South Coast Insider - December 2012

the south coast December 2012 / Vol. 16 / No. 12

coastalmags.com

O Christmas treats Cookies exchange & holiday music

Start a business Shop Central Village

A white Christmas Holiday vows

Caring for wine Plus, Flash, shopping tips & more

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“He’s the perfect match for our business.”

Richard Oliveira of Princess Limousine speaking about Ed Moniz, Business Development Specialist at St. Anne’s Credit Union.

“After many years of looking for the best financial partner for our business, we finally met our perfect match,” says Richard Oliveira, President of Princess Limousine in Fall River. He’s talking about Ed Moniz, Business Development Specialist for Anne’s Credit Union.

“Ed’s banking experience has been a critical part of our business success,” Richard says.

“Over the years, he has gotten us into programs that have saved us literally thousands of dollars a month.”

L to R: Princess Limousine Office Manager Paul Cabral and President Richard Oliveira; St. Anne’s Credit Union Business Development Specialist Ed Moniz; and Princess Limousine General Manager Brian Thomas.

Richard says Ed Moniz has truly earned his trust by looking out for Princess Limousine. “Ed is a no-nonsense guy who will go to bat for you and your company. Not too many business people today can measure up to him.”

Ready for a local banker who’s the perfect match for your business?

Call Ed Moniz today at (508) 542-7949.

“We’re making a difference.”

Dartmouth • Fall River • Fairhaven New Bedford • Somerset • Swansea Federally insured by NCUA St. Anne’s Credit Union NMLS #: 525435

StAnnes.com

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T O

A D V E R T I S E

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T H E

S O U T H

C O A S T

I N S I D E R

C A L L

5 0 8 . 6 7 7. 3 0 0 0

DECEMBER 2012

Contents In Every Issue

4 6

From the publisher

On my mind: Men not merry

FLASH

38

Caring for wine

25

by Alton Long

BUsINESS

8

Dateline: South Coast

By Elizabeth Morse Read

45 Tarot-Scopes

28

Is college worth it?

By Elizabeth Morse Read

32

How to start a business

HAPPENINGS

By Sherri Mahoney-Battles

Visit CoastalMags.com for things to do.

By The Celtic Cricket

COVER STORY

36

Get energized

By Stephen C. Smith

16

Christmas, bah, humbug

THINGS TO DO

By Paul Letendre

18

White Christmas possible

By Joyce Rowley

20

34

‘Tis the season for holiday music

By David M. Prentiss

Twelve holiday vows

42

Shop Central Village

By Amy Dion

By Jay Pateakos

26

Watch what you buy

LAST WORD

By Laura C. Monteiro

FOOD NOTES

22

Cook up a cookie exchange

By Stacie Hess

6

Gala benefits kids

By Paul E. Kandarian

WINE NOTES

46

Do something

By Michael J. Vieira

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

ON THE COVER Nothing smells like the holidays like cookies. See page 22 for tips on hosting a cookie exchange—and a few new recipes to try. Bake some memories this year.

We bu cOstU y Jewel mE ry

FROM THE PUBLISHER December 2012 / Vol. 16 / No. 12 Published by Coastal Communications Corp.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Ljiljana Vasiljevic

The holidays delight our senses: the smell of the tree and cookies baking, the feeling of a snow flake on your

Editors Joe Murphy Michael J. Vieira, Ph.D.

tongue, the sights of sparking lights and flickering candles, the taste of treats and the sounds of holiday

Contributors

music.

The Celtic Cricket, Amy Dion, Stacie Hess, Paul E. Kandarian, Paul Letendre, Alton Long, Tom Lopes, Sherri Mahoney-Battles, Laura C. Monteiro, Jay Pateakos, David Prentiss, Elizabeth Morse Read, Joyce Rowley, Steve Smith, Michael J. Vieira The South Coast Insider is published monthly for visitors and residents of the South Coast area. The Insider is distributed free of charge from Mount Hope Bay to Buzzards Bay. All contents copyright ©2012 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

This issue has them all covered.

Paul Letendre shares Christmas memories that involve not only the scent of pine, but smoke and whiskey. Hoping for a white Christmas? Joyce Rowley says it’s a possibility. Amy Dion suggests a dozen vows of holiday treats that involve tasty treats and holiday fun. And, finally, David Prentiss offers some musical notes for this season of songs.

And what’s a holiday without cookies and wine? Stacie Hess shares how to host a cookie exchange, complete with recipes, and Alton Long offers ways to care for your wine.

Plus there are some great business tips, another edition of Flash, and plenty of ideas for a happy holiday season thanks to our regular features and advertisers.

For up-to-date listings and things to do, go to www.coastalmags.com.

Enjoy,

30,000 Subscriptions $25 per year

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

Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Phone (508) 677-3000

Website www.coastalmags.com

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

8

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

facebook.com/thesouthcoastinsider

Unique source for holiday gift items at surprisingly affordable prices!

Books • Candy • Home Accessories • Fashion Accessories Including jewelry, handbags and scarves Items of Local Interest Visit our Candy Department for the largest selection of nostalgic treats in the area!

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Dartmouth YMCA 508.993.3361

Fall River YMCA 508.675.7841

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Gleason Family YMCA 508.295.9622

Mattapoisett YMCA 508.758.4203

New Bedford YMCA 508.997.0734

America’s Favorite Musical July 26-28 & August 1-4, 2013 Zeiterion Performing Arts Center 684 Purchase St. • New Bedford, MA 508-994-2900 • nbfestivaltheatre.com

— the perfect holiday gift — The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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ON MY MIND

Rest ye merry, gentlemen

by Paul E. Kandarian

‘Tis the season to be confused.

Especially if you’re a man. And given your average man’s state of alwaysextant confusion, that’s saying a lot.

I speak of course of Christmas shopping, which some people actually start right after the holiday to get a jump on things, which the rest of us think is a pretty good idea and we swear we’ll do it and then, naturally, don’t, so by this time of year, and definitely on Dec. 24, we end up hating them for it as we’re out trying to buy them a present.

But it’s mostly confusing because as a man, we don’t know what to get.

That applies to everyone on our list, as if we had an actual list. We don’t, we keep it in our heads, which history has shown, are largely a big empty spaces with football posters and hugely inaccurate stories of how good we are at golf.

But most notably, it applies to women.

How does a man shop for a woman?

With careful planning, extreme trepidation and absolutely no freakin’ idea what we’re doing.

There are several rules of clumsy thumb I’d like to point out here, which if you follow them closely or not at all, you’ll get by and manage not to have her hate you on Christmas morning or worse, open your gift, hold it up and say, “Oh, isn’t this nice?” with that deer in the headlights look that loosely translates to, “Why did I marry this guy anyway?”

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Whatever you’re thinking of getting that she will absolutely love, love, love—don’t do it. She’ll hate it.

Guaranteed.

Case in embarrassing point: A few years ago, I got the love of my life a snuggy fluffy sleep suit thing. No lie.

One of those one-pieces that I honestly thought she might find endearing and cute, if not useful.

It was pink. It came in a pink box.

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

With a pink ribbon. I wasn’t there when she opened it up, but I’m reasonably sure she said, “Oh, isn’t this nice?” because she’s a sweet, sweet person and is really good at lying at times like that.

But to this day, I’m the object of derision and mockery in our circle of family and friends over that gift, to the point where it doesn’t bother me anymore and I just shrug it off.

I figure if I took to heart all the episodes of derision and mockery directed at me over the course of my life, I’d be in a loony bin by now. Probably wearing a pink one-piece sleep suit thing.

If you think whatever you’re buying will fit her, it won’t. Trust me on this.

And the last thing you want to do is buy something too big. At that point, “Oh, isn’t this nice?” would be the best thing you could possibly hear.

You won’t hear it. You will hear, “So, what you’re saying by buying me something that could double as a blimp shroud, is that my ass DOES look big in my pants? Is that right?”

At which point you should just slink away and forget any previous notion you had about Christmas night sex. For roughly a lifetime worth of Christmas nights.

If you want to be a hero on Christmas morning, get something five sizes too small for her. She’ll think you a god for thinking her so small, and she can take it back and get something that actually fits, and is not pink and fluffy and the stuff of lifelong derision and mockery.

Whatever you think about women’s sizes, you’re wrong.

This is clearly and easily the single most confusing aspect of shopping for women. This is because your average man’s rule for buying clothes for himself is that what he buys be actual clothes. With women, you have to find actual clothes and the right size besides.

I don’t know what genius created women’s sizes, but I hate him like I do people who shop for next year’s Christmas the day after the last one.

Men’s clothing is basically small, medium, large, extra large, double extra large, and blimp shroud. If there are numbers involved, they mean something. My size 36 pants means I have a

36-inch waist. My size 13 shoes means I have 13-inch feet. My size 16 and ½ shirt means I have a 16-and-1/2-inch neck.

Women’s clothing sizing is basically gibberish, all designed to make them feel small about themselves.

Skinny women wear size zero. Zero?

I mean, c’mon. Zero means nothing, nada, zilch, naught. How can any living creature be a size that technically means no size at all?

Zero is a non-size. Who wants to be that? Besides Kate Moss, I mean. Well, every woman in actuality, which baffles me. I mean, why the hell do you want to look like a clothes hangar with a dress draped over it?

And, if you can stand it, just below zero, there’s extra-small. I don’t know about you, but I was taught that no matter what you multiply by zero, it comes out zero. If you’re below zero in size, you need to eat a Big Mac immediately. A lot of Big Macs.

When a woman tells you not to spend a lot of money on gifts, she means spend a lot of money on gifts. Truly it is the thought that counts—if you have expensive thoughts.

Her holding up a pink one-piece sleeper suit will get you “Oh, isn’t that nice?” Her holding up a piece of shiny jewelry that cost something with a lot of zeroes in it that have nothing to do with sizes will get you lots of Christmas night sex, maybe even a lifetime worth of Christmas nights.

No, wait, that would be on our list, not theirs.

Without question, the most successful way to shop for the woman in your life is to remember two little words: Gift card. You don’t have to worry about size, and if there are enough zeroes on it, you could even disguise it in a fluffy pink one-piece sleeper suit.

Good luck, gentlemen. See you at the mall December 24. f

Come home for the holidays

Christmas Festival of Lights Nov. 16-18, 23-25, 29-30 Dec. 1, 2, 6-9, 12-24, 26-31 Jan. 1, 4-6 (closed Christmas Day)

The Polar Express Nov. 26-28 Dec. 3-5, 10-11 January 2-3

Reservations recommended

Tickets now on sale www.edaville.com 508-866-8190

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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DATELINE: SOUTH COAST

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

by Elizabeth Morse Read

We survived Hurricane Sandy, Hallowe’en, the election and Thanksgiving—and we now head into the trifecta of Chanukah, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There’s so much going on this month that it’s impossible to get bored! No matter where you live, there are concerts, festivals, bazaars, outdoor events and religious services – don’t let the weather keep you indoors!

Across the region…

Make sure to remember those whose holiday season may not be all merry and bright—the shut-ins, the homeless, the returning soldiers, and the many families who’re having a hard time financially.

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Contribute what you can to the local food pantries, the Salvation Army and “Toys for Tots.” Try to do your holiday shopping locally, especially at the small businesses and unique gifts/ crafts shops in your home town!

(American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy). Rhode Island was also in the top ten, placing at #7.

An indie horror flick called “You Better Watch out” is being filmed in Tiverton and New Bedford. Check it out at www.indiegogo.com/ youbetterwatchoutthemovie.

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In the “weird stuff” category – Many South Coast residents felt the earthquake that hit southern Maine in mid-October… and there were black bears wandering around the Providence area. During a thunderstorm two days after Hurricane Sandy came to town, a 100 mph microburst swept through Wareham, knocking down close to 100 trees.

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For the second straight year, Massachusetts was voted the top state for energy efficiency by the ACEEE

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The Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut laid off more than 300 employees due to declining revenues and increasing competition.

Meanwhile, the Feds have put the kibosh on the compact signed between the Commonwealth and the Mashpee Wampanoag regarding the proposed gaming casino in Taunton.

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The Massachusetts capital investment plan for fiscal 2013-2017 includes millions of dollars for projects on the South Coast. There’s $3M toward the South Coast Rail, $8M for the expansion of the library at UMass Dartmouth, as well as contributions for the library in Acushnet, the biomanufacturing facility in Fall River,

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

and the reconstruction of Acushnet Ave. in New Bedford.

