By David Wilkening Contributing Writer
ESSEX – The small town of Essex, on the North Shore of Massachusetts, is renowned for its 19th century shipbuilding heritage. But more recently it’s been known for its walkable concentration of antiques-related stores. It has been termed “absolute heaven if you love antiques.” Travel guide Frommer’s called it one of the three best destinations for “antique hounds.” And the town of about 3,500 residents is routinely termed the “Antiques Capital of America.” At its peak, it had about 35 antique stores.
Today, you can still venture there to look for antiques, but store numbers have dramatically declined. What happened is no mystery. Remaining antique owners and others attribute the shrinkage to three
main factors: the lingering pandemic, the growing popularity of internet shopping, and the aging of store owners. But it, and the neighboring town of Ipswich, still endure as a popular antiques destination.
Surviving stores lean toward high-end
One of the more prominent Essex survivors with an affordable price range, known for its eclectic collection and mascot, a Maine coon cat named Beatrice, is Howard’s Flying Dragon. Edwin Howard, 83, has owned it for 48 years. “There are maybe only three or four stores left,” like his, he said. Most remaining Essex stores are more high-end and expensive.
One of these is David Neligan Antiques, which for 30 years has been specializing in 17th through 19th century
English and European furniture and decorative arts. “High quality” pieces, as the store puts it, is no exaggeration. Recently offered were a pair of “Regency mahogany and brass bound peat buckets” for $12,500 and a $14,000 “pair of William IV Rosewood tub chairs.”
An eclectic collection in Ipswich
Another well-known store is AnnTiques , which has a building of 8,000 square feet sitting on the river in Ipswich. It’s generally described as a “collector’s paradise, with everything from vintage clothing and jewelry to handwoven rugs, funky chairs, record players, Native American art and more. The shop also offers furnishings typically found in the historic homes in the Ipswich area.
Ipswich is known for being
home to some of the largest numbers of historic homes in America. It has 31 of the 461 properties and districts found in Essex County on the National Register of Historic Places listings.
Shopper evaluations often praise the store for generally “reasonable prices,” and the antique knowledge of its longtime owner Ann Orcutt. She attributes the area’s growth of antique shops largely to its reputation for historic 18th and 19th century homes. Orcutt has been an antique “generalist” for about 30 years. Her store is a reflection of her own taste. “I buy and bring in things that appeal to me. I’m always hoping they also will appeal to others,” she said.
Oddly enough, she has never gotten into internet commerce and never made a single sale there. “I don’t know how people sell or buy a piece of jewelry and other items without trying it on. I think people want to see it and feel it,” she said.
Still another shop reflects area past
Another popular local store reflecting the area’s past is a historic 1800s barn housing the Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery, which says it offers handcrafted “Made in America” goods. They include paintings, home décor, seasonal goods and other items. The store, in
business for more than two decades, is also known for its early American pottery. Johanne Cassia and her husband Frank Wiedenmann are the owners. She started painting several years ago and her local scenes such as seascapes are among her most popular sellers. She said even with the decline in store numbers, the
pace of buyer interest has been slowly picking up in recent months.
While some of the area’s antique stores have closed permanently, others have changed their operating model with reduced hours, offering visits only by appointment, or have shifted their concentration to internet sales. It’s best to plan
ahead before you visit.
Another one of the legendary Essex antique businesses is the White Elephant, which has adapted to the changing times. It was often called one of the most unique antique and collectible shops on the North Shore. Owner Rick Grobe made it his practice to visit homes to pick up items. He still does it but on a different basis.
Grobe and his wife Jean, who bought the White Elephant shop in 1985, closed it in 2015―30 years later. But he still travels around the greater Boston area, sometimes in his 1937 Chevy panel truck, for small items to buy and sell online via the business website and Facebook and Instagram accounts. “Our customers weren’t buying large furniture items anymore,” he said. Instead, the store typically sells smaller items which can be easily shipped to customers across the country by mail. His longtime slogan still applies: “Tell me you want to sell all of it, and I’ll buy all of it.”
Nearlytwo decades before the coronavirus pandemic upended how people work, learn, and play, Richard Louv published the “Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder”, a book that suggests a looming threat to the health and wellbeing of Americans. Using a growing body of scientific research, Louv made the case that direct engagement with nature is not just good, it’s essential to healthy development. Most children, he argued, no longer get enough of the outdoors.
Louv’s work was a hit, and in the years since he published his acclaimed book, support for unrestricted outdoor play has grown. Today, in addition to researchers, educators, and caregivers, many environmentally focused organizations also subscribe to a nature play philosophy, providing programs that immerse children in the outdoors. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, a nonprofit set on 171 acres in Boylston, MA, is among those that believe nature’s classroom provides tremendous physical,
mental, and emotional benefits. New England Botanic Garden opened an entire children’s garden space designed with nature play in mind. Known as The Ramble, this 1.5-acre woodland garden features elements like a “stumpery” complete with a twig tunnel and upended trees to support interactive hands-on nature play and exploration. Throughout the year, The Ramble hosts a variety of programs for children and families, from classes and field trips to drop-in activities and birthday parties. “We’re creating space for families to have experiences with nature early and often. These experiences support healthy development, encourage appreciation for nature, spark imagination, and more,” says Marissa Gallant, New England Botanic Garden’s manager of youth education. “We see the benefits anecdotally from caregivers and directly through our weekly programs.”
