For much of the population there isn’t much to decide when it comes to education for our kids – they are sent to the public school in their neighborhood or locale. There is a smaller portion of parents will consider private or charter schooling as an alternative. For Catholics, however, they have these two and a third option: parochial schooling.

Why should a parent consider sending their child or children to a Catholic School? What are the differences among public, private and Catholic schools in terms of curriculum, staff and performance? Will it hinder or benefit my child? Choosing an education for your children can be one of the most daunting tasks a parent can encounter. It sets a compass needle providing much needed direction; it paves a foundation that will last a lifetime. It will heavily impact their future and even subsequent generations.

Catholic Schools, of course, supply a solid foundation in academics, music and arts. Properly preparing a child to enter society with all the necessary social skills and academic understanding they need to navigate their way through life is something public, private and parochial schools do. How Catholic Schools differ is that they focus on nurturing the Catholic identity and faith. There is an extra element or layer to the education at a parochial school: developing spiritually. This is done by making religious education a core subject of the curriculum, as well as interspersing prayer and liturgical life.

The religious program is provided from Bishop to teacher. The teachers then contribute their own planning and teaching aspect to the lessons. The Catholic Church has had some astounding success with education and today operates the world’s largest non-governmental school system with over two million students in the U.S. alone.

Statistics show that students vote more, are more tolerant and civically engaged than their public peers. Minorities that attend Catholic schools have had greater success in graduating both high school and college – due to the lessened aspect of social class effects in the school environment. Regardless of ethnicity and household income, all students are treated equally as God’s children.

St. James-St. John School is a New Bedford Catholic School that exemplifies the ideals of the Catholic Church’s education ministry. They offer a safe, Catholic educational environment rooted in Gospel values and provide rigorous, quality, faith-filled education for grades Pre-K through 8th. Their students achieve their full potential both academically and spiritually through shared learning experiences in social justice, morality, and faith. Principal Cristina Raposo and pastors, Fr. Jack Oliveira and Fr. Craig Pregana have successfully integrated religion with education. The students learn to discover God’s presence in their daily lives and appreciate the value of that relationship through the good and inevitable bad moments of life.

This is nothing new for St. James-St.John – they’ve been a parochial “school” in New Bedford for well over a century. I place school in parenthesis because it is the unification of two schools. Beginning in 1885 as St. Mary School (on Acushnet Avenue and Wing Street), they would become St. James’s School – the parish they were associated with – in 1964. In 1941, the other half, St. John’s Academy opened in the former Grinnell Mansion on County Street.

In 1973, the two schools would merge into one and relocate to the former St. James building on Acushnet Avenue. In 1986 they again relocated to their current location at 180 Orchard Street.

Ms. Raposo feels it is she who is blessed to “..be able to share in the lives of these young people and be able to model and instruct in the teachings of Jesus everyday. My hope is to one day touch their lives in a special way.” She won’t have to hope too much, because when I asked the students and parents to volunteer to share their experiences, I was inundated with anecdotes. I actually had to prune some for the article. There were that many.

Her most memorable moment was having a post-graduate student thank her and let her know that she was a role model and someone they strove to be everyday. High praise indeed. “I was so touched and honored and knew at that time, I was where I was, not because it was my job, but my vocation and a place where God had led me.”

Some of the academic offerings include Pre-K and up activities like reading with phonics, BBC programs and more. Social studies include politics, the world atlas, ancient civilizations, history, and National Geographic. There’s math, geology, weather, art, science fair projects, research and citation help, and an “All About Animals” program.

Though the curriculum is Common Core aligned, the teachers have academic freedom and do not need to spend their time teaching to the test. Furthermore, if the students leave St.James-St.John and take MCAS and other exams, they are well prepared.

Certainly a diverse and rich academic profile.

Catholic Schools are typically steeped in community activity and St. James-St. John School is extraordinarily busy in that sense. One of the best ways to to teach kids to be civically active and engaged is to lead by example. The school has worked closely with Pennies for Patients, the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Juvenile Diabetes, Alzheimer Association, Food Pantries, the Donovan House, Catholic Social Services, Habitats for Cats, Ovarian Cancer, Veterans Transition House just to name a few.

St. James-St.John is an experienced, trusted institute that is consistently doing what they do best: lead the way in religious based education. They do this exceedingly well as demonstrated by the many volunteers – parents and students – who eagerly provided testimonials. Testimonials that “say” much more than anything that I can type. While browsing the photo gallery, you’ll notice children smiling in almost every photo – another demonstration of the school’s success.

If you’re considering enrolling your child in parochial school, and want passionate, spiritually minded educators who are genuinely dedicated to their academic, mental, social, and physical well-being, you will be overjoyed to discover St. James-St.John has been doing that for 120 years and is still doing that today, with an eye on the future.

“We’ve been part of the St. James St. John family since 2010. I can’t say enough about how great our experience has been so far! Our daughters absolutely love their school and are always learning something new. The faculty does a great job of communicating with parents and setting clear expectations of the students. The fact that there is a full time nurse is an added benefit that many other schools do not have. Nurse Ana takes excellent care of the students and provides them with plenty of useful education. Overall, we’re entirely pleased with the decision to send our daughters to this school! – Jeff & Shonda Escobar, parents of Hannah (Grade 3) & Leah (Grade 1).

“My children have attended SJSJ school since preschool. Our plan was to have them there only through Kindergarten. However, after a very short time we realized that we wanted them to continue on throughout elementary and middle school. SJSJ is a family. The faculty and staff are dedicated and vested in providing each child with a first class education and a spiritual foundation. As an educator myself, I know my children are being challenged academically. As a parent, it makes my life easier knowing that they love their school. SJSJ provided the safe, nurturing environment we wanted for our children. It was a perfect fit.” – Lina Louro-Cunha

“Over the past ten years my children have called Saint James Saint John their home. As a family we are constantly amazed at the endless warmth and support from all faculty and staff at our school. There is a family atmosphere that pervades the school with a strong focus on faith, learning, achievement, growth and accountability.”
– Terry Wolkowicz, Parent of Justin and Aria.

“Thank you so much for an amazing year. Isabel and I are so lucky to have St. James St. John’s school in our children’s lives, I truly have no words to fully express the gratitude that Isabel and I have for the Love, Patience, Kindness and a priceless education our children receive there. I hope you have an awesome and safe summer. God bless.”

Respectfully,
Thomas D. Consoli
Property Services Manager
Sea-Dar Construction

“I just wanted to let you know that we are so pleased with St. James St. John and wish we had moved Ryan earlier. You have a great group of parents, teachers and students. We feel Ryan has really thrived and is very prepared for highschool. Thank you so much for allowing him to go to your school.” – Janice Carrigg

“What makes St. James St.John school different from the rest is the teachers. The teachers at this school encourage us to do our best and help us when we need it.” – Myra Wong, student.

“What I find most special about St. James St. John School is its ability act not only as a school, but as a home – where you learn new things with your family each day. It’s very rare to find a school where friendships have been formed over a course of ten years, to a point in which you can call your peers family.” -Josh Downey, student

“St. James St. John School is special because of the bond that all of the students have. The school is like a family brought together by the kindness that each student shows to one another and the support we receive from our teachers and staff.” – Brendan Rego, student.

