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Volume 17, No. 3 The Person-to-Person Issue, Fall 2010

The Blueberry Muffin Battle

by the Milan family and Jessie Brown

What makes a winning muffin? Five judges convened to put local pastries through their paces. The demanding panel featured Charlotte and James Milan of Bellevue Road; the gallant Jason, 17; the winsome Marina, 15; and Eveline, a charming French guest from Germany with a pan-European palate. A grueling competition ensued for the most up-standing muffin in the neighborhood. Four entries—from Johnnie’s, Jam ’n’ Java, the Diner (Bagels by Us) and Stop & Shop—were paraded whole, then cut open and laid out for blind tests. Still, our judges had their hunches; some muffins looked “more mass-produced” than others. “This is stupid. We should do it by taste alone,” argued one ethicist. At first glance judges balked at the yellow exterior of the Diner’s muffin (Bagels by Us). Sliced open, it looked ashen, although the texture proved moist. “Plus it was gigantic!” The flavor impressed adults more than youth, rocketing this pastry into second place. With its very fine white crumb, the muffin from Johnnie’s looked the densest. “Too dry,” and “defi-nitely the sweetest” was Charlotte’s assessment. Alas, there was wide agreement that “the berries did not have much taste.” Nevertheless, it was “not that bad at the low price,” one young judge allowed.

The Stop & Shop muffin “sticks to the roof of your mouth!” objected Marina. Others found it curiously spongy. Although this muffin had the fewest berries, “the perfume permeated and overrode every other

taste,” Jason complained. “It tasted like a blueberry-flavored sponge.” Stop & Shop definitely lost. The Jam ’n’ Java muffin emerged as much lighter. Although initially the buttery smell put James off, the texture revealed “distinctive shots” of blue-berry flavor, “so you could really taste the muffin.” This unanimous favorite won national and international support. “It had a crispy top,” enthused one expert, “a nice archi-tectural addition, which frankly muffins should have.”

Body and Soul

Marci Goldberg interviewed Cathy Zolner, a Holistic Health Coach in Arlington, who also volunteers with a number of local organizations. Below are some highlights.

Marci: Not everyone’s met you, but you’ve left tracks all over Arlington with your work. Can you tell us some places we might have come across you?

Cathy: Well, besides my individual clients, I work with lots of groups. There’s the Robbins Library (did you see my sugar display this summer? the average American consumes ¾ of a cup of sugar daily!) and the Young Adult Vo-cational Program at 75 Pleasant Street. I’ll be at the Germaine Lawrence School cooking with the girls this fall. I’m also hoping to adopt one of the local public schools. Two of my short-term goals are to make sure Arlington Schools have salad bars, and to get the chocolate and strawberry milk OUT of every school.

Marci: You reach a lot of kids and young adults!

Cathy: Yes, but I’m passionate about education. As young people grow up, they’ll pass their knowledge on to their kids. I read recently that some children of this generation may have shorter life spans than their parents! And did you know there are young kids that have the beginning stages of hardening of the arteries? It’s horrifying. I want kids to be healthy, and to realize

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Take our survey and win a restaurant certificate! See p. 8.

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that what they put into their bodies—food, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs—really matters. Healthy kids have healthy brains! Marci: So how do you work with clients? Cathy: A big part of holistic health involves nu-tritional counseling. But besides what we eat for nutrition—“secondary foods”—I also look at every-thing else that feeds us, the “primary foods.” Primary foods include careers, relationships, exercise, spiri-tuality... I want to help people with overall wellness, to support and educate my clients. I can’t physically make changes for folks I work with, but I listen and give them the tools and support they need to make life- long changes. Marci: People must be afraid to invite you over for a meal! How does that feel? Cathy: That’s the difficult piece! People may think I judge them, but I don’t. When I go to a party, I want to enjoy myself just like everyone else. Believe it or not, I eat things that aren’t healthy for me; I even indulge in an occasional cocktail! I practice what I tell my clients about the 90/10 rule—90% of the time, try to eat healthy. The other 10%, give yourself permis-sion to eat what you want, and do it with gusto! Marci: As a professional, a wife and mother, it’s amazing you have time for so much volunteering! Cathy: One of the things I learned from my mother is when you help others, you get so much in return. You’re a part of your community and that connection feels good. Marci: Any parting words you’d like to share? Cathy: Absolutely. Make sure you’re always having fun, and when you eat, chew your food!