It seems that whenever the Cape Wind project jumps one hurdle, there’s another one up ahead. The most recent lawsuit challenges the federal approvals for the 130 wind turbine farm planned for Nantucket Sound off Buzzards Bay.

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Here’s a breath of fresh air— Fairhaven and Westport have joined many other South Coast communities by banning the sale of tobacco at any establishment that houses a pharmacy (Walmart, grocery stores, CVS, etc.). In addition, starting next year, smoking will be banned in New Bedford’s public housing.

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If you want to find a place near you where you can buy or cut-your-own Christmas tree, go to www.pickyourownchristmastree.org.

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If you’re 50 or older, learn more about the bus trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program.

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There’s “Memphis” at the Providence Performing Arts Center on December 8. Call 508-991-6171 for more info.

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The Fairhaven Senior Center is sponsoring a trip to La Sallette Shrine on Dec. 11 – call 508-979-4029.

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Acushnet: Find your Christmas tree at Keith’s Farm. For hours and directions, call 508-763-2622.

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Get in the holiday spirit at The Silverbrook Farm! Christmas trees,

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Attleboro Celebrate the holiday spirit on the South Coast at the “Festival of Lights” at the La Salette Shrine in Attleboro through Jan. 6! Free evening illuminations, with hayrides, a trolley and carousel. Learn more at www. lasalette-shrine.org/Christmas.

V ISI T T I V ERTON F OU R COR N ER S v

free cocoa, organic turkeys, local honey, pony rides, petting zoo. Call 774-202-1027 or 617-834-5567 for more info. And don’t miss their Santa’s Winter Farm Follies on Dec. 8!

Hayrides with the Grinch, Santa and more – and if you buy your tree, you get a free hayride and face-painting!

Go to www.thesilverbrookfarm.com.

Carver What would the holiday season on the South Coast be without a trip to Edaville Railroad? Take the whole family to the Christmas Festival of Lights on selected dates through Jan. 6, or the “Polar Express” on selected dates through Jan. 3. For complete details, call 508-866-8190 or go to www. edaville.com.

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TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY

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Find all your holiday greenery at Miller’s Family Farm. Hayrides, local honey and gift shop. For hours and directions, call 508-695-4053.

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Enjoy a year-‘round farmers market at Attleboro Farms. Visit www.attleborofarms.com or call 508-695-7200.

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Listen to the “Deo Gloria!” holiday concert at the Presbyterian Church on Dec. 9. For more info, go to www.barringtontable.wordpress.com.

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who is retiring after 32 years in Congress, will be donating his collection of personal papers to UMass Dartmouth. n

Sabrina Ponte, a senior at Bishop Stang High School, fulfilled a dream by dancing in the aisle with Ellen DeGeneres at a September taping of the talk show in California.

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Baker Books is back! Along with Remains to Be Seen, it’s open MonSat on the corner of McCabe St. and Rockdale Ave. Call 508-997-6700 or go to www.bakerbooks.net.

the mod ern heirloo m

Tiverton Four Corners 3851 Main Rd ~ RI 02878 401.816.0878

www.tiffanypeay.com local tax-free shopping

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PETER TIRPAE C K : JEWELER

Locally Crafted Bronze Buckles with Belt, $65

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Fairhaven For everyone who mourned when Antil’s Deli burned down last year, rejoice in knowing that Jeff Antil is now selling his famous meat pies and deli goods at Emma Jean’s Cupcake Factory (formerly Cox’s Chocolates) on Route 6.

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Bristol Spend “Christmas in the Barnyard” on Dec. 24 at Coggeshall Farm. For details, visit www.coggeshallfarm.org or call 401-253-9062.

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The Mount Hope Farmers Market is open again for winter in the heated Mount Hope Farm barn on Saturdays, 9-1. Go to www.mounthopefarm.org.

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Enjoy “A World of Christmas Magic,” children’s holiday stories from around the world, every Wednesday at Blithewold this month. Call 401-2532707 or visit www.blithewold.org.

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Custom jewelry f Design f Repair Tiverton Four Corners, RI

401-816-5655

Four town residents were featured in a Chiller TV documentary, “The American Scream, which aired on October 28. Victor Bariteau, Manny Souza, and Matthew & Richard Brodeur were filmed turning their homes into haunted houses.

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Continued on next page

3879 Main Road • Tiverton, RI perfectlytwistedyarn.com 401-816-0043

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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W W W.I V ERTON F OU RCOR N ER S .COM

Barrington

Dartmouth:

Continued from previous page

Fall River The late movie giant Anthony Quinn was also a prolific artist/sculptor who worked from his home studio in Bristol, RI. A free exhibit, “Duende: The Art of Anthony Quinn,” is on display at the Narrows Center for the Arts through December 29. For details, go to www.narrowscenter.com or www. ncfta.org.

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and broadcaster, has opened his fourth “Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill,” this one at Commonwealth Landing.

For details, go to www.jerryremys. com/fallriver.

Lakeville: Joe Kinan, who was seriously injured in the tragic 2003 Station nightclub fire in Warwick, received a hand transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in October.

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Mockingbird Hill Christmas Tree Farm will cut down the tree you choose. For hours and directions, call 508-947-6712.

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Former UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Jean MacCormack was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Stroll through the Victorian Christmas decorations at the Fall River Historical Society Dec. 1-31. For details, call 508-679-1671 or go to www. lizzieborden.org.

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Opening for Christmas tree, wreath and holiday items on Friday, November 23 — Campfire holiday hayrides —

Open Mon-Fri. 3pm to 8pm Sat. and Sun. 9am to 8pm

361 Marvel St. • Swansea, MA 508-944-1775

www.simcockfarm.com

Pet Lover

P e t S u pp ly A lt e r n at i v e

Stasia’s Grooming Salon now located in Pet Lover

$5 OFF ACCESSORIES $5 OFF grooming — with this ad —

Gifts for loved dogs & cats!

1099 State Rd. • Westport,MA • 508-672-4682 Facebook.com/Petloverwestport

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Once again Mayor Flanagan is touting Fall River as a great location – this time, he’s trying to convince Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Revolution, to build his new soccer stadium in the Spindle City. No response yet.

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Get in the spirit at the “Holiday Spectacular” on Dec. 2 at BCC’s Jackson Performing Arts Center. The Fall River Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the South Coast Community Chorale. For details, visit www.fallriversymphonyorchestra.org or call 508-536-6073.

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Bristol Community College received a $600K grant from the state’s Department of Energy Resources to build a wind turbine on campus.

When completed, the turbine is expected to save BCC more than $200K a year in energy costs.

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Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner GIFT CERTIFICATE SPECIALS Sunday 4am-1pm (Breakfast only)

Mon-Thu & Sat 4am-2pm (Breakfast & lunch after 11)

Fri 4am-8pm

(Breakfast until 2 & lunch/dinner after 11)

1901 County Street • Route 138 • Dighton, MA 508-669-9062

www.aliceslaststop.com

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Enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker on Dec. 15 & 16, performed by The Spindle City Ballet, at BCC’s Jackson Performing Arts Center. Call 508-5366073 or visit www.spindlecityballet.org. n

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Jerry Remy, retired Red Sox player

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Marion The Sippican Choral Society performs “The Many Moods of Christmas” on Dec. 2 at the Wickenden Chapel. For more info, visit www.sippicanchoral.org.

Enjoy “It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play” at the Marion Art Center on Dec. 1, 7, 8 & 9. Visit www.marionartcenter.org or call 508-748-1266.

Mattapoisett: Gather round for the Christmas Tree Lighting at the YMCA on Dec. 6. For details, go to www.ymcasouthcoast.org or call 508-758-4203.

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Two years ago, Mary Lou Manley put a message in a bottle and then threw it into the ocean from a friend’s sailboat. In August, it washed ashore in a Norwegian village above the Arctic Circle. It was the second time one of Manley’s bottles had crossed the Atlantic—in 2010, another was found on the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland.

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Middleborough What the $!@#?? The state’s attorney general has deemed that the town’s ban on public profanity violates constitutional free speech rights. AG Martha Coakley also recommended that the town change a few other bylaws, including one which prohibits

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throwing snowballs or playing football on a public street.

Middletown: Enjoy “Holly Days” on December 8 at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. For info, visit www. normanbirdsanctuary.org or call 401846-2577 x 15.

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Spend some time at the Christmas Craft Fair at 7 Valley Road on Dec. 9. A fundraiser for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, the free fair will offer baked goods, crafters and vendors. For more info, visit www.cherishthemoments. net or call 401-396-9921.

We make custom sizes for your Antique Pieces.

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New Bedford The Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School has received a $13.5M state grant that will cover 80% of the costs for the planned renovation and expansion of its facilities. If New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fairhaven approve of the project, it could begin as early as the coming spring and be finished in a year.

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Luxurious Bedding at Factory Pricing

We carry all types of innerspring, Visco Elastic Latex and specialty bedding

Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 • 77 Weaver St., Fall river

Free delivery Free setup Free removal of old bedding

508-675-6921

“Sleep in Comfort at a Price You Can Afford”

Stroll along the New Bedford Preservation Society’s 21st Annual Holiday House Tour on Dec. 8 & 9. For a schedule, call 508-997-6425 or go to www.nbpreservationsociety.org.

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

The December 13 theme is “AHA! Made in New Bedford.” Go to www. ahanewbedford.org or call 508-9968253 x 205.

Our Elder Care

Your Peace of Mind

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Celebrate a “Holiday Zoobilee” at the Buttonwood Park Zoo on Dec. 8, 15 & 22! Call 508-991-4556 or go to www. bpzoo.org.

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Auto parts business Precix has been bought by a Chinese-based company, which promises to keep the business and jobs in New Bedford.

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It’s holiday time at the Zeiterion, both on site and off – Bring the family to a lavish production of “A Christmas Carol” on Dec. 1, or to the Winter Solstice Celebration with the Paul

EldersFirst helps seniors living at home maintain their independence while giving their loved ones peace of mind. Our unique consulting service takes the guesswork out of health care management. ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡

Health Status Review Medications Management Coordination of In-Home Care Medical, Legal, and Financial Referrals

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EldersFirst, Fall River

elders-first.com ¡ 508.677.4367

A Member of the Diocesan Health Facilities

Continued on next page The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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Continued from previous page Winter Consort at St. Anthony’s of Padua Church in the city’s north end on Dec. 7. Go to www.zeiterion.org or call 508-994-2900. ”Hear the Cheer – Family Holiday Pops” will once again be presented by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra at the Zeiterion on Dec. 22, with guest artist Amanda Carr. For more info, visit www.nbsymphony. org or call 508-999-7276.

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The winners of this year’s Chowder Festival were Me & Ed’s Restaurant (clam chowder), Mike’s Restaurant (kale soup), LaFrance Hospitality (seafood chowder), and The Sail Loft (stuffed quohaugs).

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Celebrate First Night at AHA! “City Celebrates New Year’s Eve” on Dec. 31.

Live music, ice carvings, magic, fireworks and more! Call 508-996-8253 or visit www.ahanewbedford.org.

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Buttonwood Park Zoo’s veteran elephants Emily and Ruth were featured in the October issue of National Geographic magazine to spotlight the special “toys” created for them by students at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

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The owner of the century-old Orpheum Theatre has put it up for sale for $1.1M, much to the dismay of O.R.P.H. (Orpheum Rising Project Helpers), the grassroots group that hopes to raise enough money to restore it to its original vaudevillian splendor. Stay tuned…

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The YMCA of Southeastern Massachusetts has received a $1M grant from the state to expand the historic Levi Standish house on S. Sixth Street.

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Join in New Bedford’s portion of the international “Santa Sightings Fun Run” through downtown on December 8. For more info, go to www.thesightings.net/ new-bedford-ma-2.

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Once again, the Standard-Times newspaper was chosen the

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“Newspaper of the Year” by the New England Newspaper and Press Association.

Join the Downtown Holiday Stroll in New Bedford on Dec. 1 & 2. Go to www.downtownnb.org/calendar.

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Brooklawn Park has completed a major facelift, including a new water play area, and improvements to the playgrounds, tennis courts and skateboard park.

