FEBRUARY, 2008 THE TURBRIDGE IMES S THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING MAGAZINET

CAR BUYING TAKES A HOLIDAY

BY RICHARD MURPHY

ONE LATE-BLOOMER’S EXCEPTIONAL GIFTS

BY STEPHANIE RICHARDS

EUROPE FOR LOVERS: BRUSSELS & BRUGGE

BY PAUL CARR

Prsrt. Std U.S. Postage PAID Worcester, MA Permit No. 2

THE EBRUARY STURBRIDGETIMES F 2008 MAGAZINE

PUBLISHED DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH AT STURBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS F EATURES

PUBLISHER & EDITOR PAUL CARR MANAGING EDITOR JOHN SMALL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE KAREN ROTHWEILER CONTRIBUTORS RENEE CANADA 4 TOM CHAMBERLAND PAYSON FITCH RICHARD MURPHY STEPHANIE RICHARDS BIG BLOSSOMS FOR A LATE BLOOMER IVING Through her books and teaching, THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE Carol Goodrow inspires children to run toward health P.O. BOX 418, STURBRIDGE, MA 01566 and the rest of us to consider the possibilities of our own TEL. 508-347-7077 FAX 508-347-8150 latent talents.

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DELIVERED INTO EVERY HOME, BUSINESS AND POST B Y S TEPHANIE R ICHARDS OFFICE BOX IN STURBRIDGE, AND SELECTED HOMES IN BRIMFIELD, BROOKFIELD, CHARLTON, EAST BROOKFIELD, HOLLAND, NORTH BROOKFIELD, WALES, Y WEST BROOKFIELD, SPENCER. 10 ALSO MAILED TO INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES AND TO MEN AND BELGIUM IS FOR LOVERS WOMEN OF THE U.S. ARMED FORCES WHO ARE SERVING OUR COUNTRY IN THE UNITED STATES AND ABROAD. Lace, chocolate and waffles usually come to mind RESIDENTIAL LIST UPDATED EVERY 3 MOS. when people think about Belgium. But we’ve found PRINTED AT MASS WEB, AUBURN MAILED BY CLARK MAILING COMPANY, WORCESTER that it is a land as rich in romance as it is in history — and well worth the trek from Sturbridge country.

B Y P AUL C ARR 12 PRESIDENT’S DAY AND HOW IT DRIVES US We couldn’t find anyone who could trace the origin of the relationship between President’s Day and auto buying. OUNTR We’ll assume it happened somewhere on Madison Avenue. But we met up with two experts in car buying with completely different approaches on selling you your next car.

C B Y R ICHARD M URPHY 16 ARE WE LOSING OUR TREES? ON THE COVER The Sturbridge tree warden takes us through In the above painting, which appears as a significant five different scenarios that illustrate or imply devastating outcomes component of our cover this month, Brimfield artist Anna for many of our most cherished trees. M. Ozolins captures the beauty of Valentine’s Day roses. Anna’s work is currently on view, along with that of her And a potential threat to one tree collaborative artisans, at Cornerstone Creations, 548 Main could shake the economy of one New England state. Street, Sturbridge. She will be on hand there on Saturday February 9 from Noon to 3 p.m. Anna’s work will also B Y T OM C HAMBERLAND hang during the entire month of May at Sturbridge Coffee House, 479 Main Street, Sturbridge. Anna’s studio is locat- ed at 7 Cubles Drive, Brimfield. She can be reached at 413.245.0947. 18 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE is published monthly by EIGHT WAYS TO AVOID COLON CANCER Carr Communications.We accept photos,opinions, short articles, stories, poems and drawings from the general public, but assume Harvard physicians lay out an eight-step checklist no responsibility for failure to publish a submission or for typo- to help us avoid the third most commonly-diagnosed cancer graphic errors published or incorrect placement.The contents of this magazine consist of copyrightable material and cannot be in the United States. reproduced without the expressed written permission of the author and the publishers of The Sturbridge Times Magazine. B Y F A CULTY OF H ARVARD M EDICAL S CHOOL

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: The 20th of each month prior to pub- lication.ADVERTISING OFFICE: 508-347-7077 ext. 2 TURBRIDGE

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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 3

A late- bloomer blossoms Meet Carol Goodrow, author, teacher, athlete — and inspiration for all of us who haven’t quite hit our stride

By Renée Canada

Carol Goodrow is a “back of the packer”run- ner. Unlike some runners who are merely look- ing for the best ways to shave a few more sec- onds off their fastest time, Goodrow isn't afraid PHOTO BY RENÉE CANADA to stop to enjoy nature. Recently, she observed FISKDALE RESIDENT CAROL GOODROW WITH HER LATEST BOOK TITLED “KIDS RUNNING” the pileated woodpecker as she ran through tinues to produce inventive and amusing stories for marks-and now, also, books. the woodsy hills of Wells State Park. students who are encouraged to overcome their “I don't consider myself a natural artist,” After a daily run, often with German stumbling blocks to learn. For her efforts, she has Goodrow says modestly. “It takes me a long Shepherd Midnight in tow, Goodrow frequent- been recognized with several teaching awards time to do the illustrations, but in the end, I am ly feels the rush of sweet inspiration coursing within the Tolland School System where she has so happy with the result. [Using these pro- through her and she sits down to create. An worked for the last 20 years. grams] they come out picture perfect.” Her award-winning author and illustrator of three Winning the “Teacher of The Year” award in bookmarks are now distributed to schools and children's books, Goodrow says, “The fastest 1994 led Goodrow indirectly to another late-dis- clubs around the country and she illustrates way to cure writer’s block is to run.” covered interest. With her award winnings, and typesets all of her books. While today the petite, blonde Tolland Goodrow said goodbye to her days of being a Goodrow’s love for running led her to schoolteacher from Fiskdale seems brimming coach potato, and hello to the adrenaline rush of become involved with local running websites. with confidence, multitudinous talents, and, a gym membership. It was there where she dis- In 1996, she built CoolRunning.com’s first chil- well, energy, Goodrow wasn’t always this way. covered her love of running. dren’s page: WayCoolRunning.com. After four A self-described late-bloomer, Goodrow didn't Though Goodrow runs for fun,she also runs in years of building steady success, Goodrow took grow up confident that she could do anything half-marathons,and for five years,she has run the her talents to Runner’s World magazine, where particularly well. Athletics seemed an impossi- Pan-Mass Challenge, the 212-mile bike ride from she offered to start a children’s running page. ble arena to explore; it wasn't until fifth grade Sturbridge to Provincetown that raises money KidsRunning.Com, the “run-to-stay-fit and run- that she learned how to ride a bicycle. for cancer.Whether she’s running to stay fit or to to-have-fun” site Goodrow founded and edits, is “And I never drew as a child,”Goodrow con- help raise funds for better health treatment, now considered to be the number one running fides. “I didn't think I could. Everything that I Goodrow knew from day one that she wanted to web site for kids. enjoy doing, came later to me than most.” share her love for the sport with others. Goodrow credits Runner’s World editor-at- After Goodrow had children, she went back to Goodrow has brought many innovative ideas large,Amby Burfoot, for giving her the encour- school to become a teacher. She has been a special into her classroom, but she has become well-rec- agement to write her first book “Happy Feet, education teacher since the late ’70s. It was in the ognized for pairing her passions for running and Healthy Food.” This journal for exercise and classroom,where she discovered a love of writing. healthy living with literacy. “When I became a healthy eating integrates fitness with counting, While being trained as an Ortin- runner,I started integrating running with the cur- nutrition, nature, and creative writing, Gillingham reading instructor in riculum. I still run with my schoolchildren on In his foreword to the book, Burfoot says: Sturbridge, Goodrow wrote her first story Fridays,”Goodrow says. “This is the first book to recognize that we to encourage a boy who was struggling to Goodrow began having her students write in must begin to teach our kids about good health learn how to read. Written on a note card, journals after they ran. She found that even the and nutrition at a young age.”He believes that the short tale about a dog who wanted a most reluctant writers loved to write about their many kids are already out-of-shape and pork chop for lunch earned Goodrow her running. She also began designing t-shirts for the unhealthy before parents know it, and first writing fan. “fun runs” she put on each year for her students. Goodrow’s books provide the necessary wake Mrs.Alice Garcide was the supervising teacher In the process, she discovered quickly a couple up call to encourage kids’ fitness. at the time.“The look of delight on Mrs. Garcide’s of other new passions. Four years after its publication,“Happy Feet, face when I read the story aloud was the biggest After initial disappointment with her attempts Healthy Food” is still changing lives. Goodrow reward in the world,” Goodrow remembers. “It at drawing characters for the t-shirts, Goodrow uses the book in her classroom and in the Happy was the biggest reward any teacher had given me realized that she would need to learn illustration Feet Kids Club after-school running club she in my lifetime.” software.A graphic artist gave her a quick tutori- founded.The club’s success is due largely on its Encouraged by Mrs. Garcide’s response, al in vector graphics and Adobe Illustrator, and focus on enjoyment rather than competitive- Goodrow continued writing stories for the little soon Goodrow had taught herself how to make ness. Happy Feet Kids clubs have cropped up boy to help him learn to read.To this day,she con- full use of the software to make t-shirts and book- across the country,as far away as Los Angeles.

