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Vitality is produced 6 times a year by Pagio Inc., 88 Winter St., Worcester, MA 01604. (508)756-5006. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Pagio, Inc. does not hold itself responsible for statements made by any contributor. Statements or opinions expressed in Vitality reflect the views of the author(s) and not the official policy of the Pagio, Inc., unless so stated. Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by Pagio, Inc. unless so stated. Material printed in Vitality is covered by copyright. No copyright is claimed to any work of the U.S. government. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission. For more on permissions, reprints and other services, contact Pagio, Inc. Also by Pagio Inc.: Pulse Magazine, Worcester Medicine, TasteWorcester.com, Thepulsemag.com, Thevitalitymag.com

Paul GiorgioPublisher

Donna RobersonSr. Editor

Vanessa HerboldArt Director, Digital

Media Manager

Chris ReddyKerry Cyganiewicz

Kyle SullivanAlex Theisen

Account Executives

Mitchell PerryEvent Manager

Bernard WhitmorePaul Collins

Jennifer RussoAmy Dean

Tom McDavittjennifer RussoMerilee Kern

Melinda MyersRichard Morchoe

Contributing Writers

february / march 2016 • volume 50 • conTenTS

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on The cover: Putting the ‘active’ in adult fitness

EnTERTAinMEnT & CulTuRE18 Books: Author explores friendship in

new novel

19 Art: Paint, sip and experience Peace Art

PAREnTCARE20 Some thoughts on Social Security

22 Caregiving Now: Can your parents live

alone?

DininG & EnTERTAininG24 Indoor gardens bring healthy, homegrown

options to the table

25 Dining Review: Wonder Bar is serving

up slices of history

STylE & BEAu Ty28 Save on your skin care

CoVER SToRy4 Putting the ‘active’ in adult fitness

lifESTylE8 Health & Fitness: Reach the peak of

fitness

10 Health & Fitness: A breast cancer

survivor’s search for the right treatment

11 Health & Fitness: Getting to the root of

headaches

12 Health & Fitness: When focusing on

health, don’t forget your teeth

13 Health & Fitness: Up your fitness game

with techie finds

14 Home & Garden: Extend the garden

season with spring-planted bulbs

15 Home & Garden: The upside of

downsizing

16 For the Grandkids

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Putting the

‘active’ in adult

fitness

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By Jennifer Russo

As we get older, we start noticing some things. We may become a little less strong, a little less flexible, gain weight a little easier, lose weight a little slower and feel aches in places we never felt aches before. Some may say there is no way around it and give in to their physical fate, but others shout out with a resounding “No!” determined to defy age and stop it in its tracks – or at least slow it down considerably. Exercise not only improves balance, flexibility and coordination, but it also prevents bone loss and heart disease. According to the 2008 Federal Physical Activity Guidelines, for aerobic and strengthening activity combined, 47 percent of adults met the aerobic or muscle-strengthening guidelines. Since then, the percentage has increased, but still only around 53 percent of adults between 40-65 are sufficiently active. So how do we change that?

There are many fitness options for adults that don’t necessarily include trying to keep up with the 25-year-old body running on the treadmill next to you in the pricey gym up the street. Here are some of the healthy, fun and motivating trends available.

Swimming /Water AerobicsThis is a fun pastime that offers a great exercise option. It burns fat, increases muscle strength and metabolism, tones the body and improves blood circulation. Since balance becomes compromised as we age, in the water you are actually challenging your balance, and it improves with no joint impact.

Cindy Glynn, an aquatic fitness professional who has been teaching water fitness for 12 years, said, “I love watching what my clients get from it. It’s fun and social, all while giving them the health benefits they may not otherwise get. Many clients cannot exercise on land, due to various medical reasons such as arthritis and joint damage. Through aqua exercise, they can improve their cardiovascular health, increase and maintain their range of motion and build strength safely.”

The Central Branch of the YMCA offers a morning water aerobics class, so check it out.

Tai ChiThis is a form of martial arts with a very low-impact to the body. Tai Chi means “great energy,” and it involves slow, controlled, flowing movements and is known to help with arthritis pain, promote better breath control, reduce blood pressure and stress, enhance concentration and improve balance and posture. It does not require any equipment at all. Clinton Parks and Recreation offers a class as part of its summer program, or try this any time at the Metrowest Martial Arts Wellness Center in nearby Westborough.

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YogAIf you have seen a picture of anyone in a yoga pose and thought to yourself that there is no way you could ever make your body bend that way, take a few steps back. Yoga is more than exercise; it’s a complete awareness of the body, its limitations and its capabilities. More importantly, it is a practice that increases strength and flexibility with time. Someone new to yoga has the complete freedom to do as much or as little as he/she feels is right, and this is absolutely accepted. The benefits are stress relief, improved flexibility, lowering blood pressure, strengthening of the bones, sharpening of the mind and improving balance.

Fern Lee, founder of Wellness Works Yoga in Worcester, said, “At its best, yoga promotes awareness, focus, flexibility and strength, and that’s great for all ages and abilities. The physical postures, the breathing exercises, the focusing and balancing challenges can all be adapted to meet the needs of the youngest to the most aged student.

As we age, we feel muscles reacting to tension and overuse or joints [that are] fatigued and weak. Yoga is much-needed maintenance. We practice movements to improve large and small muscle strength and flexibility.”

Give it a try – your first class with Fern is free.

Strength TrainingStrength training on a regular basis not only builds lean muscle in the body, but it also carries the benefits of fighting and preventing many different chronic conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis and even depression. By gaining strength and balance, you are less likely to fall and injure yourself in your later years. Using your own body weight or various barbell weights, you can tone your body while reducing your risk of pulling a muscle the next time you pick up something on the heavy side.

Peak Fitness in Worcester is a new full-service gym which has physical trainers and an on-site clinic with licensed physical therapists.

WalkingAs technology increases, it seems our need for walking decreases. From your armchair or sofa, you can surf hundreds of channels, look at your smartphone for the Internet and even do all of your shopping online. Sad, isn’t it? Most people don’t realize that just going for a brisk walk is an excellent form of exercise that is generally safe for all levels and ages. It benefits us by controlling weight, reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers, improving circulation, strengthening muscles and bones and increasing our life span. In fact, walking for one hour a day decreases the risk of premature death by a whopping 40 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And you can do it anywhere!

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for more information:

Swimming/water aerobicS

Central Branch YMCA,

Worcester; ymcaofcm.org

tai chiClinton Parks and Recreation,

Clinton; clintonrec.com

Metrowest Martial

Arts Wellness Center.