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What more beautiful venue for music could there be than St. Anthony of Padua’s Church in New Bedford’s north end? There’s the Paul Winter Consort on Dec. 7; and the Spirit of St. Anthony Christmas Concert on Dec. 16. For complete details, visit www. musicatsaintanthonys.org , www. saintanthonynewbedford.com or call 508-993-1691.

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Local artist and first-time graphic novelist Zack Giallongo has seen his graphic novel “Broxo” debut at number 4 on the New York Times Best Seller list in the paperback graphic novel category.

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Looking ahead – the 2013 Moby Dick Marathon reading will be held on Jan. 5 & 6. If you’re interested in being a reader, call 508-717-6851 or email mdmarathon@whalingmuseum.org.

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Newport Christmas is special everywhere, but especially so in Newport. For a detailed listing of events, go to www. christmasinnewport.org.

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On Dec. 1, there’s the official opening of Christmas in Washington Square (Go to www.christmasinnewport.org or call 401-849-6454) and the Tree Lighting at Bowen’s Wharf (www. bowenswharf.org or 401-849-2120).

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On December 5, there’s the Newport County Orchestra Holiday Concert at the Tennis Hall of Fame (www. salve.edu or 401-341-2295), and on December 7 & 8, there’s the “Dickens Christmas Feast” at the Newport Art

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Museum (www.newportartmuseum. org or 401-848-8200).

On Dec. 9, there’s the free Community Candle Lighting at the historic Touro Synagogue. Call 401847-4794 x207.

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Get ready for a very different holiday celebration—the second annual “Santacon” on December 15. (Think flash mob of Santas singing silly songs and stopping at all the pubs along the way…) Learn more at www.santaconnewport.com.

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It’ll be “Christmas at the Newport Mansions” through Jan. 1. See the fully-decorated Elms, Breakers and Marble House. Call 401-847-1000 or visit www.newportmansions.org.

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On Dec. 15, there will be the annual “Christmas In Sign” celebration at the Casino Theatre at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Christmas songs will be performed in black light and sign language. For more info, visit www.mahercenter.org or call 401-846-4600.

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On December 16, the Rhode Island Ballet Theatre will perform The Nutcracker at the Tennis Hall of Fame’s Casino Theatre. Call 401-847-5301 or visit www.riballet.org.

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The Marley Bridges Theatre Company will present “Sink or Swim,” a murder mystery, on Dec. 29 at the Newport Art Museum.

Call 401-848-8200 or visit www. newportartmuseum.org or www. newportmurdermystery.com.

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Head for the Newport Playhouse’s performance of “Greetings” through Dec. 31. Go to www.newportplayhouse.com or call 401-848-7529.

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Portsmouth Don’t miss the Christmas Open House at the Glen Manor House on Dec. 9. Go to www.glenmanorhouse. com or www.christmasinnewport.org or call 401-683-4177.

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Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 12 Join the ambiance at Common Fence Music this month—enjoy some honky tonk with Billy Joe Shaver on Dec. 1, songstress Jane Siberry on Dec. 8 or the Annual Winter Solstice Concert with Aine Minogue on Dec. 22. Call 401-683-5085 or go to www. commonfencemusic.org.

offering sleigh rides and a petting zoo (508-252-6206).

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Rochester Jennel Garcia has made it to the final 16 contestants on The X Factor, and has advanced to the live shows which started in November.

For a Christmas tree grown with a minimum of chemicals, visit the Corner Store Farm. For hours and directions, call 508-763-2795.

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Providence Trinity Rep offers discounts for seniors, students, educators and heroes (military, police, and firefighters). And get discount tickets there for performances of the RI Philharmonic, too!

Don’t miss the film series’ “Project Nim” on Dec. 12 at the Four Corners Art Center. Call 401-624-2600 or visit www.tivertonfourcorners.com.

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Wareham Plan your Dec. 8 around “Christmas on Main Street” with a parade, the tree-lighting, and the 1st Annual Festival of Trees at Town Hall. For more info, visit www.warehamvillageassociation.com/events.

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Start the new year with a national tour performance of “Jekyll and Hyde” at the Providence Performing Arts Center Jan. 1-6 or a performance of “Memphis” starting Dec. 4. For more info, go to www.ppacri.org or call 401-421-2787.

Enjoy free movies and popcorn on Fridays at the Rochester Senior Center.

Call 508-763-8723 for info.

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Enjoy a performance at the 2nd Story Theatre. An Inspector Calls”runs through Dec. 2, and “Lost in Yonkers” through Dec. 16. For details, call 401-247-4200 or go to www.2ndstorytheatre.com.

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Swansea

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There’s something for everyone at Rhode Island College’s Performing and Fine Arts Series – music, dance, drama, art. This month, there’s Winter Choral Music on Dec. 7, violinist Natalie MacMaster on Dec. 9, and the RIC Jazz Band Winter Concert on Dec. 10. For complete details, go to www. ric.edu/pfa or call 401-456-8144.

Warren

Choose your tree and greenery at Simcock Farm! Hayrides, petting zoo, bonfires and free hot cider. For hours and directions, call 508-673-5721 or 508-944-1775.

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Westport

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Ring in the New Year at “Bright Night 2012” on Dec. 31. Go to www.brightnight.org.

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The Rhode Island Philharmonic will perform Handel’s “Messiah” on December 8. (You can get discount tickets at Trinity Rep.) For details, call 401-248-7000 or visit www.riphilharmonic.org.

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Taunton What could be more tranquil than the 3-mile “Full Moon Hike: Long Nights Moon” on Dec. 11 at Massasoit State Park? For details, call 508-8662580 x 162. Weather permitting, the hike begins at 4 PM at the main parking lot in East Taunton.

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Taunton is known as “The Christmas City”—don’t miss the “Lights On Christmas Festival” December 1 on Taunton Green, a free family-friendly event with hay rides, caroling and 20 different performance sites. For info, visit www.heartoftaunton.com or call 508-880-4960.

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Rehoboth Choose and cut your Christmas tree at Elm Knoll Farm—saws provided! For hours and directions, call 508-252-5558. Or go to the Pleasant Street Christmas Tree Farm,

Tiverton

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Now that the Sakonnet River Bridge is open again, state Rep. John Edwards wants RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) to restore bus service to Tiverton.

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Ten year old Cora Chouinard was one of nine dance soloists chosen to represent the USA at an international dance competition in Germany in November. She and her teammates competed against dancers from 35 countries.

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Equestrians Samantha Chamberland and Amanda Porto, who ride at Driftway Meadows Farm, both won national and world championship titles at the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show in Oklahoma City in October.

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There are some great places to find your Christmas tree in town – call ahead for hours and directions: there’s A Quiet Place (508-636-8390); Bristlecone Farm, offering free coffee and cider (508-636-8433); and Pinecrest Tree Farm (508-636-4567).

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COVER STORY

Christmas, bah, humbug

by Paul Letendre

Chestnuts roasting on an open... hmmm...

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I don’t know what roasting chestnuts smell or sound like. I probably don’t know anyone who has roasted chestnuts on an open fire.

Maybe they did that stuff before I was born. The song made an early impression on me, and early childhood impressions of holidays are with us forever, probably indelible.

For the past 50 or so years I’ve been hearing, “it’s so commercialized now,” and the comment never goes out of style. I’ll probably be the one blabbering it for the next twenty or thirty years.

Perhaps the holiday or our celebration of it—and our commercialization of it—hasn’t changed that much.

Maybe it’s just that we become much less impressionable as we age. And we continue to hang onto our initial impressions.

Nothing in this year’s Christmas will impress me more than the whiskey aroma and cigarette smoke did fiftyfive years ago.

Smoke and memories My earliest memories of Christmas time are from the mid 50s; cigarettes and hats are what I think of first.

Our family had no smokers, but at holiday time, we had lots of visitors who smoked. Cigarette and cigar smoke wreathed our celebrations.

The men all wore soft hats that were thrown on the bed with their coats, and the women all wore fancy hats adorned with fruit or birds which were placed carefully on the pillows at the 20

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

head of the bed.

The first words my mother would speak at the door were, “I love your hat.” I’d look at the hat. I didn’t believe her.

For me, specific scents conjure holiday remembrances. Along with the cigarette smoke, toss in the smell of Canadian Whiskey and maybe a whiff of church incense, and fond holiday feelings surface.

I associate those smells with good things to come—gifts, surprises.

And then there’s the scent of a freshly cut pine. Christmas cheer remembered? No, dread of the not so pleasant, awful task of decorating the tree. I had been promised that this would be fun.

This was not fun.

My job was to untangle the wasp nest of lights without breaking any bulbs or pulling too hard on the wires and causing a short. Then I’d be assigned to putting foil tinsel on the tree, one strand at a time. This was no less appealing than getting a tooth drilled without Novocain.

It’s probably inevitable that as folks grow older, they think things were better when they were younger. This seems to be especially true at Christmastime. But is it the holiday season that has changed? Or is it ourselves?

Incense and ethnicity Growing up in the 50s in Fall River meant being Catholic. In my small universe it seemed like everyone was Catholic. I must have been well into my teens before I met anyone who wasn’t.

In those days it was traditional that when a man would marry a woman from a different parish, the couple would attend the church that the woman was from. So families always hoped for a partner, if not from the same parish, at least the same ethnic background. God forbid they marry a Pagan, a Protestant, or (yikes!) an Italian.

My mom was Italian, but there was no way a good Canuck would leave St. Anne’s or Notre-Dame to go to any Italian Church. St. Anne’s it was.

In the Fall River fifties, FrenchCanadian Catholic almost seemed to be a different religion; masses were in Latin, the sermons in French—it was all Greek to me.

Midnight celebration Christmas was the best time to be Catholic. And the French-Canadian Catholics, they knew how to throw a Midnight Mass. (For those of you who

to bed. We’d carefully study the stash, hunting for packages that didn’t look like they had clothes in them. Who wants clothes for Christmas?

Christmas day was always anti-climactic. We’d get up early to open our presents, but we had already picked the cream before going to bed, and we were overtired and hoping for that long-shot special gift (a St. Bernard puppy? motor boat?). And of course, we had to clean up the mess we made.

Neighborhood friends would come over and say, “Whadjaget? Oh yeah, Merry Christmas Mrs.L.”

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Big changes, small impressions After Christmas, some dread would return when it came time to take down the tree, put the lights away and take that same old foil tinsel off the tree, one strand at a time, and carefully save it for next year’s tree. ( No, we weren’t poor, just frugal.) Please, give me a root canal.

Every year, with the wonderful scent of freshly cut pine, I am amazed to sense the identical dread for that awful task—decorating the tree. are from Protestant or some other pagan ilk, Midnight Mass is a once-ayear spectacular of lights, song, and pageantry.)

At St. Anne’s, these masses were serious and sensuous orgies of tradition, music and pomp.

The scent of incense filled the huge nave, every corner decked out with fancy red velvet and thousands of flowers. St. Anne’s had the biggest and best pipe organ this side of Montreal, a men’s choir, a women’s choir, and of course, a boys’ choir.

These folks practiced, a lot, and they could sing gloriously, and in that church the resonance sounded like it was being delivered from heaven’s throne. Throw in the Latin prayers and the French sermon, “this is what Christmas is all about,” I used to think.

As soon as mass ended, we’d go home and pick out the one present we would be allowed to open before going

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Yes, we change…traditions change.

The soft hats and fancy ladies’ hats are things of the past. The cigarette smoke smell is all but history, the whiskey breath has subsided, and incense is more likely now found in a head-shop than a church.

Over the years, the changes seem subtle—but when we look back at them they appear drastic.

But we are not surprised by their scope. What will startle us is the thing that cannot and does not change: the impression, good or not so good, triggered by a smell or sound and which powerfully recreates the feeling identical to the one that overpowered us so many years ago.

Every year, with the wonderful scent of freshly cut pine, I am amazed to sense the identical dread for that awful task—decorating the tree.

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

21

COVER STORY

A white Christmas?

Maybe

by Joyce Rowley

D

reaming of a white Christmas? Well, you might just get that wish.

According to the 2013 Old Farmer’s Almanac, the week before Christmas should include some of the white stuff on the South Coast.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, published continuously since 1792, provides weather forecasts “with a pleasant degree of humor.” Its predictions are based on a secret formula— a combination of meteorology, climatology, and solar science.

