Brookline VOL 1, NO 7
BROOKLINE’S VOICE
December 13 – 26, 2016
Combined Jewish Philanthropy delivers secret $1.3 million bonus to CEO Shrage Shrage’s take in 2014-2015 —
$1.9 million
By Joshua Resnek
The Voice At a time when the organic Jewish communities in Greater Boston are challenged for money, losing membership because of an aging demographic and closing synagogues because of dwindling congregations, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies gave a retirement bonus of $1.3 million to Barry Shrage, its longtime leader, and paid him a total of $1.9 million for a year’s work. The only problem with the retirement bonus – Shrage isn’t retiring. A review of the charity’s tax returns just
released reveals Shrage’s total take for CJP’s fiscal year 2014-2015 was $1.9 million plus unreported non-taxable items such as expense account, travel allowance and automobile as well as health insurance. The CJP leadership claims to be struggling to meet the needs of the Jewish communities it services and often complains to Jewish leaders seeking its help that there just isn’t enough money to go around for worthy causes of all kinds. The CJP Board of Directors made the alleged retirement award to Shrage, 69, in response to him asking for it, according to the Jewish Advocate.
Continued on page 3
Photo | Joshua Resnek Whole Foods in Brookline on Beacon Street - well - what’s better than Whole Foods when you come right down to it?
A review of the CJP’s fiscal year 2014-2015 tax filings with the State of Massachusetts just released reveals that Shrage received $343,056 in salary, $10,400 in benefit plans, and other compensation of $1,549,346 for a total of $1,902,802 - and this does not include health insurance, expense account, travel and automobile. • Shrage’s compensation: $1,902,802 2014-2015 $500,000+ 2012-2016 • Travel, expense account, health insurance, automobile, benefits not listed/estimated total: $100,000+ • Loans not listed • Loans forgiven (if any) not listed
• Future compensation arrangements not announced publicly by CJP Board • $1.3 million retirement bonus not announced by Board to community or contributors • $1,902,802 fiscal year 2014 2015 compensation not announced by Board
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The Brookline Voice
Newton From the publisher THE BROOKLINE VOICE THE NEWTON VOICE PUBLISHER AND PRESIDENT Joshua Resnek jresnek@voicestaff.net
CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH
T
he Christmas holiday is nearly upon us. It is rushing towards us at race car speed.
SENIOR ADVISOR
How did the year come to pass so quickly, and where has another year of our lives gone just like that, with the snap of a finger?
EDITOR
For those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, there is Hanukkah, and this year the two major holidays collide with one another.
SENIOR REPORTER
In households where there has been intermarriage between Christian and Jew, there are two holidays at the same time to celebrate.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
This tends to do two things – it brings together the family, but at a terrible cost.
Joseph Resnek joeresnek@voicestaff.net Joshua Resnek Alexander Culafi aculafi@voicestaff.net Lorenzo Recupero lrecupero@voicestaff.net David Stanford dstanford@voicestaff.net
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Ashley rashley@voicestaff.net Jared Charney jcharney@voicestaff.net
Christmas is one thing when it comes to commercialism. Hanukkah is another. Both at the same time is a costly interlude. Christmas is one evening preceded by weeks of buying. Hanukkah is 8 days of buying. I grew up in very nice circumstances in a Jewish home.
CALENDAR EDITOR
We never celebrated Christmas. It was as if Christmas didn’t exist. This is hard to imagine in the world of today, where literally and physically anything goes and many traditions have been thrown by the wayside.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Not only did we not celebrate Christmas in my family home, but Hanukkah was a one present holiday.
Sheila Barth sbarth@voicestaff.net Carolyn Lilley Resnek cresnek@voicestaff.net
DIRECTOR OF GRAPHIC DESIGN Trevor Andreozzi tandreozzi@voicestaff.net
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East Boston Savings Beacon Street Brookline ___________________ THE BROOKLINE VOICE THE NEWTON VOICE Owned and operated by: THE CHELSEA PRESS LLC
My father would give me a $25 check on the first night, and that was the end of it for Hanukkah. When I was 40 he was still handing me the $25 check, which I always accepted and said, “Thank you.” And meant it. My father wasn’t cheap. In fact, he was extremely generous to me, but he did not like holidays, and he didn’t particularly like giving presents – and certainly not 8 days of presents. He couldn’t handle Christmas. Our family never exchanged presents with other family members, cousins and relatives. Everyone was well-off. No one needed anything. Why do it? Today, I’d say to that, why not? I enjoy the Christmas season. There’s nothing quite like the honest smell of a real Christma,s tree or a slew of them stacked in front of a store waiting to find a home. The Christmas Carols get a bit much for me – but some of them I love – and especially Silent Night. I love white lights, and there are white lights everywhere. Now for a little snow and a dash of cold and a Merry Christmas it will be.
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Merry Christmas to our Christian readers.
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Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish readers.
Brookline, MA
To all our readers, a very Happy Holiday season.
Arnold Jarmak, President
Health. Wealth. And Happiness!
Joshua Resnek, Chairman of the Board
Joshua Resnek
December 13 - 26, 2016
The Brookline Voice
December 13 - 26, 2016
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Combined Jewish Philanthropy delivers secret $1.3 million bonus to CEO Shrage Continued from page 1 The so-called retirement bonus was not publicly announced at the time it was granted. Nor was it noted in the annual CJP budget. “The view was that would help him in retirement, but it wasn’t a retirement payment in that he continues to work at CJP,” said Neil Wallack, chair of the group’s Board of Directors, according to a recently published report in the online Jewish daily, The Forward. Wallack’s odd reply has many CJP contributors all asking the same questions: How do you bestow a secret $1.3 million retirement payout on a CEO who is not retiring? And why wouldn’t the Board have issued a press release or noted in the budget such a large payout of the charity’s funds for added compensation? In addition, it is well known in local circles and among his colleagues and friends, that Shrage has no immediate retirement plans. “If the Board of Directors hid a $1.3 million retirement bonus, what else might they be hiding?” asked Russel Pergament, a media executive and publisher of the online Jewish news service, JNS.org. “The CJP is awash with cash. When is the last time an independent third party examined their expenditures? Barry has accomplished much at the CJP, but it appears the Board is his creature, totally subservient,” he said. Though the $1.3 million bonus payment was made nearly two years ago, the long process of making non-profit tax filings public means that it was publicly disclosed only recently, according to official state and Federal tax returns filed by the CJP and reviewed by The Voice. “After 30 years Barry has totally conflated his CJP role, and the CJP has become his fiefdom,” Pergament added. “Inevitably this means murky finances and a lot of unanswered questions. He did the smart thing staying away from the Madoff disaster. But I think a review of the CJP’s finances is long overdue.” According to research provided in Charity Navigator’s 2016 CEO Compensation Study, salaries, gifts or retirement packages in excess of $1 million are rare. Gifts or loans to CEO’s are problematic. A high ranking Boston Jewish source who wished to remain unnamed said it is likely CJP’s Shrage has also been given loans by the Board of Directors, including a sizable loan to purchase his Newton home. He predicted the Board will forgive such loans when he retires. Charity Navigator asserts that making
loans to related parties such as key officers, staff, or Board members, is not standard practice in the sector, as it diverts the charity’s funds away from its charitable mission. The Internal Revenue Service, the compensation study reports, is concerned enough about the practice that it requires charities to disclose on their Form 990 any loans to or from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and other “disqualified persons.” Wallack claimed, it was reported in the Forward and in the Jewish Advocate , that it was the Board’s feeling Shrage’s alleged $337,000 a year salary was not sufficient because others received more money in salary and benefits at similarly sized charitable institutions. The CJP’s tax filings, if they are to be believed, show Shrage’s salary has been consistently north of $500,000 since 2012. Wallack said a private consultant provided information to the Board that Shrage’s salary wasn’t high enough. Based on this information, the Board handed Shrage the $1.3 million retirement payout without reporting it at the time.
The Israel Defense Forces patrols the Israeli-Syrian border in the Golan Heights Nov. 27 after a shooting incident in which Islamic State shot over the border into Israel. Credit: Basel Awidat/Flash90.
Islamic State just one element of the ‘chaos’ at Israel-Syria border By Ariel Ben Solomon/JNS.org The recent attention-grabbing exchange of fire between Israel and Islamic State is just one aspect of the Jewish state’s assessment of the current threats at its northern border with Syria. Israeli forces killed four fighters from the Islamic State-affiliated Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade Nov. 27 after the terrorists had fired at Israeli soldiers in the Golan Heights. The exchange drew significant attention because it was the first report of an Islamic State attack on Israel from Syria. Yet despite the numerous news headlines that followed the Islamic State attack, the Yarmouk Martyrs Brigade does not have nearly as large of a footprint in the region as Hezbollah or its patron, Iran, which have beten increasing their presence in Syria to back President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in that country’s civil war. There is “chaos” on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, Syrian rebel leader Kamal al-Labwani told JNS.org.
