Gallery X – showcasing the talent of community artists, poets, musicians and thespians since the 80s
There are a number of organizations, landmarks and businesses that are quintessential New Bedford. Nothing says “New Bedford” more than these establishments and no one who has grown up in the city is unaware of their presence. It’s hard to think of our city without them and simply saying New Bedford is enough to evoke their images.
Gallery X relocated to the 1855 First Universalist Church at 169 William Street in 1995.
One of these institutes that has been around since the 80s is the artist owned and operated community art center, Gallery X, originally started as the 2nd St. Art Exchange. The idea of a few students from the Swain School of Design and a bunch of local artists in the late 80s, they have been showcasing local talent ever since.
Initially, they rented a storefront on Spring Street sandwiched between the former YWCA and the Zeiterion, thus the “X” in their moniker. This small spot was a popular spot and before long attracted more than artists, but local poets, actors, musicians, even playwrights. These folks were deeply connected with the community so offered a number of children’s art programs and workshops. Gallery X became incorporated in 1990, and began to grow at a rapid rate. One of the contributing factor to their growth was that they made the artistry easily accessible by charging the low, low price of free. Art collectors rejoice!
To accommodate this growth, the gallery relocated to the 150 seat former 1855 First Universalist Church in 1995, where they still are today. In 1998, they purchased the building and began renovations including painting the structure, restoring the steeple, painting and west side and facade. They’ve done such a spectacular job that in 2003, they were given WHALE’s honorary Sarah H. Delano award.
What attracts so many artists to have their creations featured at the site, is the passion behind the current owners and also artists, Charles A. and Sue Hauck. Frank Grace is one of many area artists how have had their talent showcased. They are dedicated to the promotion of all the arts in the community the grew up in and love so dearly. They offer a unique space to display one’s work and even for a wedding, reception or other special occasion for that matter. Whether you have paintings or sculpture to show off, want to use the stage for your music or band, play, comedy act, musical, or theater group there’s no better, more affordable way with a venue of this size. All mediums and genres are embraced.
In addition, rubbing shoulders with your peers and mentors means you are not only learning to refine your technical ability, curate a show, or hang the artwork, but you are perpetually being inspired and motivated.
For the fan of the arts or collector, the constant and consistent display of an astounding variety of new artists and their work, means you are always stimulated and sated. Supporting Gallery X with visits or membership is supporting the area’s artists – a large number of residents considering that the city has an above the state average of them.
Gallery X isn’t just for paintings, but writing, sculpture, comedy, music and more.
If you have a public or private event and want to rent the gallery you will find all the information <a href="http://galleryx.jimdo.com/rentals/"here including rates, information on discounts for non-profit organizations or community group, the service kitchen, images of what the spots look like, and any other bits.
Are you an artist or an art collector interested in membership? How to become a member, what is needed as well as what is required, the fees and more can be found here
The best way to see what Gallery X offers is to stop in when they are hosting or any other time. Start to mingle with other artists, meet Sue or Charles and have all your questions answered. Another fantastic opportunity will their celebration with music, the arts, history and the culture of the New Bedford area, the Upper William Street Festival. This annual festival will take place on Saturday, September 24, from 12:00pm-4:00pm.
The festival will not only give a glimpse inside the gallery but there will be performers in the streets, a farmer’s market, activities for kids, music provided by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, New Bedford Symphony, New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, the Jethros, and the Harpoon Harmonizers. Furthermore, present will be craft makers and a book mobile.
Stop in and see what makes Gallery X, the directors, and the members, so special. It will be infectious, inspiring, and motivational.
Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center serving the community with its personal growth through martial arts curriculum
Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center was voted #1 by SouthCoast Today Reader’s Choice Poll for Best Karate School
Considering taking up martial arts for its well-known benefits? Want to get in better shape, but can’t find an exercise regimen that holds your interest? Have you had a physical altercation and now want to learn to defend yourself? How about simply find martial arts intriguing? These days the benefits of taking up martial arts are manifold and we all know someone who has made positive life changes through them.
Lance Soares’ Family Martial Center is conveniently located at 331 State Road, Suite D, in North Dartmouth, MA.
One of the problems you may encounter once you’ve made the decision, is to choose one out of a dizzying variety, e.g. karate, kung-fu, Krav Maga, boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Kenpo. It doesn’t get any easier when looking around to find a good, quality, reputable instructor who teaches at a clean, modern facility. Where do you start? Ads are ubiquitous and by their nature don’t allay any concerns you may have.
Like most people, you ask around or hear an anecdote from friends or family. People enjoy sharing their positive experiences to anyone who will listen. It’s likely that you have heard the name Lance Soares in those anecdotes. While co-owners Lance Soares and wife Anne Soares only opened the doors of Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center in 2010, they quickly went from old mill complex to brick and mortar stand-alone building in the same year.
Then, they outgrew that space two years ago and moved to their current location in North Dartmouth in August of 2014. However, Lance has been teaching his favorite discipline since 1992!
That’s no surprise to anyone who takes class there: the academy is led by passionate, intelligent, caring instructors who are dedicated to sharing the positive impact they have experienced through martial arts with the community. Lance who is also the Director of Training, along with Anne who is also the Director of Student Relations are accompanied by Carolyn Andrade who serves as Assistant Program Director and Assistant Instructor.
The staff at Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center proudly displaying their Reader’s Choice Award.
What kind of credentials do they have? Mrs. Soares, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Bridgewater State University. She has worked with families as the Board Treasurer of Habitat for Humanity and recently started Lab Tales, an organization dedicated to helping animal rescues with fundraising and building awareness about pet adoption. She is professional, caring and compassionate and always finds herself in fields where those traits are pivotal. It’s no wonder she found herself as Director of Student Relations.
Mrs. Andrade, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she graduated Cum Laude as well as Lettering in Field Hockey and Softball. In addition to being a 1st degree black belt in Ed Parker Kenpo she is also a Licensed Social Worker Associate, a Trained Educational Advocate; an advocate for special needs children within the DCF system with numerous school districts and is certified to teach First Aid and CPR though American Heart Association. Before becoming the Assistant Program Director at Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center she worked as Licensed Social Worker for Kennedy-Donovan Center Intensive Foster Care and Support and Stabilization Programs where she implemented Clinical Treatment Plans to stabilize a child in foster care and/or with the biological family to avoid state removal or facilitate reunification of the child from foster care and wrote behavior plans for children in foster care or with DCF involvement.