For many kids, time spent outside often includes playing organized sports. While sports are great for building healthy lifestyles, structure-free outdoor play provides a host of benefits that athletics don’t replicate. When exploring the natural world, children develop gross and fine motor skills, agility, balance, and strength. They build coordination by learning to safely navigate obstacles and endurance by setting challenges for themselves—climbing, stacking stones, jumping, running, and more.
Research shows that time in nature provides significant
benefits to mental health. The American Psychological Association lists “improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation” as some of the perks.
“At the Garden, we see subtle shifts in kids’ moods even on field trips,” Gallant says. “For some, the visit could be their first time in a natural space like ours. What starts off as apprehension often turns to enthusiasm by time they go home.”
How better to learn STEAM principles (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) than immersed in the natural world? Programs combining play and learning outdoors can be memorable, fun, and effective. Nature Play Days, drop-in programming in The Ramble, help kids engage with nature in a playful way that is also educational. Science carts and story time introduce environmental science concepts while dress-up carts encourage play, wonder, and imagination. Diverse plantings that attract butterflies,
bees, and hummingbirds and provide shelter for frogs and snakes create opportunities to learn about pollination, local wildlife, and ecosystem functions.
Inspiring environmental stewardship
When children have the time and space to play outdoors, imaginations activate and wonder about the environment builds.
“One of my favorite things is introducing kids to nature, especially if they haven’t had many opportunities to explore plants, animals, and the environment. Every ‘a-ha’ moment I witness during our programs gives me hope for the future,” Gallant says. “It’s never too early to help kids grow as environmental stewards.”
From kids workshops to family classes, New England Botanic Garden offers a robust calendar of fun and engaging nature-based educational opportunities year-round. Nature Play Days run weekdays from April through October and are free with general admission. To learn more about programs and outdoor education opportunities, visit www.nebg.org/ youth-family-programs.
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
SHREWSBURY – The Gymnastics Learning Center (GLC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Marianne Frongillo founded GLC in 1983. Gymnastics has been an integral part of her life since she began competing at Shrewsbury High School in the 1970s.
“I love the sport because it provides physical strength, endurance, balance and athletic skills that build upon each other so that the gymnast’s accomplishments and confidence grow in increments along the way,” Frongillo said.
GLC has a state-of-theart air conditioned gym with a spring floor exercise mat, in-ground foam landing pit, in-ground trampoline and tumble trak and competition equipment like balance beams,
vaulting horse, uneven parallel bars and specialized equipment for preschoolers.
The center also has highlyexperienced coaches who are Safety and Safe Sport Certified, and many of the coaches have been with GLC for decades.
GLC gymnasts have competed at the state, regional and national level, and several of their competitive gymnasts have received college scholarships based on the skills they mastered at GLC.
“More important than the countless awards and medals GLC gymnasts have earned is GLC’s philosophy to help develop happy, healthy, confident, strong children through a caring and positive learning environment,” said Frongillo.
“GLC recognizes that the greatest gift we can give our students is to build self-esteem through pride in mastering skills, which leads to confi -
dence in the ability to succeed in life beyond the gym.”
She said GLC’s greatest accomplishment over the years is reflected in its mission statement “building the pride inside” of each student.
“It is wonderful to reflect back on how much GLC has grown and made its mark at state, regional and national gymnastic competitions over the past 40 years due to the devotion of its expert coaching staff,” said Frongillo.
She said the most rewarding aspect has been to see multiple generations of students fall in love with the sport, and it’s heartwarming to see former students bring their children and grandchildren to GLC.
Beyond their gymnastics programs, GLC operates a nationally accredited preschool and kindergarten, and during the summer, GLC offers half- and full-day gym and swim camps. Registration is open for camps and summer gym classes.
https:// www.gymnasticslearningcenter.org/.
NORTHBOROUGH - Four generations of golf professionals have served this community from the picturesque grounds of Juniper Hill Golf Course. Owner Dudley Darling has a vision to continue the tradition. Juniper Hill celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2021, and Darling’s son Matthew recently joined the management team following his career as a public defender in Orange County, California.
In addition to multiple generations managing the golf course, Darling is seeing multiple generations of customers playing on the course.
“Golf is one of the few sports that grandparents can play with their grandchildren. We have people come to play whose fathers brought them, and now they are bringing their kids and grandkids.”
Darling describes Juniper Hill as a golf factory.
“A cross-section of golfers come here to play,” said Darling. “It is really a working man and woman’s course, although we have executives who play here too. We teach people to play. Some stay with us, and others move on to a country club. It’s still predominantly a male sport, though. We’d like to see more women come to play.”
Golf is a rare sport in which participants can play while also being social. But Darling has seen some golfers take their game too seriously.
“Many life lessons can be learned through the game of golf, particularly honesty. You can have a good game and not keep score, but it’s another thing to cheat. If you’ll do that to a friend, what will you do in other areas of life? What kind of business owner will you be?” he said.
In the name of strengthening relationships, Juniper Hill is wellknown for hosting charitable tournaments. A recent Stephen Jones memorial tournament, which raised money to buy beds for children, brought over 130 players to Juniper Hill. The course will host Golf Fights Cancer in August, which is a marathon golf fundraiser in which participants of all level of ability play 100 holes of golf to raise funds to fight cancer.
