9th
M arch /A pril 2013 · Volume 9 · Number 2
Taking Care Drug safet y
What you need to know
Helping
the caregiver
Are you in the S andwich gener ation?
3
cities poised to grow
Mental aerobics
in brief & more…
Southcoast brings you top-notch heart care.
Outstanding Our passion. Your heart.
And that’s not us talking, it’s Healthgrades® — the nation’s leading independent health care ratings organization. In fact, Southcoast was once again named a recipient of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™. If you have heart problems, it’s good to know that the best quality care — anywhere — is just minutes away, at Southcoast Hospitals. That’s pretty outstanding! Because it’s our passion. And your heart.
Same house, new bank. Same business, new bank.
And, that new bank is a Credit Union – St. Anne’s! Trahan’s Trees and Shrubs in East Freetown is more than just trees and shrubs! For over two decades, the company has been providing total grounds services to local homeowners and businesses throughout the SouthCoast. Since the company began in 1988, Trahan’s had been a big bank customer. But that all changed when they met Linda Morad, Senior Business Development Specialist at St. Anne’s Credit Union.
L to R: St. Anne’s Credit Union Mortgage Originator Tim Souza; Trahan’s Project Designer, Supervisor, and Office Manager Wayne Trahan; Trahan’s President and Owner Susan Trahan; and St. Anne’s Credit Union Senior Business Development Specialist Linda Morad.
“I told Linda I wanted a better mortgage rate, and she ran with the ball,” says Wayne. “She gave me the time and attention I needed, and mortgage originator Tim Souza handled the refinancing details from there and did a really super job! “Once I saw how great they were at St. Anne’s, we did a complete turnaround of all our business accounts, too. We moved everything to St. Anne’s. “A big bank is just a big building, with no personal touch. We were happy to find the professionalism we wanted and the personal touch we hoped for, right around the corner at St. Anne’s Credit Union — It’s perfect for our home and for our business!”
Ready for a local banker for your home or business? Call us today at (877) 782-6637.
“We’re making a difference.” StAnnes.com
Federally insured by NCUA St. Anne’s Credit Union NMLS #: 525435
DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO LOCK IN A LOW FIXED RATE as low as
FREEDOM HOME EQUITY LINE
3.5%
APR*
- Pay only when you draw - No annual fee - Up to 36 months to draw on the available limit - 84 months to pay back the balance after the draw period expires - Interest only payments during the first 36 months of the line
Our FREEDOM line of Credit is FREE of gimmicks. You DECIDE...
School Tuition - Home Improvements - Consolidate Debt - Travel Around the World OR BUILD YOURSELF A ROOM TO BREATHE! *APR- Annual Percentage Rate. Principal and Interest Payments calculated at APR of 3.50% for 84month per $1000 @ 13.44/month. Interest Only payments calculated at APR of 3.50% for 36 months per $1000 @ $2.68/month. NMLS ID 410816
www.frmcu.com
Southeastern Massachusetts Health & Rehabilitation Center 4586 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA
508-998-1188
Flat Screen TV with Satellite n Wi-fi n Recliner n
n Separate reading area n Located on bus line n Multilingual staff: Portuguese & Spanish
To schedule tours please call 508-998-1188 T O A DV E R T I SE I N S OU T H C OA S T PR I M E T I M E S C A L L 50 8 - 677-30 0 0
If you have chronic postherpetic neuralgia pain, find out how you could participate in a medical research study. Local doctors are currently conducting a medical research study of an investigational pain medication for individuals with moderate to severe chronic pain due to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
To learn more, please contact
To be eligible for this study, you must: • Be 21 years of age or older • Be medically diagnosed with PHN • Have moderate to severe chronic pain due to PHN All study-related visits, tests, and treatments will be provided to participants at no cost. In addition, compensation for time and/or travel may be provided.
Novex Clinical Research LCC • 508-990-9555 • info@novexclinical.com
Mar/apr 2013
contents 18
14 32 36
38
F e atures
Prime se ason
P rime living
6
28 Caring for the flock
18 Drug interactions: a 32 Getting older with
Extra! Extra! Local news & views By Elizabeth Morse Read
14 The future tale of
three cities By Jay Pateakos
By Paul Letendre
29 Mental aerobics 30 It’s all Greek to me
By Brian J. Lowney
The South Coast Prime Times welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. Please keep your letters brief and to the point. No name-calling or libelous attacks will be published, and we ask that all letters be signed. Writers who wish to remain anonymous will have their names withheld on request. Send your letters to The Editor, South Coast Prime Times, PO Box 3493, Fall River MA 02722 or send us an email at editor@coastalmags.com.
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
dangerous mix By Elizabeth Morse Read
24 Help for the
‘sandwich generation’ By Elizabeth Morse Read
By Dan Logan
38 Keep your resolutions
2
M arch / apr il 2013
36 Tax time: new rules
for everyone By Sherri Mahoney-Battles
G ood times
a plan By Joyce Rowley
34 From stats to stories
By Mel B. Yoken
40 A lifetime of taking wing By Paul Kandarian
Need a Lift? Come in for a Demonstration
FREE FinanCing anD DElivERy availablE*
9 LIFT RECLINERS ON DISPLAY
• 3-position recline • Memory foam seat and wall-away recline standard • Heat & Vibrating options available • Low volt motor • Petite, tall and wide styles available • Choose from many colors and fabrics • Medicare forms available
Regal House F u r n i t u r e & M at tr e s s sto r e 965 Church Street New Bedford Hours: Mon-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-5, Sun. 12-5 508-998-3017 • www.regalhouse.com
*With approved credit, min. Purchase required, see details in store.
Milk and Cookies with the Easter Bunny! at Buttonwood Park Zoo
Saturdays, March 23 and 30 at 1pm & 3pm Cost: Zoo Members: $10/person; Non-members: $15/person Pre-register and pay for Milk & Cookies at
www.bpzoo.org.
“The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been.” - Madeleine L’Engle Southeastern Massachusetts Finest Assisted Living & Memory Care! 628 Old Westport Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02747 508-636-0590 www.TheCedarsAssistedLiving.com Every Resident Is Part of Our Family Tree
425 Hawthorn St. New Bedford, MA 02740 www.bpzoo.org | 508-991-4556 x 14 S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
3
advertisement
Create your custom kitchen or bath
The Bath Cove Showrooms by Plumbers’ Supply Company provide the best environment and the largest selection of kitchen and bath fixtures, south of Boston.
4
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
The Bath Cove is staffed by highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced design professionals who will assist customers every step of the way to help them create a custom look that reflects their unique personality and style. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a new home, the Bath Cove provides a pressure-free setting where you can take an in-depth look at the latest designs and styles. The Bath Cove’s design consultants understand that the decisions involved in
M arch / apr il 2013
creating your special kitchen or bath can be a stressful project, so they provide expert advice and unparalleled service to make your experience an enjoyable one. With convenient hours, extensive inventory and local delivery services from any of our eleven warehouse locations, The Bath Cove can help you create the kitchen or bath of your dreams. We’re located on Faunce Corner Road in Dartmouth, and on Oliphant Lane in Middletown. Visit us online at www.thebathcove.com
From The Publisher March/April 2013 n Vol. 9 n No. 2
Published by
Coastal Communications Corp.
Thank you for picking up this latest issue of “Prime Times,” chock full of interesting and important information for you. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead on March 10 and enjoy the longer evenings.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Ljiljana Vasiljevic Editor
Greg Jones Contributors
Paul Kandarian, Dan Logan, Brian J. Lowney, Sherri Mahoney-Battles, Jay Pateakos, Elizabeth Morse Read, Joyce Rowley and Mel Yoken
South Coast Prime Times is published bi-monthly. Copyright ©2013 Coastal Communications Corp. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means, without written permission from the Publisher. All information contained herein is believed to be reliable. Coastal Communications Corp. does not assume any financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of an advertisement in which the typographical error occurs.
Next issue April 17, 2013
Circulation 25,000
April has many definitions; there’s the one about April showers, and poets ranging from Shelley to Keats to Frost to Omar Khayam have celebrated the month. And then there’s April 15 and the IRS. On page 36 Sherri Mahoney-Battles has updates on the latest tax laws and what it will mean for you. The South Coast is poised for growth, and the cities of Fall River, Taunton and New Bedford are about to begin reaping the rewards of years of hard work. Jay Pateakos has the full story, beginning on page 14. Over-the-counter drugs are safe, right? Well, not always, especially if they are taken with other drugs or even certain foods. This important story by Elizabeth Morse Read starts on page 18. It seems there are as many ways to learn a foreign language as there are foreign languages. Dan Logan does all the hard work and delivers a report on the various methods and techniques so you can prepare for your next trip abroad. His story starts on page 30. All of the above, and more, plus the usual listings of all that’s new, scheduled and in the works for the South Coast: it’s all brought to you with the help of our fine advertisers. Tell them you saw their ad in “Prime Times.”
Subscriptions $14.95 per year
M ailing address South Coast Prime Times P.O. Box 3493
Ljiljana Vasiljevic Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Fall River, MA 02722
Phone (508) 677-3000
Website www.coastalmags.com
E-mail editor@coastalmags.com
Our advertisers make this publication possible —please support them
facebook.com/thesouthcoastinsider S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
5
E xtra! E xtra!
In brief… Eliz abeth Morse Read
We may still be coping with winter weather, but the coming months are jampacked with things to do on the South Coast, both indoors and out. There are two school vacation weeks coming up, Passover and Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, capricious weather and a lot of “cabin fever.” Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Check out your local library, head for the hills with a sled or toboggan, spend an afternoon at a park or museum. And start planning your gardens and summer vacation.
Working with 13 Chambers of Commerce in southeastern Massachusetts, a consortium of six local colleges has created a new online portal called CONNECTLink which helps area employers find qualified student interns. For more info, visit www. connectsemass.org.
6
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
Eighth-graders in Massachusetts ranked among the smartest in the world in math and science, according to a study that tested students around the globe. They came in second in science, behind Singapore, and sixth in mathematics, behind their peers in five Asian countries.
M arch / apr il 2013
Governor Patrick intends to fully fund the $1.8 billion South Coast Rail project as the centerpiece of the state’s comprehensive transportation plan. The project is expected to create almost 4,000 jobs and generate $500 million annually in new economic activity. The DOT plan also includes funding for SRTA, Rt. 6 in Dart-
mouth, Rt. 18 in New Bedford, and Rts. 24 and 140 in Taunton.
Mark your calendars! Beware the scammers claiming to be NSTAR representatives, demanding over-thephone Green Dot pre-paid card payment! If you receive such a call, hang up and call NSTAR at 1-800-592-2000. Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association is looking for volunteers who can offer companionship for hospice patients and respite for their family caregivers. Call 508973-3219 or visit www.southcoastvna.org.
Lafayette Park in the Flint neighborhood of Fall River will be the site of a huge Disney-like carnival April 12-20. Admission will be free. Lights! Camera! Action! The movie “Fairhaven,” which was filmed on the South Coast two years ago, is now available on iTunes, Amazon Instant and cable on-demand nationwide. Steve Carrell’s comedy “The Way, Way Back,” which was filmed in part in Wareham and Duxbury last summer, debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Carrell is a part-time resident of Marshfield. A January episode of PBS’ “The Abolitionists,” part of The American Experience series, featured Frederick Douglass and New Bedford’s role in the anti-slavery movement. Check out the free film series about American art Feb. 19 and 26 at the Southworth Library in Dartmouth. For complete details, call 508-999-0726 or visit www. southworth@sailsinc.org. “Moonrise Kingdom,” filmed in Rhode Island, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.
Hall of Shame… For the third time, New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo has been named one of the “top 10 worst zoos for elephants” by the non-profit group In Defense of Animals. Three locations on the South Coast made the top five of the Dirty Dozen in New England list of the Toxics Action Center: Brayton Point Coal Power Station in Somerset was number two; New Bedford’s Harbor Superfund Site and Parker St. Waste Site ranked number three; and Entergy Nuclear in Plymouth came in fourth. Two out-of-town grinches were charged with stealing the Christmas tip money some Wareham residents had left out for their trash collectors. (Boo, hiss!) The Environmental Protection Agency singled out three South Coast businesses for the most toxic emissions in the state: number one was Brayton Point in Somerset; number three was the Acushnet Company Ball Plant II in New Bedford and number five was the Acushnet Company Ball Plant III in North Dartmouth. Back in January, a burglar stole $200 worth of pennies from the home of a senior citizen in Taunton.
K a-Ching! The William M. Wood Foundation has awarded $300,000 to New Bedford’s Whaling Museum to fund projects that tell the story of Portuguese-speaking communities in the city, including a traveling exhibition which can be displayed in museums across the country. The Rochester Council on Aging received a $44,000 grant from the Department of Transportation toward the purchase of a lift-equipped nine-passenger van.
New Bedford’s Carney Academy won a $10,000 prize, sponsored by BayCoast Bank, which will be used to continue its parent-teacher home visit program. The Island Foundation, based in Marion, has given a $5K grant to the Friends of Buttonwood Park in New Bedford to rebuild the basketball courts. UMass Dartmouth has received a $339K grant from the National Science Foundation for the purchase of a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth received a $10K grant from the CHT Foundation to provide hands-on science education for fifth graders in Fall River. When Steward Health Care System bought Morton Hospital in 2011, it made a $250,000 donation to the Taunton police and fire departments to purchase muchneeded equipment and vehicles.
South Coast Stars… More than 250 police officers from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut, including a contingent from the South Coast, drove in a Christmas convoy to make a wish come true for a five-year old boy in Virginia suffering from cancer. Back in December, a huge US Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules made a mission of mercy, carrying 150 endangered sea turtles that had stranded along Cape Cod down to Orlando, Florida, for rehabilitation and eventual release in warmer waters. In 2006, when Carrie Holmstrom of Dartmouth was burned in an accident, she spent seven months recovering in a Shriners Hospital. She now works for the Shriners Hospital in Houston, and was selected to ride on their float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena CA. Nine-year old Mia Oliveira of Mattapoisett has again celebrated her birthday by
Continued on next page S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
7
Continued from previous page
photo: www.southcoast.org
hosting an “Animal Shelter” party, asking for donations for local animal shelters instead of gifts for herself. Last year, her birthday party netted $250 and 400 items for donation, when added to the donations from customers at Hair Unlimited, where her mother Tara works. In the true spirit of Christmas, an unnamed donor walked in and paid for all coffee orders one morning at the Celtic Coffee House in downtown New Bedford. The man said he had personal ties to Newtown, CT and just wanted to make people feel better.