Lance currently holds the rank of 5th degree Black Belt and the title of Associate Professor of the Arts in Ed Parker’s American Kenpo and holds an instructor certification through the American Kenpo Senior Council (AKSC). The center has the unique distinction to be the first (of only two) martial arts schools in Southeastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Connecticut licensed by the Parker family to teach the Ed Parker System of Kenpo.
As a Nationally Registered Paramedic, he currently holds or has held instructor certifications in CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals and International Trauma Life Support. As a member of the Army National Guard, where he was a Non-Rated Crew Member Medical Flight Instructor, he instructed crew members in external rescue hoist, sling load and night vision goggle operations as well as medical tasks aboard medical evacuation aircraft. He was honorably discharged in 2009 after 10 years of service.
Martial Arts are one of the last rites of passages for kids and an excellent challenge for adults.
Finally, as a member of New Bedford Emergency Medical Services, in addition to his duties as a staff paramedic, he was also a preceptor to paramedic students doing their ride time with the services. He is more than qualified to instruct not only martial arts, but over a wide variety of disciplines.
Lance’s inspiration comes from when he himself was a child and based in something that drives many kids to the martial arts: he was frequently picked on as a a child. Martial arts is looked at for good reason when it comes to kids in this type of situation – it works. Not necessarily in the ways that people think. While one can and will learn to defend themselves, you quickly learn that there are more valuable traits that are picked up, like self-confidence, honing of social skills, respecting authority and authority figures, increased focus and attention, learning to relax and perform under stressful situations and a whole host of other positives.
Personal development, learning to defend yourself, positive impact
These values helped Lance develop as a martial artist, but more importantly, as a person. He fell in love with the art and developed a deep rooted passion. When he saw kids and adults who were in similar situations or could have benefited from the martial path that he took, it was a no-brainer to share. The mission at Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center is to provide self-defense and positive personal development in an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, and free from negative peer pressure. They are looking to inspire others to success through the living examples at the center – the large number of black belts and higher ranked martial artists that serves as excellent role models.
Contrary to what people think, Kenpo is not just for kids – adults can reap all these benefits as well. It’s an area Mr. Soares elaborated on: “Many times I hear adults tell me, ‘Oh, I’d love to do martial arts, but I’m (you name the excuse) to get started.’ They are intrigued with the notion of practicing the martial arts but are too afraid of embarrassing themselves.
We use a saying at our school,’you don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.’ When I was a beginner, in one of my first classes I learned to do a side kick. I chambered my leg, threw the kick, and because of my poor balance, I fell. I did it over and over with the same result. My teacher at the time told me to go home and practice. I did. Here I am 30 years later, a 5th degree black belt. I guess the point is, if I can do it, anybody can do it. All you have to do is try.’
Living examples that it is never too late to start!
Like to know more, but not sure where to start? Think that credentials are find and dandy, but want to see with your own eyes or meet the instructors face-to-face? On Saturday September 24, 2016 from 9:00am to 1:00pm Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Family will be hosting an Open House/Buddy Bash for ages 5 through adult.
There will be Introductory Karate classes, magic shows by the Awesome Robb Show, balloon twisting by Casper the Spectacular, face painting, Andy the Armadillo from the Texas Roadhouse and more. As part of this event they will also have a Chinese Auction and the proceeds from the auction will go to benefit Odie’s Place Animal Rescue, a publicly recognized non-profit organization pursuant of IRS Section 501(c)3 in South Dartmouth. They will be collecting gently used towels and blankets to donate to Odie’s Place.
Furthermore, you can read the glowing reviews or watch the demonstration video. If that doesn’t pique your interest, then stop in to this weekend’s Open House/BuddyBash or any old day of the week. Once you see the passion and dedication of Lance and the staff at Lance Soares’ Family Martial Arts Center and the sheer joy that the the kids and adults get under their tutelage, you’ll want to start kicking and punching your way to a new you!
Dartmouth YMCA at Camp Metacomet Celebrates Fall Festival, Mud Run and 5K Road Race on Saturday, September 17th
As Summer begins to close, activities and events on the South Coast don’t slow down in rhyme with the season – after short lull, they actually pick up. With the advent of Autumn comes all sorts of celebrations and festivals. One of the region’s most popular is the Fall Festival, Mud Run and 5K Road Race on September 17th hosted by Camp Metacomet at Dartmouth YMCA.
The Mud Run is a 1/3 mile course with minor obstacles and challenges.
Camp Metacomet is a large 68 acre site that the Dartmouth YMCA hold a number of what they call, day and specialty camps. Which is a way of saying a slot of time set aside for kids to generally have a blast – all the while learning, developing social skills, and building new relationships. It all takes place in the gorgeous backdrop of rolling green fields, hardwood forest and a real-deal working farm.
The Fall Festival, Mud Run & 5K Road Race is in its 11th year at the camp and anyone who has attended knows why it has become so popular and why it has experienced the success it has: the variety of organized, fun activities is led by a friendly staff of professionals who are experts at FUN in the safest way possible. They know full well how to create an atmosphere and environment that is conducive to bringing out the best in themselves and the kids participating. In fact, many of the organizers have grown up through the camp program.
Kids have a natural curiosity that needs to be fed, they want to explore and learn but dislike doing it in a dull manner, they crave social experiences and interactions, but want to do it in a medium where it isn’t forced. By making the focal point the activities, the kids have the proverbial “ice” broken and it’s far easier to relax. The festival will have carnival games, a craft fair, hay rides, live shows and more. Since everyone is having a complete blast, spirits are higher and the atmosphere is one that makes social interactions effortless – it engenders confidence. The kids will form new friendships and ones that will likely last.
What kind of activities are we talking about? Well, the festival itself is comprised of all the classic carnival game favorites that we loved growing up like ring around the pumpkin stem, balloon darts, face painting, pick your own pumpkin and decorate it, and pumpkin bowling. There will be archery, large inflatable bounce houses, a craft fair with local vendors, hay rides. A Children’s Fashion Show by Folia, Drone Demonstration and Raffle by Rhode Island Drone Services and an exciting Reptile Show by Cold Blooded Reptiles. Finally, the Oxcart will be present selling delicious festival-style food.