Visit Cathy’s website at www.mynourishtoflourish.com

Cathy’s Top Tips

• If you don’t recognize it or can’t pronounce it, you probably shouldn’t be eating it.

• Eat local, eat seasonally, eat organic if you can,

and eat the colors of the rainbow. • Avoid sugar, high fructose corn syrup, MSG,

food coloring and genetically modified foods. • Take care of yourself first. If you have your

health, you have everything, but if you get sick it’s too late.

• Take a minute and do something for someone

else. It doesn’t have to be a big chunk of time. But I can tell you, when you put your head on the pillow at night, you will be very happy.

• Be grateful.

Crossword: Local Character

Across Down

1. Midnight galloper 1. Part of a corolla (bot.) 9. Bk. producers 2. Worship 10. Parisian friend 3. Dollar sign origin 11. Uncertain answer... 4. Local rickey variety 12. In the direction of 5. Send through ether 13. Local Uncle 6. Vigor’s mate 14. Karate garb 7. What you sweep under 15. Circle segment 8. All our ancestors, once 17. Greek letter 16. Mother Batherick, to the 18. Autumn polluter Brits 22. Fate of blackbirds? 19. Part of what Jack’s giant 23. I ____ bear of very said little brain 20. Lawns hog it 24. Partisan suffix 21. Correct 26. State of state of 24. Local pond crop Denmark 25. Mystic destination 28. Company pres. 27. Intro to –dent, -pod, 29. Alternative to buy and –athlon 30. Yard sale pests __________________________________________

The Roving Reporter

Karen Dillon, of ArtisTRY Studio on Brantwood Road, asked her students and neighbors the following question: “If you were Mother Nature how would you change or decorate the trees to show it's the fall season?"

The trees would dance. — Caleb, age 10, Gray Street If I were Mother Nature, the fall leaves would turn into maple sugar leaf candies! — Ella, age 8, Jason Street Mother Nature is already doing a fabulous job. You can’t improve on perfection! Maybe have the trunks and branches grow some fur to keep warm? —Amy, ageless, Arlington The trees would grow real money… Yeah, that would be cool. — Lorenzo, age 13, Arlington The trees would drop paint balls on people so they would be as colorful as the fall leaves! — Michael, age 12, Brantwood Road If I were Mother Nature, instead of fall foliage, I’d decorate the leaves with candy for Halloween. And every fall day we could trick or treat! — Anonymous I would decorate the trees with jubilant spots and stiff lines. I would also make the trees adorned with colorful bark. Lastly, I would give the trees the power to speak for one day, the first day of fall, singing fall songs throughout our neighborhood. — Aidan, age 12, Jason Street

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2322

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141312

11109

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Crossword solution on p. 7

Q & A at the Friends of the Drama

by Judy Weinberg, Venner Road I’m the Production Manager for A Class Act, the first show of the Arlington Friends of the Drama season.

Q: What’s the show about? A: This musical recounts the brief life of Ed Kleban, the neurotic, brilliant lyricist for A Chorus Line.

Q: What’s the process for mounting a show? A: First, a play-reading committee presents a slate for the season, for the Board of Directors’ approval. Then the Program Director hires the director and recruits the Production Manager.

Q: As Production Manager, what’s your job? A: Dozens of volunteers are needed to mount a show—designers for sets, sound, lighting, costumes, props, hair, etc.—and the director and I recruit these people. I also coordinate auditions, budget, rehearsals, publicity, snacks for the green room (yes, it’s really green), and myriad other tasks.

Q: How did the auditions work? A: We had two audition dates, with a third for callbacks. The actors sang with a piano accompanist, read from the script, and performed a short dance routine. They came from all over—Groton, Natick, Andover. A casting committee assisted the director in making decisions.

Q: And after casting? A: The rehearsal schedule starts, different scenes, four times a week. First, the director works with the actors on “blocking”—where they’ll sit, stand, walk, etc. Props and costumes come later.

Q: What about dress rehearsals? A: The week before opening night, rehearsals include costumes, props, lighting and sound. There’s a

“Senior Dress” the Wednesday before opening, when guests of the Senior Center are invited. This allows the actors to perform in front of an audience, and the seniors enjoy free entertainment.

Q: What happens on performance nights? A: The actors and crew arrive at least an hour before curtain. The cast gets dressed and made up; props and stage crew prepare the stage; lighting and sound crew test their equipment and get situated in their booths.

Q: What happens after the last performance? A: The cast party, of course. After the Sunday show, cast and crew relax over food and drink at someone’s home. Monday night is “strike,” when everyone involved with the show comes to help disassemble the set.