Westborough;

mwestmartialarts.com/tai-chi

YogaWellness Works Yoga,

Worcester; wwyoga.com

Strength training

Peak Fitness, Worcester;

peakfitnessworkouts.com

DanceArthur Murray Dance Center,

Worcester; dancetonight.com

tenniSGreendale YMCA, Worcester;

ymcaofcm.org/adult-tennis/

DancingFor many reasons, dancing is one of the most beneficial exercises you can do. It works the entire body, you can do it at your own pace, and it’s a lot of fun. In fact, it barely even seems like exercise at all. It strengthens your lungs and heart, improves mobility and even increases confidence. It can spark things up in your love life, too!

Can you imagine being at a social event, taking to the dance floor and impressing your friends and family with your amazing dance skills? Arthur Murray Dance Center in Worcester offers a first class to new students for $25 and teaches various styles of ballroom dancing, as well as offering wedding dance instruction.

TennisThis is a fun way to get your heart racing and give that competitive athlete in you what it needs. In addition to a little friendly competition on the court, through the sport, you are increasing bone density, improving your heart, lungs and circulation and improving your reflexes. The Greendale YMCA has six clay indoor courts and offers a 10-week tennis program that is great for beginners.

Whatever exercise you choose, just know the important thing is remaining active for at least one hour a day. Moderate activity for an hour or more a day almost doubles your chances of living a long and healthy life and improves body image and self-esteem while boosting your energy. If you start now, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with in no time.

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By Jennifer Russo

There’s a new gym in Worcester, and it’s taking the fitness industry by storm, whooshing in and clearing the way for those of us who are tired of the traditional workouts and are looking for something exciting and challenging with measurable results. Instead of walking into a facility and playing the “what machine should I use and how much weight should I lift?” game, Peak Fitness has programs that are designed specifically for your body and fitness needs, as well as any health limitations you may have. With a knowledgeable staff and an on-site physical therapy clinic, Peak is ready to get you into your best shape.

Michael Covino, president of Niche Hospitality Group, whose name you may recognize as the entrepreneur behind some of Worcester’s more popular restaurants (Bocado and Mezcal ring a bell?), actually worked as a physical therapist for years before turning his attention to the booming local restaurant business.

“I have a passion for fitness and have always wanted to have a conditioning facility that was not only a gym that offered functional training for adults, but also a facility that would be great for preventing injury and enhancing performance for anyone from the high school athlete to weekend warrior looking to keep that competitive edge,” Covino said.

And as with everything else he touches, Peak Fitness has been a successful venture in this respect, catering not only to adults, but also offering training and conditioning programs for all ages, including mobility and strength

Reach the peak of fitness

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Personal one-on-one training is available at Peak with elite- and master-level trainers for 30- or 60-minute

sessions, and there is an introductory offer available on Peak’s website.

Peak Fitness is located at 712 Plantation St., worcester. For more information, visit peakfitnessworkouts.com.

training for kids, which uses their own body weight.

Another stand-out and completely unique feature at Peak is the availability of four batting cages in the 10,000-square-foot facility. Covino wanted to fuse his passion for baseball and work that into the design. Peak offers 10-week baseball and softball camps for those who love the sport, and it also has a juice bar for a refreshing and healthy break. It also offers more than 40 different boot camps each week for every level and interest.

“The boot camps are awesome because regardless of your level,” Covino said, “you are going to get a good, safe workout that gets your heart rate pumping but also targets muscular strength and endurance. They are great total-body workouts with a motivating coach that will hold you accountable to give it all you have.”

Each of the boot camps, group strength programs and movement-based classes are designed by licensed physical therapists and strength coaches, and all workouts can be modified for anyone with physical challenges or recovering injuries, making the workouts perfect for absolutely everyone.

“There is a strong emphasis on injury prevention and proper technique to maximize performance on the field, as well as a strong culture that focuses on attitude and respect to build better students and people,” Covino said.

I asked him to define the difference between simply getting fit and athletic conditioning.

“Fit is a very personal definition,” Covino said. “For me, fit is being able to do all of the things that I want to do without fear of injury, and that ties in with athletic conditioning because I still like to run around and participate in organized sports or run a race. Fit can be whatever you want it to be: having more energy, getting stronger, losing weight … whereas athletic conditioning is preparing an individual to participate in something that requires athleticism so that they can perform at their highest level without getting hurt. I think that life can be an athletic event, so I think you will see that our fitness and conditioning often merge together to help many individuals get to where they want to be.”

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A recent study provided good news for at least some breast cancer patients who dread the effects of chemotherapy treatment.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that a genetic test may be able to determine whether women with early-stage breast cancer can skip chemotherapy and instead rely on hormone therapy.

Diana Warren, a breast cancer survivor, finds the study’s results heartening.

“I think it’s always important for cancer patients to explore all the options that might be available for their care,” said Warren, 76, co-author, with her daughter Jamie Beardsley, of the book Say No to Radiation and Conventional Chemo: Winning My Battle Against Stage 2 Breast Cancer.

Under different circumstances from the women in the study, Warren reached her own decision about forgoing radiation and standard chemotherapy soon after her diagnosis. She decided she was unwilling to continue to subject herself to the “grueling, horrible” ordeal of chemotherapy. Among her concerns were the extreme nausea, hair loss and other side effects, along with the fact that traditional chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells, can’t differentiate between good cells and bad.

Her decision launched her into a search for effective, natural, non-toxic alternatives and landed her at the door of Dr. James W. Forsythe, who recommended a genetic test to determine the best treatment for her.The test was pricey – in Warren’s case, $3,000 – but she agreed, and Forsythe sent a blood sample to a genetic research center in Greece.

Once the results came back, she started a treatment that involved a lengthy list of supplements and low-dose Insulin Potentiation Therapy, which uses a combination of insulin and a chemotherapy drug.

“IPT is a kinder and gentler way to treat cancer, with fewer negative side effects,” Forsythe said.

IPT is controversial, though, and because it’s considered an unproven therapy, patients usually pay full out-of-pocket expenses because it’s typically not covered by health insurance.

“It certainly has its critics,” Warren said, “but my experience

was that the procedure is done carefully and methodically.”More than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the United States, and more than 40,000 women die from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As a breast cancer patient, Warren says she learned a few things from her experience that are worth sharing.

Educate yourself. Warren said it’s important for patients to educate themselves and do their own research, scouring the Internet and books to find out what alternatives there are beyond the standard care. “Also, have an open mind and don’t be afraid to go to other doctors for opinions,” she said. “If you have to pay out of your own pocketbook for opinions that are not supported by health insurance, then do it.”

Ask questions. As the patient, you need to understand what’s happening with your body and also about the treatment plans, Warren said. What are the side effects? What are the survival rates? Are there alternative treatments? “Never be afraid to ask something or question why certain treatments are being used,” she said. “It doesn’t hurt to ask ‘why’ a lot.”

Find a physician with whom you are comfortable. Often, individuals and society as a whole put doctors on a pedestal, Warren said. “Look for doctors who don’t treat you like a number,” she said. “Make sure they listen to you.”