4 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

When teacher Layne Johnson wanted to a thing or two, running games, and special mes- start a running club at her school in Virginia, “You might just discover sages from each of the kids. she discovered Goodrow’s website. “I loved that you are fabulous, “Kids Running”was also written with reader- how she had everything covered,” Johnson input. The riddles she wrote last year were says.“She incorporates the importance of exer- awesome, and brought in to her students to determine their cise, healthy eating habits, working as a team, reactions. Reader input has proven invaluable and encouraging others.” The club’s partici- magnificent!” for Goodrow. “The Treasure for Health and pants love coming to club, and, after seeing the Happiness” was written in along with Mrs. — CAROL GOODROW books,the school’s principal made the program Therese Hillman’s class at Burgess Elementary part of her school improvement plan. School in Sturbridge, where students read and Goodrow’s second book, “The Treasure of ued. “Out at recess they will not even pass you critiqued each chapter as a writing assignment. Health and Happiness,” is used also in many the ball because you are not on travel “I’d come home and there would be all the Happy Feet club programs. It tells the fictional soccer…The book tells you to keep trying and responses to my chapter in an envelope,” tale of a girl named Hannah who, like that you will find a sport you love.You will not Goodrow says,“It was very encouraging to me.” Goodrow, is a late bloomer. She discovers how only be healthy—you will find friends there too. “Kids Running” ends with ‘Cassandra's she can move from the life of fear and failure to That is what happened to me.” Writing Pep Talk,’ where Goodrow encourages that of a confident, happy, healthy little girl. In Children and parents alike are huge fans of the runners and writers to enjoy both disciplines 2007, the book received a “Celebrate Literacy book. Ian’s mother Joanne appreciates how the and to keep practicing.“You might just discov- Award,” from the IRA (International Reading fictional Hannah learns to embrace healthy er that you are fabulous, awesome, and magnifi- Assoc.), Central Massachusetts Branch. snacks after years of poor eating habits. “If you cent!”Goodrow hopes that by leading by exam- The book’s appeal transcends cultures. present foods the right way, if it’s colorful, the ple, as both a writer and a writing teacher, chil- Japanese readers have found its message revolu- kids will try it. Never stop trying to introduce dren will be encouraged to write even more. tionary, for its story of a girl who is struggling new [habits] to your kids,”she says. “Don't let anyone discourage you when it with not being the best at what she does.Shizuka Fortunately for readers and children all over, comes to running or writing.” Hiromi says: “It sends a strong message to young Goodrow has never stopped trying, and this Goodrow found the book publisher for all people that if you don’t succeed at first, it’s okay month, she will release her third book, “Kids three books,Breakaway Books,on the web,so it to try something else. That I thought was very Running.” It tells the tale of four kids, each at celebrating her third publication by starting her important in today’s world where people are varying levels and intensities of running. The third web site. Dedicated to her love of run- quick to label a person a loser.” book offers wonderful information about the ning, writing, teaching, children, it can be found Eleven-year-old Ian Cook, a competitive sport, from proper attire and nutrition to fun at www.carolgoodrow.com. swimmer, also found comfort in Goodrow’s runs and cross-training.There are special articles Goodrow’s books are available locally in message.“I liked that it tells kids that it is okay for more advanced runners and interviews with Sturbridge at the Sunburst Restaurant and at not to be the best at everything.” In his town, running champions.There are also humorous rid- A Massage For You, run by her husband being a member of travel soccer is highly val- dles, singsong poems where one might also learn Kevin.

THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 5

RESTAURANT REVIEW Cedar Street Restaurant: generous, balanced, sumptuous fare

By Richard Murphy Jill, was quickly before us as she a generous bowl with chopsticks was and have even raised it. Cedar would be when needed through the sublime. The sweetness of the plum Street’s Pan Seared Duck Breast It had been at least 10 years since meal. She brought us a whole wheat sauce was complimented by the tang with a juniper honey drizzle, along my wife and I had eaten at the Cedar baguette served with Honey Hazel- of Wasabi, neither one drowning out with the accompanying toasted Street Restaurant. Back then,we had a nut butter. the other. Jill told us that Cedar Street pistachio dusting over potato and good afternoon with lovely food in The wine list was long and com- had the best calamari and one would fresh vegetables is something I can celebration of a friend's birthday. prehensive. Acceding to my wife be hard put to disagree. Had the meal recommend without reservation. If Cedar Street has changed hands since Robin’s intention to order beef, we ended there the evening would have condemned, it would be my then without a name change. No mat- selected a bottle of an Argentine mal- been a success. request for the last meal. ter; it is a different place that bears no bec, La Posta 2006. With the entrees, Robin’s Smoked The Malbec complimented my comparison to its predecessor. Robin ordered the Roasted Carrot Sea Salt Crusted Filet of Beef with wife’s filet and did no harm to my We arrived for an early Saturday Parsnip Soup with Caraway and I tree peppercorn cream over potato duck. evening reservation and were taken asked for the Asian Calamari appetiz- and fresh sauteed vegetables was as The potatoes deserve more than immediately to our table. The dining er, which was flash fried, tossed with lovely to taste as was its presenta- a mention. I don't think I ever room was nicely decorated with plum sauce and finished with a tion. want to eat mashed spuds done prints above all tables by the wall. wasabi aioli drizzle. My wife’s soup I love duck,and have ordered it in with butter again. The extra virgin Our efficient and pleasant server, was lovely,but the calamari, served in many places across the country — olive oil made it a different experi- ence. The vegetables, squash and zuc- chini were of the same quality as B OARDWALK P LAZA S TURBRIDGE everything else served, but it was more than that on the entree. The 500 MAIN S TREET word subtle is overused, but noth- ing overpowered anything else on the plate. Everything was bal- anced. The menu changes with the seasons so I was a little surprised by the summer squash, but in no way upset. A vegetarian colleague at the Sturbridge Times Magazine suggest- ed the crispy Lobster Ricotta Rangoons with apricot pommery mustard dipping sauce. He chal- lenges diners to find better ran- goons anywhere. He also praised Boardwalk Plaza the season’s vegetarian entree, 500 Main Street (Rte. 20) Calimarata Pasta, as being “so rich Sturbridge in flavor that it will entice a die- hard carnivore into breaking from COLD BEER — Open Daily— the pack.”The sauce,which is most evident at the bottom of the bowl, FINE WINE comprises “virgin” roasted tomato Unique sauce, topped with grated ricotta FULL LIQUOR and Unusual Gifts, salata.This generous and satisfying meal can be enjoyed with or with- Cards, Jewelry out lemon garlic seared shrimp. Hours Kitchen Bar and Again, we could have left with- Monday Closed Closed out regretting our time, yet I admit Tuesday 11:30-9pm 11:30-10pm so much more! to ordering the Raspberry White Wednesday 11:30-9pm 11:30-10pm Chocolate Bread Pudding topped Thursday 11:30-9pm 11:30-10pm Friday 11:30-10pm 11:30-12am $3.00 OFF with dulche de leche gelato out of Saturday 11:30-10pm 11:30-12am more than a mere sense of duty to Sunday 11:30-9pm 11:30-9pm Any One Pound of our readers. Though Robin ordered CHOCOLATES or $2.00 off any an Irish Coffee, Jill was kind Luncheon Special: one pound of FUDGE. enough to bring two spoons. She Pizza by the Slice EXPIRES 2/29/08 could have brought three and sat until 4 pm down with us as it was as ample as it was good. 500 Main Street Cedar Street is not inexpensive. At such a level of food quality and Sturbridge Any40% single regular OFF priced item Not to be combined with any other offer service and professionalism, it 508-347-1740 EXPIRES 2/29/08 could not be otherwise. However, Continued on page 8