Q: Would you like to put in a shameless plug? A: Absolutely! A Class Act runs weekends from 10/22-10/31, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 4pm. Tickets are $25. AFD is at 22 Academy Street. Visit www.afdtheatre.org, or contact me (781) 646-0643, judyweinberg@remax.net.

In Case Fido Can’t Read...

by Judy Weinberg, Venner Road

Look for the new signs at town parks! The off-leash dog law that was passed last May finally took effect this month. Dog owners can now let their pets off-leash for certain hours in most Arlington parks, including Menotomy Rocks. From 6-9am, dogs can run free in the Park fields (not woods). To qualify, canines must be four months or older, licensed, vaccinated, and not in heat. Still, “Excessive barking is not allowed. Please play quietly.” Furry friends must stay away from wetlands, wildlife, or neighbors’ yards, and at least 15 feet from the playground. Full guidelines for those who can read at http://www.arlingtonma.gov/Public_Documents/ ArlingtonMA_Recreation/Dogs/off-leash_Dog.pdf

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A “Local” Hero

Bob McKersie interviewed Dana Simon of Brantwood Road, on the rounds with his dog at Menotomy Rocks Park.

Bob: So you’re a union organizer for hotel and restaurant workers. It must get discouraging some-times. Don’t people hang up the phone, or shut the door in your face? Dana: No, on the contrary—most want to sit down and talk about what their work life is like, and how they’d like to see it change. The movies and TV portray union organizers as selling something, which isn’t accurate. What you’re really doing is getting people to think for themselves: is it worthwhile to get myself and my co-workers together? If it’s worthwhile, how do we do it?

Bob: Your name’s been in the news, but how would neighbors know you? Dana: Well, there’s our dog, Pokey. And we’ve got Jack who is nine, and Julia who is six; they’re starting fourth and first grade, both at Bishop. And my wife, Lisa Paine Simon. She’s an avid sports fan, Bishop Advisory Council representative, and works part time for New England Health Initiative.

Bob: Both you and Lisa grew up in Belmont, but you lived in California for many years. What made you come back east? Dana: We wanted to raise the kids in the home-land. And the school system and support for kids are much better here than in California, which is an economic basket case right now. California is about 48th in per-pupil spending. We chose Arlington because of the people and because of the schools.

Bob: What were you doing in California? Dana: I went to work for the healthcare workers union there in 1996. We made great gains. It grew to about 160,000 members, one of the two largest healthcare unions in the country.

Bob: Recently you got involved representing the Hyatt 100. Can you set the scene for us? Dana: It was just a week before Labor Day last year. There are three Hyatts in the area—one in Cambridge on Memorial Drive, one at Downtown

Crossing, and one at Logan—with a total of 100 housekeepers. Many had worked at Hyatt for more than 20 years. At each hotel, at the same time, they called the workers into a room at the end of their shift and told them: “This is your last day of employment. Outside this room are your checks. You’re being given plastic trash bags; go and clean out your lockers. You might want to cry, but don’t do it here.” But the Hyatt workers are absolutely amazing. I’ve never seen a group who have stuck together like this. They got together on their own and started to reach out to community organizations. That’s where my union, Unite Here Local 26, came in. These workers weren’t unionized. This couldn’t have happened if they were unionized. But they came to us asking for help. So we went to our members, and said repre-senting them would take a lot of time and resources, but it was the right thing to do.

Bob: What’s happened to the workers? Dana: I’d say fewer than 50% have found work in this economy. But those who have jobs in other places are totally supportive of their co-workers who are still looking. There are weekly protest actions at the Hyatts in the Boston area, and all those workers, a year later, are still engaged.

Bob: Any final thoughts? Dana: We teach our kids that you should treat people the way you want to be treated. Nobody is better than you, and you’re not better than anybody else. That, to me, is what union organizing is about. When there are people who haven’t learned that lesson in kindergarten, we have to get together to teach that: everybody deserves to be treated with respect.

On Top of the World

Our reporter, Marianne Curren, interviewed her eight-year-old neighbor Elizabeth (now nine) of Hillsdale Road.

MC: So what would you say a neighborhood is? Elizabeth: It’s a street filled with houses and people who live there and they’re usually very nice.

MC: Where’s your neighborhood? Elizabeth: My neighborhood is close to Belmont and right near the bridge that enters Belmont.

