the epicenter of environmental opposition.

They are exhaustively studying why we can’t run buses up Route 24 instead, how the salamanders will be affected, and whether Native American gravesites might be disturbed.

And they are exhaustively studying all this at their own speed.

The technical work and supporting documentation that has been submitted to the Corps by the state is sound and should pass muster, but until the Corps issues the Final Environmental Impact Report containing the LEDPA, we will have to wait. The Corps says that they want to make this project bulletproof from environmental challenges by making sure that every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed. Let’s hope they’re right.

The second gorilla is the 1.8 billion pound one–that is the projected cost (in dollars, not pounds). Hope for a significant federal financial role is all

but gone as Congress cannot agree on anything, let alone a controversial investment in a commuter rail project. Optimism comes from Governor Patrick’s strong and very public commitment to this project. He has made an aggressive pitch for infrastructure investment and the need to raise revenue to pay for it and has crisscrossed the state with Transportation Secretary Richard Davey to make the case. He has made his case repeatedly and convincingly, linking investment in infrastructure to economic prosperity.

The governor’s plan includes many features, with maintenance of the existing transportation network receiving top billing, as it should. But he also makes the case for system expansion, and when he does, South Coast Rail is listed first.

Legislators relate that the governor’s message about South Coast Rail is the same in private conversations with them as he has been saying publicly: he wants the plan that emerges from the legislature to include South Coast Rail.

There is a big difference between supporting a project and taking the hard votes to raise taxes to pay for it, and the legislators will be running again while the governor is not. But at least there is an adult conversation about the pros and cons, and we have not had that happen since the journey began with that very first step.

We should know soon whether this journey will be abruptly ended by one of our gorillas or we will reach the promised land.

There is a big difference between supporting a project and taking the hard votes to raise taxes to pay for it.

Steve Smith is the executive director of the Southeast Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD).

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THINGS TO DO

Touching South Coast

history

by Jay Pateakos

M. P. Feitelberg

The South Coast is blessed with a number of museums that allow visitors to step back in time and relive history through the eyes of the people or places or pieces that lived through it by virtue of tales in books, collected memorabilia or recordings.

Like many museums, the Fall River Marine Museum has seen its fair share of ups and down times over the years. But over the last six months, a rejuvenated board and a new president have breathed new life to a place linking the former Spindle City to its maritime history.

In addition to harboring the largest Titanic model of its kind, a 28-foot long, one-ton model used in the filming of the 1953 Titanic movie starring Barbara Stanwyck, the museum has artifacts from the Andrea Doria, a luxurious Italian cruise liner which sank off the Nantucket coast in 1955, and the Fall River Line, which took passengers by steamship and train 8

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

to places like Newport, RI and New York City as well as a World War II ship model section among many more highlights.

Museum President Pro-Tem Margot Cottrel, who along with a number of other volunteers helped to revive the museum in 2012, also pointed to a model of the HMS Bounty, which docked in Fall River for a number of years and recently sunk off the North Carolina coast during the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy Oct. 29, 2012.

“We have a model of the ship and some artifacts but eventually we will be getting all of the artifacts,” said Cottrell.

“They are dissolving the Friends of

the Bounty group and we will be securing everything left over from the Bounty.”

Titanic treasure hunt The gift shop also contains models of the Titanic for sale, as well as reprints of the “Boston Daily Globe” announcing the sinking of the Titanic as well as a number of Fall River posters and postcards depicting Fall River scenes with Battleship Cove, the Marine Museum, Borden Flats Lighthouse and more by local artist Drew Furtado.

During the upcoming April school vacation week, volunteer and Citizens for Citizens employee Paula Forcier said the Marine Museum will be conducting two treasure hunts for students interested in Fall River history.

For children under 12, they will be doing a Titanic treasure hunt and for those over 12, one on the history of the Fall River Line.

“The Fall River Line one is a little more intricate than the Titanic,”

The last Colonial houses A dozen or so blocks up from the Marine Museum on Cherry Street is the only remaining colonial-era

house in the region. It’s tucked so neatly into its residential neighborhood you could easily pass by the house, even when looking to find it.

But once inside, it’s like turning the clock back to the mid-1700s.

Built in 1750 by Judge Thomas Durfee and his wife Patience Borden for their budding family in the territory formerly known as Freetown, the house, originally built on North Main Street near the former Superior Courthouse (now known as the Fall River Children’s Museum), served as a way station for the Continental Army.

Each room is meticulously recreated to look just as it did back in 1750, from the large brick cooking fireplace, 18th century-style clothing, civilian muskets, spinning wheels and much more.

In 1778, Joseph Durfee, then 28, along with the help of 20-year-old Marquis de Lafayette, helped stave off a British attack along the Taunton River despite their being massively outnumbered 150 to 20.

“There was a rumor that the British were set to burn down a sawmill along the Quequechan River because

The house was moved from North Main to 94 Cherry Street, a former apple orchard, in 1875.

“The original side of the house was adjacent to the courthouse and you can still see the well of the house there, you can see the four pillars and the roof to the north side of the Children’s Museum,” said David Jennings, president of the LafayetteDurfee House Historical Foundation, speaking of the house’s former location.

“For anyone interested in history, especially Fall River history, this house is its only tie to the American Revolution.”

the British knew they were using the mill to make lumber to build boats to invade Newport,” said Jennings.

“At that time, the British controlled all of Mount Hope Bay and the Colonials needed to get the British out of Newport because it was strangling the economy.”

Durfee, constantly utilizing the house as a meeting area for battleweary colonists, would later go on to build the first textile mill in Fall River and be the co-founder of the First Congregational Church in 1816. The house stayed in the Durfee family until 1836.

M. P. Feitelberg

said Forcier. “We’ll be asking kids to look for specific things around the museum.”

Forcier and Cottrell are hoping to reignite interest in the museum by getting local schools to tour the place to discover the city’s important link to its maritime history.

Forcier said the museum will eventually be focusing on upgrading the second-floor exhibits, which include massive battleship models including ships made completely of whalebone, scrimshaw done on whalebone, an original whaling ship journal and steamer trunks.

“People look at the Titanic but they don’t remember seeing cranes on the ships in the movies but they were there,” said Forcier.

“The luggage of that time period were steamer trunks, which needed to be hoisted onto the ship by crane.

They didn’t have modern carry-on luggage back then like we do now.”

Other offerings include the video of the discovery of the Titanic by Robert Ballard, the voice of a Titanic survivor recounting her tale of what happened that fateful night, a colonial cannon and much more. Movies shown at the Marine Museum include a documentary on the Titanic sinking as well as “Endurance: Shackelton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition”.

“There’s an awful lot of history in this place,” said Forcier.

Cottrell said once the museum rectifies lingering issues, they hope to secure grants to make the second floor handicap-accessible and continue to improve the offerings to keep the museum vital for many generations to come.

“We are going full steam ahead,” said Cottrell. “We are going to do this right.”

The Marine Museum is open Wed.Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and can be reached at 508-674-3533.

Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / April 2013

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Lafayette Durfee House

Continued from previous page The house was moved to its present location by oxen and manpower in 1875. Later made into apartments, the house was rediscovered by a direct descendent of the original Durfee family, Caroline Durfee, in 1973, helping to form a group that would purchase and restore the original house to its original luster, through 18th century eyes. Fireplaces were restored, original beams, floorboards and pegs were discovered and refurbished and the house sits today as a model for what life was more than 260 years ago.

“This was a very unique house for Fall River, where most of the houses were Victorians like Lizzie Borden’s Maplecroft, but this house goes back even farther than that,” said Jennings.

“These were rugged industrialists and farmers, who ate what they grew and whatever they couldn’t eat, they’d send to Newport. They raised sheep for wool and cut lumber.”

In the hearth room, a musket hangs from the wall. Pointing to the gun, Jennings notes that that was the law back then.

“Families had to own a gun,” he said.

Other rooms show sleeping quarters, dining or studies from 18th century life.

The house is open for tours from April to October, Thursday to Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for the major events they hold on Patriots Day, the Fourth of July and the Colonial Christmas, when they dress the house in its Christmas best.

“We try to do something once a month, whether it’s 18th century games or reenactments or discuss trends of the 18th century,” said Jennings, hoping to eventually create more of a link between the house and local schools.

“I’ve been doing reenactments for 15 years and I’ve been everywhere and you will not see a better preserved house then this one. There’s still a lot of people interested in history and they are really wowed by this place.

You don’t see many places like this in this kind of condition that is open to the public. This house is the real deal and where it all began.”

The Lafayette-Durfee House can be reached at 508-821-5976 or at lafayettedurfee@yahoo.com.

Three houses in one Westport’s Cadman-White-Handy House, now known simply as “Handy House,” today provides a unique door into the town’s 300-year past and makes even the Lafayette-Durfee

House look young. Constructed in the early 1700s, the 4,000-square-foot, 16room house had several wings built onto it over the last three centuries that provide visitors a rare glimpse into many different time periods.

Placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1994, the pristine museum stands as a lesson in what 18th century architecture is and shows the important contributions of Westporters on the local and national stages.