Hats off to nine-year old Skye Cordeiro of Lakeville, who called 911 when her mother Julie Faria, a horse trainer, was kicked in the face. Skye was given the Young Hero Award at the Town Hall in December. Biz Buzz… Emma Jean’s Cupcakes on Rt. 6 in Fairhaven purchased the neighboring Huttleston House restaurant and will turn it into a New York-style deli this spring. It will be managed by Jeff Antil, formerly of Antil’s Deli in North Fairhaven, which burned down last year. Fairfield Inn and Suites in New Bedford was named Small Business of the Year 2012 by the South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation. It is owned and operated by LaFrance Hospitality Corp.. Greater New Bedford Regional Voca-
8
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River became the first hospital on the South Coast to perform robotic gall bladder surgery. St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford will soon open a robotic surgical program. tional-Technical High School plans a new marine industries program in 2014 which will prepare graduates for many jobs when the South Terminal opens. ABC Disposal is planning to build a new solar-powered facility in Rochester that will convert solid waste into fuel briquettes that can be used as a supplement or alternative to coal in power plants. More than a dozen historic properties in Tiverton Four Corners owned by James R. Weir are up for sale for almost $6 million. Restaurants are booming in Fall River! In just the past few months, Jerry Remy’s, Red Cedar and Tipsy Toboggan have opened; the Quequechan Club, the Belmont Club and Al Mac’s Diner have re-opened. There are plans for a waterfront grill near Commercial Landing, and the Waterstreet Café may be reopening soon under new management. In addition, The Regatta at Battleship Cove, closed since 2009, was purchased for $3.5 million, and will become a seafood restaurant, pub and function hall.
discounted courses towards a certificate in their field at the downtown New Bedford Bristol Community College campus. Small businesses along the new International Marketplace on New Bedford’s Acushnet Avenue can upgrade their broadband access or business technology by applying for a grant from the Community Economic Development Center at 1285 Acushnet Ave. or by calling 508-979-4684. UMass Dartmouth’s new computer simulation center puts it in the ranks of national university research programs and scientific research facilities. Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill might open a fifth restaurant at Riverside Landing in New Bedford. After almost 60 years, Frosty Beverages of Fall River will be closing its doors. The 50-acre Truesdale Farm, which straddles the Westport/Little Compton line, was sold for $9 million. A replica of a “T” car from Boston’s Blue Line has taken up residence near the Taunton Green, with the goal of turning it into a hamburger joint/diner once all permitting is completed.
Strange, But True… First it was cows that went missing, now it’s Nubian goats, two from Westport and two from Tiverton. The Westport goats were later found.
Looking for something unusual? Try the Beer Can Museum in East Taunton–www. beercanmuseum.org. It took police, firefighters, EMTs, and first responders from the Harbormaster’s Department, the K-9 unit and an ATV unit to find and rescue a man who’d gotten himself lost near the Weweantic River in Wareham while “geocaching,” which is an outdoor treasure-hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. (Maybe he should take up golf?)
Working professionals in early education or human services can now take
M arch / apr il 2013
Marion town administrators have ruled that a hapless resident MUST pay the $72,000 water bill that resulted from
a leak in a pipe on his side of the water meter… (Aw, c’mon, guys!)
Oooops! A heating oil company made a delivery of 27 gallons to the wrong house in New Bedford, which had a defunct fill pipe on the outside…the owners had switched to natural gas some time ago. A North Atlantic right whale mother and calf were spotted off Plymouth in January, the earliest sighting on record up here. They’re usually calving off the Florida coast at this time of year.
to Heart
We Take Your Health
Do you or a loved one suffer from heart failure, pulmonary disease or diabetes? Southcoast VNA’s Advanced Cardiac Care offers specially trained cardiac nurses who will work closely with you and your doctor to keep you out of the hospital and better manage your condition in the comfort of your own home.
Services Provided
An unusual piebald (spotted) deer was seen romping through Barrington in January. Back in January, when a Raynham dog-walker came across a trail of discarded clothing near the Taunton River, the Raynham, Taunton and Bridgewater first responders launched a search and rescue operation, which included K-9 units, a fire department boat and an eight-wheeled amphibious vehicle. The (naked?) owner of the clothes was found safe on land. No explanation was forthcoming. (Maybe he should hook up with the guy from Wareham?)
School (Vacation) Daze… Take a stroll through Attleboro’s Capron Park Zoo. Go to www.capronparkzoo.com or call 774-203-1840. The Taunton Library offers free or discounted passes to many museums and attractions throughout the South Coast. Visit www.tauntonlibrary.org.
Continued on next page
Daily monitoring of your vital signs
Individualized teaching to help you manage your disease
Management of your medications
Availability of other services including rehabilitation, behavioral health, nutrition, social work and personal care
Choose Southcoast VNA for all your home health care needs.
Your c are. Your
. way comfor t. Your
www.southcoastvna.org 800-698-6877 Southcoast VNA is a not-for-profit charitable organization.
No rookies.
With decades of experience at some of the top heart centers in the country, Southcoast’s open heart surgery and angioplasty teams are among the best anywhere. Learn about their outstanding quality at www.southcoast.org/heart.
Heart Surgery at Southcoast. Big city heart care. Without the hassle. SOUTHCOAST HOSPITALS
CHARLTON
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
•
ST. LUKE’S
•
TOBEY
M arch / apr il 2013
9
Continued from previous page
New Bedford’s July “Summerfest” will be now be called the New Bedford Folk Festival. The festival will continue to feature great music, fine vendors of arts, crafts and clothing, a children’s activity area and terrific food. For more info, visit www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com Check out the Children’s Museum in --508-230-3789 or visit www.childEaston rensmuseumineaston.org.
Spend some time at the Soule Homestead Education Center Middleborough–quiltJanuary 31, in2013 ing, botany and more! Free, open Tuesdays-Sundays. School vacation program For Immediate Release… Feb.19-22. Learn more at www.soulehomestead.org or call 508-947-6744.
Find out what’s at the Ocean Explorium. Call 508-994-5400 or go to www.oceanexplorium.org. Head for the Warwick Mall on Apr. 6 for the Summer Camp and Children’s Programs Expo!
GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards. UMass Dartmouth has published campus-wide GRI reviews since 2010, the first university in the world to do so. The students are currently finishing up a similar review for the Town of Dartmouth.
Portsmouth Abbey alumna Nasemah Mohamed (’08) has been awarded a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. A native of Zimbabwe, Nasemah joins her older sister Shazrene, who was also named a Rhodes out “ThinkSpace” at the Providence ChilScholar in 2004, the first time in the proFall River public school students will dren’s Museum. Call 401-273-KIDS The organizers of New B(5437) edford Stake ummerfest a re p leased t o a nnounce a nhistory ew name or tsiblings he won the gram’s whenftwo part in a three-year pilot program of visit www.childrenmuseum.org. or festival in 2013 – N ew Bedford Folk Festival. reflects the primary extended school days. This name better distinction.
The Town Crier… Alas! Wendy’s Hamburgers in Bristol has Summerfest Renamed New Bedford Folk Festival closed its doors for good. the kids are out of school, check When
objective of the festival, which is to bring the best in traditional and contemporary folk and
Don’t pass up half-price admission to Jilliangreat Zucco of Mattapoisett Starting in the 2013-2014 school year, acoustic music o New Feb. Bedford, M A. The festival will continue to feature music, “Winter Wonder Days” tthrough 28 at incoming freshman at Bishop Stang High was selected Miss Fall River Roger Williams tPark in Providence. including he fZoo estival’s renowned School music orkshops, fine vendors of arts, crafts and willwbe required to purchase an 2012, and will participate in Call 401-785-3510 or visit www.rwpzoo. Apple for daily use. The cost will clothing, a children’s activity area and iPod terrific food. Dates for be the 18th annual festival are org. the Miss Massachusetts pagdefrayed by having to buy fewer textbooks.
July 6 and 7, 2013. Performers already booked include John Gorka, Cheryl Wheeler, Anais eant in June. Mitchell, Lori MIt’s cKenna and Ellis If Paul. “Wild you’re housebound, there’s no need to get bored in Mattapoisett. “Words on UMass Dartmouth doctoral student SerWinter For further information, visit w ww.newbedfordfolkfestival.com Wheels” volunteers from the Mattapoisett ena Rivera has been awarded a Fulbright Week” Feb. or email info@newbedfordfolkfestival.com. Library deliver books, magazines and English Teaching Assistant grant to teach 18-22 at New DVDs to you – for free! Call 508-758-4171. English and American culture in Brazil this Bedford’s year. K udos ! Buttonwood Artisan Bake Shop of Rochester won the Zoo. 508-991- Olivia Culpo, Miss Rhode Island 2011 “Best of the Knot Boston” for the second and Miss USA 2012, was chosen as Miss 4556, www. year as one of the best wedding cake and Universe 2012! dessert bakeries in the region. bpzoo.org. Former New Bedford police Congratulations to the South Coast If you’ve got cabin fever, why not climb chief Ronald Teachman, who Men and Women of 2012, as chosen by the the walls or go rock climbing indoors at “Standard Times”: (South Coast) Bettina Carabiners in New Bedford! Go to www. spent last year training poand Gary Schuyler; (Acushnet) carabiners.com or call 508-984-0808. lice officers in Tajikistan, has Borders Lisa Fernandes and Michael G. Alves; Go to the Fall River Children’s Museum started a new job as police (Dartmouth) Joe Vieira and Julie Manon weekends! Go to www.cmgfr.org or call chief in South Bend, Indiana, ley; (Fairhaven) Wayne Oliveira and Tara 508-672-0033. Kohler; (Freetown) Rev. Arthur “Bill” Cohome of Notre Dame Univermeau and Cindy Cuthbertson; (Lakeville) If the kids are bouncing off the walls, sity. Larry Simpson [Energy Advisory Comm. take them to SkyZone, a wall-to-wall in-
door trampoline park in East Providence! For info, visit www.skyzone.com/providence or call 401-383-6000.
10
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
A group of UMass Dartmouth MBA students completed a first-in-the-nation environmental and sustainability review of Fall River, using the rigorous international
M arch / apr il 2013
Chmn.] and Nancy LaFave; (Marion) John and Claire Russell; (Mattapoisett) Steve Kelleher and Kelly Sol Weglowski; (New Bedford) Tom Lopes and Darcy Fernandes;
B RINGING B ALA NCE TO N UMBERS (Rochester) Gordon Helme and Dani Kleiman; (Wareham) Thom Strom and Claire Smith; (Westport) Fernando Larguinha/ Peter Brown and Jan Hall/Nancy Crosby. Youth of the Year was Justin Braga and Teacher of the Year was Patricia Manchester. Ninety-eight year old Eleanor Cummings of Dighton was recently presented with the town’s Boston Post Cane, which goes to the town’s oldest resident.
TAX PREPARATION without the S-T-R-E-S-S
25 Years Experience Specializing in small business and individuals Enrolled Agent… Licensed by the Internal Revenue Service Now accepting new bookkeeping clients.
The Portsmouth High School band marched in the presidential inaugural parade on January 21. The New Bedford Historical Society was named a “Preserve America Steward” by First Lady Michelle Obama for their restoration of the Nathan and Mary Johnson house.
Construction Updates… Rhode Island will be installing 30 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by August 15 in public locations and on state property. In addition, six electric vehicle charging stations have been installed throughout New Bedford, including at public parking garages. A long-awaited walkway atop the hurricane barrier from the New Bedford side may finally be in the works. A walkway already exists on the Fairhaven side, and plans to connect them could include a bike path and a seasonal bridge to Palmer’s Island. Paul Revere rides again! Thanks to a rehab by Beaumont Signs and The Poyant Sign Co., New Bedford’s iconic highway welcome sign is in much better working order. By this summer, New Bedford’s Custom House Square is scheduled to be transformed from a parking lot into a “lush oasis” of green space, public park and a site for festivals and public events. The City of New Bedford plans to build a 30-acre solar farm on city-owned land in
Continued on next page
171 Pine Hill Road • Westport, MA
CALL SHERRI MAHONEY TODAY 508-636-9829 sherilyn@taxingmatters.com
w w w.taxingmatters.com
Adult communities for 55+ Call for a private showing Safe, worry-free living with fun activities and friendly on-site management Oakwood
– Swansea – 508-324-1279
OakwoodSeniorEstates.com
Westport Village
North Farm
WestportVillageApartments.com
NorthFarmSeniorEstates.com
– Westport – 508- 636-6775
– Somerset – 508-676-9700
— Equal Housing Opportunity —
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
11
Continued from previous page Rochester. It’s estimated that it will generate enough energy to power the city’s entire water department.
There’s 6-DIGG-IT Feb. 22; The Smile Makers Mar. 2; Poor Old Shine Apr. 5, and more! Go to www.sandywoodsmusic.com.
14 – Apr. 21 at Providence’s Trinity Rep. Call 401-351-4242 or go to www.trinityrep. com.
The Thai Buddhist Temple in Raynham (officially named the Wat Nawamintararachutis, or NMR Meditation Center for short) will be completed by July. For more info, visit www.watnawaminusa.org.
Listen to Phoebus on Feb. 24 and the Boston University Opera Institute Mar. 24 at Concerts at the Point in Westport. Go to www.concertsatthepoint.org or call 508636-9927.
Enjoy a performance of “Amadeus” through Feb. 17 or “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Mar. 8 – Apr. 7 at the 2nd Story Theatre in Warren. For details, call 401-247-4200 or go to www.2ndstorytheatre.com.
Music to Your E ars… Enjoy the Valentine’s Day Concert at Blithewold in Bristol on Feb. 17. For details, visit www.blithewold.org or call 401-2532707. Woohoo! See The Who with Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend Feb. 26 at the Dunkin Donuts Center at Providence College. Call 401-331-0700 or go to www. dunkindonutscenter.com. The Narrows Center for the Arts has a great line-up: there’s Comedy Night Feb. 23; Jonathan Edwards Mar. 1; Forever Young: A Tribute to Neil Young Mar. 8 and 9; Dr. John Mar. 17; Paula Poundstone Apr. 13 , and more! For complete details, visit www.ncfta.org, www.narrowscenter.com or call 508-324-1926.