“I wouldn’t want to be at any other school other than St James St John, because the students and teachers feel like family” – Victoria Raposo, student.

“Our school prepares every student to succeed in the future, both academically and spiritually.” -James Dee, student.

“What makes St. James St. John School special is the nice family-friendly environment that the school provides to students and their parents. Another thing that makes St. James St. John special is that every student feels like they belong in his or her class.” -Patrick Vescio, student ambassador.

“Saint James Saint John School… Living and learning through Christ.” – Faith Medieros, student.

“When I walk through the doors of St. James St. John it feels like your walking into family.” Emilia Costa, student.

“I like St. James St. John because of how we are all one family and how you can easily make friends with students, teachers, and staff. “ – Gilbert Souza, student.

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St. James-St. John School
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am-2:30 pm
Phone: (508) 996-0534
Email: principal@sjsjschool.com

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/St-James-St-John-School
Photo Stream: facebook.com/St-James-St-John-School/photos_stream
Website: sjsjschool.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/sjsjschool
Instagram: instagram.com/sjsjschool

As a history buff, I love hearing about people who do old-time jobs – sort of forgotten occupations. If you know where to look, you can find a cobbler, a haberdasher, or even a milkman. It’s increasingly difficult to come across craftsmen like there used to be in the “olden days” – a time when they were not only practical, but considered artists as well.

So when I come across one, I get excited. Almost always, these people are quite interesting characters. They can weave a story as good as they are skilled. One such character is New Bedford native, Albert Lagesse who is the owner and craftsman behind “The Sharpening Shop.” Does the surname sound familiar? It should, Lagesse Saw Service was a local icon in the 1970s until it closed. That was Al’s dad’s shop and where he learned his trade – working right alongside his dad.

Al never stopped honing his trade – pardon the pun. He has over 40 years experience doing one thing better than anyone in the area – sharpening tools. It may seem odd in an era where people simply throw away their tools when they grow dull, and just buy another one. This tendency to dispose, is why the area’s sharpening shops have all but died out – Precision Saw, Dartmouth Saw, HMC Cutlery, Tom’s Sharpening, Depina’s, American Saw and of course, Al’s dad’s shop.

This dying art and craft is alive and well with Al. If you own something with an edge and need it sharpened, he’s the man. With Spring approaching, it’ll be time to uncover and wipe the dust (and snow) off our lawn mowers, garden shears, hedge clippers, shovels, spades, post hole diggers, hatchets, mauls, machetes and chainsaws.

Outside of the usual landscaping and yard tools, we all have kitchen knives, scissors and other household items that we use on a daily basis. If you are smashing your tomatoes when you are trying to slice them, it’s time to turn them razor sharp again. Al mentioned one customer who said she was able to slice a tomato so thin that she was able to see through it.

Meat cleavers, serrated steak knives, filet, carving knives, paring, hunting knives and more all fall under Al’s expertise. I seriously doubt there is something he hasn’t seen.

If you work in construction you have axes, carbide saws, chisels, plane irons, planer knives, paint scrapers, and more. If you do tree work, you have your chainsaws, hatchets, chipper knives, pole saw blades, pruning/limbing saws and chip grinders.

Are you a plumber or electrician? You’ll need those hole hawg, multi-spur bits, hole saws and drill bits sharpened and ready for the upcoming season.

If you’re a pet groomer, have a farm full of sheep, goats, or horses, or you are a barber (or do your own hair) then you know what happens when scissors, shears and clippers are dull: bloody customers. That can’t be good for business. How affordable is Al when it comes to clipper sharpening? $5 for small animal, goat hoof trimmers, or barber clippers. Grooming shears are only $8.

If you are the type that just likes to keep a pocket knife handy and you use it regularly – dulling it quickly – Al will sharpen each small blade for $1. Yes, one whopping dollar. Have a large one? Only $2.50.

Sharp tools make life easier whether you use them for everyday activities or in your chosen occupation. Easy is nice. Don’t throw away your tools.

Don’t buy a new knife set when you can sharpen them for the fraction of the cost of a new set – and they will be as sharp if not sharper than when you first bought them. Don’t throw away the lawn mower blade, hedge clippers or shears that are tearing and shredding – get them sharpened.

You can see a full list of items and their cost on this page.

Al’s ability is so well-known and trusty that he has a number of drop-off/pick-up locations and likely has one right near you. Live near Bourassa’s or Winberg’s True Value Hardware, Rivet Street Hardware, Al Foster’s Hardware, Renovation Rentals or Mattapoisett Power Equipment? You can drop off or pick-up your tools there.

In addition, for select items you can use the good old fashioned United States Postal Service.

Prefer to deal directly with Al? You can do that too! Give him a call and set up a time to bring your items by. He lives right on Harwich Street near Normandin Junior High School, which you can easily get to from “The Ave.”

In the photo album below, you can hover your mouse pointer to see how cheap it is to make your edge like new.

The Sharpening Shop
183 Harwich Street
New Bedford, MA
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am-7:00 pm (For calls)
Cash and personal checks are accepted.
Phone: 352.360.3889 (CELL) & 774.992.7355 (HOME)
Email: kleenkut007@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/The-Sharpening-Shop
Website: thesharpeningshop.blogspot.com/

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The Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet is a traditional farm with one eye proudly looking towards the future. In addition to fulfilling old world farm duties, Silverbrook Farm has community events, a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas Trees, an animal display, hayrides, and even movie nights! The common conception of a farm is a tract of land where vegetables are grown, harvested and sold to the public. Perhaps some livestock or fruit somewhere in the mix. If you think Silverbrook is one of these old-fashioned farms, you would be right, but you will also be pleasantly surprised!

Owner J.J. Pereira and business partner Nick Ciaccio take their role in the community seriously. They don’t want to be a place for you to simply get produce, pay up and then move along. They remember faces and names. They live right here in Acushnet, are part of the community and have chosen to play an active role in offering many fun events and family oriented activities. They want a relationship. Indeed, their motto is “Start a New Family Tradition at Silverbrook Farm!” They want to provide services that are not ordinarily found in such a rural community like Acushnet. Typically you have to head to the more developed areas of Fairhaven, Dartmouth and New Bedford for some of their offerings.

Silverbrook Farm’s Community Supported Agriculture Program
Are you concerned about your family’s health? Of course! If given a choice would you like to put the freshest, nutrient rich food on the family’s plate or food coated in unpronounceable pesticides? Did you know that the produce that you select at the supermarket is often picked before it has fully ripened, and the nutrients have peaked, so that it survives the trip across country? Even if the produce was to cost the same or a bit more, the fact that you are feeding your family a much nutrient richer food source without poisons that have to be rinsed off is a benefit that has no price. You can taste the difference in food that has been picked that day not a week earlier; when it has naturally ripened and it’s vitamins and nutrients have reached its peak.

Silverbrook Farm as many farms do these days offers a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) in addition to its foodstand or country store. You purchase a “share” which means you pay them ahead of time for their harvest. They do the work for you in planting, nurturing, growing and harvesting the vegetables and fruits. They then package them with other offerings for weekly pick-up.