Forsythe said when patients are diagnosed with cancer, they often deal with a flood of emotions, such as anger, confusion, fear, self-pity and denial. It is through this fog that they often are trying to understand and make decisions about their treatment options.

“Diana had the courage to take charge of her situation and make the decisions that proved right for her,” he said.

Dr. James W. Forsythe, an integrative medical oncologist, is the author of more than 20 books, including his most recent, Stoned: The Truth About Medical Marijuana and Hemp Oil. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley and earned his medical degree from University of California, San Francisco. Today he operates the Century Wellness Clinic in Reno, Nev. For more information, visit drforsythe.com.

Diana Warren, a breast cancer survivor, is the co-author with Jamie Beardsley of Say No to Radiation and Conventional Chemo: Winning My Battle Against Stage 2 Breast Cancer. For more information, visit forevermediapublishing.com.

A breast cancer survivor’s searchfor the right treatment

l I f e S T y l e – h e a lT h & f I T n e S S

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It’s human nature to want to take the shortest route to ending debilitating pain, and that’s part of why the pharmaceutical industry makes its hundreds of billions of dollars each year, according to Dr. Fred Abeles.

“Just like we’re all tempted to reach for that sweet, salty or fatty snack when we’re hungry, many of us want to treat our chronic headaches with a quick fix by popping a pill,” said Abeles, author of Break Away: The New Method for Treating Chronic Headaches, Migraines and TMJ Without Medication.

“While it’s understandable, pills are often another example of the easy path being a temporary one. Just like a candy bar ensures hunger will come raging back sooner than later, so, too, does pain medication tend to guarantee a future date with pain.”

Many headache sufferers may be under the mistaken impression that their headaches are the result of nerves, but that’s wrong in most cases, he said. Most pain originates in muscle and connective tissues.

Abeles offered some tips to those dealing with painful and persistent headaches.

Avoid misdiagnosis.Doctors are experts who spend many years in college training and helping others. Patients figure that surely they know best. But that’s not 100 percent true. A real estate agent can’t make you happy without your input. A financial advisor cannot meet your goals unless you communicate your goals and money situation effectively. The same is true for doctors, who are busy in today’s health care system and may be misled by patients, who tend to be flustered and potentially vague about their symptoms. In other words, patients need to be their own advocates for their health, and that means paying close attention to symptoms, communicating effectively to health care providers and considering multiple causes. A simple pain-

relieving prescription is often not a lasting solution.

Don’t just treat your symptoms; get to the root cause.As mentioned, pain-relief drugs are like candy bars for hunger – they only kick the problem down the road temporarily. The real culprit for chronic headaches usually includes inflammation, muscles of the head and neck, forward head posture, and cervical alignment and its effect on the cranial nerves and vertebral artery. For millions of sufferers, the cause of headaches is a misaligned bite. This includes the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This is located at the front of the ear, where the temporal bone meets the lower jaw on the side of the head.

Your answer may be found in a painless, non-pharmaceutical treatment.Headaches have a variety of causes, from lifestyle choices to chemical activity to a combination of reasons. Millions overlook the symptoms of TMJ, which include a clicking or popping jaw, a bite that feels off, snoring, pain in the jaw/jowl areas and a forward head posture. If you have any of these symptoms, there is a silver lining to your problem because there are multiple options that are free of pain and do not require altering your body chemistry with pharmaceutical drugs. A few bite adjustments, for example, can dramatically improve the alignment of your lower jaw, resulting in happy, calm muscles that don’t create pain. Physical therapy may include ultrasound, cold laser, NuCalm, trigger point muscle relaxation, Cefaly and more.

Dr. Fred Abeles is author of Break Away: The New Method for Treating Chronic Headaches, Migraines and TMJ Without Medication. He is the clinical instructor and regional director for the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Dr. Abeles has been featured on NBC and CBS, consults with leading dental manufacturers on the development of new dental products and instructs dentists throughout the United States and Canada on state-of-the-art techniques for treating headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. For more information, visit FredAbeles.com.

Getting to the root of headaches

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We all know the importance of brushing our teeth and flossing, but there’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to our oral health, resulting in a waste of money, gum disease, tooth loss and more.

To clear up the confusion, Dr. Susan Maples, author of Blabber Mouth! 77 Secrets Only Your Mouth Can Tell You To Live a Healthier, Happier, Sexier Life and one of the top eight innovators in U.S. dentistry, breaks through some of the biggest myths about our oral health.

Swish off the claims about mouth rinses.Nix mouthwashes with alcohol because this is a preserving agent that can actually cause oral cancer. Stay away from mouthwashes that claim to make your teeth feel smooth, as they contain a detergent that coats the plaque and debris, trapping it underneath the slick. Finally, save your money on rinses that claim to “whiten” teeth. It doesn’t work in the typical 30-second rinse.

Tooth lightening: The secret to pearly whites, or is it? Tooth lightening can brighten your teeth, but chasing an unceasing glow-in-the-dark smile can damage pulp and cause teeth to die. Over-the-counter products will only lighten your teeth by one or two shades. Avoid one-hour laser or light therapy because it’s temporary and dehydrates the teeth. The best results come through bleaching with custom trays only available through your dentist.

How hard should it be? The only choice for hardness in a toothbrush is not hard at all. Make sure you always choose soft bristles to avoid traumatizing your gums. Scrubbing with a medium- or hard-bristle brush can make the gums recede from the teeth, and it’s irreversible except through surgery.

Get probed.Your dentist should provide a thorough periodontal exam at least once each year that includes “pocket” measurements using a probe around the cuff of each tooth. Good numbers are 3 mm or less. Bad are 4mm or higher. Periodontal disease is the No. 1 reason adults lose teeth, and unlike other bones in your body that heal when broken, the bone you lose around your teeth doesn’t grow back.

Let ’em bleed.If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, don’t stop your routine. Bleeding is a natural response when you clean inflamed gums and isn’t from brushing or flossing too hard. Keep at it to reduce the bacteria and avoid periodontal disease. The bleeding will subside as the bacteria load is cleaned up.

The lowdown on tooth sensitivity.A cold-sensitive tooth does not signify a dying tooth like a heat-sensitive tooth does. Cold sensitivity can heal and reverse itself. Toothaches stimulated by heat or biting pressure toothaches that appear without any stimulus are signs that your pulp is dying and you need a root canal.

When focusing on health,Don’T foRGET youR TEETH

For more information,visit drsusanmaples.com orblabbermouthbooks.com.

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PErFEcT FiTnESS MuLTi-GYM AnD BAnDS KiT Use your own body weight to build and strengthen your muscles. With the Perfect Multi-Gym, you can do pull-ups, chin-ups, sit-ups, push-ups and dips. No installation is needed, as the unique design protects your door frame, so you can use it virtually anywhere. The package includes access to downloadable Navy SEAL-designed circuit workouts. $19.95, perfectonline.com.

rEcoFiT coMPrESSion GEArRecoFit Armcoolers provide the cooling benefits of Icefil technical fabric. Xylitol is embedded in the fabric and lowers the skin’s surface temperature by five degrees when activated by the evaporative process of wicking perspiration away from the skin. Air flowing over the sleeves creates the same cooling sensation. RecoFit’s calf compression sleeves also help you perform better and recover faster by improving circulation, reducing damaging muscle vibration, preventing swelling, delaying fatigue and speeding up post-exercise recovery. $34.95, recofit.com.