Enjoy Celtic Woman Mar. 22 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. 401-421-2787 or www.ppacri.org. Enjoy a performance by Chatham Baroque on March 10 at the Museum Concerts of Providence. Call 401-274-5073 or visit www.museumconcerts.org. There’s something for everyone at Rhode Island College’s Performing and Fine Arts Series. Enjoy The Trisha Brown Dance Company on Mar. 6. For details, go to www.ric.edu/pfa or call 401-456-8144. Enjoy a Season of Symphonies with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra! There’s “Salsa! Choose Your Color” on Feb. 23; Jeremiah and the Great Symphony Mar. 23 and Beethoven’s Fifth on April 13. For more info, go to www.riphil.org or call 401-248-7070. Check out who’s playing at the Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton.
12
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
The Manhattan String Quartet will perform at Rehoboth’s Arts in the Village on April 6. Call 508-252-5768 or visit www.carpentermuseum.org.
Head for the Newport Playhouse and Cabaret Restaurant’s performance of “Greetings” Feb. 14- Mar. 24. Go to www. newportplayhouse.com or call 401-8487529. New Bedford’s Your Theatre presents “The Whales of August” Mar. 14-24. Call 508-993-0772 or go to www.yourtheatre. org. Buzzards Play Productions in Wareham will present “The Glass Menagerie” Mar. 28-30 and Apr. 5-7 and 12-14. For more info, call 508-295-5480 or go to www.buzzardsplayproductions.com.
Join the ambiance at Common Fence Music in Portsmouth. Enjoy The Amy Black Band on Feb. 16; fiddler Bruce Molsky Mar. 2; Jesus Andujar ND Grupo Sazon Mar. 23; Michael Johnson April 6, and more! Call 401-683-5085 or go to www.commonfencemusic.org. Enjoy “The Red Violin,” performed by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra on Apr. 13 at the Zeiterion.
All the World’s a Stage… The Little Theatre of Fall River will perform “Steel Magnolias” March 7- 10. Call 508-675-1852 or visit www.littletheatre.net. The Zeiterion in New Bedford will present The Pink Floyd Experience on Feb. 17; Catarina Avelar Feb. 21;, The Secret Life of Bees Feb. 28; Mariza Mar. 9 and 10; Cirque Ziva Mar. 17; The Ultimate Billy Joel Experience Mar. 29; the Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble April 4; the Dinosaur Petting Zoo April 7, and more! Go to www.zeiterion.org or call 508-994-2900. Check out “Crime and Punishment” through Feb. 24 or “Social Creatures” Mar.
M arch / apr il 2013
The Great Outdoors… Follow the “Nature Tracks” at the Audubon Environmental Education Center in Bristol on the 1st Sat. of every month. Visit www.asri.org or call 401-949-5454 x 3041. Go on a seal watch tour from Bowen’s Ferry in Newport. Call 401-324-6060 or visit www.savebay.org. Get out of the house and head for the Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth. Visit www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.
Lace up at the Newport Skating Rink. Call 401-846-3018 or go to www.skatenewport.com. Spend some time at the Soule Homestead Education Center in Middleborough–quilting, botany and more! Free, open Tuesdays-Sundays. School vacation program Feb.19-22. Learn more at www.soulehomestead.org or call 508-947-6744.
Rent some skates and get out onto the ice at the Bank of America Ice Skating Rink at Providence’s Kennedy Plaza through March 3. Go to www.kennedyplaza.org or call 401-331-5544. Bring your binoculars to the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. Call 401846-2577 or go to www.normanbirdsanctuary.org. Visit the animals at the Coggeshall Farm in Bristol. Visit www.coggeshallfarm.org or call 401-253-9062.
And the great Indoors… Step back into the past at the Industrial History Museum in Attleboro on Thursdays or Fridays. Call 508-222-3918 or go to www.industrialmuseum.com. The Bristol Farmers Market is open at Mount Hope Farm barn on Sat. 9-1. www. mounthopefarm.org.
Fall River seniors can call their senior center for a list of Fisher Bus day trips planned for Feb. - June.
Worth the trip… Enjoy an evening of free family fun and entertainment at AHA! Night in New Bedford. The Mar. 14 theme is “March in Motion,” and the Apr. 11 theme is “Sustainable South Coast.” Go to www. ahanewbedford.org or call 508-996-8253 x 205. Stroll through the 8th Annual Illuminated Garden at Newport’s Ballard Park Feb. 21-23. Free! Call 401-619-3377 or go to www.ballardpark.org. Check out the 25th Annual Newport Winter Festival Feb. 15-24. Go to www. newportevents.com/winterfest or call 401-847-7666.
New Bedfordites can visit the Whaling Museum for free through April, thanks to a BayCoast Bank grant.
On the road again… CapeFLYER, the weekend train from Boston to Cape Cod, will start this summer. If you’re over 50, learn about the trips sponsored by the New Bedford Senior Travel Program: Twin Rivers Casino Mar. 12; the Boston Flower and Garden Show Mar. 13; the Barry Manilow tribute Mar. 26 plus the five-day trip to Ottawa and The Thousand Islands May 20-24. Call 508-991-6171. Take a 10-mile train ride along Narragansett Bay on the Old Colony & Newport Railroad on Sundays. Go to www.ocnrr. com or call 401-846-4674.
March SAP TO SYRUP FARMERS BREAKFAST Dartmouth ∙ 3/2 DINNER & A MOVIE Wareham ∙ 3/8 CO-ED BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT Wareham ∙ 3/10 NEW BEDFORD HALF MARATHON New Bedford ∙ 3/17
April
Spend some time at the Rhode Island Spring Flower and Garden Show, as well as the Food and Wine Festival, Feb. 21-24 at the RI Convention Center in Providence. For info, go to www.flowershow.com. Get your fresh veggies at the Fall River Winter Indoor Market at CD Recreation (the former Bank Street Armory) on Feb. 16, Mar. 16 and April 20 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Special Events
DINNER & A MOVIE Wareham ∙ 4/12 HEALTHY KIDS DAY Dartmouth ∙ 4/26 Fall River ∙ 4/27 Y BE HEALTHY EXPO New Bedford ∙ 4/27 photo: John Phelan
When you visit Fall River’s Battleship Cove (www.battleshipcove.org or 508-6781100), don’t miss two other nearby attractions – the Marine Museum (508-6743533) and the Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum (508-674-9340). Elizabeth Morse Read is an award-winning writer, editor and artist who grew up on the South Coast. After twenty years of working in New York City and traveling the world, she came back home with her children and lives in Fairhaven.
May DINNER & A MOVIE Wareham ∙ 5/10 11TH ANNUAL 5K ROAD RACE Wareham ∙ 5/18 PASKAMANSETT BIRD CLUB Dartmouth ∙ 5/19 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Wareham ∙ 5/19 Contact the branch for information and event times. For a listing of more events visit ymcasouthcoast.org.
DARTMOUTH 508.993.3361 FALL RIVER 508.675.7841 GLEASON FAMILY 508.295.9622 MATTAPOISETT 508.758.4203 NEW BEDFORD 508.997.0734
YMCA SOUTHCOAST ymcasouthcoast.org S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
13
The future tale of three cities Whether it’s losing a job or tightening your belt or seeing your favorite business close its doors forever, the poor economy and its slow recovery has had its impact on just about everyone. Jay Pateakos
For many municipalities facing rising unemployment and less state and federal aid, the impact of the poor economy has been far-reaching. But while 2013 will continue to be a struggle for many, good things seem to be coming. Some of the biggest cities in the state and the ones that make up the bulk of South Coast population and commerce (Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River) have been hit especially hard but, like a business struggling to meet the needs of new clients, have found ways to reinvent themselves.
14
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
In New Bedford, where a fishing industry that is already devastated now has to face even more regulations limiting fish catch, there are areas of the city that continue to blossom. “The fishing regulations will have a huge impact on an already consolidated fishing fleet and the support services and
‘While the Chamber has not come out on
the casino issue, there are some that find the
potential of it exciting’
businesses that rely on it,” said the New The planned South Terminal that will go Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and out to bid in the months ahead will put Industry President and CEO Roy NasciNew Bedford on the map for alternative mento. and sustainable energy. Nascimento said But the tourism industry, with much of it plans for the South Terminal also include located a stone’s throw from the dozens of greater exposure to the shipping industry. fishing boats that dock in New Bedford’s “The city is trying to build ties to South harbor, continued to grow, despite major America to bring greater shipping traffic roadwork on Route 18 that snarled traffic of fruits and vegetables and growth in that for much of the past year. industry will have a huge economic impact “Tourism is growing in New Bedford and on the area,” said Nascimento. “This is a the new downtown hotel has been a trevery optimistic time for New Bedford. With mendous success and we are hoping to see the increase in tourism last year despite the even more citizens capitalize on what our work done on Route 18, we are hoping for downtown has an even better year this year. to offer this With Route 18 being com‘With Route 18 being pleted, we will now have a year,” said Nascimento. “We better way to connect our completed, we will historic downtown to the want people with a little waterfront, which will be a now have a better extra jingle in tremendous benefit for our way to connect our their pocket to city.” come here and historic downtown to In Taunton, where the see what New possibility of a casino in Bedford has the waterfront’ East Taunton hangs over to offer and the area, Taunton Area visit our area Chamber of Commerce businesses.” President Kerrie Babin said while the area Nascimento said things are going so well awaits its casino fate, downtown revitalizathat New Bedford has plans to add another tion continues to be a focus. hotel to the mix, though he would not pro“People are definitely optimistic for this vide a location for that yet. New Bedford year. While the Chamber has not come will also see an additional cruise line come out on the casino issue, there are some to the port this summer which will bring that find the potential of it exciting,” said even more tourists to the community. Babin. “But we have also seen increased photo by Tom Croke/VISUAL image inc.
Turn heads Florsheim Welter Black Slip On
Dansko Stapled Clog, Multi Rain Drop
SAVE $20.00 OFF ANY ITEM — With this coupon —
on a purchase $100 or more. Not valid on Special Orders or Clearance Sales. Restrictions Apply.
Rockport • Steve Madden • Kenneth Cole Clarks Merrell • Skechers • Lifestride Naturalizer • Bass • Dockers
229 South Main Street Fall River, MA • 508-567-3992 (Free parking lot behind building on Pearl St.)
solecentral@comcast.net
NEXT: May/June issue (available on April 17th) Copy deadline: April 1st Theme:
Home Improvement & Outdoor Living For advertising call: 508-677-3000 E-mail free Pro Tip to editor@coastalmags.com Contact us today for space reservation and more info Continued on next page S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
15
Along the waterfront, the aging Route 79 spaghetti ramps are set to be taken down to pave the way for a more tourist-friendly boulevard along the city’s scenic corridor.
activity in our downtown area with two buildings being sold and currently being renovated. Like any other city, our downtown has struggled but our mayor’s focus is on improving it going forward.” Babin said if anything, a casino would bring an increase in traffic to the area’s restaurants and retail outlets, but he realizes there are other areas in which it may be more of a detriment. “The city is excited about its possibilities,” Babin said, also noting the recent application for a slots license at the former Raynham-Taunton Dog Track. “Overall, we are very optimistic about 2013 and will continue to move ahead with our focus on revitalizing downtown.”
In Fall River, Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Mellion said a lot of the work done over the last few years will finally start bearing fruit in 2013. While the Industrial Park has seen the closing of places like AJ Wright and Oliver’s, the city secured strong tenants such as Rhode Island Novelties and Beacon Light Tavern to take their places in addition to new businesses like Baycoast Bank and a Dunkin Donuts. Complementing those moves are infrastructure upgrades of high speed internet, the upgrading of roads and greater green space to make the park more attractive and user-friendly. “It’s making a park built in the 1970s attractive for the 21st century and these actions are matched with the city’s efforts 16
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
to market the park nationally and regionally,” said Mellion. “The newly established UMass bio-processing facility is on target for completion in the fall of 2013, and the facility will be a tremendous gain for the area and fits in with the governor’s economic plan for Massachusetts.” Along the waterfront, the aging Route 79 spaghetti ramps are set to be taken down to pave the way for a more tourist-friendly boulevard along the city’s scenic corridor. Waterfront activity began in earnest in 2012 with the opening of Commonwealth Landing, which houses Bristol Community College’s Center for Workforce and Community Education , along with Leather-
‘I believe the city of Fall River is in a renaissance, and it’s happening right now, as we speak’ wood Photography, Brian Fox Studios and two new restaurant hot-spots, Remy’s Sports Bar & Grille and Red Cedars. “The improvement of Route 79 will take a once-divided city and once and for all allow easy access to the waterfront and open up additional land for economic development,” said Mellion. “All of this fits in with
M arch / apr il 2013
things that came about last year like the Harbor Queen Cruises, the Dinner Train and the Block Island Ferry. With partnerships with the city, FROED and others, we are looking for additional creative economic assets to go on in the waterfront in the years to come.” In the fall, the Chamber helped to link the Narrows Center for the Arts with a number of downtown restaurants, offering discounts on meals for theater-goers, finally taking advantage of the thousands of people that come to the Center from out of town. In addition to the courthouse, downtown has seen a number of new openings, most recently Gentleman’s Quarters, Sole Central and Tap House. Block parties came back to the downtown last year and helped to attract hundreds of people each night with more on tap for the coming summer. “I believe the city of Fall River is in a renaissance, and it’s happening right now, as we speak,” added Mellion. “A lot of work has already been done and we have all the ingredients here to really expand, create new jobs, clean up the city’s core areas and produce events and attractions that will bring consumers to the city.” Jay Pateakos has been a freelance writer for more than 10 years including daily and weekly newspapers and monthly magazines. A native of New Bedford, he currently lives in Marion and has three children.
advertisement
Warning signs your loved one may need help at home by Michelle D. Beneski
B
ecause of time and distance, many adult children rarely see or visit their independently living parents. It is important that when you do, you be vigilant in recognizing changes in your loved ones. Here are some of the changes that may indicate your loved ones need some extra help: • Weight loss, lack of food in the home, or expired food. • Bad personal hygiene. • Unusually cluttered, dirty or messy home. • Difficulty in mobility. Bumps or bruises from falling. • Unusual purchases. • Poorly managed finances: not paying bills, losing money, paying bills twice or more, or hiding money. • Unopened mail, piles of newspapers, unfilled prescriptions, forgetting to take medications or missing appointments. • Self-imposed isolation. • Friends and relatives are expressing concerns about changed behavior. • Unusually loud or quiet, paranoid, agitated behavior. • Becoming confused when doing routine tasks. If you notice changes, a physical and neurological exam should identify any medical issues. A Geriatric Care Manager can help assess what types of care options are available. Suggestions may include a home health aide, adult day care, etc. If your parents can no longer live their own, then where they will live has to be decided. A family member’s home, assisted living, senior housing, or nursing home are all possible choices. If nursing home care is needed, Medicaid planning should be done as soon as practical to preserve as much of the loved one’s assets as possible. An elder-law attorney should be consulted to ensure that all alternative decision-making documents such as a Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney and HIPAA release are in place and valid. If no alternative decision makers have been chosen, the court will chose one through the guardianship process if needed. This process is complicated, time consuming, emotionally draining and expensive. This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Michelle D. Beneski is an Attorney at Surprenant & Beneski, P.C. For specific questions call her at 508-994-5200 or send e-mail to mdb@nbelderlaw.com
T
oday, with nursing homes costing an average of $9,000 a month, you must plan ahead. As Elder Law Attorneys, we can show you how to protect your assets from nursing homes, probate fees and estate taxes. Even with a relative in a nursing home now, assets can still be protected. Call us today to set up a consultation.