In essence, it’s like having a farm yourself, without all the labor….and manure. By purchasing a share, you provide funding and capital for the farmer and insure that year’s harvest. This is also a contribution to local business which has obvious economical benefits. Often you will come across produce that you have never had or wouldn’t typically purchase and this means your palate gets to go on an adventure and your body will thank you! Need help with recipes? J.J. and Nick have that covered too!

What are some of these fruits and vegetables? Green and yellow beans, collard greens, green peppers, cucumbers, blueberries, basil, apples, beets, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, eggplant, summer squash, sweet corn, potatoes and more! Unlike many CSA’s that solely offer fruits and vegetables, The Silverbrook Farm has other offerings that it places within the weekly pick-up. The Livestock CSA features grass fed beef, and free range pork, poultry and eggs.

Silverbrook Farm offers a variety of CSAs. The one thing they all have in common is offering 17 weeks of fresh, nutrient rich produce, their newsletter, recipes, pick up in five separate locations, your SILVERBROOKer card, guidebook, private access to the farm animals and garden, and two complimentary admissions to the July 18th or August 15th family movie nights. NOT just fruits and vegetables. You can upgrade to the Standard CSA which will get you some baked goods, a fresh eggs option, 3 complimentary admission to the fall events, and a coupon book. Not enough? Then you can take the best package of all the MASTER CSA, which gets you everything in the standard CSA and membership in the Livestock CSA (Farm Fresh Beef/ Free Range Chicken), a Thanksgiving Turkey, and a Christmas Tree.

Silverbrook Country Store
Taking another step into the future, instead of a simple farmstand, Silverbrook has what they call a country store. This place is incredible and they have expansion already planned. Freshly baked pies, Emack and Bolios ice cream, jams, and flying under the Pereira Bread Co. label they have six varieties of bread to choose from, cookies, muffins, apple cakes, and even cheesecake! The store also has potpourri items, candles, Amish pasta sauce (not a misprint!) and a variety of other surprising items. I can’t imagine you’d actually need to continue on to Shaw’s or Stop & Shop after you’ve been to Silverbrook. You don’t even need to leave Acushnet! Silverbrook Farm also has a card that each “Silverbrooker” gets which will earn you discounts each week at the Silverbrook Country Store and at all Silverbrook Events including the family movie nights and many fall events.

A Variety of FUN Activities & Cooking Classes
Reflecting the aforementioned old world values and sense of community, J.J. and Nick have other services and a variety of activities for the whole family virtually year round. Pony rides, Mother Goose Story-times, Hayrides (campfire, twilight and other), Kid’s Corn Maze, animal displays, face painting, pumpkin painting, barrel ride, movie night in the barn, freshly cut Christmas trees, and MORE. They offer some great discounts and deals for groups including Campfire Hayrides, Field Trip Packages, and a Birthday Package to make your little one’s special day unforgettable.

One of the most exciting offerings they have, is the cooking classes, where you learn to not only replicate the mouth watering dishes taught to you buy a local chef, but you can also learn to pickle and preserve! Preserving, canning and pickling will be taught by chef Rose Galleno – it’s a fantastic way to make use of fruits and vegetables before they go bad. It also stretched your wallet; instead of wastefully tossing away food that you can’t get to, you can preserve and pickle it all!

The newest events added for 2015 are the farm yoga and the nutrition and fitness educational classes led by Kristen Throop Boucher.

To top all of this off, Silverbrook Farm has some major events including a Mother/Daughter Brunch, a Harvest Festival, a Great Pumpkin Festival (with donations to charity), and the Annual Santa’s Farm Follies which features Grinch hayrides, a face painting elf, pony rides, hot chocolate, Smores, all the farm animals, and visits with Mrs. and Santa Claus! Be sure to check out their event page or Facebook page often for updates.

The Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet may be able to trace its roots as far back as the 17th century as we detailed in an earlier article. There is an incredible amount of history and tradition in this farm and J.J. and Nick are not only carrying that on but creating new moments with their innovative ideas, sense of community, and values. They really have something special going on and genuinely want you to be a part of it.

If you would like to know more about Silverbrook Farm you can check out their website, Facebook, e-mail them at thesilverbrookfarm@gmail.com, call (774) 202-1027 or (617) 834-5567 after hours or better yet, stop in for yourself at 934 Main Street, Acushnet!

For more images of their country store and some of the delicious items offered, take a peek at this photo album.

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by Jim Rose

This story was sent to us by Jim Rose, a reader who was proud of his family’s history and its presence in New Bedford. There are many numbers of ethnic communities in New Bedford which reflect the landscape of most of America – today and of yesteryear. Since America began there has always been a kaleidoscope of cultures in varying degrees coming to what was, and still is, a land of opportunity. In the past we’ve featured Africa-American, Cape Verdean, Portuguese, Italian, and Hispanic cultures. It seems fitting with St. Patrick’s Day approaching that we discuss the Irish presence in New Bedford’s colorful past.

Do you have a family history to share? Some great photos? Please contact info@newbedfordguide.com and let us know!

These photos, history and anecdotes are a tribute to my great-great-grandfather Patrick Keane who lived in New Bedford from 1870 until his death in 1907.

Patrick Keane was the son of Patrick Keane and Sarah Carrigan, born on March 17th, 1832 in Kilrea County, Londonderry, Northern Ireland. When Patrick was young, his parents moved their family to Scotland (Glasgow) where they first appear in the 1851 census there. They may have moved to Glasgow because of the Great Famine that occurred in Ireland during the late 1840’s.

That same year, at about age 20, Patrick Keane visited the United States for the first time – though there are no records of it. For unknown reasons, he returned shortly thereafter. Upon his return to Glasgow he and his brothers Edward and Michael learned their glass-works trade. The Keane’s lived near St. Rollox Glassworks, and may have initially learned their skill of glass cutting and glass etching from St. Rollox Glassworks. Michael Keane would later ply his trade at James Couper and Sons Glass Works in Glasgow. He was a lauded artisan and brilliant crystal/cut-glass engraver.

Being young and successful, Patrick would inevitably find love and in January of 1859, Patrick married Margaret McWade at St. Paul’s (St Machan’s) Catholic Church in Campsie/Lennoxtown, Scotland. Soon they would build a family, three daughters – Mary Ann, Josephine and Sarah – and a son, Patrick III. Sadly, they would lose Mary Ann to Scarlet Fever in 1862. They would have another daughter named Mary in 1864.

It is likely that Patrick discussed his travel to America and what he saw here and this would influence the decision to take their children and immigrate to America in 1869. His brother Michael would follow him.

The family lived at 167 Bolton Street and would have another daughter, Rosann born in America. He found employ with a William Libbie, who would eventually acquire the iconic Mt. Washington Glass Works of New Bedford. While everyone knows that New Bedford is the Whaling City, it was also known as the City of Light, and the City of Glass. Mt. Washington Glass Works’ presence and history in New Bedford is deserving of an entire article of its own – suffice it say, it was one of the world’s premier glass work facilities.

In 1870, after the death of two year-old Rosann, the family decided to relocate from the South Boston facility to the one in New Bedford. Patrick would purchase a house from James H. Tripp at 41 Wing Street, which was previously occupied and likely built by New Bedford Selectman (and cotton dealer) Thomas B. Bush. Here they would have another child: John McWade. This home would stay in the family for four generations of Keanes. Here Keane plied his trade, making a solid name for himself as one of the region’s best glass artisans.