6 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

THE INTERVIEW

Chatting with Dennis McCurdy Local businessman and overall animator of people

Dennis McCurdy, founder of The McCurdy Group

In 1975, you started building a inspires you to jump? book about helping people clarify doing this as a form of self- business that has grown to encom- their goals and vision. I used that empowerment.This helped me pass many different facets. Over I tend to get bored easily, so when information and included it in a when I began working with peo- the past 30-or-so years you’ve I took over that business I looked sales meeting. About 10 years ple through my workshops. later, after not looking at that become one of the most dynamic for other things that would book since, I looked at it and the What attracts you most to every business faces in the Sturbridge enhance it, but would be aligned with the business and would work pages had turned yellow, though day? area. Let’s go back to ’75. Please for the customers. So I’ve been something really surprised me.The tell us what led you to choose working on building a very holis- 10-year goal for my income that I like where I’m at, what I do. I insurance as a business in the first tic business operation for the com- I’d written down from 10 years spent a lifetime building it this place. How has that choice influ- pany, looking for ways that we earlier was only $500 different way. I definitely knew where I enced who you are today? can help people.With this business, from what I had earned that year. wanted to go and what I wanted one thing led to another. I’ve done I wish I’d written down more in to do.I had some good ideas as far Well, I returned from Vietnam in a lot of real estate stuff, built spec that book. But what I took from it as that went. Every day is a vaca- 1971, and in 1973, I went to col- houses, bought foreclosures and was an understanding of the tion for me. I get up and, by 6:15, lege thinking that’s what you’re done rehabs. I think that if we do power of writing down your goals. I’m at Annie’s Country Kitchen supposed to do. In early ’73 I ran new things as we go along, it adds writing or reading. I do a lot of into two old friends at one of the energy to our lives; it makes every- You’ve added author and motiva- reading. I do that six days a week. local coffee shops.They were out thing better.You can quote home- tional speaker to your repertoire; I’m up and gone and ready. selling insurance for Boston owners policies for just so long; in fact, you’ve become quite an Therefore, everything is good. I Mutual.They told me that they you have to add new things. It animator of people. Tell us about have an incredible staff and they were going to start a real estate adds energy to all the parts of that. handle pretty much everything and insurance business, and they your life. Generally, when I’m with and we complement each other.It’s invited me to join them. So I did. I a customer, the smallest portion of When I started thinking about giv- symbiotic. I always hire people quit college and got my license our meeting is spent discussing ing workshops, I had the usual who are strong where I’m weak.We and started selling real estate. Of business per se, or what is going doubts. I found myself wondering don’t need a bunch of Dennises; it course, at 23, 24 years old, you on with their insurance program ‘What makes me think I can do would be a zoo. My most recent don’t know a whole lot yet, and I and their investments.The most this’? I began thinking about the hire on a management level is an failed. I was mostly doing real significant part of the conversa- million people out there who were implementer.I told her, trust me, estate at that time, but I noticed tion tends to be what is going on giving motivational speeches. So I you won’t have to worry about the that my friend, who was doing with them. Eventually, I realized joined Toastmasters to get myself ideas at all — I’ll bury you on the insurance, had a business that that I was motivating people and, going. I was always drawn to Tony first day. Anything that’s gone well had some residual value – the in doing that, was also motivating Robbins and his workshops, and or poorly in my life, there’s only sales are smaller but more consis- myself. had developed an interest in the one person who is responsible.Too tent — so I offered to buy his busi- motivational discipline of fire many people blame everyone else ness, and it happened. I had no What else motivates you? walking. So I found the website for for their misery. In the office, we do idea what I was getting into at all. Tolly Burkan, who started fire a lot with Myers Briggs personality I just jumped in, which is the way I do a lot of reading, mostly self- walking back in the ’70s or ’80s, profile stuff. Firing someone stinks. I do things. improvement books. I read a book and went out to California to I do everything I can to avoid that back in the 80s by Gerald learn it. He had taught Robbins situation. Is it the newness of things that Krunkle. He had an exercise in his and others. I spent some time in Continued on page 19

THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 7

MUSINGS FROM LONG HILL would sit far apart enough that we could be reason- ably sure they could not strangle each other. If you take away all cause for conflict, they will amaze you with their faculty of invention, not to mention the THE ISOLATIONIST ability to appear completely devoted to each other BY RICHARD MURPHY just as you’ve made arrangements to parcel them out to relatives and neighbors. Still, if we missed p on Long Hill,I often have a feeling of iso- wars over possession of the channel changer, that lation. We can hardly see the road or our would not bother me. Uneighbors and in summer,with the trees in A bigger question is how has TV changed people. LEGAL bloom, it is near impossible. Though not hermits, I have always thought attention span has shortened we cherish the privacy. for our species. Is this true or am I misinterpreting BRIEF We are isolated in another way. Our family has all the TV watched as the cause of something ROBERT A. GEORGE, ESQ. no TV. Oh,there is a TV, but it can only play videos innate? Looking back into history might give us a STURBRIDGE ATTORNEY and DVDs. We are, thus, different from our fellow clue. In 1854, Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas

M ONTHLY L EGAL A DVICE citizens. When someone asks if I have seen debated the extension of slavery on the steps of the FOR READERS OF “Survivor” and I answer that we don't have televi- Peoria County Courthouse in Illinois. Douglas T HE S TURBRIDGE T IMES M AGAZINE sion, I get the look, an unsaid,“What kind of nut spoke for three hours and then folks went home for are you?” Occasionally,someone will speak admir- supper. After dinner,Lincoln spoke for three hours. ingly. They will almost express that it takes a high- Can anyone imagine doing this today, six hours on MEDICAID PLANNING er being to turn off the tube. Certainly, I must be one subject? a man of taste. Of course, in those days, it was not just TV that OVERVIEW Actually,none of that.I was a TV slave. I remem- was missing. In newly-settled Illinois, it was rare People don’t want to use up their life sav- ber the day I removed the antenna. There had even to see a theater company. Debating was a ings paying for a nursing home in their old been a story on Public Television about the origin form of entertainment. It did not have to compete age.The problem for most is that they wait of language. I should have headed right to bed with radio let alone TV. Now we also have CDs and until old age to do something about it. after it ended. Ah, I'll just watch the evening DVDs,the Internet,and the whole panoply of media Nursing homes cost about $8,000.00 a news. The next thing remembered was waking to amuse ourselves from the minute we wake ’til month, and before Medicaid will pay, you up in the chair as Conan O’Brien ended. Was this the moment we fall asleep. We cannot even be have to use up pretty much all of your own to be my fate, always ending each day listening to bothered to watch the so-called presidential assets. All of the best ways to protect your the same jokes of Jay and David and Conan as I debates in any number. Of course, they are not assets hinge on planning well in advance of nodded off and the remote slips from my hand? debates. They resemble nothing so much as a quiz the day you might actually need a nursing No, and I would bring my kids kicking and show. Listening to one on radio, I expected to hear home. screaming with me. It was absolutely selfish on Alex Trebek tell candidates to answer in the form of The first option is long-term care insur- my part. You see, I was part of the first TV gener- a question. ance. As the name implies, you pay a monthly ation. Looking back on it,if I see a Honeymooners So you must think I am absolutely sure we did premium and if you have to go to a nursing or Howdy Doody episode on youtube, it seems so the right thing. Yes, and maybe. About four years home, the insurance foots the bill. Be sure to unsophisticated in comparison to what is on now. ago I heard a woman on a panel take a position to consult a knowledgeable planner before The sets look so cheesy. But enough digression. keep the TV. Diane Samples teaches kids how to be enrolling in a plan, however, as the duration My sisters and I tortured our mother over what media savvy. She has a point, and now with the and amount of coverage will determine shows we would watch. Mom would come up Internet and ipods et al, it is like a tsunami wave whether your assets are truly protected. with solutions solomonic in their wisdom and we sweeping over all of us. Still, I did not turn the TV The downside of insurance is the cost.The would complain how we were being betrayed. back on. alternatives cost less money, but force you to No TV, no strife. Today, I’m under no illusions I did receive a small vindication. Once while in a give up some control over your assets. about sibling rivalry. In fact,part of the reason we medical waiting room with my son before an You can transfer your house into a life had a gas guzzling minivan when our children appointment, we sat watching the inescapable tele- estate in which you get to live there until you were young was to ensure that on long trips they vision. It was a daytime celebrity mongering talk die, and then it passes on to your heirs.A show. My son sat silently for awhile and then property in life estate, however, is very diffi- turned slowly and said while looking straight at me, cult to sell or mortgage. “Dad, I want to thank you for turning off the TV.” You might try transferring your property into a trust.This provides more flexibility, but Robert A. George Medicaid will have the same access to the ATTORNEY AT LAW Cedar Street Restaurant trust property as you do. LAW OFFICES Continued from page 6 A third try might be to simply give your OF ROBERTE. GEORGE, PC when you consider the value for one’s money, it is stuff to your kids with orders that they not a fair price and when considered against other actually take it until you die. Bad move, con- areas of the state and region it is a bargain. There sidering that even if you think your kids are 508-347-7114 are expensive places where portions seem to be trustworthy, their spouses might not be. www.regeorge.net molecular in scale. Not so at Cedar Street. Beware. Regardless of which transfer you YOUR LOCAL LAW FIRM SINCE 1973. The service was wonderful, the ambiance pleas- try, Medicaid gets your assets anyway unless ant, but the star of the night was the cuisine. Chef you transferred at least five years before ask- • Estate Planning William Nemeroff and staff provided us with an ing the government to pick up the nursing • Real Estate evening to remember. We left regretting only that home tab. • Corporate Business it was time to leave. It will not be another 10 years Shop and dine out near home ... • Bankruptcy until we return. Details: You’ll help keep • Divorce Cedar Street Restaurant, 12 Cedar Street, • Litigation Sturbridge, MA 01566, 508.347.5800 our local economy healthy! Reservations highly recommended. www. cedarstreetrestaurant.com

8 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

THE SHOPPING NEWS A business for the birds Wild Bird Crossing

By Stephanie Richards realized that people don’t pay atten- tion to their surroundings. It’s fun As I sat and talked with Bill and going out with new people who Nancy Cormier, Marley felt com- really want to learn about birds and fortable perched on Bill’s shoul- see them finally get it,”Bill, a former der listening in on the conversa- aircraft mechanic, said. “Once you tion. Then my dangling, purple learn to identify birds, it is almost earrings captured Marley’s inter- impossible to hear them other than est and the bird came in for a clos- the species they are.” er look. Hearing is key to learning about For the Cormiers, it was an bird species and being able to iden- interest in birds that led to the tify a common song or phrase for opening of Wild Bird Crossing in each one he said. “Song birds are 1993. This niche business, now easier to identify by song if they are located at 4 Cedar Street, singing, and about 90-percent of Sturbridge, is all about the birds. bird watchers do that by ear. And In fact, bird ambassadors Marley some species change their calls by and Minny Myrrh will greet you season…like the chickadee. But when you come in. NANCY AND BILL CORMIER AT WILD BIRD CROSSING once you learn bird song, it opens While taking a class on birds in the world up. Most people listen to his teen years,Bill took an interest online store. “It is an easy way to want to know things like what birds it as just sounds,”Bill said. in the animals and that began his order gift certificates, but for gifts or they are seeing,where to place their Recognizing that, the couple has thirst to know more about them. other items, a lot of our customers feeder or how to make their yard recently brought on a part-time per- Nancy was not as educated until look online and then still come into more functional for birds,” Nancy, son to develop programs again for she met him. “I was always an the store,”Nancy said. who quit her job in the corporate schools and home school groups. outdoor person, but didn’t realize While providing products to bird world three years ago, said. Bill said the initial goal for their how many bird species there watchers is a big part of their busi- The greatest thrill for Bill is edu- business was to do more programs were until I met Bill,”she said. ness, the couple has a passion for cating novice bird watchers and see- and this move will get back toward Opening the business, Nancy educating them. “This business is a ing their knowledge explode into that priority. Classes have been explained they expected there to lot about education. Our customers identification of species. “We have Continued on page 14 be challenges.“We have the typi- cal challenges with things like dis- tributors. Seeds are a commodity and prices have skyrocketed. We are always watching pricing and the companies to buy from. The Fine Lines biggest thing that flows through our business is seed….that is the core of our business. More than 6,000 pounds of seed is pur- chased weekly.” Wild Bird also carries gifts and seasonal items as well as unique bird houses, yankee feeders and honey, which are produced by rom Contemporary to local vendors. “Some customers FNew England Colonial want custom bird houses that look like their homes and we The finest in custom cabinetry have someone who creates them,” Nancy said. “Gift certifi- and furniture for kitchens, cates are also a big item.” Although most of their cus- baths and entertainment. tomer base is in the local area, a number of travelers stop in at Wild Bird Crossing. “We have a guy who comes from Albany just to buy our peanuts,”Bill said.“And Paul J. Girouard, Cabinetmaker others are in visiting the area and 508.347.3645 — www.finelineswood.com stop in.” Open Weekdays 8:00 - 4:30 — Saturday 8:30 - 11:00 — 4 Old Stagecoach Road, Sturbridge, MA A year ago they also opened an

THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 9

STURBRIDGE TREKKER INTERNATIONAL

By Paul Carr

he was weighed down with potatoes and onions when we were introduced. The hasty exchange was in French, so I did- Sn’t catch her name. She was the mistress of the farm in Gaasbeek, Belgium — a weathered, vibrant, rail of a woman, per- BELGIUM haps in her early seventies. Before we knew what was happening she’d taken off with her This unconventional destination offers wheelbarrow and disappeared through the stable.We followed ten- abundant history and romance in tatively up a hill into the back where we found her briskly loading two 30 lb. sacks of potatoes.The impulse was to lend a hand, but the heart of western Europe she was nearly done when we’d caught up with her. She swiveled around to face us and just her eyes smiled. From this subtle expres- sion, we glimpsed a passive message that would come to signify STURBRIDGE TO BRUSSELS: 3,470 MILES that we were among Belgian people — a gentle, weary wisdom that says everything is falling into place in its own time.This was (Brussels to Paris train ride: 1 hr. 22 minutes, 44 Euros) our second day in Belgium. Throughout our two-week stay, we found frequent reminders that two world wars had crashed down in this country. There’s a subtle poignancy in the way older and middle-aged Belgians relate to one another. As in much of Europe, three kisses, cheek-to-cheek- to-cheek, mark most greetings.The human experience is shared generously, with rare defensive obstructions. Eyes are not diverted on the subway, curiosity is undisguised.Time is a commodity quiet- ly respected and observed rather than trampled and conquered. On narrow city sidewalks, old friends meet and display the sort of pleasure one might find among those who had come upon a treasure that was feared lost forever.

