SEPTEMBER 2013 THE TURBRIDGE IMES S THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING MTAGAZINE 2 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING SEPTEMBER 2013 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE
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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 3 A change in the air
Have you noticed it yet? If not, go on outside and do so. I'm that that is likely the case. talking about the very recent change in the air here in the north - Whatever the cause, it was not just my usual armchair phi - east. Have you felt it? The first thing this morning, as I was car - losophizing (better use the ol' spell checker on that last word,) rying my wife's long little dog out to the end of our long front that got me to notice the change in the air this morning. It re - porch, for her morning 'constitutional', or pee, whichever you ally has become cooler and clearer lately. This is not to say that prefer, on the side lawn, I sensed that something was different. By the way, have you ever picked up a sleepy we will have no more hot and humid days before fall truly hits, dachshund by the middle? It's a little like pick - but they will be fewer and farther between in the coming weeks ing up a furry snake, if there was such a thing than in those recently passed. as a furry snake. What I mean is that both Now, you may have noticed that I seem quite okay with this ends sort of hang down. new cooling and cleansing of the air. That is because I am. Anyway, it had rained in the night, but this morning some - Summer is wonderful, and I still intend to get some color on thing was going on that seemed to be more than just the effects this sagging body of mine before the long nights of winter arrive, of rain. The outdoors seemed unusually cool and clean, and re - but, today, that refreshing air was just what the doctor, and my freshing. The air was clear, to the point that the bushes, trees, overworked air conditioners ordered. This morning reminded and even the houses down the street actually appeared brighter me of my uncle who transplanted his family to Florida many than usual to me. years ago. He once told me, in the Maine accent which has I wondered briefly if someone had snuck in, in the middle never left him, that the thing he misses most about the north of the night, and cleaned my eyeglasses. was that we have ‘real’ air here; that it is easier to breathe here. For some inexplicable reason, this year I seem to be noticing I had never thought of that. It's funny that the quality of some - changes in the seasons more vividly than in the past. Yes, my thing as all-encompassing as the very air around us could go memory of other years, or lack thereof, might account for this, completely unnoticed and unappreciated, until this morning, but I don't think so. This spring I actually saw the buds on our at least by me. lilac bushes when they first appeared; I also kept watch on the The ‘spice of life’ changes, embodied in our northern, sea - daily changes in our two maple trees, as the first signs of bud - sonal weather variations will not disappoint us in the coming ding life quickly burst into full-blown, huge, green leaves. It's weeks. It will soon be sweatshirt and sneaker weather, as fall noticing amazing how quickly that happens. Maybe all this I'm ‘springs’ forth, so to speak, in all its glory. The crunch of dry take doing is just a sign of my age. Perhaps we humans begin to leaves underfoot, and the scent of a neighbor's wood stove la - things in with more fully, to enjoy the thrills of this big roller boring away will be back before we know it. So, I hope you will coaster ride we call life, more, as we see that the track ahead is take the time to get outside and see if you detect a change in the shorter than that which is behind. I'm not sure, but I believe air.
4 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING OUR SCHOOLS Burgess PTO is taking on several needs with multiple targeted fundraisers and a high-level communications program BY STEPHANIE RICHARDS evastating. That’s the one word Burgess Elemen - ment with parents coming out to help in everything tion in Burgess is incredible.” tary Principal Dan Carlson uses to describe what that we do. We have a great community and love to Carlson, who has been at Burgess as a teacher and wDould be the impact of not having a Parent Teacher Or - see the support throughout the school.” now administrator for 28 years, says the PTO has been ganization (PTO) at the school. An all-volunteer organization, the Burgess PTO has around as long as he can remember and has always been As the new year begins, so do the efforts of the four elected positions approved for two-year terms, in - a solid organization. “I can say that the Burgess PTO is Burgess PTO, whose main priority is to raise funds, ac - cluding President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Sec - one of the stronger organizations in the area. The activity cording to the organization’s President Kellie Moats. retary. The leadership oversees a budget of $34,500, level and support is a testimony to the caring parents in The group also serves as a communication vehicle be - which is based on fundraising from the previous year. the community,” he said. “The monthly PTO meetings tween parents and the school and is instrumental in in - The group is open to parents, guardians and teachers are a great way for parents to get involved and get ques - volving families in school events and activities to create of Burgess Elementary, who can attend meetings on tions answered in person. That’s what I am there for as community. “Our number one priority is to raise money the second Tuesday of every month at the school. well.” for Burgess so that our children can have programs, Agenda items usually include a current Treasurer’s Re - There are four major fundraisers that the Burgess books, learning tools and some extra fun. People tend to port with expenditures and revenue, new budget re - PTO coordinates every year including the Fall Fund drive think we do more than that, like have a say in school quests, and updates about future events. Items are ($13,750), Jog-A-Thon ($14,000), Family Fun Night curriculum or the way the school runs things,” said voted on and approved by those in attendance, which ($4,000) and two Scholastic Book Fairs (total net profit Moats, who became Burgess PTO President last year. is an average of 15 to 20 people, Moats said. “Dan is $4,000). “These are our biggest fundraisers, but we have “We also connect parents with the school through pub - always there as well as teachers. We ask the administra - smaller ones like the Stop & Shop program, box tops, lishing our newsletter, The Connection. It is a wonderful tion and the staff what their needs are or they come to school directory, and dismissal pads. We do not tend to tool that makes our line of communication that much us. Parents who have been involved in PTOs in other Continued on following page stronger to our families. We love to have family involve - school districts comment that the level of participa -
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 5 Burgess PTO there to help Dan Carlson and the school’s programs Continued from previous page ments. In addition, we coordinate two teacher apprecia - gold. “I felt that Burgess Wear would provide a way for change things that are working well, but that doesn’t tion luncheons during the school year,” Moats said. students and anyone else to feel connected and show mean we aren’t open to new ideas. We have a lot of great “Last year, we also gave $2,500 for technology purchases. school spirit,” Moats said. “The response has been great ideas from our parents and staff and just ask that if you We really try and hit every part of the school.” and we have received other suggestions, such as expand - bring an idea to the table, you create a team to imple - A second major role of the Burgess PTO is serving as ing to shorts, pencils, and folders. It helps raise funds ment it,” Moats said. a communication entity between the school, parents and too; we are still deciding where to put that money.” One misconception about fundraising is that the PTO community. The Connection newsletter is produced Moats said the good working relationship between coordinates it for the Sixth Grade Annual Camp monthly during the school year with information on the PTO, faculty and staff is reflective on the cama - Bournedale trip. “Our role is to help form a special com - school events and announcements, and contains regular raderie of the Sturbridge community. “There is a great mittee each year, oversee a penny drive for the fifth columns from Moats, Carlson and School Nurse Lisa relationship with the staff. Dan keeps an open line of graders (funds are evenly distributed between students) Meunier. “We print about 640 copies and give one to communication with us. Plus, the custodial staff is al - and serve as a place to hold the funds raised toward the the youngest child in the district as well as to faculty and ways willing to setup, take down or do whatever is trip. We are not in charge of this trip; it really is part of staff. We’ve been asked if we are ready to go paperless, needed. They really accept a lot of extra responsibility the school curriculum and the special committee coordi - but right now I believe it is still important to have hard for us,” she said. nates the fund raising,” Moats said. copies in the hands of everyone who gets it so they can Carlson concurred. “Not a day goes by that I don’t Proceeds have been used to cover the cost of buses for refer back to it. We may revisit the idea in the future,” reach out to the organization for support and they are field trips, special performances like the Brain Show last Moats said. always quick to respond. There has always been a year, and events like the Fifth Grade Spelling Bee. They Carlson said the PTO’s role in reaching out to par - strong, working relationship with the leadership,” he have also been used to provide books for classroom teach - ents and informing them cannot be understated. “The said. “When we need representation on the School Im - ers. “We support every grade in the cost of fields trips PTO fills a role in assisting us with a strong, home-to- provement Council, I reach out to the PTO for people and host Math and Science Nights with hands-on experi - school connection. They participate at the school, secure to serve. This is also very important to the school and getting volunteers, and play an instrumental role in com - parents.” municating changes, like those that took place when the Moats said her role as Burgess PTO President has new building was complete,” he said. “ The Connection is been very fulfilling. “The past president (Wendy a critical part for communication and we would be hard Lennon) told me that being president would be the best pressed to do something at the level of quality that the thing I have ever done and she was right. It is an incred - PTO does.” ible feeling being a part of this organization. There is so The organization also has a website as another infor - much satisfaction when you see the kids reactions to mation tool (burgesspto.homestead.com), which in - books at the Scholastic Book Fair or when they com - cludes details about upcoming events and fundraisers, plete events like the Jog-A-Thon,” she said. “I decided to forms and documents and volunteering, as well as a digi - get involved because I wanted to grow and learn to deal tal copy of The Connection. Moats said the website was with people publicly in a mature, diplomatic manner. revamped a few years ago. When I became President, I realized that I no longer Last year, the Burgess PTO also took on the role of was just Kellie Moats. I had one child ask me if I was developing and selling Burgess Wear, such as t-shirts and the President of the United States; I laughed and said sweatshirts. Even though you could purchase such items we would really be in trouble. I’ve made some mistakes several years ago, Moats thought the timing was right to but learned from them. I hope I am helping to make a create a new line of school wear since the school build - difference.” ing project was complete. She said everyone was involved The first Burgess PTO meeting for the 2013-14 in the process from students voting a Bear as their mas - school year will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, in cot to teachers picking the school colors as navy and the Media Center (Library) at Burgess.