With summer’s arrival, Juniper Hill offers its golf camp for kids.
“We introduce kids to the game and watch the kids grow up right here. It’s cool to see that this may become their home course,” he said.
Ultimately, Darling says that he likes to see people of all ages enjoying themselves at Juniper Hill. People come out from dawn to dusk to play.
“We want people to have fun. I always say to people, thank you for coming and have fun today.”
Learn more about Juniper Hill Golf Course at http://juniperhillgc. com or call 508-393-2444.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
“ We have people come to play whose fathers brought them, and now they are bringing their kids and grandkids. Dudley Darling Owner
REGION – Camping in Massachusetts is definitely not a onesize-fits-all experience. At one end of the spectrum, back-tonature purists pitch their tents under the trees or on a spacious patch of grass. Without their modern conveniences, these hardy campers will be roughing it for the duration of their stay.
Of course, not everyone wants to experience the realities of tent camping. Those who want more creature comforts opt for things like motorhomes and travel trailers. With RVs increasing in popularity, Bay State campgrounds and RV resorts are filled with vehicles and tow-behinds of all stripes.
Glamping carves out its own niche
Vacationers who want to experience the great outdoors in comfort might consider giving glamping a try. Combining elements of “glamour” and “camping,” glamping invites guests to experience nature firsthand―while satisfying their desires for comfort and modern conveniences.
Glamping accommodations are increasingly found in memorable destinations around the world. Some adventurous guests choose a cozy mountaintop yurt while others settle into a treehouse tucked into the forest canopy.
Other glamping sites include comfortably furnished tents or tepees. Quaint hillside cottages, refurbished barns, and even classic Airstream travel trailers are ideal glamping lodgings.
Massachusetts offers multiple glamping destinations The Bay State’s striking coastal landscapes and expansive mountain forests beckon to outdoor enthusiasts of all tastes. Massachusetts residents who prefer a relaxing getaway can likely find one throughout the year.
This family-owned resort in Foxborough presents luxury camping at its best. Set between Cape Cod and Boston, Normandy Farms offers four ways to experience the
‘Glamping’
great outdoors in comfort. Guests can choose a deluxe cabin, a nicely furnished yurt, a wooded-setting safari tent, or a cozy pop-up trailer. With fitness and recreation facilities, swimming pools, and a wellness center, guests can enjoy a relaxing yet energizing stay.
Marcia Galvin, Normandy Farms’ human resources director, is part of the family who owns this upscale camping resort. She notes that Normandy Farms was offering glamping accommodations before the term found its way into the mainstream. Today, guests continue to show increasing demand for the units.
Galvin says the varied lodgings also enable non-RV-owning guests to enjoy a camping experience with their families. “Offering a wide variety of camping experiences allows the guests who don’t own their own RV to camp,” she explained.
“Many families camp together, and some will rent our units so they can enjoy the
vacation with the rest of the family. It’s also an opportunity for those who have camped with their families for years and when they sell their RV, still want the camping experience,” Galvin noted.
AutoCamp Cape Cod
Classic Airstream trailer fans will enjoy this upscale camping destination. Open year round, AutoCamp Cape Cod offers furnished Airstream trailers, luxury canvas tents with full-size beds, and wellequipped hotel-like suites with outdoor firepits.
Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Located in a forested part of Cape Cod, Shawme-Crowell State Forest offers over 15 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. Besides two large RV campgrounds, this popular destination offers six yurts equipped with electricity and water. Massachusetts residents receive a discount on small and large yurt rentals.
Birch Berry Pines
Massachusetts’ beautiful Berkshires are home to the Birch Berry Pines glamping resort. Located near popular outdoor activities, this well-known destination offers furnished platform glamping tents. Each lodging is equipped with a nice selection of amenities. Two roomy Adirondack chairs invite guests to enjoy gazing at the wildlife and the stars.
Preparing for a glamping trip
Before embarking on a glamping trip, you should perform some research on the destination resort or park. Learn about the lodging’s amenities, including what is provided versus what you need to bring, onsite services, and area attractions.
Creating a meal plan is also important, based on the lodging’s cooking facilities and/ or nearby eateries. Charging electronic devices, and bringing some good reading material, helps to set the stage for a relaxing stay.
BOSTON – It certainly can’t be denied that the mountains might be the place to go on a fall day trip. But a beautiful and perhaps closer destination for many is the Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood. This oasis, a garden cemetery, was established in 1848. It not only has fascinating gravestones, both new and old, it also has a modern sculpture area within its 250-acre park-like setting.
Perhaps the place to begin is with the historical gravesites. There are many notable ones, such as the grave of Dr. General Joseph Warren (1741-1775), physician, revolutionary leader
The dramatic Gothic Revival entry gate is a hint of the sights to be found in the Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood.
and military officer during the American Revolution, and William Lloyd Garrison (1805 –1879), journalist, publisher and prominent abolitionist.
To honor Union soldiers of the Civil War is the Soldier’s Lot, which includes a statue called “Citizen Soldier.” In its time this graceful statue was a remarkable figure.
“This statue was one of the few sculptures which commemorated the rank-and-file soldier,” said Janice Stetz, the cemetery’s treasurer.
One can feel the soldier’s mourning as he gazes upon the graves of his fallen comrades. No wonder the statue was widely imitated.
