“Words can’t reach it.”

My sister, Jeanne, used this phrase when she was at a loss for words to describe an experience so moving, so overwhelming, so mind blowing, that there were just no words in her vocabulary (extensive though it was) to verbalize it. “Words can’t reach it” is the only phrase that comes close to expressing the experience lived by myself, my family and over a thousand devoted fans of Crosby & Nash at their recent performance in New Bedford’s Zeiterion Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, May 24.

Backing up for a minute, many have wondered how this venerable duo and their cache of extremely talented band-mates landed onstage at New Bedford’s ‘Z.’  David explained it most eloquently, if not a bit mysteriously, when he dedicated a new song, “Slice of Time,” to “the odd connection of people who got us to this exact spot this night…Spider Robinson and Dori Legge.” I am Dori, musician/singer/songwriter and house manager at the ‘Z,’ and I, along with my brother-in-law, Spider (an award winning novelist in his own right), are the odd connection of which David speaks.

Spider and David, along with my sister Jeanne (who passed away last year from biliary cancer), met in 2005.  They shared a mutual admiration of music, writing, dance and Woodstock-era hippie culture, so they began corresponding via email and quickly became fast friends. When Spider shared some of my music with David, David and I began corresponding until one day when I bravely popped the question – Would he and Graham Nash like to play the Z?  A few weeks later it was a done deal: The date was booked, tickets went on sale and the show rapidly sold out in only six days.

Tuesday’s performance, the last date of a successful and strenuous tour schedule, was nothing less than spectacular. Joined by keyboardist (and Crosby’s son) James Raymond, Dean Parks on guitar, bassist Kevin McCormick and drummer Steve DiStanislao, the pair offered up classic favorites and new songs that had the crowd eating out of their hands from the very first note. Their hair may be a bit more on the gray side but the vocals are still strong, tight and true. Put that together with their superb guitar fingering and voicing techniques, which have only ripened with age, and Crosby and Nash proved they can still put on an amazing live show.

The personal connection between David and I extends to my songwriting partner, musician and writer Butch McCarthy. Our latest release, Tickets To The Moon, was mailed to David at his request and is now firmly ensconced in his rather extensive collection of iPod playlists. Sharing our original songs with such an iconic music legend has been a life changing experience for both Butch and myself.

Dinner with David

In the countless fantasies in my head surrounding meeting David and hosting the C&N band at the ‘Z’, I never, ever, imagined sitting next to him at my sister’s dinner table, chatting, drinking wine and piling a mountainous portion of pasta, homemade meatballs and sausage onto his plate. Here’s how it happened…

On impulse, I had emailed David Monday morning with my cell number, just in case he wanted to hook up with Spider in the afternoon (all my family had flown in for the show) or needed anything in general. I also mentioned homemade Italian meatballs and sauce. My cell rang a few hours later, as I was standing in the linen department at Target.

“Hey Dori, it’s David Crosby.”  My hands started shaking as I temporarily lost control of my shopping cart and crashed into a clearance rack of flannel sheets and down comforters. “Hi David, what’s up?” The lady coming down the aisle in my direction was looking at me strangely as my knees buckled, forcing me to sit down abruptly on a display of fluffy alternative pillows. “Well hey, were you serious about that home cooked meal invite?” My mind started racing. Oh my God!  I have to call Laurie and tell her to clean the house and damn, my car’s a disgusting pit: What if I have to pick him up? “Sure, we’d love to have you.  Where are you staying?”

A few hours later, me, David  and 12 of my family members were breaking bread together, sharing stories and jokes like we had known one another for a lifetime. David is a kind, generous, passionate, articulate, witty man;  a good soul who loved my sister Jeanne, dearly. And in turn, loved us too. It was an evening I will not soon forget.

Lost in Providence

Yes, I was a little nervous about being alone in the car with David on the ride from his hotel in Providence back to Dartmouth. Would I be able to put two intelligent words together and not sound like the star struck fan I knew I was as I conversed with this musical legend? Plus, my car was a mess. And, as usual, I had gotten lost getting there.

When I finally gave in and called David to tell him I was lost in Providence, he very calmly handed the phone to someone at the desk and they guided me in. When I arrived, he walked up to my car and opened the back door, threw in his computer bag, looked at my mess of a back seat and smiled. I shrugged and said, “Yeah, I’m a slob with a lousy sense of direction. Hop in.” After that, it was easy….we talked non-stop the rest of the way home.

When I asked him about life on the road:

“I never know where I am, where I’ve been, or where I’m going to.”

When we were talking about alternative guitar tunings and I mentioned Joni Mitchell:

“In a hundred years, people will still be listening to Joni and Bob (Dylan). They are the premiere poets of our generation. But I think Joni is better. And more musical.”

When I wondered why Dean Parks, an LA session player, had decided to go on the road with them:

“Well, he wanted to try something different. And he likes us – we don’t tell him what to play.”

Then, later on at dinner…..

When I warned him about my large, loud Italian/Portuguese family as we drove into the driveway:

“Loud Italians are some of my favorite people”

To my mother, as he took a bite out of one of her famous cinnamon nut rolls:

“Are you the person responsible for this?”

To all of us, as he queued up some of his new songs on his Mac Book to play for us:

“Here’s some new stuff – hope you like it.” (how could we NOT?)

The Concert

First of all, being invited to attend the Crosby/Nash concert as Mr. Crosby’s guest was amazing. I’ve been a huge fan since they first started singing together in the ’60s. To learn that he loves our music was amazing, but to meet the man and shake his hand was life-changing.

Before the show even began I was invited to the sound check. I was bowled over by the countless guitars that were trotted out one-by-one to be checked. Dozens of beautiful guitars with different open tunings- each one sounding better than the last.  After the sound check  I could not wait for the show.