6 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING TANTASQUA SPORTS Tantasqua Football Preview Nick Beaudry Jeremiah Sciaraffa By Mike Walsh Beaudry, who also handled the kicking him a unique relationship with some of this and , duties for Tantasqua, finished eighth in season’s starters, as he has come up with who does a little bit of everything. Fans of Tantasqua High School overall scoring for Central Mass, totaling them, teaching his system the whole time. Beaudry and Sciaraffa will be leading Football are going will be forced to ac - 135 points. He converted 31 PATs and four “Coach Powell knew of my ambitions of a defense that has added some major com - cept a host of new faces this coming field goals. Duncan was 16th with becoming a head coach, plexities. The offensive-minded Beveridge season. Both on the playing field and 104 points. so two years ago won’t be leaving that side of the ball out along the sideline, introductions will Beveridge’s offense he allowed in the cold. be in order. averaged 25.9 points me to take “We did some good things last season However, in this particular case, per game, putting on full du - with man-to-man coverage, but we also change is a good thing. After finishing up gaudy totals ties with the gave up a fair amount of big plays,” said just 6-7 overall last season, and 1-4 in like 52 freshmen Beveridge. “This year we will be imple - the South Worcester County League, points in a team,” said menting more zone coverages.” the team has plenty of room for im - win over Beveridge about The Warriors hope to have the horses provements. Burncoat. his predecessor. “He to make these wide-ranging improvements The man at the head of those for - Harrington gave me a before and during the 2013 campaign. De - ward-thinking moves is former offen - launched five touch - chance to imple - spite allowing just 20.8 points per game, a Joe Beveridge. sive coordinator After down passes in that game ment my own ideas on running full 5.1 points less than they were scoring, time as an assistant on former head alone. Still, it wasn’t a program down there.” the losing 6-7 record was disappointing. Zach Edwards coach Aaron Powell’s staff, Beveridge enough. That is why he says it is time for the is one of those young “One issue was just mentality. We were has earned his first shot at the head training wheels to come off this year. guys. The junior will take over Harrington’s leading in 12-of-13 games last season, but chair. Powell has moved on to coach at Unfortunately, Beaudry and Harrington reigns at quarterback, hoping to at least mir - obviously didn’t finish strong enough,” the college level. have graduated, taking plenty of other con - ror those lofty numbers. He’ll still have said Beveridge. “These kids have have pre - Prior to Tantasqua, Beveridge held tributors with them. However a young team Duncan around to help with offensive fire - viously been down some long roads of los - a coaching position on Jim Cormier’s is just what Beveridge needs to continue his power, but fans will mostly be looking at ing. We are trying to develop mental staff at the powerhouse of Auburn forward momentum. new faces in increased roles. toughness.” High. He has plenty of experience and Prior to becoming the team’s offensive Beveridge has named four senior cap - Most of those leads came in the first knowledge of Tantasqua’s SWCL foes. coordinator, he was coaching the younger tains at this point. Duncan is joined by of - half of games. Last year’s Thanksgiving Bobby Long Continued fon page 15 “Under coach Cormier I got a great kids before they reached varsity. That gives fensive tackle , linebacker tutorial of Central Mass football,” said Beveridge. In late August, Beveridge had his team deep into preseason practices. Game 1 for both the Warriors season and Beveridge’s head coaching career comes on September 13 at South - bridge, or “Friday the 13th,” as the coach joked. Beveridge was a leader last season when the team began implementing a new spread option offensive scheme. As the offensive coordinator, Bev - eridge helped all positions slowly adopt this idea. The results were im - pressive. Randy Har - Senior quarterback rington led Central Massachusetts with 29 touchdown passes, throwing for 1888 yards. He rushed for five Jon Beaudry more. Classmate caught 14 of those passes, while junior Spencer Duncan took eight passes and eight rushes to the end zone. “We put up some very good num - bers for the first year running this spread option offense,” said Bev - eridge. “Not much is changing this year, but we want to go a lot faster.”
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 7 INSIDE BANKING By TERRI COLOGNESI EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT , HUMAN RESOURCES SAVERS BANK
P ROFESSIONAL A DVICE F ROM A L OCAL B ANKING E XECUTIVE FOR READERS OF Take charge of your credit score T HE S TURBRIDGE T IMES M AGAZINE
It’s something you’ve heard many times, and with good rea - If you identify mistake or have a dispute, contact the credit card limit is $500 and you have been a great son: Having good credit is a tremendous benefit for purchases credit bureau to initiate a dispute. If you run into diffi - payer, ask for a limit of $1,500. If you keep up your and financing. culty resolving issues, contact the CFPB (the Consumer normal charges and payments (say $100 a month), Many people are surprised to find out their credit rating— Financial Protection Bureau). your percentage of debt will go from 20% of the and often wait too close to the time of purchase to check, limit to 6.7% of the limit. which doesn’t provide ample time to “fix” your credit if need How do you improve credit? be. There are many ways to improve your credit scores, How can you protect your credit? which will vary slightly among the agencies. Here are a The most important thing you can do to protect What is a credit rating? few suggestions: your credit is pay your bills on time--don’t let things When you borrow money or make a purchase using credit, First, you can add accounts that are not normally slide to the point where a collection agency gets in - you promise to pay back that money within a negotiated period listed on credit reports but that are paid on a monthly volved. Other recommendations include limiting of time. A credit rating is a way of calculating your perform - basis (e.g., utilities, cable, phone, etc.). To do this, you your credit applications (each time your report is ex - ance on those payments, and it gives a future creditor a projec - need to contact each of those corporations and ask them amined by a creditor, it negatively affects your score); tion of your future payment performance. The higher the to report your payments to the credit bureaus. Although be careful about maxing out credit cards (that makes rating, the easier it will be to get credit for future purchases. A these companies are not required to report to credit you seem riskier); and don’t co-sign a loan that you good rating can also save you money – if you have poor credit, agencies, it can be a boost to your credit rating if you cannot pay for if the other individual defaults (it you may be charged a “risk premium” on some transactions or have a meticulous payment history. takes a long time to recover from a defaulted loan). loans. Second, pay down your highest balance first. Exam - ine the credit limits on your cards, and pay off the ones Reference: Angela Colley, “8 sur - How do you check your credit? that are closest to the limit; by doing so, the percentage prising ways to raise your credit Christian Science Monitor, Everyone is entitled to check their credit FOR FREE once a of what you owe goes down, and it will increase your score,” year from Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. In addition to score faster. December 1, 2012. checking your score, it’s important to check the report for accu - Third, blend your credit. Credit bureaus like to see a racy. mix of credits, such as credit cards, auto loans, and other Terri Colognesi took her bachelor’s degree in psychol - When reviewing your credit report, make sure that: installment loans. If you only have credit cards, think ogy from Westfield State University and a Masters in Industrial Psychology from Springfield College. She has • All of your cards are listed about borrowing a small amount from a bank so that more than 25 years experience in the field of human re - • Addresses are correct you can show a great track record of paying off that type sources. • Charges are correct of loan. • Payment history is correct Fourth, ask for a credit line increase. If your Macy’s • Credit limits are listed correctly
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8 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING SHOPPING NEWS Famous Antiques and Collectibles offers fabulous finds from the past
By Stephanie Richards Linda Dupuis was introduced to antiques and col - lectibles while attending auctions with her mom and dad. That started a 30-year love affair with searching for antique treasures to collect and sell. Now the Monson resident has opened a new door to sell her treasured finds as well as those of others at Fa - mous Antiques and Collectibles in Fiskdale. “I’ve never owned a shop before; I’ve always been a vendor,” said Dupuis, who is a business partner with Sturbridge resi - dent Art Perigard, known for his expertise in glass. “We opened April 4 and have been going strong ever since. We have seen a lot of repeat business from both dealers and the general public.” Dupuis may not have had her own Antique Shop be - fore, but she has a lot of business know-how, owning an auto body shop, H & R Block franchise, and selling real estate. “I’ve always been in a service business catering to people. I’ve never had any issues. If you treat people the way you want to be treated, they respond,” she said. “I Linda Dupuis, owner, Famous Antiques & Collectibles think the bookkeeping is the most time consuming as - pect of this business with so many vendors to keep track on her way back to Portland, Maine. She bought sev - of and do paperwork on. You have to be meticulous.” eral items and loaded up a Ryder van.” The store needed a lot of repair work and Dupuis There are many finds in Famous Antiques and Col - said it has been renovated from the floor to the ceiling. lectibles including jewelry, perfume bottles, vintage Carpeting was removed and the cement floors were clothing, a Singer purse, and mask with seashells, sealed. Currently, only a portion of the store is being stones and fish teeth. Collectibles are plentiful and in - used, but Dupuis said they would be expanding into the clude Hummel’s, Boyds Bears, Steiff Bears, Barbie’s, back rooms in the near future as she already has more Matchbox cars, Fisher Price and Tonka Toys and interested parties. porcelain dolls. Magazines, old cameras, and musical Space at Famous Antiques and Collectibles can be instruments, like violins, can also be found at the rented on a month-to-month basis and the size available shop. varies. For example, a locked display shelf can be se - Other treasures in the shop include an array of cured for $25 a month or entire spaces at varying prices. McCoy bowls, Hull Pottery, printed glassware from the “I’m willing to work with individuals and have done 1950’s and 1960’s, rolling pins, furniture, mirrors, vin - things like split a booth to help someone who is just tage signs, irons, and dishes. The inventory of items is starting out. Everyone has different reasons for selling very diverse and includes some of Dupuis’ large Hum - items. One dealer who is selling her items is giving the mel collection she began while living in Germany. profit to her granddaughter for college,” Dupuis said. “I When he is not buying at auctions or flea markets, close out the end of the month and have their checks Perigard can be found at Famous Antiques and Col - ready by the fourth or fifth of the following month. I lectibles on Saturdays. He has some of his glassware know it’s important to be on time.” for sale in the back of the shop, such as Cranberry and If you don’t want to rent space, Dupuis will consider Depression glass. purchasing an item outright. “You can walk-in and bring On the way out, you can also find cold water, juice items you are interested in selling. If it fits in the store, or soda to quench your thirst or a modjeska, which is we can negotiate a price. In addition, we do house calls a rich, creamy homemade caramel with marshmallow and will come out and purchase things. Right now, pot - center made by Bauer’s Candies in Kentucky. tery and items for bars are very popular,” she said. Famous Antiques and Collectibles is located at 479 Since Dupuis and Perigard have been in the antique Main Street, Fiskdale. Hours are Thursday and Friday, world for some time now, they brought a base of clients 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. with them when they opened and have grown from to 5 p.m. The shop is open every day during the Brim - there. “We’ve had people from just about every state and field Antique Shows at 11 a.m. For more information, countries like Japan and Germany. I had a dealer stop call 413.283.2133.