Things were looking up for the Keanes and in 1872, Patrick and Margaret would add another addition to the family: a boy named Leo Edwin. In 1874, Margaret would give birth to a girl Francis, further swelling the ranks. This may seem a bit “busy,” but keep in mind this was the norm in those days. People had many children since so many died leading up to childbirth and often children would succumb to illnesses at very young ages. Having many children increased the odds of having someone carry on the family’s name. In addition, there were no child labor laws, so the larger the family the more people there was to work on the farm, land or at local mill jobs. Very young children were expected to work in spite of the hazards.

In 1875, Patrick would became a naturalized citizen of his adopted country. Tragedy reared its ugly head in 1877 and three year-old Francis passed away of unknown causes.

In 1881, while playing in a home under construction with other neighborhood boys, Leo Edwin would fall off a ladder and break his neck and die instantly.

In 1882 the Keanes gave birth to a girl named Mary. Unlike the previous Marys, this Mary would live a long life (until 1967) breaking the morbid streak. In 1884 they would give birth to their final child, Lenora Clementine.

In 1885 Patrick would strike out on his own and open a glass-works studio “P. Keane Glass Cutter” on the second floor of the New Bedford Foundry building located at 272 South Water Street. Having an aptitude for business, sometime in the 1880s he also opened a Saloon at 15 Howland Street.

The Keane family was active in music and theater in New Bedford, acting in plays and performing music and singing. Daughter Josephine was an accomplished pianist who taught piano and played in theaters during the silent film era. His other daughter Sarah sang and played piano. There was also a violinist in the family who’s unnamed photo remains as a testament to the Keane family’s love of music and the arts.

In the late 1890’s Patrick Keane exhibited his cut glass work at an industrial exhibition on Weld Street in New Bedford furthering his name and business. He would finally retire in 1907 after five decades in the trade. On December 30th, 1908, Patrick Keane would die from complications of old age. He was laid to rest at his family plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dartmouth Massachusetts, having lived a full life.

Patrick Keane’s penned his last Will & Testament in 1907, which left money to several family members. This will revealed that he owned two homes and a house lot. The second home was occupied by his sister, which his will stated was to remain in her possession until she died.

St. John’s Church bought the house at 41 Wing Street and was planning to use it for a Rectory. The church owned it, but they never got use of it because three of Patrick’s children lived there until they died or moved to a rest home in the 1950’s. Somehow the business savvy Irishman Patrick Keane had an iron-clad contract with St. John’s Church that they could own the house, but his adult children could live there until the day they died.

The Keane’s lineage lives on in the greater New Bedford area and Mr. Keane’s descendants live in New Bedford and Dartmouth. A few Fletchers and Gardners have married into the Keane family. In fact, the founder of Gardner real estate, Bob Gardner, married Patrick Keane’s great-grand-daughter Patricia Harrop. There are even a few Sylvias who have married into the family as well – Frederick Sylvia III worked in the New Bedford school district as a high school counselor, and sons Kurt and Darren Sylvia attended New Bedford schools.

My great-grandfather James Tallman Mosher married Sarah Keane, they lived at 41 Wing Street as well, and raised four children there; between 1886-1927 James & Sarah lived at 41 Wing with the rest of the Keane family, in 1927 they moved to Russell’s Mills.

Special thanks to John McCreadie of Glasgow Scotland for helping with Patrick Keane and Margaret McWade’s story; he searched cemeteries and researched archives in Scotland (things you can’t find on Ancestry.com.) Jay Avila at Spinner Publications for helping with research on Patrick Keane’s house and where he worked. Joan Barney of the New Bedford Public Library who ofund Patrick Keane’s 1907 retirement story in the newspaper microfilms.

I also want to thank all my family members who contributed. I spent over 4 years (2009-2012 and counting) doing research and contacting people to get as much info as possible on the Keane-McWade family.

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America is the land of food and there are myriad choices where we can spend our money. Often there are multiple options within a category. We don’t have to eat at let’s say this Chinese restaurant – we can go to another one that charges less for the same dish. If we don’t like the rude waiter at that Mexican eatery, we can go to the one down the road that treats you like gold.

You don’t have to be a foodie, to have a standard checklist on what you are looking for in an eatery or restaurant. We know what we want, what we’ll settle for and what we won’t tolerate or we’ll go elsewhere. One place that is dear to my heart and manages to hold a high standard with all the basic requirements is The Hollywood Scoop on Route 6 (County Road) in Mattapoisett.

Quality, fresh ingredients? Check. Sheer, mouth-watering deliciousness? Check. Affordable or appropriately priced? Check. Friendly waitstaff? Check. Portion size? Check. Hollywood Scoop does one better: FUN. Check, check, check.

Another area that America is in love with besides food, is movies. We love to be entertained. We are fascinated by the actors and they occupy our headlines. We all have crushes on Sophia Loren to the point we would gladly stalk her. Right? Guys? Not that I would stalk her, but my third cousin’s brother’s step-dad’s ex-boyfriend’s old roommate would.

What the Hollywood Scoop does so brilliantly is combine America’s two greatest loves – food and movies – in one place. This family run business has a genuine, burning passion for these two things. The menu items are all named after their favorite films and actors. Each day there is a movie of the day which the specials will coincide with. This concept is called “character dining.”

You’ll see things like the Brady Brunch – Eight chicken tenders served with your choice of dipping sauces makes this feel-good meal better than pork chops and apple sauce. There’s the McLovin – No fake I.D. required to order, but a desire for hot or wicked hot buffalo chicken, shredded cheese & bleu cheese dressing. With a name like McLovin how can you go wrong? The Cheers Poutin: Sam Malone would be addicted to these hand-cut golden French fries topped with a dark Guinness gravy and cheese curd melted on top.

As you can see, fun is infused into the menu. It’s the theme on the walls, which is decorated with movie posters, collector items, photos of some of the greatest actors. This is not a gimmick. It’s just who they are. The entire family and extended family just have an intense love affair with food and movies.

“They” are Lori and Bruce Truehart, their 3 daughters: Kassandra~Lynn (front of the house manager), Serenitie~Love and Trinitie~Heaven (waitresses in “training” – they are 2 and 3 year old). All three whom also have menu items named after them. Finally, there is Lori’s mom Lola Pinto. In addition, they have a friendly staff whom they consider extended family. A genuine family owned and operated business.

What this passion has translated into is a high quality eatery that has an atmosphere that makes you not want to leave. There is always a movie playing on one of the TV screens – this screams “Stay, enjoy your food, have fun. Don’t rush.” Lori won’t even call her customers “customers.” She calls them “celebrities,” and treats them that way – there are signs that state “Celebrity Parking ‘Only'” and a real red carpet at the netrance! In fact, she even has a “Celebrity of the Day” where she randomly picks one person to get their 15 minutes of fame with a photo on Hollywood Scoop’s Facebook of them devouring their FREE dessert.

The staff are typically in costume, whether a poodle skirt, from a movie, or just an old fashioned diner waitress outfit. Wednesdays are “Kid’s Day,” where the kids will do crafts, and often bump into a special guest like Princess Jasmine or once of the princesses from Princesses of New Bedford. The vibe and atmosphere is a “Bring the whole family from grandparents through grandkids.”