The Westport Historical Society hopes to continue to preserve the Handy House and the 25 acres it sits on to assure that the generations to come will know what life in Westport was like back then. The Historical Society hopes to eventually move its offices to the Handy House site as a way to best protect the “historic fabric” of the house.

Westport Historical Society’s Director Jenny O’Neill admits they have a bit more work to do before the house is officially open to the public, but they currently run special events such as demonstrations of traditional building techniques there during the warmer months and these events are publicized on their website www. wpthistory.org. O’Neill said they anticipate the house will be open to the public on a regular basis by 2014.

O’Neill said they have found that there are many different ways in which people react to the Handy House: some are fascinated by its architecture, others by the stories of the people who lived in the house.

Still others have driven by the house for years and have an overwhelming curiosity to see inside or they knew Eleanor Tripp who lived in the house until 2003. Perhaps they toured the house as a young child with Eleanor.

“For some it is a symbol of the enduring nature of history in an area that has changed dramatically, particularly in the last 70 years,” said O’Neill.

“It appeals to people who have lived in Westport for many generations as well as to those who have moved Continued on next page

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IN PROGRESS Continued from previous page to the area more recently. The house seems to provoke an emotional response, a real sense of stepping back in time and a special appreciation of the unique qualities of Westport.”

With The Handy House being one of the most recognizable historic landmarks in Westport, O’Neill said it is not simply a well preserved house, but rather three remarkable houses that correspond with the first three significant trends to occur in this nation’s history. Each campaign, from the original early 18th century house, to the mid-18th century improvements, to the Federal-style addition, speaks volumes about the people, place and period they represent.

“What sets the Handy House apart from other historic buildings of its type is both the degree to which the interior finishes survive and the condition in which they remain,” said O’Neill.

“But the Handy House is not just about architecture. It is the key to understanding the human history of Westport. The story of its many occupants from the earliest settlers in the 18th century to Eleanor Tripp in the 20th century, provides a compelling

insight into this community. We are very fortunate that there is a significant amount of information about the occupants.”

O’Neil notes one particular example: During the late 18th and into the 19th centuries, it was the home of Doctors Eli and James Handy, the town physicians. Their account books, which record the patients and treatments, have survived and are in the Handy House collection. It notes that it cost $3.00 to deliver a baby in 1791, 18 cents to have a tooth pulled, and we know that opium was frequently prescribed by the doctors, as well as many herbal remedies. “These are the stories that bring the house to life,” she said.

Considering its age, the house is in good condition. The first phase of stabilization, which has addressed sill repair, re-shingling and window repair, is complete. This will be followed by grading to improve drainage. “The goal is to do no harm and to conserve the special features of the house and change as little as possible,” she added.

“The most dangerous time for any historic structure is often during ‘restoration’ so we have proceeded carefully and slowly,” O’Neill said.

“Our biggest challenge is to meet

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In the end, O’Neill and the Westport Historical Society hope that the Handy House will provide a “doorway” into the history of Westport and into the process of discovery.

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Exploring the house “While we acknowledge the need to preserve an authentic sense of place, we anticipate that the Handy House is going to be a lively place of exploration and discovery, a little different from the traditional historic house museum which is often a fragile place filled with antiques that cannot be touched,” added O’Neill.

“Given that we are opening a historic site in an era of technological innovation, we plan to harness technology to help us interpret the site and to enrich the visitor experience.”

The next few years will be a time of ongoing exploration of the house whether through activities such as archaeology, or paint analysis and ongoing research into the history of the families associated with the house.

O’Neil said they hope to embed the Handy House at the center of the community and to open the surrounding grounds for community use.

“We are very lucky that we have an opportunity to create an historic site which has relevance to the needs of our community,” O’Neill said, “whether through educational programs for young people or through creating new avenues for a historic site to attract visitors. As an organization we are very open to all ideas and suggestions.”

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13

COVER STORY

Milling around the

Brian Fox Studio

by Michael J. Vieira

Where mill workers once labored, artist Brian Fox now creates. The artist who paints amazing, life-like portraits of athletes, celebrities, and historical figures opened a studio in Fall River’s Commonwealth Landing.

14

kids are home,” he said.

That means Fox is usually painting during school hours and at night after they go to bed. He’s OK with that.

“I’m very blessed to have all these opportunities, but I don’t think God gave them to me to take away from my family. I’ve got to keep my priorities straight.”

And that can be hard when Steven Tyler calls you on the phone, when the Kraft family sends you a ticket to the Super Bowl, and when the Wahlberg brothers invite you to parties.

The MHK painting His work with Matt Light of the Patriots led him to paint one of his best known works to date. The team asked Fox to create a memorial gift for Robert Kraft after his wife Myra died.

“It’s gotten the most notoriety,” he said, “It was everywhere.”

The painting shows a group of players reaching up. Above them are the

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

Michael J. Vieira

B

ut don’t expect a stuffy gallery where the polite whisper and point. His is edged in rough brick and his large paintings stand out from the white walls above polished wood floors.

Through the large windows, viewers gaze at his work which is prominently and properly displayed, but he posts no hours and opens by appointment.

This is, after all, a working studio.

“It’s a perfect fit,” Fox says.

First the space is great, he suggests, with plenty of room for his easel, paints and working drafts. There’s comfortable seating for guests and clients–and lots of floor space to spread out prints and drawings.

“And here I don’t have to worry about my kids stepping on them,” he said with a laugh.

For years, his studio was at his home. But despite the move, it’s clear that family is important to him.

“I don’t work weekends and I don’t work when my



Patriots logo and the initials “MHK.” At the bottom it says simply, “Dedication.”

After the Christmas Eve game, Fox brought the painting into the locker room and witnessed the emotional presentation from behind the painting.

Kraft was deeply moved and the portrait travelled with the team for the rest of the season.

“It’s not so much that it was a great painting, but it was a special gift,” Fox said, adding that it was clear how much the players cared for their owner–and how much the gift meant to Kraft.

It also helped open other doors for the Somerset native and resident. The painting was featured in a “Sports Illustrated” story and countless newspapers, and some of the players have now contacted him to do work for them.

It wasn’t always this way.

Fox said he was one of those kids who was always drawing, and his parents encouraged him to do so.

After he graduated from Somerset High School he attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and graduated as an art major in 1990.

From there, he worked at a local computer magazine and then at the “Herald News,” before spending seven years for Liquid Blue, an apparel company in  Rhode Island.

“It was so cool. Somebody  was paying me to draw.

I learned from all of my jobs,” he said, pickingup layout skills at one, being  able to take criticism and suggestions at others. He

learned to meet deadlines and draw on computer tablets.

A leap of faith And then, one day about nine years ago, he realized it was time to embark on his own career.

“It was a leap of faith,” he admitted, crediting his wife’s support and their belief in God as helping make the decision easier. Still, for some time, they didn’t tell their parents.

“It was a struggle for a while,” he admitted with his wife working full-time and Fox watching their two kids.

“I did anything just to bring in any sort of revenue,” Fox said, explaining that he designed t-shirts, drew logos, sketched out tattoos, and painted whenever he could.

In 2004, the Red Sox won the World Series and Fox hit a home run with his decision to donate a painting of Curt Schilling to the ALS Foundation. Everybody was looking for Sox memorabilia, so it sold for thousands of dollars.

He was asked to go back to the Schilling fundraiser  for the next two years. In 2007, Fox became the “official artist” for the All Star Game and painted on the field for three years in a row. His paintings were signed by all the players.

“These were great experiences,” he said. Soon he was being invited to private parties where he got to meet executives and players, and his donations and other work began receiving

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Continued from previous page media attention.

“It opened doors for me,” he said, Around the same time, he began creating original artwork for the Disney parks, which he did for about three years. He became the official “Pirates of the Caribbean” artist and his images of Johnny Depp in that role really capture the character’s spirit.

“It was like a snowball,” he recalled.

But in the meantime, he was still painting dog portraits and privately commissioned work, including some beautifully lifelike horse images from the Kentucky Derby.

“Anything to pay the bills,” he laughed.

done a painting of Russian President Vladimir Putin playing hockey which was commissioned as a gift by his team.

After painting Major Winters from Band of Brothers fame, he talked to World War II vets.

“You listen to these guys and you’re very humbled,” adding, “Those experiences are just amazing.”

Maybe that’s one of the things that makes Brian Fox so special. In spite of the opportunities he’s had to meet and mingle with the rich and famous, he remains incredibly grounded.

A winning personality Although Brian Fox admits that most artists like to work alone, he is surprisingly warm and open. He takes the time to engage in conversations and is quick to smile and laugh. He is frequently sharing images and updates on FaceBook, tries to use Twitter and other social media, and is comfortable working a crowd and cooperating with media requests.

But as more and more people got to know Fox and his work, there were more and more demands on his time. He has had to hire an agent and an assistant to help with scheduling.

“It got real busy,” he admitted, “it started to take off in different directions.”

And more doors opened.

He did a painting of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and had breakfast with his wife.

“I don’t think I said a word,” he says with a smile on face.