By 7:30 P.M. the theater was jammed and buzzing. It seemed like I knew everyone there; I had so many friends in attendance, I couldn’t keep track. The lights dimmed and the iconic figures of David Crosby and Graham Nash took the stage with their amazing band and launched into a blistering version of “Eight Miles High,” a song Crosby wrote as a member of The Byrds.

The band was incredibly tight and each song was a joy. From the raucous “Almost Cut My Hair” to the beautifully melodic “Guinevere,” each song was carefully crafted.  After the intermission they delivered hit after hit, until the crowd was on its feet demanding an encore which culminated with “Teach Your Children.” Everyone in the house sang it- every word. We all knew the lyrics. We all loved it. We were all a little moist in the eyes.

Afterwards I had the privilege of hanging out in the Green Room with David, Graham and the band. I was in a daze, especially when David looked me in the eye and told me he loved our music. What more could I ask for?

Back in the Green Room with Dori…

Months of anticipation and over three hours of musical exhilaration were coming to an end as the band began to grab their things and head out the stage door onto the tour bus bound for NYC. Even though the Green Room was still filled with friends and family, everyone seemed to melt away as David, Spider and I drew close to say our goodbyes. Hard hugs, claps on the back, and heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged between all of us…and tears, yes there were a few. Just before he turned to go, David looked at me intensely, with those piercing baby blues and said:

“I don’t know when I will see you again…but we are now friends.”

We all could use a friend like David Crosby.

www.crosbynash.com

www.mccarthyandlegge.com

To meet Spider: www.spiderrobinson.com

To meet Jeanne: www.stardancemovie.com

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Every Memorial weekend since 1984,  St. John Neumann Church (and their Cathederal Camp), located in East Freetown, have been holding an annual festival.  Families from all over come each year on this holiday weekend to the festival for the Giant Barn Sale, raffles, homemade baked goods, amusement rides, food, games, auctions, face painting and on Sunday of the festival there is  an Antique Car show held each year.

Before St. John Neumann church was built, the site was actually known as Cathedral Camp. Part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, there is still a summer program each year for kids ages 4 – 14, available to children of any color, race or creed. The camp is located off of Rt. 18, and is situated on the largest natural body of water in Massachusetts, called Long Pond.

Cathedral Camp began over ninety years ago as a place for children to go during summer months, and also as a retreat for adults in the Catholic community. The attendance grew as did the demand to build a church on site, so in 1984 they decided to have the Lakeside Family Festival in order to raise money for their new church.  It wasn’t until 1988 did they accumulate enough funds for the new Parrish.  The Lakeside festival has been so successful that the tradition carries on to this day, and will continue on for many years to come.

Since I can remember I have made the festival my own tradition, first going with my parents, then as a teen with friends.  The festival was the place to be if you attended Apponequet High School in Lakeville. Once I got married and had children of my own I continued going, and now my children look forward to this event each year. As we drive by the site and watch the rides being put up my children count down the days until it opens.  When it closes on Monday, my children remind me that there are 364 more days until the festival.

The Lakeside Festival has brought many good memories and experiences I will never forget.  It will be part of my conversations to my grandchildren when I am old and gray, telling them about spending Memorial weekend at the festival. The festival, for me, marked the beginning of summer. School was almost done, and we were able to break the rules a bit, if only for a weekend. Like eating cotton candy and popcorn for lunch instead of something healthy (my mother always made me having something healthy before any junk food). Running from ride to ride to get on first and have pick of the best seat, screaming on the top of my lungs and not having to use “an inside voice.”   Now being older, I still feel that I can be a kid and let loose when heading to the festival, but in different ways, like eating fried dough first and then heading over to get my favorite clam cakes and chowder, or perhaps placing a bet on the turtle races or going on a ride.

Attending the festival in the day is totally different than going at night. During the day there are the families with young kids and grandparents enjoying family time, watching the excitement of their toddlers going on their first ride. The lines aren’t long, you pretty much don’t have to wait to do anything, and you can then take a walk down to the beach that is behind all the rides and sit down if you like, and enjoy the view of the lake.

As the sun sets, however, the atmosphere of the festival changes.  The lights on all the rides come alive, blinking, luring you to each one like  a moth to an outside light; loud dance music blares from speakers, and the teenagers come.  The lines get longer and the area does get packed, making it hard to walk around with all the packs of teens.  I am not discouraging anyone from going at night but this is what happens, so I do suggest if you have small children you would have a better time attending during the day.

The Lakeside festival is a great place to come, it’s safe, they offer great food and maybe you could start your own tradition of coming. I know I am counting down the days and planning on eating whatever (forget the diet). I hope this will continue until it reaches its 100^th anniversary, although I don’t think I will be around to see it.

Last summer, I started giving consideration to getting into kayaking. It’s something I always wanted to do but never made the time to pursue. Being a lifelong coastal Massachusetts resident, I grew up swimming, sailing and enjoying our local beaches, so I knew it would be a natural fit…I just had to get out there and try it.

I bought a used kayak, but I invested in a new paddle and most importantly, a life jacket, or personal flotation device (PFD) specific to kayaking. It zippers up the front, has mesh pockets and tends to sit above the waist allowing me freedom to paddle. Although I am an experienced swimmer and tend to kayak in flat coastal waters, I always wear it.

I invested in a pair of fingerless gloves, which allow me to have a firm grip on the paddle, and a small, dry bag for carrying a camera, cell phone (which I won’t answer) and a dry towel. I wanted to keep this sport simple and not overload on accessories. Since my car has a multipurpose roof rack, I load the kayak on top and tie it down. I do need help with this maneuver, as the kayak is not overly heavy, and luckily, it is not hard to find at any public boat ramp.