Admission to the festival is completely free, however for some of the activities there will be a nominal fee. Tickets for the rides/amusements/games can be purchased on site: 5 tickets for $5 or 25 tickets for $20. Yes, they accept cash and credit cards. 100% of the proceeds from these events benefits the YMCA Annual Campaign. This money allows every child and family the ability to enjoy the YMCA experience regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarship money is given out every year to assist families who would like to register their children for swim lessons, day camp, child care and more. This is a fantastic way for the kids to purge that last bit of summer energy and a super way to put a close on the summer – all the while helping out a great local cause!
Accompanying the Fall Festival will be the 5K Road Race which starts at 9:00am and a Mud Run with obstacles that starts at 10:30am. For the Mud Run participants will be organized into waves by age or family (yes, “big kids” can take part this year) so that there aren’t too many people on the course at once. The road race, of course, can be walked or run. You can compete to win, challenge yourself, or simply take part because it’s a community event or a bonding moment for the family. You simply do not have to an athlete, in world-class shape to complete the course. People of all ages and fitness levels run the race.
How many times do the kids get to be told “Get in that mud and have fun?!
The very popular Mud Run will make the kids feel like they are competing on one of the Japanese ninja course television shows. How often does a child get a chance to run, slip, slide and frolic in mud and because they are supposed to? Not only not get in trouble, but encouraged to do so? I’m willing to bet next to never.
The course which is about 1/3 of a mile in length, has challenges and obstacles along the way and a large mud pit which they will have to traverse over by a hanging rope. I guarantee that anyone that participates in the mud run will remember it for a lifetime.
Pre-registration is necessary for both these events and you can easily register online for either or both events.
If you or your children are looking for a fun, family-oriented event jam-packed with activities organized by passionate, dedicated people whose only goal is to ensure that you have a blast and form lasting memories with your kids, then the Dartmouth YMCA’s Fall Festival, Mud Run and 5K Road Race is an event that you will not only want to participate this year, but one where you will want to plan for many years to come.
_______________________________________________
Dartmouth YMCA Fall Festival, Mud Run and 5K Road Race
The Surrey Shoppe: closing its physical doors but still charging forward offering old world service – stay tuned!
If you are like me, you’ve driven by the Surrey Shoppe a thousand times. You’ve also likely wondered what a “Surrey” is and what exactly the Surrey Shoppe sells, offers or does. The Surrey Shoppe has been in the same location for over 50 years – some of us have driven by it starting as kids!
For a small business to be around and succeed for five years is saying something. Ten years? Twenty? FIFTY? An amazing accomplishment that speaks for itself. When the Surrey Shoppe first opened man hadn’t even walked on the moon yet – he was just about to. Beatlemania wasn’t a thing yet. Ali had yet to fight Liston, and Nixon had yet to state that he was not a crook.
The Surrey Shoppe offers stationary, greeting cards and high-quality invitations for all occasions.
The Surrey Shoppe is one of the best kept “secrets” in the city. However, if you have been a patron of the Surrey Shoppe, it’s no secret.
Let’s clear one thing up straight away: a Surrey is an old name for horse-drawn carriage with four wheels and two seats. You know those carriages that pop up in all those vintage 19th century photos? Same culprits. While there IS a Surrey inside the “shoppe,” surreys are not sold there. Proprietor Joel Gonsalves inherited the business from his parents who started it. All are avid history buffs, especially fond of New Bedford’s history. The name of the business and the old-fashioned spelling of shop hearken back to, and pay respect to the history here.
So, no surreys for sale. The name has been clarified. Now, what is the Surrey Shoppe? The short and simple is that the Surrey Shoppe is a large shop that provides a number of services and sold gifts of distinction – I say “sold” in past tense, because after more than 50 years Joel is closing the physical brick & mortar business and going digital and the services he offers will, of course, continue.
Which type of services are we talking about? Own a watch? You can get it engraved, repaired, or the battery replaced. Have jewelry that you want repaired or even designed? Yes, designed. Own precious metals that you want to sell? Need custom printed invitations for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries or any other special occasion? The Surrey Shoppe is the destination for these services which have become a lost art. He even includes special order service, complimentary gift wrapping and delivery. Finally, you may want to sit down for this one: he even does house calls for certain services!
Located at 2161 Acushnet Avenue, the Surrey Shoppe has been servicing locals for over 50 years!
Thus a more accurate way to describe the Surrey Shoppe is to say it is a who not a what. Joel is an integral aspect of the Surrey Shoppe and he can’t be separated. What distinguishes the Surrey Shoppe’s services from larger stores and shops is the person – someone who got his start working along side his parents at the tender age of four years old when Therese and Matt Gonsalves borrowed money from Matt’s life insurance policy to purchase Mary Lou’s Card Shop in 1962.
Matt was a handy woodworker and would create things with Therese at night in the basement of their home and pedal them from the family station wagon on Cape Cod during the day with Joel in tow. Things went so well that they thought that selling these items in their own shop would be worthwhile. Thus the purchase of Mary Lou’s Card Shoppe changing the name to The Surrey Shoppe as the building had formerly been a livery stable. Success was rapid and they quickly outgrew the space.
Land next door was purchased and the current 4,000 square foot shop was built and opened in 1965. Joel would observe and learn the art of salesmanship, home staging (before it was even heard of), and customer service, backed by honesty, integrity, and an unceasing work ethic. Fifty years later he’s doing those exact same things his parents did. Fifty years…for the younger crowd, this would make him a grand master. A Jedi!
Fifty years not only translates into expertise, but trust. He’s been there fifty years, you can bring your most valuable possessions to him and have complete faith that they are in good hands – that they will not only be in safe-keeping, but the results will exceed your expectations because of the sheer amount of knowledge and experience. Fifty years also means Joel knows you. He knows what you prefer, like and enjoy. He knows what he’s done for you in the past and what you’ve mentioned in conversation. He has an uncanny ability to remember all his customers and their history. This is something I have seen first-hand numerous times.
There is no fancy, high-powered computer, no massive file system, there is only Joel’s memory. Contrast this to going to a chain store where you are serviced by a different employee each month, because of the high rate of turnover.