FLY6 The Fly6 from Cycliq is a combination bike tail light and a rear-facing HD safety camera. It replaces an existing bike tail light, flashing to ensure oncoming traffic sees you. It also records in real time whatever happens behind you as you ride, capturing what transpires in the event of an incident. Features include crisp, wide-angle HD video and audio recording, nanotechnology to withstand wet/adverse conditions and a six-hour battery life. $169, cycliq.com.

runPHonES HEADPHonES RunPhones headphones are comfortable and secure headband headphones that are perfect for running and exercising. The product’s innovative, over-the-ear design features ultra-slim headphones embedded inside of a sporty, moisture-wicking, machine-washable headband. Unlike earbuds, these don’t completely block out exterior sounds, making them safer for running outside. RunPhones are available in a classic corded version and a wireless BlueTooth-enabled version. $39.95, runphones.com.

TEcH21 Evo MESH SPorT iPHonE cASE The Evo Mesh Sport phone case line is reportedly the first on the market to feature colors identical to the Apple Watch sport bands, providing fashion-conscious consumers with the ability to match their case to their watch. Plus, these cases provide maximum impact protection without affecting phone performance. Designed to fit into an active lifestyle, the flexible cases wrap around the corners and back of the device, providing a secure fit and feel. $39.95, apple.com.

unEquAL HALo The Unequal Halo is a protective headband for soccer players with on-board TriDur and Accelleron technology. TriDur is a patented, elastomeric-coated Kevlar fabric used by the military and law enforcement, with virtually unmatched ability to absorb and disperse high-impact energy. The Halo contours to any players’ head and looks just like a headband, while offering serious protection. $29.99-$39.99, unequal.com.

MiSSion ATHLETEcArE MISSION AthleteCare’s line of EnduraCool products feature a proprietary performance fabric that instantly cools to approximately 30 degrees below the average body temperature. The product achieves this in under a minute when soaked with water or sweat, wrung out and then snapped in the air to activate the cooling properties. The fiber simultaneously wicks moisture away from the body, so the fabric feels cool against the skin, not wet. Prices vary, missionathleecare.com.

Up your fitness game with techie findsBy Merliee Kern

The sports and fitness industries are teeming with cool product innovations intended to make activity more fun, competitive and effective. Here’s a tech-advanced assortment of sporty solutions that will help ensure you’ve got game.

PowErwrAPz LED SAFETY LiGHTS Another great way to illuminate your way to safety is with PowerWrapz – LED safety lights that can be strapped onto a bike frame, helmet, handlebar, bike seat, tent, backpack, stroller or buggy, an umbrella or hiking or ski poles; the list is endless. PowerWrapz are perfect for anyone who jogs, bikes or walks at night – or just about any situation where you are out in the open at night and want to be plainly visible to passing drivers. $24.95, 4id.com.

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By Melinda Myers

Keeping your garden looking its best throughout the growing season and into fall is possible with the help of low-maintenance, spring-planted bulbs. Plant them in spring among other annuals or perennials and watch as these bulbs brighten the garden, adding new life to your late-season gardens.

Whether your gardens and containers are in full sun or shade, you’ll enjoy the attractive foliage and pop of color that dahlias, cannas, calla lilies, caladiums and elephant ears will add to the landscape.

These easy-care plants reward you with loads of beauty. Just plant, water and enjoy. Quality online retailers like Longfield Gardens (longfield-gardens.com) offer the greatest variety of color, shapes and sizes, as well as planting and care instructions.

Grow dahlias in sunny areas with at least six hours of sunlight for the best floral display. Simply plant the tuberous roots 4 to 6 inches deep with the stem facing up after the danger of frost has passed.

Use dahlias in a cutting garden or as an attractive screen along fences and property lines. Use the shorter, more compact border dahlias like Gallery Pablo in containers on your patio, balcony or deck, where you and the hummingbirds will enjoy their blooms.

Wait until the danger of frost has passed to plant cannas in full sun to partially shaded locations. Plant the canna rhizomes horizontally 2 to 3 inches deep with the growing point facing up. Take advantage of their bold foliage and use cannas as a backdrop in the flower border or screen in the landscape. Use as a vertical accent in a large container or select dwarf varieties for smaller pots.

Calla lilies are another spring-planted bulb that thrives in full sun or part shade. The speckled foliage adds color to the garden all season long. Include these 1- to 2-feet-tall plants in the front or middle of the flower garden or as a vertical accent or filler in a pot. And don’t forget to cut a few flowers to enjoy indoors. The black flowers of Night Cap teamed with the white blooms of Crystal Clear create an elegant display.

Like the other bulbs, wait for the danger of frost to pass before planting them outdoors. Plant the knobby rhizomes

2 to 4 inches deep with the growing point facing up.

Add some color and plenty of wow factor to shaded areas with the foliage of caladiums and elephant ears. These tropical beauties thrive when soil and air temperatures are warm. Wait for the danger of frost to pass and the soil to warm (65 to 70 degrees) before planting them in the garden.

Use caladiums to brighten containers, dress up window boxes or edge a shady pathway. The colorful leaves stand out amongst the greens of shade gardens. Team variegated varieties with complementary-colored begonias, coleus or impatiens.

Include elephant ears in the garden or containers. Their large, heart-shaped leaves give a tropical feel to the patio, deck or pool area. Consider planting one, two or more to create an impressive welcome for guests or a bold statement in the landscape. They pair nicely with caladiums, coleus and other shade-loving plants.

Make this the best season yet with the help of spring flowering bulbs. You’ll enjoy the variety and late-season color these easy-care plants provide. Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of gardening experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Longfield Gardens for her expertise to write this article.

Extend the garden season with spring-planted bulbs

Calla lilies, like with the black flowers of ‘Night Cap’ and white blooms of ‘Crystal Clear,’ are spring planted bulbs that thrive in full sun or part

shade and can be cut to create an elegant display indoors. Photo courtesy of Longfield Gardens.

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By Amy Dean

As we age, we not only accumulate years, but also things. One of the sad aspects of growing older is that, at some point, we will face difficult tasks: downsizing the accumulated clutter of aging parents – and downsizing our own lives.

Over the past six months, major life changes have necessitated that I become somewhat of an expert at downsizing. My mother’s failing health required moving her to assisted living. I had to cull through her things, deciding what needed to be put in temporary storage and what could be donated. To expand the geographic range of a job search, I put my house on the market. In both cases, I became immersed in what no one wants to face: the stress of going through and getting rid of far-too-many possessions and clutter.