In fact, the Jewish Advocate reported that the bonus was Shrage’s idea as expressed to Wallack who considered the suggestion and then acted on it. The Jewish Advocate later reported Wallack’s clarification that Shrage did not urge the bonus, but rather insisted his compensation was below average. Shrage has repeatedly complained or noted to colleagues and contributors in recent years that he was being paid below the average for comparable positions. Perhaps this explains Wallack and the Board evening the alleged score for Shrage with the $1.3 million bonus, which was designed to compensate Shrage for being underpaid. Shrage’s insistence on being underpaid is not born out by a review of the CJP’s tax records. A review of the CJP’s fiscal year 2014-2015 tax filings with the State of Massachusetts just released reveals that Shrage received $343,056 in salary, $10,400 in benefit plans, and other compensation of $1,549,346 for a total of $1,902,802 – and this does not include health insurance, expense account, travel and automobile.
The CAMERA media watchdog’s Dec. 4 national conference at Harvard University.
Academics unpack BDS, anti-Semitism at media watchdog’s national conference By Sean Savage/JNS.org Many colleges and universities “don’t govern in a consistent way when it comes to Israel” and apply a “double standard” to how they treat Jewish victims of prejudice, Harvard University President Emeritus Lawrence Summers said at the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America’s national conference Dec. 4. Academics and campus professionals gathered for the media watchdog’s conference to discuss the complexion of the anti-Israel BDS movement as well as rising campus anti-Semitism.
Subtract the $1.3 million bonus and Shrage’s compensation is closer to $600,000 in 2014-2015 than the Board’s estimated $343,000. In addition, a review of Shrage’s compensation beginning in 2012 indicates he has been compensated at least $500,000 a year for the past five years.
SALES AND MARKETING PRO SOUGHT The Newton and Brookline VOICE are seeking a sales and marketing professional to bring to the local and wider business community the value of advertising in THE VOICE publications. This sales professional will be a self-starter who makes his or her own hours, whose salary will be based on sales generated for the publications. Dependent upon the level of experience, the final choice for this position will be given a draw and a generous commission scale unmatched. Perfect for a cracker jack real estate broker tired of the game and of the competition, and looking for a future with our publications. Please contact publisher Josh Resnek at 978-239-8860.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (left) meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in New York City Sept. 19, 2016.
Palestinian statehood: an idea whose time has passed By Stephen Flatow/JNS.org John Kerry and J Street are worried. They see their cherished dream of a Palestinian state slipping away. It’s not as if creating a Palestinian state is some kind of cherished principle that has been recognized and supported by everybody since time immemorial. In fact, it’s a very recent proposal that has always been fraught with problems, writes JNS.org columnist Stephen M. Flatow.
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December 13 - 26, 2016
Teachers discover hateful Brookline looking for two new graffiti at Brookline High School principals at Heath and Runkle Teachers at Brookline High have discovered multiple pieces of hateful graffiti, one of which offered political commentary on the recent election, and another that acts as a symbol of hate. A letter to parents and students signed by Superintendent Andrew Bott and BHS Interim Headmaster Anthony Meyer elaborated on these two incidents. The first was a piece of graffiti that read "’[F***KKK Trump]’ along with apparent responses of, ‘Hatred won't fix the problem’ and ‘Sure it won't but he's still awful.’” Although the letter acknowledges how some are struggling with the election, it also says definitively: “To be clear, there is no room for political discourse that borders on hate,” the letter says. The other involved a swastika being etched into a bathroom door, which may be a copycat incident of another swastika appearing on the chalkboards of the Lincoln School a couple weeks back. The letter also had something to say on that. "This is unacceptable. The swastika has a long history of hate; it is deeply concerning that anyone would draw this in our school.” Both incidents were immediately reported to the Anti Defamation League, and the school is working with the PTO to organize an event on civic responsibility in January. The graffiti has also been removed. This is an important letter, so if you haven’t seen it, we have it here in full for you: A message from BROOKLINE HIGH SCHOOL Dear Brookline High School Parents and Students, Over the weekend, we learned about offensive graffiti in two Brookline High School bathrooms. We write to offer more specifics on what we found as well as what we are doing short-term and long-term to address these disturbing and distressing incidents. On Saturday, a BHS teacher discovered a graffito that read, "[F***KKK Trump]" along with apparent responses of, "Hatred won't fix the problem" and "Sure it won't but he's still awful." We offer such specifics because they suggest the complexity of the issues and the struggle we have in talking openly and respectfully about them. To be clear, there is no room for political discourse that borders on hate. This year's presidential election spurred strong reactions. It is our commitment to support rigorous and open political debate,
while drawing clear boundaries around hate speech. No matter their political beliefs or party leanings, every student can reflect on our current political realities and engage in productive, civil debate. To this end, our social studies curriculum coordinator, Gary Shiffman, is teaming with the PTO to organize a day-long event in January on civic responsibility. The idea is that our students can come together at BHS and work collaboratively through ideas about political and civic responsibility. Later on Saturday, we heard from rightly concerned parents that they had received a photograph of a swastika etched into one of our bathroom doors. The swastika was written over another graffito which appears to be a tag name. The swastika does not seem to be connected to the tag name. It is unclear if this is a copycat incident following what occurred at Lincoln last week or if this is an unrelated and unique use of this symbol. Either way, this is unacceptable. The swastika has a long history of hate; it is deeply concerning that anyone would draw this in our school. This reminds us of the importance of the district's commitment following the incident at Lincoln last week to combat the normalization of this and other symbols of hate throughout our community.
The good people of Brookline are looking for two new principals for their Heath and Runkle schools. The search formally began in November for two principals, after four grade school principals left Brookline schools last year – including those at Heath and Runkle.
As of now, preliminary work is being done. In addition to the job being posted at numerous sites, both teachers and parents have been contacted to help form the search committee, made up of four parents, teachers, and administrators each.
Plans are that the search will run through winter, with finalist interviews planned to start on January 30 and end on February 9, by which point the search will be completed.
On December 8, Brookline Superintendent Andrew Bott met with Runkle faculty and Heath families. On December 20, Bott is meeting with Runkle families and Heath faculty.
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Darlenedevita.com
In the short-term, we will document and investigate these transgressions. We have removed the offensive graffiti. Long-term, we must look deeper, as history teaches us that these are not sudden changes but a slow erosion of civility and respect that threatens our welcoming and accepting culture. We are collaborating with the AntiDefamation League to strengthen civic discourse and the culture of respect we have long encouraged in our school and in our town. These student leaders will teach and support their peers and promote respect and civility in our community. This peer leadership program will complement longstanding and powerful work already in place at Brookline High School, including our upcoming Day of Courage, a dialogue about race and racism in our community. The Day of Courage is one of many examples of impactful student-led and studentcentered work at Brookline High School. Please discuss these incidents of graffiti with your students. We believe that home-school collaboration at times like these is essential as we work together address the myriad challenges they present for our students. Sincerely, Andrew Bott, Anthony Meyer Superintendent, Interim Headmaster, BHS
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December 13 - 26, 2016
Alex Picks: T
he five best movies of 2016
10 Cloverfield Lane 10 Cloverfield Lane is a movie that was fully announced mere weeks before it was released in theaters. It is vaguely a sequel to the original Cloverfield, the found footage monster movie from 2008, but ditches the original cast and perspective for new ones. Now a “regular” movie in third-person, 10 Cloverfield Lane follows Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Michelle, who, following a fight with her fiancé, gets into a car accident and is rescued by Howard (John Goodman). He takes her to a locked underground bunker, tells her that the world has ended, and refuses to let her leave under any circumstances. Is the world over? Is Howard just a crazy psychopath? What actually happened out there? It’s a very different, much better movie than the original Cloverfield, but it also plays with a similar sense of mystery and realism to the original Cloverfield film. The suspense is impressive, and the mystery is one worth unraveling.
Doctor Strange
Hacksaw Ridge
Arrival
In Mel Gibson’s true return to form, Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical movie about Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic in World War II who refused to carry or use a firearm of any kind. He was also the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor. It’s an extraordinarily violent story about love, war, religion, and heroism, and for me, it’s the best war movie since (and including) Full Metal Jacket.
The best movie about aliens in a long time. Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is a linguist tasked with communicating with aliens after numerous unidentified flying objects land on the planet. This movie works as well as it does because it takes place in a realistic world. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “what would happen if aliens actually landed in the world we live in today?”, this movie is the best answer we’ve got so far.