The surrey is the perfect symbol to describe the eclectic inventory Joel offers online.
Imagine going to one place for a wedding anniversary and simply stating “I need something for Jane. It’s our 10th anniversary.” or “It’s Bill’s birthday, got anything?” THAT is service you rarely bump into these days. It’s one of the primary reasons Joel has been around so long. When you factor in that Joel’s prices for his services and goods compete or in most cases, more affordable than what you will find at these larger stores, it’s a no-brainer to see what he does and offers. Better service, more affordable prices, and you are called by your name not a number.
This service that Joel provides is something that was commonplace at one time, but has died out sadly enough. This type of service should be the norm, but with the advent of chains and large department stores came high turnover rates and depersonalized service.
If you are a past customer who is concerned about your club cards or gift cards, don’t fret. Joel will honor them all. If you enjoyed the eclectic goods he offered, or a new or potential customer that would like to see them, you will still be able to browse and purchase through a phone call or visit to the links below. On September 28th, Joel will be closing the physical building, so that means some rather larger discounts and deals, upwards of 75% off.
Stop in and touch base, see how you can stay connected if you are a past customer, or how to connect if you have never stopped in before. Send him your email to keep abreast of developments, deals, discounts and other aspects. Maybe you can pry and find out some of the new ideas and ventures Joel has that he will be diving into in the near future. Whether an old or new customer, Joel would love to see your face!
Have any old, broken, or unwanted jewelry, coins, or flatware made of gold, silver, or platinum to sell? Mention this page and receive cash for your metals PLUS an ADDITIONAL 10% more in regularly priced Surrey Shoppe merchandise or services as a bonus!
For example, bring in $500.00 worth of precious metals in any form between now and September 28. Get paid $500.00 in cash AND receive an additional $50.00 credit to spend on regularly priced merchandise in stock or services in the store while you’re there! Does not apply to previous metal sales. Get in soon as merchandise will go quickly and this offer expires on September 28, 2016 and will have no value after that date.
Healthy Bites celebrates one year anniversary and now offers a juice bar and fitness classes
In May, we shared the fascinating story behind Healthy Bites located at 804 Belleville Avenue. Dynamic duo Crystal and Jeff Lister opened their business venture in August of 2015 with the intention of bringing healthy prepared meals to those who were trying to lose weight, or perhaps gain weight for weight lifting. They were also trying to reach those interested in neither of those, just wanted to save time in their busy lives, but didn’t want that to mean heading to a fast food chain.
To say they succeeded at this would be an understatement. In a very short period of time, they have experienced significant success. Fresh pressed juices are made each morning so you don’t have to wait. This can be attributed to hard work, passion, above and beyond customer service, and of course, mouth-watering drool inducing dishes like Cheddar & Apple Stuffed Chicken, Turkey Sliders /w Mango and Pineapple Salsa, Creole Style Salmon, or Lemon Coconut Granola bars. That’s a small sample of an ever-changing menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and desserts.
Both Jeff and Crystal absolutely love what they are doing and if you spend one minute with either, their passion and knowledge will be immediately evident. This is something they take rather seriously. Something they are always trying to improve upon. Always trying to bring what they offer to the next level.
It’s in this vein that they have added new certifications to their credentials: Personal Training Certification and Fitness Nutrition Specialist Certifications. The biggest news of all that they are excited to share? They are complimenting their prepared food service with a full service juice bar! That translates into healthy, nutritious pressed juice drinks prepared each morning meaning you don’t have to wait upwards of 10 minutes for your drink. No waiting, no preservatives, all delicious. In addition, you can get your favorite snacks and sit, sip, and enjoy right at the counter or table.
The benefits of pressed juice drinks for those living a healthy lifestyle or trying to lose or gain weight are manifold. You get all the nutrients, anti-oxidants, and vitamins that come from the juices very quickly, which means you get energy almost straight away. The new juice bar means you can sit at the counter or table and enjoy! Your immune system gets a boost from all the vitamin C, and since juices are lower in sodium, cholesterol and fat that means they are heart healthy! You can keep that high cholesterol in check, lower that blood pressure, and the hydration is great for your kidneys and skin health.
Here’s the kicker you don’t need to drink pressed juices because you are trying to change your weight or live a specific lifestyle: these are so delicious that you can drink them for that reason alone!
Sound like something you may be interested in? Don’t believe me about how good these are? Well, on September 10th from 1:00pm-3:00pm Healthy Bites will have their grand opening of the juice bar and you can try FREE samples of the juices and food that made them so popular.
You’ll become a believer.
In addition to the juice bar, Healthy Bites is now open every day to better service their customers with restricted or limited schedules. You asked, you shall receive. And since many of you are living a healthy and fit lifestyle or have taken losing weight seriously, you’ll be ecstatic to know that Healthy Bites has connected with “Keeping It Moving Fitness” headed by fitness instructor Marlene Gomes.
How will this benefit you? Bundles and package deals always means discounted prices. The convenience of being able to get everything set up in one place instead of going to several.
Healthy Bites is now connected with “Keep It Moving Fitness” to better help you achieve those goals.
You save on the drop in rate which is typically $10: all weekly Healthy Bite customers get HALF off and only pay $5. Motivated and plan on going to lots of classes? Grab yourself a class punch card: get 10 classes for $50 as a weekly Healthy Bites customer – the regular price is $70!
Classes are at 9:00am starting September 3rd and take place at 79 Brook Street 4th. There is a 10:30am partners class which is $10 to drop in and you can get a punch card for 10 classes for $70. Lastly, if you don’t care much for group classes and/or need some individual attention, you can get 1 on 1 personal training – call Crystal or Jeff to get a package deal for both training and food.
Healthy Bites has become the one stop place for the active lifestyle. Whether that activity is for fun, health, fitness, losing weight, or bulking up, you have a team on your side with the knowledge and passion to nudge, push and encourage you to reach your goals. Goals which can be incredibly difficult when you are trying to nail them alone.
There’s no need to go solo when experienced, dedicated, experts are right around the corner.
Be Informed: Massachusetts Ballot Question #2: Charter School Expansions?
City On A Hill Charter Public School (Facebook)
This November 8th, we will not only head to the polls to pick our nation’s next president and vice-president, but we’ll also determine what happens with a few local issues – in this year’s case, four of them. While 35 initiatives were targeted, only these four made it to the ballot – there’s always 2018.