MC: What do you like about your neighborhood? Elizabeth: I like the nice people and that it’s downhill (for biking) and I can walk to friends easily and I have a friend down the street. It’s very green and that’s good and it has lots of friendly people.

MC: If you could change one thing about your neighborhood, what would that be? Elizabeth: I don’t think I could. It’s perfect.

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Ask Gladys... Dear Gladys, This is so embarrassing. The folks next door told us we could borrow their weed whacker any time, so we did (they're away a lot). But now I've noticed a nick in one of the blades, and the motor runs funny. I think I might have messed it up, but I don't know. They hardly ever use it because they hire a lawn service most of the time anyway. What should I do?

Wondering

Dear Wondering, What you’re really asking is “Can I get away with not telling my neighbor that I probably broke their weed whacker?” Um – no! The deal we make when borrowing an item is that we save the expense of buying it but not the cost of using it. You break it, you fix it. Whether your neighbors ever use their weed whacker or not is irrelevant. It might be a precious memento of their lawn-care past for all you know. Fess up, pay up and I promise, you’ll sleep better.

Your conscience, Gladys Dear Gladys, What do you do with mulberries? They're all over the driveway, the walk, and the front yard! Cup Running Over

Dear Overrun, Every had mulberry pie? Muffins? Jam? Welcome to the neighborhood! Short of axing your tree, I’d reap the harvest and enjoy. You can substitute mulberries for any favorite fruit (pick them purple, not black, for more tang) or google mulberry recipes online. Or get popular: put out a sign inviting neigh-bors to help themselves!

Your baking maven, Gladys Dear Gladys, Our next door neighbor's older, so sometimes we rake her yard, or shovel her walk in winter. The problem is, she keeps leaving us thank-you gifts of liquor, and we don't drink. We've got more kinds of scotch now than a bar. Please help!

Not Making This Up Dear Not, Where can I send you my address? No, seriously, graciously accept the gift. You can’t really tell someone how to thank you for a kindness. And it’s very nice that

she does. Plus it takes the edge off of feeling helpless and needy for her. I’m sure you have friends who would gladly take some off your hands.

Your “friend,” Gladys Dear Gladys, Our children planted a little pine sapling in the front yard, but some dog's pee is killing the tree. They're heartbroken. We can never catch him in the act, but all the needles are turning, and the grass is going yellow. Any ideas?

Anonymous Dear Anon, Yuck. Why people don’t curb their dogs is beyond me. I won’t let my dog “explore” other people’s lawns because I know what his visits have done to mine! Poor tree. And once one dog visits, it becomes a pit-stop for others. Short of hiring a personal tree guard you could spray vinegar, Listerine, ammonia or any other noxious stuff around the tree. Or scatter cayenne or red pepper on the grass (works against ants). Or set a cheap wire fence around the tree. My darker side might suggest a couple of strategically placed mouse traps…

Your toxic consultant, Gladys

Dear Gladys, I think the kid across the street has her first boy-

friend. He brings her home at midnight most nights in his truck, which he parks under our

bedroom window with the motor running for who knows how long, while they do who

knows what. It wakes me up like clockwork. Do you have suggestions, besides calling the police?

Sleepless Dear Sleepless, This is a tricky one. The most direct, simple and, frankly, least appealing option is to interrupt them and ask them to turn the engine off. If you know the parents you could ask their help. Otherwise, a “No Idling While Making Out” sign might give the hint. If all else fails, shine a big flashlight into the cab from your bedroom window. Calling the police is totally an option, but should probably be your last one.

Your way-beyond-her-teen-years neighbor, Gladys

Gladys is the nom de plume of a modest neighbor with shortish hair, blue eyes and two children, ages 7 and 11, whom she tries not to embarrass. Please address correspondence to “Ask Gladys” at nbrnews@gmail.com

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Chocolate and Compassion

by Kiera Van Gelder, Bartlett Ave. author of The Buddha & the Borderline

If you’ve walked down Bartlett, you’ve probably noticed the prayer flags and bird feeders at number 15. You may have met a maroon-robed Lama strolling at Menotomy Rocks, or a drove of women walking a frisky Shiba Inu. You’ve come across the Drikung Meditation Center—a unique community where ordained Tibetan Buddhist teachers and lay people live and practice together, and offer a resource for others.

You might wonder, who are these people? Are we ascetics with robes and shaved heads? Do we sit around and chant all day? Do we deny ourselves chocolate? Actually, those of us at the Drikung center live like everyone else, working within the tensions of the modern world. Our residents include an operating room nurse, an MIT graduate student, an economist, a web designer and an author. Some of us eat meat; some of us don’t. Some are students of the Drikung lineage; some draw from other teachers and communities.