I did not expect two Marvel movies to make my list this year, but this one was pretty good. If you don’t know what Doctor Strange is, imagine if Dr. House was Harry Potter and went to Hong Kong instead of Hogwarts. In addition to that, imagine if the Harry Potter movies had a bigger budget, more violence, more humor, and some real trippy visuals. This is that movie. Is it as good as the best of Harry Potter? Up for debate. Was it a lot of fun and worth watching? Absolutely.
Captain America: Civil War Don’t get me wrong – it’s another movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the gazillion-dollar franchise where comic book heroes beat the stuffing out of other comic book heroes while shouting sassy banter at each other, all for $14 a ticket. Civil War, the third Captain America movie in this series, is one of the best in the MCU. This one introduces some darker, fantastical political themes, like superheroes causing mass destruction, and leads to some excellent fight scenes with Iron Man (the true hero in that movie, as far as I’m concerned). Also, it has the best film adaptation of Spider-Man, so you have that to look forward to if you haven’t seen this one yet.
Next time, in our last issue of 2016, I’m going to tell you all about the best video games of this year. And hey, if you disagree, go ahead and tell me how wrong I am at aculafi@ voicestaff.net. Your feedback may go in a future issue!
December 13 - 26, 2016
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December 13 - 26, 2016
CALENDAR
BOSTON ENTERTAINMENT AND BEYOND IMPROVISED HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
Every Friday at 10 p.m., throughout December, ImprovBoston features the National Touring Company and others, performing improvised holiday entertainment at ImprovBoston. Special added performances, too. $18. ImprovBoston.com.
A CELTIC CHRISTMAS SOJOURN
WGBH Presents Brian O’Donovan, making the holiday season sparkle with his and the group’s stories, dancing, and music, through Dec. 21, at the following locations: Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Emerson College, Boston, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. ;Dec. 17,21, at 3,7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 1,5 p.m.; Dec. 21, artsemerson.org, 617-824-8400; Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Providence, RI, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.; the Zeiterion Theatre of New Bedford, Mass., Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.; and Hanover Theatre, Worcester, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
LINDSAY CROUSE, CHRISTOPHER LYDON
Academy Award nominee Lindsay Crouse and radio personality Christopher Lydon deliver a benefit performance of Dylan Thomas’ holiday classic tale, “ A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. only, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. The performance includes a special Backstage preshow reception with hors d’oeuvres, fine wine, craft beer, brief live auction, etc. There’s also a post-show dessert and gourmet cof-
fees in the lobby. The events benefit Gloucester Stage Company. The entire package is $150; performance and dessert buffet, $50-$75. gloucesterstage.com, 978-281-4433.
at the Dance Complex’s Winter Wonder Festival, Dec.28-30. $30;pillow seats plus fees, $12. bostontheatrescene.com.
KOWLOON LINEUP
If you missed this brilliant Kander and Ebb musical when it appeared last month to accolades, take heart. The play returns to SpeakEasy Stage Company, Dec. 30-Jan.22, 2017, Roberts Studio Theatre, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion,Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. Get your tickets early before they sell out again. Speakeasystage.com.
Kowloon restaurant and Comedy Club of Route 1, Saugus, features comedian Robbie Printz, Dec. 16, 8:30 p.m., $20; The Hipshot Band, also Dec. 16, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., no cover charge; comedian Paul D’Angelo, Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m., $20; also Dec. 23, Wildfire, no cover, 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
KEVIN QUIGLEY
The director-writer-producer-standup comic-actor-writer comes to ImprovBoston’sMainstage Spotlight Series, Dec. 15, with his roving storytelling show, “Wild Memory Nation,” spinning his entertaining tales and presenting comedic improvised scenes in Cambridge. Following Quigley’s performance Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. is Aaron Wilson, actor-singer-songwriter-author, and Variety Entertainer Colin Campbell, Jan. 5, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. $18. Improvboston.com.
DANCE ALTERNATIVES
Critically acclaimed holiday dance favorites, Peter DiMuro/Public Displays of Motion’s “Gumdrops and The Funny Uncle,” an alternative non-Nutracker dance/ theater performance celebrating families of choice through an LGTBQ lens, and David Parker and the Bang Group’s “Nutcracked,” are performed in repertory, Dec.14-18, Boston Center for the Arts Black Box, 539 Tremont St., Boston. Gumdrops will also be performed
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS
A DOLL’S HOUSE
Huntington Theatre Company presents Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic dramatic play, Jan. 6-Feb. 5, 2017, BU Theatre, Avenue of the Arts, select Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.;select Sundays, 7 p.m.; matinees, select Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, at 2 p.m.264 Huntington Ave., Boston. Related events also. Tickets start at $25; senior, military, subscriber, BU community, 35-year-olds and younger, student discounts. huntingtontheatre.org, 617-266-0800.
CLUB OBERON
Check out the happenings at Club Oberon, 2 Arrow St., Cambridge: Club Drosselmeyer, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., $45-$80; Sound Society, The Sweetback Sisters country Christmas sing-along, Dec.15 8 p.m., tickets from $25; A Very Mary Christmas, Dec. 19, 8, p.m., $20; The Moth StorySLAMS, Usual Suspect, Dec. 20,Jan. 31,8p.m.; Sailor Moon Shoujo Spectacular, Dec. 29,
8 p.m. ,$10-$15; Sganekess: New Year’s Eve, 9 p.m., $15-$35; and much more. Visit cluboberon.com, or call 617-547-8300.
LIVE NATION NEW ENGLAND CONCERT LINE-UP
Thievery Corporation performs Dec. 13, House of Blues Boston; Rasputina, Dec. 14, Brighton Music Hall; Street Dogs, Dec. 15,16,18, Brighton Music Hall; Barrington Posse and Detour Posse, Dec.15, Paradise Rock Club; Brighton Music Hall;. Chadwick Stokes and friends, 9th annual calling all crows benefit weekend, Dec. 16, and Dec. 17, the Oh Hellos, both at Paradise Rock Club. livenation.com
BERKLEE PERFORMANCE CENTER
The following performers appear at the Berklee Performance Center: the Berklee Concert Jazz Orchestra, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. and A John Waters Christmas, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., 136 Mass Ave., Boston. Worldmusic.org. 617-876-4275.
A NUTCRACKER PANTO
Theater in the Open and Firehouse Center for the Arts present a combination holiday treat of ballet and panto, Dec. 16-18, Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 3,7 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Market Square, Newburyport. $16; seniors, students, members, $14. firehouse.org, 978-462-7336.
BOSTON BAROQUE NEW YEAR’S PROGRAM
The Boston Baroque presents Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” and Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor
READY FOR THE NEW YEAR BROOKLINE 335 Harvard Street 617-975-0075
December 13 - 26, 2016 BWV, with violinist/ Boston Baroque concertmaster Christina Day Martinson, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. and Jan. 1, 3 p.m., Sander’s Theatre, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge. $30-$90;students, $10; seniors, $20; under 30 years old, $30; discounts available at the box office 90 minutes pre-performance. bostonbaroque.org, 617-9878600.
JOURNEY TO THE WEST
Central Square’s accomplished, versatile Artistic Director Lee Mikeska Gardner directs “Journey to the West,” a comical adaptation of a 16th century Chinese novel, now through Dec. 31, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. $16-$61. 617-576-9278, centralsquaretheater.org.
“MATCHLESS” AND “THE HAPPY PRINCE”
Underground Theater director Debra Wise presents adaptations of Gregory Maguire’s novel, “Matchless,” based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, and Oscar Wilde’s beloved “The Happy Prince,” now through Dec. 31, Central Square Theater, 450 Mass. Ave., Cambridge.$15-$55. 617-576-9278, centralsquaretheater.org.
CHRISTMAS ON THE BAYOU
The Squeezebox Stompers bring their infectious brand of New Orleans’ Cajun/Zydeco music to Salem, Dec.15, 8:30 p.m.; at Cinema Salem,1 East India Square. $16. 978-744-1400, cinemasalem.com.
BACK BAY RINGERS
Boston’s premier handbell ensemble will perform its holiday concert “An English Christmas,” Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., First Church Boston, in Boston. $20; seniors, students, $15. Backbayringers.org or at the door.
FAITHLESS
Boston Playwrights’ Theatre presents Andrew Joseph Clarke’s new dramatic play, “Faithless,” through Dec. 18: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday,Saturday, 8p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. The play focuses on two generations of an Irish-American family, gathered together at the hospital. As their matriarch is dying, the black sheep of the family unexpectedly shows up. Starring are Boston’s favorites Maureen Keillor, Christine Power, East Boston’s native son, Greg Maraio, and Abby Knipp. 949 Comm. Ave., Boston. $30, BU faculty, staff, senior citizens $25; students with valid ID, $10.bostonplaywrights.org, 866-811-4111.
PARFUMERIE
Americana Theatre Company presents EP Dowdall’s adaption of this romantic holiday comedy, based on the Hungarian play, “Illatszertar,” by Miklos Laszlo, through Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; Plymouth Center for the Arts,
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11 North St., Plymouth. Pre-show receptions at 6:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 8-up. $25; group rates also. Americanatheatre.org, 508-591-0282.