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 9 WINE CONNOISEUR
BY PETER SAGANSKY , IMPORTER -EXPORTER , CHARLES RIVER WINE COMPANY A consumer’s guide to the language of wine
Why does a product as natural and making has existed for hundreds of years proached as a master course to be enjoyed. enjoyable to drink as fine wine make so wine has a normal place at the dinner Why then should casual wine buyers learn many American consumers feel intimi - table. The whole family enjoys wine in - to describe wines? One good reason is that dated? cluding younger family members who get being able to describe the wines that they In old world countries where wine to have sips of wine diluted with a little like to their favorite wine seller will help her or him suggest more wines that they will find satisfying. On the most basic level things taste like what they are. Merlot tastes like Merlot just as chocolate tastes like chocolate. water. There is a range of attributes that one We do finds in Merlots just like there are milk not share and dark chocolates. Recognizing wine at - those fam - tributes helps us to discuss the wines. ily wine There are aromas, scents, flavors, after - drinking tastes, textural qualities, intensity and bal - traditions ance to consider. Balance is how the here in various elements come together in the America. Until wine. It is a key to wine enjoyment and to fairly recently fine how the wine accompanies food. wine has been When we try to describe scents and fla - treated as the bever - vors we relate them to other familiar scents age of wealthy elites. and flavors. We modify our descriptions Times and attitudes by noting the levels of intensity of those have changed for scents and flavors. “This Zinfandel has the better hints of raspberries in the nose.” “This over the last few Zinfandel has bold assertive raspberry decades and wine has become a normal scents.” We may discuss different compo - everyday beverage for many of us. Today nents in the wine such as it’s acidity, sugar many Americans start drinking wine at the (if any), fruitiness and oak (if any.) We may advice of their doctors. They are starting then discuss how those components come to recognize that good wine enhances the together. “This dry Riesling has ripe fruit dining experience and is part of a healthy scents and flavors balanced with bright lifestyle when used responsibly. green-apply acidity and a clean lasting fin - One issue that has kept many Ameri - ish.” cans from fully embracing wine is their Each varietal grape type has it’s own fear of having to describe wines in using range of scents and flavors. On the most proper “Wine Language.” Wine is the basic level Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like only product with scents and flavors that Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir tastes consumers seem required to describe. We like Pinot Noir. Within those essential don’t insist that people use precise descrip - scents and flavors are a range of variations. tors to tell us about the food that they eat. How ripe is it? How sweet is it? How Part of the reason that Wine Language strongly flavored is it? How true is it to the is feared is that it is sometimes used in a grape variety? snobby and intimidating way. Wine ex - Let’s take it a step further and get into perts tend to express their impressions of some basic wine language. Because wines “serious” wines using wine lingo that are made from fruit the most basic com - sounds foreign to less experienced wine parisons that we make describing wines are drinkers. Retail wine sellers can over do it fruit references. White wines are made a bit with their use of wine lingo when all from whites grapes and their scents and their customers really want to know is if flavors may suggest certain white fruit the wine they picked out tastes good and comparisons; lemons, grapefruits, oranges, is a good match with fish. peaches, apricots, pears, red apples, green Those who really want to get into wine apples, pineapples, etc. have plenty of fascinating details to learn Red wines are made from red grapes about but wine does not have to be ap - Continued on page 26
10 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING BOOK REVIEW
Whitey’s Payback By T.J. English, 244 pp. Mysterious Press.com/Open Road, 2013 A closer look at writer T.J. English ISBN 978-1480411753 List $14.99 Amazon: $12.80 through his latest book BY RICHARD MORCHOE
The phrase “crime doesn’t pay,” was first point. His magazine articles led to his first by the readership. Yet the man seems to ance policy. WITSEC means you can blow The Westies used in this country in 1927 and became the book, , a vicious group of Irish be investigating something at all times. The the whistle and avoid jail and murder. slogan of the FBI. Is it true? Not in the case gangsters. The Westies was a bestseller and subjects of his research make it into venues Nothing in life is perfect. After all, WIT - Irish America, of T. J. English. Mr. English has made a liv - established T. J.’s reputation. such as the aforementioned SEC is a government program. So some Playboy New York ing off the criminal class, not as a mob boss, Since then he has had other successes. and Magazine to name a bad guy testifies about his capo. All his life but as a chronicler of those who have chosen Born to Kill about a Vietnamese gang ex - few. He’s been around. he has only known crime. Now the feds are an alternative legal lifestyle. One suspects plored the new face of crime. Havana Noc - His most recent book, Whitey’s Payback, going to drop him somewhere no one that it is not as lush a lifestyle as say, John turne (reviewed in the September 2010 is a collection of his journalism since the knows him to start life anew. The ex-of - Sturbridge Times Magazine Gotti before the fall. After all, T. J. is still a ) told how the beginning of the 1990s. The first piece is fender has few skills for the straight world. freelancer. Mob moved into and eventually lost Cuba. about one of the biggest weapons law en - The temptation to play to one’s strengths English, originally a west coaster, moved Paddy Whacked is a history of Irish-Ameri - forcement has to get perps to rollover, the leads back often to crime when set down in to New York early in the 1980s to become a can organized and sometimes disorganized witness protection program. It is officially, say, Sturbridge or Charlton or the Brook - His Savage City journalist. He drove a cab and did odd jobs crime. is about the conflict the Witness Security Program, WITSEC fields. That’s why the article is titled, The to survive as he established himself. While between corrupt NYPD members and the for short. Wiseguy Next Door. working his day job to make his way, he Black Panthers in the 1960s and 70s. WITSEC is an antidote to omerta or the Other than the government, not too wrote for Irish America magazine. Actually, Behind it all is English’s journalism. The code of silence. If you rat on the local king - many are happy with WITSEC. Life for the Continued on page 27 the cab gig was a night job, but you get the books all sell and are, no doubt, anticipated pin, it might be difficult to get a life insur -
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 11 DINING OUT Sturbridge Seafood charts course to open By Stephanie Richards Chef Ken Yukimura describes himself as a per - fectionist. So when he decided to take the plunge to open his first restaurant in Sturbridge, he knew he’d pay attention to every little detail…right down to the “crab” on the wall. He started swimming in the process to open Sturbridge Seafood back in February of 2012, mak - ing a presentation to the Planning Board for the ca - sual family seafood restaurant, to be located at 376 Main Street. In July, property owner Michael Mura - tore filed for a building permit, but it wasn’t until January of this year that Yukimura would start to re - ally move forward. It was then that he met with Town Administrator Shaun Suhoski to go over per - mitting and procedures for a potential liquor li - cense. “I wanted to analyze every little detail (before moving forward),” said Yukimura, who graduated from Johnson & Wales. “Opening a restaurant is difficult and I wanted to make sure I gave it the fairest shake. This has been a long journey with a Continued on next page Chef Yukimura custom made the giant crab that adorns the wall of his new seafood restaurant set to open shortly.