Michelle D. Beneski, Esq.
Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq.
Robert L. Surprenant, Esq. of Counsel
The family team of Attorney Robert L. Surprenant, Attorney Michelle D. Beneski and Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant are resolute in their goal of providing the highest quality of services to their clients. This also includes presenting free educational talks in the community on topics of Medicaid, Estate Planning, Veterans Benefits and Elder Care. All you need to do is call us at our toll free number 1-800-929-0491 and request which guide you need us to send you.
We are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the Bristol County Estate Planning Council. Attorney Beneski is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) and she also has her Masters in Taxation (LLM).
Essence of yoga
Experience Authentic Yoga at
— 4 WEEK SERIES —
w/ Joy Bennett, IYT-500
Thurs., Feb. 28 & Mar 7, 14, & 21
6:30 - 8:00 pm • Cost: $72 Early Birds register by Feb. 14, $60
Joyful Breath Yoga Therapy 25 Market Street, Swansea, MA
401-290-7697 • www.joyfulbreath.com S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
17
prime living
Drug interactions:
a dangerous
R mixx
Whether we want to admit it or not, America is a nation of pillpoppers. We shake our heads and wring our hands about teenagers and young adults using illegal drugs, Eliz abeth Morse Read the overdoses, the ruined lives and the crime associated with addiction to heroin, crystal meth and crack cocaine. But the truth is that legal drugs, whether prescribed (Rx) or over-the-counter (OTC), present an equal or even graver danger to the entire population. And when these “legal” drugs are deliberately abused, or combined with alcohol, other legal drugs or “health” products, or taken without first consulting a physician or pharmacist, the results can be debilitating–or deadly. Every year, more than 1.5 million people are hospitalized for dangerous “legal” drug interactions or side effects–and 100,000 die. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), almost half of all Americans are taking at least one prescription drug, and on average, every American fills 12 prescriptions each year (equal to 3.4 billion prescriptions). And
18
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
the largest portion of prescriptions being written–40 percent–are for people 65 and older, all Medicareeligible, yet representing only 14 percent of the American population. Between 1999 and 2009, the number of prescriptions written
shot up almost 40 percent (costing everyone $234 billion in 2008), although there’s no indication that we became sick more often over that time period. There’s something very wrong with this picture. Americans represent less than five percent of the world’s
prescription and OTC drugs for every kind of possible disease or disorder. (The pharmaceutical industry spends $21 billion in advertising and makes $216 billion in sales annually in the US alone.) We’re deliberately being conditioned to become a nation of Chicken Littles,
We’re deliberately being conditioned to become a
nation of Chicken L ittles, running to the doctor for every ache and pain population, yet we consume nearly 80 percent of the world’s highly-addictive opioid painkillers (that’s the equivalent of 110 tons of “legal” narcotics, folks), including 99 percent of the world’s hydrocodone (Vicodin). More than 600,000 doctors and dentists in our country are licensed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe narcotic pain-killers, yet many pain specialists believe that narcotic pain-killers should only be prescribed to the terminally ill and not at risk of addiction. Deaths from these pain-killers exceed those of all illegal drugs combined, and the age group most at risk is 45-54, not teenagers and young adults. Just recently, in an attempt to stem rising addiction and accidental deaths, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City declared that emergency room doctors in the city’s hospitals would no longer be allowed to prescribe more than a three-day supply of narcotic painkillers to outpatients. Clearly, something is going on that has turned us into a nation of “wusses” (as one British news report commented) and pill-popping hypochondriacs. We are bombarded every day with advertisements for new
drugs, herbal remedies, other OTC drugs–even certain foods. For example, some very popular OTC cold/cough medicines contain a pain reliever, an antihistamine, a decongestant and a cough suppressant, any one of which might be dangerous– or fatal–if you have certain preexisting health conditions, are allergic to certain chemicals, or take them in combination with alcohol, certain prescriptions or other OTC drugs. Equally troubling is that the sheer number of OTC products wrongly encourages people to self-diagnose and
piling on and mixing more drugs or “health” products: only your physician and pharmacist can provide that kind of advice. And mega-vitamins and “health” products and diet pills do not undergo FDA testing for safety or effectiveness. And there are certain OTC drugs that are now only available behind the counter, not over–specifically, any OTC drug that contains pseudoephedrine (decongestants like Allegra D, Sudafed, Mucinex D)–you must ask the pharmacist for it, you are limited in how much you can buy and
self-medicate, bypassing doctors and risking very serious consequences. For example, that severe heartburn you’re experiencing, that Maalox isn’t helping, could very well be a sign of an impending heart attack. We’ve been lulled into thinking that we don’t need to see a doctor–or call 911–because there’s a candy store of OTC drugs in our medicine cabinets. You can be assured that all current Rx and OTC drugs have been tested and certified safe and effective by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but only when used for the express purpose they were intended. However, there is no FDA approval or guideline for what happens when you start
you must sign for your purchase. Why? Illegal back-street drug labs turn them into methamphetamine, also known as “meth” or “speed.” And chances are that it won’t be long before cold/ cough OTC drugs that contain dextromethorphan will be pulled from the open shelves, too: there’s growing evidence that they’re being abused to produce the same effects as the illegal drugs PCP and ketamine. So OTC drugs are not always “safe.”
running to the doctor for every ache and pain, demanding specific drugs–like antibiotics–whether they’re effective or warranted or not. We selfdiagnose and self-medicate, especially with OTC drugs, and oftentimes create new or additional health problems because of drug interactions and adverse side effects. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical companies are laughing all the way to the bank, and our nation’s health care costs skyrocket as a result.
Rx
Over-the-counter – and out of
control Many people naively assume that OTC medications must be safe, because they do not require a doctor’s prescription, but this has proved, sadly, not to be true. More than 100,000 OTC drug products exist right now, and as many as 700 of them were originally prescription drugs. But the easy availability of OTC drugs just means a greater risk for adverse effects, especially if people don’t read the warnings on the package or talk with a pharmacist or doctor. Many of the products contain a witch’s brew of “multisymptom” ingredients that can easily interact with prescription
Rx
’E at, drink– may
not always be merry…’ As if drug-drug interactions aren’t enough to worry about, you also need to
Continued on next page S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
19
Always read the fine print… Here’s a list of common OTC drug categories and familiar brand names with the potentially dangerous results if they’re taken without the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. Most stores offer a generic in-house version of the name-brand product that includes the same ingredients: Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Interferes with certain antibiotics; can cause liver damage if taken in excess over time or with alcohol. Acid reducers/antacids (Tums, Pepcid AC, PeptoBismol, Alka-Seltzer…): Can interfere with certain asthma drugs, blood thinners (anticoagulants), seizure drugs; should not be taken if you are allergic to milk or have kidney disease. Anti-diarrheals (Immodium, Kaopectate): Can cause constipation or drowsiness; should not be taken with antibiotics, if you are allergic to aspirin or if you have recently had a cold or the flu. Anti-emetics (Dramamine, Bonine…): Should not be taken with sedatives or tranquilizers or if you have emphysema, glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Antihistamines (Benadryl, NyQuil, Dimetapp, Robitussin…): Should not be taken with sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-anxiety Rx drugs (Xanax, Valium, Ativan), or any other CNS (central nervous system) depressant, alcohol, high blood pressure drugs or antidepressants. Should not
20
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
be taken if you have asthma, emphysema, glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Anti-tussives/Cough medicines (Vicks 44, Robitussin…): If they contain dextromethorphan, should not be taken with MAOI antidepressants (the prescribing doctor will tell you if your drug contains MAOI antidepressants), sedatives or tranquilizers. Should not be taken if you have glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Decongestants (Sudafed, Allegra D, Contac…): Should not be taken with MAOI anti-depressants, high blood pressure drugs, stimulants or diet pills. Should not be taken if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes or enlarged prostate. Laxatives (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax…): Should not be taken if you are nauseated, vomiting or have kidney disease. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve). Aspirin can interfere with insulin and other diabetes drugs or anti-seizure
drugs; all can interfere with some anti-cancer drugs, immuno-suppressants, heart and blood pressure drugs, diuretics and blood thinners (anti-coagulants). Oral Analgesics/Anaesthetics (Chloraseptic, Cepacol): Can interfere with MAOI anti-depressants; should not be taken if you’re allergic to topical anaesthetics like novocaine. Smoking Cessation aids (Nicorette gum, NicoDerm patches): Should not be taken with some antidepressants, asthma drugs, or another smoking cessation product. Should not be used if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Sleep Aids (Sominex, Unisom, ZzzQuil…): Should not be taken with sedatives, certain antihistamines, tranquilizers or alcohol, or if you have breathing problems, glaucoma or enlarged prostate. Stimulants (Vivarin, Jet Alert): Should not be taken with any food or beverage that contains caffeine or any other stimulants.
be aware of possible negative food-drug interactions. Some foods or beverages can entirely cancel the intended effect of a prescribed or OTC drug (for example, pomegranate juice and many high blood pressure drugs); some can magnify the effect, which can lead to toxic levels (like caffeine and stimulants like Ritalin); some can diminish the intended effect of a medication, leading to the equivalent of missed doses, and some can interfere with how a drug is metabolized
found in grapefruit (as well as in Seville oranges, pomeloes and limes) interferes with almost 50 different medicines, including statins (cholesterollowering drugs), Zoloft, Valium, Plavix, erythromycin, codeine, many high blood pressure medicines, and the immuno-suppressant drugs given to transplant patients. Ironically, people over 45, who take the most prescriptions, also happen to buy the most grapefruit. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea,
mega-vitamins and ‘health’ products and diet pills do
Meaningful Services From a Trusted Friend Since 1893
800-259-1893 w w w.hathawayfunerals.com
• Pre-arrangement Experts • Cremation Specialists • Locally Owned • 8 Locations Across Southeastern Mass
not undergo FDA testing
for safety or effectiveness in your body and cause all kinds of collateral damage. For example, suddenly eating too many leafy green vegetables, which are high in vitamin K, while taking anti-coagulants (blood-thinners) like Warfarin, Coumadin or Plavix, interferes with the intended blood-thinning action. The most dangerous food/ beverage is alcohol–it doesn’t matter whether you are taking prescription drugs or OTC drugs–don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol cancels out many antibiotics, even the small amount of alcohol found in many mouthwashes. Alcohol mixed with Tylenol can cause liver damage, or if consumed with Rx painkillers like codeine or Percocet can kill you. Alcohol, even if not consumed at the same time, interferes with antidepressants, blood thinners, antihistamines, tranquilizers, cough medicines or OTC pain relievers. The most surprising food-drug interaction comes from grapefruit. A particular compound
green tea, chocolate, cola, cocoa and energy drinks, can cause serious problems if taken with appetite suppressants, asthma medicines, and stimulants like Adderall. Sports drinks, which are high in potassium (as are bananas), should never be consumed by anyone taking drugs that treat heart failure or high blood pressure. The calcium in milk, soy milk, dairy products and many antacids can interfere with thyroid drugs and many antibiotics. And if you take herbal supplements, sleep aids, weight-loss aids or vitamins recommended by complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners, be careful if you’re also taking prescription or OTC drugs. They may be “all natural” and homeopathic, but these dietary supplements are not subject to the FDA testing for safety and effectiveness that Rx and OTC drugs are. And they can work against you. Gingko biloba and ginger supplements, for example, don’t mix with aspirin. Garlic
WE B U COST Y UME JEWE LRY
Why wait for out of town weekend buyers and long distance mailorder services — Certified Jewelry Store with 120 years of experience —
WE PAY EVERYDAY Gold Coins, Gold Watches, Class Rings, etc. Price based on the Spot Gold Price THE MOMENT YOU SELL! 1473 SOUTH MAIN ST., FALL RIVER 508-672-6421 HOURS: Mon-Fri 9:30am – 5:00pm; Sat. 9:30am-4:00pm
Continued on next page
www.patenaudejewelers.com
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
21
Continued from previous page pills can interfere with some diabetes drugs. Licorice can interfere with corticosteroids. St. John’s Wort does not mix with many anti-coagulants.
When to get immediate help If any of the following happen suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or breathing distress, call 911 or have someone drive you to the emergency room. Don’t wait or self-medicate. And be aware that women oftentimes experience different symptoms than do men, especially when having a heart attack.
✓ Severe dizziness, mental confusion, seizure or loss of consciousness; ✓ Intense throbbing or stabbing head pain; ✓ Severe stabbing pain in the side, back or pelvic region;
✓ Rash or swelling of a mucous membrane (mouth, nose, vagina) after taking a new medication or consuming a new food or beverage;
✓ Fever over 103o(39.4oC) in an adult, or if
over 102oF for more than two days;
✓ Vomiting or coughing up
blood; blood in
the urine or stool;
✓ Numbness, weakness/tingling sensation on one side of the body; ✓ Sudden swelling of face, tongue, hands or feet/ankles; ✓ Severe back pain with tingling sensation in extremities; ✓ Chest pain that radiates to arm, jaw or upper back; ✓ Sudden loss or noticeable change in vision or hearing;
✓ Severe leg pain with hot, painful swelling.