“It became a popular prototype for Civil War statues throughout the country,” added Stetz.
A striking gravesite, funded by public donations, is the Fireman’s Lot, burying ground for Boston firefighters still used today. The site includes graves for thirteen firefighters who died in the line of duty and atop
its mound towers a nine-foothigh statue, dedicated in 1909, of a firefighter. Mounted on its granite base are four beautifully rendered bronze relief tablets depicting scenes from a fireman’s life.
From a later era one can find the graves of numerous famous people, such as the poet e.e.cummings, playwright Eugene O’Neill, business leader Eben Jordan, co-founder of Jordan, Marsh & Co. department stores, and Boston Celtics former captain Reggie Lewis.
Sculpture tour
Cemeteries have always included funerary sculptures: angels, religious figures, decorative religious symbols and so on. Early on, the Forest Hills Cemetery became widely acclaimed for its Victorian-era sculptures. That tradition continues. In 2001, the Contemporary Sculpture Path, composed of a small permanent collection and works on loan was established.
Forest
“We are simply continuing the legacy of placing impressive sculpture in a peaceful, thoughtful setting,” said Stetz.
One sculpture of note, “The Sentinel,” of Harriet Tubman, was made by Fern Cunning-
in 2003.
Another sculpture that makes one reflect on mortality is “The Boy in the Boat,” a white marble statue encased in glass memorializing a four-year-old who died in 1886 of diseases not uncommon in his time.
Registration is open.
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“Death Stays the Hand of the Sculptor” is by sculptor Daniel Chester French, best known for Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Memorial and closer by, on the Harvard University campus, the statue of John Harvard, the first major benefactor of the university. The sculpture memorializes sculptors and brothers Martin and Joseph Milmore. Some of Martin’s monuments can be seen on the Boston Common.
Natural beauty
This cemetery is an openair art museum of fascinating gravestones, monuments, sculptures and architecture. But it has also been called an arboretum cemetery. There are huge native and exotic trees. The variety includes mature oaks, cherry trees, sugar and Japanese maples, umbrella pines, weeping hemlocks and giant rhododendrons.
The terrain ranges from sloping low hills to rocky landscapes; from areas of natural woodland to formal Victorian flowerbeds. There’s even a lake. With the colors of fall, this cemetery will be worth any leaf-peeper’s stop. But it also offers something to explore for the historian and anyone who appreciates art and architecture.
Learn about the cemetery and upcoming events: https:// www.foresthillscemetery. com/
Want the armchair tour? Take a self-guided tour of some highlights of the cemetery: https://www.foresthillscemetery.com/self-guidedscholars-tour/
https://www.ferjulians.com/ Ferjulian’s is a 70-acre family owned and operated farm. For 80 years it’s been our privilege to grow flowers, fruits and vegetables for our community and to carry on the only working farm in Hudson.
Hours are Mondays-Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
Harvey’s Farm and Garden Center
7 Maple Ave., Westborough 508-366-1545
https://www.harveysfarm. com/
Featuring home-grown, nonGMO fruits and vegetables, along with flowers. The farm stand is located in Emily’s Gift Barn.
Houlden Farm
https://houldenfarm.com/
From spring through Christmas, the farm store offers perennials and annuals, fruits and vegetables, dairy, farmraised meats, baked goods and more.
Paquette Farm
71 Grafton St., Shrewsbury 508-842-5082
https://www.paquettefarm. com/
The farm is a family-run business that features fresh vegetables and sandwiches. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yellick’s Farm
238 Hudson St., Northborough 508-571-8242; yellicksfarm@ gmail.com
https://www.yellicksfarm. com/
FARMERS MARKETS
GRAFTON
The Farmers Market is heading back to the Common after spending the last couple of years at the Municipal Center. The market will take place Wednesdays starting June 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. Information: http://www.graftonfarmersmarket.com/
HOPKINTON
The summer Farmers Market will open on Sunday, June 11, at the Common from 1 to 5 p.m. For updates and a list of vendors, visit https://hopkintonfarmersmarket.com/
HUDSON
Get ready for the Farmers Market, which will run Tuesdays from June 20 through Sept. 26 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall. Information: https://www.facebook.com/ hudsonsfarmersmarket/
MARLBOROUGH
Sponsored by Lost Shoe Brewery, 19 Weed St. Open Saturdays from June 17 through Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Weed Street. Information: https://lostshoebrews.com/ farmers-market
SHREWSBURY
The Farmers Market will kick off its 10th season on Wednesdays starting June 14 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the parking lot
of the Senior Center on Maple Avenue. Information: https:// shrewsburyma.gov/641/Farmers-Market
WESTBOROUGH
The Rotary Club of Westborough sponsors the Farmers Market, which will run Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 117 East Main St. For updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/ westborough.farmers.market
FARMSTANDS
Berberian Farm, 68 Otis St., Northborough 508-393-8079; berberiansfarm@gmail.com
https://www.facebook. com/people/BerberiansFarm/100063772020692/ Opening May 5. Featuring the farm’s own fruits and vegetables.
Chestnut Hill Farm, Chestnut Hill Road, Southborough 508-785-0339; chestnuthillfarm@thetrustees.org
https://thetrustees.org/place/ chestnut-hill-farm/ Features Trustees-grown produce, meat, eggs as well as local, organic food.