12 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING lot of hiccups but in the end, it will be a than other towns on some things. For cials on requirements, Yukimura and thing from the metal work for the tables solid restaurant.” example, our signage requirements are his friends have been busy creating to the woodwork on the tops. For the Sturbridge Seafood, which Yukimura more refined. That’s not to kill busi - eclectic pieces to go with the sea theme. bar, we used salvaged fencing, poaching expects to open this month, will employ ness, but rather to make sure that what Standing out most is a six-foot by five- it for the bar bottom and adding dock 13 people and initially serve dinner. is seen reflects the character of the town foot, three-dimensional crab hanging on cleats as purse hangers. The bar counter The 1,200 square foot space has seating as determined by residents in zoning by - the wall he constructed with a friend is made out of cut pieces of wine crates for 40 people, including the bar area. laws.” out of pieces of steel from an old Dodge that our fit together like a puzzle,” said Continued on next page The menu will include staple dishes like In between working with town offi - Dakota and Durango. “We built every - clam chowder and fried clam strips as well as lobster and crab. “I will have Pa - cific warm water fish and jazzed up seafood dishes. I’m planning on a raw bar with oysters from around the coun - try as well as introducing French ones to the area,” said the Somers, CT resident who also has relatives in Hawaii. smart+ Suhoski said the preplanning meet - ing is really designed to provide owners with a lot of information on required permitting, procedures and the applica - tion process for licenses. “Most of the time, developers proceed as quickly as stunning they can after meeting. Opening this ® business has been more of a methodical Super premium Clark+Kensington approach,” he said. ”We try to guide ap - paint+primer in one gives you a beautiful plicants through the process from the start. In the end, it saves them time and fi nish, faster – whether you’re painting money because they create plans that inside or outside. will meet town requirements and can move forward.” Yukimura knew he wanted to “get his hands dirty in every aspect” of the business. After an initial building in - spection, rough (and then final) plumb - ing and electrical ones had to be secured. A fire inspection was also re - quired as well as approval for signage. Permits for things like duct and sheet metal work were also part of the mix and occurred in June. “I’ve had ongo - ing interaction with the Board of Health (BOH) and building inspectors; they have stopped in and pointed me in the right direction,” he said. Suhoski said while the staff encour - SM ages business owners in the process, Your inspiration. Our know-how. they also require that things are done properly. “For restaurants, we collec - SUPER PREMIUM QUALITY • EXCEPTIONAL COVERAGE • LIFETIME WARRANTY tively ensure that the sanitary food serv - ice code is followed. Everything must be WE'RE NOT JUST ANOTHER done right, including the grease hoods DEPARTMENT STORE. WE OFFER and vents, to protect the integrity of the QUALITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES food. Customer service is our job and YOU CAN COUNT ON! SPORTING GOODS NEW POWER EQUIPMENT everyone from planning department RENTAL ITEMS LAWN & GARDEN staff to inspectors try to provide tips PAINT & CRAFTS PLUMBING & HEATING PETS & SUPPLIES MEN'S & WOMEN'S & (throughout the process) to potential Locally Owned & Operated Since 1949! Not Just Anoth CHILDREN'S APPAREL er Department Store! KLEM'S GIFT CARDS HOUSEWARES & GIFTS and current business owners,” he said, We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct printing errors. All sale items subject to stock on hand. Some prices may be higher, some may be lower; some may be special reduced prices, noting Sturbridge has about 40 estab - others may be regular everyday low prices. We strive for complete customer satisfaction. If an item 117 WEST MAIN STREET JOIN OUR EMAIL MAILING LIST OR lishments serving food. “I’ve heard peo - is out of stock we can offer a suitable replacement or a “rain check” for the advertised item. SPENCER, MA 01562-2623 FOLLOW US ONLINE: 508-885-2708 ple say Sturbridge isn’t business-friendly, Visit our website today & STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday 8am - 8pm but that isn’t true. We may be stricter shop online at www.klemsonline.com Sunday 9am - 6pm
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 13 Sturbridge Seafood opening soon BUSINESS BRIEFS Continued from previous page Savers Bank taps Darlene Mark like temperature, handling and sanitation, Yukimura, who was chef at Fushion Café he said. When the restaurant is fully oper - to assume duties in commercial in East Longmeadow and the Emperor in ational, a final check from the BOH will Hartford, CT. “We wanted it to be nauti - occur. “I came into opening my first busi - lending cal without being hokey.” ness with an expectation that it would be There is a light at the end of the tun - a three month process. Now I know it SOUTHBRIDGE – Savers Bank an - nel. Last month, the Sturbridge Board of wasn’t realistic,” said Yukimura, who quit nounced early last month the addition of Selectman approved Yukimura’s (and his full-time job at the end of last year to Darlene Mark, a former vice president at owner Kathryn Muratore) application for pursue this venture. “A mid-summer Country Bank in commercial lending a Common Victuallers License and all-al - opening didn’t happen either. I’ve talked and portfolio management, to the Savers coholic beverage pouring license. After a to a lot of other restaurant owners and Bank team as a commercial lender. visit by a representative from the Massa - they have reassured me that you never Ms. Mark began her banking career chusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control open on time. In this process, I’ve learned with Country Bank as a credit analyst be - Commission, he is now waiting on final an incredible amount about everything fore being promoted to assistant vice pres - approval for the alcohol licensure which from construction to town politics.” ident and then vice president. usually happens within 30 days, Suhoski Once open, Yukimura said he would Ms. Mark, a resident of Belchertown, said. cautiously move forward with plans to ex - says: “I’m looking forward to helping In the interim, Yukimura has been pand to a lunch menu. “We will be open grow further the commercial loan portfo - working to tie up loose ends in the con - for dinner at 4 p.m. Tuesdays through lio at Saver’s Bank, and am excited about Darlene Mark, former vice president at Coun - struction process and waiting for equip - Sundays. I want to expand to lunch in the the opportunity and eager to take on this try Bank, has joined Savers Bank in commer - ment to be delivered. Once in place, an future, but don’t want to bite off too new challenge. cial lending and portfolio management. initial BOH inspection will be scheduled much initially. I want to do it right,” he Saver’s Bank has offices in Sturbridge, to assess cleanliness and then another said. “Right now, I can’t wait to get out Southbridge, Charlton, Auburn, when food is brought in to check things of construction and back to the kitchen.” Uxbridge and Grafton.
14 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING Tantasqua sports
Continued from page 7 Keith After more than 20 years of coaching, lowed by the coaching switch. Ventimiglia Day game against Shepherd Hill illustrated that perfectly. Tan - has hung Guertin has been at Tan - tasqua led 20-6 at halftime, before giving up 30 unanswered up his whistle. That opened tasqua for nine years, points in the second half, losing 36-20. the door for Guertin to step in, starting as the boys Teams that finish strong like Shepherd Hill, earn 10-3 receiving a vote of confidence junior varsity records, not 6-7. Beveridge will be preaching conditioning to from his predecessor. coach. his team throughout the preseason. Along with the condi - Guertin will need that confi- When tioning to last all four quarters, depth will be important. dence to continue the upward the girls “We aren’t a very deep team, and a lot of our guys go both trend of the boys program. Last varsity ways,” said Beveridge. “We can’t let fatigue continue to set in year, the senior-laden team went posi - during the final quarters.” 11-8 overall. Their 10- tion Fortunately, it appears that everything is on an upward 4 record in the South Worcester swing for the Warriors. That includes sheer interest. Accord - County League put them first in the ing to the new head coach, around 95 kids came out for try - Central Division. A No. 7 seed in opened outs in August. Compared to last year’s 60, the football the MIAA Central Division 1 a few mindset at Tantasqua is definitely growing. bracket should have set them up years ago, nicely for a decent postseason he jumped Guertin takes over Boys’ Soccer run. at the chance to Unfortunately, the team move up a level. he new head coach for Tantasqua High School’s Boys was upset by eventual Guertin and Ventimiglia Soccer team is actually a quite familiar face. runner-up, No. 10 both teach at the junior high TAfter spending the past few years at the helm of Tanta - Wachusett 1-0 in the tourna- school, so they have been close Matt Guertin squa’s Girls program, is sliding over to ment’s first round. That for some time. Continued on next page coach the boys in 2013. disappointing exit was fol-
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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 15 Boys’ Soccer Continued from previous page C.J. season’s top scorer, assists in 2012. Rickson knocked in three goals of his Mattioli “I would often spend time in his classroom chatting , who has since own. All three players should thrive in this new up- about upcoming games and bouncing stuff off one an - graduated. Mattioli fin - tempo offensive gameplan. other. I expect he’ll be hanging around from time to time ished ninth in the A young team should suit the new head coach just at our games,” said Guertin. “I doubt he can just give it up SWCL in scoring, finish - fine, as it will allow him to really put an imprint on cold turkey.” ing with 15 points, in - the program. To solve the leadership hole, Guertin as The jump from girls to boys should be an interesting cluding 12 goals. Andy a unique solution. transition for Guertin, and something to watch this com - Lidonde has graduated “I’m expecting leadership from everywhere,” said ing season. as well, after putting in Guertin. “It won’t just be a ‘follow the captains’ type “The speed of the game is definitely a lot faster with six goals as a senior. of deal. I am already trying to teach them that this is Jake boys,” said Guertin. “But it will still be a regular transi - The team will also be without senior goalkeeper their family for the next three months and everyone Nichols tion. I’m getting to know the guys and how each of them , who played in all 18 games last season. Nichols has an important say.” plays the game.” posted a solid 1.39 goals against average, earning three In year one of this new gig, it is important for Despite his constant work with the girls team, Guertin shutouts. Guertin to make sure everyone knows their role. did manage to catch some of his new team’s games last sea - “That is still a work in progress,” said Guertin on the What he has done through the preseason is make sure son. He saw what they did well and where he could per - process of replacing Nichols. his players are in a position to succeed. They now have haps inject some new ideas with fresh eyes. Returning to the team is still some very good offensive the skills, confidence and opportunity. Liam Seguin The new head coach wants to drum up a more speedy, talent. is coming off a junior year that saw Time is short for the team, as they open their 2013 attacking unit for this season. him just behind Mattioli in scoring. He finished 12th in season on September 3 at Shrewsbury High. Home “We are going to obviously be working on all aspects of the SWCL with 13 points. His seven assists led Tantasqua. games will be at a premium during this upcoming Trey Allen, Ben Rickson Spencer Austin the game,” promised Guertin. “But, I definitely expect to and were campaign. Their schedule will feature 12 away games bring more speed up front with a fast-moving attack unit.” also mentioned by Guertin as a players he expects to and just eight at home, the first of which is September The Warriors will have to create their attack without last breakout this year. Allen put in two goals and tallied three 10 against Springfield Central.