Founder Robert B. Thomas, a farmer and selftaught astronomer, believed that Earth’s weather was controlled by sun spots after years of studying the connection between solar

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activity and farming. And so you’ll find a good bit of information on solar sciences, astronomy, and nature in addition to monthly calendars.

Their predictions are 80% accurate, says Editor Janice Spillman. Considering they complete their forecast nearly a year in advance, that’s saying a lot. Each of sixteen regions in the U.S. gets its own forecast.

The South Coast, whose weather is most influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, falls into the Atlantic region. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, this winter we can expect a colder and drier winter with less snow than normal. But the week before Christmas and mid-February should carry some of the white stuff.

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

NOAA not so sure Mike Halpert, Deputy Director of the Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has not been able to commit to the East Coast forecast. El Nino started to form but stalled out, something that hasn’t happened in 60 years of NOAA weather forecasting.

“We’re dealing with a situation we haven’t seen before. We’re in uncharted territory,” said Halpert.

Officially the Center has forecast that it will be a milder and drier winter for the Western U.S., and a wet winter in the Southeast, but is hedging its bets on the East Coast.

El Nino or more accurately the El Nino Southern

Oscillation (ENSO) is a measurement of the air temperature over the Southeastern Pacific. If it varies above normal by more than 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit, the El Nino pattern has begun.

When El Nino starts, temperature changes drive the trade winds in the Pacific, pushing warm water to Peru and Chile. If El Nino continues to develop, the central Pacific stays warm enough to affect the Pacific jetstream that crosses the United States. Then warm air stays to the south of us, and colder air from the Arctic jetstream stays to the north, leaving us with a mild winter.

Climate change at play But that Arctic jetstream is now changing, says Rutgers University researcher and

long-time Marion resident Jennifer Francis. Her interest in meteorology and weather came from her love of sailing. “Weather is everything when you’re out there on the water,” she said.

Remember the evening news weather maps showing the jetstream swooping down into the U.S. bringing a blast of cold air down from Canada? That’s an Arctic oscillation affecting the jetstream. Francis says that where you live relative to that oscillation means whether you’ll have snow or not.

If the jetstream is pushed down along the Mississippi River Valley, for example, the result is snow in the form of a nor’easter for us as

will get what kind of weather,” said Francis.

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Old farmers Looking for a more definitive source, I decided to see what some old farmers had to say about the coming winter. Fortunately, the Fall River Farmer’s Market at Kennedy Park was still open through November, and had South Coast farmers young and old in attendance.

Here’s what they had to say: Manny Medeiros, of Medeiros Farm in Swansea, has farmed for 71 years and his parents were farmers in the Azores. He said he still uses the Farmer’s Almanac sometimes. And he knows people who use the phases of the moon to plant. His

Roger Pocze, MD

Get out the sleds, mittens, and hot chocolate. My heart and my money are on The Old Farmer’s Almanac. the air travels north again.

If the jetstream is pushed down over us, we get the cold but little snow.

Last winter the Arctic oscillation shifted to Russia— good for us, bad for them.

Russia and Europe saw snow in places that they hadn’t seen it in fifty years, while we had a mild and warmer than average winter, said Francis.

As the Arctic is warming at two to three times the rate of the rest of the world, and ice sheets suffered the biggest loss in history, Francis says that we can expect more extreme weather like we saw this fall.

“While we know we’ll get more extreme weather— flooding and droughts— what we can’t say is who

prediction?

“Everybody tells me it will be cold. I see a lot of birds flocking early.”

Walter Sieminski, from the Westport’s Yankeeville Farm, said he doesn’t use the Farmer’s Alamanc. “I take it as it comes,” he said.

And from Donald Tripp, also of Yankeeville Farm:, a taciturn “Ask me next May.” I say, get out the sleds, mittens, and hot chocolate. My heart and my money are on the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

221 years of forecasting can’t be wrong.

For more info on the 2013 Old Farmer’s Almanac go to www.almanac.com Stay on top of El Nino at www.cpc.noaa.gov and look for ENSO discussion on the left side of the webpage. f

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

23

COVER STORY

Twelve holiday vows

by Amy Dion

On a low-key day not so long ago, my mind had a moment to consider the holidays, and I suddenly felt compelled to make a list of things I would do this holiday season.

For any good list to be attainable, it has to have limits.

So, in keeping with the holidays, I thought of a song, something to limit the number of vows; there’s no point overdoing it.

Now, I may or may not start this list on the first day of Christmas, and it probably won’t include six geese alaying, or two French hens, but you can bet it will have twelve acts of good cheer dancing through December.

And just in case, after making my list, I checked it twice.

Naturally, I found a title for my list: “12 (more or less) Vows of the Holidays.”

My list is merely a guide. I don’t even obsess about having exactly twelve vows. My intention isn’t to add stress to the holiday season, but to reflect on what I find meaningful as we round out another year.

The first item is to Shop small businesses. I want a little bit more of the “Cheers” experience. I want to walk into a retail establishment and be 24

known by name, or at least recognized as being someone who supports their business on a regular basis.

I’d like them to ask me how my family is, or at the very least comment on my savvy choice in merchandise. And, by frequenting my local favorites for the last couple of years, I can easily say that is happening.

My total shopping experience has become a little more social; there is a friendly banter that occurs between me and a variety of local retailers.

I include my local artisans on my list as well. Christina Kunze, owner of Eye of the Goddess Pottery in Onset has a lot to say about shopping local, particularly about crafters selling what she calls her “bread and butter items,” like soap dishes for $15 to $17.

Christina says her customers have expressed how tired they are of giving cheaply made gifts that don’t stand the test of time. Her shop features durable, well-made items crafted by skilled artisans.

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

While visiting any number of studios along the South Coast, you might also want to consider asking if they offer classes as Christina does. A gift certificate for a class may succeed in beginning a life-long hobby.

The simple act of challenging myself to this task of only frequenting small businesses and studios for my holiday shopping needs, inevitably led to another list item.

Baking is a huge part of my holiday season. Perusing the cookbooks for old favorites while considering the possibilities of new ones is all part and parcel to the celebratory experience that is December.

The sights and smells of baking with my mother as a child reign in my memory, giving those maids a-milking ever more reason to fill my glass so I may wash any number of those sweet treats down.

Sharing is a thread that is woven through all my vows, so here is a recipe which has played a role at many a Christmas banquet. Although the cherries offer a bit of festive color, my mother and I have toyed around with variations on it, all equally tasty.

Cherry Cake Preheat oven to 350° (325° for glass pan). Cream together 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar and a dash of salt.

Add 4 eggs, one at a time and beat well. Slowly add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 3 cups sifted flour. Mix until incorporated. Pour ¾ of the mixture into a greased 13”x9” pan. Spread 1 can of cherry pie filling on the top, then add the rest of the batter in spoonfuls to the top of the cherry filling. Sprinkle thetop with sugar and sliced almonds.

Bake for 55 minutes. (Variations we’ve tried and enjoyed include Blueberry pie filling and lemon pie filling.

Sprinkling coconut on with the lemon could make for a bit more tropical flare on your holiday table.)

Next on my list: Host a gathering.

What is a well-laid table without people to share it with?

And Take time to sit and listen.

Family and friends gathered conversing over a table crowded with the dishes they contributed to the day’s festivity is all-important. I must listen to the words of my children, the stories of my elders, and everyone in between.

In the past, though, we have made ornaments to give to classmates, another year we simply made enough ornaments to give to immediate family. Typically, I like to have my boys make something that showcases their handprint. If the idea suits you, you may find directions for a handprint snowman ornament at www. littlebitfunky.com/2010/12/makethese-now-handprint-snowman.html.

By purchasing an ornament hanger, and keeping the decorative motif winter related, I am enabling the gift to remain on view long after the drummers have finished drumming.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the holidays are just not the same for me unless we attend a festive musical, play, or concert. This year, On Stage Academy of Performing Arts heralds in “The Colours of Christmas” with a Holiday Spectacular at Bristol Community College December 8th and 9th, 2012.

Performances such as this never fail to put me in the holiday spirit. The

Make time for High Tea. For the last few years, my best friend and I have been partaking in High Tea at the Fall River Historical Society’s Easton Tea Room.

She’s a fan of the ham salad in the dainty little pastry shell, while I’m partial to the cucumber and dill cream butter sandwiches. Savoring these delicacies between sips of their popular Ashton Christmas Tea amidst great company creates an event I look forward to repeating each year.

This relatively new tradition of sharing High Tea with my friend, reminds me that I would like to revisit some old traditions. One particular tradition that I used to observe as a child with my family, involved listening to a mouse’s version of The Night before Christmas via a record and record player.

Fortunately, I still have the record.

But, it is the record player that is no longer in my possession. Once I have procured a record player, I hope the experience of listening to the beloved

I vow, that in an attempt to relax and enjoy the Holidays, and to de-clutter my nightstand and my brain, I will finish one of them.

My youngest has a way of telling me stories that are so full of zeal, I absolutely get lost in the sound of joy in his voice. In fact, often I am so enamored by his beloved expressions and innocence I miss what he is saying. It literally sends my heart leaping and I have no other response but to hug him and tell him that I love him.

At the same time, it is always a treasure to hear others of a variety of ages reminisce over the past years. The laughter and sometimes tears are all part of the human experience. And, the retelling of family stories is one gift that requires no extra effort to wrap.

While I am on the subject of wrapping, I should mention the next item on my list, Create something handmade with my boys. My oldest, a keen designer, draws out plans for what he would like to make. Recently, he’s been talking paper mache; we’ll have to have some further conversations about that.

music and dance, the scenery and costumes add to the wonder of the season. Other events within the area include the “Family Holiday Pops” at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford.

Finally, check in with your local high school. Whether or not you have children in the school it would do well to show your support for youths all around the South Coast as they hone their musical skills.

Helping out a local non-profit swims its way onto my list along with the seven swans.

Besides donating to toy and coat drives, your time could be of use, too.

Barnes and Noble offers the opportunity for you to take a shift to do some gift wrapping for customers with donations accepted in the name of any non-profit organization you choose.

Contact Elyse Baggen, Community Relations Coordinator at the Dartmouth Barnes & Noble Booksellers for more information.

tale (on a record player, nonetheless), is as endearing to my boys as it was to me.

As I stand at the precipice of a new year my final two vows address two opposites: Collect and De-clutter.

Through collecting, I will stock up on post-holiday sales in the attempt to prepare for the lists of Christmas future.

The sales I shopped last year prepared me with teacher gifts and cards for my boys to share with their classmates. As for de-cluttering, I could create whole other sub-list for that, instead, I’m going to start with the pile of books by my bedside. There’s no reason to overdo it.

I have three books that I am reading.

I vow, that in an attempt to relax and enjoy the Holidays, and to de-clutter my nightstand and my brain, I will finish one of them. f

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

25

FOOD NOTES

Cook-up a cookie exchange

P

erhaps because I’m a native New Englander, the holiday season is my favorite time of year. I love the buildup of suspense that leads to winter— from September’s breezes and autumn’s heralding, to October’s nighttime chill, to November’s promise that winter has almost arrived.

When winter comes, all that I love is drawn closer to me: my family huddles around the sofa for a movie night, my Christmas treasures are unpacked from their tissue paper homes, relatives and friends come from afar.

It’s all over so quickly.

The mad rush of the holidays gives way to a sleepy, dreary January, and the anti-climatic feeling that comes after something wonderful happens.

Which is why it’s so vital to enjoy the moments that mark the days on our filled-up holiday calendars.

Last year, among my group of thirty-something friends, it felt like we had back-to-back parties to attend

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around the holidays.

Each of the parties had its own special feel of course—one party was an open house to celebrate a new abode, another was a fancy dinner party for my husband’s work, another was a champagne-inspired extravaganza.

by Stacie Hess

guests. It really made me look like I had my act together! I imagined my impressed relatives asking themselves, “How does she manage to have so many kinds of homemade cookies on hand?”

Simple logistics Different and practical The holiday gathering that was different from the rest was a friend’s simple and fun “Cookie Exchange.”

My good friend Clare, an expert hostess, effortlessly hosted this party on a weeknight about two weeks before Christmas. The idea was genius because each guest only had to make one kind of cookie, but left with over a dozen kinds, the same number of cookies she had brought to the party.