22
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
A commonsense R x for healthier living While many medical disorders are very serious and may require lifelong medications and therapeutic interventions, many ailments are self-limiting and can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes and common sense. For example, if you’re constipated, eat more prunes and high-fiber foods and lay off the cheese; if you’ve got a cold, wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid crowds. If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consult your doctor.
Rx
diately. Pharmacists are highly qualified to advise people on which OTC drugs and “health” product supplements (e.g. vitamins, herbal remedies, diet/ sleep aids) are a good mix with the Rx medicines you’re taking. And even if it hurts to read all the teeny-tiny print, read it. OTC drugs have the ingredients, warnings and directions printed on the box or product itself, and sometimes include a more detailed insert inside the box. Prescription drugs come with a detailed brochure attached. Many pharmacies will affix a warning sticker (e.g., do not drink alcohol; do not take on an empty stomach) as an additional reminder, but the final responsibility is yours: read the fine print. Always keep a complete and up-to-date list in your wallet or purse of all Rx and OTC drugs,
Pharmacists are highly qualified to advise people on which OTC drugs and
supplements are a good mix with the R x medicines you’re taking
In general, eat healthy foods, drink alcohol in moderation, get a good night’s sleep, practice proper hygiene, stay active physically, mentally and socially, and get a checkup every year. Use only one pharmacy for all your Rx and OTC drugs and “health” product supplements. Until our country catches up with the rest of the world in terms of electronic medical records, you’re probably seeing several doctors (specialists) and they may not know that one doctor prescribed a particular medication for you if you don’t mention it, but your pharmacist will know imme-
eye drops, diet/sleep aids, vitamins, “health” and herbal products you take/use, including dosages/frequency for each, and note any known allergies (even food). List your primary care physician (PCP), medical specialists you see regularly (e.g., cardiologist, physical therapist), your pharmacy, and phone numbers for each. Bring this to every doctor’s appointment and show it to your pharmacist whenever you purchase a new OTC product. Finally, while the Internet is a wonderful convenience, it’s no substitute for a professional medical diagnosis or course of treatment.
advertisement
Renowned Orthopedic Doctors offer appointments available this week, maybe even today. 9 Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons are devoted to uncompromising treatment in 5 convenient locations. FALL RIVER, MA – Nagging pain? Arthritis? Sports injury? In some medical practices you will wait up to 4 weeks to see a specialist and get a diagnosis of your ailment. Wait no more! Coastal Orthopaedics, a leading orthopedic care center located at 235 Hanover Street in Fall River, MA offers their patients guaranteed appointments within the week and often can get their patients same day or next day appointments. Coastal Orthopaedics has 9 Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons in 5 convenient locations in southeast Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island. This extraordinary bandwidth and Coastal Orthopaedics commitment to patient convenience allow Coastal Orthopaedics to offer appointments and follow up appointments within tight timeframes, something no single-doctor Orthopedic care practice can equal. “Coastal Orthopaedics is very happy to offer our patients same week or same day appointments. We get our patients started on their path to wellness faster, and that is important to us and to our patients,” commented Bill Custer, Administrator at Coastal Orthopaedics, “Our commitment to patient convenience and the excellence of our orthopedic care is what separates Coastal Orthopaedics from other care providers.” That is not everything that separates Coastal Orthopaedics from other orthopedic care providers. The practice offers expertise in general, specialty and pediatric orthopedics making them an ideal choice for orthopedic care regardless of your injury or age. Whether treating bones, joints, ligaments, muscles or arthritis each Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner and staff member are committed to providing the best orthopedic care available anywhere. And, patients are provided piece of mind knowing their doctor is a leader
“Our commitment to patient convenience and the excellence of our orthopedic care is what separates Coastal Orthopaedics from other care providers.” in their field and up-to-date with the latest care, physical therapy and surgical technologies. Coastal Orthopaedics has seven locations including; Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton in Massachusetts and Bristol, Middletown, Tiverton and Warren in Rhode Island. “Our seven locations is just one example of our commitment to patient convenience,”
states Custer, “by shortening our patients commute to their orthopedic appointments we make it all the more convenient for them, that’s a great thing and something we are very proud of. Coastal Orthopaedics and our patients truly have the same goal, moving our patients towards wellness as quickly and conveniently as possible.” An extension of Coastal Orthopaedics commitment to patient convenience is having Physical Therapy facilities onsite. Their patients have the convenience of their orthopedic appointments and their recovery based physical therapy at the same location. Appointments at Coastal Orthopaedics can be made by calling 877-859-2663 or through a referral by your primary care physician. More information regarding Coastal Orthopaedics can be found at www.coastal-orthopaedics.com.
HAND SURGERY • SHOULDER SURGERY • SPORTS MEDICINE • JOINT REPLACEMENT
We guarantee you an appointment this week… maybe even TODAY! The Board Certified Surgeons of Coastal Orthopaedics provide state-ofthe-art, comprehensive surgical and medical care treating bones, joints, ligaments and muscles as well as arthritis. Our Doctors have the specialized knowledge and expertise to provide exceptional care.
ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY • GENERAL ORTHOPEDICS • PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC CARE S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
23
prime living
Help for the ‘Sandwich Generation’ Eliz abeth Morse Read
In 2014, the youngest of the Baby Boomers will turn 50. By 2030, the number of Americans 65 and older will have exploded to 70 million. And because of increasing life expectancy and advances in healthcare, more and more elderly people will be living on their own well into their 80s or 90s.
But no matter how independent they may be, they’re still going to need help, and if you’re between 50 and 65 years old when they do, you’re most likely going to become the unpaid caregiver for your aging parents. And chances are, you’ll still raising or supporting your own children or grandchildren. According to a Pew Research Center report, close to 10 million Baby Boomers are already caught in this squeeze. Welcome to the Sandwich Generation.
A generational tug of war One in eight Americans between 40 and 65–mostly female–are raising kids and caring for at least one of their parents. Close to 30 percent of the country’s adult population–nearly 67 million–are unpaid family caregivers, and of these, 15 million
24
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. And the emotional, physical and financial toll of this caught-in-the-middle dilemma is huge. The caregiver can’t focus on her/his own life, career, marriage or finances properly. Forty percent of Americans over 40 years old have saved little or nothing for their own retirement–and the majority of them are part of the Sandwich Generation. Almost 10 million of these caregivers lose close to $3 trillion in wages, pensions and benefits because of the demands of their double caregiving responsibilities. And the effects of this on businesses is equally alarming–a $25 billion annual drain on the US economy in terms of lost hours, “sick” days, and lost productivity.
M arch / apr il 2013
Even if the elderly parents who need help live on their own (almost 60 percent do, usually within a 20 minutes’ drive), the Sandwich Generation caregiver spends at least 20 hours each week helping them–running errands, driving to doctor’s appointments, helping with cooking, laundry, cleaning–and frequently pays out-of-pocket for many of these favors, because Medicare, Social Security checks and pensions don’t stretch too far. (And this is all done on top of working, raising a family and trying to have a life.) If these caregiving chores and services were performed by paid workers, it would be equal to $450 billion a year in 2009 dollars, close to or exceeding all federal and state Medicaid spending for that year. Yet unpaid family caregivers are the largest source of longterm care in the country.
Where do you turn for help? If the above scenario doesn’t sound scary enough, imagine if any of the children you’re raising had special needs and/or if you have health issues of your own. For instance, half of all African-American family caregivers are caring for at least one elderly relative and at least one child under 18 years old. There are only so many hours in
the day and you can only be in one place at one time. How on earth can you continue to juggle everything and everybody without something falling through the cracks or you losing your mind?? There is help out there, and you need to take advantage of as much of it as possible. In 2000, the federal government, recognizing the crisis of family caregiving, created the National Family Caregiver Support
How on earth can
you continue to juggle everything and everybody without something falling through the cracks? Program (NFCSP), which allocates grants to states, based on population over 70 years old, to support and assist family caregivers to keep the elderly loved ones in their homes for as long as possible, instead of in costly institutional care. Anyone over 18 years old caring for someone 60 or older; grandparents raising children under 18 years old and parents raising a disabled adult child 18-59 years old are all eligible for the services, training and respite care they may need. These programs are administered by the federal government’s Administration on Aging (www.aoa.gov)
The juggling act You’ve been raising your children since they were born, so you’ve got a pretty good handle on the who/what/when/where and how of managing their needs and schedules by now, but suddenly becoming a parent to your parents is unknown territory for most of us. You need to have “the conversation” with your parents: do they have a healthcare proxy, durable power of attorney, living will and long-term care insurance? Where do they keep all of their important papers–insurance policies, will, banking/ investment/income information, deeds/ titles, etc.? It may well be an uncomfortable conversation, but if you’re going to be their caregiver, you need to know what their situation really is and be able to act accordingly in an emergency. The cost of a nursing home or assisted living can range
Continued on next page
We make custom sizes for your Antique Pieces.
Luxurious Bedding at Factory Pricing
We carry all types of innerspring, Visco Elastic Latex and specialty bedding
Free delivery Free setup Free removal of old bedding
Mon-Fri 9-5 • Sat 9-12 • 77 Weaver St., Fall river
508-675-6921
“Sleep in Comfort at a Price You Can Afford”
303 State Road n Westport, MA n
Monuments
n
Cemetery Lettering
n
Cleaning & Repair
n
Mailbox Posts
n
Benches
n
Address Rocks
n
Pet Markers
n
Laser Etchings
Growing products
& expert friendly advice 655 State Rd. • Westport, MA
508-674-4769
508-678-7801
www.AlbaneseMonuments.com
HOURS: MON-FRI 10AM - 6PM SUN 11AM - 3PM
10% OFF EXPIRES: MARCH 31, 2013
Sweetleafhydroponicshop.com S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
25
Continued from previous page from $50,000 to $100,000 a year, and if you’ve got kids in college and you’re paying a mortgage, you can’t possibly carry those costs on your own. But everyone reaches the point where you just can’t handle one more detail–you forgot the meatloaf in the oven because your Mom called and begged you to come over right away to kill a mouse. You cancelled your own dental appointment because your son’s guidance counselor wanted to speak with you about his recent behavior in school. You had to quit church choir because you just couldn’t find the time for evening practice. You yelled at your sister because–for the third time–she suddenly had “other commitments” an hour before your father’s doctor appointment that she’d promised to cover. There’s got to be a better way to take care of your parents, your kids–and yourself.
Enter the care zone… If you have a computer, a tablet or a mobile device, you need to check out www. CareZone.com, a cloud-based time/healthcare management service that is completely private and secure, especially if you are the point person for several people’s healthcare needs. CareZone has been described as the
a special feature called “Broadcast” that will deliver your recorded message to up to 100 people simultaneously. Only you have complete access and control of the information in your account, and it can be managed from your iPhone when you’re not at home. No more post-it notes on the refrigerator, telephone trees, piles of papers everywhere, pocketbook day planners–CareZone is a “place” where you can do it all faster, more securely and more productively. You can make your son’s therapist a temporary “helper,” or your babysitter or your Dad’s home health aide. You can upload and lock your Mom’s health care proxy and living will. You can let everyone know at once when the baby’s born or when someone comes out of surgery successfully. You can ask for volunteers to help with mundane tasks like taking Dad grocery shopping or picking up the choir robes at the dry cleaners or dropping off the pizzas at your daughter’s soccer practice. CareZone was created by Jonathan Schwartz, formerly the CEO of Sun Microsystems, when he found himself juggling the medical issues of both his elderly father and a child with special needs. He
Care Zone was created by Jonathan Schwartz when he found himself
juggling the medical issues of both his elderly father and a child with special needs “anti-Facebook,” a closed intranet, because it is a social networking site designed solely for you and the circle of people you decide to bring into the mix as “helpers.” It lets you organize, manage, secure and coordinate your loved ones’ medical care. There is no advertising, no data mining, no profiling. All information is encrypted and you can “lock” information to prevent certain helpers from accessing particularly sensitive information. CareZone charges a modest fee either monthly or annually for each person you are caring for. You can upload important documents, enter medication and important health information, create a detailed patient profile and calendar and “to-do” list, assign tasks to helpers (and track them to completion), keep a journal or notes, create customized contact lists, and use
26
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
has given free accounts to the National Epilepsy Foundation, the Parkinson Foundation and Autism Speaks to find ways to streamline and customize the service for families dealing with similar medical situations, and sees future profits coming from out-patient medical services and home health care providers of up to 100 people. But for now, CareZone is relying on everyday people caring for up to five loved ones (including yourself!) for feedback and suggestions on how to make it the perfect–and affordable–tool. It is targeted to adult caregivers who are comfortable with technology, without requiring that your Mom and Dad must be, too. As Schwartz himself said, families are the first and oldest social network. You need all the help you can get when you’re part of the Sandwich Generation.
Finding help
Carl’s Collision Center
for the helpers To locate eldercare resources, go to:
where quality craftsmanship meets cutting edge technologies. Where everything needs to be as perfect as the day it came off the showroom floor. Certified professionals who take in each and every car that passes through their door. A name you can trust, when the work needs to be to manufacturers specifications, and a reputation you can rely on for your family’s safety.
www.aoa.gov, www.eldercare.gov, www.govbenefits.gov, www.medicare.gov, and www.n4a.org.
For help managing your parent’s situation, go to: www.caremanager.gov or www.socialworkers.org.
To find adult day care, go to: www.nadsa.org, or living options, go to: www.careplanner.org
For nursing home or assisted living advice, go to: www.longtermcareliving.com, www.ccal.org or www.alfa.org
For elder legal advice, go to: www.naela.com or elder money management advice, go to: www.aadmm.com For free tax services for the elderly, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
For in-home help, go to: www.nahc.org,
1591 Bay Street Fall River, MA 02724 P. 508.675.5422 F. 508.675.1066
Why Carls?
•Nationally Recognized for our Painting •1-Car Gold Class •ASE Certified •Mercedes Certified Repair Center •3 Spray Booths •One of New England’s Largest Independent Repair Shops •Express Lane Collision Center •Towing Available •Warranty on Repairs
Specializing in all aspects of autobody repairs, including Commercial Trucks and RV’s
www.workingcaregiver.com, www.familycaregiving101.org, www.caps4caregivers.org and www.helpstartshere.org.