16 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING COMING ATTRACTIONS Brimfield Auto Antique Show to benefit Hitchcock Academy
By Stephanie Richards David Govani has been fascinated with Plan cars since he was Ahead! young boy collect - ing Matchbox repli - OCT. 5 cas. At age 14, he worked with a mechanic to build his own car, which was a 1969 SS Chevelle. From old classics to new street rods, he has al - ways been passionate about them. About 10 years ago, the Brimfield resident took his son to a new small car show in town to marvel at the 40 autos from past eras. Sadly, the show never returned. However, it did plant a seed in Govani’s mind of creating a large antique auto show in town that would benefit a local non-profit. Continued on page 19
Photo courtesy of Bob Arnold
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 17 r MUSINGS FROM LONG HILL s SWITCHING SIDES
BY RICHARD MORCHOE
“At just this moment it had been announced that Ocea- Taliban, the Haqqani network, and al-Qaeda,” from receiv - nia was not after all at war with Eurasia. Oceania was at war ing government contracts. LEGAL with Eastasia. Eurasia was an ally. The army refused claiming that suspension or debar- There was of course no admission that any change had ment would be a violation of “due process rights.” taken place. Merely it became known, with extreme sud- Now this sounds a contrived excuse. The current presi- BRIEF denness and everywhere at once, that Eastasia and not Eura- dent is more than willing to use his powers to issue Execu- ROBERT A. GEORGE, ESQ. sia was the enemy.” tive Orders at the drop of a hat. With his propensity to rule STURBRIDGE ATTORNEY The words above are from George Orwell’s novel, 1984. by decree, it would be nothing to suspend enemy entities When the Oceanian super state changes enemies or allies, from feeding at the contractual trough. M O N T H L Y L E G A L A D V I C E there is no explanation of why or how. Everybody goes This does beg a question. The administration and its F O R R E A D E R S O F along and pretends that the situation is normal. As it says operatives coalesce with sworn enemies of our nation. Mr. T H E S T U R B R I D G E T I M E S M A G A Z I N E in the book, “Oceania is at war with Eastasia: Oceania has Snowden exposes said administration’s spying on its own ALSE DVERTISING always been at war with Eastasia.” people. Who is doing the nation more harm? F A Our country would never do anything like that. We are One suspects that with Osama gone, our government not a total state like Oceania. The government does not thinks it is okay to be bestest buddies with Jihadi elements If you flip through the Sunday paper inserts looking for hot maintain a large surveillance apparatus to keep tabs on the if only we don’t exactly say that we are again friends. This deals, rest assured – the retailer has to honor the price he’s of- citizenry. Well, maybe it does. should not really surprise anyone. What is the point of all fering. In a war, our leadership would never switch alliance with- that education at the Fletcher School or any other institu- Massachusetts, home to one of the nation’s toughest con- out justifying it and making sure the people knew their ac- tion of diplomatic instruction if you have not acquired the sumer protection laws, has on its books a statute that makes mer- tions were warranted. requisite obfuscation skills? This is what Ministries of For- chants responsible for what they advertise. Of course, if there came a time when it did become nec- eign Affairs, including our State Department, have excelled Not only do merchants have to back up what they say, they essary to flip, it would never be done crassly in the manner at since the dawn of organized government. have to include all of the fine print, lest the consumer discover of the Orwellian leviathan. How is this rapprochement working out? Well in Syria only after he gets the store that he has to buy a hundred dollar’s No, we would do it with an elegant subtlety. It seems we are supposedly backing a secular opposition to the cur- worth of stuff before he can get the 10 percent off the widget he that entities connected to Al Qaeda and the Taliban have rent meanies in power. The problem is, other than a few wants to buy. contracts with the US Army. When this came to light, the spokesman, there are not too many secularistas to speak to. Under the law, businesses are not only prohibited from of- army immediately terminated said contracts with extreme If weapons and training are getting through, doubtless, fering products they don’t intend to sell for the advertised price, prejudice. After all, doing business with the enemy is an in- some non-cub scouts are getting their hands on them. Hey, they must disclose when a sale ends. It’s also illegal to inflate the sult to every serviceman and women in the field, not to men- in the words of Joe Stalin, “You can’t make an omelet with- price of an item in order to later offer it at a discounted price tion the victims of 9-11. out breaking some eggs.” One of the omelet makers was that is actually what it usually sells for. Certainly, that should be the action of the army. Yet it Abu Sakkar. On May 14th, the Huffington Post showed a A merchant has to have an adequate supply of a product on is not. The Inspector General, John Sopko reported to Con- video of Abu eating a government supporter’s heart. his shelves before offering it for sale. If he runs out, he should gress that he had urged the army “to suspend or debar sup- Now, there may be good geo-political reasons why our offer a rain check or a substitute item. Continued on page 27 porters of the insurgency, including supporters of the Generally speaking, a merchant is liable for mistakes. But he’s off the hook if he’s acting in good faith and he acted reasonably. For instance, if he had plenty of widgets for sale, but the de- mand was so overwhelming he ran out unexpectedly, he might catch a break and not have to issue rain checks. And if he advertises an item for a price that is obviously far less than what the item is worth, it is unlikely you can force him to honor that price. So don’t get too excited the if next Sunday you ever see a new car on sale for twenty bucks. Even if you show up, insert in hand, you’ll have to pay the twenty grand to get the car.