At the Hollywood Scoop NOTHING is frozen, everything is fresh. The Hollywood Scoop serves lunch and dinner. For lunch and dinner all of America’s favorites are represented: sandwiches and wraps of every type, a plethora of everyone’s favorite comfort foods like hot dogs, and burgers which are 100% certified Angus beef. There are many fried options like seafood platters and the very popular, hand-dipped and battered fish and chips, which on Fridays is ALL YOU CAN EAT. You can also choose lightly breaded or English batter.

The desserts can be summed up in one word: madness. Homemade apple pies, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, and fried dough. They offer an astounding 100+ flavors of ice cream during season – all your standard flavors including unique flavors like Cranberry Harvest, Raspberry Truffle, Lemon Custard, and Coffee Oreo. of course, there are sugar free options and dairy free sorbet. How does fried ice cream made with cake around it, deep fried Oreos, fried banana splits, fried Twinkie or devil dogs sound? A rather unique item is the hand cut sweet potato french fries topped with cinnamon and sugar mix and a side of caramel for dipping. Then there are the signature desserts like the Parent Trap: mocha peanut butter ice cream, topped with peanut butter sauce, Oreo bits, hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry of course.

Madness, indeed!

The Hollywood Scoop is handicap accessible, offers dine-in, take-out and delivery. All military men and women with a valid ID, and men in uniform (Police, Fireman, EMS, etc.) receive a generous 15% discount. Wednesdays are Kid’s Days and kids eat for $1.99 from the Little Rascals menu -it includes French fries and pickles, a drink and ice cream. Thursdays’ movie always has a person’s name in it, and anyone with that name gets a FREE item from the menu. Sometimes it’s a meal, other times it’s dessert – always a surprise. Generosity is another theme here!

If you are looking for something different, fun and exciting to bring your family to, you will be hard pressed to find a place that accompanies the entire family regardless of age. The menu appeals to young and old – you won’t have to encourage the kids to find something on the menu, they will eagerly dive into it. For the adults, the atmosphere gives you a break: you can relax, because the kids will be focused on the environment, the movie playing on the TV or one of the costumed waiters. You won’t have to convince them to eat at all – there’s no fight necessary!

Hollywood Scoop is just a hands-down fun, even uplifting place with fresh, high-quality, mouth-watering fare at an price that is affordable enough to bring the whole family to. It’s a brilliant concept executed with warmth and clear passion.

Character dining concept aside, it’s just a place that serves darn delicious food.

The Hollywood Scoop
20 County Rd
Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 758-8735
EMail: ecdiamonddolls@comcast.net

Fall-Winter Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday: 11:30am to 9:00pm

Spring-Summer Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday-Sunday: 11:00-11:00pm

Facebook: facebook.com/thehollywoodscoop
Menu: facebook.com/download/preview/599848626826644
Photos:: facebook.com/thehollywoodscoop/photos

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Our pets are family. They get treated like our sons and daughters – we feed and bathe them, take care of their medical bills, lavish them with love and spend tons of time with them. Heck, some of us even clothe them!

And just like our kids, we want them to live healthy, happy lifestyles. When all of the above things are missing, problems and conflicts arise. Without exercise, they gain weight and health issues develop. Without mental exercise they can be aggressive and angry. Without instruction and nurturing they don’t develop manners and social skills.

Fortunately for our pets, there is a place that they can get exercise, develop social skills, remove anxiety, aggressiveness, and nervousness, and just be happy little campers.

That place is MJ’s Pet Training Academy – a fun, family environment that is a home away from home for our furry friends, owned and run (she does the grooming too!) by Acushnet native, Melissa Viera. Keep in mind, that Pet Training doesn’t necessarily mean that you are preparing your dog for competition – though if you want to, Melissa is more than qualified – you can simply want to provide fun opportunities for enriching and exercising your pets.

More importantly, MJ’s is a place where you can strengthen the human-animal bond with Rex, Fido, or Shadow. It’s a facility that hosts a number of accredited, effective programs that will positively impact your pet’s health and well-being – both physical and mental.

Melissa’s inspiration for MJ’s Pet Academy is rooted in a deep passion and love for all animals since she was a child. For as long as she can remember, she has been surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and everything else in between. She can’t recall a time she didn’t have a bunch of pets, or performing in dog shows, competitive obedience training or grooming.

When it was time for high school, attending an agricultural high school where she studied small animal science seemed a natural, obvious step. Still hungry for more, she continued to work with mentors outside of her high school education. After graduation, Melissa went on to earn her Degree in Dog Obedience Training and Instruction, and became a Certified Trick Dog Instructor.

What separates her from many other facilities is her positive-based methods – marker words, clickers, sounds, and gestures. These have proven time and again to be incredibly potent ways to for dogs to learn real life skills like leash walking, coming when called, manners and so on. By reinforcing positive traits, the dogs abandon the aforementioned social and behavioral aberrations like nervousness, re-activity, shyness and excitability. Aberrations that can lead to problems with humans and other pets – aggressive posturing and even attacks.

Of course, new puppy owners can take a pro-active stance and enroll their dogs in training before any of these negative traits develop.

Melissa has a variety of services and programs – all of which can be customized to meet your individual pet’s needs. She has a staff of experts whose dedication and passion equal her own: scent work instructor and trainer Barbara Paczosa, and official photographer providing pet portraits during select appointments and classes Beth J. Cormier.

The popular group instruction classes are available for basic skills and activities as well as developing social skills through fun games, activities, and challenges, including skate boarding, basketball, painting, scent work, and canine freestyle. There is private instruction for addressing common behavioral concerns like leash pulling, jumping on people, nervousness, and so on.

To compliment these classes, MJ’s also offers a day-time enrichment and training program where your dog will stay with one of the professional trainers all day.

At the end of the day, when you pick up your dog you will receive a progress report to see what gains have been made. Further complimenting the group & private classes and the day-time program, there are a variety of workshops and events are held throughout the year. Finally, she offers a course in scentwork which would be of obvious value for anyone who enjoys hunting.

Regardless of age or handicap, Melissa has likely experience working with a dog similar to yours. If you have a very old dog, one with a persistent injury or handicap, is blind or deaf, it is nothing Melissa hasn’t already seen and worked with. Same goes for dogs with “backgrounds” – dogs with aggression issues or taken from homes where dogs have been utilized for fighting.

Melissa’s life is consumed by this passion of hers. When she is not at MJ’s Pet Training Academy, she is writing about it on her blog, or various publications. She is perpetually contributing to the industry through education, and getting information out there about positive training.

She will even be participating in this year’s 27th Annual Home Show featuring a seminar called “Dogs With Manners.” If you attend the Home Show, be sure to stop in and see what Melissa does!

And if Fido needs a haircut and wash, MJ’s has a full grooming salon on site, which includes a basic bath, Paw Pad treatment, hand stripping, sugar scrub and even specialty scissoring. Her positive method applies to the grooming as well – for those dogs that get nervous or anxious once they hear the buzzing. You can watch a “before and after” video of Wally and Gidgette here.

Melissa has her eye on the future and has big things planned for MJ’s and the industry. She is looking to introduce new classes, workshops and events, continue promoting the positive training method throughout the industry through articles, online videos and even online courses. She recently started writing her first book which looks at training from a new perspective, sharing her discoveries, experience and effective methods.