Fox has an upcoming deal with Disney to create paintings that will only be available on a cruise. He’s 16

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

He talks with equal respect and admiration for Micky Ward of “The Fighter” fame, and Chuck Boucher, his neighbor and an excellent artist in his own right. His love for his family is obvious.

“If you’re not content with who you are, a job’s not going to make you happy,” Fox said.

Still a job For Fox, in spite of all the success, painting is still a job. He’s more aware of the business aspect of his profession than most creative types.

“I’d love to paint what I want every day, but who’s going to pay for it?”

He appreciates that deadlines need to be met for charity donations and that galleries aren’t museums, they need work that sells.

But he does paint what he likes.

He’s working on a series of four U2 portraits because he loves the band.

He’s done several portraits of Native Americans and met with Crazy Horse’s grandson. He wants to paint Prince Henry playing polo.

In the end, what’s amazing, Fox says, is that he’s getting paid to learn.

“You learn to paint faster and get better, “Fox explains, “and you need to listen to people in the business.”

He’s done layaway and takes credit cards.

As he became more popular, there were more people coming to the studio at his home and that became an intrusion into his family life. He looked at a lot of places and liked the layout, design and location of the Commonwealth Landing space.

The only thing left to do is add some blinds or window coverings so that he can provide a private space when he’s working with a celebrity. But if Julie Brady, the quarterback’s sister, or a Patriot or Red Sox player stops by, the location is also great because it’s an easy walk to Jerry Remy’s or Red Cedar for lunch.

It’s also a fitting space for a hardworking artist. Just like his in-laws who ironically worked for Quaker Fabric, the company that owned the mill before its transformation, and countless others, he is making a living where people have worked hard for many years.

Fox likes to paraphrase artist Chuck Close who said, “Amateurs look for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.”

And for Fox, that’s been the key to his success.

For more information, visit www. brianfoxstudios.com or emailinfo@ brianfoxstudios.com.

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This filing season nothing speaks to me more than the number of clients, especially young clients, brave enough to start their own businesses.

Out of darkness comes light, and out of the direst situations comes great room for opportunity. For most of us, the recent economic years represent perhaps one of the bleakest times in our financial economy. Indeed, I can bear witness that in 27 years of working with clients I have never seen so much unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies. Yet, out of this darkness I am also beginning to see brightness.

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April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

Individual creativity A few weeks ago I found myself at a baby shower surrounded by a group of talented young women. Most of these young women were entrepreneurs, and many of them had contributed their skills and products

to the event. I was amazed at the ingenuity and creativity of these young women who have found a marketplace for their products. One guest in particular wore a stunning ensemble of clothing that she designs and prints herself. She sells her designs online, through shows, and in local boutiques.

Last week I met with a young client, Molly, whose mother has been a client of mine for many years. After years of struggling with conventional colleges Molly finally traveled to California to pursue her lifelong dream of an education in jewelry design. Already her jewelry is selling well online and in galleries all over New England.

Another young client has been creating her own pottery pieces and after attending college in New York will be traveling to Germany this spring for an internship in pottery design.

She has been selling her pieces in galleries while attending college.

Just recently the young woman that works in my office was contacted by a representative from Williams Sonoma, and they want to feature the dog toys she creates out of natural rope products in their catalogs.

A young photographer client recently landed a 10-month project for a national non-profit traveling the world creating a photo essay for their

organization. The enthusiasm and energy that these new entrepreneurs possess is intoxicating.

Did these opportunities exist 39 years ago? As a young girl, the only future I saw involved growing up and getting a job. Is it possible that the lack of jobs is opening up the door to careers that allow for the pursuit of creativity? The Internet has created a global economic marketplace that levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to compete in areas that were previously only occupied by larger businesses. Is this not an incredible time?

Corporate goes local Is it possible that Americans have finally grown tired of mass-produced low-quality products and food items manufactured by large corporations with no conscience? Has the mantra to shop local and support your local businesses finally begun to take hold? Small local businesses allow us the opportunity to select food and products grown and created by people with economic consciences.

Everywhere I look I see restaurants, bakeries and shops being opened by brave entrepreneurs. Farmer’s markets, craft shows and trade shows are filled with farmers and craftsmen promoting their products. The bubble of the corporate dream has burst, and people are picking themselves up dusting themselves off and following their entrepreneurial dreams.

The rebuilding of our economy is a daunting task, but it’s one that we can all participate in. America needs its entrepreneurs. It needs the hands, backs and talents of the entrepreneurs brave enough to carve a new path, and they need our financial vote. They need consumers intelligent enough to discriminate between food that nourishes our bodies or destroys our health and products that support our local businesses versus funding the economy of foreign countries. America is a country of opportunity built by dreamers, and it’s time to support those that dream.

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THINGS TO DO

Mini garden, many rewards

S

by Cara Connelly

ummer is synonymous with gardens bursting with flowers and vegetables, and even a small sunny spot in your yard, or a window box or garden pot are all great options.

Vegetable gardens have blossomed into colorful works of art and no longer have to be rows and rows of the same vegetable. Even if you live in an apartment or home with a small yard, with some creativity, you too can join the grow-your-own food revolution.

Just a little space Anyone with a sunny windowsill, yard, patio or balcony can grow vegetables. Whether you are working with one little window box, small section of yard or several large containers, choosing plants that are nourishing, delicious and beautiful is the ultimate way to maximize smaller spaces.

When space is limited but enthusiasm boundless, think containers.

A window box that is two feet long, about the size of one standard window, is large enough to grow all sorts of herbs like oregano, basil, chives and rosemary. It will easily hold four to six large herb plants or a small crop of salad greens.

Try to choose plants with a variety of shapes and colors such as purple basil, tall lemon verbena and chives to make the display attractive. Herbs are particularly good choices for urban window boxes since they can be maintained with just a watering can and a pair of shears. Most herbs require minimal fertilizing. In fact, overfed herbs lose essential oils in their leaves, 20

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

causing them to be less flavorful.

To keep things blooming all season long, combine plants that have different or varied flowering times. That way, some things will be ripening while others are ready to pick.

Devote the most space to the veggies your family likes the best. Keep in mind that the large plants such as beans, cucumbers and tomatoes require large pots–two feet in diameter or more. Smaller pots are perfect for peppers, greens, kale and herbs and they look great tucked between larger containers.

Loving care All vegetable gardens need sunshine, no matter what size. Six to eight hours of bright light daily will ensure small

space success.

A small patio that gets adequate sun can provide enough space to grow a range of crops without demanding much time or labor.

Buy bags of soilless mix for container growing from a garden center or nursery. The lightweight mixture provides a fast draining source ideal for growing vegetables. Food crops also need consistent and frequent watering so be sure to think about the location of your hose or faucet when planning where to plant. The closer your plants can be to water, the more you are likely to remember to water them.

In hot weather, water evaporates quickly from the elevated soil in a container. Irrigate your pots every day if temperatures go above 90 degrees.

Invest in sturdy containers that can be left out year round. Stackable planters come in lightweight, all weather resin and will accommodate all sizes of vegetables.

Large plants, such as tomatoes, will need staking. Bamboo is an attractive, inexpensive option while sturdy metal tomatoes cages work well too.

Keeping the plants upright and well aerated will minimize the possibility of disease while maximizing yield. It also increases available space allowing

an under planting of small plants such as carrots, radishes or herbs.

Combine similar species such as fiery habanero, hot lemon chiles and purple leaved peppers make a colorful mix. Look for dwarf varieties of vegetables. Plant breeders are constantly introducing vegetables that take up less space such as a tiny dark green or diamante cucumber.

FLASH Spring was in the air at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River on March 16 for the Third Annual Bristol County Home & Garden Show.

Choose productive plants Don’t wait all summer for a few huge slicing tomatoes. Instead, opt for prolific, early bearing and delicious cherry tomatoes. Harvest salad greens lightly once a week to encourage growth.

When the plants become exhausted, remove them and plant seeds for a new crop. Add edible flowers. Sowing a few extra seeds of easy to grow nasturtium or borage into any herb or vegetable garden adds a welcome touch of color to pots and to salads.

Choose pretty plants like two-tone mint, a variegated herb that makes a strong visual impression without sacrificing flavor or productivity.

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Try a theme Combine your most frequently used herbs in a window box or try putting together thematic plantings such as Asian herbs. Include garlic chives, Thai basil, lemongrass and shiso. A tea herb combination may include mint, chamomile, lemon balm or lemon verbena.

An Italian combination could include rosemary, basil, oregano and chives.

Edible flowers and salad greens also make a nice combination.

Whether you are downsizing, a firsttime home buyer, retired or enjoying a vacation home, gardens fit in any space. A mini-garden isn’t likely to overflow with produce but also won’t take a huge amount of time and effort.

When you serve a just-picked summer salad from your window box to a friend or make fresh salsa from sun warmed tomatoes and peppers harvested right outside your door, you’ll get the same bragging rights as any proud farmer.

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The South Coast Insider / April 2013

21

COVER STORY New Bedford’s Director of Tourism Dagney Ashley, here seen atop the Whaling Museum, hopes to entice many more visitors to enjoy things such as this iconic view of the city.

