I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. The pinnacle of my ability would be stick figure sketches – that most people wouldn’t even recognize. My handwriting is barely legible. My friends call my writing “Heijoelyphics.” So, when I see someone draw, paint, sketch or create, I am in awe. I admire what people seem to do so effortlessly. I am a bit envious of the high that comes with creation. Every artist I know seems to be full of enthusiasm, passion and energy. Side effects of the creation process.

One place that excels in this department, and utilizes a rather uncommon medium, is Repurpose Boutique and Unique Items on Center Street in Fairhaven. The boutique specializes in handmade furniture and home decor – that means that 90% of the items you come across are one-of-a-kind handmade creations.

You won’t find many of the things you encounter here anywhere else on planet earth. The interesting bit is that the vast majority of these items are repurposed – taking two or more items and combining them to produce something different, interesting, functional or appealing.

Co-owners Rachel Collins and Robyn Bucklin are enthusiastic about their venture. It’s a vehicle for their passions in interior decorating. They only stock items that they would absolutely love to see in their own home. It’s an excellent guideline to produce happy customers.

Most of these original items are the product of Rachel’s husband, Shane Collins who is Head of Manufacturing. Shane who is a lifelong carpenter, is not an artist. While I mention art at the beginning of the article, I only bring attention to the creativity that is seen here. These are not Frankenstein creations of some mad scientist. Shane’s eye is a balance between function and eye-appeal. One is not required to interpret these items. The only brain work necessary here is “How would this add to my home?” or “Where would this look best?”

For example, on my last visit I saw two coffee tables. That typically will conjure the standard images of what coffee tables look like: wooden structure with either a wooden or glass top. However, the ones I saw at Repurpose Boutique had a spin on that standard. These two tables had wooden bases – one was an antique – but the glass tops were re-purposed from windows. One top had a single glass pane framed with wood and the other six separate glass panels. Both were UNDER $200.

I saw a Reindeer made from re-bar: those long rods of steel for reinforcing concrete pours. The re-bar was also twisted to make legs for another table. A boat that was slightly altered to stand on its stern, thereby converting it into a shelf for books or knick-knacks. There was a figurine card-holder made solely from spoons and forks. One of the more interesting pieces was a wrench fish: a piece of scrap metal, nine wrenches and a pair of needle-nosed pliers welded into a fish!

If you have a cellar or attic full of items just collecting dust, you can bring them in to Repurpose Boutique and share your ideas. If you are like myself and not that creative, then you can describe, or bring in a photo of what you have and Rachel, Robyn and Shane will be more than happy to discuss what can be designed from them – making you something unique and personal.

Rachel and Robyn said it’s not uncommon to hear friends or even customers say “That’s cheap. You should charge a bit more.” Neither will budge on that. They feel charging exorbitant prices will drive people away. In their minds the items are priced accurately and tacking on extra dollars to turn a greater profit, smacks of greed. From a practical perspective, Shane is churning out items with enough frequency that they wouldn’t see the light of day, unless room was made.

If unique items aren’t really your thing, there are plenty of “regular” items. Shane has an uncanny ability to take an item that someone would say is too old to be of use any longer, and turn it into something gorgeous. Often all an antique chair or table needs is a little tender loving care and elbow grease. Shane, Rachel and Robyn will sand, stain, repair, nail, or weld a piece until it obtains its former glory…and then some.

In addition, you will find very affordable, handmade jewelry. Affordable, meaning affordable – not lip service. The jewelry ranges in price from $5-$30. Stunning, handmade, original pieces of jewelry. Lastly, in an attempt to maintain a variety, Repurpose Boutique has recently started branching out by offering handmade items offered by local craftsman – candles, beauty products and the ilk.

The showroom of Repurpose Boutique is densely packed with items. You could literally spend 10 minutes and take only one step or two. One thing that will become immediately apparent is that these items automatically generate conversation, even a chuckle. You will be curious on the thought process of how it was made. You will appreciate the craftsmanship and obvious man-hours of effort. You will have questions.