Since 1996, Massachusetts has been voting on ballot measures each even number year – 32 in all. The state leans towards approval when it comes to these measures, 53% of the measures have been approved compared to 47% of them being struck down.
We’ve all heard the maxim “Be informed.” when it comes to voting and what we’ll attempt to do here is look at the four questions in an objective, factual way and share the general consensus and thought on both sides of the question.
Growing up, when I would watch the news, the reporter would do exactly that: report. Rarely could one tell which side of the issue that reporter or journalist was on. He would state the factual part of the story, then share what the proponents and opponents or detractors were saying. You were trusted to be intelligent enough to then make a decision.
These days, reporters have been replaced by commentators or in some cases, glorified bloggers. They make their stance on the issue clear, and spend most of their time attacking the opponents of their stance. It is an opinion piece, not the genuine article – pardon the pun. This has been the dearth of good, balanced journalism. I am a firm believer in presenting both sides and letting people decide and I also believe we can do just that in a succinct and easy to understand manner.
Question #2: Charter School Expansions?
Currently, there is a state-wide cap on the number of charter schools allowed. That is a percentage of each school district’s enrollment. The passing of this measure would allow the state to approve an additional twelve new charter schools per year. Districts cannot spend more than 10-18% – dependent on the district’s school performance- of its school budget on charter schools. These new charter schools would not be subject to the cap.
Oppose:
The existence of charter schools drains much-needed resources and monies from the public schools. Charter schools will lead to more privatization of schools and away from local government oversight. Unlike, public schools which have elected board officials. charter schools have assigned board members which allows for corruption and lacks checks and balances. In addition, charter schools do not serve as many children with special needs.
Propose:
It would meet a demand: tens of thousands of students in Massachusetts want to attend a public charter school but cannot because there simply aren’t enough schools. It would improve the education of the low-performing districts since they will receive priority, especially important since urban charter schools have been shown to achieve higher level of academic growth compared to traditional public schools. Higher education has a greater economic and social impact.
Family owned and operated Paul’s Place has been servicing the area’s car repair and used car needs for over two decades
People ask a lot of questions on the New Bedford Guide Facebook page and we get an unbelievable amount of messages in our inbox. Almost daily people will ask us about the best neighborhoods to rent or buy a home, where to get ice cream, best places for a date, who to talk to about noise complaints or potholes, etc.
Two of the most asked questions are “Who can I go to for car repair?” and “Where can I go to get a used car without getting ripped off?” Car salesmen and repair shops aren’t trusted institutions because we’ve all been bilked, ripped off, and overcharged. Often, we hop from one to another.
Paul’s Place is located at 364 Dartmouth Street in New Bedford.
It’s gotten to the point where we got to friends, or friends of a friend and even then, that can turn out to backfire. No one trusts and advert and when you’ve been burned enough, you learn to rely and trust family or word-of-mouth.
We don’t all have family that do car repairs or work at a dealership. So who do you go to that is reputable, can be trusted to charge the right price and only for the work needed? We’re here to help those who have asked!
One family owned and operated place that has built a reputation on these very things is New Bedford’s own, Paul’s Place at 364 Dartmouth Street. Proprietor and mechanic Paul J. Duarte opened his door more than 20 years ago and have been on Dartmouth Street for the past 16 years.
His son Dillon and close friend Kevin Currin form a solid team with synergistic efficiency and together they have provided a one-stop shop that provides performance upgrades, tire & wheel packages, as well as sell quality used vehicles. They have the tools, knowledge and ability to service all makes and models especially Volkswagen and other European brands.
Paul was always mechanically inclined and growing up he was always working on cars. He would graduate from Greater New Bedford Vocational-Technical High School in 1988, and further his knowledge base by completing a number of education classes offered by various automotive manufacturers, parts companies and industry leaders in order to stay current on trends and innovations in automotive service.
Paul comes from an era where you word was “bond” and your business and your good name were synonymous. That’s why he didn’t come up with a snazzy name for his business – he purposely put his name on the sign flying outside.
“When you come to Paul’s Place you know that you are getting quality service at a reasonable price. And you know that I am going to stand behind the work because my name is on the sign.
As a customer you want to be confident that you are making the right choice buying a car from me or entrusting your vehicle to me and my staff, I want to make that experience easy for you. I don’t ever want a customer to feel as though they made a mistake in choosing to purchase a car from us or have us service their current vehicle.”
If your car is giving you grief and you need some repairs or want to replace it, give Paul’s Place a call.
Paul couldn’t be more pleased when it comes to his son’s presence in the business. He really had a “This is why I am doing this for a living.” moment when his son first came to work with him. It filled him with a sense of pride to be able to do something he loved for a living and have family involved.
Kevin Currin is extended family and the trio are like proverbial pigs in mud when it comes to car repair and selling the used cars on their lot. Each car is given a thorough going over and anything and everything that can be done to improve the car is undertaken. No shortcuts – Paul feels that word-of-mouth is the best way for his business to grow and every problem-free car sold is the best advertising possible. In fact, the used car aspect has been growing like gangbusters and this September he will be expanding his inventory substantially.
If your car is giving you grief and you need some repairs or want to replace it, give Paul a call. If you want someone trustworthy that won’t charge you an arm and a leg, but will charge a fair and accurate price, Paul’s Place’s twenty plus years speaks volumes.
Foodie’s Guide to Regional Gastronomy: The Humble “Queijadas” or Portuguese egg tart pastry
The Hieronymites Monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon, Portugal where the “quezadas” was first created by Catholic Monks. Photo by Alvesgaspar.
Series Introduction
In this series, we hope to highlight and showcase in as interesting a way as possible, the stories behind our favorite, mouth-watering local dishes. While we’ll focus on greater New Bedford and the South Coast, we will occasionally “travel” to places like Plymouth, Providence or even Boston. I will attempt to keep it light-hearted, fun and easy to read. While I can’t promise to keep you compelled and pull you along with prose – that would take a professional writer – I will promise to be liberal with the drool-inducing images of these dishes.