Destination New Bedford rejuvenated

by Joyce Rowley “I have a passion for the city I live in,” says Dagny Ashley, who started as the City of New Bedford’s new Director of Tourism and Marketing last month. “I wanted to contribute to the growth and vitality of the city’s tourism and marketing efforts. When the position opened up, I had to go for it.”

Ashley, 42 and a lifelong resident of New Bedford, was commuting to Boston daily for her job with the Massachusetts Office of Tourism and Travel (MOTT) as Group Tour Manager and Conference 22

Manager. Commuting was only part of the travel she did for that agency, which often took her throughout the Northeast and even to Canada to meet with regional tourism leaders, promote Massachusetts destinations, and make connections with national hospitality businesses.

Before MOTT, she worked for the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau promoting marketing for all 20 Bristol County communities, including the four Gateway Cities of New Bedford, Fall River,

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

Taunton and Attleboro.

It was an easy transition to New Bedford, Ashley said, because she already knew the major tourism stakeholders having worked with them for several years.

“I am familiar with the landscape, the people and the assets of New Bedford,” said Ashley.

Ashley said her overall goal is to advance New Bedford’s tourism and marketing with a vision of establishing the city as one of the top–tier destinations in the Commonwealth and New England. The way

to do that, she said, will be to provide leadership with a consistent voice, to act as a single point of contact, and to collaborate and partner with the city’s stakeholders.

Off to a running start “Dagny is terrific,” said Roy Nasciemento, CEO of the Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, “she is a real catch for New Bedford.”

Nasciemento said that he worked with Ashley when she was the program manager in Bristol County and when she was at MOTT.

In her first month with the city, Ashley has already volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce’s booth at the 10th Annual AAA 2013 Travel Marketplace at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. She said she reached out to New Bedford hospitality organizations and businesses to collect marketing media to bring with her.

“Tourism accounts for over $16 billion in direct spending in the state,” said Nasciemento.

“It pays $1 billion in state and local taxes and provides over 100,000 jobs.

And despite the economic downturn, tourism continues to grow. In Bristol County, it provides 3,000

this job,” Nasciemento said.

“She’s local and has roots here. She brings so much experience with her as well as contacts with the regional hospitality industry.”

Energizing downtown “New Bedford has such amazing assets as a community and there are wonderful opportunities for new energy and investment by the City,” said Lee Heald, Director of AHA!, an acronym for the arts, history and architecture of New Bedford. The New Bedford cultural collaborative is best known for its free monthly second Thursday night downtown events.

“Having a director of marketing and tourism and

New Bedford has such amazing assets as a community and there are wonderful opportunities for new energy and investment by the City jobs, and $400 million in industry-related revenues.

“In New Bedford, tourism is a significant positive economic factor,” he said, “there is a real opportunity for growth.” Nasciemento and Ashley have discussed educational programs and training for local hospitality businesses to help staff answer questions. By partnering with New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, Bristol Community College and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, Ashley’s goal is to offer hospitality training to all businesses prior to the start of the season.

“Kudos to Mayor Mitchell for recruiting Dagny to come to New Bedford for

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city resources will help all of the partners,” said Heald.

“There are wonderful opportunities for new energy and investment by the city.

Dagny brings her history of having grown up in New Bedford, her passion for the city as well as her wider experience of working on the state level with Mass Office of Travel and Tourism.”

It’s that ability to partner that will play an important part of Ashley’s role, as Heald has seen in the building of a re-energized downtown over the past 15 years.

“Folks have learned how to work together and reenergize the downtown based on a balance of what New Bedford was Continued on next page

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Mattapoisett YMCA 508.758.4203

New Bedford YMCA 508.997.0734

The South Coast Insider / April 2013

23

FLASH

Continued from previous page

Members of the New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, their guests and friends, had an enjoyable time the weekend of March 2-3 at the 25th Annual 2013 Greater New Bedford Home Show.

historically and what it can become in the future,” said Heald.

That collaborative effort has paid off. Last year, New Bedford was named the seventh most hospitable place to live and work for the arts. It was named one of the top 10 cities for preservation by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. And it is still the top fishing port in the country.

Heald said that with the unveiling of Route 18’s new function as a waterfront boulevard, the downtown and the harbor should be able to connect in new ways.

“It is an exciting summer for New Bedford and AHA! is looking forward to a “Portraits of a Port” theme in June at the State pier,” she said. “Key to making it work and building momentum will be strong leadership, an overall vision and the City support Dagny brings.”

William Gil, Blisscapes Landscape & Nursery

Nancy Wordell, Tim Souza, St. Annes Credit Union

Tom O’Leary, Stevens Home Improvement

Paul Mello, BayCoast Bank

Volunteers a key part

Joseph Martin, Michelle McGreevy, Patio Enclosures

Luis Amado, Martin Correia, ERA Castelo Real Estate

Graham and Ross Cottrell, Cottrell Bros.

24

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

Paul Flanagan, Aaron Pools and Spas

With summer just around the corner, Ashley is taking stock of what’s already in place and what’s not.

“There’s a lot of things going on already and no need to duplicate efforts,” she said. She has a threemonth plan that includes putting a budget together for FY 2014. “Tourism management is usually based on a 12- to 18-month comprehensive plan,” she said.

In fact, she has already received calls for two conferences in 2014.

Meanwhile, she’s starting

with those short term efforts that will make the greatest impact at the least cost.

One of those is getting the Destination New Bedford website updated for the summer crowd.

Ashley said that over 17,000 people visited the AAA Travel Marketplace during the three-day event. While the economy is still recovering, instate travel and “staycations” are the order of the day.

“The first point of contact is usually the destination’s website,” Ashley said.

Upgrading the website with new images, new functionality and adding social media will influence the prospective visitor experience.

Another is recruiting and training a Destination New Bedford hospitality volunteer crew to meet and greet visitors at major city events such as the annual Chowder Festival and the Bioneers Conference. The volunteers will act as wayfinders to help visitors navigate the city and as overall hospitality ambassadors for the city.

“We want visitors to have a unique and pleasant experience when visiting New Bedford. We want them to leave with that ‘WOW factor,’ receiving superior hospitality during their stay in New Bedford,” Ashley said.

Whether you are a visitor or a town resident, the rejuvenated New Bedford website is worth a look at www.destinationnewbedford.org

CRE ATIVE KITCHEN DESIGN

654 State Road, Dartmouth, MA 508-997-1010 www.dartmouthbuildingsupply.com

BRISTOL COUNTY PRECAST n Reinforced concrete septic tanks (1,000-10,000 gallon capacity) n Leaching chambers n Landscaping wall blocks & manholes

Manufactured & delivered brick face, decorative stone, and plain concrete pre-cast steps (1-8 steps) (different styles available 4' to 8' wide)

n

Riser/covers to build-up your septic covers

n

Pre-cast sonatubes

n

Non-Settling Hangers Available 23 Alberto Drive • Westport, MA

508-678-4666

www.BristolCountyPrecast.webs.com The South Coast Insider / April 2013

25

THINGS TO DO

Have your

cupcake

and eat it, too

by Brian Lowney

Cupcakes are one of those luscious and comforting treats that you’re never too old to enjoy.

R

emember rushing home from school to find a plate of cupcakes fresh from the oven? Depending on the season they could be slathered with colorful frosting–pink for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day and bright yellow to mark the arrival of spring and Easter.

Even when there wasn’t a reason to celebrate, a cupcake made the day very special.

If you were lucky, mom might have let have one of the tasty confections as an after-school snack if you promised to eat all of your supper. Of

26

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

course you agreed. Who could resist the temptation to enjoy a delicious cupcake?

According to Chef Gloria Cabral, associate professor of Baking and Pastry Arts at Bristol Community College, cupcakes are now one of the hottest trends in the culinary world.

Specialty bakeries are sprouting up all over, offering these often beautifully decorated sweet treats for birthday parties, wedding receptions and other special occasions.

The joy of cupcakes “Cupcakes are convenient,” Cabral begins, adding that you can please many palates when you offer dif-

ferent flavored cupcakes instead of serving a cake that some guests or family members may not enjoy.

The respected baking authority adds that cupcakes can also be eaten in the car or as a quick snack without causing a mess or requiring utensils.

“People are becoming creative in developing flavors,” the chef continues, noting that the current trend is to offer cupcakes that aren’t too sweet in flavors such as apple and mint.

With the bridal season about to begin, Cabral says that many newlyweds will be offering cupcake trees to their guests, allowing them to choose from an assortment of fla-

vors. She notes that chocolate, vanilla and red velvet are among the popular choices this year.

At Shayna’s Gourmet Cupcakes in Seekonk, owner Philip Rich reports, “people just love them.”

The busy shop sells hundreds of cupcakes daily, and takes orders for custom designs, including corporate logos. Rich said that every cupcake is made from scratch, and topped with rich buttercream or meringue.

According to baker Bridget Sullivan, “people like cupcakes because they are adorable.”

Sullivan adds that many customers travel from bakery to bakery searching for new cupcake flavors and creative designs.