MJ’s Pet Training Academy is dedicated to helping dogs, and helping dogs and owners connect. The experience is always transformative and beneficial to all. It is so rewarding that Melissa feels it is she that is grateful and provided with an opportunity to work with the dogs. Seeing the improvements in a dog’s personality and look on the faces of their owners is one she looks forward to. She is so eager to meet a new dog and owner that she offers FREE consultations to best determine your goals and needs and provide customized solutions. Spend a few moments at MJ’s and you will see how inspired and knowledgeable Melissa is. Something that is backed up by her impeccable review on Facebook which is a perfect 5 stars out of 5 stars and the testimonials.

MJ’s Pet Academy is located behind Kam’s Cuisine off of South Main Street. There is plenty of parking in the parking lot. Head there and see the magic!

MJ’s Pet Training Academy
132 S Main St Suite C6
Acushnet, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 992-6929
EMail: mjsdogtraining@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MJsPetTrainingAcademy
Website: mjspettrainingacademy.com/

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Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. Each year thousands are hospitalized or die from the virus and vaccination is the attempt to lessen the symptoms or prevent catching the virus in the first place. The particulars of the three types of viruses – type A, B & C – go beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that type A & B are the most serious and therefore of greater concern. Generally each vaccine is made to protect people against three flu types – two “A” strains and one “B” strain.

The typical influenza vaccine is between 40-65% effective in reducing the severity of the virus or preventing it altogether. Making headlines all across the world is the news that this season’s influenza vaccine was far less effective than it is typically. In America, estimates are that the vaccine was somewhere around 25% effective and in some parts of Europe, an abysmal 3% effective. This season, influenza has reach almost all 50 states. How is this possible? Why did this happen?

Each February, the World Health Organization culls its international data received from reference laboratories on circulating influenza strains and forecasts what they believe will be the following Winter’s most common and likely culprits. The reason this is done so far in advance – just shy of a year – is due to the amount of time that it takes to manufacture the vaccine, package and then ship it to waiting pharmacies and medical practitioners. The reason that each year one must get another vaccination is because the strains of the flu virus mutate and replace the older strains.

This year’s vaccine was effective against the Type B strain, but performed poorly against the Type A strain. Between the time that the WHO forecasted the strains they felt would be this season’s perpetrators and the time that people began to have the vaccine administered, the Type A strain had mutated – rendering the current vaccine less potent. This mutated strain was not included in this season’s vaccines and thus reach epidemic levels across 47 states.

The suggested solution for the immediate future is to make sure that the vaccine includes all types of Type A influenza and the development of better forecasting methods. In the U.S., federal agencies are seeking to develop a safe, universal vaccine – one that would encompass “broad protection against subsequent exposures.” By targeting the less-changing stem of the virus as opposed to the “branches” or mutations, forecasting as a method wouldn’t need to be relied on as heavily. In addition, the universal vaccine would last almost a decade.

This universal vaccine has been in an animal testing phase since 2010, but is expected to reach human trials soon. Some professional predict its availability in 5-7 years.

The current flu vaccine does offer some protection, and of course, some protection is better than no protection at all. It goes without saying, that restricting interaction with infected individuals, washing one’s hands frequently, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces will go far in lessening your chances of contracting that virus. Covering one’s nose and mouth and/or calling in sick will help prevent the spread of influenza.

Tattoos and tattooing have been around since Neolithic times – at least 5,000 years. This is evidenced by the famous Ötzi the Iceman discovered in the Austrian Alps in 1991. Ötzi was roaming the earth sometime in the 4th millennium B.C.E. and had a minimum of 60 tattoos. In all likelihood, tattooing goes back much further in time, but this is the oldest known historical case of tattooing. Of course, it is part and parcel of many cultures that came after Ötzi – Teutons, Picts, Goths, Vikings, Rus, Celts, ancient Chinese, Egypt and so on. Virtually the world over.

Tattoos were a part of early man’s culture for a variety of reasons. Most of which are the same reasons people ink themselves today: a rite of passage, tribute, homage, self-expression, tradition or identifying with a certain sub-culture. However, unlike yesterday, today’s collector has greater access to artists, a variety of styles outside their culture, and may get tattoos for no other reason than that of pride or vanity. Have a favorite show, beer, or celebrity? You can make them permanent.

And unlike in pre-historic times, tattooing is no longer relegated to an elite few – soccer moms, grandmas, lawyers, doctors and teenagers have the opportunity. Tattoos and tattooing has come a long way since its modern inception and it was reintroduced to America in the mid-19th century by a German immigrant living in Boston, Martin Hildebrandt. That makes Massachusetts the place where American tattooing got its start. So it should come as no surprise that there are quite a few tattoo shops in Massachusetts, particularly the South Coast.

One of the newest shops to open recently is North Atlantic Tattoo. While the shop may be new, the artists are not. Proprietors and partners, Jae Audette and Andrew Pequita are salty dogs – veterans who have been professionally tattooing in the U.S. and Canada (Jae did a foray to our neighbors up North) for 12 and 15 years respectively. That’s full-time, 40-70 hours per week. This work ethic has been carried over to North Atlantic Tattoo and the shop is the only full-time shop in New Bedford.

As I mention in many articles, passion is a crucial aspect to talent and success, particularly when it is combined with dedication and experience. Jae and Andrew became two of the best tattooists in the area through immersing themselves in their work and surrounding themselves with some of the industry’s best talent.

This not only motivates and inspires them, but keeps them always learning and improving. It keeps their fingers on the pulse of the latest art techniques and sterility. All true professionals in the industry are always striving to improve their artwork and the hygienic conditions of their tools and shop.

The two forces behind North Atlantic proudly display the thousands of pieces they have done on the walls, excepting some proudly displayed tall ship and whaling ship oil paintings that Andrew’s grandfather did in the 1980s and Jae’s signed Horiyoshi III painting. While you will find flash on the walls, both relish the chance to do custom work. While both artists have a desire to create timeless work and are adept in virtually all styles of tattooing, Jae favors and excels at classic American and Japanese traditional.

He is a student of American and Japanese history and when he is not tattooing he is typically engrossed in a history book – in fact his Instagram account has the tag “1776.” He knows the deeper meanings and nuances of the artwork he does and eagerly shares this knowledge with anyone who wants to understand the permanent piece of art they are getting. While the collector may be getting a tattoo because it’s “cool,” they can also understand the deeper symbolism and tradition behind it, making the it all the more meaningful.

A New Bedford resident, Andrew enjoys tattooing in a very illustrative way and has a more modern hue to his artwork. He has a passion for anything organic or nature-based – animals, skulls, snakes, demons and the ilk. He has a wide range in that department, from aggressive, masculine tattoos to things more feminine. He is also fond of historical subjects like mythology. Opening up shop on Acushnet Avenue had meaning for him: he’s overjoyed to be working in the very block his parents and grandparents ran a business on for 33 years.

When I asked Andrew what he felt one of the biggest misconceptions about tattoos were he said “…that it has to have deep significant meaning. If someone wants a tattoo with meaning, that is fine too. However, first and foremost, the tattoo should be aesthetically pleasing. I think the way the tattoo flows and how flattering it looks on the body is far more important than the overall meaning. Do not be afraid to get large work. Try and have a game plan if you want to be frequently tattooed. That way the tattoos can eventually all flow together.”