The basic act of kayaking is quite simple, but sometimes the trickiest maneuver is getting in or out of the kayak gracefully (or at least successfully enough to move onto the next step). As with any small boat, you begin by stepping into the middle of the open area, known as a cockpit, and lowering yourself in quickly, but with control. If you are launching from a beach, you will most likely be in about six inches or more of water, so some waterproof footwear makes sense.

Once you are in the kayak, position your legs forward with your feet on the brackets and your knees slightly bent. Most kayaks have “pegs,” which are adjustable. I find them very helpful because you are able to brace your lower body to give you stability for the upper body movement of paddling. Once in the kayak, you may need to push off the bottom with your paddle if it is shallow or get a manual push from someone nearby.

Paddling is a series of alternate strokes produced by dipping the blade of the double-ended paddle just under the surface of the water and pulling back. You can vary the depth and pull of each stroke, which allows you more control. You steer the kayak with your paddling by modifying paddle placement and direction of force on the water. Kayaks are pointed at both ends, so they glide nicely in response to your paddling. Since any water sport requires good judgment, stay in shallow water in a protected area while you learn the initial skills of kayaking. Better yet, take an introductory lesson.

In Westport, Osprey Sea Kayaking Adventures, located on Old County Road, offer instruction, rentals and sales in kayaking and related paddle sports for all ages and skill levels. According to their website, www.ospreyseakayak.com, their location offers the perfect spot for instruction and adventures on the water:

“Our shop in Westport, Massachusetts, is located at the Head of the East Branch of the Westport River. The Westport River is known for its picturesque rural landscape, easy paddling, and great birding (we have New England’s largest concentration of breeding ospreys). We’re located within minutes of pristine salt marshes, protected bays and harbors, and the open waters and waves of Buzzards Bay and The Elizabeth Islands.”

As a Dartmouth resident, I can launch my kayak at the Apponagansett boat ramp, where I can leave my car as long as I have a resident sticker, which costs $35. This is a great deal to be able to access the waters north of the Padanaram bridge, which are perfect for novice kayaking. The sunsets are beautiful and on Wednesday nights in the summer, outdoor concerts at the Apponagansett beach can be enjoyed on the water, from the comfort of your kayak.

There are numerous locations in Dartmouth that offer kayak launching and easy access to flat water. The Russells Mills Landing on 50 Horseneck Road (just past Davol’s Country Store) is open year round at no charge, and has a canoe/kayak launch for access to the Slocum River. Paskamanset Park (879 Russells Mills Road) is a newly opened park with a canoe/kayak launch, from which you can access to the Paskamansett River.

If you are looking to kayak with other people, the Lloyd Center in Dartmouth offers a great schedule of canoe and kayak trips, including equipment and tour guides. Coming up in June, they are offering a Full Moon’s Women’s Canoe trip and a Slocum River kayak tour. Events like these offer a great way to relax in the natural environment, meet new people, and get some exercise as well. Visit their website at www.lloydcenter.org for more information and registration.

Kayaking’s popularity is growing as people realize it is a fairly inexpensive recreational pursuit that can be enjoyed close to home with friends and family. Explore your region with a kayak to gain a fresh perspective on the natural beauty the South Coast area has to offer.

The Orpheum opened its doors to New Bedford on April 15, 1912, and proceeded to flourished throughout the decades that followed. Originally created by an organization known as The French Sharpshooters Club, The Orpheum not only hosted live theatre productions, but also showed popular films and newsreels. Its grand ballroom held dances, receptions, and socials, all while The French Sharpshooters themselves were training World War II recruits in the buildings very own rifle range. Unfortunately, as the fifties came to a close, so did the livelihood of The Orpheum.

Growing up in the New Bedford area, I can remember driving past The Orpheum countless times and always wondering about its purpose, and its past. So when the opportunity to explore this mysterious building presented itself to me, I jumped at the chance. I was fortunate enough to be invited to tour the building by Mr. Lance Gunberg, president of O.R.P.H, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to reviving The Orpheum.

In the brief amount of time I spent with him, Mr. Gunberg filled my head with passionate explanations of what once was, and brilliant ideas for what could be. I was smitten with his dreams for this decaying piece of New Bedford’s history. Never have I met a man so devoted to his organization, and it is because of his infectious attitude that I am pleased to share with you his eloquent words.

Amanda: I would like to start out with a little back story about the Sharpshooter’s Hall, as well as The Orpheum. Could you please tell me a little bit about the history of the building and its place in historical New Bedford.
Lance: The French Sharpshooter’s Club was a French Canadian men’s benevolent organization consisting of rifle marksman who would meet and compete with similar groups and organizations throughout the East Coast of the United States, as well as Canada. The group would help French Canadian immigrants (who at one time made up over a quarter of New Bedford’s population) in times of need.

As their ranks began to grow in number, the organization divided into two distinct groups: Guard Number One and Guard Number Two, or the North End Branch and the South End Branch. Over time, the organization expanded and decided to build a community center and theatre that could be used by all.

The French Sharpshooter’s Hall, or Salle Francs-Tireurs, began construction at 1005 South Water Street in 1910, and would ultimately take 2 years to construct, finishing in 1912. It was designed in the Beaux-Arts Style by famed New Bedford architect, Louis Destremps. Destremps designed a beautiful façade, complete with four muse heads in relief, as well as other ornate relief details finished in glazed terra-cotta on a red brick background.  The top of each muse head was adorned with a Greek-style torch that would illuminate the face of the building at night. The building housed, among other things, office space, meeting rooms, assembly rooms, a gymnasium, a grand ballroom, a sharpshooters firing range and of course, the gorgeous Orpheum Theatre.

In its original configuration, The Orpheum was built as a 1,500 seat Vaudeville house. The theatre also began to show films when movies eventually eclipsed live performances in popularity. The theatre was part of the original Keith-Albee Circuit and featured many great performers during its heyday. It opened the very same evening the RMS Titanic was steaming toward her tragic end.