While simplicity is all the rage, most of us live in apartments or homes crammed full of stuff. We are not blind to overflowing closets, drawers and shelves; rooms crowded with furniture; and attics, basements and garages functioning as storage units. We know we own or hold on to too much stuff. In fact, according to the Los Angeles Times, there are upwards of 300,000 items in the average American home. But on a given day, how much of what we have do we use? Instead, we clean around it, attempt to reorganize it, fill donation bins and continue to shop when we already have more than most people around the world.

Anna Quindlen has said, “There was a period when I believed stuff meant something. I thought that if you had matching side chairs and a sofa that harmonized and some beautiful lamps to light them, you would have a home, that elegance signaled happiness.” In embarking on my decluttering missions, I experienced very little joy going through every nook and cranny. Happiness, really, does not come from things.

In decluttering my mother’s things and my own house, I discovered one important fact about possessions: They do not deserve as much meaning and value as we give them. After I sold my house, I put some things in storage, so I could live in temporary housing. All I wanted in my temporary digs were some pots and pans, my bed, my clothes and my TV. Just those simple possessions were still much more than so many others have.

So how did I go about downsizing? Here are some

tips to help you when it’s time to declutter:

whenever possible, keep one of any given thing. Peeling a potato requires one peeler, not three or

four.

if you haven’t worn it or usedit in a year, and it’s in good

condition, donate it.

if it’s broken or torn and you don’t intend to fix it right away, toss it.

Get rid of things that technology has made obsolete, such as record

albums and tapes, vcrs, etc.

Let go of possessions that symbolize memories. You will

always have your memories; they will not disappear when you

toss out or donate the dozens of T-shirts you picked up on vacations that are filling your

dresser drawers.

Give some of your possessions as gifts. when i sold my house, i wasn’t sure where i would be for christmas. My neighbor had always liked my outdoor

decorations and tree. i gave them to his family, so he could enjoy

them – and remember me once i left the neighborhood.

Enlist a fresh eye. There is no one better to help advise on

decluttering a living space than a realtor. Houses show better

when prospective buyers can see possibilities and empty space.

the UPSiDe oF DownSizing

Amy Dean grew up in Central Massachusetts and is the author of several books, including Growing Older, Growing Better: Daily Meditations for Celebrating Aging. Learn more about her at amydeanwriter.com.

SMArT MoM JEwELrYIs your grandchild always grabbing at your jewelry? Smart Mom Jewelry has created its signature line of Teething Bling, which doubles as a necklace for you and chew toy for baby. There are pendants, letters, glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets. The best part is that each pendant is crafted from non-toxic, phthalate-, BPA-, PVC-, latex- and lead-free silicon and embellished with a breakaway clasp for added safety. Prices vary; smartmomjewelry.com.

uGLYSnuGLiESA plush toy has arrived ready to teach your grandchildren that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved. The UglySnuglies line of six educational stuffed animals are pets with a purpose because they teach responsibility, encourage saving and promote reading, among other positive attributes. Each UglySnugly comes with a hidden gift (because it’s what’s inside that counts). As children learn the important lessons the UglySnuglies teach, their confidence builds and their self-esteem rises. Chose from Porky Panda, Krazy Kat, Bizarre Bear, Unusual Unicorn, Rowdy Rabbit or Pouty Pig. $29.95; uglysnuglies.com.

MY FunKinSHere’s the solution for dinner messes – Funkins! The fashionable Funkins are durable and washable napkins that fit perfectly into little laps. They can double up as placemats and are perfect for meals on the run. The 100-percent cotton is soft to the touch, and Funkins come a rainbow of fun colors, patterns and styles that will delight your grandchildren. Even better, they keep paper towels and napkins out of landfills. Clean grandchild, eco-friendly product – it’s a win-win. Prices vary; myfunkins.com.

BAnDA BiBDribble and drool don’t stand a chance with Bazzle Baby’s funky, fashionable and revolutionary Banda Bib. Now drooling tykes can be fashion rock stars, wearing the coolest bibs on the market that also stop drool from annoying and irritating their skin. These bibs draw moisture from skin, dry quickly so the grandkids stay comfortable and don’t cut into those little chins. There are plenty of great styles and colors to choose from, so your grandchild will always be perfectly coordinated. $8.99; bazzlebaby.com.

coco JoY KiDS FLAvorED coconuT wATEr Feel like you want to give the grandkids healthier options when they’re at your house? Coco Joy Kids is a healthier alternative to those sugary soft drinks. It has no added sugar, no preservatives and no concentrates. Flavors include Strawberry, Banana, Watermelon and Pineapple, and Coco Joy Kids features popular characters from Disney’s Frozen, Marvel’s Avengers and Disney Pixar’s Inside Out. This is a healthy choice your grandchildren will be excited about. $1.19 for cans, $1.39 for bottles; cocojoy.com.

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l I f e S T y l e – f o r T h e g r a n d k I d S

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5

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e n T e r Ta I n m e n T & c u lT u r e – b o o k S

Numerous scientific studies show that developing friendships is an essential ingredient to a healthy life.

But few people are intentionally trying to avoid heart disease or improve their blood pressure when they seek out, or stumble into, new friendships. Instead, they just want someone to hang out with, confide in or trust in times of trouble, said Darlene Quinn, an author whose latest novel, Conflicting Webs, uses friendship as an underlying theme.

“Friends can start out from a variety of places but still share the same incredible bond,” Quinn said. “Sometimes that bond can span a lifetime. Other times, the bond is just for a short period. Either way, friendships are a vital part of life.”

As she researched her novel, Quinn became fascinated by the motivations behind friendships. Not all friendships are equal, and, over the long haul, not all turn out the way people might like.

“Having a mutually beneficial relationship is crucial,” Quinn said. “If only one person is willing to put in time and effort, that friendship won’t work.

“We tend to intuitively know who real friends are and which friendships are worth our time and energy.”

Quinn said she found at least six factors that can lead to great friendships – three that bring people together and three that keep them together:

Similarity. The phrase “birds of a feather flock together” has been around at least since the 16th century, and it’s no wonder it became such a well-worn cliché, as it happens to be true. “We surround ourselves with people whose style, attitudes, personalities, likes, dislikes and mannerisms are similar to ours,” Quinn said. “Those similarities help to build an instant bond. We feel comfortable around those people and easily slide into conversations about topics that interest both of us or schedule activities we both enjoy.”

intrigue. Sometimes people are so fascinating that we can’t help but be drawn to them. “We can build a great bond of friendship with someone when we are genuinely curious about their stories, their lifestyle or their backgrounds,” Quinn said.

History. Growing up together, or going through the same or similar experiences, can lead to a lasting connection between two people. “Other people may not be able to have a good understanding of, or empathy for, a situation you went through,” Quinn said. “But this person understands you because they went through it, too. Sharing a past with someone definitely can create a special bond.”

