Grab your camera, binoculars, bring a picnic or just go enjoy some peaceful scenery and wildlife. Miles of trails that traverse grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands await birders, families, nature lovers, artists, and photographers at Daniel Webster. Wildlife from shorebirds and turtles to muskrats and mink can be viewed from observation blinds and boardwalks, while the size-able grassland provides crucial habitat for birds such as the eastern meadowlark, Savannah sparrow, and bobolink.

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary
Winslow cemetery Road, Marshfield, MA
Acres: 477
Trail Mileage: 3.5 miles (universally accessible: 0.6 miles round-trip)

Sanctuary Highlights

• Panoramic views of the grasslands from the platform at Fox Hill, where you may spot northern harriers, an eastern coyote, or white-tailed deer.
• A purple martin colony, housed in an array of white nesting gourds near Webster Pond.
• Annual Farm Day festival along with bird watching programs, nature walks, and other educational programs that take place year-round through North River Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Two wildlife observation blinds, where you can watch sunning turtles and a multitude of wetland birds such as green herons in the shallow pond

Photos by Josh Souza:

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Photos by Ryan Silva:

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June 21, 2014 will mark the 3rd Annual Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Market in the beautiful coastal town of Westport, Massachusetts.  As in years past, the event will feature tastings from all ten of the Coastal Wine Trail’s Vineyards and sample wares from over twenty local food vendors. In addition to sampling food and wine, attendees will be able to purchase those goods that they most enjoyed.

The Coastal Wine Trails members that will be present at the event include; Coastal Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, Langworthy Farm, Newport Vineyards, Running Brook Vineyards, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, Travessia Winery, Truro Vineyards + South Hollow Spirits, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, and Stonington Vineyards.

The food vendors present will be serving more than just chocolate and cheese by bringing an array of fresh, local food items to the event.  For example, The Gilded Tomato Company will be serving up their brick-oven gourmet pizzas, Dell’Orto Extra Virgin Olive Oil will be offering samples of their award winning goods, Aquidneck Honey will be featuring their own tasty treats.  More vendors are being announced each week- stay tuned by liking Coastal Wine Trail on Facebook.

The event features three sessions; 11am-1:30pm, 2:30pm-5pm, and 6pm-8:30pm.  The event takes place at the Westport Fairgrounds, 200 Pine Hill Road, Westport, MA.  Tickets can be bought through the Coastal Wine Trail Website.  Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door.

By Kaylie Krauzyk

A ouija board was propped up against the wall with letters facing the room. Stolen by an overnight guest some years ago, it was fedex’d back a few days later with a handwritten note that said: “Make it stop.” I’ve never believed in the stigma of a ouija board or ghosts but in an occult place, expect the unexpected.

On a drizzly Wednesday afternoon, a visit to the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum in Fall River was a fun way to spend some time downtown. About twelve other folks and myself, from young kids to adults, were each interested in the mystery of the “Murder House” and the popular story that dates back to August 4, 1892.

Our tour guide Robin led us around the house, giving an in-depth account of the Borden family history. All of the furniture has been replaced except for the original couch where Andrew Borden was killed. Newer sofas and lounge chairs still feel like classic late eighteenth century style with floral prints and dark hues. Black and white pictures of family members can be found in each room.

All of the original wood still holds the house together and I never knew that it used to be a two-family home before Andrew Borden bought it. A penny-pincher, he wouldn’t pay for gas lighting or working indoor plumbing. An outhouse in the yard and basins in all of the rooms got the job done. I cringe at the thought of what that must’ve been like.

During the infamous trial in New Bedford that lasted for 13 days, Lizzie Borden had been held in the Taunton jail and was acquitted within fifteen minutes after an hour of court deliberation. Biases of the time were strong and some believed that because she was a woman, she couldn’t have possibly committed such heinous crimes. Or could she?

Moving into the dining room, Robin told us about a case of food poisoning that had hit the family during a summer heatwave. As I listened, I couldn’t help but stare at what I thought was a washboard that the maids probably used. Actually, it was an autopsy board with numerous holes in it that would let the blood drain from bodies that were examined in that very room. Talk about putting rooms to “other uses”.

Sound travels quickly as Robin stomped one foot that shook the entire house. These were private people we’re talking about. Andrew Borden locked all the doors, even if someone was home. Speculation as to how the murderer could’ve made their way around without being noticed still remains questionable.

Moving to the bedrooms, a portrait of Andrew Borden filled a frame between two doorways. Visitors wondered if he ever smiled, looked stern all the time, or maybe didn’t have any teeth. Actually, he and his wife, Abby Borden, wore upper dentures that aligned their mouths differently. For a man that didn’t want working indoor plumbing or lighting, dental work was certainly a priority.