In addition to these, on a weekly basis North Atlantic Tattoo produces American traditional, Japanese, portraits, lettering, smooth black and grey, religious iconography, and bio-mech. Regardless of what custom art you bring in, you can tap into Jae and Andrew’s vast experience. They have likely done something similar. The other benefit that comes from this much experience is how they handle customers. They’ve seen everything from tattoo virgins to collectors with very little room left. It’s difficult enough to come across tattoo artist’s with amazing talent that run a clean shop, let alone find a shop that also thinks that making customers comfortable is just as important. In a day and age, where there are shops everywhere, covering all these bases is one of the things that separates North Atlantic from the others.

Their service to customers goes far beyond coming in and getting a piece done. There is a process from the time you enter, until the time you come back. They will suggest you browse the portfolios and ask them questions. They respect and value that you will be wearing this forever and want you to make the most informed decision. Many shops will be content to put a horrendous tattoo that just isn’t right, as long as you are paying. That thought doesn’t sit well with Jae or Andrew.

They will then ask you questions about the art you have chosen, where it goes, and then share suggestions. Andrew and Jae are both friendly, likable guys who put out a relaxed vibe. Anyone who spends 5 minutes with them will vouch for them. You will already be comfortable before you even sit and turn on your music or watch TV – yes, they have Netflix.

After you have finished, you will discuss the product while checking it in the mirror and provide feedback. As Jae or Andrew are bandaging the tattoo they will share aftercare protocol and remind you make sure you call in the next few days if you have any other questions or concerns. They certainly don’t want you to ride off into the sunset. Both Jae and Andrew are looking for a relationship with collectors. Both are pretty proud of the fact that they have made hundreds of lasting friendships.

If you’re looking for a local shop that combines world-class artistry, experience, affordability and customer comfort, your search is over.

North Atlantic Tattoo
1881 Acushnet Ave
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 202-1973
EMail: northatlantictattoo@gmail.com

Mon-Tues: 10:00am-9:00pm
Wed-Thur: 12:00pm-9:00pm
Fri-Sat: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sun: By appointment only

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/North-Atlantic-Tattoo/674524539310849
Website: northatlantictattoo.com
Shop Instagram: instagram.com/northatlantictattoo/
Jae’s Instagram: instagram.com/jaeaudette1776/
Andrew’s Instagram: instagram.com/panzzerfaust/

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Thinking about investing in your child through the rewarding experience of music? In the bouquet of life, there are many experiences available that are rich in their reward and highly fulfilling. One of these experiences is that of music. As a musician of three decades, I can’t think of many more mediums that have allowed me to have a veritable cornucopia of experiences and emotions – high and low and everything in between. There is joy, melancholy, frustration, sympathy, longing, pining, contentment, and more.

Learning to continue on in the face of frustration while traveling the musical path, teaches one to develop extended focus, patience, zeal, and tenacity. One must be creative to solve many of the physical and mental barriers to learning. These become parts of your personality. Just think of the personalities of your musical friends.

Of course, being a musician doesn’t happen in a vacuum and serves a base purpose when only done in isolation. In addition to the variety of personal experiences, the people I have met and shared a multitude of experiences with are some of the best I’ve had in life. The aforementioned character traits are generally found in abundance in all musicians – for you can’t excel within music without having these traits to a high degree. It helps connect people across languages, cultures, classes, you name it.

Having said all that, there is another practical benefit beyond the metaphysical and spiritual: the ability to play darn good music. There are quite a few places in the South Coast to choose from, but if you are looking for world class instruction, high quality instruments, and an effective curriculum, you really don’t need to look beyond my personal favorite, Double Bar Music in Westport.

Double Bar offers private lessons, group classes, ensembles/bands, instrument accessory sales, special order sound equipment, instrument repair, and orchestra/band instrument rentals for students – a serious, full service music center. There are even online lessons!

You may be asking “Why way out in Westport?” Owners and Westport natives Marcelle Gauvin, and her daughters Kelsey Jacobsen and Kimber-lee Jacobsen were born and raised in Westport and have been lifelong residents. Their sense of loyalty goes beyond their favorite town, but they have seen the struggle that the Westport school system has gone through to maintain their music programs through the years. They felt it would be a way to bring music to the community of students who need it and that their presence would be a boon – they were more correct than they thought, as word-of-mouth about Double Bar spread like wildfire and their reach with clientele now extends to Dartmouth, Fall River, and of course, New Bedford and beyond.

One of the places their reach has extended to, is the Berklee College of Music, where Marcelle is an associate professor of voice. She is also the head of the UMass Dartmouth jazz voice studio

What separates Double Bar Music from many of the other music shops in the region, besides the talent, service and friendly staff? Their strong Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) voice studio: they are certified to train healthy vocal technique for pop, rock, R&B, country, music theater, jazz, and alternative singers. They also offer classical technique so all of the students learn to sound stylistically appropriate.

There are ensemble and band programs, such as: a Capella groups, rock bands, string ensembles, songwriting classes, improvisation classes, etc. and regular performance opportunities for the students. The students can collaborate with other students or work with Double Bar instructors. So the instruction there is not the “walk in, get taught, walk off into the sunset until the next lesson.” The instructors have a genuine interest in seeing students translate their skill into the public arena – I’d say it’s a passion.

One fun example of this is the very popular “Summer of Rock” program: an 8-week summer session that takes place every June. Kelsey and crew organize the musicians into bands based on age and skill level. Rehearsals take place 2-4 times per week and they work on songs that THEY want to do. At the end of the session they put on a 2 hour concert! These kids will be playing at venues that you visit soon enough!

The first “Summer of Rock” performed at St. Theresa’s Feast in Tiverton, RI for over 1,000 people and the subsequent event was at the Battleship Brewhouse (video) in Fall River for a packed house. By the reports from the kids and audience members, the shows were smashing successes. Here is a video of the Summer of Rock at St. Theresa’s Feast featuring an 8 year old drummer:

The ensemble programs come in two categories: educational which focuses on music theory, the industry or technology, and performance which prepares the student for the stage – from communicating with other musicians and the audience or developing a presence. Each lasts anywhere from 6-12 weeks, but can be as short as one week in length. It’s a focused, powerful way to impart a substantial amount of knowledge through experience.

A great way to see some of what Double Bar does, is to stop in and see one of their Hump Day Cabarets, which take place at the Heron Dance, Yoga, and Meditation Studio and open to the public. Many musicians, beginners and professionals, come together to make music purely for the love of it. Adults and kids that had never had the courage or opportunity to perform take the stage to share their art. Kelsey mentioned that these Hump Day Cabarets are by far and away the most rewarding and favorite moments by the staff.

So, what age should a child begin his or her venture into music? Kelsey suggest 7-8 years old as a prime age to begin. Of course, it is entirely dependent up the maturity level of a student and she does have some as young as 4 years of age. On the flip side, if you are an adult, don’t think you can’t partake in this whole experience. You are never too old to start and think of what kind of experiences you can have by taking up music with your son or daughter? Can you say impromptu jam session?! You’ll get to share some of your favorite bands growing up as I do with my daughter. Conversation comes easy and you may actually come across as “hip” and “cool” and not square!