I realize this is sort of an old-fashioned idea, but the concept was new to me!

The Cookie Exchange idea served me well later when I had plates full of festive cookies to serve my own house

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Clare had asked us to bring tw or three dozen cookies, and we placed them all in the middle of her dining room table. We mingled, ate hors d’oeuvres, and drank a little wine.

When it was time to swap, she presented each of us with a basket that we could fill with an assortment of cookies, taking the same number we arrived with.

A few of the cookies really stood out as favorites, and I will share those recipes with you, Insider readers.

Perhaps you will attend or host your own Cookie Exchange this year, and create a new tradition. If so, you will be armed with a few amazing recipes…enjoy!

Emily’s Chewy Chocolate-Gingerbread Cookies (original source: MarthaStewart.com) Emily’s cookie was the hands-down favorite for its rich but not too sweet flavor. I like this cookie because of the soft texture; it has no eggs. It’s a fabulous holiday cookie.

7 ounces of best-quality semisweet chocolate 1 ½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour n 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger n 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon n ¼ teaspoon cloves n ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg n 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder n 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter n 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger n ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed n ½ cup molasses n 1 teaspoon baking soda n ½ cup granulated sugar n n

Directions Line two baking sheets with parchment. Chop chocolate into ¼-inch chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and grated ginger until whitened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.

In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 ½ teaspoons boiling water. Beat half of the flour mixture into butter mixture.

Beat in baking soda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Roll in granulated sugar.* Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

TIP: Instead of rolling the cookie in granulated sugar, I use Whiskey Sugar (available at Sid Wainer Gourmet Outlet) and the spicy bite of Whiskey Sugar fits the recipe just perfectly!

Madeleine’s Lavender Shortbread Cookies (original source unknown) These were the most unique cookies at the party, and a welcome flavor in winter weather.

1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar n ¼ cup sifted confectioners’ sugar n 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh or dried lavender n 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves n 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest n 2 ½ cups all purpose flour n ½ cup cornstarch n ¼ teaspoon salt n n

Directions In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon zest. Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt; mix into the batter until well blended. Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap and flatten to about 1 inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.* Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Cookie stamps will work well on these too. Place on cookie sheets covered with parchment.

Bake for 18-20 minutes in a preheated oven, just until cookies begin to brown at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

TIP: Save some time and simply roll the cookie into a log, cover with plastic wrap or parchment, and refrigerate one hour.

Slice the cookies in uniform slices and place on cookie sheet without the need to roll out the dough or use cookie cutters.

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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Lara’s Glazed Lemon Cookies (original source: Cooks Illustrated, Holiday 2007 magazine) Perhaps the best lemon cookie any of us had ever tasted. Follow the recipe exactly for best results.

Lemon Cookies n ¾ cup granulated sugar (5 ¼ ounces) n 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest n 1 ¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour (8 ¾ ounces) n ¼ teaspoon table salt n ¼ teaspoon baking powder n 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), cold, cut into ½ inch cubes n 2 tablespoons lemon juice n 1 large egg yolk n ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Lemon Glaze n 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened n 2 tablespoons lemon juice n 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar (6 ounces) Directions For the cookies: Adjust oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions; head oven to 375 degrees.

In food processor, process granulated sugar and lemon zest until sugar looks damp and zest is thoroughly incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add flour, salt, and baking powder; pulse to combine, about 10 one-second pulses. Scatter butter chunks over; pulse until mixture resembles fine cornmeal, about 15 one-second pulses. In measuring cup or small bowl, beat together lemon juice, egg yolk, and vanilla with fork to combine. With machine running, add juice/

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

yolk mixture in slow, steady stream (process should take about 10 seconds); continue processing until dough begins to form ball, 10 to 15 seconds longer.

Turn dough and any dry bits onto counter; working quickly, gently knead together to ensure that no dry bits remain and dough is homogenous. Shape dough into log about 10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter, wrap dough in parchment, and twist parchment to seal. Chill dough until firm and cold, about 45 minutes in freezer or 2 hours in refrigerator.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove dough log from wrapping and, using sharp chef’s knife, slice dough into rounds 3/8 inch thick; place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake until centers of cookies just begin to color and edges are golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes, rotating baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking time. Cool cookies on baking sheet about 5 minutes; using wide metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire rack and cool to room temperature before glazing.

For the glaze: Whisk cream cheese and lemon juice in medium nonreactive bowl until no lumps remain. Add confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth.

To glaze the cookies: When cookies have cooled, working one at a time, spoon scant teaspoon glaze onto each cookie and spread evenly with back of spoon. Let cookies stand on wire rack until glaze is set and dry, about 1 hour. f

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Mark your calendar and plan to attend

Cedars Holiday Open House!

Saturday, December 8th | 2-4PM

Join us in celebrating the season with festive holiday desserts from around the world... made in house, from scratch by our talented pastry chefs! Free & open to the public!

See for yourself why the Cedars is one of New England’s finest communities!

Our residents enjoy homemade, fresh food served piping hot from the Cedar's kitchen straight to their tables, by our attentive waitstaff... Schedule a lunch tour and experience Cedar's Dining for yourself!

628 Old Westport Rd, Dartmouth, MA | 508-636-0590 | thecedarsassistedliving.com Information contained herein subject to change without notice.

T O

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FLASH

Boys & Girls Club benefit from Gala The party at the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River was great. No kidding. Hundreds took part in a Gala Fundraising event at the Bedford Street facility and the funds raised all went to programs at the club. Evening, sponsored by Mechanics Cooperative, also provided a chance to give back to the organization that gives so much.

1. Jody Oliveira, Bill Kiley, Marissa Ferris and Joan Medeiros 2. Barry Goulet and Deborah A. Grimes 3. Brad Curtis, Linda Pereira and Peter McCarthy

Founded in 1890, the current facility opened in 1967 and has 2,741 members. In addition to swim lessons and recreation, the Club also feeds more than 200 kids dinner most nights of the week.

To join or for more information on how you can help, contact the club at www. fallriverbgc.org

4. Mary and Victor Santos

9. Tony and Kyra Cordeiro

5. Ann Marie and Joseph Baptista

10. George and Carol Mercier

6. John and Megan McMahon 7. Patti and Michael Rodrigues 8. Brigitte and Stephen Davis

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11. Chris and Maureen Audet 12. Cheryl and David Sullivan 13. David Guertin and Deirdre Murty

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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COVER STORY

Watch what you buy

by Laura C. Monteiro

For parents, one of the greatest joys is watching your children excitedly pulling back the wrapping paper to reveal the toy they’ve been wishing for all year. You can’t help but relive your own childhood surprise and delight.

Unfortunately, certain toys can pose a danger to an unsuspecting child, so it’s important for parents and guardians to take the proper precautions when buying a toy.

What’s in store Most big box stores like Walmart, Target and Toys “R” Us will post any safety or recall information on their websites as well as in the store. Before heading down that never-ending toy aisle, take a quick look at the postings to see if there is anything you recognize from both your “to-buy” list and your past purchases.

A toy that you bought in the past may have been recalled due to a detachable part issue or an unsafe

34

chemical. If you have any questions, direct them to a store manager.

You can also visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov and click on www.saferproducts.gov.

All choked up Giving a six year old a set of Legos is appropriate, but giving them to an infant is not. Chances are the child will be playing with his or her toys unattended at some point, so it’s important

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

to read the recommended age on the box before purchasing the item.

Young children cannot be trusted to keep tiny objects out of their mouths, ears and noses, so please be sure that your child understands that toys are for playing with and not for inserting.

Keep the noise down Loud toys and games could harm a child’s hearing if the sound is turned up too high. Plus, what parent wants to listen to the same repetitive video game tune all day? If the toy your child loves has sound, keep the volume to a minimum. You could also remove the batteries or try and muffle the sound by placing a piece of cloth or tape over the speaker.

Sweet treats Many children receive food items as gifts. Even Santa Claus gives out a candy cane when you have your picture taken with him at the mall. If

your child is presented with unfamiliar candy or food as a present, be sure to monitor how much he or she eats.

You may even want to bring the candy home and have the child sample it while you keep a watchful eye over the situation.

Light my fire Kids aren’t the only ones with gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree. Many adults exchange gifts, and if you’re of the female persuasion, you have most likely received a candle as a holiday present.

Candles are beautiful and smell great when lit, but they pose a huge danger to those who leave them unattended.

Try giving your loved one a flameless candle which operates on batteries and smells just as fragrant as the real thing.

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Violence is not the answer For parents of multiple children, you’ve seen your fair share of petty fights between siblings—usually over some sort of toy or game. Keep this in mind when you’re picking out gifts like boxing gloves or water guns for your little ones. Although with supervision these toys can be quite fun, you may not want to give your children ammunition to really hurt each other.

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Be present It is one thing to give your child something to play with, but it’s another to actually take the time to play with them. Dress those Barbie dolls, recharge those race cars and buy an extra controller so that you can be the second video game player.

You will learn so much from your child by watching how they play and how their imagination works. You can even teach them a thing or two about how to arrange the living room in the dollhouse or how to take those speedy turns in Super Mario Kart. f

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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BUSINESS

Is college worth it?

The student loan bubble

by Elizabeth Morse Read

The economy may be in recovery, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Housing prices have recovered, the stock market has rebounded, and consumer confidence is rising.

But there’s a very dark cloud on the horizon that hasn’t yet been addressed, and it will mortgage our children’s future even more than the national debt, the fiscal cliff and the unemployment rate combined.

Student loan debt has reached $1 trillion—a 70% jump over the past decade—surpassing both the national credit card debt and car loan debt.

Our college-bound, college-aged or college-grad children are (or will be) saddled with crushing debt that prevents them from achieving the traditional milestones of young adulthood—living on their own, getting married, buying a home, starting a business—all because they played by the rules and pursued a college degree, which used to be the ticket to success and personal fulfillment.

But, just like during the housing boom, many students (and their parents) have been fast-talked into taking 36

out excessive loans, not been properly advised on how to pick a college or major, or how to manage their debt upon graduating in a very tight job market.

When and if this new financial bubble pops, we’ll have lost an entire generation to the greed of financial institutions, misguided or for-profit educational institutions, and partisan politics in Washington and state capitals.

Unless you are very rich (and can pay cash for private college) or very poor (and qualify for a lot of federal and state financial aid), you can’t afford to go to college unless you win the lottery or you are a top athlete/academic whiz and get a full-ride scholarship.

Let’s take a closer look at how and why this pending disaster came about, and how you and your family can avoid being swept away in the tsunami of future debt.

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

Who owes what—and why At least two thirds of college students graduate with loan debt, the average being $25,000. Ten percent of them owe in excess of $40,000, usually because they took out private loans; state and federal loans are much less expensive.

Nearly 20% of US households today struggle with repaying these loans, double the number in 1989, with the greatest debt burden on households making $21,000 or less per year.

Of the $1 trillion owed, two-thirds is owed by people under 40 years old.

People 60 years old and up owe $36 billion, either because they went back to school late in life or, more often, because they co-signed their children’s loans—and then the kids defaulted.

(And thanks to George W. Bush, Social Security payments can be garnished for federal student loan debt!)

A generation lost?

The Great Recession’s impact will be felt for years to come, especially when you look at the effects it has had on the Generation Y the Millennial Generation (under 30 years old).

Continued on next page

Through no fault of their own, they got squeezed in the rising costs of college coupled with declining career opportunities—and, for many of them, their lives are on hold as a result.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate for young adults (20-24) is 15%, and a lot of new college graduates are included in that number.

More than half of 2011 college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed, scraping by at jobs that don’t require a college degree or working part-time. Instead of starting their young adult lives and striking out on their own, they’ve moved back in with their parents, putting off getting married, buying a house, starting a business, because they’re buried in debt.

A 2011 Pew Research study found that 53% of 18-24 year olds and 10% of 30-34 year old college grads are living with Mom and Dad—and that a third of both groups are still financially dependent upon them, too.

Many “twenty-somethings” are living in suspended animation, waiting for the economy to improve, waiting for the Baby Boomers to retire so that they can finally get a job in their field, just...waiting. The long term ramifications of that on society as a whole have yet to be explored.

What’s spiking college costs?