Best of all, this aspect is not limited to browsing the shop. Imagine the piece is sitting in your home generating the same type of discussion, answers and interest.

Every week, the store’s identity changes in the sense that when items are purchased, they simply create room for more of Shane’s creations. This happens frequently enough that a visit a few weeks apart will feel like you are in a different spot – if it weren’t for the smiling faces of Rachel and Robyn.

If you are in need of sprucing up the home, breathing some new life into it, or simply have an idea, but not the know-how, stop in at Repurpose Boutique and talk to Rachel or Robyn. Their artistic, creative personalities mean they are always bubbling with ideas and stimulated by the thought of a project. Instead of spending three, four or five times more money on a product that was made in a foreign country on an assembly line, browse through the items at Repurpose Boutique for a hand-crafted in the USA item, that likely no one else on the planet has.

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Repurpose Boutique & Unique Items is located adjacent to Pumpernickels and Euro. You are a short walk to the Millicent Library, gorgeous 19th and 20th century architecture of the town hall, Taber Lodge Building, Unitarian Memorial Church, and memorial brick park. There are some great spots to eat at and it’s a fantastic area to stroll and see some local history. There is ample street parking and you shouldn’t have to walk more than a block.

<hr width="40%" Repurpose Boutique & Unique Items
27 Center Street
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 631-90108
EMail: repurposeboutiquema@gmail.com

Hours of Operation:
Thu-Fri: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Facebook: facebook.com/RepurposeBoutiquema
Photos: facebook.com/RepurposeBoutiquema/photos_stream

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Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo blow the roof off of New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theater

The red carpeted aisles are nearly invisible beneath the wall-to-wall crowd dancing on its feet and singing along all night long. Hoards of people clad in everything from leather jackets to pink tutus flood New Bedford’s Union Street, and slam the Z bar before the show. Fans discuss their first times seeing Benatar on stage–and the next four times they saw her as well. It is clear from the get-go that much like our very own Zeiterion Theater, Pat Benatar is a fixture that transcends generations.

Benatar and her husband, long-time guitar player, and writing partner “spyder” Giraldo, flood the stage with an energy and presence that few young, fresh artists can muster, and they’ve been doing it for over 35 years.

The concert was not just a throwback to glory days, reliving good memories and great songs, but it was an entirely new experience on its own, completely alive and thriving–barely contained within the Z’s historic four walls.

Every single song was greeted by audience members leaping to their feet, singing along to every word and chanting every chorus. The night was lively and upbeat, even the security guards were dancing. The duo took a moment to recognize their own relationship with an anecdote of the first song they ever wrote about their experiences together in love, introducing “Promises in the Dark”.

The two are far from behind the times, inviting the audience to reach out to them on facebook the next day to tell them how they enjoyed the show. “I hope you’re having as much fun as we are,” Giraldo tells the audience with a grin. Before playing another karaoke night favorite, “We Belong to the Light,” Benatar gives her congratulations to a couple in the audience married just a few days before, who reached out to her on social media to let her know they would be in attendance tonight.

“We hadn’t anticipated what [this song] would become to you, our fans were happy that someone had finally brought this issue into the light and had given them a voice. We hope that someday we won’t have to play it any more,” Benatar says on a somber note before transitioning into “Hell is for Children.” The tone took on a more serious note, but fans were rapt in the power of the moment, and what a monumental song it was then and still is today.

Pat Benatar has been a force to be reckoned with since before MTV, then conquered the new platform and continues to do so today even after it has aged into obscurity. It is not enough to say that she is a voice of a generation, because she has proven herself to be truly timeless. The audience, with chills down their spines from the sheer intensity of her performance are a testament to her power.

Not a single person onstage, backstage, or in the audience wanted to leave the theater that night. It was a party that the Zeiterion, New Bedford, and Benatar herself are sure to never forget.

“There’s some bad stuff going on in the rest of the world, so we are going to put our hands together and send them some good cheer,” Benatar preached, closing out the night on a flawless note.