Positive influence. A great friend will be someone who is a good influence and will support you and your goals, Quinn said. “They should inspire you to live up to your highest potential, so you can be your best self.” The world has enough negativity. You don’t need that in a friend.

Your happiness. True friends want to see you happy. “The best kinds of friends are the ones who have your best interests at heart, even to a fault,” Quinn said. “They may tell you something you don’t want to hear at the risk of fracturing the friendship, just because they know it is in your best interest. At the same time, a true friend will never ask you to compromise or jeopardize any part of yourself in order to be their friend.”

Loyalty. A loyal friend will have your back no matter what. “They will stand up for you and with you when the need arises,” Quinn said. “They won’t speak ill of you to others, and they don’t let others speak bad about you either.” Loyalty is not an easy trait to find, but it’s essential to any really good relationship.

“As years go by, I think most of us start to realize that it is no longer the quantity of friends that matter, but the quality,” Quinn said. “You just build a great bond with some people, and you can call on each other in times of trouble. Good friends are hard to find, but impossible to forget.”

Darlene Quinn is an author and journalist from Long Beach, Calif., whose novels about deceit, intrigue and glamour in the retail fashion industry were inspired by her years working in management with Bullocks Wilshire Specialty department stores. Her latest is Conflicting Webs, the fifth book in her Web series. Previous titles in the series include Webs of Fate, Webs of Power and Twisted Webs. For more information, visit darlenequinn.net.

author explores friendship in new novel

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e n T e r Ta I n m e n T & c u lT u r e – a r T

By Richard Morchoe

It was a winter evening in Peace Art Paint and Sip at 65 James St. in Worcester. Cold as the weather was outside, the feeling was warm in the studio. More than a dozen folks were letting out the inner artist.

A family group entered the shop in the early evening and was greeted by the proprietress. Tables with canvasses ran along the walls, and chairs were set up in front of each canvas. Soon, everyone was seated and took brushes in hand as paint was distributed. A few more couples straggled in and followed the same ritual.

Though most of the attendees this evening were teetotalers, some were partaking of adult beverages while painting. The sip aspect is BYOB.

This is not surprising, as Pam Murray, the impresario of Peace Art, is devoted to providing an oasis of serenity. When asked why “Peace Art,” she said Peace had to be in the name, as she wanted the studio to be a place where people could come and find it.

Murray is a cancer survivor whose recovery had no little influence on the origin of her business. Having always loved painting, she took it up when her children were very young, but she put it aside when her oldest child turned 5 to dedicate herself to raising her family.

Then, about 12 years ago, Murray was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Infections resulted in a hospital stay over Mother’s Day. Visiting with mom, her children gave her a set of pastels, and she knew she had to start painting again. If anything, that was the genesis of Peace Art. Because of her kids, she stopped painting; because of them, she started again.

Murray said being diagnosed with cancer was the most

negative experience of her life, but returning to painting was the most positive. She fought back and went on.

In talking with Murray, it is evident that she is a doer, not a planner. Other than a few lessons at Worcester Art Museum, studying there with Bill Griffiths, she is mostly self-taught.

She began by teaching classes here and there, and then one day, upon receiving a gift from her mom, just rented space in the strip mall on the other side of James Street without a grand plan or strategy.

Though she has the shop, she still works and teaches around Central Massachusetts, whether it’s Alzheimer’s patients at Overlook in Charlton or veterans at New Hope next door or assisted living patients at Goddard House. Murray is indefatigable.

The two children who saved her with the gift of pastels, Katie and Bobby, are out in the world, grown and working. Katie is a businesswoman, and Bobby is a musician. In the shop, Murray is ably assisted by Scott, her significant other, who built much of Peace Art and paints as well.

Getting back to Paint and Sip, it has been fun watching how rectangles of white become swathed in color. At first, the skeptic would think the mélange of pigments will never have any discernible shape. As more brushstrokes are applied, they become pictures and their authors take pleasure in the effort.

There are two children, however, who seem to be having the most fun. A pair of brothers know exactly what they want to paint – and may have before they arrived.

The younger is feeding his age-appropriate fascination with dinosaurs. The older, with cars, but not just any vehicle. The lad is painting a famous sportster. He knows what he wants – a Lamborghini – but then again, don’t we all.

PAinT, SiP & ExPEriEncE PEAcE ArT

For more information about Peace Art Paint and Sip, visit peaceartpaint.weebly.com oremail peaceartpam@gmail.com. Peace Art is also on Facebook. Peace Art Paint and Sip is open

seven days, and there is no minimum number necessary for a group.

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p a r e n T c a r e – a S e c T I o n f o r T o d a y ’ S c a r e g I v e r

By Tom McDavitt

Many people expect Social Security to provide them with enough money to live on in retirement. The fact is, it will provide less than you might expect! It is a crucial part of a retirement plan, but it was never intended to be the sole source of income for retirees. President Eisenhower was once quoted as saying: “The system is not intended as a substitute for private savings, pension plans and insurance protection. It is, rather, intended as the foundation upon which these other forms of protection can be soundly built.”

That advice still rings true some 60 years later. Why do you think that the government has given us many types of tax-favored retirement vehicles, such as 401ks and IRAs, to utilize in our working years? A 2015 study by the Social Security Administration revealed that 66 percent of retirement income comes from sources other than Social Security.

Many people don’t realize the importance of Social Security as an insurance program. Talk to anyone that has become permanently disabled or whose spouse or parent died prematurely, and they will likely have benefitted greatly from Social Security. Many people have inadequate disability coverage from their employers, and workman’s compensation only covers work-related injuries or illness. Most disabilities happen outside the parameters of work, and that’s when Social Security can benefit you.

One of our clients recently passed away, leaving three young kids and a non-employed spouse. They had a modest sum of life insurance, but the monthly survivor checks from Social Security were the real reason they were able to stay in their home. It can be a great insurance program for working families!

Another client stated recently that she would be penalized if she went back to work after reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security. That myth is untrue in this case. While she would have seen her monthly check reduced had she started benefits before FRA and earned more than the annual published allowance ($15,720 in 2016), after you reach FRA, there is no reduction at any income level. At that point, you can work to supplement your income without fear of losing Social Security. As a matter of fact, in the study mentioned above, about 33 percent of income people receive after retirement comes from work.

One more thing that I hear often is that Social Security is tax-free. For some people, that is true because their income level is so low that no tax is due. However, if you earned income from employment or had substantial investment income or taxable withdrawals from your retirement plans, then you probably will be paying taxes on your Social Security. The good news is that a maximum of 85 percent of the Social Security income is taxable, so some portion of your benefit does escape the tax man.