18 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING Brimfield Auto Antique Show Continued from page 17 said. He dwelled on the idea for about three The organization of the show and tro - years. “I thought Brimfield had the best phy’s are also unusual. “I organize the cars flat land for it as well as landscape,” Gov - in categories…corvettes with corvettes, ani said. “So many car shows are in retail mustangs with mustangs, etc. It is a lot parking lots on hot, black pavement or in more work out in the field when judging, a pasture. We had a beautiful town to do but it allows car owners the opportunity this in and perfect fairgrounds.” to talk to others with similar interests, and Govani decided to approach Don Mo - everyone else the chance to compare cars riarity, owner of Heart-O-The-Mart, with of different eras side by side,” Govani his vision. “I got the courage to share my said. “Our volunteer judges are from local dream of an antique car show that would towns, including Brimfield, Wales and benefit a local organization. Don had the Monson. Plus, we give trophies to the top perfect location for this event; the rows three in each category and they are better are even alphabetized,” Govani said. “He quality than other shows, complete with supported the idea and I spent the next marble bases. That attracts more car own - four months hashing out the details. ers.” There was no roadmap, just a goal to pro - From the start, Govani said he focused vide something nice for the town and give on a family-friendly car show. DJ Bruce back.” Marshall of Real Oldies 1250 is on hand Last year’s winner, Aristeo Torres Photo courtesy of Aristeo Torres In 2009, the Brimfield Antique Auto at the event to play music from the 1950s Show was born, showcasing 197 vintage day, October 5 (rain date October 12) at ing color and the cooler weather, people and 1960s. “I wanted kids to hear the cars. It originally benefitted the Senior are more comfortable and really enjoy the Beach Boys playing in the background and Heart-O-The-Mart Antique Show Continued on next page Center and raised $16,000. “We knew a Grounds, 37 Palmer Road (Route 20) in landscape as well as the cars,” Govani car show alone wouldn’t raise enough Brimfield. Admission is $5, but free for money, so we created a program booklet. children under 13, active military, veter - Don got the booklet done the first year; it ans, and seniors over 65. Auto admission wouldn’t have happened without him,” is $10 with $5 gate admission for adults. Govani said. The event includes 26 classes for judg - It was clear that the event required a ing labeled from A to Z, beginning with lot of time and energy to make it success - 1900-31 built cars and going to specific ful and representatives approached Sue makes, such as Mustangs 1964-1973. The Gregory of Hitchcock Academy about diverse categories include antique models, being involved to manage things like the muscle cars, classic trucks, street rods, cus - program book. It has been a fundraiser for tom cruisers, classic imports and utility ve - Hitchcock Academy ever since. hicles. Trophies are awarded to the top Today, the event has gone into over - three in each category, and there are three drive, expanding to 428 cars and raising Best-in-Show awards. “This year, we hope $20,000 for the organization last year. “To to draw 450 exhibitors and have 1,500 vis - raise that amount of money in one-day for itors,” Gregory said. “It takes about 70 Hitchcock is pretty powerful,” Govani volunteers to make the show happen. said. “It’s a great story because everyone From the logistics of parking cars to secu - involved is a volunteer. This show brings rity to registration, we have to have a lot of all the surrounding towns together in the help. In addition, we have businesses like same way that Hitchcock Academy does Hooya’s doing breakfast and lunch and with its programs. It’s a partnership that donating their profits after expenses. works well because it showcases the his - Country Bank sponsors the event and tory of cars and fits perfectly with Hitch - provides volunteers for the day. Sturdy cock’s mission.” Tents donates all of the tents. The list is Hitchcock Academy’s mission is “to en - endless. There are so many generous peo - rich the lives of our community members ple involved who realize the value of by providing educational, recreational, and Hitchcock Academy and want to give cultural programs to residents of all ages back. Others are just passionate about from Brimfield, Holland, Sturbridge, cars.” Wales, and the surrounding communities.” Several things separate this show over Gregory said the show has become a key others, Govani said. Most shows are in the fundraiser for the non-profit organization. late spring and summer, but he picked an Sponsored by Country Bank, the Fifth October date for several reasons. “The Annual Brimfield Antique Auto Show heat can be blazing in the summer. With will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Satur - the beautiful backdrop of our trees chang -
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 19 PET Q&A WITH KATHY MENARD
Barking and more serious issues
Q I have a 4 year old australian shepherd that won't forward to each day? If not, is this a temporary thing, stop barking. I live in a trailer park and his barking is caus - or is there little hope of improvement? Talk to your vet, ing problems. I was told to exercise him more, but I hate and cherish every day you have with him. to walk him since the pavement is so hot. How much ex - ercise does he really need? Q We think our dog is lonely and are debating get - ting her a companion. Is this a good idea? A Australian shepherds need lots of exercise and chal - lenges. They are bred to be an active dog. If they don't get A This depends on many things. How old is she? enough physical and mental exercise, they (like all dogs) Does she like other dogs? Is she lonely, or is she bored? are apt to develop bad habits out of boredom. Can you If she is just bored, there are less costly ways of fixing it. drive him to a park or field where you can throw a ball or Do you want another dog and the expense that comes frisbee, this way you wouldn't have to worry about pave - with owning another dog? If you decide to get a second ment being too hot? You could try dog boots, also. Con - dog, take your time making sure the new dog is a good sider enrolling in a doggie activity or obedience class. fit into your household. Are you considering a puppy or Teach him how to find his toys and hide them around the an adult? If your dog is good with other dogs, it may not house. In the interim, try blocking his view of whatever make a difference which you get, but if your dog is not he is barking at, and distracting him from things that may great with other dogs, you will either have to be very se - trigger the barking. lective with an adult, or choose a puppy under the age of 4 months, and introduce with supervision. Of course, if Q I have an older dog and am concerned that I won't your dog isn't good with other dogs she probably isn't know when it is the right time to put him down. How do lonely for another dog...maybe you could add in a few you determine that? extra walks. Kathy Menard has been a dog trainer for over 35 years A For me, personally, this is one of the hardest deci - and is certified through the Certification Council for Pro - sions - I don't want to do it too soon, but I don't want them fessional Dog Trainers. She has trained under three world- to suffer, either. Your veterinarian will be able to help renowned Schutzhund trainers for 14 years and has guide you through this process. You need to consider what competed in the American Kennel Club and the sport of his quality of life is. Does he still enjoy eating and doing Schutzhund, earning over 15 titles. Kathy is the owner of things like walking outside with you while you work in the Compatible Canine in Fiskdale, MA and KT’s Pet Stop in yard? Does he still enjoy going for a car ride? Does he look Palmer, MA. Brimfield Antique Auto Show Continued from previous page goes towards our operating expenses for the building not something else, he said. (built in 1855). There is a lot of upkeep and it costs Another difference is that West Brookfield native and $10,000 a year just to heat it.” Barrett-Jackson commentator Steve Magnante, who is an The shows concept works because everyone has some automotive journalist and historian, is involved and at - experience with cars, Govani said. “People have connec - tends the event. Gregory worked with Magnante’s mom tions with cars; they provide some memory whether it is and asked him to come a few years ago to share his love going to the movies, eating out, or driving somewhere. and knowledge of cars. “It all came together during the You don’t have to be a car fanatic to appreciate them. third year. We had to cancel the show and go to the rain Cars are works of art…just look at the curves on a date because of a huge storm. Despite that, the judges Corvette,” he said. “A car show really fits all ages. You were on point, the 300 cars fit nicely into new categories can have a five year old pointing to a muscle car and an (which were changed after input from car owners) and 80 year old looking at a Packard.” we had Steve to talk about cars with people.” Gregory agrees. “Our mission at Hitchcock is for ed - Finally, every attendee receives a program book with ucational, recreational and cultural programs; the Brim - information on the show, trophy awards and advertise - field Antique Auto Show does it all. Everyone has some ments from local vendors. Gregory handles all aspects relationship with cars,” she said. of the book, which includes ads that can be purchased Auto exhibitors interested in participating can call from $50 to $2,000. “It is a lot of work as there is the Govani at 413.544.1644. For general information or initial contact, follow-up, marketing, and sponsorships. sponsorships, call Hitchcock Academy at 413.245.9977 But our sponsors have been amazing. The money raised or go to www.hitchcockacademy.org
20 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING September: a great time to hike, but beware of the bees By Tom Chamberland, Park Ranger and Associate Member of Sturbridge Trails Committee
SEPTEMBER can be a great month to go out and take a When traveling through the woods, be alert for nests heart rate, seek medical help immediately as you may be hike or ride that bike. The cooler weather brings relief in hollow trees, hanging from branches, under logs, in experiencing anaphylaxis - a serious allergic reaction to from the heat and the cooler nights start to control those the ground, and sometimes even in the mud or dirt the venom. If you already know you are allergic to bee pesky mosquitoes and deer flies (although it usually takes banks of streams. Remember that bees are attracted to stings, you should carry your epi-pen kit with you at all a frost to kill them, and that doesn’t happen until Octo - bright colors and sweet smells. Bees are also attracted to times. Alert your hiking partners to your condition and ber). The red maples in the wetlands are starting to turn swift movements. If you do have a bee encounter, stay teach them how to administer the epi-pen as well. color, and our local wildlife populations are busy scurry - calm and move slowly. Don't run unless you're being at - ing to build up food supplies for the upcoming winter. tacked by a swarm, in which case it's best to submerge Night hike rescheduled There is one family of insects we should be cautious for yourself in water or take refuge in a vehicle or sealed Last June, and “new moon” sponsored by FrOST however, the bees and wasps. tent. Running through dense brush may also help. (Friends of Sturbridge trails) was scheduled but was can - Insects such as bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets If you are stung, try to scrape it out with the flat of a celled due to rain/cloudy skies. Well the good news is it can leave painful stings, but usually don't attack unless knife or a credit card. The stinger will continue to re - has been rescheduled for Saturday September 28th at they are attacked first. Unfortunately, an unsuspecting lease venom after the bee is dead, so be quick. Ice packs 7:30 PM. For the Heins Farm Trails, 197 Leadmine Rd. hiker can disturb a hive by accident and will suffer the or cold, wet compresses will ease the pain. If you notice Please join local hobby astrometry and associate trail consequences regardless of intent. If you are traveling an unusual reaction to the sting, such as extensive member Gary Staab and Myself as we hike the Stafford with other hikers, make sure you alert those behind you if swelling at not only the bite site but around your face, Turnpike trail out to the open field and view the evening you notice a nest. lips or tongue, nausea, shortness of breath, or a rapid Continued on page 25
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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 21 YARD WORKS Caring for what grows in your yard By Tom Chamberland, ISA Asian Long Horned Beetle Update