To create or find a community-based network
for family caregivers in your area, go to: www.lotsahelpinghands.com, www.newhopetimeexchange.org and www.exchangetime.org.
For moral support (yours), go to: www.thesurvivorsclub.org, www.thesandwichgeneration.com, www.caregiver.org, www.besmartbewell.com, www.agingcare.com, www.mindingyourelders.com, www.caregiveraction.org and www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving
carlscollision@aol.com | www.carlscollision.com
Dental Hygiene Services of MA Carly White, RDH
Public Health Dental Hygienist • Dental Screenings • Dental Cleanings • Fluoride Treatments • Sealants • Serving adults and children in schools, senior centers, adult day health facilities, and private residences. • MA Health Provider
(508) 441-8706 www.dhsma.com | dhsofma@yahoo.com
Linnea R. Michel Attorney at Law Legal Services for Elders Wills • Power of Attorney Linnea.Michel@comcast.net (508) 264-5996
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
27
prime season
Caring for the flock at the Shepherd’s Center Paul Letendre
Kathy Brennan, the executive director of the Shepherd’s Center of Fall River, is a small woman in her mid-60s. She has given birth to and raised eight children—yes, eight—you’d think that she’d look tired. She doesn’t. She oozes energy— positive energy.
The Shepherd’s Center is a national interfaith organization, established in the mid90s, to “empower mid-life and older adults to use their talents, skills and wisdom for the good of their peers, the community and themselves.” It’s very simple: Shepherd’s Center is not a place; it’s a purpose. Local folks, mostly older folks who are still quite functional, become available to help other older folks who are less functional or more economically challenged. “I’m skeptical,” I tell Kathy when she tells me of the purpose of the organization. I envision a cunning old-timer cornering and bending the ears of another old-timer, talking about the good old days. I envision “has-beens” endlessly discussing what “could have been.” “Does it work?” I asked. Kathy quickly dispelled my skepticism. This was not a sales pitch. Kathy went into a 10-minute passionate description of the good that is done by this program. “It’s not only the client that benefits,” she beamed as she went on to explain how the volunteers gain immense satisfaction from their deeds. “Ask any volunteer and you’re likely to hear, ‘I get so much more out of this than I put into it.’” Lives on both sides of the ledger receive consistently rewarding upticks. “Age creatively, age well,” she adds. In theory, the organization is made up of members, clients and volunteers; in practice, it is a group of folks reaching out and doing what they can do for each other. In theory it is an interfaith organization;
28
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
in practice, faith in one’s fellow man and a modicum of mobility will qualify you.
So, what gets done? The Center in Fall River has a varied list of programs. Many of the programs implement simple but meaningful tasks. In the Shepherd’s Center, a small task can yield large rewards. Among the programs are: Friendly Visitors: Often it is just checking up on someone, letting them know that someone is around to see if they are okay. Have a chat, do some listening, maybe change a bulb for them or tighten a cabinet hasp. Simple acts can have meaningful consequences. Time and Transportation: Do you have a car and a license? If so, you can complete a friendly task. Help someone get some shopping in, maybe go with them to a doctor’s appointment, or bring them to a church service. Maybe just take them for a ride so that they can look around and enjoy the beautiful area that we live in. Lifetime Learning: A couple of times a year the Center holds its form of “Shepherd University.” They hold classes in a varied range of subjects; art, local history, music, gardening, health …you name it. Classes
Courses are held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and are followed by lunch
M arch /A pr il 2013
are held at Bay View Assisted Living on North Main Street in Fall River. Usually, these courses are held on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon and are followed by lunch. The cost is $20 for the six-week course (lunch is included). Brown Bagging: The Center works in conjunction with some local food banks and provides groceries to over 500 lowincome seniors. Volunteers bag and deliver these products. Kathy got involved about eight years ago when she left an office management position. After raising eight kids, she was looking to do something that had meaning; she wanted to continue to have a positive impact on those around her. She has a strong faith, she speaks of “being the hands and feet of Christ,” doing what we can for our fellow man. The organization enabled her to become aware of “what we can do,” and she adds, “empowers both the volunteers and clients.” After speaking with Kathy about the Center, it occurred to me that they were fortunate to have someone with her passion and enthusiasm. This was followed by the thought that she was fortunate to find an organization that is so in step with her obvious energies. Finally, I realized that this situation is a win, win, win. There are no losers here. How refreshing! Martin Luther King once said that, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The Shepherd’s Center aids us in answering that call. Information about the center and its programs can be found at www.shepherscenterfr.com. They can be contacted via email at shepherdscenter@gmail.com or by phone at 508-678-7575. PAUL LETENDRE has spent most of his life working for broadline food service distributors in the U.S. and Canada. He also writes an industry blog, “Restaurant Stuff,” at www. la10duh.com and is regular contributor for Prime Times.
prime season Step into a warm and inviting community with hospitality plans designed to engage and enlighten all residents. People, Passion and Purpose
Mental aerobics The best way to keep your brain and body agile and young is regular exercise for both. It’s hardly a secret that people who participate in physical exercise regularly live longer and healthier lives than the couch potatoes whose exercise program consists of using different fingers to operate the TV’s remote. The same is true for people who keep their minds exercised and agile.
will speak to the “Brain Health Lifestyle.” He is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Adjunct Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His book on brain health, “Save your Brain,” is promoted by AARP and widely read. The Conference Registration fee is $150 until February 15, and $175 from February
That’s Landmark Life
at FALL RIVER
400 Columbia Street Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 324-7960 www.landmarkseniorliving.com
‘Live, Learn, Connect,’ captures the heart of the lifelong learning movement The people who run the Second Half: Lifelong Learning Program are well aware of this, and their 2013 Northeast Lifelong Learning Conference will be held April 1920 in New Bedford, MA. The theme, “Live, Learn, Connect,” captures the heart of the lifelong learning movement targeting the 50+ citizen seeking ways to socialize, enrich their lives and learn more about the world here and beyond. The two-day conference will be sponsored by the Second Half: Lifelong Learning Institute affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. It will be held in the Waypoint Conference Center, a renovated historic building, and the adjoining Fairfield Inn on the New Bedford waterfront. Workshop topics range from the theoretical to the practical, including the history of the lifelong learning movement, resources for healthy aging, financial management for retirement, etc. Exhibitors and presentations from LLIs throughout the Northeast (Vermont to New York) will provide information, resources and networking opportunities. Keynote speaker, Paul Nussbaum, Ph.D.,
16 to the deadline of April 1. Visit www. umassd.edu/secondhalf for details of the conference and registration details. Checks should be sent to The Second Half: Lifelong Learning Institute, 139 South Main Street, Fall River, MA 02721. Checks payable to: UMDF/TSH. The Second Half Institute offers a fall and spring semester of enrichment courses, most at its headquarters in Fall River or satellite locations throughout Southeast MA. Taught by facilitators from the retired population, the courses range from bridge to history, literature and the arts. The spring semester, which begins in February, is hosting an open house at UMASSD in the Woodlands Commons on Tuesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. Visit the website www.umassd.edu/secondhalf for details. Or call 508-677-4694. Membership is $25 and tuition for two courses is $120. The Lifelong Learning network involves Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Road Scholar/Elder Hostel Programs, Continuing Education Programs associated with universities, and independent programs mostly coordinated by volunteers eager to live, learn and connect with others. S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
Inc.
M arch / apr il 2013
29
m e
:
a s t’
r eek t G l o l
I
prime season
Learning a new language A few people can learn a foreign language as if they are inhaling it. Most Dan L ogan people can’t. Certainly not me. I wrestled, with very modest success, with learning French in the ‘60s and Russian in the ‘70s.
Motivation is very important in learning another language. But where motivation flags, it helps for the training opportunities to be as convenient as possible. This is where current technology comes in. These days, not only can you take your language learning technology along with you in the form of CDs, smartphone apps or online linkups, you can choose among training methods to come up with those that mesh best with your learning style. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are all part of the foreign language learning experience, but each of us has his or her own preferences for strategies to absorb the information.
30
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
If you learn best by listening and speaking, going mano a mano with a foreign language textbook is not going to keep you motivated. And vice versa if you prefer working things out from a printed page. Whatever your approach, you have to start by building your vocabulary, learning the rudiments of grammar, and working on your pronunciation. Correct pronunciation is important; it’s much more effective when you speak French, Chinese, Arabic or whatever that you don’t come across as if you’re speaking an odd dialect of American English. Consider what you want to get out of your training. Are you looking for a language crash course that will make life a little easier on a trip, or are you trying to become fluent? A 2000 word vocabulary is usually enough for you negotiate everyday encounters in a foreign setting. You don’t need a classroom to develop basic language skills. There are dozens if not hundreds of foreign language training courses on CD, and a growing number available online or as smartphone or tablet apps. In fact, wading through the training options can be as challenging as learning the language. There’s nothing to say you can’t take a taste of these many products to find out
M arch / apr il 2013
which works best for you. I recommend scouting your library’s holdings before investing in a training package. According to a 2010 Modern Language Association study, the most popular modern languages, based on how many college students were enrolled in them, were Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Portuguese and Korean. You can find CD training packages in a lot more languages. For example, Rosetta Stone offers training in any of 28
non-English languages. At the Fairhaven library I found a couple of shelves of foreign language CDs, including Simon & Schuster’s series based on the Pimsleur Method of language training, which uses “graduated interval recall” and
I recommend scouting your library’s holdings before investing in a training package “principles of anticipation” to promote retention and conversational ability and avoids mind-numbing repetition. (You’ll find every foreign language training product employs buzzwords to describe what makes its methods unique.) The Pimsleur lessons are delivered in bitesized 30-minute bonbons. If you go online, the SAILS Library Network in Southeastern Massachusetts lists dozens more foreign language training CDs available. If a title is located at a distant library in the system, SAILS enables you to have it sent to your local library for pickup. In the Ocean State Libraries system online you can search the audiobook nonfiction collection under foreign language study for dozens of training CDs, or visit the library system’s E-Zone web pages to download lessons using Overdrive technology. The E-Zone makes its offerings available in a variety of formats for personal computers and mobile devices. Fees may apply on some downloads. Probably the most widely known language training system comes from Rosetta Stone, which heavily promotes its extensive line. There are CD sets that promise 40-50 hours of content per level, training using the iPad, and online training sessions. Visit the Rosetta Stone website and wade through the many products available; it can take awhile to narrow down the product that suits you and figure out how much it will cost. Rosetta Stone calls its technique Dynamic Immersion:
Images, Intuition, Interactivity and Instruction. According to its website, Rosetta Stone focuses on providing training at your own pace, perfecting your pronunciation, and giving you the option to take part in live online sessions with native speakers. The company’s flagship is Version 4 TOTALe. It’s designed for long-term study rather than a crash education. A slew of options are available. As an example, the TOTALe Online package costs $299 for 12 months’ access. The package includes interactive software, live conversation sessions, language games, and Mac, PC or mobile application software. Reviews of the company’s products indicate Rosetta Stone’s approach is great for more in-depth learning, but less effective for quick, conversational training. A recent entry in foreign language training via CD is the Collins audio courses with Paul Noble, offered in French, Spanish, German or Italian. Paul Noble is a self-described genius who nevertheless struggled to find a way to learn languages that didn’t drain his motivation in the process. He eventually developed an approach that emphasizes being able to carry on useful conversations. No books, no stress is his marketing mantra. Noble’s own web site offers videos that demonstrate how he approaches training. For example, he cuts to the core of grammar by showing students how verbs are constructed so that they can quickly use a verb correctly in conversation. The Collins series are widely available. On iTunes they sell for $4.95-5.95 each for more than four hours of instruction. Each language series consists of 3-4 CDs’ worth of material. Other foreign language training technology you might want to explore include AccelaStudy (for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch apps), Duolingo (a free online basic training site), and Rocket Languages (aimed at beginners and travelers). Armed with some basic training via current technology, you can head out on an exciting vacation confident you can negotiate the mundane interactions in a foreign country with a minimum of confusion. Or, with more time invested, you can achieve fluency in your chosen second language.
Estate and Medicaid Legal Services — For You and Your Family —
ARE YOU PREPARED? Call us today to put your Health Care Proxy and Durable Power of Attorney in place to avoid Probate!
• Health Care Proxies and Living Wills • Durable Powers of Attorney
• Homestead Protection • Wills and Trusts • Medicaid Planning • Medicaid Applications
Jane E. Sullivan, Esq. 624 Brayton Avenue • Fall River, MA
508-679-0535
It’s All About Doing What’s Best for You and Your Family
www.janesullivanlaw.com
— ELEGANT AND SIMPLE — F RESH AND LOCAL ✦ FOR ALL AGES Mention this ad and receive a FREE cup of chowder Tue , Wed, Thu, Sun 11:30am-9:00pm Fri & Sat 11:30am-10:00pm ✦ Closed Monday
3 Water Street ✦ Padanaram Village So. Dartmouth, MA ✦ 508.999.6975
www.blackbassma.com
Dan Logan is a freelance writer and photographer from Fairhaven, MA. He also teaches classes about Nikon cameras and software at the Learning Connection in Providence. E-mail him at dlogan@thegrid.net.
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
31
good times
Getting older
with a plan by Joyce Rowley
Most articles on elder care target adult children with elderly parents. But that’s like talking about someone when they’re right in the room with you. We don’t turn in our rights when our hair turns grey. We want the same independence that we had at 20 when we’re 70 or 80 or 90. So this article is really for people who may have been wondering if they should get help, but were afraid to ask.
Making changes to accommodate your age doesn’t mean that you’re giving up. Instead, it is an excellent way of making sure you can stay independent. Family can help, for sure, but at a minimum it needs to be a collaborative effort. If you start the ball rolling yourself, you’re more likely to get what you want.