The cost of a college degree has increased twelve-fold (1,120%) over the past 30 years, four times faster than the Consumer Price Index and about double the inflation rate.

Private colleges are competing for the shrinking pool of students who can afford their costs, so they add on expensive non-academic amenities to “enrich the college experience,” like whirlpools, lawn chairs and vegan chefs.

Public colleges and universities have seen a 22% drop in state funding over the past decade, plus a doubling of full-time support staff for jobs that didn’t even exist 20 years ago, like sustainability managers and positions in IT (information technology).

It’s questionable as to whether the added costs of the above improves the quality of education received, the employment potential for graduates, or degree completion rates (most students now take five years to complete the traditional four-year program.).

A vicious circle But the bottom line is clear: when colleges raise their costs, the federal government jumps in and offers more financial aid options—and then the sharks start circling and colleges raise their tuition and fees some more, charging whatever the traffic will bear.

Meanwhile, students (and their parents) get caught up in this spiraling high-stakes game of financial “chicken.”

There’s been the explosion of forprofit colleges, many available online, like the Univ. of Phoenix, Cappella, DeVry, and Kaplan Universities, and the trade schools like ITT Technical Institute and the national chain of Art Institutes. Since 2000, enrollment in for-profit colleges and universities has more than tripled to 1.8 million.

Yet, while they represent only 13% of all college students, they account for 28% of federal student aid—and half of all student loan defaults! Their students are twice as likely to drop out (half do within a year) than are students at public/private institutions— and while the unemployment rate for college dropouts is 26%, it’s 36% if they dropped out of a for-profit college.

Aggressive recruiters, who are often paid on a quota/bonus system, target potential students most likely to qualify for a maximum of government financial aid—low-income and veterans—and they don’t always explain student loans truthfully.

In 2008, 30% of graduates from for-profit schools owed more than $40,000 in student loan debt—and almost 25% default within three years.

Most public and private colleges don’t accept transfer credits from forprofit schools, so students are caught between a rock and a hard place if they want to get a degree.

Got debt?

All student loan debt (federal and private) comes due six months after you drop out, withdraw or graduate. You can consolidate all of your federal student loan debt by going to www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov/AppEntry/ apply-online/appindex.jsp.

If you go on to graduate school, join the military or the Peace Corps or similar organizations, or face a documentable financial hardship, you can apply for deferment or forbearance on your federal financial aid obligations. Go to www.studentaid.ed.gov/ repay-loans/deferment-forbearance. You can also apply for extended repayment plans and graduated repayment plans.

If you earn erratic or modest income, you should apply for Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) or Income-Sensitive Repayment (ISR) plans for government loans. Go to www. studentaid.ed.gov/ibr, or www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/repayment/ repayment-plans or www.studentaid.ed.gov/ repay-loans/understand/plans/ibr. Your monthly payments can be reduced to a percentage of your income instead of a fixed amount, with forgiveness of the balance after 25 years.

If you are employed in the non-profit or public sector (teaching, law enforcement, government, public health, etc.) and make 120 on-time payments on your loan (even IBR, ICR or ISR), you may qualify for loan forgiveness. Go to www.studentaid.ed.gov/ publicservice or www.studentaid.ed.gov/ node/84.

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

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Continued from previous page Lobbyists for for-profit schools are fighting the government’s efforts to enforce more transparency about graduation and employment rates, their rampant student debt rates, and less abuse of federal financial aid.

What’s a college degree worth?

There’s been a lot of buzz lately as to whether or not going to college is even worth it. But that’s as much a philosophical question as a financial issue. A college education is the only “investment” in which the consumer and the product is one and the same— a new, improved “you.”

Then there’s the lifetime income comparisons. No matter what you major in, a college graduate earns almost twice as much as a high school graduate over a lifetime of working.

Even during an economic downturn, a college graduate fares better— in 2011, only 4.1% of the unemployed were college graduates, but 9.4% were high-school-only graduates.

Choosing a college major needs to be a clear-eyed and careful decision— the world does not need many art historians or medievalists, but there are many job opportunities offering top dollar to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates.

The median earnings for engineers is $75K and for business majors (25% of all graduates) it’s $60K; compared with $47K for humanities/liberal arts graduates and $40K for graduates with degrees in education, psychology and social work.

Good debt, bad debt It’s virtually impossible in America to live completely under the radar when it comes to establishing a good credit rating. Conversely, it’s virtually impossible in America to succeed if you have a bad credit rating, so managing student loan debt is the crucible that will determine a college student’s future.

Here’s the bad news—like death and taxes, there’s no escaping federal student loan debt. Since the Reagan 38

administration, the government pays very aggressive private loan collection agencies who will make your life a living hell in order to squeeze those monthly payments out of you.

It’s almost impossible to have them forgiven if you declare bankruptcy. If you default, there is no statute of limitations on prosecuting you—just like murder and treason.

But here’s the good news—there’s no reason for anyone to go into default on their federal student loans, or have to live on a shoestring budget for their rest of their lives. The government offers many repayment strategies, including loan forgiveness.

You just need to plan carefully,

You just need to plan carefully, graduate on time to minimize debt, and not accrue a total debt (including private loans) greater than what your first year’s salary will be when you graduate. graduate on time to minimize debt, and not accrue a total debt (including private loans) greater than what your first year’s salary will be when you graduate.

Here are some common sense strategies families and students can take: n Even before you apply to colleges, complete a worksheet for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to find out how much federal financial aid you’re eligible for—grants, subsidized loans (3.4% interest—the government pays the interest while the student is in college), unsubsidized loans (6.8%), work-study programs and Parent PLUS loans (7.9%).

As these are all income-based, have your tax returns on hand. Depending

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

upon which state you live in, there are additional monies that could be available, too. n Unless you’re offered a generous scholarship from a private college (average cost = $42K per year), look seriously at the public colleges and universities (average cost = $21K per year), especially in your home state. If one of these colleges is within commuting distance, you can eliminate the cost of room and board for four years. n Do some comparison shopping—all colleges and universities are now required by law to show a “net price calculator” on their website, which can help you guesstimate what the cost will be after you deduct the financial aid you’re eligible for. (And don’t forget to plan for the transportation costs if you’re going to attend a school far from home!)

Exhaust all federal, state, and personal financial resources before taking out private loans. They have much higher—and variable—interest rates, they can’t be consolidated, they offer far fewer repayment options, and there may be penalties for early repayment. n

n Students need to work part-time while in school and during summer break to pay for “necessities” not covered by financial aid—dorm room supplies, pizza, cell phone bills, etc. Credit cards are not an option and spring break in Acapulco is not a “necessity.” n Choose a major field of study that offers a good chance of future employment; take advantage of work-study, internship and co-op ed. opportunities in your field that will help build up a resume before you graduate—and graduate on time. If you can’t find your dream job right away, find a job in the non-profit or public service sectors. n Consolidate your government loans when you graduate, take advantage of any and all repayment options and do not default on the monthly payments! f

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

39

BUSINESS

How to start a

business

by Sherri Mahoney-Battles

As a tax preparer who has worked with small business owners for over twenty-five years, I have had the benefit of working with some businesses which have failed and many that have succeeded.

S

uccessful business owners share a common trait: they are good business people who recognize the importance of developing a strong foundation for their business, developing systems, and putting together a team of key people to assist in growth, and they also take the time to write a business plan.

A business plan is a map for your company’s projected growth and success. It identifies where you want to go, what you want to do, and provides the map of the route you plan to success.

Starting a business without a business plan is, in my mind, like trying to build a house without a set of plans.

It might stay up for a little while, but eventually it will all come crashing down.

40

There are eight elements to a basic business plan:

1. Executive Summary This is your mission statement, and it should inspire anyone reading your plan, including yourself, to root for your success.

Why do you want to do this business? Who will it serve, and how? Take the time to do some deep digging and identify the importance of why you want to give birth to this business.

The key to this portion of your plan is that it should inspire. If you can’t inspire yourself to continue writing the plan or a potential investor to continue reading the plan, you shouldn’t move on.

Find and identify the “WHY” that drives you to start your business, and

December November 2012 2012 // The The South South Coast Coast Insider Insider

let your passion for your potential business shine.

My husband is a plumber and his business, to put it in dry terms, installs heating systems. If you spend a few minutes talking to him, you learn that what he loves to do is install highly sophisticated and technical machines that run smoothly, quietly, efficiently, AND that these beautiful heating systems keep his customers warm for many years to come.

He doesn’t just sell heating systems— he sells comfort.

As a tax accountant I don’t just sell tax returns—I sell peace of mind. Most people find taxes stressful and the IRS intimidating. I love to make taxes easy for people and eliminate their worries about filing their tax returns.

I enjoy taking piles of paperwork that most people find complex and organizing them into perfect tax returns that tell the story of a client’s financial year. To me these tax returns aren’t just numbers, they are stories.

Every business has the ability to inspire, and you can use your executive summary to pull your readers in with the story of why you want to do your

business and how it will serve your customers.

2. Company Description Are you going to operate as a soleproprietorship, partnership, or a corporation?

Each of these legal entities offers benefits, and you should do a little research into which one will best serve your new business. Don’t be afraid to start small with a sole-proprietorship and shift into another entity when your business grows.

Corporations, LLC’s, and partnerships are more expensive to setup and more expensive to run. They involve more layers of paperwork.

3. Product or Service Describe your product or service.

Focus on the benefits your product or service will provide to its customers. A bakery sells cupcakes that people like to eat, but they also satisfy people’s cravings for sweet homemade baked goods.

4. Market analysis Identify your market, your customers, and your competition. How will you differ from your competition?

What unmet need will your business fill?

A market analysis might reveal that the market where you were looking to start your business is already saturated with similar businesses.

Can your business create habits among your customers? Where are your customers and how will you reach them?

Develop a marketing plan. Is your company one that can take advantage of free publicity, press releases or public relations stories? Are there print, internet or other opportunities available that you can use to stimulate excitement about your business in conjunction with its launch?

5. Strategy and implementation This is your opportunity to identify your plan to succeed. Build a management strategy with dates and budgets.

Develop a plan for tracking results.

This is the section where you take your concept and identify the plans that you have for making things happen.

6. Web plan strategy Describe your plan for internet marketing.

Will your business have a website?

What social media should your company take advantage of?

More than ever people are using the internet to find everything they need from products to restaurants to contractors. If you’re not that computer savvy you might want to brush up your computer skills or connect with someone who is. Younger people especially make many of their connections via the internet, and a business without an internet presence will have a harder time reaching this group.

A business without a will business plan ssly, flounder aimlense lacking a se of direction.

7. Management team Identify the key people included in your team.

Identify your skill sets and build a team of professionals who can provide the skills that you lack.

Develop relationships with a local banker, payroll company, bookkeeper, insurance agent, website designer, and accountant.

8. Financial analysis Prepare a list of start-up costs, potential source of start-up funds, and a cash flow projection.

A cash flow projection shows a financial picture of how you see your business growing financially. People will often argue that numbers in a

cash flow projection are nothing more than a guess, but as your business grows these numbers will solidify and you should revise them.

Also, it’s a wonderful opportunity to give yourself goals and see how close you can come to meeting or possibly even exceeding them. An accurate cash flow projection will reveal potential flaws in your success theory and can serve to avoid disappointment down the road.

Many people starting new businesses often make the mistake of thinking that the need for writing a business plan only exists if they are looking to borrow money. This line of thought couldn’t be further from the truth.

A business without a business plan will flounder aimlessly, lacking a sense of direction. Without a business plan there is no map on how to move forward, no plan on how to succeed, and most importantly no projections against which to measure success.

You will revisit your business plan periodically, seeing what goals have been met, and which have not. Oftentimes an owner will discover that their business has moved in a direction that they didn’t anticipate when they originally wrote their plan.

I’ve been in business for over twenty-five years, and I continue to revise my business plan and update my projections. I enjoy giving my business new goals for growth.

If you want your business to succeed, make a commitment to its success by writing a business plan and sharing that plan with those who are supporting your plan. Dream it, plan it, type it and then hit print. Printing a business plan cements your goals and makes you accountable for obtaining them. f Sherri Mahoney-Battles, of Taxing Matters, specializes in income tax preparation for small businesses and individuals. As an Enrolled Agent, licensed by the IRS, Sherri has been representing clients for over twenty-five years in cases of audit, collections, and appeals and does extensive work with non-filers. Visit her website at www.taxingmatters.com email Sherilyn@taxingmatters.com or call her at 508-636-9829.