All three doors near the master bedroom had been locked on the day of the murder. A female volunteer from the group laid face down in the same way Abby Borden’s body had been found in a staged reenactment. 19 strong blows, leaving deep 4” gashes, spun Abby Borden around and knocked her face down. She died an hour and a half before her husband. I bet the killer had been fueled with an intense rage that empowered them to kill Andrew Borden in a similar way.

Antique portraits of Lizzie and her sister Emma with their biological mother, Sarah Anthony (Morse) Borden, fill frames atop one table in what used to be Emma’s bedroom. Lizzie is a spitting image of Sarah and the photo of them together feels like a happier time. Sarah died during childbirth when Emma was only 12 years old. During the murders, Emma had been in Europe, absent from the tragedies at home.

Ascending to the third floor felt a little dangerous as the old staircase creaked and barely gave our feet enough room to step on. The ceiling slanted as we were close to the rooftop and if I didn’t pay attention, I think I could’ve easily banged my head. A dimly lit bedroom in the corner reminded me “Paranormal Activity” with its lack of lighting and coldness; overnight guests get the privilege of sleeping in there. The room right near the stairs was where the family’s maid, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, slept. Maggie disappeared after the trial and went to live with her Irish family in Montana. I’d say it’s a fair guess that she wanted to get away from all the horror she had witnessed. Her room was silent and empty with a small window that let in a little ray of sunshine. I couldn’t shake the feeling that staying up there could make you feel pretty isolated.

If these floral papered walls could talk to us today, I think they would have a lot to say about what happened on August 4, 1892. Is is possible that a schoolteacher of wealthy status and influence could have done such terrible things out of rage or contempt? Or was it something else altogether? Regardless, interpretations of this case come from many ideas and theories change over time. It’s unique that the notoriety of the Lizzie Borden murders continues to this day, over 100 years later. I wonder what else could come to light one day.

The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast Museum is located on 230 Second Street in Fall River. Tours are offered daily on the hour from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This bed and breakfast museum is open all year round and closed major holidays. B&B guests can stay overnight for an extended tour and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in the dining room of “many uses”. Group tours are available by appointment only. Check out the gift shop located behind the house for unique items and mementos. All major credit cards accepted. Visit lizzie-borden.com or call (508) 675-7333 for more information.

By Kaylie Krauzyk

A carved statue of a bear standing upright holding a fish in its mouth is tucked in the corner. Directly across, large cube and bag-shaped targets sit piled together adjacent to a wide counter filled with fishing hooks and lures. Bulls-eye mats and arrows made of fiberglass and plastic, some decorated with feathers, stand neatly packed in a row alongside carrying cases and totes. An entire wall is decorated with bows of all different shapes, sizes, and makes.

“Serving the Archery community proudly since 1991”

That’s the guarantee of Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop where veteran shooters and newcomers like myself are encouraged to learn and grow in the sport of archery. This isn’t your typical gym class experience. Proper stance, head straight, fingers tucked, and opposite arm up and out are just a few of the many things to remember when getting into the groove. Aim too high, and your arrow whizzes right over the mark and into the wall beyond. Aim too low, and your arrow could just make the outer rim of the oval, or fall with a thud to the floor.

With careful, steady aim and a quick release, move your elbow as if you were nudging someone out of the way. Get this down and you could be hitting your target in no time.

Being at Trader Jan’s feels like stepping into a small scale version of Bass Pro Shops, minus most of the deer heads, hunting weapons, and all-terrain outdoor clothing. Various string, bow, arrow, and target accessories are available for purchase. Compound, long, and recurve bows are neatly hooked and tagged along the wall. This display reminds me of a shoe display from Olympia Sports or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Archery isn’t easy. I can’t even imagine how a stunt double managed to backflip and jump around a training course in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie (maybe it was just movie magic?). I’d poke an eye out like Ralphie from The Christmas Story for sure. Your arms and especially biceps, get a workout from holding the bow steady while you practice shoot four arrows at a time. The indoor range covers 20 to 40 yards of space. And we’re going for short range targets here on first visits. Nothing like the woods decor and advanced hunting targets that are staged next to the practice area.

Trader Jan’s offers range rates are $10.00 an hour and $5.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person. $20.00 an hour and $13.00 per half hour with our rental gear, per person. Tuesday’s is their half price shooting day; the rates are $5.00 and hour and $3.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person and $10.00 an hour and $7.00 a half hour with their rental gear, per person. Off-season hours (from January to August) are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 PM to 8 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Busy season hours (August to end of December ) they are open Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 PM to 9 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday & Monday.