Brussels The City of Brussels opens itself heartily to American visitors. Being the pulse of a country that is home to two tribes and two languages, French and Flemish, it is a city of patience and accom- modation.The four dialects of French found throughout the coun- try don’t differ widely from the Parisian, but most Belgians speak Flemish, which is to Dutch what American is to English. Both lan- guages are considered official to the country; each is represented on billboards, road signs and government documents. Positioned in population and area somewhere between Boston and Worcester, Brussels is a city that affords easy mobility. As with many old cities, it can be charming while dreary. The point of pride for Brussels is rightly The Grand Place, a glo- rious, abbreviated version of Boston’s Quincy Market. Resting ele- gantly in the middle of the Place is a huge courtyard of cobble- stones enclosed by government offices, a hotel and a selection of cafes. The Rue de Bruchére, a narrow road spilling off the Place teems THE GRAND PLACE IN THE HEART OF BRUSSELS with curbside eateries, alleyway boits and pulsating neon. On the north side of the Place, we were surprised to find a funky New Orleans-style jazz band tucked away in a crowded basement, young professionals gathered there after work, tapping to the brassy American sounds while savoring local Trappist beer. The city boasts a world-class art museum,The Musée des Beaux Arts, housing classical and modern art in its two buildings.The IS FOR LOVERS baroque works of Belgian master Paul Rubens overshadow the col- lection.The creations of Flemish painters Jan and Herbert van Eyck ness. Inside, there is almost a feeling the structure later served as a prison also dominate. of being outdoors at night amid a fog and torture chamber. of incense.When the sanctity of the Excepting the woods in the south- Ghent space takes hold, and one’s eyes east corner of the nation, the coun- Many Belgian churches contain works of art, many of great have adjusted, a uniquely rich sense tryside of Belgium is sparce. In small merit.The most notable is probably van Eyck’s multi-paneled oil of the building’s purpose settles in. villages, homes without lawns seem altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, displayed in the Less than a mile from St. Bavon, to have grown out of twisting, nar- mammoth 12th-century Cathedral of St. Bavon in Ghent, an hour also in the heart of Ghent, stands the row roads, and ivy-covered windmills northwest of Brussels.The cathedral, which anchors Belgium’s fascinating, if not disturbing, Castle generate light for outlying farm hous- third largest city, is as striking as any other in Europe.At first, this of the Count of Flanders. Originally es. dark and expansive holy place can impose a disconcerting eeri- built to house and protect nobility, Trees grow in columns of two, rib-

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boning through the barren landscape, divid- followed by patisserie. ing property lines and shading dirt roads. The desserts we encountered in private Most trees were taken to rebuild after the homes were usually simple, but always delicious war and were never replaced. Still, there is a and attractive. Honey cakes topped with glazed great beauty in this stark simplicity that can kiwi and peach is a Belgian favorite. kindle and tease out a warm romantic After one beef and potato dinner we asked response from most any of us. our hosts how the boiled potatoes had been seasoned.We were surprised to find that they Brugge hadn’t been doctored at all.“It’s the soil here,” If the world is God’s art, Brugge, Belgium we were told. is still on original canvas. Around dinner or coffee tables, we usually In the early eleventh century, coastal found the conversation turning to the liberation Brugge was an important commercial and of Belgium during World War II. Americans sea trading center for Europe, though within remain heroes to those who lived through decades the natural link between the city Hitler, and even to the generation that followed and the North Sea silted up. A deep channel them. appeared, the Zwin, which linked the city to Having been born nearly 20 years after the the sea until the 15th century, when the con- war, it was often difficult to accept the outpour- nection was lost. ing of this derivative appreciation and respect Over the coming centuries, Brugge would earned by my parent’s generation. So I accepted suffer great poverty and rarely flourished, it with humility on behalf of Americans who though bombs never fell on its residents and understand with first-hand clarity the sacrifices buildings. In fact, the city remained unblem- made. ished by a revolution and two world wars For me, exploring Belgium was an exercise in and entered the mid-twentieth century as a stripping down pretensions, confronting the near-perfect ninth-century frozen relic. youth of my native country, and, in an entirely For its preserved architectural treasures, new way, listening quietly to the echoes of cen- landscape, and burgeoning lace industry, turies. Brugge was reinvented in the 1960s-’70s into one of Europe’s most desirable historic and Getting There romantic destinations. According to Cheryl Wheaton-Reyes of Brick bridges crossing its canal system Sturbridge Travel, the best air fares for brush the city like the few final strokes of a Brussels require a minimum 21-day advance masterpiece. Brackish water sent from gon- notice, midweek travel Monday thru Thursday, dolas laps lazily at private patios and restau- and a Saturday stay-over.Lowest rates from rant kitchen windows along the canal. Boston to Brussels starting by April 30 are Natives mill in front of lace shops, chocolate $773 per person roundtrip, including taxes. In emporiums and waffle stands, nodding May, the prices increase to $825 per person politely to flurries of tourists. and in June to $945 per person. Churches, small museums, and a sprawling Cheryl says:“Your best bet is to book as abbey store artistic and architectural treasures soon as you know you’re going and have us in Brugge. Michaelangelo’s Madonna can be watch for specials that may come up. Let us do admired in the Liebfrauenkirch (Church of the work for you.Also, if 10 or more people Our Lady). A reflective walk through the his- are traveling we can secure group rates at a toric De Wijngaard Abbey in the heart of the savings.” city creates the perfect moment to give thanks for the opportunity to have touched such a city as Brugge. We’re pleased to welcome Small wonder Rubens and van Eyck, each Henry Ostrout Brugge residents, did such splendid work. It’s (formerly of Spencer Travel), a city of cozy, colorful daydreams. an experienced travel professional PHOTO BY TOM BLAZEJ CANALSIDE IN BRUGGE and group coordinator Knokke A short drive north from Brugge, though the visit — if only for the opportunity to be stared to our Sturbridge Travel staff three hours from Brussels, is the upscale vil- down by an owl or egret. lage of Knokke, bordering the Netherlands Please call us for a free quote on on the coast of the North Sea. Aside from its Inside the Belgian Home your next group or family vacation. position as a playground for Belgian’s As hosts, Belgians are refined and gracious.We wealthy, Knokke boasts the Het Zwin Nature were fortunate to have been invited into several Reserve, a 370-acre nature park that extends homes for meals and conversation while there. over the Belgian-Dutch border into Holland. Wine, usually from Bordeaux, is served with Het Zwin is framed by dunes and a sea lunch and dinner. It’s not unusual to top off a dike, and its rivulets change with the tides. meal with a generous glass of whisky. Cheese is a (508) 347-9511 The resulting habitat is ideal for plants and staple on the Belgian dinner table and is treated animals, including more than 100 species of in much the same fashion as is bread here. 1-800-222-5930 birds; among them: waders, ducks, the silver Check out our website at www.sturbridgetravel.com If you find yourself in Belgium, you might try for our weekly specials plover and snipe. Two-fifths of the reserve Cabieaux, a delicate white fish indigenous to the 129 Main St., land is open for walking, and it is well worth North Sea. Salad is served usually after the meal, Sturbridge Professional Center, Sturbridge

THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 11

ebruary is here, Fthe PRESIDENT’S DAY month of groundhogs and valentines and, this year, Mardi Gras. And there is another holiday in the second And How It Drives Us month that is two celebrations in one. We honor the men who have By Richard Murphy served as chief executive and we honor the inner man and woman by inviting them into automobile showrooms to view the new and shiny. But why does this happen on a weekend around the third Monday PHOTO BY JOHN SMALL each February? The Sturbridge Times Magazine set out to find out, history of the event, but he been named the Most Improved even speaking to folks at the seemed to know more than any- Mazda Dealer in Salesperson National Automobile Dealers one. Satisfaction and earned a 70-per- Association, the trade group repre- According to Zee, President’s cent volume sales increase in cal- senting retailers, and the answer is: Day, as an auto dealers’ open endar 2007. Zee is not surprised, nobody knows. house, is a Massachusetts affair. He “If you treat people with respect There was one man who did views this as natural given the and professionalism, ultimately, have a clue, as well as a lot of usual bleakness of our winters, your sales improve.” answers to other questions. Zareh especially this one with its surfeit Zee explained the recent “Zee”Avakian of GalloCars. com, of snow. The way Zee sees it, changes that have taken place in the Worcester dealer for Mazda and President’s Day is a kickoff to bet- the business. The trade is now Volvo, did not know the complete ter things. It’s a time when people completely customer-driven. At one time it took days for a buyer to research a vehicle. Today, with ZEE AVAKIAN OF GALLO MAZDA the Internet, he can know the product better than the salesman. need to get out and think about So it comes down to how you treat spring being just around the cor- the customer. You need to be ner. “more honest, more caring and Years ago, new car models were candid, and as long as I’m at Gallo, introduced at one time each year. that will always be the way.” Today, new cars are introduced Zee wants to give more on peo- throughout the year, so having one ple’s trades and discount at the special day means even more. dealer level and utilizes manufac- As Zee puts it, New England is, turer’s incentives because the “an event-driven market, and what quicker a dealer can sell, the more better an event than President’s automobiles he will be allocated. Day when car manufacturers give a An example of how important boost to ‘the New England thing’.” allocation is, when Zee arrived, Gallo is revving up for the day there were no Mazdas in inventory. as well. Zee reports:“We are more The Mazda3 is a popular, sporty, prepared. There are the whole- economic sedan. Zee went as far saler appraisers present so cus- away as he had to, and he built up tomers won’t have to wait for the the stock. There are now 57 in trade-in to be approved.” inventory and on the way. Preparation is more than that. Zee Zee and his team are a dedicat- preaches that,“The public does not ed crew of professionals. They will appreciate what it takes to get the go out of their way to put the cus- event set up. Cars to be moved tomer in the Mazda or Volvo they and gassed up, snow cleared. desire. Everybody knows, if you don’t pre- Another way to find a car on pare, you suffer.” At Gallo, every- President’s Day, or any other day, is one pitches in. through Bob Appleton of Your And Zee means it. He was 20 Auto Expert in Oxford. Bob’s oper- years and four months in the busi- ation is mainly a one-man band ness before he came on board at with a specialist’s focus. Gallo on September 19, 2006. Since his tenure began, Gallo has Continued on page 19

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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 13

Wild Bird Crossing Continued from page 9 But perhaps the most unique questions. Generally, they always that have health related issues. offered previously as well as special education tool Bill and Nancy offer know the easy birds, like the Sometimes, they have gone above events.Most recently,the Sturbridge is Breakfast with the Birds. For a Carolina Red for example, but want and beyond that level with Bill even Christmas Bird Count event was cup of coffee, they'll come to your to know more. So, we spend what- cleaning out a customer's gutters. held and participants identified 80 home in the early morning hours to ever time they need to teach them It's a rare quality to see and nice to different species. sit on a patio and in the stillness, one-on-one. Once they really hear know that Bill and Nancy have Another learning resource for educate you on the bird species on the birds and can identify them, found their nest right in Sturbridge. customers is Wild Bird News, a your property. Or, they will walk they may realize there could be 40 quarterly newsletter mailed and your property with you and give different bird species at certain Wild Bird Crossing is open from available online.It includes informa- their expert insight into the birds times of the year.” 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through tion on bird tips,classes,events,and nesting in your backyard and how It is clear that the couple Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 customer's bird stories. Customers to arrange it to be more inviting to embraces customer service as the p.m., Sundays. For more info, call can submit stories and if published, them. essential element of their business, 508-347-BIRD or go to www.wild- receive a $25 gift certificate. Bill said, “A lot of people have even delivering seed to customers birdxing.com.

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14 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

THINGS TO DO

February 2. IMMIGRATION IN THE NINE- February 4, 11, 18. BOOK DISCUSSION: February 21. A PERSPECTIVE ON LOCAL TEENTH CENTURY. Saturday seminar led by ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. Discuss the book: AND GLOBAL HUNGER. Featuring Edward Edward O’Donnell, College of the Holy Cross. 8 “Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things” by Cooney, Congressional Hunger Center at the am to 1 pm. Call Amy Lynn Sopcak: 508.471.2129. John C. Ryan and Alan Thein Durning. Book will Worcester County Food Bank, Shrewsbury. 3 p.m., AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. be divided into three sections and discussed from WORCESTER HISTORICAL MUSEUM. Elmarion Room, Goddard-Daniels House, 190 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on these evenings. BROOK- Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA. FIELD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST February 18-22. VACATION WEEK FUN CHURCH GREEN SANCTUARY COMMIT- AT HIGGINS ARMORY. Watch live arms and February 2-3. COMMERFORD AND SONS TEE, at BUUC, 9 Upper River Street, armor presentations at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. KIDS FUN FAIR. kids can look forward to indoor Brookfield. daily. Make a heraldic shield in the drop-in work- rides and seeing over 150 animals including: shop ($5 per project), and help decorate an enor- Elephants, Camels, Llamas, Zebras, Zebu, Emus, and February 10. WINTER BOOK SALE. The mous dragon sculpture as part of their special exhi- more. Sat. 10 am to 7 pm. Sun. 10 am to 6 pm. Friends of the Joshua Hyde Library will hold their bition: The Mystical Menagerie of Hilary Scott. Adults: $10.00. Children under 12: Free. DCU Annual Winter Book Sale from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in For more information, e-mail [email protected] CENTER, WORCESTER. Exhibition Hall, Lev. 1. the library meeting room. Choose from a selection or call 508-853-6015. HIGGINS ARMORY, of both hard and soft covered adult fiction and WORCESTER. February 2 and 10. STURBRIDGE LITTLE non-fiction. Children’s books will also be avail- . LEAGUE TRYOUTS. At Tantasqua Jr. High. able. JOSHUA HYDE LIBRARY, STURBRIDGE. February 26. MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL. Noon-1 p.m.: 8 year olds (Minor League); 1 p.m. to 50th Anniversary Tour. Trumpeter/composer 3 p.m.: 9, 10, 11 year olds (Minor League); 3 p.m. to February 16-24 (except 18). COOL COS- Terence Blanchard; Pianist Benny Green; 5 p.m.: 10, 11, 12 year olds (Major League). Arrive MOS — FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK. An Saxophonist James Moody; Vocalist Nienna 20 minutes early: Check: sturbridgelittleleague.com out-of-this-world way to spend school break. See Freelon. 8:00 p.m. $36, $39. MECHANICS HALL, how comets are formed, discover the surprising WORCESTER. February 4. DANCING WITH THE STARS. scale of our solar system, check out a real astronaut The hit ABC show is on tour with a stop in pressure suit and loads of other fun. Also find out February 28. WELLNESS NIGHT: Worcester. Includes Wayne Newton with Cheryl what’s new in space on NASA TV. (Note: museum HEALTHY EATING — OBESITY AND EAT- Burke and Marie Osmond with Jonathan Roberts not open on February 18). ING DISORDERS. 7:00 P.M. Tantasqua Regional and Joey Lawrence with Edyta Sliwinska. 7:30 p.m. WORCESTER ECOTARIUM. For more informa- High School Auditorium. Tickets: $50.75 to $166.25. Box office or tion, e-mail [email protected] or call 508-929- Ticketmaster: 617-228-6000. DCU CENTER. 2700.