Entering the DMC can seem like entering another realm, and in some sense, it is. Inside, the Jowo Rinpoche statue dominates a shrine room filled with flowers, paintings, and more Buddhas than you can shake a stick at. It can be confusing if you were expecting a simple room to just sit and breathe.

People often mistake the holy objects of Tibetan Buddhism for representations of gods, but really they illuminate the true nature of our own mind, infinitely wise and compassionate. Our symbolic tradition prac-

Newsletter to Keep Printing—For Now!

Readers came through resoundingly for our June appeal. At press time, we had received $2310 from 60 different households; we also acknowledge a very generous underwriting contribution from our neighbor Judy Weinberg of Re/Max Leading Edge. Thanks, Judy. Everyone’s support will keep us going through next summer. We are grateful.

Of course, our outreach runs on more than dollars. Would you like to send in a photo, a notice, a restaurant review? Help with kids’ submissions? Or just deliver some issues to your neighbors' doors? Any help is greatly appreciated. Please contact nbrnews@gmail.com.

tices visualizing enlightened energies as forms. For example the image of Tara, a female “deity,” re-presents freedom from fear, and compassionate action. We also use mantras and sitting mindfulness meditations.

These techniques have been developed over hundreds of years, and handed down teacher-to-student—with the goal of helping us liberate ourselves and others from suffering. In many ways we’re just a group of people simply practicing Buddhism. Yet we’re also preserving a special and tragically disappearing form of spirituality, rarely accessible to those outside monasteries and eastern countries.

The Drikung Center was created as a branch of Tibet’s Katsel monastery, where our spiritual director Lama Sonam received his training. He envisioned a refuge where all could benefit from Buddhism, regardless of personal belief. It led him to develop a community where traditional practices and busy western life enrich each other. Those of us who practice here benefit on many levels—not least the opportunity for direct instruction with Lama Sonam, a local treasure who can be called on for guidance, information and blessings.

We encourage neighbors to enjoy the center in whatever way feels right. Come to a Saturday afternoon open house, and just sit by the Jowo statue. Explore evening or weekend meditation practices. Visit a Beginner’s Night session some Tuesday. Rest, meditate, relax, learn. We want to provide a per-manent resource where retreats, a hospice, and study and meditation opportunities can nourish all who visit. Come sample the center’s many offerings. There will probably be chocolate close at hand!

You can reach the center online at DrikungBoston.org or call (339) 368-5740.

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The Message Board... _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Pub Crawl

Looking to introduce a great British tradition here in Arlington involving good beer and good conversation. Anyone interested in a monthly men's group dedicated to finding and visiting unique and different pubs in Arlington and beyond? Reply to Steve Gorski at steve.gorski@verizon.net. or (617) 817-7760. Cheers! Seeking Swing Set

Dear Neighbors, We’re seeking a used swing set for our three kids. Happy to pay a fair price and relocate yours a short distance to our backyard on Hillsdale Rd. Email Amy Moyer at amy@antmuffin.com. If You Love Spooky Walk

please tell the folks who helped it happen, including Johnnie’s Food-master, Dunkin’ Doughnuts, and Wilson Farms. Three cheers for local support! Donate Your Blender

and contribute to arts education! Junk blenders wanted—not for food, but for papermaking. Will not be returned in usable condition! Call Joel Rubin at (781) 643-2740. Some Day Your Prints Will Come

and make you famous! Send us photos of your favorite neighbors, (including new neighbors, young, old, or four-footed)), or contribute your cartoons, doodles, or drawings, and we will turn them into B&W graphics. Write nbrnews@gmail.com.

We Prefer Rakes

Tired of the soundtrack of gas-powered leaf blowers in the 'hood? Let me know. I’m working to restrict or eliminate their use in town. E-mail band_carol@hotmail.com or visit the Facebook page "We Prefer Rakes." Eat, Drink, Laugh

Love good food? Let's start a supper club! Share meals monthly on whatever theme we choose—Provence, seafood, the Deep South... Every dish tastes better with good company. We can take turns hosting, or team with friends. Reply to Marci at goldberggorski@verizon.net or call (781) 643-4593. Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Our wildflower garden is struggling at Menotomy Rocks! The blooms by the wrought iron fence near the Jason Street gate need some TLC. We'd welcome helpers to take a turn weeding, even occasionally. Write maryanna@foskettco.com or contact the Friends of the Park (at friendsofmenotomy.org) so we can coordinate! Run with the Cubs and Wolves

Games nights, rafting, rock-climbing... Cub Scout Pack 306 meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm at the First Baptist Church. All boys K-5 are welcome to join any time of the year. Wolf Den (2nd grade boys) meets every 1st Tuesday at 6:30pm. Contact Joe Burns at wade_in@verizon.net or (781) 316-0218. Testers Wanted!