A visit to Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop could be the idea you haven’t thought of when it comes to making plans with friends or even for a date night. Staff are courteous and professional, facilities are well-maintained, and you go at your own pace. Be care with those long bows and arrows; you don’t want to put an eye out!

Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop is located at 288 Plymouth Avenue in Fall River within the mill; it’s just floors apart from Lazer Gate and Straight Shooters Billiards. Call (774) 627-7743 or check out http://www.traderjans.com/ for more information on their offerings which include bow repair services, hunting gear, and custom archery equipment options.

Several events are planned in New Bedford throughout Memorial Day weekend to honor the courageous men and women who lost their lives serving the United States of America.

Saturday, May 24^th

9:00 AM at Rural Cemetery

The Greater New Bedford Civil War Round Table will conduct a memorial exercise at the Union Soldier’s Burial Site at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth Street.

*American Legion Post 1 will be placing flags on veterans’ graves at Rural Cemetery.

Sunday, May 25^th

10:30 AM at Pine Grove Cemetery

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Veterans’ plot in Pine Grove Cemetery.

12:00 PM at New Bedford City Hall

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Vietnam Veterans’ Honor Roll at New Bedford City Hall on the William Street side of the building.

Monday, May 26^th (Memorial Day)

8:15 AM at Rural Cemetery

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Veterans’ Plot in Rural Cemetery.

10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Cemetery

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Veterans’ Plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery

10:00 AM at Pier 3

The New Bedford Port Society’s Annual Memorial Day Fisherman’s Service, Pier 3, New Bedford Waterfront

11:00 AM Intersection of Parker Street & Hathaway Boulevard

The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Day Committee and the New Bedford Veterans’ Advisory Board will conduct the Annual Memorial Day Parade and Services. The parade will form at11:00 AM at the intersection of Parker Street and Hathaway Boulevard and will step off at 11:30 AM. The Parade will travel east on Parker Street to County Street, north on County Street to Pope Street, and east on Pope Street into Clasky Park where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held.

Immediately following the conclusion of the Memorial Day Parade at Clasky Common Park

A Memorial Day Exercise will be conducted at the Korean War Monument in Clasky Common Park.

The City of New Bedford released a new music video titled, “Being in New Bedford.” Local singer/song writer, Cedric Josey shows off New Bedford. The video was produced, filmed and edited by Ben Gilbarg.

Ladies, let me introduce you to some pretty cool facts about…well, your ladies! Listen up, because you might just be among the 80% of women who are wearing the wrong size bra.  Guys, feel free to read along.  Go ahead.  There’s no doubt your lady love will appreciate a little something fabulous.  I’d even suggest taking notes.

Turns out, there’s a lot more than I thought to find the perfect bra size; I’ve certainly had it all wrong for years.  If your straps are falling and the girls are sneaking out, then it’s likely you are among the 80%. So do yourself a favor and learn a few tips from the trade that I picked up from the lovely, Nancy Espindola, owner of Fabulous Foundations, 398 State Road in Dartmouth, who has found her passion in empowering women with the right tips and tools of the trade to make the best purchase for their money when it comes to quality bras, panties, and swimwear!

The Foundations

Nancy’s vision began one day, when she blinked, and realized that her kids blossomed beyond the nest and her stay-at-home Mom schedule was suddenly free.  If you’re a mom, you know how it goes; the many robes a woman wears throughout the day really do require the proper foundation.  So let’s just say as a wife and mom, Nancy’s cups were always overflowing. She figured out fast how to find the bras to fit her lifestyle.  And when she realized it was time to pass that knowledge onto her niece, she went to her favorite local bra shop Lady Grace, in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

When it came to finding a bra to fit her niece, she realized, a lot of it had to do with age group. Nancy wanted something that was “youthful, pretty, and appropriate” for every woman to remember her first time shopping for the everyday wardrobe essential.  She realized that so many women are often misled by department stores that display a size 34 B bra as if every age, shape and size can expect to find the same cute little cup in her size.  Often store clerks are not trained on how to properly size and custom fit and as a result women are discouraged when they only find a plain nude or black boring bra in their size.

 On A Mission

Nancy found her niche and pursued her passion to open a shop where EVERY woman can come and feel comfortable and confident in finding at least 8-15 different selections for any bust size, body type, age group, and lifestyle.  Yes- that sweet and sexy size 34 B is now available in the size that’s fit for you.  And by fit I mean, a custom private fitting consultation by Nancy or one of her savvy staff members who are trained and educated to ensure that every Fabulous Foundation customer leaves feeling fulfilled in their cups.