“They do the cupcake circuit,” Sullivan quips.

Customer Katy Camelo of Bristol, RI is one of those folks who’ll drive a few extra miles for a good cupcake.

“I like vanilla,” she reveals, noting that she’s developed a passion for Shayna’s cupcakes. “They are so delicious. “I go to all the different cup-

Chocolate Cupcakes Ingredients: n

2 c. all purpose flour

n

2 c. sugar

n

¾ cup cocoa – sifted

n

2 t. baking soda

n

1 t. baking powder

n

½ t. salt

n

½ c. vegetable oil

n

1 c. Greek yogurt

n

2 eggs

n

1 c. coffee

Directions: Gather ingredients and equipment. Preheat oven to 375° F. Place all wet ingredients in mixer bowl; mix well. Sift dry ingredients onto wet ingredients. Using paddle, combine at low speed, and then mix on second speed until smooth.

Bake at 375° F for 15-20 minutes.

Makes 30 cupcakes.

cake places and they are the best.”

Sullivan says that while the oldfashioned vanilla cupcake frosted with chocolate buttercream is popular, other customer favorites include the Coconut Dream, a light coconutflavored cupcake topped with coconut meringue and flakes of toasted coconut; the Coffee Buzz, a chocolate cupcake with a coffee mascarpone filling and garnished with espresso buttercream; the Very Strawberry, a strawberry cupcake made with plump berries and garnished with strawberry buttercream and a slice of a fresh strawberry; and the real crowd pleaser, the Almond Razzle Dazzle, a delightful almond cupcake with raspberry cream filling, topped with meringue drizzled with raspberry syrup and chopped almonds.

For more information about Shayna’s Gourmet Cupcakes, visit the shop at 755 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, Mass., or call 401-439-5220.

Chef Cabral shares the following recipes:

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American Buttercream Frosting Ingredients: 2 lbs. confectioner’s sugar – sifted 1 c. Crisco n 1 c. butter, unsalted n 2 T. vanilla n ¼ t. salt n ¼ c. hot water n n

Directions: Gather ingredients and equipment.

Cream butter and shortening. Add sugar, water and flavoring. Cream until light and fluffy. Be creative.

Change flavors, extracts. Add coffee instead of water for a light coffee flavor. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate ganache for a delicious chocolate flavor.

For an interesting change make a Black Forest cupcake. Fill a chocolate cupcake with a little cherry pie filling. Top with sweetened whipped cream flavored with Kirschwasser (cherry liqueur).

The South Coast Insider / April 2013

27

WINE NOTES

Wine

can be a many-

blended thing

by Alton Long

The blending of the juices of different varieties of grapes to make wine is a time-honored process.

T

rue, the great wines of France’s Burgundy region are seldom blended, but those of Bordeaux and Rhone are often made from three or more grape varieties. Even in the U.S. the bottle may be labeled with one variety, but it may have up to 20 percent of some other variety.

Building a blend Wine makers learned early on that the addition of a different grape variety could add complexity to a simple wine or, conversely, soften an intense flavor. They also discovered that a blend could be made more pleasant as well as more complex than either of the wines alone. To this day, wine blending is one of the winemaker’s most important skills.

The result of a good blend can make 28

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

the difference between a wine that is appreciated by the consumer and one that is doomed for withdrawal from the market.

Some grape varieties seem to be naturally made for blending with other. A little Merlot will do a lot to tame a big intense Cabernet Sauvignon. This blend, along with several other grape varieties, has been used in French Bordeaux wines for centuries. The grapes that are permitted in the red Bordeaux wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

It is also interesting that the primary white wine of Bordeaux is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, which tends to have a very aggressive flavor, and SĂŠmillon grapes, which make the wine a lot softer and milder.

There are many different grapes used to make the wines of Rhone in southeastern France, and most Rhone wines are blends of these. They include mostly Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, but other relatively common red grape varieties include Cinsault, Carignan, and Petite Sirah. All told, there are at least 22 approved Rhone grape varieties. Rhone Appellations (including Cote Rotie, Hermitage, Condrieu, Chateuneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Bandol, Cotes du Rhone and several others) each choose a different subset from the collection of grapes known (from their place of origin) as Rhone varietals.

Many of these varieties are also grown in California and are also blended to make Rhone style wines.

The popular Italian red wine,

Chianti, is also usually a blend.

Originally, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, the creator of Chianti, made it from 70 percent Sangiovese and 15 percent Canaiolo (both red grapes) and 15 percent Malvasia Bianca, (a white grape) back in the middle of the 19th century. During the 1970s producers began to cut back the use of white grapes in Chianti. At this time, for a wine to be legally labeled Chianti, it must be produced with at least 80 percent Sangiovese grapes. In 1995 it became legal to produce a Chianti with 100 percent Sangiovese.

The wine makers in Spain have been doing blending for centuries.

A good modern example is Alvaro Palacios, a leading and creative winemaker in Spain, who has produced many great blends. A good example is his Les Terrasses 2007 Priorat at $47. This red blend is composed of Carinena, Garnacha, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.

One magazine rated it at a 15.5 (out of 20) and wrote, “a solid value.” The wine is complex, delicious and is smooth on the palate.

One of the most unique wine blends that I have found is “Meditrina,” a red wine produced by Sokol Blosser, a well known Oregon winery. This wine was made from a rather unusual blend of grapes: Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. The winery, recognized for its excellent Pinot Noir, was founded in 1971, and is known for its important role in Oregon’s wine history.

Finally, there are the so-called “touch up” blends where just a few percent of another wine can make the difference of whether a wine will be popular with the wine consuming public or not. Often these small additions are not made public, and essentially become the winemakers’ secrets. Examples are adding a little more red wine to a pale rosé, or a adding a little bit of a more aromatic wine to a tightly closed red wine to assure a pleasant aroma.

My favorite winery in the U.S. is Beaulieu Vineyards, affectionately known to some wine lovers, as “B.V.”.

They are located in the heart of Napa Valley. They produced a wine in 1990 labeled “Special Burgundy”. It is a blend of 50 percent Petite Sirah, 40 percent Charbono, five percent Early Burgundy, and five percent Napa Gamay.

Many wine lovers are dedicated to seeking wines made from 100 percent of the same grape. I agree it’s good to become acquainted with each particular grape’s flavor, and I do enjoy the intensity of these pure wines made from a single grape variety, but when I experience the magic that is done by an obviously knowledgeable wine maker who make delicious wines through the skill and science of blending, I know that “blending “ is also an art, and we, the wine lovers, are reaping the bounty of that skill.

Oregon’s wine pioneers

B

ill Blosser and Susan Sokol Blosser, founders of the Sokol Blosser winery, had little farming experience and just a basic knowledge of winemaking. What they did have, in abundance, was a passion for growing the Pinot Noir grape and creating world-class wine. Soon after settling on this extraordinary land, in the early 1970s, they planted their first vines and cinched their place as pioneers in Oregon’s budding wine industry.

Emperor Harp by

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CEL E BR ATI NG 9 Y E A R S

“It’s a Beautiful World” A Juried Event Featuring Local, Regional artists & Hope Gallery’s Represented artists Saturday, April 6, 2013 5:00-8:00 PM 435 Hope Street • Bristol, RI

(401)396-9117 www.hopegalleryfineartfinecraft.com

The South Coast Insider / April 2013

29

PRO TIPS Every issue we bring you helpful information from our advertisers, expanding on their services and products. “Pro Tips” offers hints, help, ideas, sources, methods and businesses you can trust.

Businesses who want to participate can contact The South Coast Insider at www.coastalmags.com or 508-677-3000.

Your home Ash Away on 703 State Road in Dartmouth is a family business that has been serving the South Coast for 20 years. They have a full selection of stoves and grills, do installations, and have a reputation built on quality products with fair pricing.

Kevin Cabral, part of the family there, wants their customers to know about the government voucher program, where Uncle Sam will pay you to remove your non-certified wood/ pellet stove and install an EPA-certified one. Any old stove, no matter its condition, will qualify for the voucher so you can save big money on a new, efficient stove.

Be sure to read the owner’s manual that comes with the stove and follow the general maintenance recommendations. Most problems arise from poor maintenance. Get the chimney/venting cleaned every year. Ash Away’s summer cleaning promotion can save you $30 or more.

Ash Away, 508-993-5577, www.ashawaycompanies.com

n

ample space, then a taller island or bar counter may provide comfortable standing space for your guests.

The Kitchen Design Center at Horner Millwork, 508-679-6479, www.hornermillwork.com

The kitchen has become the communal gathering space for family and friends. For most of us this means designing the kitchen with this in mind. If you have a generous amount of space, leave plenty of room for seating. If you do not have

30

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

When marketing your small business, commit to a plan and stay consistent. You will gain more brand recognition through repetition and consistency than you will with shortterm marketing campaigns that fizzle after three months. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of immediate consumer attention to your ads/brand, and stick with it!