THE WILBURY GROUP
The theater will hold the New England premieres of Young Jean Lee’s “Straight White Men,” and Amelia Bullmore’s “Di and Viv and Rose,” running in rotating performances, now through Dec. 23, 393 Broad St., Providence, RI. $15-$25. thewilburygroup.org, or call 401-400-7100.
GLOWBERON
Oberon presents monthly shows, Glowberon and the Afterglow Festival, through March 9, 2017, featuring solo performances and cabaret.
MURDER FOR TWO
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston presents comical musical mystery, “Murder for Two,” with book and music by Joe Kinosian and book and lyrics by Kellen Blair, through Dec. 24, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3,8 pm.; Sundays 3 p.m.; Wednesday matinee, 2 p.m., Dec. 21. Tickets start at $25; senior, group, student rush discounts. lyricstage. com, 617-585-5678.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
The Company Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ classic ghost tale through Dec. 18, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. companytheatre.com.
MAME
She’s back - not just that notorious, carefree lady of the 1920s - but versatile, award-winning actress, Kathy St. George in the title role, accompanied by a Boston star-studded cast and crew, through Dec. 23, at Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham. Tickets, $50-$55; seniors, $45-$50; students with valid ID, $20; Thrifty Thursday, student rush discounts. stonehamtheatre.org, 781-279-2200.
THE NUTCRACKER
Boston Ballet’s magnificent two-act, two-hour production of Mikko Nissinen’s reimagined classic ballet, featuring music by Tchaikovsky, is performed through Dec. 31, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Times vary. Tickets start at $35. bostonballet. org, 617-695-6955.
AMADEUS
Moonbox Productions and Grand Harmonie present Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning production, “Amadeus,” through Dec. 17, Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont St., South End, Boston.
Showtimes: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.. Fridays, Saturedays, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday matinees, 2 p.m. $50, $45, patrons under 25, $25; student rush a half-hour before performance, $15. Visit bostontheatrescene.com or call 617-933-8600.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Ogunquit Playhouse presents the beloved musical tale of Belle and the enchanted beast, whose time is running out, through Dec. 18,at the Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH. OgunquitPlayhouse.org or 207-646-5511.
GOING TO SEE THE KID
Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of Steven Drukman’s play, “Going to See The Kid,” through Dec. 24, Nancy L. Donahue Theater, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell.mrt.org, or call 978-5644678.
THE TEMPEST
Actors’ Shakespeare Project returns to Brookline’s Willet Hall at United Parish, performing Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” through Jan. 8, 2017, 210 Harvard St., Brookline. $30-$50. Actorsshakespeareproject.org, 866-811-4111.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
New Life Fine Arts presents David MacAdam’s musical adaptation of Dickens’ beloved ghost tale, Dec. 16-18, at the Groton Dunstable Performing Arts Center, 344 Main St., Groton. nifa.brownpapertickets.com.
SCULLERS JAZZ CLUB
Dec. may be cold outside, but the jazz is hot at Scullers with headliners Kurt Elling, Dec. 16,17, Doubletree Suits by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston. Info@ scullersjazz.com, scullersjazz.com.,
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Poor milkman Tevye wishes he had Trump’s fortune and fame, in New Repertory Theater’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” featuring a Boston all-star cast. The show expanded performances to January 1, 2017, before it opened Dec. 2, because of popular demand. Charles Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Associated events also. $35-$65;student, tickets, $20; senior, group discounts. Newrep.org.
RETURN OF THE WINEMAKER
Tir Na Productions presents Bernard McMullan’s dark Irish Christmas comedy starring Boston’s best Irish performers, Nancy E.Carroll, Colin Hamell, Stephen Russell and Derry Woodhouse, through Dec. 23, the Rockwell, 255 Elm St., Somerville.
STRAIGHT WHILTE MEN
The Wilbury Group Theater will hold the New England premieres of Young Jean Lee’s “Straight White Men,” and Amelia Bullmore’s “Di and Viv and Rose,” running in rotating performances, through Dec. 23., 393 Broad St., Providence, RI. $15-$25. thewilburygroup.org.
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Jordan Furniture’s Sunbrella ImaxTheatre in Reading and Natick has tickets for the new, spectacular film featuring 4K laser technology. Natick, call 508-8445170, Reading, 508-844-5171.
FINGERSMITH
American Repertory Theater presents the New England premiere of Alexa Junge’s play, based on the novel by Sarah Waters, through Jan.8, 2017, Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. Tickets start at $25. 617-547-8300, AmericanReperotryTheater.org.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre presents its unforgettable, spectacular production of Dickens’ Christmas ghost story, starring the one-and-only David Coffee as Ebenezer Scrooge, in the inclusive theater-inthe-round through Dec. 23, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. $59-$74. Kids 18-under save 50 percent on all evening performances. Nsmt.org, 978-232-7200.
AMERICAN BUFFALO
Gamm Theatre presents David Mamet’s “American Buffalo,” through Dec. 18, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Contains strong language. Check for special price performances. Gammtheatre.org.
EAMONN MCCRYSTAL AND CHLOE AGNEW
Emmy Award-winning Irish tenor Eamonn McCrystala and Celtic Woman star Chloe Agneew perform in concert Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., Boston Center for the Arts Calderwood Pavilion, Wimberly Theatre, 527 Tremont St., South End, Boston. $45,$65,$120. bostontheatrescene.com.
RHEA SIMON
Her Nov. 11 Cabaret gig at Club Café was canceled last-minute, but rescheduled for Dec. 30, 8-11 p.m., at the popular club’s Napolean room, Columbus Avenue, Boston.
HAND TO GOD
As a new year treat, SpeakEasy Stage Company presents Robert Askins‘ Broadway,multi-nominated, two-act, two-hour comedy, “Hand to God,” featuring Boston’s stars Lewis D. Wheeler, Marianna Bassham, Tyrone the Puppet and more, Jan.6-Feb. 4, 2017, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. 617-933-8600, bostontheatrescene.com. u/events
FAMILY FUN
HANUKKAH THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Jewish Arts Collaborative welcomes families to join in their “miraculously good celebration,” Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5-10 p.m., featuring Inworlds, a virtual reality performance, music by Ezekiel’s Wheels, Nigun Chamber Ensemble, and Cantor Becky Khitrik, a community menorah gathering dancing in the gallery with Wendy Jehlen, family stories and songs with Stephen Brickman, and gallery talks, craft projects and more, free of charge, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
VIENNA BOYS CHOIR
Those heavenly young voices perform Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Road, Lexington. $69,$79,$89. 617-531-1257. bluefrog.showare.com.
THE NUTCRACKER
Boston Ballet’s magnificent two-act, two-hour production of Mikko Nissinen’s reimagined classic ballet, featuring music by Tchaikovsky, is performed through Dec. 31, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Times vary. Tickets start at $35. bostonballet. org, 617-695-6955.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Boston Children’s Theatre presents its beloved production of this traditional children’s favorite holiday play, through Dec. 18, featuring an 11-member cast from local and regional cities and communities. Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston. Dec. 17, 18, 2 p.m.; also Dec. 17, 4 p.m. $20-$28. 617-424-6634, Ext. 222. Bostonchildrenstheatre.org.
ELF THE MUSICAL JR.
Marblehead Little Theatre presentss an all-youth cast in “Elf, the Musical, Jr,”’ through Dec. 18, 12 School
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St., Marblehead. $25; student matinees, $15. mltlive. org.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
The ART/MXAT Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University presents family musical, “James and the Giant Peach,” Dec. 17-31, at morning and afternoon shows. David Wood has adapted the musical from Roald Dahl’s book. Loeb Drama Center 64 Brattle St., Cambridge. @20. AmericanRepertoryTheater. org, 617-547-8300.
PJ LIBRARY FAMILY HANUKKAH CONCERT
The Lappin Foundation an Temple Ahavat Achim invite the community to a free, interactive family Hanukkah concert with Ellen Allard, Sunday, Dec. 18, 3-4 p.m., at the temple, 86 Middle St., Gloucester. A collection will be held for new pajamas, for area children in need, living in homeless shelters, infants to 8 years old, Reservations, posher@lappinfoundation.org, 978-740-4404.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Stage 284 welcomes families to its production of Irving Berlin’s classic holiday musical, Dec. 17, 3,7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18, 2,6:30 p.m.; Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m.,The Community House, 284 Bay Road, Hamilton. 978-468-4818, brownpapertickets.com/event/2666916.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Ocean State Theatre presents Irving Berlin’s classic holiday musical through Dec. 24, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI. Also related events. $39-$59 401-9216800, OceanStateTheatre.org. Rush tickets at $30 available on a limited basis an hour before the show.