Fabulous Foundations has a pretty sweet mission that is something we can all take some notes on.  Nancy shared with me some of her self-taught secrets and trained tips of the trade, and why she chooses to purchase from European companies rather than American manufactures.

The Fit Factor

The European method of sizing is “Find the band-add the cup” approach opposed to the American method of “find the cup-add the band” Notice how when the cup coverage is just not cutting it, we by default opt for a bigger size band?  The difference with European sizing is the range in cup sizes from A-K (and now even O cup!), while American sizes stop at DDD cup, forcing woman to sacrifice the band fit for proper cup size.  Which is exactly why 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra.  That’s really all we had available to us until Nancy started on a mission to keep her customers covered with merchandise hand chosen according to their needs.

Customer Service Journey

Nancy also believes that every woman deserves a proper one-on-one private consultation in one of her chic fitting rooms as part of her promise to ensure that every purchase becomes an empowering experience.  Another added bonus is that she keeps an updated customer record of fittings and purchases, so you don’t have to.

The Bra Wardrobe: Let’s face it, women are multitasking superheroes.  In a single day we can go from washing floors, to working out, to the supermarket, to the soccer field, to a business dinner, to a night out on the town, and back home for bedtime stories.  A girl’s got to have enough bras in her wardrobe to keep up with her…or keep her up, I should say. Another part of Nancy’s mission is to educate women to make more informed purchases.  So lucky for us, she gave us this awesome guide to keep us covered-literally.

Five Must-Have Bras: The Bra Wardrobe

1. Sports Bra: “Everyday Tasks & Tending Bra”

Fit- Sporty, Shapely
Body Type: All
Support-Maximum, Firm
Coverage-Full
Features- Cuts 80% Bounce, Breathable Band, Vents, Multifunctional

2. Balconette: “Tee & Turtlenecks Bra”

Fit- Rounded Effect
Body Type: Fit, Fake, Firm (FFF)
Coverage-Full
Features-Sweetheart Cut, Polka Dot Pattern. Comfy

3. Plunge:  “Summer Tanks & Tee Bra”

Fit: Crisscross, Tee Back, Halter, Regular
Body Type: Fit, Fake, Firm (That’s a must here, ladies)
Features: Multifunctional Straps for a more optional wear

4. Strapless:  “Everything Evening Bra”

Fit: Must Be Snug, Crisscross, Halter
Support: Maximum
Features: Comfort, Silicone Band for a controlled fit

5. Full Cup: “Soft & Professional Bra”

Fit: Regular
Support: Controlled
Coverage: Full
Body Type: Full Busted
Features: Modest fit, Soft, Comfortable

* Bonus: “Just Because I’m Beautiful  Bra”

Coverage- His credit card (wink wink, guys)
Fit– Perfect to your unique and beautiful body
Support- Empowering in every way, shape, and form
Features- Everything that you need to look and feel as beautiful as you are on the inside.

Bra Love & Care: The last part of Nancy’s bra crash course 101 stressed the importance of giving your bras the same TLC that you received during your purchase.  Think of it like this:  You sweat all day and oil and perspiration from your body leak out onto your bra causing the band to wear out faster.  (eww-but true) If you are going to make an investment in yourself, you might as well make it a lasting investment.

Nancy’s Nifty Tips: Extend the Life of Your Bra

• Rotate Your Bra Wardrobe
• Always Air Dry
• Use a Gentle Biodegradable Solution Wash.  SOAK is available in store, in five different fragrances, travel and regular size bottles.  It’s a simple way to increase the longevity of all your delicate clothing.  (I even use it to wash my makeup brushes!)  Just Soak, Squeeze, Hang Dry-NO RINSE

Feel even more fabulous that 90% of all bras have panties to match! Fabulous Foundations also carries a unique selection of premium women’s swimwear with control top built in bras.  So if you’re heading out on a vacation in January, rest assured Nancy has a fresh selection of bathing suits year round starting at size C cup.   Pregnant or Nursing?   I wish I had known that there were quality and pretty nursing bras that would last before, during, and after my son was born.

Feel free to make an appointment with Nancy or any other Fabulous Foundations staff member.  They can even special order items that are not in stock. Just be sure to bring your garments with you, and they will take care of finding you the perfect foundations to fit.

Fabulous Foundations also offers free alterations, free holiday gift wrapping, and gift cards.  With a new location comes a new commitment to make sure your Fabulous Foundations experience helped you achieve the comfort, fit, and lift that every woman needs to be the amazing superhero that we all are!  I can say for sure that I’m more than happy with my experience and I learned a ton of valuable information to share with you.  Mention this article when you visit Fabulous Foundations for a little something special, just because you deserve it!