I grew up in a Sicilian household where everyone – man, woman, child – was participating in preparing meals. It was a “trick” to get everyone together, talking, laughing and of course, the occasional heated debate. Food was a huge part of our identity, where we came from, who we were. There was something special about the atmosphere that revolved around a meal that we prepared.
You haven’t lived until you’ve had at least one…or ten “queijadas”!
This is certainly not unique to an Italian or Sicilian household. Every ethnic group in the country has a proud culinary tradition that they grew up around. You can easily replace “Sicilian” with Irish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Ethiopian, Greek or anything else. This is why food as a topic is always so popular. We humans love our food and that passion goes beyond the gustatory or taste – we crave the aromas, delight in the presentation, are fueled by the atmosphere, and relish – pardon the pun – discussion about our favorite dishes, restaurants or cuisines.
One thing that is often not discussed, is glossed over, or barely touched upon, is the history or background of these dishes. Now, to some, this conjures up the voice of the guy from the “dry eyes” commercial. The terms, for many, are synonymous with “boring,” “dull,” or “It’s time to go.” However, the background can be interesting, fun, or funny and it can be so without being facetious, dumbed-down or popular. I will make every attempt to maintain a fresh balance with this series.
As always, feedback is encouraged. Anecdotes are wanted. Discussion is paramount. Please join in.
Creamy and sweet, with a warm, almost hot center, flaky crust and a tinge of “burnt” flavor on the top. This describes the quintessential pastel de nata (mainland Portuguese name), queijadas de nata (Azorean name), or as they are known colloquially, quezadas or natas. Whatever you decide to call them, they are tiny morsels of life-changing deliciousness. Bite into one, your life is changed. You are whisked away to a stress-free existence and everything is vales of lavender and lilies and in the distance you can hear angels sing.
Well, not really. I exaggerated the part about the lilies.
This Portuguese egg tart delicacy is a favorite anywhere that there are Portuguese enclaves on the the planet, e.g. New Bedford, Fall River, parts of Hawaii, Florida, Brazil, Mozambique, and even China in Macau. How did they come about? Who made the first ones? Has someone paid tribute with a statue or monument? Where are the best places to get them? Because I want these bakers to take my money.
You so want this to be a picture of your hand.
Believe it or not the pastry is a merger of two giants of the culinary world: France and Portugal. One famous the world over, the other known only in certain communities like our own. Having traveled over the world, I am always astounded how little people know about the Portuguese, their culture and cuisine. Especially astounding since they have made some of the greatest contributions to these areas.
In 1501, a Hieronymite monastery called Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, was erected in Lisbon in the parish of Belém, under the supervision of a Frenchman by the name of Diogo Boytac. The Hieronymites were a Catholic enclosed religious order – a fancy way to say Catholic “hermits.”
The monastery was started by a Frenchman, but after he passed away, local Portuguese took over, most importantly João de Castilho, Diogo de Torralva and architect Jérome de Rouen, son of the renowned French sculptor Jean de Rouen. In all, it would take nearly 70 years to complete and finally finished in 1600.
However, I digress. These monks had a connection to France, not only through the original builder, Diogo Boytac, but the order itself was originally based in France. Those French monks favored a local pastry, called in French, the flans pâtissier. The French version was “pie sized” and not the little “two-biters” we’ve come to know.
Once the monks had settled in at the monastery and their normal lives would resume, they of course would create French dishes. Since the monks used egg-whites for starching of their clothes they would be “stuck” with a lot of egg yolks. When you have lots of egg yolks, what do you do? Well, you make custard! So, it was a no brainer to begun cooking flans pâtissier.
The French flans pâtissier that gave birth to the Portuguese “queijadas de natas.”
In 1820, a revolution struck Portugal changing the political and social landscape of the nation. The “Liberal Revolution of 1820” would temporarily, adversely affect the economy of the country and lead to the extinction of many religious orders. Without funding and having to generate revenue themselves, the monks decides to take their surplus of eggs and make smaller, more affordable versions of flans pâtissier to reflect the economy of the time. People who couldn’t afford an entire pie, could afford a vastly smaller version and the “grand” flans pâtissier became the pasteies de natas found in Portuguese bakeries and pastelarias around the world.
The revolution finally reached the monastery in 1834 and the order was resolved. The local sugar refinery where the monks had been buying their sugar to make the pastries ended up purchasing the building and in 1837 they re-opened it, not as a monastery but the “Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém,” roughly translated as the “Bethlehem Pastry Factory” or “Bethlehem Factory of Pastries,” named in tribute to its parish.
Guess what? They never stopped making them: you can still visit the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém to eat one, made by the same family that purchased in the the 1830s.
And, no – don’t ask me to discuss the abomination and cousin of the pasteis de nata, called the pastel de bacalhau. Don’t ask!
Want to make your own egg custard pastries? Here is one of the best recipes with step-by-step pictures and instructions. Have a recipe to share? Please do!
Blues, pop and rock guitarist Quinn Sullivan, joins stellar lineup at the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival, August 13
Have you heard the name Quinn Sullivan? If you haven’t, he is likely the most famous person you’ve never heard of. If you have heard of him, you’re likely astounded that people haven’t.
Blues, pop and rock guitarist Quinn Sullivan was born and raised in New Bedford and has been playing guitar for 14 years and accompanied giants in the world of music . He has played onstage with B.B. King and even gigged at B.B. King’s own “B.B. Kings Blues Club” where he was allowed to play King’s famous “Lucille” guitar. He’s jammed with the likes of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Eric Clapton, and the Foo Fighters. He was pulled on stage by Buddy Guy when Guy played at the Zeiterion Theater which led to an appearance on Buddy Guy’s Grammy-nominated album Skin Deep and a subsequent opening slot in Buddy Guy’s domestic tour.
Quinn started playing at 3 years of age. Yes, this is a real picture of him.
He’s been featured on the Jimmy Kimmel show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Ellen DeGeneres show, The Today Show, and Oprah Winfrey. He’s played at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, the famed Madison Square Garden, and the mecca for genuine blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends. Festival? Lollapalooza, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Austin City Limits Festival and the Crossroads Guitar Festival. He’s recorded three albums, Cyclone in 2011 and Getting There in 2013, and embarked on a tour to promote his most recently recorded album, Midnight Highway. He’s played to tens of thousands of packed, sold-out arenas.