PUPPET SHOWPLACE
Brad Shur and Chris Monti present “Tall Tales: Stories and Songs from Old New England,“ Dec. 15,16, 10:30 a.m.; Dec. 17,18, 1,3 p.m. for ages 4+ $12; and Puppet Showplace’s Christmas Vacation Family Performances , the National Marionette Theatre, performing “Peter and the Wolf,” Dec. 22,23, 10:30 a.m.; Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m., 1,3 p.m. for ages 5+; $15; “Pinocchio,” Dec. 26,27, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. $15; Pumpernickel Puppets performing “Sir George and the Dragon,” Dec.
The Brookline Voice 28,29, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. $15; and The Gottabees performing “Squirrel Stole my Underpants,” Dec. 39, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.; Dec. 31, January 1, 1,3 p.m.,$15. Puppet Showplace Theater, 32 Station St., Brookline. 617-731-6400, Ext. 101, Puppet Showplace.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE IMAX
Ongoing films at the museum’s mega-screen are “Dolphins,” “Extreme Weather,” and “National Parks Adventure,” Science Park, Boston.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM IMAX
Explore Galapagos and visit its natural inhabitants in “Galapagos: 3-D: Nature’s Wonderland,” see “Great White Sharks” and their underwater world, and follow whales and see how they communicate with each other in “Humpback Whales:3-D,” all ongoing, at New England Aquarium’s IMAX Theater, Boston.
DOCTOR STRANGE
Besides checking out the latest in furniture, food and fun at Jordan’s Furniture, you can purchase tickets for Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” film, at the Reading store, 508-844-5171, or Natick, 508-844-5170. “Inferno”. Current films are “Jack Reacher2,” rated PG-13, and IMAX Experience, “Voyage of Time,” rated G. Visit jordans.com.
HOLIDAY POPS
The celebrated Boston Pops continues its traditional holiday favorite performances, through Dec. 31 at Symphony Hall, 301 Mass. Ave., Boston, playing holiday favorites, a sing-along, visit from Santa Claus, children’s matinees, special treats, post-Christmas concerts featuring movie “Back to the Future,” with orchestral accompaniment and a New Year’s Eve celebration with the Pops’ Swing Orchestra, conducted by Bo Winiker. BSO.org, SymphonyCharge, 888-266-1200.
ENCHANTED VILLAGE
Jordan’s Furniture Store has opened its Enchanted Village, featuring a 20-minute Polar Express 4D ride ($6), Enchanted Ice, an indoor iceskating rink, a holiday laser light show, picture taking with Santa Claus, and sumptuous blueberry muffins. Jordans.com.
EXPLORE RASHI SCHOOL
The independent Reform Boston-area school for children in grades K-8 holds an information session Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.; small group tours, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. rashi.org, 617-969-4444.
BABY BOOT CAMP
The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton, offers an eight-week Baby Bootcamp Class, Tuesdays, through Dec. 20, 9:15-10 a.m., using resistance bands, weights, stroller, child, for cardio drills, strength training exercises, core work and stretching. All fitness levels welcome. For parents of non-walking babies 3-12 months. $168.Bostonjcc. org/register.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Charles Dickens’ immortal tale of stingy curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge appears through Dec. 31 in Trinity Repertory Company’s family-friendly production, 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. trinityrep.com, 401351-4242.
BOSTON CHILDREN’S THEATRE
The group performs two seasonal favorites, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” through Dec. 23, and “The Velveteen Rabbit,” through Dec. 18. Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang appear through Dec. 18, at the Larcom Theatre, 13 Wallis St., Beverly, and Dec. 21-23, the Roberts Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., South End, Boston. $10-$28. bostonchildrenstheatre.org.
WHEELOCK FAMILY THEATRE VACATION WEEK CLASSES
Winter Break camps for children ages 4-6, 7-8, 9-11,12-16 will be held Dec. 27-30. More information, registration, check out the theater group’s website.
PARENTING THROUGH A JEWISH LENS
Registration is open for Hebrew College and Combined Jewish Philanthropies-supported fall parenting classes for all ages and stages, held at several locations in the Greater Boston area: children under 18. Daytime classes include free babysitting. Scholarships, couples discounts available. Registration, information, hebrewcollege.edu/parenting, parenting@hebrewcollege.edu, or call Ahava Rosenthal at 617-559-8734.
BABY AND ME CLASS
Bring children ages 6 months to 3-years-old to the Marblehead Jewish Community Center, Fridays, 10:1511:30 a.m. for fun, baby-focused classes and the chance to meet other parents and caregivers, while children play together. Jccns.org.
FITNESS CLASS
North Suburban Jewish Community Center and Temple Ner Tamid sponsor Pilates, Sunday mornings, 10:3011:30 a.m., and zumba, Monday nights, 6:15-7:15 p.m., at Temple Ner Tamid, 368 Lowell St., Peabody. RSVP to arlyneg@nsjcc.org.
JCC GROSSMAN CAMP OPEN HOUSE
A free, open house for JCC Grossman Camp will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, 2-4 p.m., at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC 333 Nahanton St., Newton. Meet the camp director and staff. Learn about JCC Grossman Camp, its various activities for campers ages 4.5 to 15 years located on 75 acres of the Hale Reservation in Dover. Bus transportation available from more than 40 communities throughout Greater Boston. Extended day available in Newton at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC. Financial assistance available. Everyone welcome. bostonjcc.org/grossman, grossman@jccgb.org or 617244-5124.
KIDS NEW JEWISH LEARNING PROGRAM
Experiential skill-building classes connecting children to Jewish life is offered beginning in January, at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton. The classes are part of the center’s new program, Discovery Club, and include Earth Adventurers, Early Astronomers, Spicing it Up, Spectacular Storytellers, and Growing Gardeners, for children ages 5-8. Registration started December 8. bostonjcc.org/ discoveryclub, discoveryclub@jccgb, 617-558-6483.
SHORE COUNTRY DAY OPEN HOUSES
First Friday open houses continue on January 22, for co-educational students in grades pre-kindergarten to 9, 545 Cabot St., Beverly. Buses are provided for students from Andover, Gloucester, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Swampscott and Newburyport. First Friday open tours also offered. ShoreSchool.org. 978-927-1700.
QUESTROM HOLIDAY PARTY
BU Questrom School of Business hosts a holiday party, Thursday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m., at Harpoon Brewery, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. $15. questromalum@bu.edu.
SALEM THEATRE SOIREE
Join in the fun at Salem Theatre’s ugly sweater soiree, Dec. 17, with cash bar, food, raffles, prizes for the ugliest sweater,entertainment by Salem Theatre Creatives and more. $35, bit.ly/stcsoiree2016.
BUDDY DOG HUMANE SOCIETY OF SUDBURY
December 13 - 26, 2016 COLLECTION DRIVE Y3K
Tutor in Your Home of Newton is conducting its annual collection drive of various items now through Jan. 10, 2017, for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. They need blankets, towels, office supplies, toys, etc. that may be left at drop-off locations or picked up at your home. Y3KTutorInYourHome.com, NewtonTutor.com.
FLINT PUBLIC LIBRARY
From book clubs for adults, multi-age movie festivals, children’s events, teen and adult poetry and creative writing sessions, ukulele gatherings, and more. The Flint Public Library in Middleton offers a cornucopia of events for families throughout Dec..
REEL JEWS
The Lexington Institute of Jewish Studies presents Reel Jews: The Image of Jews in Film, with Professor Jonathan Krasner, Dec. 14, and Jan. 4, 2017, 7:459:30 p.m., Temple Isaiah,Lexington. The program is a collaboration with Temples Isaiah and Emunah. $60. Kosher refreshments served 7:45-8 p.m. Registration must include your name, email and phone mumber, course name, and check payable to the Lexington Institute for Jewish Studies. Mail to Bob Frankel, 3 Kimball Road, Lexington, MA 02421.
NEW YEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS
Attend a free open house Thursday, Dec. 15, 9-10 a.m. or schedule a tour to meet teachers and the school’s director, tour the classrooms and learn about the ELC’s educational philosophy, Bernice B. Godine JCC Early Learning Center,Leventhal-Sidman JCC,333 Nahanton St.,Newton. Limited openings available in January 2017 at the enrollment; information for September 2017 also available. Operated by the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston, the school is for children 6 weeks old to 5 years. Flexible hours and days with full week or part week options, full year and school year programs, early drop-off and extended day, swim lessons for four and five year olds and optional inhouse afternoon enrichment classes. Leventhal-Sidman JCC Family membership included. Everyone welcome. 617-558-6420, newton-elc@jccgb.org, bostonjcc.org/ earlylearning.