NEW & EXTENDED HOURS:
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-7:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: Closed

Call for an Appointment or Walk-in Consultations Welcome

**NEW LOCATION**
We’ve moved to the Dartmouth Towne Center, 398 State Road. Between Barnes & Noble, and Game Stop.

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Enrichment toys were given to Emily and Ruth, two Asian Elephants at the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, MA on Friday, May 9, 2014.

• The Windy Wind-Chime. Materials: Nylon webbing, recycled propane tank, steel pipe/tube, steel sheet metal. Elephants can wrap trunk around the bottom clapper and make noise and they move the clapper back and forth.
• Archemedes Screw. Materials: Large diameter steel piping, timber, rubber tubing. Welding. A feeder toy that encourages both movement and puzzle-solving for the elephants.

Overview:

“Toys for Elephants” is an interdisciplinary elective class for students at Massachusetts College of Art & Design (MassArt), in collaboration with non-profit organization Handshouse Studio. This annual one-semester class challenges students to design and build cognitive tools – or “toys” — that enrich the lives of elephants in captivity by engaging their natural behaviors and stimulating cognitive thought processes. The Toys for Elephants program is now in its 4th year at MassArt, the nation’s first and only independent public school of art and design. Handshouse Studio is a non-profit organization that creates educational projects outside of the traditional classroom setting that link subjects – including history, science, math, literature, arts, culture and technology – through the study of a single object. Through the collaborative venture “Toys for Elephants”, MassArt and Handshouse bring students together from diverse disciplines including industrial design, architectural design, art history, art education, sculpture and a range of 2D and 3D fields to learn from each other, design, build and problem-solve.

Purpose:

Toys for Elephants draws on a range of art students’ interdisciplinary design skills to solve a real-world problem: keeping elephants in captivity cognitively and physically stimulated. Due to natural habitat destruction and poaching, Asian, Sumatran, Indian and other elephant species are on the endangered species list. Zoos across the country provide shelter and hope for these endangered animals. However, even with specialized habitats and conservation initiatives, living in captivity presents challenges for such highly intelligent creatures. Elephants in captivity are known to display stress behaviors such as tracing the same route over and over again and trunk swaying or rocking back and forth. For animals that thrive in social groups, being in captivity also deprives elephants of this key social interaction. Keeping such highly intelligent animals alert and active in captivity requires specially designed tools that can enrich their daily lives.

History of program:

In 2010, long-time MassArt Professors Rick and Laura Brown, Founders of Handshouse Studio, learned of two beloved 8,000 lb. Asian elephants named Emily and Ruth living at the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, MA. After speaking with the zoo’s directors and learning about the elephants’ need for stimulation, they realized that this would be the perfect challenge for their design students at MassArt. Rick Brown designed the “Toys for Elephants” program and introduced it as an elective course at MassArt, in collaboration with Handshouse Studio. Now in its third year, the Toys for Elephants program and its innovative approach to interdisciplinary design and problem-solving, hopes to serve as a model for similar programs at zoos across the country.

How it Works:

Toys for Elephants is a one-semester class that begins with students meeting the elephants at the Buttonwood Zoo and studying their behavior. Students work closely with Zookeeper Bill Sampson and place themselves in the elephants’ environment to grasp the challenge of creating objects that are sturdy enough and complex enough for the powerful yet curious animals. After several weeks of research, students draft designs and present them to the zoo for feedback. With input from the zookeeper, and upon faculty approval, several of the student designs are selected as finalists. Construction takes place on campus at MassArt and at Handshouse Studio’s artist space in Norwell, MA. Once completed, Professors Rick and Laura Brown and the MassArt students present the completed “toys” to Emily and Ruth at the Buttonwood Zoo. The public is welcome to attend the presentation to observe as the elephants interact with their new “toys.”

Here is some great footage around the U.S. to include New Bedford and Fairhaven by West Tenth Media (http://westtenthmedia.com/). Post a reply with all the locations that you recognize!

Official Aerial Reel West Tenth Media from West Tenth Media on Vimeo.

On Saturday, May 10th, the Black Bear Express was officially open for train rides at New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo. The new train also has a working smokestack that kids will love.

The train runs daily from 9:00am-5:00pm. Train rides are $2 per ride (1 ticket) and all proceeds from the Black Bear Express and Wildlife Carousel go to support educational programming and family events funded by the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society. Please call (508) 991-4556 x 14 for more information. All tickets are sold in the North Woods Gift Store. Please Note: all rides are weather permitting.

Photos by Josh St Germain.