What exactly is the organization known as the Orpheum Rising Project Helpers, or O.R.P.H, Inc.,? And why did you decide to not only get involved, but eventually become its president?
Lance: O.R.P.H., Inc. is a non-profit organization that was incorporated to preserve the Orpheum Theatre. The group holds fundraisers and tours of the theatre to help raise awareness as to the condition of the building and what the hall meant to the city of New Bedford and the community at large. It was after a fundraiser at Gallery X, titled Eye on the Orpheum, that featured a gallery of photographs taken by local photographers, as well as artifacts from its past. I had just completed my short film, Orpheum Rising, and it premiered during that show.

Shortly after, O.R.P.H., Inc.’s original president, Chuck Hauck, felt it was time to step down after successfully heading the group for nearly six years. I was approached by a number of our members who asked me to consider taking the helm. Shortly thereafter, I was voted in as the new president. We also have all new officers:  The vice president’s position, originally held by Ricardo Santos, has been filled by Frank C. Grace. The secretary’s position, formerly held by Colin Williams, is now filled by Shannon Farrell and the treasurer’s position, which was also held by Colin Williams, was filled by Rev. Russ Chamberlain.

How is O.R.P.H, Inc raising money to fund the theaters restoration?
Lance: We are currently raising money and awareness by holding fundraisers and occasional tours of the building. Although the funds raised are used primarily to keep our organization running, by means of community outreach materials, insurance policies, attorney fees and other costs associated with running a non-profit organization, we are not currently raising funds for restoration as of this time because the theatre is not owned by our group.

Is it possible for local residents to get involved with this project. If so, how?
Lance: Yes. We would love to have the community involved in our project! We are always looking for new members, as well as volunteers and support people for our various endeavors. In the future, if our efforts are successful, we will need a huge outpouring of support, volunteerism and donations to keep our efforts afloat. Anyone interested in joining O.R.P.H., Inc., or for further information about us and the history of the building, please visit: www.orphinc.org. The documentary film can also be viewed on the website as well.

What is the current status on this project?
Lance: Currently, our attorney is in talks with the attorney of the owner of the building to purchase the theatre portion of the building.  This can be done by working out a condominium contract, thereby giving our organization the legal documentation we will need in order to move forward with the restoration of the theatre and its surrounding ancillary rooms and the grand ballroom. Also, a formal agreement is necessary to begin securing grant funding on the state and federal level.

Finally:  If O.R.P.H, Inc. does secure ownership of Sharpshooter’s Hall/The Orpheum, what do you envision for its future?
Lance: We are very aware that many in New Bedford think we plan to become another performing arts center, like the Zeiterion Theatre, but that is not the case.

Part of our outreach is to educate the public about what our ultimate goal is for the theatre. We envision creating a community theatre that would be utilized by local theatre groups, to stage their productions. We would also love to have local schools use the facility to stage their productions as well. It would be a great teaching tool, as it is the second oldest Orpheum Theatre in the country and is a prime example of an early American Vaudeville and movie venue with a rich history. The ballroom would be rented out for dances, receptions, fundraisers, etc. The ancillary rooms will be utilized by local multi-cultural community groups and organizations for meetings, presentations and fundraisers.

Of course, there is much work to be done and the support of the community at large, as well as other civic and preservation organizations, will become even more important in the near future. Far too often we have heard that ours is a pipe dream; an impossible project that has no chance for success. The way we look at is, if nothing is done, nothing happens.  There is always the possibility of failure with any venture in life, large or small. However, doing nothing at this point  just guarantees that failure.

The reconstruction of Route 18 is now underway, and it will eventually make its way to the South End of New Bedford. The French Sharpshooters Hall sits a few feet from the edge of the current highway. If we can begin to get funds coming in and get work started on rehabilitation, we feel that the construction that will eventually be done on that portion of the highway, will benefit the infrastructure of that area (of the Orpheum Theatre).  By creating a more people-friendly space and by reconnecting the neighborhoods that were cut off by its original design, we will once again return the French Sharpshooters Hall and Orpheum Theatre to the residents of those neighborhoods.

Perhaps even portions of the original “Orpheum Plaza” plan, that can be viewed on our website and were introduced by our organization many years before the proposed reconstruction of Route 18 began, will be incorporated into the final design. We feel that the time is right to take advantage of this opportunity and to see it become a reality. One thing we do know. If the city loses this historic theatre, it loses an integral part of its very rich and diverse past and a piece of true American history, that can never be recreated.

Thanks for your time Lance.

Today, The Orpheum is much like a sleeping giant. The former bustling beauty now lays dormant, as if frozen in time. The theatre’s interior is caked in dust, old oil canisters sit on the floor of the screening room, and broken furniture is carelessly strewn about. Yet the entire building still feels alive, practically humming, like a social ghost just waiting for its life to be restored. And Mr. Gunberg is just the man to do it. His enthusiasm and drive remind me of an anonymous quote, which I feel perfectly describes the situation at The Orpheum.

“A pessimist is a person who is always right but doesn’t get any enjoyment out of it, while an optimist, is one who imagines that the future is uncertain. It is a duty to be an optimist, because if you imagine that the future is uncertain, then you must do something about it.”

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Living in the South Coast area, we are lucky enough to have many choices when it comes to fresh seafood.  One of my favorite seafood markets is the Salty Cod Fish Market, located at 1500 Cove Road in New Bedford.  The Salty Cod is your one-stop place for fresh, affordable fish and friendly customer service.

Salty Cod is a fish market that has recently opened in the South End of New Bedford.  After witnessing the success Kyler’s Seafood and The Fishermen’s Market has had, Salty Cod decided to get in on the action, and they were certainly up for the challenge.