Now, what if I told you that this experienced, talented veteran started doing these things at 3 years old – beginning with the beloved Toe Jam Puppet Band – and that he is now only 17 years of age? You’d be shocked, right? It’s not only true, but you can have the opportunity to enjoy his talent right here in our own backyard and Sullivan’s hometown, at the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival on August 13th!
It’s easy to understand why Quinn found out so early what his life’s passion was: his parents were lovers of live music and festivals and brought Quinn along with them since he was an toddler. As soon as he was able to, they placed a guitar in his hands to make him really feel a part of the experience.
Playing with giants in music like Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, B.B. King and many others is “par for the course.”
Because he was constantly listening to music at home and watching videos of performances, he came across what Buddy Guy was doing and became enamored and awed. When Buddy came to New Bedford to perform at the Zeiterion Theatre, Quinn’s dad did everything possible to make the two meet backstage and get an autograph on one of his son’s guitars. Buddy made a deal: that he would only do that if the 7 year old would come onstage and perform with him later in the evening!
The two have become fast friends ever since and the experience propelled Quinn’s aspirations to make a career out of writing music and performing. It has been his life’s mission for as long as he can remember.
His third album, Midnight Highway, recorded in Nashville’s famous Blackbird Studio is the most “Quinn” album to date. While he recorded the album with his regular backup band – guitarist Rob McNelley, Reese Wynans on keyboards, and bassist Michael Rhodes – he has had more creative input than he previously. In addition, he feels that he has matured not just in his playing and composing, but physically as well: he is post-pubescence so his voice has made its change and “settled” in. The tracks that he is most proud are “Lifting Off,” “Going,” “Eyes For You” and George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
He is hoping that this album will be his breakout album and since he is no longer a child and now a young adult, one that will make people take him seriously. And if the release of the album doesn’t convince everyone, his third appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and tour to promote the album, will display a work ethic that will make people take note – pardon the pun. Sullivan has dates across the country in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and even Europe in places like Paris, Rotterdam and Zurich.
Quinn’s third album is the album that he has made his largest contributions to and the one he feels will make people take notice.
If you want to see why he has played in so many venues, with so many world talents, and skyrocketed to the top so fast, you will get your chance at the outdoor New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival presented by the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Saturday August 13 at the scenic Fort Taber Park from 11:45am-7:45pm.
The festival which began in 1998 by music enthusiast Sean Moriarty was created as a way to have something positive going on in the city. When over a thousand people showed up for the inaugural event in torrential rains, he knew that he was servicing the community and giving them something they wanted.
In spite of this and because life has its way of interfering, the festival disappeared and was thought to be a done deal. Now after ten years without an event, the New Bedford Whaling Blues festival has partnered with The Zeiterion to bring the event back bigger and better.
Many world famous and locally famous acts will showcase their talent. Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Neal McCarthy, Shipyard Wreck, and Craig DeMelo and many more will make appearances. You won’t want to miss out on this event!
New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival Lineup
6:15-7:45: KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
5:50: THE NEAL MCCARTHY PROBLEM
4:30-5:50: SHEMEKIA COPELAND
4:05: THE CRAIG DEMELO BAND
2:50-4:05: JON CLEARY AND THE ABSOLUTE MONSTER GENTLEMEN
2:25: SHIPYARD WRECK
1:10-2:25: QUINN SULLIVAN
12:45: G AND FRIENDS
11:45-12:45: JOHNNY HOY AND THE BLUEFISH
Tickets for the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival are $25 (senior/student), $55 (general) and $125 (VIP) and are available at both www.zeiterion.org and www.nbwhalingbluesfest.com, 508-994-2900 or at the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford. Box Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If you would like more info on Quinn Sullivan”s tour visit his page dedicated to it. If you are interested in purchasing his music, you can do so at his store.
On the day of the event, the New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival Box Office is open on at 10:00am. Gates open at 10:45am. Festival attendees may bring blankets and low-backed beach chairs (under 30”). The designated seating area at the Fort Stage is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Local Stage is on the side of the Main Stage and general admission as well. Arrive early in order to set up camp for prime viewing, make friends with your neighbors and squeeze the most fun out of the day!
SEMAP – an organization of passionate individuals dedicated to our physical health and that of the environment and local economy
Program Coordinator Kendra Murray and Executive Director Karen Schwalbe – two of the passionate souls behind the wonderful things SEMAP is doing
We’ve all heard the slogan “Buy fresh, buy local!” We’ve come across the bumper stickers. It’s a sentiment we can all get behind.
But do you know the story behind the people who created the slogan? Ever wanted to know some specifics on why buying fresh and local is a great idea in the first place? Looking for some fun, yet educational, events to do this summer? Want to help boost the local economy? Eat healthier? Want to put some names and faces to the organization? You’ve come to the right place.
Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership or SEMAP is the organization whose mission is to make sure local, fresh, nutritious food is readily available to every man, woman and child. Their focus is on expanding that access which in turn will preserve sustainable farming which itself will provide more jobs and boost the local economies.
Meet Kendra and Karen – two passionate leaders at SEMAP
SEMAP was formed in 1998 and worked closely with UMass Dartmouth and became its own non-profit in 2009 and reaches 75 towns and cities throughout Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties. Executive Director Karen Schwalbe and Program Coordinator Kendra Murray are two of a many spoked wheel that share a genuine passion to promote these ideas through a number of workshops, conferences, social media, newsletters, community outreach and special events.
SEMAP was formed in 1998 and worked closely with UMass Dartmouth and became its own non-profit in 2009 and reaches 75 towns and cities throughout Bristol, Plymouth, and Norfolk counties.
Kendra is the social media, communications, and website manager. She organizes and develops SEMAP’s programming, including workshops, conferences, and other events and keeps the public informed. She also is responsible for the graphic design, including designing quarterly newsletter and website images. It doesn’t stop there! She is also responsible for the community outreach including tabling at farmers markets and other food related and sustainability events. When asked what was particularly rewarding about what she does, she said “Every time we host a workshop or event and I see folks taking knowledge home on how to farm and garden, I’m ecstatic. I love seeing farmers expand their knowledge and see friends and neighbors learning to be self sufficient.”