THREADS OF IDENTITY
Hebrew College welcomes contemporary female Jewish authors Jennifer Brown, Tova Mirvis and Anna Solomon, Thursday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., who will discuss “Threads of Identity,” at the college. There will also be a post-discussion sale of their books and book signing. $10, students free. Hebrewcollege.edu/ upcoming-events.
VOICES OF RESILIENCE AND HOPE
Hebrew College welcomes activists-inspirational spiritual leaders Rabbi Shoshana Friedman, the Rev. Mariama White-Hammond and the Rev. Fred Small, Saturday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., 160 Herrick Road, Newton Centre, who champion the cause of social justice through song. $10. Hebrewcollege.edu/ upcoming-events.
PARKINSON’S WELLNESS PROGRAM
The nine-week winter session of exercise and movement classes and support group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers continue at Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center, 333 Nahanton St., Newton.(Classes, $90). The support group meets Tuesdays, 2-3 p.m. ($45). Registration required. 617-667-1276.
PARENTING THROUGH A JEWISH LENS
Registration for fall parenting classes supported by Hebrew College and CJP, is held throughout the Boston area. Classes are offered for parents of children ages 0-10; tweens, ages 10-13, and teen-agers. Parents of all backgrounds welcome; free babysitting for daytime classes; scholarships, discounts offered. Hebrewcollege.edu/parenting, email parenting@hebrewcollege. edu.
COURSE ON JEWISH ART
Swampscott resident-Jewish studies scholar Nicole Levy, through the Explorers Lifelong Learning Institute in Salem, presents a four-part lecture series, “Jewish Art During Times of Change.” The institute is geared towards individuals 50 years old and older, but Levy also welcomes students from the general community. Visit salemstate.edu/explorers or call 978-744-0804.
ENGAGING ISRAEL: FOUNDATION FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP
Temple Emanu-El and Congregation Shirat Hyam present rabbis David Meyer and Michael Ragozin, leading the Engaging Israel project, where Jews join others from around the world, to think about Israel, its meaning in their lives, and the enrichment and positive influence of the reality of a Jewish nation. The discussions are held Tuesdays, 7:30-9 p.m., January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, May 23, June 6, at alternating synagogues , JCC, Hillel Academy and synagogue members, $36; general community, $50. shirathayam.org/iengage. Check for Temple Emunah’s ongoing programs, EmunahAdEdbrochure.
JEWISH BOOK MONTH SPEAKER SERIES
The series includes a family event featuring Martha
The Brookline Voice
December 13 - 26, 2016
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Seif Simpson and “The Dreidl That Wouldn’t Spin,” Sunday, Dec. 15, Cohen Hillel Academy, 6 Community Road, Marblehead. JCCNS.org. or call 781-476-9909.
WISE AGING Hadassah Northeast presents Wise Aging, an eightweek program geared to women ages 60 and over, featuring Muriel Heiberger, who will explore this stage of life in a peer group on Thursdays. The group continues through Dec. 15, 1-3:15 p.m., Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington. $100, which includes purchase of Rabbi Rachel Cowan’s book, “Wise Aging,” refreshments. Space limited to 12 participants. hne@ hadassah.org.
MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUES Three leagues in Men’s Basketball will begin in January at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center. Under 35, Over 35 “A” (more competitive) and Over 40 “B.” The Under 35 league plays on Thursday evenings, 6:30-9:30 p.m.; Over 35 “A” league plays on Wednesday evenings, same time; and the Over 35 “B” league plays on Sunday mornings. 7:30-10:30 a.m. Individual or team sign-ups are allowed. The leagues are open to the entire community. The JCC is located at 333 Nahanton Street in Newton. Contact basketball@jccgb. org or 617-558-6464.
TIFERET SHALOM OPEN HOUSE Peabody Reform Jewish congregation welcomes people of all backgrounds to its open houses located in several areas of the North Shore. For information or to RSVP to a site, e-mail bsimons@templetiferetshalom.org.
JCC MASTERS SWIM PROGRAM The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center at 333 Nahanton St., Newton, holds year-round a Masters Swim training program on Sundays, 7:15-8:15 a.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays 6:15-7:15 a.m., geared to adults (age 19+) who want to improve their overall fitness, swim for fun, develop better technique and train for triathlons or swim competitions. Included are professional coaching, structured workouts, drills and speed sets. Aquatics@jccgb.org.
FOOD AND WINE: EATING ARCHAEOLOGY Boston University alumni invite people to join graduate students from the Department of Archaaelogy as chefs recreate dishes from pre-Hispanic Aztecs, Bronze Age, Greece and China, also sponge cake from a 19th century Boston brothel and other historic tastes, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. 808 Comm. Ave., Boston. Space is limited. Alumni@bu.edu.
LATKES Chefs from Boston’s newest Jewish deli, Mamaleh’s Delicatessen, welcome participants to Latkes: Beyond Bubbie’s Kitchen Pop-up, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m., 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge. $35. /upcoming-events.
ART EXHIBITIONS AND MUSEUMS JOE GREENE’S PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITS
Photographer Joe Greene exhibits his latest film-based photographic works at the Gallery at Digital silver Imaging, through Jan. 8, 2017, 9 Brighton St., Belmont, and his Winter Solstice Show at the Griffin Museum of Photography through Jan. 1, 2017, 67 Shore Road, Winchester. Visit joegreenephoto.com.
JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY AND MUSEUM Visitors flock from all over to the museum at Columbia Point, Boston, open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 617-5141600. $14; seniors, students, $12; ages 13-17, $10; members, children under 13, free. jfklibrary.org.
MARY BAKER EDDY LIBRARY PETER BODGE Art educator-jazz historian Peter Bodge’s exhibition of “Jazz Art,” jazz-themed prints made with linoleum, wood and mono prints, contain images of sheet music, floating notes, vibrating classic jazz instruments, and portraits of jazz greats. The exhibition is displayed through Jan. 1, at the Firehouse Center for the Arts’ Institution for Savings Art Gallery, Market Square, Newburyport. firehouse.org, 978-462-7336.
The famous mapparium, Hall of Ideas commemorating people who have been inspired by concepts throughout history, Mary Baker Eddy’s writings and much more are displayed at the 200 Mass. Ave., Boston library-museum. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $6; seniors, students, and children ages 6-17, $4; children under 6 years old, free. marybakereddylibrary.org, 617-450-7000.
ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM THE SPORTS MUSEUM Besides going to TD Garden to watch the Celtics and Bruins play, browse through the Sports Museum,100 Legends Way. Boston. Open daily 10a.m.-4 p.m. $12; student, seniors, $6; military,childrn under 10 years old, free. sportsmuseum.org, 617-624-1234.
This beautiful museum isn’t known only for the notorious art heist there, but features several artistic exhibits and displays, 25 Evans Way, Boston. Wednesday-Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11a.m.-9 p.m. $15; seniors, $12; students, $5; age under 18 and visitors named Isabella, free; $2 off with same-day admission to Museum of Fine Arts Boston.617-566-1401, gardnermuseum.org.
The Fruitlands Museum features a new, special exhibition, Winter at Fruitlands Museum, showing wintertime daily life in 18th- and 19th century New England, displaying art, artifacts from the museum’s Transcendentalist, Shaker, Native American and landscape painting collection, through March 26, 2017. Winter admission for nonmembers, $5, members and children under 5 years old, free.102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, Mass. fruitlands.org, or 978-456-3924.
SHOES: PLEASURE AND PAIN The new exhibition at Peabody Essex Museum features 300 pairs of shoes for men and women, created by more than 130 designers and artists, including Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Prada, through March 12, 2017. It features footwear worn by Queen Elizabeth and Queen mother, Lady Victoria, Elton John, David Beckham and several other celebrities. East India Square, Salem. Pem.org.
KONEKXION DE’ The Gallery at Spencer Lofts’ sole exhibition of painter Colette Bresilla’s works runs through Dec. 30. Hours by appointment. 60 Dudley St., Chelsea. info@galleryspencerlofts.com.
MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY The museum features great abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass, and thousands of artwork, documents and photos depicting African-American early life in New England, 46 Joy St., Beacon Hill, Boston. Monday-Saturday, 10a.m.-4 p.m. $5; seniors, children ages 13-17, $3; under 13,free. 617-725-0022, maah.org.
INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART Works by Kara Walker, Louise Bourgeois, Marlene Dumas and others are highlighted at the museum’s “First Light: A Decade of Collecting at the ICA/Boston,” through January 16, 2017. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston. $15; seniors, $13; students, $10; members, children under 18, free, also Thursdays, after 4 p.m.617-478-3100, icaboston.org.
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ARMENIAN MUSEUM OF AMERICA Located at 65 Main St., Watertown, the museum offers exhibition, “Women’s Work,” through February 28, and more. Thursday-Sunday, noon-6 p.m. $7; students, seniors, $3;members, children under 12, free.armenianmuseum.org, 617-926-2562.