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THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 15

YARDWORKS Caring for what grows in your yard By Tom Chamberland, ISA Are we losing our trees? STURBRIDGE TREE WARDEN

What if in a period of Third Scenario trees have died. In general, mortality dles for tools. For more information visit: The third scenario is currently hap- rates of 25-40% are common. Two less than 100 years... http://www.emeraldashborer.info/ and http:// pening to our native Eastern Hemlock insects, feeding at different times and There was a fungus that could kill www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/howtos/ht_ash/ash_yell. trees.The Hemlock Woolley Adelgid is an pdf then a drought,creates a “perfect storm” one species of tree that makes up insect so tiny that you will need a magni- or one-two-three punch. The local elec- almost 60% of our current forest trees? fying glass to see. It came to us from Fifth Scenario tric utility companies are looking to There was another fungus that China and is now slowly killing off our The fifth scenario is the maple/pear spend upwards to $350,000.00 a year would kill over 90% of our primary Eastern Hemlock trees. This insect is win- thrips. These tiny insects attack the buds just for tree removal to maintain reliable street shade tree? ter hardy,and is now active on hemlocks. of the maple and pear trees. This insect electrical service. For more information on There was an insect that could kill It can be controlled by a really cold snap has been observed in Vermont, where Gypsy Moth visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/mor- off one of the three most common (-10 degrees for at least two-three nights) there is much concern for the survival of gantown/4557/gmoth/. For winter moth visit: evergreens in our southern New or by lady bugs and other larger insects http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/fact_sheets/def their sugar maple trees.We have not yet oliators/winter_moth.pdf England Forest? that feed on adelgids.To learn more about this found an insecticide that will control There was another fungus, when We all need to be observant for early insect visit:http://www.na.fs.fed.us /fhp/hwa/ these thrips. For more information visit: teamed up with another insect,would signs of new insect infestation. Caring http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Extension/ for and preserving our forests and in slowly kill the trees from which we Fourth Scenario DiagnosticLab/IDLFS/PearThrips/PearThrips.html our community through good forest get our baseball bats? The fourth scenario is The Emerald and tree health management is key.This There was still another miniscule Ash Borer insect and Ash Yellows, a fun- Gypsy Moth involves removing dead and dying dis- insect that could kill off the one tree gus that is killing our native white ash And finally,something that is happen- eased trees and their leaves and planting that drives one state’s economy? trees. Ash Yellows are currently rampant ing right here in our state of more and new varieties of trees that are There was a “perfect storm”of two in the New England area, on Fiske Hill Massachusetts in the general south east disease-resistant. I have recently asked insects that could strip a tree of its alone, here in Sturbridge, I have had to area. Over the past several years, the the Board of Selectmen to endorse a leaves,and kill off up to 60% of all our remove 13 white ash trees during this Gypsy Moth has been slowly defoliating bylaw for the formation of a Tree deciduous trees in a single year? past year.When any tree is weakened and areas in Plymouth County. Over the past Advisory Board to assist the Tree Warden Sound like science fiction? stressed, it is more susceptible to insect three years a burgeoning new insect,the with these and other related tree issues. Well unfortunately it’s not;in fact,it attack, and Ash trees are host to the winter moth, has been defoliating the This will be voted on in the upcoming is happening to us today.The first and Emerald Ash Borer, another insect hardwood trees of this area, continuing annual town meeting in April. For more second of the following scenarios brought to America from overseas. to weaken the deciduous forest. And information on good community forestry visit: have already happened. Currently,this insect is affecting ash trees now this past summer,being hot and dry, http://www.treelink.org/ and the Tree Warden's in the upper mid-west area.Ash trees are there has been a large mortality of decid- page on the Town's web site: http://www.town. First Scenario the preferred lumber for sports equip- uous trees in the area. In some commu- sturbridge.ma.us/Public_Documents/Sturbridge American Chestnut trees made up ment like baseball bats,and wooden han- nities upwards to 60% of the deciduous MA_Depts/treewarden. 60% of our forest canopy before American Chestnut Blight struck. Currently there is research ongoing to develop a strain of chestnut trees resistant to the fungus. Locally,the U S. Army Corps of Engineers is cooperat- ing with the American Chestnut Found-ation and has a test plot of chestnut trees that are part of the genetic breeding to obtain a disease resistant tree. If you would like to partici- pate in this program or learn more visit: http://www. ppws.vt.edu/griffin/blight.html or http://www.acf.org/

Second Scenario The second is Dutch Elm disease that has killed off our American elm trees. Currently through cross breed- ing and grafting there are now three new elm tree varieties that show some good resistance to the fungus. However, because of the cross breed- ing,none of the new trees has the true form and shape of our American Elm. For more information on American Elms visit: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/ pubs/how- tos/ht_ded/ht_ded.htm or http://landscap- ing.about.com/cs/treesshrubs/a/american_el ms.htm or http:// www.extension.umn.edu /yardandgarden/ygbriefs/p425dutchelm-resist- ant.html

16 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

order take about two weeks. Each fabric com- pany has choices of wonderful textures, colors and patterns. So, they end up with a reasonably priced, quality product.” STURBRIDGE SEWING CENTER’S Ultimately, Karen has one goal in mind when working with customers.“I really enjoy pleas- ing people and want the finished piece to make my client’s ecstatic and say ‘I love it’…that’s what I am going for with this busi- ness.” Karen Sturbridge Sewing Center is located on the third floor of Sturbridge Marketplace at 559 Main Street. Hours are from Noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Sundays or by appointment. Stelmack Call 508.347.1011. Meet the Sturbridge region’s new fabric and sewing guru

By Stephanie Richards

aren Stelmack spent a number of years her mother and through classes in high school, as a retail district manager, opening and initially taking a greater interest in making Kmanaging more than 20 stores in six clothing. Later, after marrying and then becom- states. The experience was enough for her to ing a single mom, she sold insurance so she think she would never open up another busi- could work her schedule around her kids. But ness, even her own. But as the saying goes, her passion for sewing was still in the mix. ‘never, say never.’Expanded popular interest in “I always had a second or third side job home decor blended with the availability of going to make ends meet. I was able to meet just-the-right property inspired Karen to recon- designers from the former Ethan Allen store in sider her decision. Auburn and then get custom jobs sewing spe- In January, Karen opened Sturbridge cialty items for their customers.That experi- Sewing Center in the Sturbridge Marketplace, ence really stretched me as I made things that I 559 Main Street.The store, located on the third hadn’t done before. It’s through a lot of prac- floor, specializes in custom made items for the tice that I have been able to match the end home, such as window treatments, cushions, product to what I originally envisioned.” pillows and bedding.And all fabric is custom Then she left the insurance field and landed ordered and includes choices like Irvin Alan, a retail management job, working her way up Waverly, Barrow and Michael’s Textiles. to district manager. When the job was eliminat- Sewing classes are also offered on Saturdays ed due to an acquisition in 2005, Karen had to to help customers learn basic or advanced make a change.“I knew immediately what I skills.The 10-hour classes are offered in four wanted to do… sew. I had traveled a lot in my sessions with only two or three people.“A lot work and wanted to stay put, so I sewed out of of people have basic skills but need the confi- my home from that point forward; it was tough. dence to go on to something a little more diffi- I had three to six clients a month,”the Oxford cult,”Karen said.“And, I offer these classes for resident said. less than most places.” Cost of one 10-hour Now that she has moved her home business class is about $75. to a permanent Sturbridge site, Karen recog- Karen’s passion has always been in custom nizes the growth potential in her business touches for the home. “My heart has always because of the location and her unique sewing been in home decor. I think decorating allows and design skills.“People spend a lot of money you to focus on your own personality and peo- on their homes and want a custom look. ple are looking for richer, more luxurious items Sometimes they know what they are looking without big price tags.” for and just settle for something else at the Although she had a solid business plan in store,”Karen said.“I go to a client’s home, meas- place, she knew that from a financial perspec- ure a window treatment (for example) accord- tive she would find challenges in her new ven- ing to what pleases them, and they pick a cus- ture.“I have opened up Sturbridge Sewing tom fabric.What is really exciting to me is the Center on pennies. Someone gave me couches creation part, not necessarily the actual that I reupholstered.And, I have used a table sewing.” from home and a bookcase out of my son’s Turnaround time for completion of a project room and so on,”she said. is usually 10 days.“Fabric usually arrives within Karen learned basic sewing techniques from three to five business days, making a typical

THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE 17

THE HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL ADVISER Keys to lowering your risk for colon cancer