Davidian’s Farm Market
500 Church St., Northborough
508-393-3444; info@davidiansfarm.com
https://www.davidiansfarm. com/
The market is family-owned; the farm has been running for more than 100 years. Open all year long with local goods we love being part of the local community. There is a full deli with made-to-order sandwiches, soups and assorted prepared foods.
Davidian’s also stocks local meats and other essential groceries.
The market is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The deli is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ferjulian’s Farm
7 Lewis St., Hudson 978-562-3447
95 Wesson St., Grafton 508-839-2409; houldenfarm@gmail.com
Vegetables and flowers grown with natural and organic methods.
Open from May-October.
As summer vacation sets in, chances are you’re going to be looking for something to do to entertain your family or ways to spend those hazy, lazy summer days.
FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS
From May 18-Oct. 12 at Shrewsbury Town Hall. Check out a weekly variety of food trucks, from cheese to ice cream and hot dogs. Sponsored by Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation. Information: https:// shrewsburyma.myrec.com/ info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29995
CAR SHOW
Sunday, June 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., along Main Street in Marlborough. For the car lover, the show is presented by the United Brethren Masonic Lodge and will feature more
than 300 antiques and classic vehicles. There will also be music with DJ Dr. Dom, food vendors and a marching band. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, including the Wounded Warrior Project and the Boys and Girls Club of Metrowest. Rain date June 18. Information: https:// www.marlborocarshow.com.
June 10, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Northborough Town Common. This year mark’s Northborough’s fifth annual CultureFest, organized by the Northborough Cultural Council. The event brings together music, performances, art exhibitions, art booths, a collaborative art project and food vendors. Information: https:// northboroughculture.org/culturefest-2023/
June 22, 1 to 4 p.m., Ellsworth McAfee Park, 363 South St., Northborough. Residents and employees are invited to a free carnival-inspired community event. There will be a bounce house and slide, an obstacle course, inflatable games, cornhole, basketball and volleyball, information, and giveaways and snacks. Information: www.bewellnorthborough.com.
MOVIE IN THE PARK
June 22, dusk, Grafton Common. The feature will be “DC League of Super Pets.” Activities will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation. Presented by Quite Fetching Barkery and Pet Boutique. Information: www.graftonrec.com.
COMMUNITY YARD SALE
June 24, 9 a.m. to noon, Ellsworth McAfee Park, 363 South St., Northborough. Rain date June 25. Sign up to rent a booth. You can bring all your stuff that you want to get out of your house to sell. Each booth is large enough for a 6- to 8-foot table. You will still have room to put items around the table as well. Rental costs is $25. Information: https:// northboroughma.myrec.com/ info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29840
BIG TRUCK DAY
June 24, 10 a.m. to noon, Millbury Street School, Grafton. Sensory friendly from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by Grafton Recreation. Information. www.graftonrec.com.
June 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, 11 French Drive, Boylston. Join Juventas New Music Ensemble for an evening of music al fresco. Beverages and light bites will be available for purchase from the concessions stand. Ticketed entrance times at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Musical performances conclude at 8:30 p.m. Information: https:// nebg.org/music-in-bloom/
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE
On June 29 from 11 to 11:45 a.m., all children and their families are invited to join the Southborough Public Library’s Fourth of July Parade to the Town House. The library will provide flags, noisemakers and patriotic accessories, and participants will march from the library, through the Town House, and back to the library for refreshments. All ages welcome and no registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Southborough Library.
RAINFOREST REPTILES
July 20, 4 to 5 p.m., Southborough Public Library. Kids will see and learn about a variety of reptiles when Rainforest Reptiles visits the library. Possible animals that may visit include a snake, a turtle and others. Best for ages 4 and up. No registration is required. Sponsored by Fay School and the Friends of the Southborough Library.
FLYING HIGH DOG SHOW
July 24, 6 to 7 p.m., Oak Middle School track, Shrewsbury. Mike Piazza is a multipletime world finalist and world record holder in the sport of K-9 Frisbee and the current #1 Professional K-9 frisbee performer in the world. Mike and his dogs have performed for the NFL, NBA, MLS, minor League Baseball, ESPN, Animal Planet, NESN, college halftime sporting events and more. Sponsored by the Shrewsbury Recreation Department; no registration required.
BOLTON FAIR
Aug. 11-13, fairgrounds at Lancaster, Route 117. Midway, exhibits, food, music and much more. Information: https:// www.boltonfair.org/
GRAFTON
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., Common. Sponsored by Grafton Recreation.
July 12 – Hit the Bus
July 19 – Northern Fried
Revival
July 26 – Shades of Grey
Aug. 9 – Dock 10
Aug. 16 – Claflin Hill
Symphony Updates: www.graftonrec. com.
HOPKINTON
Sundays at 5 p.m. on the Common
July 9 – Roy Scott Big Band
July 16 – Knock on Wood
July 23 – Hopkinton
Community Summer Band
July 30 – Good Tymes Banjo
Band
Aug. 6 – Kevin So
Aug. 13 – Jumpin’ Juba
Aug. 20 – Hot Acoustics
Aug. 27 – Din Check
Movies on the Common, Thursdays at 8:15 p.m.
