Boston MA - 2 by The 55 Spotlight

BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS | VOL. 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

RETIREMENT

INVESTING

RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES

VACATION

TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

SEPT 26 - 29

OCT 3 - 6

OCT 10 - 13

OCT 17 - 20

OCT 24 - 27

NOV 7 - 10

NOV 14 - 17

NOV 21 - 24

DEC 5 - 8

DEC 12 - 15

Presidents Cup

* Schedule subject to change

The Royal Montreal GC • Montreal, Quebec • CAN

Sanderson Farms Championship

NBC, GOLF, PEACOCK, SXM

The Country Club of Jackson • Jackson, MS • USA GOLF, SXM

Black Desert Championship

Black Desert Resort Golf Course • Ivins, UT • USA GOLF, SXM

Shriners Children’s Open

TPC Summerlin • Las Vegas, NV • USA

ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP

ACCORDIA GOLF • Chiba • JPN

World Wide Technology Championship

SXM

El Cardonal at Diamante • Los Cabos • MEX GOLF, SXM

Butterfield Bermuda Championship

Port Royal Golf Course • Southampton • BER GOLF, SXM

The RSM Classic

Sea Island Golf Club • St. Simons Island, GA • USA GOLF, SXM

Hero World Challenge

Albany GC • Albany • BAH NBC, GOLF

Grant Thornton Invitational

Tiburón Golf Club • Naples, FL • USA

PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry

Dye’s Valley Course • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA

GOLF

+ Signature Event

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 8 - 7

| ARTS FESTIVAL

Located in Christopher Columbus Park, free art and music festival featuring more than 70 juried local visual artists, craftspeople, and local musicians performing on the Waterfront Stage throughout the day. including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture, and much more For more info visit: thebostonartsfestival.com

SEPT 15 | FOOD FESTIVAL

Boston Local Food Festival is a deliciously free outdoor event on the Greenway that connects Massachusetts and New England eaters of all backgrounds with the abundance of fresh, nutritious local food choices available close to home. For more info visit: bostonlocalfood.org

OCTOBER

DAT OCT 4 - 14 ES | Topsfield Fair

Enjoy a day at the Topsfield Fair - America’s oldest and finest agricultural fair w/ New England‘s largest carnival midway, cool demos, a Grange Museum, pumpkin weigh-offs, live entertainment and the 4-H Agricultural/Arts and crafts exhibits. For more info visit: topsfieldfair.org

OCT 18 - 20 | CHARLES REGATTA

Since 1965, the Head of the Charles Regatta has brought thousands of rowers to the Charles River to compete in the world’s largest 3-day regatta! This year, more than 11,000 rowers from around the globe will compete in the 2024 Head of the Charles Regatta from October 18-20, 2024. But the fun isn’t just limited to competitors. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, the Regatta offers spectators a variety of ways to experience the event. For more info visit: hocr.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

NOVEMBER

NOV 7 - 10 | FOOD & WINE FEST

Annual festival to celebrate hospitality, service, restaurants and local purveyors! For more info visit: ptownfoodandwinefestival.com

NOV 29 - 30 | CASTLEBERRY FAIR

This three day holiday shopping bonanza includes over 250 of the nation’s finest Craftspeople, displaying and selling this American made works; including Holiday Décor, Pottery, Tile, Lace, Fine Jewelry, Resin and so much more. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3mpce4ar

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 22 | WINTER FEST

Every weekend of the SoWa Winter Festival, stop by and enjoy the selections of some of Boston’s best food trucks! Take a break from shopping and enjoying the holiday spirit to grab a bite to eat under the heated lamps and patio tables. The bar and beer garden will also be open for you to enjoy winter

libations!For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/2ven25zw

DEC 26 - 31 | FROZEN FIRE FEST

Featuring a variety of local craft brews, wine, seasonal specials as well as non-alcoholic options. Food trucks will be rotating on festival days in addition to HOUSE SMOKED BBQ! Food and celebration go hand and hand so be sure to check out the daily offerings. Grab a spot by the fire and enjoy spectacular entertainment and good company while sipping your favorite beverage. For more info visit: frozenfirefestival.com

Dec 31 | First Night

Since 1975, Boston’s First Night has been a New Year’s Eve celebration of artistic performances, the wonders of the December events season, and the beginning of a new year. In keeping with this fantastic Boston tradition, the First Night celebration continues to be free and open to all. For more info visit: firstnightboston.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

JANUARY

JAN 16 - 19 | BOSTON CELTIC MU-

SIC FESTIVAL

The 2025 festival will showcase Greater Boston’s deep tradition of music, song and dance from Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois and other Celtic communities. BCMFest features acts that are traditional as well as others that draw on contemporary sounds and ideas; full-time, professional touring acts as well as local session musicians; highlighting performers from across the generations. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/3f4mwn7p

FEBRUARY

FEB 4 - 16 | FUNNY GIRL

Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!

For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/338efbcc

MARCH

MARCH 16 | ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Make March memorable and magical with a variety of activities that celebrate Irish heritage! Find good cheer with cross cultural activities, in-person and virtual performances, or a traditional Irish meal. For more info visit: southbostonparade.org

APRIL

APRIL 21 | BOSTON MARATHON

The Boston Marathon is the world’s largest annual marathon, traditionally held on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April. The Boston Marathon ranks as one of the world’s best-known road racing events. It is one of six World Marathon Majors. For more info visit: baa.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

MAY

MAY TBA | BOSTON CALLING

The annual three-day music festival showcases more than 50 performances across multiple stages, 30+ local food vendors, a 100-foot Ferris wheel, art installations, life-size games, and other exciting activities. For more info visit: bostoncalling.com

MAY 14 - 18 | FOOD & WINE FEST

With the help of island purveyors, restaurants and retailers, founder Denis Toner created what would become one of the most prestigious events of its kind. When the first vintners arrived to the island and bottles were uncorked, a magical tradition was launched. The festival now draws over 4000 attendees to the island for this annual spring fête and boasts a continually growing family of vintners, wineries, renowned chefs and restaurants. For more info visit: nantucketwinefestival.com

JUNE

JUNE 8 | PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL

The festival is known for showcasing the best of local and internationally-renowned Portuguese cuisine and entertainment, as well as participation by local Portuguese-American social and cultural organizations. Portuguese gastronomy is one of the highlights of our festival with the presence of many local restaurants. At the food tents you can try a traditional bifana or a pastel de nata and many other traditional portuguese dishes. For more info visit: bostonportuguesefestival.org

JUNE 28 | BEANFEST

Hosted on the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston “Beantown,” MA, the Beantown Beanfest™ is a free, all-day public event that will feature vendors from across the region representing different ethnic cuisines and products that feature beans. Enjoy free food and product samples, music, entertainment, and bean-themed games and activities for all ages!

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE BOSTON

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For more info visit: beantownbeanfest.org

JULY

JULY 2 - 4 | HARBORFEST

The 43-year-old Harborfest is always the best birthday party in the country! What better place to celebrate the nation’s independence than on the streets and places where it happened? For more info visit: LINKHERE

AUGUST

AUG 8 - 10 | THE BOLTON FAIR

The quintessential New England Fair with fun for the whole family. Great entertainment, animals, midway, live music, craft village, tractor pull, demo derby and monster trucks. The Bolton Fair will be open three full, fun-filled days - Friday, Saturday and Sundaywith a Midway preview on Thursday night. For more info visit: boltonfair.org

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

BERNINA EXPRESS

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.