My taste buds warmed up quickly to my first catch, something as simple as salmon fillets. The richness and bold flavor of the fish was to die for.  The staff  there is very congenial, and they happily advised me on the best ways to cook and serve the fish. The man who assisted me commented on salmon’s “dessert-like effect,” and told me how one can efficiently buy the correct amount of fish to satisfy guests’ pallets.

Since learning about this homey market, on subsequent visits I have gone back to the salmon, and experimented with a Portuguese fish called Boca Head. This white fish was presented in its own skin, so-to-speak; the fish was cleaned, cut, and packaged at the counter, googly eyes and all! The quality and freshness of Salty Cod’s fish was established right then and there.

Most recently I purchased one of their stuffed quahogs. The balance of spice and richness in their hearty stuffing was enough to satisfy my empty stomach and my quest for a satisfying taste.  The stuffing was unique, especially when compared to the typical quahog that can be found in local supermarkets. The whole pieces of seafood in the quahogs were a special treat that created a more filling appetizer. They are priced at $2.50 a piece, but their size and taste justify the expense.

You may be heading into these summer months looking for some healthy, light meals that can be created in little time, with little heat and little fuss! Here is a tip that might answer your call: For about $5 per pound, Salty Cod offers basic white fish, such as haddock, cod, and tilapia that you can easily cook at home.

Since the grill is the favored cooking tool at this time of year, grill the fish for a summer-type taco. Fish tacos have a light-yet-bold enough flavor that results in a delicious meal. Add in some lime, shredded cabbage or iceberg lettuce, with some onions, and fresh-diced tomatoes.

To add a fruit flavor to your corn or flour tortillas, add freshly sliced mango and/or pineapple to create a fresh salsa. Spritz the open-faced taco with some lime juice from a fresh lime and serve with simple sides to create a fun patio dinner for friends and family, or treat yourself to a solo night of dining under the stars.

If you are not one to stare a fish in the eyes, then perhaps you may be interested in trying this local flavor next door at the Salty Cod Restaurant. Their menu is rather simple, yet they meet the demand of being served fresh seafood. They have a well-balanced menu that incorporates chicken, as well as some vegetarian choices. I can speak for their Seafood Chowder. This basic dish brings forth a crisp flavor in its spicy array of seafood, potatoes, cooked tomatoes, and celery in a clear broth. Try this one for yourself and stand up to the test of New Bedford’s finest fishing port in the nation.  We are lucky to live in an area where we have a choice of seafood, and The Salty Cod is a great one!

Bon Apetite, or as the Portuguese might say: “Divirta se!”

Although most of people would not want to start their day cleaning up after a tank of mussels that overflowed, Warren Gibbons, who oversees the husbandry of the Ocean Explorium’s marine life, seemed remarkably chipper despite this aggravation. Warren and his colleague Abbey Spargo, the Educational Programs Coordinator, have an infectious enthusiasm for their work at the Ocean Explorium, located in the former New Bedford Institute for Savings on the corner of Purchase and Union streets, downtown.

Most major zoos and aquariums focus on eco-tourism to bring large numbers of outsiders and herd through a maze of tanks and exhibits featuring the oddities of the natural world. While this approach can incite awe and excitement (as anyone who has been to the New England Aquarium’s penguin exhibit near a field trip can testify) rarely can they leave a meaningful impression on droves of visitors. The team of educators and scientists at the Ocean Explorium choose to go in the other direction, focusing on interaction at the group and individual level to give visitors something special to take away from their visit.  As Warren puts it; “slow food, not fast food.”

Children are the main benefactors from a visit, especially those from New Bedford who have not yet had an opportunity to interact and explore the marine environment of their harbor and beaches. Through place-based learning, educators at the Explorium are able bring groups of community children directly to the waterfront. Once there, they can turn over rocks and learn that crabs, while they have big claws, are more afraid of the kids.

Back in the cavernous marble main hall, visitors are enlightened on the dangers that marine life face in modern world.  This is done via’ Science on a Sphere’, which utilizes a unique three dimensional globe to display environmental issues on a global scale. After these big concepts are explained, a physical representation of at-risk creatures are displayed in the small environs in the coral reef and touch tanks provide.

The pace and level of the education is in a range where both adults and children will have an “Ah-ha!” moment as they are guided by volunteer staff. While the Ocean Explorium may not have five floors of exhibits like other, larger venues, they do make great use of the space available, giving visitors the opportunity to dive deep and ask the staff questions. According to Warren, one parting question can frequently turn into a half an hour discussion. And that’s the Explorium’s real mission: Inviting the public to explore at their own pace, with a knowledgeable staff on hand to engage and educate.

It’s the People that Make the Explorium Go

Abbey Spargo has an impressive resume in the educational field. She has worked as a science teacher at both middle and high school levels, as well as a WOW mobile educator. When she joined the organization five years ago, she brought experience in educating the public in the natural sciences, which can often look daunting to the uninitiated. This why Abbey is the perfect person to plan and coordinate not only the general public, but providing the volunteers at the Ocean Explorium with the tools they need.

The volunteers are the ones who provide a lot of the answers, and they are from all over the New Bedford community. Ages fourteen to seventeen are members of the Blue Corps, while the eighteen-plus group is known as Team Blue. Volunteers are given their own opportunity to explore the different facets of the Explorium’s operations, whether it is working as floor staff, assisting in husbandry and creature care, or getting on track to be educators.

With this outreach program, the Explorium has created a real life touch tank, allowing kids who offer their time the chance to explore career paths that might not have appealed to them otherwise. Warren and Abbey beam with a deserved pride when they talk about how the internship and volunteer participants have their confidence built over their tenure at the Explorium.  On all levels the stigma towards learning is broken by their drive to open the eyes of everyone who enters the door.

If this sounds like something you want to experience firsthand, the Explorium is always looking for volunteers, especially as summer closes in. If you interested in educating yourself and your community, you can find more information here on joining Team Blue and signing up your son or daughter for Blue Corps.