July 13 – “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
July 20 – “DC League of Superpets”
July 27 – “Puss in Boots”
Aug. 3 – “The Bad Guys”
Aug. 10 – “My Neighbor Totoro”
Information: https://www. facebook.com/profile.php?i
d=100064692966122&sk=e vents
HUDSON
The Downtown Music Series, sponsored by the Hudson Downtown Business Improvement District, will be held Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from May 27-Sept. 30 in front of Town Hall. In addition to the music, there will be food trucks and retail vendors.
May 27 – Matt Swanton Band
June 3 – Shell Theory
June 10 – Spring Hill
Rounders
June 17 – Aunt Mimi Trio
June 24 – L&M Rhythm Kings
July 1 – Deb McDonnell
July 8 – Polarized Guru
July 15 – District 5 Jazz Band
July 22 – Beantown Buckaroos
July 29 – Parish Jazz Band
Aug. 5 – Little Black Dress
Aug. 12 – Roswell Incident
Aug. 19 – Steve/Zack Smith
Aug. 26 – SLACK
Sept. 2 – Black Suede
Sept. 9 – Splinters
Celebrate Hudson – TBA
Sept. 23 – True North
Sept. 30 – Holly and the Sobs Information: https://www. discoverhudson.org/ events/#toggle-id-1
The summer series at Wood Park will be announced later this spring.
June 25 – Late Bus
July 9 – Petty Larceny
July 23 – Zach Newbould
Aug. 6 – Squeezebox
Stompers
Aug. 20 – Billy & the Jets
Information: https:// northboroughcac.weebly.com/
Concerts will take place at Dean Park’s bandstand from 6 to 8 p.m.
July 4 – Hit the Bus
July 13 – South Street Band
Aug. 1 – Holdin’ Back the 60s The series is sponsored by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council.
Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Neary School Stage. Co-sponsors – Southborough Community Fund, Friends of Southborough Recreation,
Mass. Cultural Council
July 5 – Hit the Bis
July 12 – Stomp ‘N Holler
July 19 – South Street Band
July 26 – Stacey Peasley (kids performance)
Aug. 2 – Messy Excuses
Aug. 9 – Jumpin’ Juba
Aug. 26 – Summer Nights, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Come celebrate summer with live music, entertainment, food, and fireworks at Neary Field. This free community event is funded by the generous support of our local businesses. The fun starts at 6 p.m., and ends with a fireworks display by Atlas Pyro Vision.
Updates: https:// www.facebook.com/ southboroughrec
All concerts will take place at Baystate Commons, Union Street. Sponsored by Westborough Recreation.
July 11 – The Midtown Horns, 6 p.m.
July 25 – The Petty Larceny Band, 6 p.m.
Aug. 1 – Music with Mister Vic (children’s concert), noon Aug. 8 – Trak Down, 6 p.m. Screen on the Green –sponsored by the Westborough Fire Department and the Westborough Public Library. Movies will be shown at Baystate Commons on July 6, 13, 20 and 27 after sunset. Titles will be announced in late spring.
Information: https:// www.facebook.com/ westboroughREC
GRAFTON
Silver Lake Beach
245 Upton St.
Season from June 17-Aug.
13. Hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Day passes: Resident -$5 person, $12 per car, $3 for seniors (age 65 and older). Day passes available at the beach; proof of age/residency required.
Season passes: Resident – $20 individual, $45 family, $10 seniors (age 65 and older); Nonresident -- $40 individual, $75 family, $20 seniors. Season passes available online only, and may be picked up at the Recreation Office or at the beach.
The Recreation Department will offer the following special events at the beach – Family
Fishing Clinic, June 29, 6 to 8 p.m. (free; for ages 6 and older); Paddling Nights July 11, July 25, Aug. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m. (fees charged for canoe/kayak rental); Doggie Dip Day, Aug. 13, 4 to 6 p.m. (free).
Details: www.graftonrec. com.
HOPKINTON
Hopkinton State Park
164 Cedar St.
(Supervised by the Department of Conservation and Recreation)
508-435-4303, Hopkinton. park@state.ma.us
https://www.mass.gov/locations/hopkinton-state-park
Swimming area open weekends from late May through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Boat rentals and picnic areas also available.
Parking fees (May 14-Oct. 30) – $8 for Mass. residents, $30 for non-Mass. residents. Passes and mobile app available via the website.
World War II
Memorial Beach
Causeway Street
Opening Day TBA
Public Swimming Hours: 11 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily; parking lots open at 10:30 a.m. Bathrooms close at 6:30 p.m., parking lot at 7 p.m.
The beach will be closed the week of Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Beach will reopen for Labor Day weekend (Saturday-Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. –
bathrooms close at 5:30 p.m., parking lot at 6 p.m.)
Last day for public swimming will be Monday, Sept. 4.
Admission of free for Marlborough residents (must show driver’s license/car registration for admittance to parking lot).
Nonresidents are subject to $20 daily parking fee.
Handicapped parking available.
Details – https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/recreationdepartment/pages/wwii-memorial-beach
Splash Pads
Splash pads are at Ghiloni Park, 239 Concord Road, and at Stevens Park, 10 Martin St.
Opening Day TBA. Closing Day on Sept. 5.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/recreationdepartment/pages/splashpads
Wading Pools
Farrell Wading Pool – 85 Sawin St. Ward Wading Pool –157 Orchard St.
Opening Day TBA. Closing Day Aug. 25
Hours – daily from noon to 5:45 p.m. Gates will be locked at 6 p.m.