Mechanics Cooperative Bank, 508679-1961, www.mechanics-coop.com

n

(l-r) Nick Sollecito, Home Genius Custom Kitchens; Tom Custadio, Kitchen Sales Manager Consigning is a great way to dispose of furniture that no longer fits your lifestyle, whether it’s because of a move or just a change of taste. Furniture that is still in excellent condition will be appreciated by its new owners and will serve them well for years to come. With one quick decision you solve the problem of “what do I do with all this?” and you put cash in your hand.

What A Find! Consignment Furniture, Fairhaven, 508-997-0166 www.whatafindfairhaven.com

n

Be aware of the mulch you are buying. Many of todays mulches are nothing but ground up pallets and demolition wood with chemical dyes to give it color. Sure, it may look good and seem to last longer but you are not getting any nutritional benefits from it. AG Bettencourt sells only all-natural mulch which breaks down with time and helps feed your plants.

If you want a green garden keep the

n

n

This is a good time to start cleaning your garden beds. Trim some of your perennials, especially your ornamental grasses, butterfly bushes, and fall sedums. While cleaning you should notice many of your early blooming bulbs and perennials breaking through. Spring is almost here!

Frerichs Farm, Warren, 401-2458245, www.frerichsfarm.com

n

Your business

Your garden Alex Mello, Kevin Cabral, Eric Bizarro

chemicals out and let Mother Nature do her work.

AG Bettencourt, Westport, 508636-4009

It is important to ensure that jobs are appropriately categorized. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Non-exempt Status applies to employees who are typically paid at an hourly rate and are paid for the number of hours of labor performed.

Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay. The federal rate of overtime pay is 1.5 times the employee’s hourly rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of forty (40) in the predefined seven-day workweek. All states adhere to the federal overtime rate and some have more restrictive, state-specific overtime pay laws in place.

Complete Payroll Solutions, 508837-7109, www.completepayrollsolutions.com n

Be friendly and greet all customers coming and going into your business. Saks Consignments, Swansea, 508-730-2211

n

Lighthouse Promotions Patriot’s Day

Antiques

Fine Furnishings • Home Goods Kitchen Equipment

Show & Sale Monday, April 15, 2013 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Venus de Milo Restaurant Route 6 - Swansea, Mass.

— Next Show — Columbus Day - October 14, 2013

Early buyer’s preview – 10 A.M. $10.00 each Admission $6.00 each With this ad, admit 2 at $5.00 each

10%OFF d Where Art Meets Style d

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Spring Fever Sale

We have gift certificates for Mom

Cannot can be combined with other coupons

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

— Open Tuesday through Saturday —

1160 County St. • Somerset, MA

facebook.com/smartypantsqualityconsignment

(Rt 138 next door to MaRaffa’s)

508-679-9301

401-378- 6709

Seconds Count!

Quality Resale for the Whole Family

10% OFF with ad (not valid on previous purchases)

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

270 Huttleston Ave. (Rt 6) Fairhaven, MA 508-991-2229 Mon-Sat 9-4:30, Thu 9-7:30

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

Hours: Tue. thru Thu. 10AM – 6PM Fri. and Sat. 10AM – 5PM

any one item with this ad

312 Wilbur Ave. (Rt 103) • Swansea, MA

SCI

High-end women’s clothing CONSIGNMENT

Spring is here at Smarty Pants!

Pre-owned brand name women’s apparel, accessories, and jewelry. Sizes 0-3X

with puchase of $10 or more

ADVERTISE HERE! Call 508-677-3000 or email editor@coastalmags.com FREE “Pro Tip” with ad purchase DEADLINE: April 15

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Today’s fashion… without the retail prices…

We sell slightly used and new women’s clothing and accessories.

30% OFF

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Ann Taylor • Chico’s • Banana Republic Alberto Makali • Coach, Dooney & Bourke Louis Vuitton • Fendi • And more…

147 Swansea Mall Dr. #4 • Swansea, MA 508-730-2211 Tue. & Wed. 9:30-5:00 • Thu. & Fri. 9:30-7:00 Sat 9:30-5:30 • Closed Sun. & Mon.

What A FinD! Quality Consignment Furniture

HURRY IN!!! What’s here today… may be gone tomorrow Recycle your quality used home furnishings 154 Huttleston Ave., Rte. 6 Fairhaven, MA 508-997-0166 Tue., Wed., Thu., Sat. 10am-5:30pm Fri. 11am-7pm, Sun. 1-4pm • Closed Mon.

The South Coast Insider / April 2013

31

DATELINE: SOUTH COAST

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

by Elizabeth Morse Read

Days are getting longer, the daffodils are up, and after a long and blustery winter, life is moving outdoors again.

There’s new hope (and a new pope!) that better times are coming. Don’t forget that there’s a school vacation week this month… plan ahead, drive carefully and take advantage of the natural beauty, events and experiences throughout the South Coast.

Across the region A $3.4 million Massachusetts Gateway City grant will help create career academies within alternative high schools, intensive English language programs, early-education programs, as well as after-school and summer programs, for at-risk children. n

n Head for the Warwick Mall on April 6 for the Summer Camp and Children’s Programs Expo!

There’s something for everyone at the South Coast YMCAs! There’s a Dinner & Movie April 12 in Wareham (508-295-9622); “Healthy Kids Day” on April 26 in Dartmouth (508-9933361) and on April 27 in Fall River (508-675-7841); and the “Y Be Healthy Expo” in New Bedford (508-997-0734).

For a complete schedule, visit www. ymcasouthcoast.org or call the YMCA nearest you. n

n

What the devil is going on with

32

South Coast school roofs??? They were ripped off a few schools in Fall River and Raynham during the January windstorm, and then a migrating flock of turkey vultures created $10,000 worth of damage to a school roof in Taunton. (Sounds like a Stephen King plot…) n The recent storms also blew many unusual seabirds off course–gannets, puffins, razorbills and a peregrine falcon were rescued along the shores of the South Coast and Cape Cod.

If you’re over 50, learn about the trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program: Foxwoods Casino Apr. 9; “Sister Act” at the Providence Performing Arts Center Apr. 13; Meriden Daffodil Festival Apr. 27, plus the five-day trip to Ottawa and The Thousand Islands May 2024. Call 508-991-6171. n

Acushnet n

Town Meeting approved a $6.4

April 2013 /2012 The South Coast Coast Insider November / The South Insider

million proposal for a library addition at the Marie Howard Community Center. The town’s share of the cost would be under $3 million.

Attleboro n Step back into the past at the Industrial History Museum on Thursdays or Fridays. Call 508-2223918 or go to www.industrialmuseum.com. n If you’re looking for family fun during school vacation week, head for BattlegroundZ, which offers an arcade, laser tag, paintball and more!

The facility offers plenty of seating, free WiFi, a snack bar and party room.

Call 508-399-7700 or visit www.

TheBGZ.com.

Barrington n Barrington Middle School student Wolfgang Personeus has been selected as a “future star” by “USA Gymnastics Magazine.” The 12-year old ranks 16th in the country in his age group.

“Track & Field News” listed Barrington High School’s Charlie Ionata as the top-ranked thrower in the country, with a record 77’ 6” throw of a 25 lb. weight. n

Bridgewater n A necklace and ring worth $5,000 were removed from the body of a 94year old woman just before her wake at a funeral home. (How low can you go??)

Bristol n Send the kids to April Vacation Camp April 15-19 at Blithewold.

Single-day and half-day enrollment also available. For details, visit www. blithewold.org or call 401-253-2707.

The Bristol Farmers Market is open at Mount Hope Farm barn on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

They will be presenting “Chefs at the Market,” demonstrations and tastings every month, showcasing local chefs who source their food locally. To learn more, visit www.mounthopefarm. org. n

n Follow the “Nature Tracks” at the Audubon Environmental Education Center on the first Saturday of every month. Visit www.asri.org or call 401949-5454 x 3041. n Visit the animals at the Coggeshall Farm. Visit www.coggeshallfarm.org or call 401-253-9062.

n Bishop Stang High School has opened its new $6 million academic resource center. n An almost $22 million state contract to reconfigure parts of Faunce Corner Road and the Rt. 195 overpass bridge has gone out to bid.

UMass Dartmouth history major Daniel Keith will be spending his spring semester working as a White House intern. n

n A Pennsylvania developer wants to build a 500-unit off-campus housing complex for UMass Dartmouth students.

Fairhaven n Fairhaven High School’s foreign language offerings have expanded significantly now that they offer Rosetta Stone programs, allowing students to learn 20 different languages at their own pace.

Fall River Neo Energy LLC, a foodwaste-toenergy facility, will be a new tenant at the South Coast Life Sciences and Technology Park. n

n

Mark your calendars! Lafayette Park in the Flint neighborhood will be the site of a huge Disney-like carnival April 12-20. Admission will be free.

n Dartmouth Middle School students collected more than 7,000 gently-used books to donate to GiftsToGive and area school libraries.

The city was awarded almost $300,000 in two state Gateway City grants, which will go towards educational initiatives such as intensive English language programs and a career academy at the alternative high school.

Your doctor.

Right here.

Our doctors care for

n

Dartmouth Get out of the house and head for the Lloyd Center for the Environment.

Visit www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.