Just over 5 years ago the Asian Longhorned Beetle elm, ash, London plane, poplar and European Mountain have been active in Worcester for 12 years given its range (ALB) was found in Massachusetts, and although the ini - Ash trees. All of these trees are found commonly in our and analyzed damage. Over 30,000 affected trees have been tial quarantine area has been expanded several times, it has community forests. The ALB has not been detected in cut down in the regulated area. Tree removals are occur - maintained steady over the past two years. I thought it ap - Oaks, Pine, Hemlock, Spruce, and shrubs with stem diame - ring year round. propriate to provide an update and a reminder as to what ters of less then 1 ½” The control for ALB is drastic and dramatic. All identi - this means for our community forests and how to report a The ALB is an invasive species, native to China. It was fied infected trees as well as nearby potential host trees are potential find. first discovered in the United States in New York in 1996 cut down. Trees showing no signs of infestation can be The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripen - and also has been found in Chicago and New Jersey. The treated with an insecticide for three consecutive years. nis) was positively identified in an infestation in the New Jersey infestation was declared contained in 2012. Only after 4 years of testing showing no new signs or trap - Greendale section (northeast sector) of Worcester, MA. The beetles cause damage by tunneling with in the trunks ping date of the last beetle, will it be considered eradicated. on Saturday August 2, 2008. The inspection was and branches of trees disrupting the sap flow and eventu - It is now estimated that eradication in Worcester will take prompted by the keen observations and persistence of a ally killing them. The female beetle is large, approx 1.5” another 10 years. Quarantine on the movement of wood local resident who suspected the presence of this exotic in - long with 2” long antennae, Black with white spots. The and wood products has also been placed on the infected vader. male is slightly smaller, about 1” with similar white spots. area. This means that firewood, timber logs, wood chips Positive verification occurred on Tuesday (8/5/08) (See photo) Other native beetles somewhat resemble this larger than 1”, etc cannot leave the area. A program of ap - from the folks at the USDA Systematic Entomology Labo - invasive beetle for comparison photos visit: plying insecticide by injection either into the soil or di - ratory in Beltsville, MD. As result of the detection, por - http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/identification/index.html rectly into the tree has been tried to control this insect. tions of Worcester and portions of the towns of The ALB has one generation per year. Adult beetles are Specially trained dogs are also being tested and used to Shrewsbury, Boylston, West Boylston, and Holden were usually present from July to October, but can be found later identify beetle sites. placed in a regulated area for the movement of woody in the fall if temperatures are warm. Adults usually stay on As noted above, it is believed the ALB has been in the plant material. A Federal Order was issued that parallels the trees from which they emerged or they may disperse Worcester area now for some 17 years. What is more signif - the state regulated area. As part of the process of eradicat - short distances to a new host to feed and reproduce. Each icant is that this is the first known infestation outside of a ing the ALB from Worcester, the movement of woody de - female is capable of laying up to 160 eggs. The eggs hatch in major seaport area. This had been a cause for concern, as bris, lumber, firewood, and nursery stock that could host 10-15 days and the larvae tunnel under the bark and into the potential for other infested areas may be located near ALB infestations will need to be contained. This will try to the wood where they eventually pupate. The adults emerge industrial sites/cities that use containerized shipping, how - keep the beetle from moving via human transport. from pupation sites by boring a tunnel in the wood and cre - ever to date no other infestation inland has been identi - Local tree companies, Tree Wardens and Arborists that ating a round exit hole in the tree. fied. work with host material have been trained in dealing with The regulated area originally established in 2008, has This past summer I received 12 calls from residents re - wood from the containment area and this training contin - been expanded to include more of West Boylston, Shrews - porting that they may have the ALB here in Sturbridge. ues. bury and parts of Auburn and Holden. Thorough survey Fortunately these all turned out to be false, with the most The ALB prefers all species of maple (sugar, norway, work is continuing using some 14 trained tree climbers and common insect reported being the White Spotted Pine red, and silver), box elder, horse chestnut, birch, willow, ground survey people. It is now known that this beetle has Sawyer. I cannot, by Federal law, make the determination
22 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING of the ALB. Residents who called me were referred to the address / phone number below. If you suspect you have lo - 4) Please, do take pictures, make notes and collect any cated an Asian Longhorned Beetle please follow these steps other observations that might and immediately notify: help with the identification of the insect. If the insect is, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources indeed, one of the invasive pests, the (MDAR) Report ALB sightings at: MDAR will confirm the identification www.massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or call 617–626– of the insect and formulate a response 1779 (Pest Alert Hotline) plan.
1) Record very carefully the location of your find, in - Your assistance in helping to prevent cluding the specific tree, the Property owner, the ad - the further spread of an invasive insect dress or location of the property and the town. Also, record the date and time of day of the find, and who was there when the insect was witnessed. Please, write all of will be greatly appreciated by all who value our trees and this down! forests, and is of the utmost importance. We do not want to add maples to the list of American Elm, Ameri - 2) Do not collect the insect unless you are absolutely can Chestnut, and Eastern Hemlock, trees that are gone sure that you can prevent its escape. It is much better to let or under severe attack because of insects and disease. the inspectors come out to the site to make the identifica - tion rather than to risk spreading the infestation to a new The Tree Warden’s page on the Town’s website: site. Only collect the insect if you can place it in a tightly www.town.sturbridge.ma.us has information on this in - sealed, glass jar with a metal lid or other container that the festation. In addition to the sites listed above, other re - insect cannot chew its way out of. Alternatively, you may kill sources for Asian Longhorned Beetle Information: the insect by freezing it for at least two days or by immersing U.S. Forest Service; it in alcohol. If you cannot guarantee that the insect will not http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/alb/ escape, do not collect it – it is simply too risky! Tom Chamberland is the Tree Warden for the Town of 3) Along those same lines, do not bring wood samples in Sturbridge and a Certified Arborist. He enjoys caring for plants for identification. Firewood removals and other type of that grow in his yard and welcomes reader suggestions for fu - wood transport have been among the primary means for ture articles. spread of these insects. Instead, store the wood securely on Email him at: [email protected] site so that investigators may examine them later for signs of the insect or disease in question.
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 23 INSURANCE GUIDANCE By Richard McGrath, CIC, LIA PRESIDENT & CEO, McGRATH INSURANCE GROUP Find out what you (don’t) know about health insurance
Based on a recent survey, Americans have an unhealthy counted rate, in exchange for providing its doctors and hos - A health plan’s drug formulary excludes non-preferred lack of knowledge about health insurance. pitals the business of its members. The answer to this first drugs. LIMRA, an insurance trade organization, surveyed question is “true.” A formulary is a list of drugs approved by the insurer. more than 2,000 consumers throughout the country, ask - HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) are a type of Formularies can help manage drug costs; the insurer may, ing them 10 questions about their health insurance. fee-for-service health plan. for example, include generic drugs in the formulary. The Considering that they were true-or-false questions, any - A fee-for-service payment model offers unbundled serv - insured can receive coverage of up to 100% for drugs in the one taking the survey could guess and have a 50-50 chance ices that are paid for separately. Many believe that it causes formulary that are preferred by the insurer. However, in - of getting the right answer for each question, yet nearly doctors to provide more treatment than is needed, because sureds can still have access to other drugs, if they are will - eight out of 10 consumers answered five or fewer questions payment is based on the quantity of care, not the quality of ing to pay a larger percentage of the cost of the drugs. correctly. care. Therefore, the answer to this one is “false.” While nearly 80% scored a 50% or less, only one in 10 Medical professionals in an HMO, conversely, are under A health insurance plan with a higher premium and answered at least seven questions correctly. On average, contract to provide services in accordance with the HMO’s lower deductible means you would pay less on a monthly uninsured consumers answered fewer than three out of 10 guidelines. The answer to this second question is “false.” basis and more “out-of-pocket.” questions correctly. Incredibly, no one answered all 10 The deductible is the amount you must pay out of your This is one that most people should be able to identify questions correctly, according to LIMRA. own pocket for health care for each visit before the insur - as being false. The higher the premium, of course, the Insurance is about to become much more complex as ance company or health plan pays the rest of the costs. more you pay and the lower your deductible, the less you the Affordable Care Act (ACA) takes effect; more than The statement describes a copayment, not a deductible, pay “out-of-pocket.” 10,000 pages of regulations have already been written for so the answer is “false.” A deductible is the amount you A person’s out-of-pocket limit can include co-insurance, the new law. Americans who don’t know the basics about have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurer picks up the but not co-pays. health insurance today will be even more confused once cost. If, for example, you have a $500 deductible and your Co-payments are due whenever you have a doctor’s visit the law’s regulations are in force. procedure costs $5,000, you pay $500 and the insurer pays and are not connected to the out-of-pocket limit for a de - So what were the questions on the LIMRA survey? the remaining $4,500. ductible. The answer to this one is “true.” And how would you score? You can take the test below. A health insurance plan with guaranteed issue means A primary care provider (PCP) can be an internist, a pe - The answer is provided in the paragraph following each that an individual cannot be denied coverage because of diatrician or a nurse practitioner. question, so you may want to write “T” or “F” (true or current or past health status. The PCP is the person who not only provides routine false?) on a separate piece of paper as you read. That is a correct definition of “guaranteed issue.” The healthcare for you, but who determines whether you should A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) is a health answer is “true.” The ACA will require that insurers pro - see a specialist. Doctors provide most primary care, but plan that contracts with doctors, hospitals, and other vide guaranteed-issue coverage. That means individuals nurse practitioners can also serve in the “gatekeeper” role health care providers to offer medical services to its mem - who are sick can no longer be denied coverage. However, of a PCP, so the answer is “true.” bers. when individuals with serious illnesses are provided cover - Reasonable and customary fees are the charges doctors A PPO is a managed-care insurer that contracts at a dis - age, it will boost premiums for others. bill insurance companies or health plans for their services. “Reasonable and customary fees” are the fees insurers are willing to reimburse for specific medical services, not what doctors charge, so the answer is “false.” Federal law requires employers to offer health insurance to their employees. Currently, most employers offer health insurance to full- time employees, but they are not required by law to do so. The correct answer is “false,” but the ACA will require em - Continued on following page
24 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING Trek Sturbridge Continued from page 21 Sturbridge Trails has a new web site! hosting their own Sturbridge trails website: sky. Gary will have his telescope set up. A slight sliver of Can’t get enough news on Sturbridge trails? Wait - http://www.sturbridgetrails.org/index.html Log on and a moon will be visible that night but we hope the moon ing a whole month for the latest trail news? Looking obtain the most current local open space trail maps, glow will not block out a good night to look at the stars, for more information? Want a reminder email on up - send them an email requesting to be placed on their listen to the night sounds of the woods, and experience coming trail work days and events? Do you want to email list, or just check out news and information re - our “black and white” eyesight of the night. volunteer or help organize trail days? Well you are in garding trails. Kids are welcome; please remember we will be hiking luck, the Sturbridge Trails Committee has partnered September is a great time to get outdoors, join us as for about 1 mile and at night. No pets please. Water bot - with The Friends of Sturbridge Trails and are now we Trek Sturbridge! tles and insect spry recommended flashlights optional, their use will be discouraged for most of the hike so our eyes will get accustomed to the dark. We will walk out to our cars around 9 PM. A rain date is set for the following Saturday, October 5th. Not a member of FrOST? Applica - tions and information on this trail advocacy group will also be available. This will be a good time to join!