Finally, Social Security will inevitably need to make some changes to survive the oncoming rush of baby boomers stampeding into retirement these days. In all likelihood, that will be one of the political hot topics of the next presidency. There is much speculation as to what those changes will be, but stay tuned and keep accumulating money in alternate plans to make the impact of those modifications minimal in your case.

Tom McDavitt, 181 Main St., Suite 200, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, is a registered representative and investment adviser representative and offers securities and advisory services through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, a registered investment adviser, and can be reached at (508) 842-6222.

Some thoughts on Social Security

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p a r e n T c a r e – c a r e g I v I n g n o w

It’s a sad reality that, as we age, we become less independent than we once were – but for most blessed with longevity, it’s inevitable. With millions of baby boomers throughout the U.S. caring for elderly parents, throngs of adult caregivers struggle with determining if their parent is fit to remain living alone. It’s a difficult, multi-faceted decision not to be made lightly, as there is much at stake – both the physical and emotional well-being of the parent in question and the extended family at large. To help ease the process of determining if an elderly parent should no longer live on his/her own, here are 10 signs your parent may need help from aging and elder care authority and legislation advocate, Carolyn A. Brent.

Mom or Dad has always been a great housekeeper, but the house just doesn’t look like it used to.You may remember a parent who was constantly on you about tidying your room or putting things away after you were done with them. The house was always spotless, and everything was organized, clean and in its place. However, upon visiting with Mom or Dad today, the home is decidedly cluttered and not nearly as clean as normal. Your parent may actually have an active social life and is more concerned with staying busy than tidying up. But it could be a more ominous sign that your parent is having a difficult time keeping up with all the chores. Ask your parent if help is needed with the clutter, but do it in a nonchalant way that could prompt a conversation indicating assistance is needed here. Try to discern if the clutter and filth is getting worse with each visit – it’s often a key sign.

The bills and other mail are piling up.While we all get busy – even those who are retired – basic tasks that were often dealt with quickly and easily when younger but are now falling by the wayside is a sign that your older parent could be getting overwhelmed and is not able to manage his/her daily affairs. This may also indicate some signs of forgetfulness and memory issues.

Can your parents live alone?

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The checking account balance is wrong and bills are going unpaid.If the mail, with bills included, is piling up, there is a good chance that the bills are not getting paid. You may also discover that your parent’s checking account ledger balance is wrong or in arrears. These are also signs that your parent is having memory issues or difficulty with simple math cognition. It can also indicate a general apathy – a mindset that can be equally problematic.

Your parent is losing a lot of weight.A parent who may have lost his/her partner or who is generally depressed often loses interest in eating due to a reduced appetite. A parent may feel that it is not worth the hassle of shopping for and preparing meals for one. Accordingly, pay close attention to your parent’s weight. Also, check the refrigerator and pantry to see if there is an appropriate supply of food that is fresh and edible. If the cupboard is bare and your parent’s frame is shrinking, living alone might be problematic. At the very least, you may want to think about bringing groceries by or looking into a service that offers prepared meal delivery.

Your parent has forgotten the basics of hygiene.If you notice that your parent is wearing the same clothing day in and day out or that his/her hair or skin appears dirty on a fairly regular basis, your parent may have lost the motivation, ability and/or forethought to look after himself/herself.

Your parent wears inappropriate clothing.While you may not share your mother or father’s sense of style, there is cause for concern if your parent dons summer clothing in the dead of winter or leaves the house in a nightgown and slippers for a trip to the store. This often happens when the elderly are suffering from confusion and lose the ability to have discretion in social situations.

There are signs of forgetfulness in the home.Confusion can also show up in the kitchen and can prove to be deadly if not dealt with quickly. All too often, there are stories of older people who accidentally burned their houses down because they left a pot on the stove for hours and fell asleep or have flooded the home when they forgot to turn off the tap. Or, perhaps more subtly, the milk is in the pantry and the bread is in the refrigerator. These are all telltale signs that it may not be wise for your parent to be left home alone for extended periods of time.Your parent regularly misses appointments and other important items.Forgetfulness, absentmindedness and memory issues may also show up when it comes to keeping appointments, recognizing key dates, or, even more importantly, maintaining medication dosages on schedule. This is a clear sign that a parent needs to live with someone who can help him/her stick to a schedule and stay on task.

Your parent is just acting plain weird.This is always the sign that families dread the most. But, unfortunately, between aging, mental degradation and the side effects of medication, you may note that your parent has lost his/her personality and behavior has taken an odd turn for the worse. If you see signs of paranoia, fear, strange phone calls and conversations, they should not be overlooked.

Your parent exhibits signs of depression.There are a number of classic signs that can be connected with someone suffering depression. A loss of interest in caring for one’s self, as well as a lack of participation in socialization and in once-loved hobbies, can mean that your parent needs treatment or should reside in an environment where he/she can be around other people. Sometimes, depression comes from a sense of loneliness or the realization that he/she can no longer do things independently. Putting your parent somewhere that offers assistance, socialization and activities can help cure the loneliness and put him/her back on track to a more fulfilling, active and engaged life.

Carolyn A. Brent, MBA, is an aging and elder care authority, legislation advocate and award-winning author of Why Wait? The Baby Boomers’ Guide

to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parents’ Death, which helps caregivers discern, discuss and deal with crucial end-of-life issues

within their families. For more information, visit CareGiverStory.com.

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d I n I n g & e n T e r Ta I n I n g

By Melinda Myers

Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals. From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors.

Microgreens are a quick and easy way to add some flavor and crunch to your plate. Just plant seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens in a shallow container filled with a sterile potting or seed-starting mix. Within two weeks, you will be harvesting nutritious mini-vegetable and herb leaves for salads, sandwiches or snacking.

Take it one step further and grow a few of your favorite herbs on a warm sunny windowsill. Select a container with drainage holes and set it on a saucer to protect your woodwork. Fill the container with well-drained potting mix and plant seeds or transplants. Purchase basil, chives, parsley, oregano and rosemary plants from your local garden center or the produce department.

Greens, like lettuce and spinach, will also grow in a sunny window or – better yet – under artificial lights. Grow them in a container filled with a well-drained potting mix similar to your windowsill herb garden. Plant seeds according to the seed packet. Continually harvest the outer leaves when they are 4 to 6 inches tall.

Those that like a bit of a challenge may want to try growing a compact tomato, pepper or eggplant. You’ll get the best production with a combination of natural and artificial light or full-spectrum lights.

Natural sunlight and full-spectrum lights contain the variety of light plants need to grow, flower and fruit. Blue light promotes leaf and stem growth, while red light combined

with blue light promotes flowering. Consider investing in energy-efficient and long-lasting high-intensity grow lights for the greatest yields when growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and other fruiting plants indoors.

Leave lights on for 14, but no more than 16, hours each day. Plants need a dark period, as well as bright light, each day to grow and thrive. Use a timer to ensure the plants receive the right duration of light.