We're developing The Values Tree, at www.thevaluestree.com, an online tool for discovering the values that drive you. Help us test it out and learn what the Myers-Briggs doesn't tell you. Write Cliff at cliff@thevaluestree.com if you're interested in accessing the program and giving us feedback!

Word Lovers Unite

Dear Neighbors, Is there interest in forming another neighborhood Scrabble Club and/or Book Club? If so, email Marianne at mgcxx@verizon.net Just Reaching Out...

Hello! I’m a newcomer to the neighborhood, splitting time between Groton where I teach and paint, and Arlington where I garden and relax. I’d love opportunities to connect with people, es-pecially those interested in the arts. I LOVE Arlington!!! Please write me, Beth, at bvangelder@groton.edu. What's in Your Bird?

Are you willing to share your clan's favorite Thanksgiving stuffing or other holiday recipe? Maybe we can print a neighborhood collection. Send ideas to band_carol@hotmail.com. Have Wheels? Help Out!

The Council on Aging needs volunteer Medical Escorts to drive seniors to area medical appointments. Call (781) 316-3400 for more information. Doggie Delights

After 22 years of walking my own dogs, I've finally figured out I like it! So I'm offering my services to my neighbors. One dog or two, 30-45 minutes, as often as you'd like. Rates from $12-$20. For the ambitious pooch, we'll head up to the hills of the Heights; for the more sedate, we'll stay close to home. Contact Ellen at eltreed@earthlink.net or (617) 838-4272. Poochas gracias! Make Friends & Influence People

Meet the neighbors behind Open Studios, Shakespeare in the Park, Kids Classes. The Arlington Center for the Arts is looking for a few good men or women to serve on their Board of Directors, or help with programs. If you’re passionate about the arts, want to strengthen our community, or just have fun, please call Carol Band at (781) 648-7407.

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Life Cycle of a Painted Lady Eat, eat, eat, grow, grow— Growing longer and fatter Sixteen times its size Hanging upside down Twirling, stretching, pushing, skin Slowly coming off Working, working, done! Underneath a chrysalis Hardens in a day Like a tiny leaf Hanging, gray, curled up tightly Rustles easily Butterfly pushes out Wings like an accordion Pumps blood to get flat Orange, gray and black Wings of overlapping scales Finished flies away

Julia Lee-Papastavros, age 9 Norfolk Road

The Color Red Red shoes, red tattoos Flowers on the window sill Fire truck in a fire drill Red on country flags Basketballs in big red bags Red hair in two pigtails Red paint over nails A baby in a red stroller Red is the color of anger The color of heat The color that makes A rainbow complete.

Catie Blair, age 10 Academy Street

No Place Like Home

Some of us felt sad to see the “For Sale” signs go up on the Pachecos’ house at 81 Jason this summer—until we learned they were just moving across the street, to number 78. However, Lindsay and Rich also took time off from packing to have their second child, Anthony William Pa-checo, born July 26th. Congratulations to his parents and his big sister, Dana.

Meanwhile, please also wel-come our brand-new neigh-bors at number 81: Vince Kourdov, Sue Boland-Kour-dov, and Abby, who just celebrated her first birthday!

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SURVEY: Tell Us Your Opinion, and win a gift certificate to Not Your Average Joe’s

We need your opinions! Tell us, and you could win a $25 gift certificate to Not Your Average Joe’s. We'll draw a grand prize winner from all entries received by December 1st.. Just fill out your survey (mail or drop it in the News-

letter box in front of 192 Jason), or use SurveyMonkey online. Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/5HXS556 and enter password “nbrnews”; make sure to sign out when you’re done. You can also email us at nbrnews@gmail.com.

1) What do you like about the newsletter? 2) What do you dislike, or want to see otherwise? 3) Do you prefer to get the newsletter electronically, or on paper, delivered? 4) If you had a few minutes to contribute to the newsletter each season, how would you spend them?

delivering copies collecting kids’ work interviewing photos, art, design editing or writing layout or tech support writing a check other 5) Your name and address or e-mail