Buffalo Wild Wings will open a restaurant at the Dartmouth Mall this fall. n

n Listen to the Sine Nomine Choral Ensemble at the Congregational Church on April 13. Go to www. sinenominechoir.org.

n

n If you’re a senior citizen in Fall River, check out the Fisher Bus Company day trips: Wright’s Chicken Farm and the Don Who? Show on April 19; Benjamin’s Restaurant and Blithewold

you right in your community — at more than 30 sites from Rhode Island to Cape Cod.

800-497-1727 www.southcoast.org/doctors

Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / April 2013

33

HOBO E X PRE S S

Continued from previous page Gardens on May 14; the Lobster Roll Cruise and Christmas Tree Shop on June 12. And don’t miss the “Musical Journey through the Years” at the Liberal Club on May 10, with a luncheon catered by Riccardi’s. Contact the senior center nearest you for more information. n Thanks to student volunteers from Apponequet Regional High School, the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River was able to expand its hours to five days a week. Visit www.cmgfr. org.

Why would anyone risk getting arrested for breaking into a parked car to steal two bottles of men’s cologne??

(Duh, there are guys from Freetown, Portsmouth and Bridgewater you should hook up with…)

veterinarian assistant in the fall. A non-credit certificate program in animal husbandry technician will be offered this summer. For more info, visit www.bristol.mass.edu or call 508-678-2811 x 3984 or 2718. n When you visit Fall River’s Battleship Cove (www.battleshipcove.org or 508-678-1100), don’t miss two other nearby attractions, the Marine Museum (508-674-3533) and the Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum (508-674-9340).

Freetown

n

the limited-edition

HOBO EXPRESS Fall River State Pier April 13-21 9:45am

*Additional morning departures every day during school vacation week!

R

ide the rails in Fall River, on the first passenger rail service here since 1959!

For nine dates only, board the train across from Battleship Cove for an hour-long scenic ride along the Taunton River accompanied by live entertainment for the kids.

When you're done, cross the street to enjoy discounted admission to Battleship Cove's Liberty Week activities. Fun and learning for the whole family!

www.capetrain.com for tickets call 508-771-3800

HOBO E X PRE S S 34

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

For the seventh consecutive year, the city has received a $414 million “Shannon Award,” a state grant program which promotes intervention and prevention of gang activity amongst at-risk youth.

n A not-too-bright burglar was located and arrested after the police followed his footprints in the snow to his hidey hole… (maybe he should hook up with the geniuses from Fall River, Bridgewater and Portsmouth??)

n

Durfee High School student Kevin Chenet’s T-shirt design won first place in a SkillsUSA contest. It will be printed on 2,000 T-shirts handed out at the statewide competition in April. n

n Get your fresh veggies at the Fall River Winter Indoor Market at CD Recreation (the former Bank Street Armory) on April 20 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The Little Theatre of Fall River will perform “Titanic: The Musical” in May. Call 508-675-1852 or visit www. littletheatre.net. n

n The Narrows Center for the Arts has a great line-up: there’s Los Lobos Apr. 10; Entrain Apr. 12; Paula Poundstone Apr. 13; Debo Band Apr. 27–and more!

For complete details, visit www.narrowscenter.com, www.ncfta.org or call 508-324-1926.

Bristol Community College will be offering a degree program for n

Little Compton n The award-winning chamber ensemble Musicians of the Old Post Road will perform “Italianissimo” on April 7 at the United Congregational Church, as well as “Sturm und Drang” on May 5. A reception follows both performances. For details, call 401-781-8393.

Mattapoisett n Twelve-year old Nicholas Claudio, who suffers from a rare form of cancer, was the first recipient of the Cam Neely Award for Courage, which honors individuals who are battling cancer.

Sixth-grader Matthew Carvalho is president of the student council, plays in the band and on the soccer team, and is a member of the after-school stock market club. He’ll be attending the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC in June. n

Middleborough n Spend some time at the Soule Homestead Education Center with quilting, botany and more! Free, open Tuesdays-Sundays. Learn more at www.soulehomestead.org or call 508-947-6744.

A self-proclaimed “voodoo priestess,” complete with skull, machete, chanting and spitting, greeted police who’d come to serve a warrant for her son and husband. She was arrested and put into protective custody. n

n Vertex FD has switched from manufacturing storage tanks to constructing wind turbine towers.

New Bedford Find out what’s happening at the Ocean Explorium. Call 508-994-5400 or go to www.oceanexplorium.org. n

n The Zeiterion will present the Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble Apr. 4, the Pearly Baker Bash Apr. 6, the Dinosaur Petting Zoo Apr. 7, “Fiddler on the Roof” Apr. 20, “Rose” with Olympia Dukakis Apr. 27, and more!

Go to www.zeiterion.org or call 508-997-5664. n Bank of America has donated $15,000 to the United Way of Greater New Bedford to support nonprofit programs such as food pantries. n Despite some local resistance, The City on a Hill Charter School received state approval and will open its doors next year.

Enjoy an evening of free family fun and entertainment at AHA! Night.

The April 11 theme is “Sustainable South Coast.” Go to www.ahanewbedford.org or call 508-9968253 x 205. n

Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians is the new provider of medical services at the Emergency Department of St. Luke’s Hospital. n

n Listen to Barry Turley’s organ recital at Saint Anthony of Padua’s Church on April 14. Call 508-993-1691 or visit www.saintanthonynewbedford.com. n Bridgewater State University’s flight training program may relocate and expand under the updated master plan for the New Bedford Regional Airport. If all works out, BSU may begin offering an aircraft repair program at the airport. n The Catwalk Bar & Grille has been transformed into an Irish pub named Slainte! (the Gaelic expression for “Cheers!” or “To your health!” It’s pronounced shlan-teh.)

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n Your Theatre presents two short plays April 4-7: “Glory in the Flower” and “Red Carnations.” Call 508-9930772 or go to www.yourtheatre.org.

SRTA (Southeastern Regional Transit Authority) will offer night service on certain routes, starting in June.

n

Plans to transform Acushnet Avenue into an International Marketplace is on hold because MassWorks funding has dried up, much to the dismay of merchants, residents and city leaders. n

n New Bedford High School received a $40,000 state grant to develop an autonomous engineering academy, which will open in the fall. n Enjoy “The Red Violin,” performed by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra on Apr. 13 at the Zeiterion.

Newport n Head for the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant’s performance of “Spreading It Around” April 3 through May 25. Go to www.newportplayhouse.com or call 401-848-7529. n Take a 10-mile train ride along Narragansett Bay on the Old Colony & Newport Railroad on Sundays. Go to www.ocnrr.com or call 401-846-4674.

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Somerset

Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / April 2013

35

Continued from previous page n Listen to Sine Nomine Choral Ensemble at Trinity Church on Apr. 14. Go to www.sinenominechoir.org.

n The Great International Spring Beer Festival happens on April 20 at the RI Convention Center. For info, visit www.beerfestamerica.com or call 401-351-2632.

Check out “Social Creatures” through April 21, or “House” May 16 – June 30 at Trinity Rep. Call 401-3514242 or go to www.trinityrep.com. n

Portsmouth n Enjoy folk, roots and world music at Common Fence Music. Enjoy Michael Johnson April 6, Frank Fairfield April 20, and more! Call 401-683-5085 or go to www.commonfencemusic.org.

The old Rocky Point Park may soon become a state park. n

n

n Don’t miss the Egyptian Exhibit at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Visit www.risdmuseum.org or call 401-454-6500. (mummies!!)

Norman Kowalski, a program manager at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, has won the Armed Forces’ 2013 Copernicus Award for his extraordinary contributions.

n Enjoy a Season of Symphonies with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra! There’s Beethoven’s Fifth on April 13 and the Resurrection Symphony May 4. For info, go to www.riphil.org or call 401-248-7070.

A would-be burglar left hastily when he was greeted by the homeowner’s English bull mastiff. n

n Portsmouth Abbey has purchased the last parcel of the former Briggs farm for $1.5 million. n Along with Middletown, Portsmouth has banned feeding wild animals (coyotes) or leaving pet food outside; bird feeders are allowed as long as they are elevated.

Greenleaf Compassion Center on West Main Road will be one of three businesses licensed by the state to sell medical marijuana. n

Stroll through the Home Show Apr. 4-7 at the RI Convention Center. Call 401-438-7400 or go to www.ribahomeshow.com. n

Rehoboth n The Manhattan String Quartet will perform at Arts in the Village on April 6. Call 508-252-5718 or visit www.carpentermuseum.org.

Somerset Providence n Get into “Sister Act” April 9-14 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Call 401-421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org. n There’s something for everyone at Rhode Island College’s Performing and Fine Arts Series.There’s the RIC Chamber Orchestra on Apr. 7; The Muir String Quartet Apr. 8; pianist Ann Schien Apr. 14. For details, go to www.ric.edu/pfa or call 401-456-8144.

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April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

The park-and-ride lot off Wilbur Ave. will be expanded to 85 parking spaces, and will sport bicycle racks, sidewalks and a bus turn-about. Work will begin in late 2014. n

project will be completed in phases, to minimize traffic disruption, and will be completed by early 2015.