BOSTONIAN SOCIETY OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM Located at 26 Washington St., Boston, this museum is open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10;seniors, students, $8.50; members, military and children under 18, free. bostonhistory.org, 617-720-1713.
CONSTRUCTED VIDEO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS The prestigious museum, located at 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, is open Monday, Tuesday,Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $25 ;seniors, students ages 18-up, $23;during school hours, children ages 7-17, $10; children under 18 on weekends after 3 p.m.,weekends and Boston Public School holidays, and museum members, free.617-3679300, mfa.org.
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DA VINCI: THE GENIUS The Museum of Science presents the fascinating, comprehensive traveling exhibition touting Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci’s works as a painter, sculptor, anatomist, inventor of military equipment, musical instruments, architectural, engineering and scientific inventions, including his plans to create the military tank, battering ram, bicycle, airplane, helicopter, and much more. Museum admission to the exhibition, located near the museum’s Hall of Human Life, is included in the Exhibit Halls ticket fee:$25; seniors, $25; children ages 3-11, $20. Visit mos.org or call 617-723-2500.
THE WEST END MUSEUM See The Last Tenement, documenting the area’s history,architecture and immigrant inhabitants,1850-1958, 150 Staniford St., Boston. Free. thewestendmuseum. org, 617-723-2125.
JOY AND PEACE ON EARTH ART EXHIBIT Local artists’ works are exhibited through Jan. 7, 2017, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., Saturdays, 12-2 p.m. Clock Tower Gallery, 45 Pauline St., Winthrop. winthropculturalcouncil.org, winthropculturalcouncil@gmail.com.
COMFORTS , CURES AND DISTRACTIONS
Boston Cyberarts Gallery’s new exhibit, “Constructed Video,” featuring work by Georgie Friedman, Robin Mandel and Andrew Neumann, is Friday, is displayed through Dec. 18,141 Green St., Jamaica Plain. Free, open to the public. Visit bostoncyberarts.org, call 617524-8495, or email info@bostoncyberarts.org.
ANATOLY DVERIN From Russia With Art Gallery features as its holiday exhibit the Ukrainian-American impressionist and artworks from 15 artists and jewelry designers from Russia, Ukraine, and America, through Dec. 24, 281 Concord Ave., Cambridge. Gallery hours Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. a,m,-7 p.m., excluding November 8 and 24. Fromrussiawithart.org.
MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ICONS The museum features exhibition Holy Fools to Wonder Workers:Saints of the Orthodox Faith, through Feb.26; Two Imperial Icons, through May 14, 2017.; Ornament craft night, Dec. 1,5:30-7:30 p.m.,and Nicholas Nicholson appears with an honored, royal guest, A Royal Reception, Dec. 3, 4-6:30 p.m.,($25,$30). Museum information, hours, fees, museumofrussianicons.org.
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The Brookline Voice
December 13 - 26, 2016
The Brookline Voice
December 13 - 26, 2016
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ewton Centre on a sunny and of the family at local scenes in “What about the kids?” Bret kids – teenagers – took up all their pleaded (18 year-old son, 17 year spare time leaving nothing for one Newton. December morning. another. His wife had come to be In the kitchen, Bret sat down in -old daughter).
Bret Reardon is having his coffee and reading the Newton Voice. He is doing so in the post presidential period – an apocalyptic period for many millions of Americans, a breath of hope for many millions who backed Donald Trump. Bret is reading the Voice, but he’s having trouble concentrating. Trump isn’t bothering him – the uncertainties of his future are weighing him down. He sips his coffee. He raises his head. He looks around but he can’t focus on anything. Not since his wife came home in the early evening after work recently and met him face-to-face in the hallway of their extravagant home on Pine Road had he been able to concentrate. Trying to read the Voice again, trying to focus positively on anything but his life, he couldn’t erase from his mind what had transpired with his wife. He tried to greet her with a kiss when she arrived home. She turned her head away. “What’s that all about?” he asked her. “We need to talk,” she said. “Are the kids home?” she asked. “No,” he said. “Good.” “Let’s sit down at the kitchen table and talk,” she suggested. She fixed her long brown hair by running her fingers through it. She put down her laptop and carrying case. They walked one behind the other through the hallway decorated with photographs of them as young lovers, as parents, as a young family on trips away,
his chair. His wife faced him from the other side of the butcher block table.
“What’s up?” Bret asked his wife. Like many men in conventional marriages that are failing, he was about to be surprised, but had no comprehension of this at that moment. In a cruel irony, he was the last person to know his life was about to be shattered. “I’m going to need more space,” his wife answered. Bret paused for a moment thinking her reply was funny. Certainly she can’t be serious, he thought to himself. The home they had shared for 18 years is spacious, about 4,000 square feet. “We could get a larger home,” Bret said. He smiled hopefully. His effort miserably.
at
humor
failed
“Bret,” his wife said decisively. “You don’t get it. This is serious. I’m moving out.” The silence at the kitchen table blotted out reality. This was a seminal moment in their marriage. They had their differences. But he loved her from the day they met, and she had loved him, but now she was saying the love was lost – irretrievably gone – and she was leaving. He couldn’t understand what his wife had said to him. He was blind to what she needed, but then, even she didn’t exactly know where she was heading other than out of the house. In an instant he transited from middle-aged man comfortable in his own Newton home with his wife and family, to middle-aged man at the epicenter of a life-changing earthquake.
“They’ll survive. We will sit down with them and tell them when they return later on. What I’m most concerned about is you and me. Whatever we had, its gone – finished – done. You don’t see it. But I do. I can’t live this way anymore. I need to change my life. I’m done,” she added. “But I love you. Doesn’t this mean anything to you?”
“You think you love me, Bret. But you don’t. We’ve been in trouble for a long time. When I’m out of your life you’ll find someone else. We simply shouldn’t be together any longer. One of us had to take the first step,” she added.
just an appurtenance of his life at a time when she was needing more. She was tired of her life. He wasn’t tired of his life, but lacked insight into where their relationship was going. Nor had he thought much about his wife’s being out much of the time, or visiting with her therapists. He had refused marriage counseling. He said it was a waste. He refused therapy saying he considered that too, a waste. “I don’t need it,” he told her emphatically some months back.
Silence again. Unnerving quiet.
By comparison, she’d return from therapy and he’d ask her how the session went.
“Is it someone else?” He asked her, grasping for straws during a terrorizing moment.
“We worked on some difficult issues today,” she generally responded.
She hesitated. She gathered herself together. She answered defiantly.
“What difficult issues? What the hell is she talking about? What can be so wrong about her life?” he’d say to himself.
“Yes,” she said. “Are you having an affair?” “Yes.” “Is it serious?” “Yes.” “I’m in love with someone else.” Trying to read the Voice at Peet’s, all of this horror and discovery came back to Bret. He went over the kitchen table scene again and again. He sat back in his chair. He thought about his situation. It was incomprehensible to him. Now he understood all the working out at the gym his wife said she was doing. She had slimmed down. She was looking great, better than he could recall – but he hadn’t paid much attention to how distracted they were, or how dismal their sex life was, or how the
Everything was wrong about her life. Her husband. Her kids. Her dogs. Her friends. Her new lover, a divorced Jewish businessman from Brookline was crazy about her. He couldn’t keep his hands off her. Between them, they had not an instance of emptiness or question about what they had embarked on some months back. She was in the throes of an affair. Typical of such a delusional situation, the infatuation was mostly about sex and much less about reality. Bret finished his coffee. He walked out of Peet’s into the new day that was upon him. He took a great breath in and let out a mournful sigh. He got lost in the parking lot on the way to his car.
J.R.
14
The Brookline Voice
December 13 - 26, 2016
2016 HolidAy Shopping Guide Since this is our last issue of The Voice before both Christmas and Hanukkah, I thought it would be fun to do a Holiday shopping guide for those of us still getting our shopping done in mid-December (like me, cough cough). Most of this comes from experience, so I consciously tried to make this guide applicable to people in all walks of life. I also tried to give ideas for things of multiple price ranges, so I’m hoping you can at least find something meeting your specific situation.