The people at Double Bar understand that musical instruments can sometimes be expensive, and no one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on one to find out it will turn into a fancy coat rack. Or like clothes, they are outgrown and made obsolete. With that in mind, they offer a variety of affordable musical instrument rentals: clarinet, flute, percussion kits, trombone, trumpet, viola/violin, saxophones, cello, oboe, and horns.

Double Bar even has a “Rent To Own” program whereby your rental fee is applied to the purchase of that instrument. If the moment comes, where you have fallen in love with your instrument, you can buy it at any time at a discounted price!

So whether you are looking to rent an instrument, learn to jam, want to expand your horizons, be a bedroom jammer or become a famous rockstar you’ll find a warm welcome at Double Bar Music. You’ve nothing to lose, by simply heading to Double Bar and browsing around and soaking up some of the positive energy that comes from everyone there. Tell them that Joe sent you and that you want the special treatment!

Double Bar Music
1093 State Rd
Westport, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 319-5554
Email: DoubleBarWestport@gmail.com

Monday-Thursday: 12pm-8pm
Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Facebook: facebook.com/DoubleBarMusic
Website: doublebarmusic.com
Twitter: twitter.com/doublebarmusic
Instagram: instagram.com/doublebarmusic/
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCVL67DDrWY79aLDv1Skp4bQ

Teachers/Instructors

Kimber-lee Jacobsen – voice lessons.
Steve Breese – piano
Patrick Cardeiro – guitar/bass/ukulele/banjo/mandolin
Matthew Cavanaugh – drums & percussion
Michael Corriea – guitar
John Fernandes – guitar
Bill Ferri – piano & bass
Linsey Govoni – trumpet
Tyler Kingsland – guitar/bass/sax/trombone – Tyler also handles repairs for stringed instruments (guitar, bass, violin, viola, cello, etc)
Timothy Mason – upright & electric bass
Tom O’Leary – drumset & percussion
Cory Silva – sax/flute/clarinet
Brianne Vieira – classical voice/violin/viola/cello

You can read more detail about each here.

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ClubFit at the Dartmouth Mall is packed with superstars. I’m not only talking about the coaching line-up, but the friendly and considerate clientele. As a person that used to frequent a “hardcore” gym chain, I started to believe that going to the gym meant you had to deal with a whole variety of meatheads. Those that soak machines and walk away without wiping down, those that protein fart crop-dust with great delight, or bark, scram, cry or let out some other bloodcurdling, distractedly odd noise while lifting.

But that was the 80s and 90s. Those types of gyms have virtually died out everywhere, except in major metropolitan areas. They been replaced, by the less elitist, better atmosphere having fitness center. These are places where you can pick things up and put them down, but you also have a one-stop destination where you can get your yoga, Zumba, cycling, body sculpting, spin class, kickboxing, etc. “on.” Best of all they are no longer populated with “meatheads,” but have become female and family friendly. In fact, there are 2 Women Only areas (one with a cardio theater) and ClubFit welcomes all health and fitness enthusiasts from the age of 12 on up. There’s even a day care for the little ones, so you have no excuses!

Anyone who has ever read even a cursory amount of material on health and fitness, knows that changing things up and approaching your fitness regimen with spontaneity is one of the most efficient methods for growth and improvement. And anyone who has ever tried any of the umpteen ways to get in shape, knows that things can get boring FAST. Variety is not only great for health, muscle and cardiovascular gains, but it keeps one’s interest. Getting bored of spin class? Try the Body Sculpting class. Feel that learning how to throw a punch and kick wouldn’t hurt when it comes to defending yourself? Take some kickboxing for a few months. Have an injury and need to slow down, but don’t want to take a step back and gain weight again? There’s yoga. Whatever it is that you are looking for – weight management, health, fitness, etc. – it’s there.

You can see a full list of classes here.

That’s the brilliance of the fitness center concept and what ClubFit has in spades. The variety is astounding – so large in fact, that they need a whopping 25,000 sq.ft. to contain it. You will never find yourself bored and you can always find new challenges. Of course, there are many fitness centers that utilize this method, so what separates one from the other? Why should a person come to ClubFit as opposed to many of the other fitness centers and gyms?

The coaches, staff and the clientele. ClubFit has a world class, accredited coaches and some of the friendliest staff in any business on the South Coast. No one likes to feel unwelcome and often when we are just starting out with a fitness routine, we beat ourselves up: we look in the mirror and see every extra pound of fat. Every wimpy muscle. Every sagging spot. So, the last thing we want with our deflated pride is to be made to feel unwelcome and discouraged. We need a little encouragement and a little morale boost – something you get in abundance from ClubFit’s coaches and staff from the moment you walk in the door.

I discuss passion in many of these spotlight articles. In fact, I bring it up often. This isn’t a default position and lip service. Passion moves people and keeps them moving. A business run by passionate individuals is contagious and they want to infect everyone. So they either reach out to us to share their message or when we are visiting these places, we mention sharing their story and they eagerly leap at the opportunity.

ClubFit is filled with coaches who as passionate about the program they are hosting and the students in their classes. You’ll be asked a lot of questions about your objectives and goals. You’ll be evaluated (FREE). There is a two way discussion – you are not talked at, you are conversed with. You’ll be inspired and motivated. Meeting goals has to start with those two things. Everything else is built upon them.

Once you are involved, your are motivated, your interest kept, and your questions answered there’s no stopping you from plowing through your goals. It’s easy to commit with coaches like Hani Friedman (Circuit Training for Women), Derrel Hollins (Kickboxing), and Karyn Clements (Yoga).

If group classes aren’t your cup of tea, you are welcome to use the center’s machines, treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals on your own or with your favorite training partner. If you are comfortable yet using any of these, or need an extra kick in the pants, you can have personal training.

When you add the juice bar, sauna and steam room you get a well-rounded facility with all the amenities you could ask for. You can even rent a room and have a Zumba birthday party, corporate outting, private Yoga, Zumba or boot camp.

The website is not just for eye candy, but is very practical. There is a ticker feed that lets you know that day’s classes, a color coded calendar with the week’s schedule, a blog, and of course, a place to contact them. One of the fun elements that the site has is the photo gallery section and the funnest one is the Sunz Out Gunz Out selfie gallery where enthusiasts can flex their “guns” and show off the product of their hard work.

The folks at ClubFit are so confident that they have something special, that they offer a 7 day pass which can be printed out here. Most places I’ve been to will give you a day pass or allow a current member to hand you a guest pass. A week pass is generous. They know that after a week of experiencing ClubFit, you’ll be hooked.

If you are looking for an affordable, fun, immaculately kept gym with an energetic, motivating coaching staff, and friendly staff look no further than ClubFit. With membership starting at $10 down and $10 a month, you have nothing to lose but weight and baggage!

ClubFit Fitness Center
200 N Dartmouth Mall
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 992-0094
Email: info@clubfitdartmouth.com

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-11:00pm
Friday: 5:00am-10:00pm
Saturday: 6:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: 6:00am-6:00pm

DAY CARE HOURS:
Monday- Thursday: 8:30am-11:00am, 4:00pm-8:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-11:00am,, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-Noon

Facebook: facebook.com/escape.tofitness
Website: clubfitdartmouth.com/

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