A Real-Life Touch Tank

The current buzz around the Explorium is over the construction of touch tank, which features sharks and rays. The tank itself was purchased from the New England Aquarium, which recently replaced it with a larger, more permanent touch tank to meet demand.

Housing sharks and rays that are not regarded as dangerous will help to dispel the mystique of the ocean as full of great white sharks and sting rays that populate movies and television. The direct interaction with nature will really open the eyes of people who have never seen fish this big before.

Warren worked at the New England Aquarium before joining the team at the Explorium, so he has seen this tank in action. He says that the size of the facility in Boston often saw the tank overwhelmed by visitor.  To his credit, Warren does a pretty spot-on impression of kid flipping his lid over the one-of-a-kind experience that is touching the coarse skin of a moving bamboo or cat shark. The focus here is provide a level of educational intimacy where the opportunity to point out that shark skin is only rough in one direction will not be lost on a throng on rambunctious fifth graders

While new tanks are coming together, Abbey tells me, the program itself is undergoing a metamorphosis.  Changes to federal and state grant guidelines mean that free events have to be scaled back for the time being. The directors at the Explorium display great acumen in making up for lost grant funding by transforming the space into an event venue.

The transition began when a catering deal with Russell Morin Fine Catering was signed this January.  The focus is to have the Explorium-as-a-venue in full swing by early next year. The beautiful historic space, which has thankfully been kept intact, lends itself well to wedding receptions and corporate functions as well as birthday parties.  Discounts are being offered for summer and fall bookings.

In between refilling the mussel tank and taking in a delivery, Warren explained his new pet project. The general notion that most people have towards coral reefs is that they are fragile and delicate. This has been, in terms of conservation, an attempt at educating the public in the need to be careful if ever in the vicinity of these endangered animals.

It may be surprising to some, but even though it appears plant-like, the corals are actually polyps with an exoskeleton or poisonous exterior for protection. To make matter even stranger, Warren mentions that the coral in the reef tank frequently need pruning or they will overrun each other. The clippings can then be “replanted.”

The new tank will add a level of personalization that Warren tells me is not offered by other aquariums. After being educated on the coral’s ability to propagate, which allows reefs to restore themselves after an event like a hurricane ravages the seafloor, visitors will be instructed on proper pruning techniques. Then they will be given the opportunity to trim and replant their own micro-reef which will be tagged with their name in a new coral touch tank so they can check in with it whenever they want.

That is just another example of how the staff breaks down the complex systems in our vast oceans to a small nugget, tailored for each person. The Ocean Explorium offers marine education on your terms, face-to-face, and much more than a placard of information on the wall next to a fish tank. Whenever you go to the visit them, the people there seek to make every experience unique and enlightening for you.

The environment created by at the Ocean Explorium is increasingly more dependent on volunteers, especially as the hours of operation expand in the summer. If you are the type of person that would thrive in promoting the personalized educational experience at the Explorium, then volunteer. The decrease in public grants also means more of a reliance on private donation to help bring the natural wonders of New Bedford’s harbors to our community, if you can donate here. But even if you can’t find the time to volunteer or budget a donation, paying a visit to the Ocean Explorium will make you grateful towards those who did.

Let me start off with a big congratulations to YOU, my fellow New Bedford-dwelling parents of small children. The winter of 2010-11 has come to a close just in time to refresh our diminished recollection of the three other seasons we enjoy as New Englanders. The time has come to stow away your kids’ snow suits and break out… well, your kids. After all, there’s about five months worth of energy pent up in their little bodies, and I’m willing to bet that 90% of those Christmas toys need new batteries by now. However, thanks to the wonders of spring, we can all put off replacing them for a while in lieu of more active outdoor fun, and for the urban parent, this means many trips to neighborhood playgrounds.

That being said, most parents have a particular playground of choice. My wife and I found ours about two years ago. If you’re at all familiar with the Betsy B. Winslow School in the west end, you may have heard of their top-notch, state-of-the-art playground.  Completely renovated in 2008, the Anne F. Asekoff Playground is named after a retired principal of the school. If you haven’t heard of the place, allow me to construct the scene for you: Picture a 9,000 square foot, pond-shaped space, classically bordered by schoolyard lawn and filled with wood chips. Emerging out of this familiar foundation are several eye-catching, brilliant blue and yellow play structures positioned in a deliberate manner throughout the area.

Upon closer observation of these towering bodies you start to focus on the finer details within them.  You discover handles that turn gears and hidden “rooms,” containing features such as small seating arrangements, built-in musical instruments, and imagination-encouraging décor throughout, giving a sense of theme to various parts of the playground. After you’ve had a moment to comb over these visually dominant structures, your eyes start to follow a seemingly endless path that weaves sleekly around and in between them, made up of four types of monkey bars, stretches of kid-sized lily pads, and other unique obstacles.

Tired yet? I hope not. Also sprawled throughout this well-organized space you will find a plethora of intriguingly original, ready-to-play activities, including a giant web of rope, a truly enthralling turntable-like object that spins users in tight circles as they are propelled by their own gravity, and of course the essential swing set.

If all this sounds too challenging for your toddlers, don’t worry—there’s a special area just for them, equipped with sit-and-ride bumblebees, a fire engine-themed play set, and a crawl-through hippopotamus complete with a labeled diagram of the animal’s internal anatomy—a good example of the playground’s intensive attention to detail.

Although the playground has plenty of great features that simply cannot be found anywhere else, the quality of the playground is not among its most valuable assets as far as I’m concerned. While the Anne F. Asekoff playground is exceptional, there are many other places for kids to play around the city that are equally enjoyable. So, what makes this place so special that I just had to tell you all about it?