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

41

MUSICAL SOUTH COAST

New Bedford Symphony Orchestra

’Tis the season for holiday music

by David Prentiss

No time of year is filled with more music than the holiday season. Carols, hymns, and holiday tunes are played and sung all month long, and then we cap things off with Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve. It is a reminder that music is always close by when we are happy, or celebrating and commemorating, an essential part of our experiences.

Favorites We all have our favorite holiday songs; a search for “holiday music” on Amazon produces 354,239 results. You can get the latest holiday album from Glee or Justin Bieber, and even Frank Sinatra, who died in 1998, has a new “Sinatra at Christmas” album released just last month.

Judging from how often you will hear them this month, it’s safe to say the three greatest holiday songs of all time are Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song, and Bruce Springsteen’s Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

My favorite holiday album is Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas by

42

jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Released in 1960 (and still available on CD and download), it contains all the great holiday standards and it really does swing—watch out for “Jingle Bells” and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

Tied for second on my favorites list are The Soul of Christmas—A Celtic Music Celebration”which contains one beautiful song after another, and “Songs of Peace & Joy” by Yo-Yo Ma, who makes the cello indispensable to celebrating the holidays.

My favorite version of “Auld Lang Syne” is on Johnny Cunningham’s A Winter Talisman.

Live performances Listening to recorded holiday music

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

is a big part of this special season, but experiencing live music makes it even more special. Just like on Amazon, there is a lot to choose from on the South Coast.

The Zeiterion Theatre brings A Christmas Carol to the South Coast on December 1 at 1pm and 7pm.

This musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic story is filled with great music, lavish costumes, three ghosts, and a very happy holiday ending.

On December 7 the Z presents Paul Winter’s Winter Solstice concert, which weaves together music and holiday traditions from cultures around the world.

The Narrows Center for the Arts has a “Rita Coolidge Christmas” on December 1st and a night of “Yulegrass” on December 14th.

Yulegrass features Grammy award winner Tim O’Brien along with Brittany Haas and Lauren Rioux bringing the bluegrass sound to holiday music, good cheer and wassail.

The Sippican Choral Society’s “The Many Moods of Christmas” takes place on November 30 at 8pm at Grace

Episcopal Church in New Bedford and on December 2 at 4pm at Wickenden Chapel in Marion.

And more The Fall River Symphony Orchestra performs its Holiday Spectacular concert at 3pm on December 2nd at Bristol Community College in Fall River. On December 9th the TriCounty Symphonic Band presents its annual Children’s Christmas Concert at 1:30pm at the Sippican School in Marion. The South Coast Community Chorale performs its holiday concert at Good Shepherd Parish on December 16 at 2pm in Fall River.

The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra continues the South Coast tradition of its “Hear the Cheer” Family Holiday Pops concert on December 22 at 3:30 and 7pm. The orchestra plays classic favorites and welcomes jazz vocalist Amanda Carr to celebrate the season.

One of the largest Christmas trees on the South Coast will be on stage and the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra and the South Coast Children’s Chorus will also join the orchestra. Both performances are followed by a festive warm cider reception.

On December 31st the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra join forces to give the South Coast a “New Year’s Swingin’ Eve” featuring local band favorite Blu Lobsta. The evening has a family and friends atmosphere that celebrates the year past and welcomes the year arriving. It takes place at the Whaling Museum from 7 to 10pm (they celebrate “midnight” around 9pm) and the City of New Bedford’s fireworks can be seen from the building.

Best wishes for a happy and musical holiday! f

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

43

BUSINESS

the inevitability of change

by Steve Smith

If the measure of an idea’s relevance is whether it becomes part of the national conversation, then the pinnacle of its relevance arrives when it becomes an issue in a presidential campaign.

This being the case, the notion of a sustainable energy future is an idea whose time truly has come.

An energy future based primarily on renewable sources is not a new idea— we have been discussing it for decades —often in a national security context.

Talk, then inaction But past debates about our energy future were seemingly a response to OPEC’s manipulation of the supply and price of oil. Supply tightens, prices rise, and there is a national outcry over the need to find alternatives or “drill baby drill.”

44

But then supplies ease, prices drop, and the debate fades into the background. Serious consideration of renewable alternatives seems relegated to a fringe debate among true believers, not a mainstream conversation.

But the tipping point has been reached, and the debate is no longer about “if” but about “when.”

Conventional wisdom seems to accept that fossil fuels are a secondary and fading part of our energy puzzle.

While some still cling to the vision of more oil, coal, and shale to power our economy indefinitely, the inevitability and dominance of more sustainable

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

alternatives is a future they will have to embrace sooner rather than later.

What has produced this sea change?

Is it simply an idea whose time has come? And what does it mean for southeastern Massachusetts?

Uncertain chances We are running out of oil—at least sources that are readily available.

So we have been taking greater and greater safety and environmental risks to extract what is left. The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig disaster in 2010 made that abundantly clear.

Securing foreign sources has also had disastrous consequences—as the Iraq invasion and the transparent oil control motivations for that action (remember Halliburton?) reminded us. And Canadian shale has serious drawbacks.

We are slowly accepting the

scary truth of our role in global warming and the climate change consequences.

Heads in the sand Years after An Inconvenient Truth we are seeing Al Gore’s scenario played out on the evening news. We watch as the Arctic ice shelf disappears faster than anyone predicted, and our weather patterns are so frequently extreme that it’s hard to continue to rationalize as a statistical anomaly.

Climate change deniers are relegated to arguing that we’re just seeing a natural cycle and that everything will be okay if we take the ostrich approach and do nothing.

We are seeing renewable alternatives all around us as turbines and solar arrays populate our communities and neighborhoods, and for the most part, they are not as menacing as we had feared. (Some residents of Dartmouth and Fairhaven may disagree).

The potential for the South Coast to generate renewable energy is tremendous, and we have some unique assets that can turn that potential into reality.

Solar Arrays of solar panels are becoming increasingly common, and we have many possibilities here as well. The Boston Globe has reported that the solar industry in Massachusetts ranks second to California in the US, and there is great potential to do more.

Places to install solar panels abound.

Flat rooftops of the numerous mill buildings found throughout Fall River and New Bedford offer great solar sites that are underutilized.

In addition, we have over a thousand acres of land classified as “waste disposal” in the region, land that includes abandoned landfill sites which are ideal for solar arrays.

Plus there are nearly three thousand acres of land in powerline rights of way that are cleared and ready to go for solar panels.

The potential for the South Coast to generate renewable energy is tremendous, and we have some unique assets that can turn that potential into reality.

Wind power Check out the U.S. Department of Energy website’s 50 Meter wind map.

While we’re not in the “superb” or “outstanding” areas for wind generation potential, South Coast communities have much more wind potential that their inland counterparts, as any Buzzards Bay sailor knows.

And if we can’t generate wind power on land, there is enormous offshore potential which we can service from our ports. New Bedford is already moving aggressively to capitalize on that potential.

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It’s time to get moving.

Despite the great potential in this region for developing renewable energy sources, the South Coast lags behind the Commonwealth in taking advantage of these possibilities.

The Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) hopes to change that with a regional energy strategy that will allow us to capitalize on our potential.

We need a plan that identifies appropriate locations for renewable energy facilities and regulations that will allow development of these facilities while protecting the abutters.

Let’s get to work. f The South Coast Insider / December 2012

45

WINE NOTES

CARING FOR WINE

by Alton Long

Like most anything, there are right ways and wrong ways to deal with wine.

Y

ou probably are aware that the federal, state and sometimes even local municipalities control how, when and where wines can be sold, distributed and even stored. You have little to say about these matters unless you are a political activist.

You buy your wine and hope it was well cared for on its journey to you.

And once it is yours, it is your responsibility to handle it properly.

First you should know that most wines are actually fairly rugged.

Where we get into trouble is with improper handling of older wines that we were advised to set aside for 10 or more years after purchasing. This is when we need to worry about stressing a wine.

But that is not “most” wines.

Many people treat a bottle of wine, especially if cost more than $20, as if it was a baby or fragile pet. They keep it wrapped if they take it out in the winter to avoid any sudden cold shock 46

and bring it in the house as soon as possible. They rush it from car to the house if they buy it in the hot days of summer.

And in a sense they are right, as some wines are fragile and can be affected by poor handling and storage.

But most wines are much tougher than we might expect.

A lot of wine lovers, including me, have accidentally left wine in the car, and even in the trunk, on a warm weekend, or left bottles overnight in the car during the winter until they appeared to be frozen and the cork was being pushed out.

But in most cases these wines survived this severe mishandling. This especially applies to the reasonably young, 1 to 4, or even 5 or 6 years old wines.

Deliberate cruelty I have intentionally tried to “stress” regular wines with heat and light,

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

cycling cold and hot, as well as putting some bottles in the trunk of my car in the summer and leaving them there for a couple of weeks.

I have done wine tastings with wine groups to compare these wines, both red and white, with the same wines that have been properly stored in a cellar to see if any effect or even a slight difference would be detected.

So far, while I have seen only very slight differences. I have yet to “spoil” as wine that way.

I did leave a great Chardonnay in the refrigerator for most of a summer, hoping to share it with a special wine friend who had given it to me. But the opportunity never came. When I opened it for my September birthday, it seemed fine.

On the other hand, I once had a wine served to me that I knew had been sitting upright in my host’s kitchen counter for many months. When I tasted this wine, I could tell it had lost

its fresh fruity character and seemed a bit “cooked.”

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Over many years, I have had only two examples of damaged wines that I can recollect.

The first one had been left standing in a wine shop’s display window that I reluctantly accepted to complete a case, and get a nice discount. I knew I was drinking that bottle when I came across the one bottle that was flat and dull.

The other time was when I had allowed a bottle to freeze in an attempt to accelerate its cooling by placing it in the freezer.

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INSIDER • DINING GUIDE • INSIDER • DINING GUIDE

Fortunately, I have a basement, which is a neat place to have your wine cellar. But I did live for a year in an apartment when I had an assignment to the Bay Area of California.

Naturally, I visited a lot of wineries in that year and purchased one or two bottles from each one. I wanted to save these and bring them back to the East Coast to share with my wine friends.

The wines that I was saving were stored under my bed or in my closet.

Fortunately the apartment was airconditioned.

I ended up with three or four cases that I carried back east in the trunk of my car. Over the years in which they were consumed, I never noticed that a single one of those wines was in any way damaged.

Now, that doesn’t mean that all these wines were perfect. But if one had too much sulfur, or was too thin, or too acidic, I could not blame that on transportation or storage damage.

A couple were a bit dull, but I couldn’t tell if that was the way the wine had been made or from the poor storage and travel conditions.

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

to get it back to a full liquid state. For some reason this wine also tasted dull.

In both cases, these wines were not totally destroyed, but they were not as good as they should have been. I had had an opportunity to taste the same wines within a short period (of no more than a week) so I had a basis for their comparison.

A disastrous case One of the worst disasters that I have seen regarding the mishandling of wine involved a cardboard carton of wine that had been placed in a restaurant’s cooler.

It was brought out of the cooler to be opened so it could be served at a wine groups’ dinner and placed on the counter. The bottom of the case was wet and became soggy, so when the case was lifted the bottles dropped through the bottom and crashed on the floor.

Another disaster occurred at another special dinner when the wines were brought to the restaurant two days before the event.

They were placed upright to assure the sediment would be in the bottom of the bottles. Instructions were given to open the bottles about two hours before the dinner so they could breathe.

The sommelier took matters into his own hands, opened the bottles, and poured the wine into wide mouth decanters about three hours before the dinner. So these great properly aged wines lost all their bouquet by the time they were served.

So be kind to you wines; keep them in a cool and dark place. Remember that old wines are fragile; do not let them breath too long. It is better to have to swirl them after they are poured and see how the bouquet slowly opens up, than to have lost all those precious nuances in the wines’ bouquet.

So be kind to your wines and they will be “good” to you. f

Rotarians help with ‘First Impressions’

Local landmark restored The golden dome and cross which caps off Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River shines brightly once again. Over the course of the last couple of months, the tower was surrounded by scaffolding while work was done to reconstruct parts of the tower, install new lighting on the tower, and repaint the golden dome and cross atop the tower.