For upcoming shows at the Zeiterion theater, please visit http://www.zeiterion.org/

Colin and Brad of Whose Line is it Anyway? bring an evening of interactive humor to New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theater

Yes, its really all made up on the spot. Improvisation is the key factor in the show, a form of live theater where everything from the plot to the characters is made up in the moment, from suggestions by the audience.

The hilarious hit EMMY-nominated TV series Whose Line is it Anyway? originated in Britain, spread to Hollywood and launched the careers of these two comedians, all the while providing endless laughter for us all at home. While this may be the most recognized example of improv theater, it is an incredible feat of comedic strength, practiced by many actors, but conquered by few. These two are certainly a part of the latter category.

Colin Mochrie, a regular on the show, is a familiar face, with familiar voices and quirks to match. Brad Sherwood also made appearances on the show, and has toured internationally.

After touring with the larger cast of the TV series, these two have come together to put on a show of truly epic proportions. With the help of audience members, the two will act out game after game of improv gold. Come ready to shout out suggestions, move the two around the stage like puppets, and laugh until you cry.

The two-hour show culminates in what Colin and Brad like to call “The World’s Most Dangerous Improv Game” in which the two play the Alphabet Game, all the while tip toeing around 250 mousetraps littered across the stage. Between back-to-back lines beginning in successive letters, there are yelps of pain and, of course, offensive, as well as defensive, action.

The show is appropriate for ages 10 and up, although the show cannot be held accountable for the content of audience suggestions.

If you enjoyed Whose Line is it Anyway? or have never seen the show, but are looking for a laugh, this is the event for you.

 

For tickets, please visit https://ticketing.zeiterion.org

For more about the show, please visit http://www.colinandbradshow.com

Pinkalicious the Musical is coming from NYC to New Bedford’s Zeiterion Theater this Sunday, April 26th

Predictions are calling for a sea of pink swarming downtown’s cobblestone streets this coming Sunday afternoon. Grab your pinkest, sparkliest duds, a cupcake towering with frosting, and a ticket to Pinkalicious for an unforgettable outing.

Based on the popular New York Times best-selling children’s picture book Pinkalicious by sisters Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann and music, lyrics and orchestration by John Gregor of WITH GLEE , this light hearted musical is sure to mesmerize children and parents alike. Perfect for a day with the family, this whimsical tale of a girl who loves pink, pink, pink-everything pink-teaches us not only to eat our greens, but the best thing to do is always be you.

Pinkalicious Pinkerton has a bit of a sweet tooth-if by a bit we mean that she’s eaten so many cupcakes that her skin turns a beautiful shade of pink. The doctor prescribes a dose of green-vegetables, that is. But can she hold out on the pink cupcakes? Or will she have to sneak one-just one?

The silliest stories seem to always be the most memorable. Written for children ages 4-8, the heartwarming story is a sweet confection for people of all ages. Not only does it entertain, but reminds us of the importance of childrens theater and awakening the imagination.

This is the perfect show for sharing, so grab a ticket for you and your family, and your friends too!

For tickets visit www.ticketing.zeiterion.org

For more information about Pinkalicious the Musical visit  www.pinkaliciousthemusical.com

 

Golf is an interesting sport. It is the only activity that is universally heralded as a great getaway, a relaxing 3-4 hours away from the daily grind and a chance to catch up with friends or co-workers, yet somehow always ends in shattered confidence and frustration. Well, that is, if you’re a bogie + golfer like me. If you’re a scratch golfer then the above may be true and you can add laughing at people like me on the golf course to the list.

I have always loved playing golf but could never quite put all the pieces together. Which is why you can often find me fishing golf balls out of shallow creeks and from behind thick hedges. I get very excited when I find a muddy Titleist that was left for dead last spring. I just cant justify spending $50-$60 dollars on top-of-the-line golf balls when I’m quite certain they are going to end up in my accountants back yard just off of the 4^th tee box.