For one, every parent can appreciate the absence of obscene, adolescent graffiti that plagues even the city’s most reputable and beloved parks. Another thing you won’t find here are unsupervised neighborhood children running wild, swearing and playing too rough. As a parent, it’s always uncomfortable to be put in a position where you must either discipline random kids that aren’t yours or tell your kids to stay away from them, which does no good if troublemakers continue to follow them around anyway.

The Anne F. Asekoff playground also gains points for being an easy place to keep track of your kids. There are a lot of great playgrounds (like Buttonwood Park and Riverside Park) that are separated and spread out into different sections. This type of layout of course makes for a good sized playground with plenty to explore and do, but it can be extremely challenging to keep your eye on kids darting from one area to another amongst a bunch of other kids doing the same.

The Anne F. Asekoff Playground is different in its efficient, well-planned use of a smaller space, offering the variety of a larger park in a compact version. Benches going all the way around the border of the area make it easy and convenient to relax while in view of virtually the whole playground from just about any point. Also, the wide-open space surrounding the playground makes it hard for children to wander away and not be seen.

Last but not least, it is well-maintained and safe for your kids to play on. There’s no need to worry about them going down a slide with a missing bottom half or getting whipped with the broken chain from a swing (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, take a look at some of the other school playgrounds around the city). In a damaged state, playground activities become major safety hazards that all too often go neglected as neighborhood kids continue to play on the same dilapidated playgrounds for generations in some cases.

In the end, we are truly fortunate in New Bedford to have as many great places to enjoy with our families as we do. The scenery at Fort Tabor is unmatched as far as playgrounds go. The Buttonwood Park playground, like Anne F. Asekoff, has been renovated to be jam-packed with the latest features in playground construction. And Riverside Park is an ideal place to let kids go on a bike ride in between play. However, while almost everyone is familiar with these locations, The Anne F. Asekoff Playground is more of a hidden jewel in our city—a hidden jewel well worth discovering this season.

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Stepping back in time might seem to be the stuff of movies and lore. However, when given the opportunity to visit the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum you will be engulfed by the history and culture of New Bedford in the 19th century. Located at 396 County Street, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House (RJDH) displays Greek Revival architecture and occupies an entire city block.

As the only whaling mansion still open to the public in New England to retain its original design, the RJDH stands as a reminder of New Bedford’s rich history in trade, commerce, and culture-especially through its historical whaling industry. In 1981, the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE) purchased the RJDH to save it from commercial development. In 1983 the house and gardens became a museum dedicated to preservation and education of the National Historic Landmark.

The Families
Built in 1834, William Rotch, Jr. and his family were the first of the three families to live in the House. As one of New Bedford’s most influential townsmen and entrepreneurs, Rotch was involved in the foundation of many establishments, including the New Bedford Institute for Saving, Friends Academy, and the New Bedford Horticultural Center. In addition, from the late 1770’s and onward, the Rotch family owned and built whaling vessels, transported whale oils and other goods, owned wharfs and storehouses in New Bedford and Nantucket, and so much more!

The second family to own the House was the Jones family. Bought in 1851 by Edward Coffin Jones, the Jones family had a fulfilling and lengthy life there. Jones moved to the RJDH with his second wife, Emma Nye Chambers Jones, and their three daughters; a fourth daughter soon followed after moving into the mansion. Starting as a mere clerk, Jones invested in whaling vessels and eventually became an agent and owned sixteen whaling ships.

Life, however, was not always easy for the Jones family. Within a year of moving into the house both Jones’ wife and oldest daughter died of scarlet fever. He continued to raise his three young daughters, and his daughter, Amelia, continued to live in the House for 85 years. Amelia Jones was also an integral part of the New Bedford community, taking part in different philanthropic charities until her death in 1935.

The last family to live in the House was the Duff family starting in 1936. Mark M. Duff bought the mansion, and also became an important part of the New Bedford community. Duff was a leading businessman owning  not only his own business, but mandating many others as well. Duff and his wife redecorated the House and gardens when they purchased it, the restorations are evident in the current bathrooms and wall treatments. The Duff tenure ended in 1981, and henceforth the House was converted into the museum.

The Gardens

Each family had their own special influence over the gardens. Even though there are no documented garden plans, the Rotch family did have ornamental gardens. Seeing as Mr. Rotch was a founding member of the Horticultural society, with the assistance of his Irish gardener William Howard, his garden consisted of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

The current landscape is more closely aligned with the Jones’ plot. With a Victorian flair, the gardens retain some of the original décor, including a pergola. Photographs from the 19th century showcase the pergola laden with vines, wisteria, varieties of roses, and many more. Also, the Duff family influence is evident throughout the garden design. The Duff family hired a Bostonian landscape architect by the name of Mrs. John Coolidge, and she revitalized the garden with ornamental beds, reflecting pools, and graceful walkways.

The gardens today are a fine mix of all three generations including different specimens from each. This award winning garden serves for many occasions including education purposes, weddings, summer concerts, etc.

Visiting the House and Other Opportunities

The Rotch Jones Duff House is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. and Sunday from noon-4:00 P.M. It is also open the second Thursday evening of each month free of charge. Rates for admission and information on tours can be found on their website or by calling (508) 997-1401.

The RJDH also has many programs and events open to the public, including the Fourth Grade Woodland Garden Program, which introduces students to the nature of flowers and includes many topics on the environment, habitat, and plant life cycles; The Fifth Grade Apiary Program, which educates children on the importance of the honey bee; and the History Program for Fifth Graders that educates children on 19th century New Bedford. More information on these programs, future events, and volunteer work can be found on their website.

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Artful Dodger is young, contemporary men’s clothing brand that hails from the concrete jungle of New York City. As a newer company, started in 2006 by Scott Langton and now under joint-ownership of Scion LLC and legendary rap super-star Jay-Z,  Artful Dodger promises revolutionary changes in the streetwear market.