Karen oversees overall operations, advocates for agricultural advancement in Southeastern Massachusetts, manages finances and fundraising, leads community outreach. “I love those moments when we have just the resource a farmer needs – whether it’s information on federal regulations, a financial resource they didn’t know about or a new marketing opportunity. It’s also incredibly grounding to work with farmers (no pun intended). During the growing season, farmers are so busy that life is stripped down to the basic necessities – all their attention is on providing healthy local food for their customers. I am proud that SEMAP is able to support their efforts.”
How SEMAP impacts our environmental, economic, and personal health
One of the ways these efforts are supported is through education – not just educating the community and consumer about the important role of farmers and farming and its effect on the economy and our health and environment, but education for the farmer through technical assistance. There is a cycle here – an interdependent one by which each improves the health – literally and figuratively – of the other.
Do you care about the environment? Where there is grass, trees, fields, and crops there is not a parking lot, building, or factory. There is an entire ecosystem of birds, bugs, and critters that thrive in the soil, among the crops, and in the nearby flora. Rotating that soil keeps it healthy, farmers utilize a variety of pest control methods to keep the pesky bugs away and the beneficial ones thriving.
Produce picked that day is more nutritious and simply tastes better.
Eliminated is the use of massive trucks with large carbon footprints to travel long distances to deliver these goods. Not only are the trucks much smaller and have an infinitely lesser carbon footprint, you have the option to eliminate the truck altogether by visiting a local farm or farm-stand.
Because farmers utilize a number of crop varieties and not one because of its ability to survive the long transports, these heirloom strains won’t die out and disappear.
How about the economy? The more farms there producing fresh produce, meats and other goods, the more local people are employed and the money they earn and spend is mainly right here in our nearby towns and cities. Since they leave the farms and go into town to spend their money, the rest of the town, which seems unconnected to the farm, benefits. So, that nearby store has more customers spending money because of that farm a mile down the road.
Now, if you are the type that says “That’s all fine and dandy – in concept, it’s sweet, but these are indirect, intangible benefits. What does that do for me directly?”
How about just because the produce is more nutritious and simply more delicious?!
As a person who shops at foodstands, farmer’s markets and enjoys the benefits of Community Supported Agriculture programs, I can say unequivocally that the food simply tastes better. It’s not subtle either – it’s a noticeable difference. The corn, carrots, or potatoes in my basket were likely picked that same day, not picked while underripe so that when they cross country and arrive at the supermarket days later, they arrive ripe.
I get to savor the fresh flavor of just picked produce and enjoy all the nutritional benefits that come with it. Produce picked and allowed to naturally ripen and eaten within a short time frame are more nutritious – they develop highly active anti-oxidants that won’t survive a long transport from another state or country. In addition, since a farmer isn’t concerned with long transport times, they aren’t limited to a few strains or varieties – they can choose more nutritional or delicious ones.
The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that 43 different vegetables and fruits, had “reliable declines in the amount of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin C …due to the preponderance of agricultural practices designed to improve traits (size, growth rate, pest resistance) other than nutrition.”
You never know who or what you might encounter at a local farm!
How about looking directly in the face of the person who grew your food. You can ask them questions about it, they can point to the very spot on earth that it was harvested from. You can trust and have confidence in that food that you are about to digest or feed you children.
Besides, instead of heading to the inside of a supermarket, you get outdoors to the farm, the fresh air and maybe even a little socializing!
Enjoy one of the many farmers markets available locally
SEMAP has deep connections with the local farmers, making frequent visits. The help the farmers bring these markets and stands to our community, perfect for those who don’t have or desire CSAs or wish to drive into the country to the farms.
Live near New Bedford and want to check out some of the produce and folks growing the food you’re about to eat? In New Bedford there are three locations: Brooklawn Park Farmers Market is Mondays from 2:00-6:00pm, from June 13 – October 31. Clasky Common Farmers Market is Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm, from July 9-October 29. The Downtown Farmers Market at Custom House Square is on Thursdays from 2:00pm-6:00pm from June 16-October 27.
Last year SEMAP assisted Mass in Motion New Bedford to make it possible to accept SNAP at all three of these markets.
If you’re more towards Taunton, there is the Silver City Farmers Market at Hopewell Park between Hopewell and Hamilton Streets. These take place on Thursdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm, from July 14-October 13. SEMAP is also working to implement SNAP at this market.
If you are reading this from somewhere else on the South Coast or perhaps visiting someone in another neck of the woods, a full farmers market listing can be found here.
Conferences, workshops or special events
Each year SEMAP hosts a large Agriculture and Food Conference that offers more than 30 farming, gardening, and local food workshops at “Bristol Aggie” in Dighton. They have a workshop series that focuses on farming and gardening through the spring and summer. One very successful event is the “Farm To Tapas” dinner – an evening of local food, drink, and fun on July 31 (tickets are sold out) from 5-8 pm at the historic home and farm of Joseph Keith III, 775 Horseneck Rd, Westport, MA. There will be 19 different stations hosted by local restaurants and caterers. All tapas prepared are using ingredients sourced from local farms. There is an open bar with local beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Live music, live and silent auctions. $80 general admission, only $30 if you’re a farmer!
Finally they also publish a local food guide.
SEMAP offers a number of workshops, conferences, and special events in their pursuit of furthering education.
The very popular “Twilight Workshops” are featured throughout the season. If you’re a farmer, gardener or foodie these annual hands-on workshops are a must. Growing Cut Flowers is August 8th at Skinny Dip Farm in Little Compton and Raising Alpacas is Tuesday, August 23rd at Moonlight Rose Alpacas. There is the “Growing Chili Peppers on a Small Farm” workshop in September at Nobska Farms in Falmouth, a “Diversified Livestock” workshop at Rosasharn Farm in Rehoboth, and the “Making Homemade Apple Soda & Hard Apple Cider” workshop at Round the Bend Farm, in Dartmouth, just to name a few. These go on through September.
This sound up your alley? Want to know dates, times, and other pertinent information? Check out the page dedicated to just that here.
SEMAP is a massive asset to the farmers and consumers, the environment and local economy. When you purchase goods from local farms you do the same in a major way. You help improve your own health, you help farmers to keep offering us varieties of produce, meats, and packaged goods, you boost the local economy by helping the farmers employ locals, and you lessen the carbon footprint by removing the transport equation.