Alcohol What: Ouzo of Plomari Why: It’s extremely strong, licorice-flavored Greek booze. This specific brand is also one of the bestliked in both Greece and the United States. I always keep some of this on my shelf for cold weather, and I actually have a bit next to me as I write this. Who: Anyone who wants to feel just as warm on the inside as they do on the outside (or that Greek person you know). Where: Not every liquor store sells ouzo, but larger ones should have it. Again, Blanchards in Allston carries it. How much: $20, and often comes packed with a couple of branded shot glasses to enjoy it with. What: Duchesse de Bourgogne beer Why: It’s a delicious, slightly classier beer produced in Belgium where it is aged for 18 months. It’s quite sweet, and not overly bitter, making it perfect for light holiday drinking. Who: That person who you want to buy alcohol for but isn’t much of a beer person. Where: Many liquor stores and online outlets. Blanchards over in Allston, for one. How much: $13-15 for a 25.4 ounce bottle. What: Left Hand Milk Stout
Get it in Brookline What: Albert’s of Brookline flowers Why: Beautiful floral arrangements from one of the highest-rated flower shops in Brookline. Fancy jars, fresh flowers, and same day delivery. Who: As flowers are not permanent, this probably won’t be the one gift you get for someone. But if you need to give someone some fancy Hanukkah or Christmas flowers, this is the place to go. Where: 1392A Beacon Street in Brookline, or on their website, www. albertsbrooklineflorist.com
How much: Bouquets start at $30. Most are around $40-50, and some go much higher.
What: Wacom Bamboo Notepad
When all else fails
Why: A sweet device that lets you send any sketches or notes you make on regular paper to your smartphone or tablet.
What: Amazon Gift Card
Why: Another beer, this time a completely different one. A delicious, very dark stout that tastes like a slightly more mature take on other stouts you may have had. It’s also just a little sweet, giving it a light Christmas flavor. Pair with cookies to give this a bit of a Santa angle.
Who: Anyone in your life who draws a lot, takes a lot of notes, and keeps a lot of crumpled paper around.
Who: Your Guinness-drinking family and friends.
What: Hatchimals
Where: Basically any big liquor store you can think of that sells an interesting beer or two.
Why: It’s this year’s impossible-to-find holiday toy. It’s an egg that you nurture (mostly by petting it), and it eventually hatches into a stuffed animal.
How much: About $10 for a 6 Pack.
Tech What: Apple Watch Series 2 Why: It looks just like the older Apple Watch, but now it’s waterproof, has an extremely bright backlight visible under sunlight, and carries GPS. Who: Your grandson who loves Apple products and doesn’t have this one yet. Where: Any Apple Store, most electronics stores, and many online outlets. How much: From $369. What: PlayStation 4 Pro Why: It’s the new PlayStation 4, and the first system capable of 4K gaming. In other words, it’s the most powerful video game console released to date.
Where: Best Buy, and other online outlets. How much: $130.
Toys
Who: That 8-year-old kid who wants to impress their friends almost as much as you want to impress them. Where: Any toy store or, more realistically, eBay. How much: $60 (or three times that much in online auction). What: Learn2Love Elmo Why: It’s like all of the Elmo toys you remember from yesteryear, except this one can say your kid’s name. It can also be programmed via an app to say any one of over 350 responses. Who: Any kid who would benefit from a technologically advanced Elmo toy in 2016. Where: Amazon and most toy stores. For better or worse, these don’t seem to be sold out anywhere.
Who: Anyone you know with a 4K television.
How much: $60, but cheaper online.
Where: Anywhere that sells video games, like at your nearest GameStop, Target, or Best Buy.
Why: It’s a Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet.
How much: $400, and often comes bundled with a game.
What: Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet
Who: Any kid that loves Star Wars, obviously. The movie coming out has Darth Vader in it, so this is a rather timely kid’s gift. here: Toy stores, and Hasbro’s own toy website.
Why: Everyone loves an Amazon gift card. It’s like money but it’s not straight cash so you still feel like you’re giving them a tangible gift. Everyone wins. Who: Mostly young people, but I can’t think of anyone who would be upset about free Amazon credit. Where: Amazon.com, or basically any store that sells gift cards. How much: Anywhere between $1 and $2,000. How much: $40. What: Universal Yums subscription box Why: Every month, a curated box of snacks from one country somewhere in the world shows up at your door. It’s a different country every month, and features snacks in both the sweet and salty variety. Who: Anyone you need to get a creative gift for but have no idea what to get. Where: www.universalyums.com How much: Starts at $14 per month. What: Birchbox Why: Another monthly subscription service, only instead of snacks, this one sends five personalized, curated beauty and grooming sample-size products your way every single month. It’s one of the most popular among these kinds of boxes, and the service has been extremely well-received. There are both men’s and women’s versions. Who: Anyone who would love to get monthly beauty and grooming products sent to their door. Where: www.birchbox.com How much: $30 for a three-month gift subscription.
Happy holidays!
December 13 - 26, 2016
The Brookline Voice
A sneak peek at Trump's America By David Stanford
The incoming president has me a little agitated. Donald Trump’s adjective-riddled rhetoric and Tweet-centric campaigning has given way to the real business of molding an actual administration. We’re getting a clear view of how our country might look, a feel for how we’ll get on with the rest of the world. As I gaze over the swamp, I think to myself… Bring back the alligators! Call me a 'fraidy cat, but the retrograde renaissance is a gigantic bummer as far as I’m concerned. I see a nation in which the education chief champions non-publicschool education, the environment is bilked instead of protected, the housing crisis is pawned off on a somnambulant doctor, enriching and empowering insurance companies is the key to dignified healthcare, nuance is trivial, regulations are for worrywarts, bluster is diplomacy, and Supreme Court justices are encouraged to use hyper-narrow interpretations of the Constitution to crush people. Too much? I’ll concede to pushing (OK, slamming) the panic button. But, man, the hits keep on comin’. This week came news that Trump has tapped Andrew Puzder to serve as labor secretary. Puzder is the head of a company that owns the fast-food chains Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. Naturally, Puzder hates the Affordable Care Act more than people who fail to super-size their lunch orders. He’s a staunch opponent of minimum wage hikes and overtime pay. Hey, America’s exploited service workers: What else do you have to lose? (Plenty.) Puzder also bolsters Trump’s sterling reputation for treating women with respect. From the New York Times: “The advertisements that Mr. Puzder’s companies runs to promote its restaurants frequently feature women wearing next to nothing while gesturing suggestively. ‘I like our ads,’ he told the publication Entrepreneur. ‘I like beautiful women eating burgers in bikinis. I think it’s very American.’” Andy, Andy, Andy. Women eating burgers in bikinis might be entirely American, but it’s a touch gross. Whatever. Less is more. Less health coverage. Less worker protections. Less clothing. If Trump were a mayor, he’d hire a wolf as dogcatcher. Hard to imagine why more than two million people opted for the Democratic nominee instead of Donald Trump. Sorry. Low blow. Did you see how many counties Trump won! For a brief moment, I had the temerity to think the popular vote represented something real. But I smartened up when I saw all the counties Trump captured in states like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
I’m sure the County Cry resonates in Brookline, where Clinton racked up 24,583 votes to Trump’s 3,175, and Newton, where Clinton out-paced her opponent, 35,395-7,644. Trump supporters and commentators can desist with the repetitive reminders that people living in “bubbles” like Greater Boston failed to grasp how “angry” so many Americans are. We get it. If it wasn’t crystal clear on election night, it was late last month when alt-right poster boy Brian Spencer exclaimed “Hail Trump” as part of remarks that featured this ode to a God complex: “America was, until this last generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation and our inheritance, and it belongs to us.” True, Spencer isn’t one of Trump’s cabinet nominees. But Jeff Sessions is. Political correctness might drive a lot of people bananas, but it’s not OK to call a black man “boy,” as the Attorney General nominee is alleged to have said to a prosecutor. The same prosecutor further testified that Sessions said he thought the Ku Klux Klan was “OK until I found out they smoked pot.” (Don’t you use that burning cross to light that joint! Don’t you do it!) There are other concerns as well, no? There’s the nagging matter of conflicts of interest — which are beyond my grasp, but not those of watchdogs and constitutional lawyers. There’s his thin skin and humorlessness. There’s his proclivity for circling the wagons, as evidenced by his manic tweeting and post-victory campaign rallies. He’s an exquisite, unapologetic liar. His first day in public office will be his first day in the Oval Office. Trump campaigned on the premise that America basically stinks. Our politicians are ineffectual weaklings who couldn’t negotiate the purchase of a Nissan Sentra, and our military leaders couldn’t pick an ISIS soldier out of a line up of Hare Krishna’s. To listen to Trump one had to marvel how he was able to make and lose and regain so many millions of dollars over the years. You’d think he might tend to think America was great to begin with. Nah. It’s rigged, and only people as smart as Trump know how to manipulate it. The audacity of hope gave way to the valor of dread. It’s all so divisive! No kidding. Trump won the Electoral College in a romp, while Clinton carried the popular vote by a not-insignificant margin. What else but divisiveness could arise from an election/ philosophical toss-up like this? And, shoot, I almost forgot: Happy holidays!
Editorial
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Cordis Management, Inc.
Second generation of carpentry, fabrication and installation services for architects, designers and owners. Serving Newton, Brookline and Back Bay. 617.889.6699
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91 Union Street, Newton Centre 617-527-2701
Engagement Ring Specialists Designers and Fabricators of Fine Jewelry For you and no one else!