Use the school parking lots. Details – https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/recreationdepartment/pages/wadingpools
The town manages the state boat ramps at Flint Pond and Lake Quinsigamond. The
launching of any boat, including cartop watercraft, requires a fee to be paid during the below dates and times. Users can pay a daily fee of $15 or purchase a seasonal pass for $100, in advance, by mail or at the Shrewsbury Town Hall, Parks & Recreation Office on the 2nd floor of Town Hall Building.
Flint Pond, Route 20 Saturday and Sundays and holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting May 26
Lake Quinsigamond, Corazzini Ramp, N. Quinsigamond Avenue
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting May 26
• Intended use of a public boating access facility means the launching and retrieval of any trailered or cartop watercraft and parking of the vehicle used to launch and retrieve watercraft in a properly marked parking area.
• A pass does not guarantee a parking space. Please note on
some busy dates ramps may be full.
• Seasonal pass is valid at either location.
• Pass must be displayed in vehicle’s passenger side win-
dow and shown to the ramp attendant. Pass covers one vehicle and the trailered boat attached to it; or the cartop watercrafts on top of said vehicle.
• Failure to pay the ramp
fee may result in a fine and suspension of ramp privileges on Lake Quinsigamond/Flint Pond.
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be refunded or replaced
and should be reported to attendant or office staff immediately. Please lock your vehicle to protect your parking pass and other valuables.
• Start and end dates subject to staff availability.
Information: https:// shrewsburyma.myrec.com/ info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29998
Chauncy Lake, 60 Lyman St. Opening Day (tentative) –June 26
Hours – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Season Pass and Walk-in Fees: $4 daily walk-in rate; $30 individual (resident); $65 family (maximum of six, resident)
Paddle Nights will take place on July 18, Aug. 1 and 15. Time slots available – 6 to 7 p.m., 7 to 8 p.m.
Rental fees – single kayaks, one person, $30; tandem kayaks, two persons, $46; canoes, 2-3 persons, $52
Details – https://westboroma. myrec.com/info/default.aspx
By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer
NORTHBOROUGH – Reno -
voMD is a skincare aesthetics practice that is run by trained medical practitioners. Jean Casello, M.D., opened the office in 2008, and this year she added David Tiber, M.D., to her team to keep up with patient demand.
“We are a totally medical-based aesthetics office,” said Dr. Casello. “We are welltrained, experienced, and continue our education on an annual basis; this is particularly important.”
RenovoMD offers aesthetic and cosmetic services such as Botox, laser skin care, hair removal, scar and tattoo removal, lip fillers, Cool Sculpting, and Kybella, a fat dissolving treatment.
“Botox began in the 1950’s
David Tiber, MD, Jean Casello MD, and Shannon Hampton, RN
for medical uses. Its benefits for aesthetic treatments began in the 1990s, primarily for wrinkle prevention. Botox started out on the west coast in doctor’s offices, and I used to have to go out there for training because no one else was providing Botox treatments here in the east,” said Dr. Casello. “Back then, no one talked about their cosmetic treatments, whereas today, everyone is very open about the procedures they are having done.”
Dr. Casello is a physician who practiced internal medicine for over 25 years. Dr. Tiber brings a background in pediatric intensive care. He finds that his experience transfers easily to his work in aesthetics.
“I worked in critical care for 20 years. I am trained to perform procedures on small vascular and bone structures, and this makes it easy to pro-
vide precision work on a delicate area like the face,” said Dr. Tiber.
Drs. Casello and Tiber are aligned on the philosophy of their aesthetics practice, examples of which can be seen in day-to-day operations. They agree that providing fillers is like sculpting a client’s face.
“You start to notice changes in your face once you reach your 30’s. We don’t use fillers to alter someone’s lips and face; we use them to enhance and refresh their appearance. We assess how to lovingly restore what they naturally had but have lost over time,” said Dr. Casello.
Dr. Tiber added, “As you age, you lose fat pads and bone density in your face, and you lose approximately one percent of collagen each year. Your face starts to drop. Fillers replace RenovoMD | Following page
the lost volume and lift that occur in the aging process.”
While cosmetic treatments have been available for a long time, the pandemic accelerated the interest among the general population.
“During the pandemic, everyone started having meetings online, so they spent a lot of time seeing themselves onscreen all day,” said Dr. Tiber. “They wanted to improve their appearance, because the things that may have been bothering them were literally staring them in the face.”
Clients frequently visit RenovoMD when they have an upcoming event, such as a wedding. They end up going back for return visits when they see the effect of their treatments.
“To offer these services, you have to have an artistic, aesthetic eye, and you need the medical background to understand anatomy and physiology,” said Dr. Casello. “Every person is unique, and you want to preserve that uniqueness when making changes. You have to constantly keep up on your training. A six-month certificate is not enough if you want to offer the best to your clients.”
Dr. Tiber added, “As a provider, you have to be humble enough to know that you need continuous education and training.”
“Our work has a profound effect on people’s lives. We help people to be their best. I have patients who have been coming to me for years and years,” said Dr. Casello. “It is an honor to know that our clients trust us to improve their beauty and their quality of life.”
RenovoMD is located at 96 W. North Main Street in Northborough. Contact RenovoMD at (508) 393-6398 to schedule a consultation, and be sure to ask about their new client specials.
Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.
DOUGLAS – Breezy Picnic Grounds and Waterslides is celebrating its 70th season this year.
“As we enter our 70th season, we plan to continue to keep our facility impeccably clean, family friendly, safe and true to our mission of good old fashion family fun,” said Loren Forget. “We love watching families enjoy each other and make great memories. We have people who have been coming for generations, and it’s always fun to see them continue their family traditions, spending the day at Breezy.”
Located in Douglas, Breezy first opened its gates in 1953 and started out as a small swimming and picnic area. Two waterslides were later installed in 1983 under second generation family.
By 2000, Breezy became a hotspot for camps, scouts and school field trips. So, Breezy built its tunnel slide that offers a quick drop, darkness and more speed.
Around this time, the third generation, Keith Forget and his wife Loren, took over the business. Since, they have added the “mini river” slide for younger children that goes right into the lake.
“We cater to guests with young families, tweens and grandparents,” said Forget. “School trips, summer camps and scouts finds us to be a favorite destination. Breezy is a great place to plan a playdate during the week as well.”
Attendees are able to bring their own food, lawn chairs, blankets, floats and sand toys, though Breezy has a concession stand.
Weather permitting, Breezy’s opening weekend is June 10 and 11, and they will begin opening daily on June 16. For more information, visit https://breezysummer.com/.
By Colin McCandless Contributing Writer
STOCKBRIDGE – When the weather warms and you’re eager for an outdoor excursion, it’s prime time to trek west into the Berkshires and experience the aesthetic beauty of Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge.
This nonprofit, membership-supported educational organization, encompassing 24 acres, highlights plants native to the Northeast region, according to Felix Carroll, Berkshire Botanical Garden’s director of marketing and communications. A variety of different display gardens are exhibited throughout the grounds. They feature lilies, primroses, an herb garden, vegetable gardens, a pond garden and a
The Berkshire Botanical Garden goal is to plant for pollinators and supply habitat for insects such as bumblebees and butterflies.
children’s discovery garden that is used for a kids’ camp. Art galleries are located on site within the grounds as well in this area full of big cultural attractions. Stockbridge is also home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, and Tanglewood — the summer home and training academy of the Boston Symphony Orchestra — is in nearby Lenox.
Origin in local garden clubs
Berkshire Botanical Garden was founded in 1934 by a group of local garden clubs and civic associations, some members of which donated the land and the original plant collection, said Carroll. The botanical garden was seeded with native plants while invasives were removed. The approach is to plant for pollinators and supply habitat for
topiarist Matt Larkin of Black Barn Farm in Richmond. It is considered one of the finest topiary collections in North America. “This is a really cool place,” asserted Carroll.
Trails meander through the gardens, and there are benches, picnic areas and a café serving lunch. The garden holds concerts in the summer on Monday
nights.
Educational opportunities
To help fulfill its mission as an educational and environmental organization, Berkshire Botanical Garden provides ample learning opportunities. These include an array of online and in-person classes, Garden | following page
Admission includes access to the gardens and art galleries, a self-guided audio tour, and a daily guided group tour.
insects such as bumblebees and butterflies. “Everything is built to provide that habitat and food source,” stated Carroll.
Berkshire Botanical Garden shares its gardening philosophy and call to action with visitors, encouraging others to incorporate the same practices in their home gardens and focus on planting native species that attract pollinators. Carroll described the organization as the “brain trust of gardening in the region.”
What to see when you visit
Its display gardens and art galleries are open daily to visitors through Oct. 31 and timed, ticketed admission is required for all guests. Admission includes access to the gardens and art galleries and a selfguided audio tour. A guided group tour (free with admission) is offered daily at 11 a.m. from June 1-Sept. 1. “Everything is labelled,” noted Carroll of the display gardens, “But if you take the tour, you can see it through the eyes of a horticulturalist.”
Another visual gem is Lucy’s Garden, which features a collection of custom-designed topiaries including an elephant and other expertly sculpted creatures that were donated by a couple in Greenwich, Conn., and are stewarded by local
Garden | from previous page lectures, workshops, exhibits and special events that inform people on the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our environment. Classes offered this year entail wideranging topics such as designing your backyard garden, soil science, chainsaw lessons, a spring wildflower primer, photography, cooking, art and more, said Carroll. “Educators can guide you on what is best to plant in your backyard.” Or conversely, what not to plant.
“There’s a lot of talk about getting rid of invasive species which have taken over the landscape,” he added. They even have a master gardener hotline listed on their website that can answer specific gardening questions.
In addition to hosting field trip groups onsite, the garden’s educators visit students in area schools. “Berkshire Botanical Garden has programs within
the schools to help teach them about how to build a garden on school property and cultivate it,” remarked Carroll. The nonprofit also launched a new project this season called “Garden in your Arms” that is specifically tailored to guide people on how to develop pollinator plants on their property. “We’re joining a national movement to rethink the American lawn,” explained Carroll. He elaborated that the lawn as it currently exists is often high maintenance and has been referred to as “an ecological desert.”
“So maybe reconsider replacing it with pollinator gardens and native species, he said. “We see the effects of what’s planted here and the biodiversity that develops because of it.”
Visitors typically spend approximately two hours exploring the gardens and the grounds. For more information, visit berkshirebotanical.org