Stay home or move on? How much help do you need, and can you get it while staying home? To answer these questions, you’ll need to take an honest look at how you live. Being unable to do wash because it’s too heavy when wet, having trouble navigating the stairs, or worrying that you might slip getting in or out of the tub are signs that you need help. If you’re unsure about which approach is better for you, you can start with a visit to
32
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
the doctor, says Joanne Gregory, director of community affairs for Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association in Fairhaven, MA. SouthcoastVNA provides a variety of health care services including skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapies, behavioral health services, nutrition, social work and more. “Doctors often recommend services that will help seniors receive health care right in their own home, helping them to maintain independence for as long as possible. This might include weekly home visits from a VNA nurse, therapist or home health aide,” says Gregory. Many home health care providers accept Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance programs and are able to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
M arch / apr il 2013
Joan Jakuboski, R.N., EldersFirst
She encourages people to contact their local home health care agencies in advance to learn about services provided so they can ask for an agency that has what they need.
Medical management “One of the primary things we do at EldersFirst is medical management,” said Joan Jakuboski, R.N., an EldersFirst care manager. “Medical management becomes an issue if someone forgets to take medication or isn’t taking it at the right time.” EldersFirst, a healthcare consulting service of the Diocesan Health Facilities in Fall River, MA does initial home assessments to establish a baseline on home and health needs. The home assessment looks at home safety issues such as scatter rugs, stairs, and other potential hazards. Based on the
assessment, they may recommend getting a home health aide to do light cleaning, laundry, or errands. If medical management is needed, Jakuboski starts by coordinating with the client’s doctor to get a list of medications. She then checks to make sure they are taken properly, and asks if there’s any problem with them. If someone’s having problems with a medication—such as dizziness or
winter,” says Andrea Greenwood-Syron, executive director at Clifton Assisted Living Community in Somerset, MA. “Going out to get groceries or to the doctor means shoveling snow off the walk and driveway and then unburying the car.” Then there’s quality of life. “Social isolation can be a real problem,” GreenwoodSyron said. On average, seniors have one visit a week at home, with maybe a weekly visit from family. “That’s not a lot of interaction,” she said. Compare that with life at Clifton, where Greenwood-Syron was recently told jokingly to “move along” because she was interrupting the residents’ card game when she stopped to say goodbye at the end of the day. She then went to the library where she saw a resident on the computer and another doing the New York Times crossword puzzle. “Some people are very private, and they have their privacy here, too,” she said. “But there are a lot of people who take advantage of our activities. There are people to talk to all the time.”
Take it for a test-drive
A ndrea Greenwood-syron, Clifton A ssisted Living
joint aches, she can act as the go-between with the doctor. Medical management can help prevent hospitalizations, particularly for people with diabetes, says Jakuboski. EldersFirst care managers set up daily medication trays, arrange doctor appointments, and can even attend the appointments with you. “A lot of families are working and so they can’t get to an 11:00 appointment,” said Jakuboski. Some of her clients’ families live out of town, out of state, or even out of the country. She keeps them informed through phone or email of her clients’ health.
Lisa Haupt of The Cedars Assisted Living in Dartmouth, MA says it’s best to look into alternatives before it becomes a crisis. “I’ve met with many families over the years and highly recommend visiting area communities before a health crisis dictates a move,” said Haupt. “That will give them some control over their decision and the time they need and deserve to choose the right home. I also recommend a short term respite stay in a furnished apartment to get a feel for the community and find out if it’s a good fit.” Haupt suggests researching how much community care costs and how long
Choosing assisted living There’s no place like home. But…sometimes home can be a burden. Like when the furnace poops out. Or the roof starts to leak. Then appliances break down. It means calling repair companies, negotiating contracts, and waiting until things get fixed. “There’s so much upkeep to a home it can be overwhelming, especially in the
Lisa H aupt, The Cedars A ssisted Living
residents can stay. Meeting with the assisted living residence staff can answer questions on what you can bring with you and what amenities are offered. “We work as a team with your family or caregiver, as well as your physician, to
Holly Stevens, Beacon A dult Foster Care
help you navigate change and transition smoothly,” Haupt said.
A dult foster care “Another option is adult foster care which provides a live-in caregiver to maintain their daily routines with as little restrictions as possible,” says Holly Stevens of Beacon Adult Foster Care, Inc. Adult children or family members can count as foster caregivers, and be compensated under MassHealth, the state-assisted health insurance. One place to start is through Coastline Elderly Services, Bristol Elder Services, or South Coast Senior Resource Association, suggests Stevens. “These organizations offer a wide range of services for elders including long-term care options, caregiver support and training, estate planning and asset protection,” Stevens said. Whether it’s home services, adult foster care, or assisted living, you can choose how you live and where you live. Just the fact that you’re older no longer means giving up your freedom and independence. But the key to getting what you need is to be proactive and looking into your options. And you may be pleasantly surprised. After all, how can doing less housework be bad for you? Joyce Rowley is a freelance writer and regular contributor to South Coast Prime Times and The South Coast Insider.
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
33
good times
From stats
to stories
Henry (Hank) Holmes, is a gifted, forceful, direct and multitalented man who has always told the truth. As a literary agent, Hank had an incredible gift to cut through the logorrhea and get to the heart of the matter thanks to his honesty and integrity.
Mel Yoken
Hank Holmes is a kindly, honest man with a gentle heart. One can see that he loves people and loves to be and work with people. Succinctly, he’s a man who loves living and loves life. He possesses a great deal of wisdom, and he shares his knowledge; not in an effusive way, but doles it out in sagacious doses as needed. He has truly made a difference in many peoples’ lives and his legacy will live on through them, and through the good deeds he constantly and consistently
performs. M Of all the many professional hats you’ve worn in your lifetime, which ones have given you the most pleasure, and the most pride?
H
That’s a difficult question to answer; however, my work at several radio stations, three TV stations (WHDH in Boston, WRLH in New Hampshire and WCEE-TV in metro Chicago), having covered news and sports and producing several documentaries, well, that’s amongst the top. I was a statistician for the Red Sox and, later, worked in its marketing department leading up to the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. I might note here that my initial start as statistician allowed me to watch Roger Maris vying for Babe Ruth’s home-run record. That, too, was a great pleasure for me. Finally, I’ve been on the lecture circuit, have been a freelance writer and belonged to the Radio-TV News Director Association and National Sportswriters/Sportscasters Association. Those activities have always been amongst my best. By the way, it takes many ingredients to be in media communications—strength, courage, determination, tenacity, dedication, training, personal commitment, accuracy overcoming many obstacles, being original, having a vision, a strong faith, a creative imagination, working 18 hours a day, and all the aforementioned with a lot of prayers.
M
What are your current activities and projects?
H
I tutor college students in media, and that’s my greatest joy. I often meet with professionals and share my lifetime career stories. I enjoy debates and conversations about investigative reporting.
34
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
H ank Holmes
M
Have you ever thought about writing an autobiographical opus?
H
No, I have never seriously thought about such an autobiography, though it’s been suggested to me by many professionals from all walks of life. The main reason I’ve never wanted to write a book on my life is due to too many pressures, deadlines and commitments in my career.
M H
You’ve met many luminaries in your lifetime. Which ones have influenced and inspired you the most? Why?
First and foremost, Robert St. John, NBC radio news anchor who wrote some 27 books on broadcasting, similar to Lowell Thomas. St. John was also a newspaper publisher, and was shot in the leg by Al Capone’s mobsters in Cicero, Illinois. His claim to fame was out-dueling Edward R. Murrow to make the announcement that Japan had surrendered and WWII was over. One of the memorable moments in my life was when I joined WHDH (Channel 5) in Boston. John Day, the executive vice president of news, a man who greatly influenced me, took me under his wing, and made me associate producer for his 6:00 p.m. news block. He was the one who gave me my first real break in TV-radio journalism when he assigned me to work at the John Volpe headquarters at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Boston covering the governor’s race between Volpe and Endicott Peabody. Day’s integrity was the ultimate, and he was always fair. I was a statistician for the Boston Red Sox for two seasons. At the end of the second season, I was offered to join Doherty, Clifford, Steers & Shenfield, Inc., an ad agency in New York City....Their account was Narragansett Brewing Company which sponsored Red Sox baseball for 27 consecutive years. In getting hired, I was interviewed by four executives, located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, and was put to the acid test and on the firing
line for 45 minutes at the Somerset Hotel in Boston, In a ninemonth period, I travelled 28,000 miles within a 60-mile radius of Boston promoting sports programs. Curt Gowdy was its director, and Howard Fitzpatrick was its public relations director. Within four months at this position, I increased the banquet circuit from 150 banquets per year to 305. Mission completed! Charles Kuralt from CBS-TV ...taught me how to listen, think, write and research. He broadened my knowledge in current events and history, and was a very convincing man. Joe Mansfield, the talk-show host on WALE (Fall River, MA), encouraged me to stay with journalism and never to quit. He was my inspiration. Before going on air, he always carried with him the “New York Times”, “Boston Globe”, “Providence Journal”, and “Fall River Herald News” in order to better talk about the issues of the day. My favorite interviewers...are Mike Wallace, Barbara Walters, Hugh Downs, Ed Bradley, Steve Croft, Leslie Stahl, Meredith Vieira, Sam Donaldson and Roger Mudd. Frank Reynolds, the ABC-TV reporter was excellent. John Cameron Swayze was another TV reporter who influenced me. I always loved his quote: “The carbon copy is never equal to the original copy.” Bobby Watkins, the football great and former New Bedford high school star, went on to play under Woody Hayes at Ohio State University, and paid his dues on the gridiron…. I like Watkins because he never forgot his roots, and has always respected Joe Andrews, Tommy Gastall, and head football coach at Durfee High School, Luke Urban, all from Fall River, and greats in their own right.
M
What are the “secrets” of a highly successful and productive professional life such as yours?
H
Well, first of all, ask pertinent questions, listen, observe! In addition, take risks, never take “no” for an answer, study people before interviewing them, do your research, be up on the issues, and be of strong faith.
M
What makes you happy? Sad?
I was happy when I beat the odds and made media communications my career. Telling about it, as I’m doing now, is even sweeter! Sad? Well, when I lost my best friend of many years, Amby Anderson. He spent 51 years with the Boston Red Sox. He brought me into major league baseball, and, in his retirement, he had both legs amputated. Sad? Losing family members which disallowed them from reading this feature article about me. Sad? The same applies to all the professionals who gave me a helping hand over the years, and who have passed on.
H
M
Illustration by Terry Cracknel provided courtesy of The Architectural Team, Inc.
How would you like to be remembered?
A man who possessed integrity, curiosity, dedication, affability, enthusiasm, ethics, and fairness. I’d also like to be remembered as a man who never quit, who was a good listener, a story teller, an instructor and advisor, a goal setter. Finally, as a man who had a good sense of humor, who asked intelligent questions, and thought before speaking. In short: “Never speak unless you can improve on the silence.”
H
Mel B. Yoken is Chancellor Professor Emeritus of French Language and Literature at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
35
Prime living prime
Tax time:
new rules affect everyone In mid-December I wrote the letter we include with our tax organizers, and we settled into the holidays preparing for what we thought might be an unusuSherri Mahoneyally mellow 2013 tax season. Battles Any such thoughts of a relatively calm filing season came to a crunching, grinding, screeching, crashing halt on January first when we all woke up to hear about news from Congress. Happy New Year! Early in the morning of January 1, Congress finally dealt with the tax part of the fiscal cliff drama and passed the inaccurately named American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. Most taxpayers welcomed the New Year with less money in their paycheck, and higher-income taxpayers can expect higher tax rates. But the good news is that the new law cancels federal income tax increases that would have been expensive for just about everyone. The 157 pages of tax law changes left everyone in the tax industry from preparers to software developers to the IRS scrambling to deal with the implications of these changes since some of them affect the 2012 tax year. As a result the IRS announced that it would delay its acceptance of tax returns from January 22 to January 30th.
36
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
Some returns will not be able to be filed on January 30th and the IRS estimates that the remaining taxpayers will be able to start filing in late February or into March because of the need for more extensive form and processing system changes. This group includes people claiming residential energy credits, depreciation of property or general business credits. The payroll tax holiday that gave workers an extra two percent in their paycheck for 2010 – 2012 expired. So, the lower paychecks aren’t a result of new taxes, just the expiration of a tax break meant to stimulate a stalled economy. Surprisingly, the new tax law does not extend the holiday through 2013. The sad news is that this so-called payroll tax holiday could have saved one person up to $2,202 or a working couple up to $4,404.
For most individuals, the federal tax rates for 2013 will be the same as last year. For most individuals, the federal tax rates for 2013 will be the same as last year. However, if you are in a high-income household making more than $400,000 (single) or $450,000 (married filing jointly), your tax bracket will be up to 39.6 percent from 35 percent for 2013. The tax rates on long-term capital gains and dividends will also remain the same as last year for most individuals. However, the maximum rate for higher-income taxpayers increases to 20 percent (up from 15 percent). Those taxpayers in the higher bracket will also get socked with the new 3.8 percent
Medicare surtax on investment income above $225,000, which can result in a maximum 23.8 percent federal tax rate on long-term gains and dividends. In an additional hit to higher-income taxpayers the Personal and Dependent Exemption Deduction Phase-out and the Itemized Deduction Phase-Out are back. The good new is that Congress also extended and made permanent some great tax benefits. Some of the more important ones are as follows: Alternative Minimum Tax Patch Made Permanent. Every year we wait for congress to put a temporary patch in place. This year the new law makes the patch permanent, starting with 2012. The change will keep about 30 million households out of the dreaded AMT zone. Favorable Gift and Estate Tax Rules Made Permanent. The new law permanently installs a unified federal estate and gift tax exemption of $5 million and a 40 percent maximum rate (up from last year’s 35 percent rate).
Combine your auto and home insurance for maximum discount
Child Tax Credit of $1,000 Extended for Eligible Children Under Age 17. Earned Income Tax Credit Extended. American Opportunity Higher Education Tax Credit Extended. The American Opportunity Credit, which can be worth up to $2,500 and can be claimed for up to four years of undergraduate education, was extended through 2017. Higher Education Tuition Deduction Extended.