The dome and cross on the tower can be seen from near and far as the building is set high on the hillside overlooking the Taunton River.

Built in 1939, Catholic Memorial Home began as a Home for the Aged and Infirm, as it was known, and was originally staffed by Carmelite Sisters.

Today, Catholic Memorial Home cares for long-term residents, provides short-term rehabilitative residential care after surgery or an illness, and has specialized dementia care units for those with memory impairing illnesses. For more information, visit www.dhf.org or www. facebook.com/DiocesanHealthFacilities or call 508-679-0011.

The Rotary Club of Fall River sponsored its inaugural “First Impressions” Project on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at The BCC Workforce Center at Commonwealth Landing in Fall River.

The program sought to help job seekers from Bristol Community College, UMass-Dartmouth and local job placement centers learn how to project a professional First Impression, not only with their personal appearance, but also with their resume and interview skills, during this one-day event.

The Vocational Committee of the Fall River Rotary Club held workshops on resume preparation and interview techniques to help address these challenges. Fashion tips and personal consultations were also provided to attendees aiming to create that great first impression with potential

employers. To learn more about how the Fall River Rotary Club has impacted our own Southcoast Community visit www.frrotary.org

Herbet Bridge honors local leader

Roland J. Hebert, longtime Transportation Manager at SRPEDD who passed away in 2011, was honored with the dedication of the former Fish Island ( Route 6) bridge in New Bedford in his name. Mr. Hebert worked at SRPEDD for thirty years before retiring in 2010. State and local officials, family members, former colleagues and guests participated in a dedication ceremony in New Bedford on October 26, 2012.

The South Coast Insider / December 2012

49

THINGS TO DO

Shop Central Village Partners Village Store

by Jay Pateakos

W

e are lucky in New England.

Over the years, many of our towns have been able to keep their rural character intact despite the changes that inevitably come with time. Many of our small towns still proudly maintain a village district with quaint shops, coffee houses and general stores.

But few villages are like Westport.

Stretching a little over a mile along the heavily traveled Main Road, Westport’s Central Village is a throwback to a simpler time, when villages provided nearby residents with the essential of a good life.

Slow changes Sure the old-timers will say there’s been new developments in the Village over the years, including the newlybuilt BayCoast Bank, and their memory serves them well.

But the Village itself, which promotes everything from the town’s only supermarket, Lees, to eateries like Village Pizza and 50

Marguerites Restaurant, to shops like Country Woolen, and Deni’s Closet, has everything a person needs to survive—and then some.

Change comes slowly to a village like this, with much discussion, much trepidation. It was not long ago that the hot subject for discussion over morning coffee and at the town meetings was installing sidewalks along Main Road, an issue that inevitably failed due to liability issues that could not be overcome.

Here, much has stayed the same, and frankly, that’s how most people want it.

“The Central Village is the hidden jewel of Westport. Over the past few years we have seen some new businesses open including Baycoast Bank and Ten Cousins Restaurant,” says Atty. Denise Squillante, owner of Deni’s Closet at 767 Main Road, a woman’s-only boutique celebrating ten years in business.

“But many of these businesses have also survived through a number of

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

recessions. This business is my personal commitment to the community to employ three women.”

Squillante says while all businesses help to stimulate a town or region’s economy, small businesses tend to take it one step further.

Community support “Small businesses don’t only employ people; many of us feed off each other, buy from each other, and support the new places that open up,” adds Squillante. “We need a vibrant central village but the challenge is in how to meet everyone’s needs.”

Nancy Crosby, 34-year owner of the Partners Village Store at 865 Main Road says while Lee’s Market is a huge draw for the Central Village, many of the businesses have been around a significant amount of time, so they also tend to draw in many visitors who are looking to get a lot of shopping done in one spot, or by not leaving the town at all.

“I know many people who come here

to shop during Christmas and they love it because they can get all their shopping done in one place. People want it that way,” says Crosby. “There’s just something very rural about the village that people love. They hope you carry everything here because they don’t want to go to the malls.”

Crosby notes the hard work done by concerned residents to get sidewalks put into the village and said although that failed, newly-painted crosswalks and signs entering the village have helped to slow traffic down and create more awareness for the village businesses.

“I think the sidewalks are something that will eventually come,” Crosby observes. “The way the village is growing I think it’s inevitable, but it’s such an emotional issue.”

Like most small town villages, the debate is always to allow development that helps grow the area while still keeping it unique.

“Everybody likes it just the way it is,” declares Crosby. “It’s a very special place where you can get all you need in one tiny spot.”

Echoing Crosby, Anne Squire, who has owned Country Woolens at 842

Main Road for 36 years, says she has definitely seen a change in the Central Village over the years with an increase of traffic and shopping activity around the village.

“I see Central Village continuing to grow, with many more people discovering the area. How to improve it, I’m not sure. People are not crazy about change in Westport. They like things to stay the same,” says Squire.

“We business owners do get together and discuss ideas which are good. We all try to work together. Central Village is a very friendly neighborhood and I would like it to continue to stay that way,” she adds.

Michael P. Sullivan, President of Westport Business to Business and the town’s Economic Development Coordinator, says the village strives to maintain a balance in being a good neighbor to the surrounding residential community, and growing enough to provide for the needs of shoppers, all the while maintaining the small town feel that is so essential to most residents who call Westport home.

Continued on next page

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Deni’s Closet Continued from previous page

Special character “Improvements [to the Village] have followed a pattern reflective of Westport’s heritage,” says Sullivan.

“Many of buildings are over 100 years old and have been re-purposed to meet new opportunities. Specialty retail and service businesses have flourished while the residential neighbors co-exist in a mostly harmonious fashion”.

He points out, “The village landscape is dotted with specimen trees and miles of stone walls and an occasional pasture complete with grazing cattle; it creates a calming effect for both visitors and residents.”

Sullivan notes recent growth of the creative economy in the village includes four new studios and shops joining the long time merchants with Westport’s only “super” market, Lees.

“Medical outpatient services and Banking centers have doubled in the past five years, creating more year round activity,” says Sullivan.

As for the future, Sullivan is sure any

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

further growth patterns for the central village will be market-driven.

“The uniqueness of the individual properties will continue to define the unique character of Westport,” said Sullivan. “Elements of ‘Yankee ingenuity’ will shine through and will become the legacy theme for this quaint village.”

Squillante added that the small businesses that make up the entire strip of the Central Village will continue to be its lifeblood and those businesses will keep leaning on each other for help, the way it should be.

“The village is very important to the town’s economy, and will continue to be. You could put in 100 CVSs or Rite Aids but it wouldn’t have the impact that these shops have,” added Squillante.

“The bulk of our community has invested much into the Central Village for many decades and whether walking or driving, we want to continue to be the place where people go to shop, eat or conduct other business in a village that is welcoming to all. That’s what it’s all about.” f

We want to continue to be the place where people go to shop, eat or conduct other business in a village that is welcoming to all.

That’s what it’s all about.

TAROT-SCOPES

by The Celtic Cricket and his family of psychics at the Silver Willow

We use the tarot to predict your horoscope. If you’d like more in depth and personal information, stop by our shop—The Silver Willow in Rehoboth, MA for a private tarot reading.

Make a Memory This Season at The Z!

Aries – Stay on budget this holiday season and remember that it’s the thought that counts. You have a habit of giving too much and expecting too much in return. Just be happy that you are spreading joy.

Taurus – This is really the time that you need to gather people around you and fix connections. Work things out with others, rekindle friendships and solve unsettled family matters.

Gemini – Working on financial growth and finishing tasks by yourself is of the utmost importance this month. Your new attitude is “Yes I can.” Stay true to this.

Cancer – Consider other people’s feelings before you tell them how you feel; it’s not all about overly sensitive you. Remember other people have feelings too, especially this time of year.

Leo – Your projects at home and in the workplace will remain effortless and your status will be stable. Now is the time to really throw yourself into your projects.

Virgo – Ask and you shall receive. Love, romance and maybe help from others is available, just ask. The time for doing things on your own has come to an end. Now is the time to reach out and find others that will share your journey in life.

Libra – You have lots to do will be pulled in many directions. You will get it all done, but don’t expect to take afternoon naps as this busy streak allows you to finish projects you have put aside and meet your own standards.

Scorpio – Don’t spread yourself too thin this month. Do not accept invitations that you don’t plan to keep; not following through on plans could ruin friendships and hurt feelings.

Sagittarius – Good things come to the Sagittarius who learns to just relax. Avoid getting into arguments; you won’t win. Let the stress go, focus on remaining calm, and you will notice that things will come easier.

Capricorn – Oh Capricorn, you are in your element this month! Great opportunities for romance and finances are in order. Now is the time to be bold and go after your goals.

Aquarius – Expect good news traveling from a distance.

Old friends and relatives will gather close around you this holiday season. Now is your time for romance and passion.

Seek out a new relationship or work on creating a new spark in your existing one, you can’t lose.

Pisces – An optimistic Pisces will find themselves in the best of moods of this month. Look for grander skies, be more positive about your situation, and you will find real rewards.

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The South Coast Insider / December 2012

53

LAST WORD

What are you going to do?

by Michael J. Vieira

“And so this is Christmas.

Merry Christmas

And what have you done? Another year over. And a new one just begun.”

John Lennon wrote these words in 1971. The Vietnam Conflict was at the peak of unpopularity and the country was divided. Forty years later, things seem very similar.

We’re still fighting a war that most people think needs to end, and we just wrapped up a divisive election. But, here come the holidays. And whether you’re Christian, Jewish, or just a capitalist, it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

For many people, it’s not.

Recently, I was able to help a church group bring food to a local motel, to more than 100 homeless people, mostly women and children. Some of them didn’t have a clue about where they were. They were brought there because they had no place to go.

That’s just sad.

At least there was room at this inn.

But many people see those in need as “takers,” as being the problem.

Why don’t they get a job? Why don’t they help themselves?

Maybe it’s because there aren’t many decent paying positions around—especially if you have nobody to help with childcare, have no money to pay for job training, and have nowhere to go.

Try living on minimum wage. Try it with a part-time job.

Every week, all year long, soup kitchens provide hot meals to those in need.

Most of what I saw during the election was personal attacks or commercials that focused on whether we should make the rich richer because their wealth will trickle down—or whether we should give stuff to the poor. That was the focus. Obama gives

54

As we enter another New Year, ask yourself, ’What have I done?’ away stuff and Romney won’t.

It’s not that simple.

The person living in subsidized housing, getting help with food, or obtaining free training or schooling isn’t the enemy. Sometimes, people just don’t have what they need, don’t have a place to stay (without an address you can’t get help), sustenance, education, or psychological support.

Remember, the story of Hanukkah has to do with not having enough oil —but what little they had lasted eight days. That didn’t happen because they did it on their own. Miracles can happen.

The answer isn’t easy—it’s really complicated. Entry-level jobs now require training and skills. I don’t know about yours, but my grandparents

December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

surely would not have been able to get a job at a company looking for highly skilled, educated workers.

Today, we have legal immigrants, illegal immigrants, and Americans who might as well be foreigners—they’re strangers in our own strange land.

They are the disenfranchised, the discarded, and the distanced.

People need to be trained and supported. Education is getting more expensive, aid to students and to school districts is being cut, and the network of community support that once provided by churches and ethnic groups is diminished.

So what are we to do?

At the risk of being politically incorrect, it seems appropriate to bring a Christian perspective to the holidays —at least as a starting point. Matthew wrote, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.”

We need to take care of each other as we enter 2013. We need to move past the things that divide us and remember that, in the end, we are all in this together.

Even if you don’t believe or accept the scriptural promise that taking care of the poor is like taking care of God, there’s a good, capitalistic reason to do so. The more people who are working, happy, and successful, the better we all are.

So, as we enter another New Year, ask yourself, “What have I done?” If the answer doesn’t include helping somebody else, then you might just have found a New Year’s resolution. f

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December 2012 / The South Coast Insider

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HAPPY HOLIDAY WISHES FROM Clifton All of us at Clifton Healthcare Campus would like to extend warm holiday greetings to members of all faiths in our community.

We wish you Joy, Happiness and Peace for the coming New Year.

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