We all know that using better equipment will improver your game regardless of the level you are playing at.  A few years back I finally caved in and upgraded my driver and 3 wood. It instantly improved my score and I was very pleased. It just gets too expensive and at a certain point we make sacrifices that set us back. I have always known that using a better golf ball will improve my game but, again, they are just too expensive. So I have to wait for Christmas when I will undoubtedly find some in my stocking. Then a friend of mine told me about Dean Snell and his new line of top tier golf balls made explicitly for armature golfers looking to boost their game and save some money in the process.

Dean Snell

If you don’t know already, Dean Snell has been in the golf ball game for 25 years. He worked for both Titleist and TaylorMade during his tenure. Dean worked on the team that created the Titleist Pro V1, which started in the mid 90’s and was released in 2000. The Pro V1 revolutionized the golf ball industry and set the standard in golf ball technology. This ball continues to be a best seller but sells for $62 a dozen on their website, too rich for my blood. Dean was also contracted to make the very first Taylor Made golf ball. He used his expertise and knowledge to develop some of the games finest products and is still named on 38 of the industries top patents.

Snell Golf

As you can imagine Dean is a golf enthusiast. Over the years he has noticed a down turn in the armature golf community. He attributes this to the average golfer just not having the financial means to continuously shell out exorbitant amounts of money for golf balls, green fees, range balls, new clubs, and all the costs that come along with playing this great sport. So he decided to leave the corporate giants and start Snell Golf. Dean brings his industry knowledge and expertise to Snell Golf balls but cuts out all of the middlemen. No corporate mark-ups, sales teams or marketing cost. His overhead is very low so the price is too. According to Dean his golf balls are “a low investment for a great product”. These golf balls are sold only online at www.snellgolf.com and all orders ship free right to your door.

Snell Golf has two golf balls to choose from.

The “My Tour Ball”: This ball uses the thin cast urethane cover technology that has been successful on tour. It is a multi-layered cast urethane covered tour caliber ball that has total tee to green performance for golfers of all skill levels. The ball also features a low compression high velocity core allowing lower driver spin rates and faster ball speeds for all swing speeds for longer and straighter drives. The mantle, or inner layer, works with the core and the cover to control the spin rates on the irons. The cast urethane cover is a tour proven technology that allows excellent short game spin and control while delivering soft feel and outstanding durability.

This is a top tier golf ball and sells for only $31.99 per dozen on the web site and ships for FREE.

The “Get Sum”: this is a high performance 2-piece golf ball that is designed for soft feel and lower spin rates. These lower spin rates help players reduce hooks and slices, and allows the ball to fly straighter and longer. A large, oversized core allows us to keep driver spin rates low, and create extraordinarily fastball speeds for all swing speeds. The soft, Surlyn® cover technology creates great feel and excellent durability. This 2-piece design allows the ball to fly straighter and make it easier to get the ball up in the air.  This is an outstanding all-around ball for players of all skill levels and sells for only $20.99 per dozen and, again, ships for FREE.

If your not sure which one is best for you Snell Golf offers a Testing Pack which comes with 6 of each for only $26.99 and, you guessed it, ships for FREE.

Dean was recently recognized in a Golf Digest article for his amazing resume in the golf ball technology industry and commended for his eagerness to produce great golf balls at affordable prices.  You can read the full article here: Golf Digest- Snell Golf.

I’ll let Dean close this one out with a great quote that has already motivated me to order some Snell Golf balls and book my next tee time:

“The motivation I have to start this company is to try to help grow the game. If I can help in any way, I can help with the cost of the golf ball. I can give you the performance and the technology that you’re looking for at an affordable price to help you go out and play more.” –Dean Snell

Now go to Snell Golf and get back on the course!

 

Note – Winners of New Bedford Guide’s Facebook giveaway will be notified via Facebook message on Wednesday, April 8. Prizes can be picked up at Spectrum Marketing Group at 651 Orchard Street in New Bedford or can be shipped, free of charge.

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.

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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.

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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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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!

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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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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.

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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!

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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

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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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