Artful Dodger embodies and reflects an attitude that is exemplified when wearing their clothing…that attitude being to cause mischief and have fun doing it!  From the karmaloop website:

“Every piece of Artful Dodger clothing is meticulously planned and expertly executed to achieve maximum individual enjoyment and facilitate ease of havoc-wrecking. They don’t do your standard basics, so each style is choc-full of details that you will come to discover and love through time. Each trim detail, each complex print, each stitch of each embroidery are a result of hours and days of reckless thought and careful application. They are the prank-planning, joke-cracking, trouble-making and fashion loving bits in everyone. Those are the Artful Dodger bits.”

What makes Artful Dodger special to New Bedford is the influence brought to the brand by designer Sydney Hawes, who is originally from the South Coast.  Her ties to the area go all the way back to her whaling ancestry, where her great-great-grandfather, Johnathan Capen Hawes, was captain of one of the most successful whaling ships (The Milo) out of New Bedford.

As a local artist, Sydney brings her own unique impact to contemporary clothing design.  After joining the Artful Dodger team in 2008, she has helped the brand to become refreshed, re-energized, and ready to rock in a new light and better direction. Sydney brings a New England perspective to the creative team, which is comprised of the talents of creative director Just C. Greenidge, designer Brook Bergland, assistant designer Lakeisha Dale, production coordinator Kilsy Filpo, sales representative Brittany Clymer, and PR representative Natasha Sanchez.

I had the opportunity to speak with Sydney recently and discuss the Artful Dodger brand, as well as the impact the South Coast has had on Sydney in her designs and contributions to the clothing line.

What is your position with Artful Dodger?
Designer.

What does Artful Dodger represent?
Our goal is to speak for the young, talented, unsung heroes of our time. Much like during the ’70s and ’80s, New York is full of young people with a dollar and a dream, and we do our best to help these people in the ways we can. Our motto, ‘Kick Ass, Die Young,’ speaks to the wild lifestyle that we like to create for our customer, that is completely reachable to anyone who wants to be a part of our crew. We want to represent a real lifestyle that exists in our world full of people who have grown to know and love us because we are who we are.

What about New Bedford inspires you as an artist?
I have lived in the Greater New Bedford area my entire life, so by default I am hardwired to be a New Englander. I am a sucker for the ocean and nautical things, specifically whales and fish, so any chance I have to incorporate these things into my designs, I do! I also love a good Oxford shirt or some Nantucket red pants for every man’s closet.

In what ways does New Bedford represent the Artful Dodger spirit?
The UMass Dartmouth Art Department moving to Downtown New Bedford has brought a new dynamic to the city in the last seven years that speaks directly to the Artful Dodger scene. The young artists and musicians,  the free-spirited, do-it-yourselfers of the downtown scene are the exact the people we want to reach out to and make aware of our brand and lifestyle.

Do you have any future plans to bring Artful Dodger events to New Bedford?
Because our team is small, we all influence the brand heavily, so who we are is reflected every day.  We hold events showcasing underground bands we love, do photo shoots with the real friends we have, and even travel to local stores we believe in and throw in-store events to meet our customers and connect with the people in the world who have a story to tell.  Knowing that Artful Dodger is sold in my home town, it seems perfect to throw a future event that celebrates an important aspect and inspiration of who we are.

The essence behind Artful Dodger makes it a perfect companion to the attitude of New Bedford. Artful Dodger apparel is available for sale locally at Ideal Styles, located at 768 Purchase Street, next to the Pour Farm Tavern. Ideal Styles is a local barber-shop that offers the best in fades, blow outs, tapers, trims, facial grooming and more, as well as the newest men’s urban clothing. For more information on Ideal Styles, they can be contacted by phone at (774) 202-0762, or visited in store directly.

Artful Dodger apparel is also available for sale online at www.karmaloop.com.

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Chef: Rob Cassi

Restaurant: Airport Grille

Recipe: The Southern Gentleman Burger

My favorite burger recipe is one I did when I worked as a chef down south, called the Southern Gentleman.  For this you’ll need to make a burger, pimento cheese, and ‘chow chow.’  You’ll also need some pepper cooked bacon and your favorite bun.

House Ground Burger

-2 lbs. chuck
-1/2 lb. brisket
-1/2 lb. hanger steak

Grind in a Kitchen Aid meat grinder, or dice fine and pulse in a food processor, about 5-10 pulses depending.  Do not over-pulse, otherwise you will be creating a forced meat, like a hotdog.  Form into 8 oz. patties and put them into the fridge to let rest.

First blend your mayonnaise and cream cheese until smooth, then add the rest of your ingredients to the mayo/cheese mixture. Cover and let sit in your fridge.  This will make more than you need for the burgers, but once you try the pimento cheese you will always need it around.

Heat a heavy bottom pan to med-high and add a tablespoon of oil.  Add green tomatoes, jalapenos, and a pinch of salt; this will help the vegetables lose some of their liquid faster.  Cook until the tomatoes look a little paler in color.  Add in vinegar and sugar and reduce the heat to medium-low and allow to reduce. Once your mixture looks good (approximately 10-15 min), allow to cool in the fridge.

Assemble!

Now it’s time to put it all together.  You’ll need to start with your favorite bun; mine comes from Pain Avignon Bakery in Cape Cod. You’ll also need your favorite pepper bacon cooked.  Nimon Ranch uncured is one I used for this burger a lot.

Grill your burger how you like it.  With all the different cuts of beef used, I really don’t recommend over medium.  Right before it gets to the temperature you want, spread the pimento cheese on top and put a bowl over your burger to get it nice and melty. Take if off the grill and allow your burger to rest.  Yes, rest.  Food, especially meat, should never be eaten blazing hot because you will loose all the juiciness.

Give it about two minutes, which is just enough time so you can toast your buns and break the bacon up to fit on the bottom bun.  Place your patties on top of the bacon and top with the chow chow, and enjoy!