BY THE FACULTY OF healthy. (A serving is about 1/2 HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL cup of chopped vegetables or 1 A REGULAR FEATURE IN cup of leafy greens like THE STURBRIDGE TIMES spinach.) MAGAZINE 8. Get screened regularly. OK, Q: My best friend was just this is a repeat, but it cannot be diagnosed with colon cancer.What emphasized enough. can I do to reduce my risk? The American Cancer Society recommends that people at A: Colon cancer is the third- average risk have their first most common cancer in the United colonoscopy at age 50. How States and the second-most lethal. often colonoscopies are needed But the good news is that you can depends on whether anything do a lot to avoid it. suspicious is found.A low-risk As with many common cancers, patient (with no polyps or only some cases of colon cancer are tiny ones) probably needs the clearly caused by inherited factors. test only every 10 years or so.A But about 70-percent of the time, it high-risk patient may go in for a cannot be explained by family his- test every three years or even tory. In most cases, it has more to dogs, sausage).The risk from in the first place. But quitting can more often. do with what we eat, how much processed meat might be reduce your chances of getting we exercise, how much we weigh greater than the risk from red colon cancer and other diseases. The number of Americans and a number of other factors. meat.Why meat might cause dying each year from colon can- There are no guarantees, of colon cancer is unclear. 6. Make sure you're getting cer has been declining.This is course, but most of us can lower enough calcium. High milk and partly because treatments have our chances of getting colon can- 3. Maintain a healthy weight. calcium intake have been linked improved. But screening has cer. Here are eight tips for cutting In 1995, Harvard researchers to lower colon cancer risk. One also played a major role. your risk: reported that overweight peo- study showed that in people Removing polyps before they ple are at an increased risk of who'd had polyps removed, con- become cancerous is probably 1. Get screened. Starting at about colon cancer. Since then, other suming 1,200 milligrams of calci- the best method of prevention, age 50 (or earlier if you have cer- studies have confirmed the link um daily reduced the risk of but there's a lot to be said for a tain risk factors), regular screenings between obesity and colon developing more polyps by 20 healthy lifestyle, too. improve your chance of avoiding cancer. But you need not be percent. Milk also provides vita- colon cancer. If doctors find that supermodel thin. If you simply min D, another nutrient that may © 2008 the President and you have colon cancer, early diag- go from being obese (body reduce colon cancer risk. But Fellows of Harvard College. nosis greatly improves your chance mass index, or BMI, of 30 or many people will need supple- Developed by Harvard Health of survival. higher) to being overweight ments of calcium and vitamin D Publications (www.health.har- Screening works because colon (BMI 25 to 29.9), you can cut to meet their daily goals. vard.edu). cancer is usually a slow-growing your risk in half. The American Cancer Society disease. It starts when small advises men not to get more than growths form along the inside lin- 4. Stay active.You don't have 1,500 milligrams calcium daily ing of the colon.These growths, to become a marathon runner because it may increase prostate to called polyps, may contain precan- to benefit; just walking briskly cancer risk. advertise cerous cells.A screening test called for 30 minutes a day will help. your a colonoscopy can find these Active people are 30 percent 7. Cut back on high-fat and polyps. Doctors can then remove to 40 percent less likely to get fried foods. Instead, eat a high- business or the polyps before they become colon cancer than couch pota- fiber, low-fat diet that includes service cancerous. Other screening tests toes. whole grains and lots of vegeta- aren't as accurate, but having one is bles. in this better than doing nothing. 5. Don't smoke.Tobacco use Whole grains are great sources publication is most notoriously linked to of dietary fiber and have other key nutrients. If you eat three or Call 508.347.7077 2. Cut back on red and lung cancer, but there is evi- extension 2 processed meats. Many studies dence that smoking may also more servings of vegetables a day, point to increased colon-cancer increase the risk of colon can- you can lower your risk of getting THE risk among people who eat a lot of cer. colon cancer. It is not clear why, STURBRIDGETIMES red meat (beef, lamb, pork) and The best approach, of but it appears that the folic acid MAGAZINE processed meat (bacon, ham, hot course, is to not begin smoking in vegetables helps to keep cells

18 THE STURBRIDGE TIMES MAGAZINE THE CHRONICLE OF STURBRIDGE COUNTRY LIVING

CLASSIFIED Dennis McCurdy Continued from page 7 overnight. If you don’t think you HELP WANTED LAND FOR SALE deserve it, you’ll sabotage it. It’s a You take a lot inspiration and constant battle for people to OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR BERKSHIRES information from self-improve- remind themselves of their own Turkey Brook Embroidery Designs is a fast paced, rapidly ment books and external sources. innate abilities.There are too expanding embroidery shop located in Brimfield, MA. We are I imagine that someone with your many distractions today. I read currently looking for an Office Administrator. success also relies on a strong somewhere that we’re drunk with Applicant will be responsible for a variety of administra- tive functions, including answering phone and emails. intuition. our distractions. I’m going to Customer order entry. Work Order scheduling. Accounts write a chapter for my next book payables. Maintaining customer database. Creating profes- I don’t know, maybe. Most people called Four Letter Words. On one sional presentations and forms. Coordinating website don’t realize how much I delve end, there will be: goal, plan work, updates with webmaster. Applicant must have advanced proficiency in MS Office into all of this stuff, the readings, hard.At the other end will be: fast, Suite applications. Meticulous attention to detail and excel- personal growth seminars. I prob- easy, quit. People want microwave- lent follow through. Ability to type accurately and efficiently Berkshire lot, 3.35 acres, surveyed, perced, private. ably have $5000 worth of CDs success. But the fact is that anyone as well as strong editing skills. Excellent planning, time Electricity, phone. Quiet. $65,000. Becketland.com. that I use constantly to learn how can be successful if they’re willing 508.347.5756. management and organizational skills. Must be a self-starter to get better and grow. It’s what to work hard and plan and use and problem solver Please forward your resume to [email protected] helps me get up and do new all the resources that are avail- or Turkey Brook Embroidery Designs, Inc. 47 Lyman Barnes Car Buying things. Helps me keep going. Most able to them. Road, Brimfield, MA 01010 of us know a lot of this stuff just from life. But some of us didn’t get So what’s on the reading list that SALES REPRESENTATIVE it enough at home or anywhere you give to people? Advertising sales for The Sturbridge Times Magazine. else. If your thinking isn’t right, Commission-based, flex. hrs. Call Paul Carr at 508.347.7077 ext. 1. you probably won’t let yourself be I love James Allen’s book, which successful, or if you become suc- was written back in the 1860s, “As MASSAGE cessful you’ll sabotage it. For peo- A Man Thinketh” . People can ple like Elvis Presley and Marilyn download that for free from my STURBRIDGE MASSAGE CENTER Monroe, people who get success website: findaway.com.This was a John Foley (formerly of Paul Conzo Day Spa) is offering and don’t think they deserve it, simple 50-page book.Very easy therapeutic relaxation massage at the Sturbridge Host it’s not going to work out. I just Hotel. By appointment only. Call: 508-867-3958 or 774-200- read.Actually, he was going to 0872. read somewhere that 28-percent throw it in the trash. His wife told of all professional football players him to get it published and it who get rich lose their fortunes became his most famous work.

DIRECTORY PHOTO BY KAREN ROTHWEILER BOB APPLETON

Non-Commercial Classified Continued from page 12 Advertisements are Though he has some cars on his lot, he does not compete with the grand selection of a traditional deal- FREE er. Rather, Bob acts as your scout to in this magazine find the used vehicle you want. 50 Elm Street After 40 years in the automobile Southbridge, MA 01550 Email your ad business and a long career with 508-765-8881 to: Volvo, Bob opened his own busi- ads@ sturbridgetimes. ness a couple of years ago. His con- com cept is not all that complex.You Email: by the 20th tell him what you want in a car and [email protected] of the month. he finds it for you. If you want a Website: specific used car with a dark, cloth eandkstaffing.com Commercial interior, he will hunt it down. It is a classifieds are consultative process. $3.00 per line As Bob puts it:“Cars are expres- with 24 sions of our personalities, I’ve characters to learned that after 40 years in the the line. business.” It is clear that Bob loves cars and Directory ads therefore is knowledgeable about are $30.00 them. In fact, when I asked him to per month. give me the reasons I bought my Call last three cars, he was able to accu- 508.347.7077 rately pinpoint what went through to my head from the models I men- order your tioned. What is most obvious about advertising Bob is that he is still that kid with now! nose pressed up against the glass. And he makes that passion for cars work for his clients.

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