Taunton A $40,000 state Gateway City grant will help create a career academy at the city’s alternative high school. n

n Alas! The Courthouse Café & Deli on Broadway has closed its doors for good. n State Senator Marc Pacheco was the keynote speaker at conferences in Austria and Belgium, highlighting sustainable energy initiatives in Massachusetts.

Tiverton n Check out who’s happening at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts.

Scotland’s incredible fiddlers, The Battlefield Band, performs a benefit concert for the Tiverton Library on April 6. Go to www.sandywoodsmusic.com or call 401-241-7349. The Center will also be hosting an indoor farmers market every Thursday evening through May 16. Go to info@sandywoodsfarm.org. n The town has accepted a donated vessel to use as an offshore firefighting apparatus and pump-out boat.

For those who’ve yearned for the seafood formerly offered at Macray’s clam shack in Westport, rejoice!

Macray’s Seafood II on Stafford Road will be open Fridays through Sundays for eat-in or take-out. n

n A veteran police officer has been charged with allegedly creating a scam to collect expired prescription drugs from elderly citizens (shame, shame).

n Stafford Pond reservoir will be the site of 16 tournaments from April to October.

Swansea

n Buzzards Play Productions will present “The Glass Menagerie” Apr. 5-7, 1214. Call 508-295-5480 or go to www. buzzardsplayproductions.com.

n Plans to replace the bridges over the Cole River are in the works. The

Wareham

n LaFrance Hospitality of Westport plans to open a 90-room Towne Place Suites by Marriott at Rosebrook Place, which is owned by A.D. Makepeace Company. The hotel will include a 300-seat function facility and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2014. n The Wareham Hurricane Sandy Coalition has been collecting gift cards to donate to the Guyon Rescue in Staten Island NY to help in the rebuilding effort. Anyone who’d like to donate a gift card can call 508295-4356 or mail it to the Onset Bay Association, POB 709, Onset MA 02558.

Do you know a scary story about ghosts or haunted houses in the greater Wareham area? Contact Rock Village Publishing at www.rockvillage@verizon.net. n

School. For complete details, visit www.newurbanfarmers.com. n The long-awaited RiverWalk, an unbroken strip of publicly-accessible land stretching from the American Tourister plant to the town beach, is much closer to reality. Property owners such as the Wharf Tavern are opening their waterfront land to public traffic, and the town has applied for a $100,000 state grant for construction.

Brady-Sullivan, a New Hampshirebased property development firm that specializes in turning old mill buildings into residential units, won the bid ($2.6 million) for the former American Tourister mill. n

Westport Town residents are eligible for a lowinterest betterment loan to replace a failed septic system. Call the Board of Health at 508-636-1015. n

Warren Enjoy a performance of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” through April 7, or “The Rose Tattoo” April 26May 26 at the 2nd Story Theatre. For details, call 401-247-4200 or go to www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

Spring is here and so are we!

Come see what’s new for the 2013 season

– Opening: Thursday, April 4 –

201 Horseneck Rd • So. Dartmouth, MA

(508) 636-7700

n

A new CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program has been started

by New Urban Farmers, which farms on leased land behind Hugh Cole n

n Unless the town is willing to pick up the tab, there may not be a Fourth of July parade this year.

Help out the families of pediatric cancer patients by attending the Devin Laubin Foundation’s “Spring Fling” on April 12 at White’s of Westport. For more info, go to www. mydevin.org or call 508-636-7369. n

Restaurant search

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Had any good meals out lately?

If you’ve got some local favorites, whether they’re a breakfast joint, the perfect lunch or dinner, we’d like to hear about it. Opinions are welcome, here’s your chance to be heard.

If you happen to own one of these restaurants, we’d like to hear from you as well.

Whether you’re the chef, the owner, or both, tell us who you are and why our readers should know about you.

No national chains please, this is all about local food and the people who make it.

Contact us here at the South Coast Insider at editor@coastalmags.com or give us a call at 508-677-3000.

The South Coast Insider / April 2013

37

ON MY MIND

Delicious apps for dinner

by Paul E. Kandarian

I have been carried kicking and screaming into the treacherous waters of 21st century technology. It was a long time coming.

Mostly, it came in the form of a new cell phone.

Well, a new used cell phone, let’s not go too crazy and expect to find me in early-morning lines at my local Apple store breathlessly waiting to plunk down too much money for the latest iPhone which seconds after purchase, will reveal itself to have more glitches than the best laid plans of mice, men and all of Congress.

No, this was a Droid, which is short for Android, which seems silly, having a shortened name for an already short one, but sharper tech minds than mine can be trusted for such things, I guess. A friend had upgraded to a new phone and found his old Droid lying about that he hadn’t used since the upgrade before last, so he gave it to me.

That’s another concept

38

I can’t grasp: upgrade.

Seems the second you get one phone, you instantly start thinking about upgrading to a better one.

It’s like products touted as “new and improved,” which is brilliant marketing because who wants to be stuck with a product that’s “old and sucky?”

So I got a Droid, took it to my friendly local Verizon store (no lie, the one in Wareham, they were quite helpful and patient with me, a techno-saur struggling to catch up) to get it activated, which included putting my email on it, plus Facebook, plus access to thousands of other things, roughly thousands of which I’ll never need.

But they’re there in case I decide to go nuts and use, say, Verizon Tones, where you pay actual money for phone noise, like three bucks to have

April 2013 / The South Coast Insider

as your ringtone, “Pour it Up” by Rihanna. As soon as I figure out who the hell Rihanna is, I’ll consider it.

I mastered it quite quickly. OK, a few things, like calling (once I found the touch-screen dialer, thanks to my daughter who’s young and therefore savvy about such technicalities), and finding my email and texting. The texting thing fascinates me because you can do voice activation, speaking into the phone and having a roughly one-in-ahundred shot of it coming

out exactly as you actually said.

It’s a marvelously wonky technology that gives rise to comical computerized translation, like speaking, “what time Tuesday do you want to have dinner?” coming out as, “my watermelons are fleshy and large,” sort of the way it turns out when I try speaking a foreign language in that country and very nearly gives rise to an ugly international incident.

Even so, it’s way better than typing texts, which young people do with

blinding speed, if not horrific spelling. I type very quickly on a keyboard, but texting is forever hard, given my aversion to technology and freakishly huge fingers that are not unlike fleshy, large watermelons.

I’m learning about apps, which up until this point just took to be short for “appetizer.” This thing is loaded with apps, virtually none of which I use and virtually all of which seem to be running all the time, giving me a battery life of approximately 13 minutes between charges.

I take it I’m not alone: I travel a lot and see the huddled masses of fellow

photos. I love it and it’s so easy to use. For example, I just said the words “chicken fingers” into the app and instantly found a recipe for Tandy Ellis’s Burgoo, which I swear to you I’m not making up and contains beef and lamb. It’s a miracle app, I tell ya, transforming poultry into meat.

Another recent foray into contemporary technology: I got a new laptop because my old one decided to not work, a condition I call “You f&^ing piece of F&^%ing SH*&^!!!!” as loudly as possible. It has Windows 8 on it which has proven as user-friendly as is texting for the watermel-

God forbid we can’t connect and be instantly privy to the latest email from Nigeria claiming we’re heir to millions of dollars from a dead relative we never knew we had. travelers scurrying about airports and hotels and restaurants with crazed looks in their eyes and chargers in their hands desperately scouting out electrical outlets to stay connected.

God forbid we can’t connect and be instantly privy to the latest email from Nigeria claiming we’re heir to millions of dollars from a dead relative we never knew we had. Why take the chance that, for once, it could be real.

There is one app I use a lot, the Epicurious one (how it got there, I’ll never know), which has thousands of recipes with

on-fingered among us. I detest it and Microsoft for inventing it. I read online that it’s hard to master and takes the average user three weeks to figure out.

It’s been two months for me, which I guess makes me above average. So there.

OK, gotta run and find a recipe for large, fleshy watermelons with a side of burgoo, which I’ll make while listening to “Pour it Up.” That is, if I can find an electrical outlet nearby.

Paul E. Kandarian can be reached at pkandarian@aol. com

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Join us for our Spring Thing March 19-23

BLITHEWOLD

Daffodil Days April 6 – 28

featuring geM art

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Tens of thousands of brilliant daffodils trumpet the arrival of spring!

It’s a week long party with new spring jewelry and more!

Afternoon Teas

tueS weD fri 10-5:30

April 9th – 26th Tuesday – Friday, 1:30 & 3 p.m.

thur 10-8, Sat 10-5 CloSeD Sun-Mon

Fairy Festival

Sunday, April 28th 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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101 Ferry Road (Rt. 114), Bristol, RI 401.253.2707 www.blithewold.org

I N

T H E

S O U T H

In A Sentimental Mood

John Murelle Sings The Songs Of Duke Ellington Sunday, April 14th at 3 p.m.

C O A S T

I N S I D E R

Grounds Open Daily Mansion Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesday – Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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Outstanding Our passion. Your heart.

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