155 North Main Street Fall River, MA
53 County Street Taunton, MA
508-673-5808
508-823-0073
www.rda-insurance.com
Option to Deduct State and Local Sales Taxes Extended. Charitable Donations from IRAs Extended. Tax-Free Treatment for Forgiven Principal Residence Mortgage Debt Extended. For federal income tax purposes, a forgiven debt generally counts as taxable cancellation of debt (COD). However, a temporary exception allows up to $2 million of COD income to be treated as tax free through 2012. $250 Deduction for Teachers Extended.
trinity repertory
company
$500 Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Credit Extended. This break for energy-saving improvements to a principal residence expired at the end of 2011, but the new law retroactively restores it for 2012 through 2013. The long-range outcome of these broad tax changes is yet to be determined. It is likely that the 13 tax increases could slow the economy, meaning that businesses will have a harder time creating new jobs. President Obama promised a “balanced approach” of tax increases and spending cuts to reduce deficits and debt. So far, he has delivered the promise of the tax increase hopefully he will follow through on the spending cuts portion as well. In a speech following the congressional vote, President Obama declared that the tax increases will not affect 98 percent of Americans. They do, however, affect America’s wealthiest people, and it’s not fair to excessively tax these individuals without also following through on reforms to entitlement programs. Sherri M ahoney-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.
WORLD PREMIERE! March 14 –April 21
by Jackie Sibblies Drury
social creatures
(401) 351-4242 • trinityrep.com • 201 WASHinGton St. • proViDence SupporteD by tHe nAtionAl enDoWment for tHe ArtS SeASon SponSoreD by
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
37
prime season
Resolve to keep your
resolutions Joy Bennett, joyful Breath Yoga
Brian J. Lowney
Have you already forgotten your New Year’s resolutions? Remember that long list you made a few weeks ago? You promised yourself to eat healthier foods, reduce stress, enjoy each day more fully and detoxify your body to feel better and have more energy.
So, what happened? Have the winter doldrums got you sitting on the sofa devouring bags of chips and boxes of leftover holiday chocolates? Not to worry. The South Coast abounds with opportunities for individuals to improve the physical, mental and spiritual qualities of their lives, whether it’s simply taking an energetic walk along pristine Horseneck Beach, enrolling in a yoga class, learning to take control of your life by avoiding stress, or enjoying a soothing cup of herbal tea on a cold winter day. Herbalist Charles Cochrane, owner of The Silver Willow In Rehoboth, has been helping folks to recapture their vitality for over a decade.
A nice cup of tea “People want to go organic and all natural,” Cochrane begins. “The number of people interested in herbal health is growing.” Cochrane emphasizes that in ancient times, the herbalist “was the only doctor in town.” He adds that herbs, such as thyme, are the foundation of many household products and remedies. For example, thyme is an ingredient in mosquito
Herbalist Charles Cochrane, the Silver Willow
38
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
repellants and in mouthwashes. Using certified organic, food-grade herbs, Cochrane creates a variety of tea blends to boost people’s immune system, alleviate painful headaches, cleanse livers and reduce stress. “People want to detoxify and purify themselves by using organic grade teas,” he observes, adding that he also creates custom blends for customers according to their specific health needs. The Silver Willow also sells aromatherapy products and salves made from herbal oils that Cochrane blends to treat medical conditions such as eczema. Herbs can also help companion animals, Cochrane emphasizes, noting that herbal pet shampoo can control fleas and other harmful parasites. One of the most popular pet products that Cochrane creates is “Skunk Out Shampoo,” a blend of herbal oils that removes the striped critter’s pungent scent from animal fur and restores the coat’s luster. The Middleboro resident also offers individual and group classes in herbal health, and offers psychic readings to individuals, groups and at parties. For individuals whose lives are filled with unnecessary stress that can lead to physical and emotional problems, or who are burdened with a problem they just can’t seem to solve, Westport resident Rebecca Cushing can successfully help turn situations around to help people lead lives filled with happiness and prosperity. Cushing, a retired flight attendant and certified Silva Ultra Mind Instructor, offers seminars that teach individuals all over the world how to take control of their lives. According to Cushing, folks live in a constant world of contrasts:
good and evil, happy and sad. “If we didn’t have contrasts, we couldn’t grow,” she emphasizes. “However, when we learn that the ‘within’ controls the ‘without,’ that what is out there is the illusion and by visualizing within what we would desire to have happen, we can become the creators of our own worlds.” Cushing emphasizes that when people become conscious of this Rebecca Cushing, Silva Ultra Mind process, they learn to direct their thoughts, gain greater control of their lives and become co-creators of their own destiny. Using meditation and other techniques, Cushing uses the principles developed by the late parapsychologist Jose Silva to teach seminar participants to enhance their learning capacity, effectively deal with stress, be able to make important life decisions and use higher intelligence to create lasting improvements in relationships.
MARIZA TWO SHOWS!
SATURDAY, 8PM
MARCH 9
SUNDAY, 7:30PM
MARCH 10
SPONSORED BY:
3.25” wide white and red
3.25” wide white and red
It begins with a ticket...
www.zeiterion.org 508-994-2900
Take a deep breath Another way for South Coast residents to regain their vitality is through the practice of yoga, which, according to Joy Bennett, owner of Joyful Breath Yoga Therapy Studios in North Swansea and Providence, has “deeply therapeutic qualities.” Bennett uses specific breathing practices and accessible yoga postures to treat a variety of medical conditions, including depression, trauma and chronic pain during her group classes or private sessions. “Here in the West, when we think of yoga, we think of complicated postures to achieve, but from antiquity, ancient yogis understood that ‘prana,’ our life force, rides the wave of the breath. Yoga is so much about the breath,” Bennett reveals. In considering the value of postures, or “asanas,” Bennett recognizes the qualities that can be cultivated through each posture, such as courage or calm strength, especially when done slowly. “I tell my students, ‘I have two speeds in my classes: slow, and slower. You pick the one you want,’” she tells. One of the most popular programs held at the yoga studio is the Sunday Morning Gathering, held monthly. Each nonsectarian gathering includes a spiritual theme and reading, simple rituals that bring the readings to life, gentle movements, and a half-hour silent meditation. For more information contact: Rebecca Cushing, Silver Ultra Mind trainer, 508-958-1635; www. rebeccacushing.com. Joy Bennett, Joyful Breath Yoga Therapy, 401-290-7697; www. joyfulbreath.com. Charles Cochrane, The Silver Willow, 508-336- 8813; www.thesilverwillow.com. BRIAN LOWNEY is an award-winning reporter and freelance writer. He lives in Swansea.
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center FREE GARAGE PARKING - FULL BAR
12” wide white and red
12” wide white and red
We buy
GOLD
and STERLING Silver We are a Family Owned and Operated business you can TRUST and know that you are getting Fair Pricing. Plenty of Free, Off Street Parking
167 Borden Street • Fall River, MA • 508.676.7169 Hours: Tue. & Sat. 10-3, Wed. thru Fri. 10-6 www.JJJewelry.com
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
M arch / apr il 2013
39
good times
A lifetime of taking wing You rarely find anything growing in parking lots. But the one at the old Valle’s Restaurant in Warwick is where the seed of my passion for Paul travel was planted. K andarian Valle’s isn’t there anymore. Long gone, I think it’s where a parking lot is now or something else, I forget exactly where on the road near T.F. Green Airport it was. But back in ‘60s it’s where I used to go, sit in my car and watch planes take off. Wishing I were on them, going … anywhere. My parents traveled a fair amount in their time, and when I got my license, I’d drive them to the airport. I’d see them off, drive over to Valle’s, sit and just watch, wonder and wish. I remember watching planes take off into the blue sky and scuttling clouds, and aching to be on one, not caring where it was going. The seed was planted. Not many years later, a friend got a job as a flight attendant on TWA, and I was crazy jealous over it. I applied, didn’t get it, nor at Eastern and American. Only one of those carriers is still left. Then a job opportunity came up with Capitol International Airways, a charter operation out of JFK in New York. I remember interviewing at Bradley Airport in Connecticut, feeling good about it, and coming out to sit on a guardrail, watching planes go by, and praying that if there were a God in heaven, this job would be mine. Around the same time, I interviewed with Tauck Tours for a job as a travel guide on bus tours all over the country and the world. It sounded great, except for the part that I’d be in charge of buses full of old people, watching over them, making sure we had the same number of people at the finish that we started with. Still, it meant travel, and with the seed in me, I’d take anything I could get. A couple of days later, I got job offers from
40
S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
both places, within minutes of each other. I weighed the options: flying all over the world with people I didn’t have to worry about after they left the plane, or schlepping around in a bus with peoople I had to watch over constantly. I was 23. It wasn’t a hard choice to make. We trained for four weeks down in New York, and I loved even that part of it, making new friends, staying in a hotel near the airport, being away from home for the first time, exploring. I remember having lunch one day with a pilot and asking dumb questions, like “How do planes fly?” He laughed, and I’ll never forget the delighted look in his eyes as he explained in detail how those big metal beasts get off the ground, which to this day still fascinates me. Never be shy about asking pilots aviation questions, I found out, they love talking about their passion.
Those were the glory days of travel, a time when airports still held an aura of mystery, romance, glamour and promise. For the next four years, almost every week, I was flying off to Paris, London, Athens, Las Vegas, Chicago, Detroit, the Caribbean, Munich, Nice, Milan, Rome, Madrid, you name it, I was there, young, carefree and living large on virtually no money, copping liquor and booze off the plane to make life easier and cheaper, partying with the gang, reveling in the wonder of being anywhere. We had fun as flight attendants then, something not so much in evidence in our modern counterparts. We’d put on virtual shows for the passengers, joking with them, telling them things like, when they’d ask if they had a choice of meals, “Yeah, take it or leave it,” or if they’d ask what state we were flying over, saying “The state of confusion.”
M arch / apr il 2013
We handed out pillows, blankets, magazines, all the norm in those days. Flying now, I hunker down with my Kindle and nibble on trail mix I always bring along. Such are the changing times. You adapt. But back then was the absolute time of my life, and I still miss it, in a way. Only now when I travel, I get waited on instead of doing the waiting. Of course, the level of care in the air has dwindled dramatically since. Then, if we had a flight as short as Florida, we’d provide two full liquor services and a hot meal (OK, it was crappy, but it was a meal). These days, no matter where you fly, you’re lucky to get so much as a tiny bag of salty pretzel dust to tide you over. Those were the glory days of travel, a time when airports still held an aura of mystery, romance, glamour and promise. Now, they’re a place to dread, where the dehumanization of scrutiny in the form of machines that lay us virtually bare in front of minimum-wage, and often minimum-age security workers, makes us wish we took the bus instead. I still travel, still ache for it. I’m still eager to see what’s around the next corner, not wanting to know, thriving on the uncertainty, delighting in discovery. I do a lot of travel writing now, flying all over the world, dreading airports but thriving on where they lead me. The fire of the passion of travel burns as brightly now, and in many ways more so, than it did all those decades ago. I’m older, allegedly wiser, and far more appreciative of a world intimately small and incomprehensibly huge, all at once. I still look at planes taking off, aching to be on one. But more often than not I am happy to be going…anywhere. The seed is still there, growing inside me. May it always be, for us all, no matter our age. Paul Kandarian is a lifelong area resident and has been a professional writer since 1982, as columnist, contributor in national magazines, websites and other publications.
Caring for a mentally or physically disabled family member can be an emotional or financial concern. If your loved one is currently
Sometimes all you need is the simplicity of direct cremation Available at time of need or for pre-arrangement
Basic RI Cremation Package*
on MassHealth Standard or Commonhealth insurance, you may qualify for financial assistance from Beacon Adult Foster Care. As a caregiver you are eligible for a monthly, tax-free payment while you provide the care your loved one needs in the comfort of your own home.
For more information call 774-202-1837 or visit our website www.beaconafc.com
• Includes services of funeral director and staff • Transportation of remains from within RI • Preparation of all necessary legal documents and permits • Filing death certificate & Social Security notification • Fiberboard container for cremation • Cremation with basic urn • Delivery to family within seven days $1,625.00
*Basic Mass. Cremation Package $1,955.00
For more information contact us at 401-337-5900 or email request to: Familyschoicecremation@gmail.com Affiliated with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services • Rosemary C. Alden F.D., CPC
Healthy & Natural Products
for you, your family, your home and your pets
774-565-0736
Specializing in: Cutting Edge Supplements & Nutrients, Healthy Sweeteners, Skin Care & Beauty, Natural Pet Care, Oral Health & Hygiene, Home Health, Sugar Free Confections, and more... 125 Tremont Street (near Rte. 118) Rehoboth, MA We invite you to browse our spa inspired store, speak with our knowledgeable staff and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of BodySong
Find it Here!
Come in for a Complimentary Consultation
Share the gift of health: A BodySong gift card! Great for any occasion.
Store Hours: Tues & Wed 12-6; Thurs 12-7; Friday 12-6, Sat 10-6
Can’t make it to our store? WE OFFER FACE TIME/VIDEO CHAT SHOPPING Browse our shelves, view exclusive items and ask questions all from the comfort of your home. Receive
10% OFF with this ad
*with this ad - some restrictions apply
T O A DV E R T I SE I N S OU T H C OA S T PR I M E T I M E S C A L L 50 8 - 677-30 0 0
The Bath Cove 145 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747 508-997-5466 www.thebathcove.com 305R Oliphant Lane MIddletown, RI 02842 401-846-8680
Elevance™ Rising Wall Bath
A stylish alternative to traditional walk-in-baths, Elevance Rising Wall bath is designed to provide safety, comfort and control while you lounge comfortably at a perfect soaking depth. Visit our showroom to experience firsthand the exceptional quality of the KOHLERÂŽ Elevance Rising Wall bath.
T O A DV E R T I SE I N S OU T H C OA S T PR I M E T I M E S C A L L 50 8 - 677-30 0 0
Save thousands in tax credits & rebates! Plus 20% on your gas bill. Now’s the time! Replace your old gas-fired heating system
Clifton
HEALTHCARE CAMPUS
WILBUR AVENUE, SOMERSET, MASSACHUSETTS
You Have A Choice in Your Care…Ask for Clifton
CLIFTON REHABILITATIVE NURSING CENTER 508-675-7589
CLIFTON ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY 508-324-0200
Compassion Dignity Comfort CLIFTON OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION CLINIC 508-675-0328
Transitional Care Short-Term Rehab Assisted Living
CLIFTON HOSPICE SERVICES (A community hospice agency) 508-675-7583
Outpatient Rehab Long-Term Care Hospice Care
Need Short Term Rehab? For preferred booking status, call our admissions coordinator at 508-675-7589. Clifton is a fourth generation local family organization that, since 1954, has been providing the highest quality of healthcare services to your community, which is also our community.
Proud to be Celebrating Over 50 Years of Dedication to Excellence.