Most flowering and fruiting plants need a high intensity of light, so keep the lights 6 to 12 inches above your plants. Use reflective surfaces under and around the plants to bounce light back into larger plants.

Increase your indoor growing space by going vertical. Shelf units with built-in light fixtures like the Stack-n-Grow Light System provide multiple layers of growing space. And once your tomatoes, peppers and eggplants start flowering, you will need to shake things up a bit. Gently shake the plants several times a week – or even daily – to move the pollen from the female to the male parts of the flower so fruit will develop. A gentle breeze from a fan or vibrations from a battery-operated toothbrush work well.

Indoor gardening won’t yield the same results as a sunny outdoor garden, but the flavor can’t be beat when gardening outdoors is not an option.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit melindamyers.com.

indoor gardens bring healthy, homegrown options to the table

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d I n I n g & e n T e r Ta I n I n g – d I n I n g r e v I e w

By Bernie Whitmore

When the iconic Wonder Bar’s neon sign went dark, it seemed to signal a turning point in the history of Shrewsbury Street dining. For this was one of the originals. Long before the street underwent its renaissance and became a dining district, there was but a small handful of places to go for a slice of pizza.

Almost as soon as that neon sputtered out, rumors began to light up. Oh yeah, the WB’s been bought! The format will change! No, they can’t do that; it’s a landmark. And then, early last summer at the Taste of Shrewsbury Street, The Wonder Bar’s doors opened and pizza was served, amid much commotion. The place was so packed with people that I could barely nudge my way in and felt lucky just to snag a slice of basic cheese pizza.

But that single slice tasted worthy of The Wonder Bar name.

Fast forward a few months, and The Wonder Bar has re-established its venerable reputation on the street. End of story? Hardly! For if you haven’t ventured back, you’re in for a surprise. The WB we grew fond of was hardly the attractive room it started out as back in the ’20s. Somewhere in the ’60s, it fell victim to the fervor for ”modernization.” In this case, ceilings were dropped, walls paneled and lighting fluoresced.

The new owners peeled back all that worn-out veneer and revealed an original, stamped tin ceiling that actually extends halfway down the walls. I’ve never seen this before; it must have been a significant upgrade nearly a century ago. It’s been painted pale lemon, the lighting has been modernized, and the bar restored along the wall. All this sends a message: “Welcome home.”

I realize there are purists who treasure memories of the run-down look of the place before its re-boot. My advice: Give it time; this layer of paint, too, shall fade.

All of this effusing would, of course, be just empty words if the pizza didn’t pass muster. That was the real objective of this visit: to grab a brew and split a pizza. Before that, though, we ordered the Fried Calamari. Classically prepared, the heaping

wonder bar is serving up slices of history

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dish of quarter-sized rings and squiggly tentacles came with a cup of mild marinara for dipping. Expertly fried to a light, golden brown, we gave them a few additional shakes of salt. It was an encouraging start to our meal.

The pizza menu looks much as I remember it, still containing one of my favorites, White Clam and Garlic. This evening, we went with a selection that should test most of the kitchen’s basic skills, a combination of sausage, mushroom and pepper.

First observation: the cheese. The chef used a lot of it. Real, honest mozzarella, not that strange cream cheese-ish stuff that some places spread on their pizza dough. WB used so much mozzarella that when I grabbed my first slice, big stretchy strands draped from the pie across the table to my plate. This brought back happy mozzarella memories from childhood, and I twirled up all the excess on my fork. Be ready to wipe it off your chin!

Then, the other toppings. Strips of fresh green peppers were soft and sweet and plentiful. Sliced brown mushrooms retained their mild flavor and a bit of firmness. But the meat really caught our attention. Each slice had several chunks of sausage that was lean and crumbly with flecks of tasty fennel. This was a combo whose ingredients were fresh, real and applied in generous measure.

Now, we get to the all-important crust. For me, dough is the heart of the pizza experience, where many fail and few prevail. Everyone has a favorite form of pizza, and I consider myself versatile – thin crust, deep-dish and variations between; each are OK, as long as my pizza crust provides some chewy resistance with a crusty edge, bready flavor enhanced by a deep-baked brown crust and, ideally, a dappling of near-burnt points where it was exposed to the hot stone surface in the pizza oven.

Happily, this pizza passed each one of these tests. Even though I’d just returned from pizza nirvana in Naples, Italy, I greedily enjoyed my half of our combination. The WB serves up a fairly thin crust – not cracker-thin – and pliable enough that you can fold your slice and enjoy it without using a fork. Baked deep brown on the bottom, I reckon The Wonder Bar has accomplished the classic pizza experience.

Our only advice: Dial back just a wee bit on the cheese!

The wonder bar restaurant121 Shrewsbury Street, worcester

508-752-9909

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S T y l e & b e a u T y

Dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology want to set one thing straight: You don’t need expensive skin care products to have glowing, healthy skin. In fact, they say, wearing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors is one of the most effective ways to maintain healthy skin.

“Every good skin care routine should follow three simple steps: cleanse, treat and prevent,” said Amy J. Derick, M.D., FAAD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Northwestern University. “Sunscreen prevents wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer, making it the most effective skin care product you can buy.”

Beyond sunscreen, Derick said, it’s important to identify your skin type before starting any skin care routine:

• Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use.

• normal skin is clear and not sensitive.• Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough.• oily skin is shiny and greasy.• combination skin is dry in some areas and

oily in others. “Expensive skin care products are not necessarily better,” said Derick. “Instead, it’s more important to buy skin care products that are formulated for your skin type. If your skin tends to be oily, select a product made for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for the words ‘fragrance-free’ on labels.”

For additional ways to save, Derick recommended the following tips:

To select the most effective products, pay attention to product ingredients. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, cleansers that contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help clear some people’s skin. If you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, look for products containing retinol.

consider using dual-function products. Try a moisturizer with sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher.

cleanse your skin. Always cleanse before applying skin care products and before going to bed. Cleansing removes dirt, oil and debris and helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts.

Get the most from your moisturizer. Apply it to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in moisture. For your face, look for moisturizers that say “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic,” as these won’t clog your pores.

Limit the number of skin care products that you use. Using too many products on your skin, especially more than one anti-aging product, tends to irritate the skin and make signs of aging more noticeable.

Apply sunscreen before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every few hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

consider using petroleum jelly. This inexpensive product can have several uses, including moisturizing dry skin and nails and treating minor injuries. However, avoid using petroleum jelly on the face, as this may cause acne in some people.

“With so many products on the market today, the skin care aisle can be an overwhelming – and expensive – place,” said Derick. “If you have questions about how to take care of your skin, or if you aren’t sure what type of skin you have, ask a board-certified dermatologist.”

These tips are demonstrated in “Skin Care on a Budget,” a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy’s YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers videos demonstrating tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the Academy’s website and YouTube channel each month. For more information on the American Academy of Dermatology, headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., visit aad.org.

Save onYoUr

Skin care

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