September is National Public Lands Day (NPLD) September 28th, 2013 is the annual NPLD event. All the local area trail committees will be holding volunteer trail day projects. Sturbridge will be working on the Ar - butus Park and Old Growth trails on the Leadmine Mt Property, meet at 10 Shattuck Rd. Pre registration is re - quested to properly plan the volunteer projects which in - clude applying fine gravel, wood chips and general trail tread construction work. To preregister log on the to Sturbridge trails website: http://www.sturbridgetrails.org/index.html and send us an email using the “contact us” button. If enough volunteers sign up work will also occur on the Gateway Mt Bike trail too. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be holding NPLD events at both Westville Lake Park, 125 Wallace Rd Sturbridge and on the Grand trunk trail, 207 Five Bridge Rd., Brimfield. Again preregistration is re - quested, contact park Ranger Tom Chamberland at 508- 347-3705.
Health Cionntisnuedr fraomn pcreve ious page ployers with 50 employees or more to offer health insur - ance or pay a fine. That provision of the ACA was scheduled to take effect at the end of 2013, but was recently delayed for a year by President Obama. Hopefully, this article provided you with a better un - derstanding of the basics of health insurance. If you have additional questions, your insurance agent should be glad to answer them. The more you know about your health in - surance, the better you can make decisions about your cov - erage.
Richard A. McGrath, CIC, LIA is President and CEO of McGrath Insurance Group, Inc. of Sturbridge, Mass. He can be reached at [email protected]. This article is written for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing legal advice.
THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 25 Wine language for consumers Continued from page 10 too high you may sense some heat on your tongue. others that you may think of. Look at all of the fruits on and their most basic comparisons are to red fruits: rasp - As you make your observations about the wines think your list and pick one or more that best describes your berries, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, plums, etc. about food. If the wine suggests tart raspberries think wine. Try this exercise with a group of friends and come Many wines possess qualities that suggest certain about foods that match well with raspberries. If it sug - up with group descriptions. Keep in mind that a lot of herbs and spices. Words that come to mind are dill, gests lemons think about what you serve with lemons. this is subjective and what makes sense to you is what re - mint, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Some of these come di - Make mental notes of dishes that you think the wine ally counts. rectly from the fruit and others are the results of their will match well with and then try it out the next time Years ago I repeated a major wine publication’s tast - time spent in oak barrels. Oak aged wines may suggest you that you cook those dishes. You may want to try ing of top flight California Chardonnays in a class that I wood, vanilla, char and smoke. Some wines suggest vari - your food & wine match with a different wine from the was teaching in Harvard Square. Our group tasted, de - ous floral scents. same category. Fortunately you are now so conversant in bated merits and eventually agreed on group descriptions Some wines may have vegetal smells with some posi - wine speak that you can tell the wine seller what you for each of the wines. I then read the magazine’s descrip - tive and many negative. These may include mushrooms, liked and ask for something similar! tions of those same wines. Not a single wine’s magazine green peppers and asparagus. Some wines are earthy sug - The next time that you taste a wine that you like description made it obvious to the group which wine was gesting a morning walk in the woods. Some wines hint of spend a few moments deciding on what it is that you being described. minerals like the smell of brook water rushing over like about it. Making these kind of observations will There could have been many reason for this. We were stones. allow you to better remember the wine and match it tasting the wines many months after the magazine had Pour a wine, swirl it around to releases it’s scents and with food. published their results. The wines could have been ef - aromas, take a deep sniff and observe what you smell. There are many lists available to help you to define fected by their shipping, storage, etc. The magazine’s re - What do the fruit component smell like? How intense scents and flavors. Here are two good ones. viewers may have tasted the wines separately at the are they? Do they smell fruity and/or tart? Are they entic - Noted wine writer Robert Parker has an excellent list wineries while we tasted them as a group. ing you to taste the wine? Are they “off” smelling musty called “Robert Parker’s Glossary of Wine Terms.” Find The lesson is that there is no definitive descriptions or like spoiled fruit? it at http://www.erobertparker.com/info/glossary.asp. of fine wines. Don’t put too much faith in ratings and Take a taste and draw a little air in through your Ann C. Noble of U.C. Davis created a great tool wine critics. Don’t worry about your own descriptions mouth. Doing so releases more fragrances towards the called “The Wine Aroma Wheel”. Her website is being right or wrong. Taste, observe, learn about what back of your palate and nasal cavity. What do the flavors http://winearomawheel.com/. It may be purchased on you like, and remember what you learned for when you remind you of? Are they like certain fruits? Do you sense line or in some wine shops. return to the wine store or read a restaurant wine list. Sturbridge resident Peter Sagansky imports and distrib - An easy way to organize your thoughts and make the any herbal components? Which ones? Observe the wine’s utes wines for Charles River Wine Company and assists the tasting process easier is to make up your own tasting aftertaste. How long does it last? How intense is it? How team at The Winebuyer’s Outlet / Sturbridge Cheese & dry is it? Notice the alcohol effect. Is it balanced? If it is sheets. List all of the elements discussed above and fill in Chocolate.
26 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING T.J. English Switching sides Continued from page 11 Continued from page 11 Not at all comfortable with the turn of events, we have recovering miscreant is dullsville. The neighbors, when they country formulates its foreign policy. The Saudis control referred the question why this is happening to our official find out, and they often do, are not amused. Little in re - much of a substance that keeps our economy running. think tank, The Long Hill Institute for the Study of sources are expended on those in the program after they are They have an interest in supporting opponents of Shia Bizarre Government Actions. After looking at the ques - done testifying. Disaster is almost inevitable. As T. J. wrote Islam. If they feel strongly, we have to take that into con - tion, and suffering befuddlement, they finally came up about one participant’s suicide, “He left the Witness Secu - sideration. Or do we? with their usual default position as coined by Napoleon rity Program the same way he entered it. Alone” I understand not everything can be discussed in pub - during his wars, "Never ascribe to malice that which can English takes us through the vast demimonde of crimi - lic. Nobody expected Eisenhower to put the plans for D adequately be explained by incompetence." Maybe it is all nality. Two west coast porn impresario brothers live on the Day on the broadcast news. Still, the direction of foreign a brilliant strategy that will lead to peace and happiness edge until one kills the other. Cops in New York who tar - policy should not be as clouded as it is. A never ending among nations. Up on Long Hill, we prefer to wield get minorities and a DEA agent who has creative methods “War on Terror” with multiple bogeyman will not end Occam’s Razor. of getting convictions will not inspire confidence in law en - well, which is probably why it has to be hidden. If you ran There was little brouhaha about the contracts in the forcement. Ethnic crime is a growth industry. As the au - it by Judy or Joe Blow, they would say, “ That’s dumb.” media. Even right of center outlets only mentioned it in thor has a passion for writing about his subject, one wonders The less evolved might actually see the emperor is not passing. News cycles being what they are, it is now the what he would do with his time if virtue became universal? dressed. new normal. The Whitey of the title is of course James Bulger. Sec - tion IV is dedicated to our local über crook without whom many Bay State journalists would have had nothing to write this past summer. Mr. English must have been surprised at the blessing that happened in the crime-reporting world. He thought, not unreasonably, that Bulger was dead. T. J. also thought he was done with the Irish-American gangster as a subject. All that changed on June 22, 2011. By September, he was re - porting in the now defunct Newsweek. In the next year, the author would get a hold of whomever he could. FBI guy John Connally tried to make crime pay. For him, it did, for a while. Honest G-man, Robert Fitzpatrick saw Whitey for what he was, to his ruin. With the verdict, the circus is not over, but with Whitey on ice forever, how much more can even T. J. mine out of it. Of course, if Oklahoma injects him, that’s different. That does not mean, after Whitey, he’ll have nothing to write. As he puts it, “Being a crime journalist is the gift that keeps on giving. As long as people continue to use the pur - suit of the American Dream as a license to commit crimes, I will cover this beat.”
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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 27 28 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING