Lifestyle -- SalemNews.com, Salem, MA

Rescue remembered

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Len Whitmore was already exhausted when he reported for duty in the radio room of the Coast Guard ice breaker Eastwind at 8 a.m. on Feb. 18, 1952.
The Eastwind had been at sea off Cape Cod for three days in stormy weather, searching for a missing fishing boat.

Green weddings part two: Electronic invites, local flowers and more

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:43:00 EST

Most couples interested in greening their wedding have the easiest time exploring invitations, flowers/d�©cor and favors. The following Green Quick Fixes are tried-and-true from local brides and readers across the country.

North Shore People

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST

BEVERLY
Grace Bonaiuto, daughter of Joseph and Elaine Bonaiuto, is the captain of the Austin Preparatory School cross country team.
PEABODY
Taylor McMahon placed third at the JUMP National Dance Competition held in New York City this past summer. Minh Do was recently named to the honor roll for the first school quarter at the Williston Northampton School.

Good Causes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:41:00 EST

FIFTY AND UP. Birthday party for anyone turning 50 in 2009 and anyone (over 21) who wants to help them celebrate, at the Vittori Rocci Post, 143 Brimbal Ave., in Beverly, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dancing to DJs Ray Novack and Paul Pesce. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Lynch Park Carriage House Renovation Project. Checks can be made out to "Friends of Beverly Recreation" and mailed or dropped off to Anne Barbin, 7 Sylvester Ave., Beverly, 01915. "Virtual ticket" names will be on a list at the door. Cash bar, appetizers, dancing, birthday cake. Hawaii and Alaska are turning 50, so feel free to dress the part.

The reader's eye

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:41:00 EST

"The Innocence of Childhood"
By MONICA SCANLAN of Billerica
PHOTO STAFF CRITIQUE
"This photo reminds us of a scene in the children's classic "Charlotte's Web," a timeless image celebrating the carefree days of childhood. We look at the picture and want to run across the field and climb onto the tire swing. We don't think the photo would have made the same impact without the bright white fence along the back, drawing the eye to the swing. The tree without leaves also worked in the photographer's favor, as did the varying shades of green grass. All of the elements came together for a very nice photo."

Dear Abby: Woman's size is no deterrent in her search for lasting love

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:40:00 EST

Dear Abby: I'm 32 and a "large girl." I am also intelligent, witty and fun to be around. I make friends wherever I go. The problem is my mother — who is also big — keeps telling me that heavy women are not desirable and we must "settle" when it comes to choosing a mate.

Good Causes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:40:00 EST

HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) is appealing for donations of grocery store gift cards — Shaw's and Market Basket — and will gladly accept donations of nonperishable food items to

A toy story: Wenham Museum showcases the simple playthings of the past

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

WENHAM — Whirligigs and whimmydiddles sound like the sorts of toys Alice would have found underneath the caterpillar's mushroom or that Willy Wonka would have created if he'd been a toy maker.
But these whimsical-sounding toys don't exist in the pages of children's stories, they are simply folk toys, playthings made from ordinary objects — and the focus of a new exhibit at the Wenham Museum.

Coming up Roses: Parents to play in support of Falcon Marching Band

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Some band parents are using their musical talents to help propel the Danvers High Falcon Marching Band to its third trip to the Rose Parade in Pasadena in January.
While students and parents raise money to pay for their trips, the band must raise tens of thousands of dollars more to cover costs associated with shipping instruments, uniforms and luggage to California.

North Shore entertainment calendar

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:19:00 EST

Art
TOPSFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY. Through November, grandmother and granddaughter exhibit of oil paintings by Maureen Petrie and drawings by Yanyun Xiao are on display during library hours. Library hours are Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. 978-887-1528.

Dance night away for the United Way

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:00 EST

This weekend, the North Shore United Way will produce a fundraiser — and "friendraiser" — in Ipswich, featuring a performance by the Jen Thayer Band.
The second annual NSUW Rocks II event will take place Saturday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Mansion at Turner Hill in Ipswich. Proceeds from the event will go to support the North Shore United Way's annual campaign that raises money to support more than 40 local agencies, such as Beverly Bootstraps, the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition and Cape Ann Food Pantry.

Quick picks

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:00 EST

The woods are lovely
The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary will conduct a two-hour, naturalist-guided Big Woods Hike on Sunday, leaving every 15 minutes between noon and 1:30 p.m. to visit marshes, ponds and an old-growth forest. The hike will be followed by a cozy fire, hot drinks, homemade soup and desserts for purchase. Children must be 5. Cost is $7 for adults, $6 kids; register at 978-887-9264. The sanctuary is at 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield.

Dear Abby: Guilt mars comfort couple finds in each other's arms

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:18:00 EST

Dear Abby: Is there anything wrong with having a lover solely for the purpose of sex? He is grieving for his late wife (my best friend), and I am separated from my husband. We're both lonely and have supported each other through our pain. A few weeks ago we decided to become lovers.

A talent for remembering: Show on Saturday will be tribute to Marblehead teen

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

On Saturday, Allie Castner's friends will remember her with jugglers, with Irish step dancing and with song.
Mostly, recalling the 15-year-old Marblehead High School student who was killed in a car accident in August has involved tears and regret. But her friends from Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem and beyond have decided it might be time to celebrate a girl who had a profound effect on those around her.

An eye-opening experience

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:14:00 EST

Aside from my wedding day, I never had my makeup done professionally, save for a few bridesmaid experiences in which I was so overly made up that I thought I resembled a drag queen.
Then my editor assigned me to interview Guy Lento, former makeup director for Chanel, and suggested a before-and-after makeover.

He's 94 years old ... and blogging

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

SALEM — In some ways, Joseph Taylor looks his age. He is slightly stooped and sometimes uses a walker or scooter chair to get around.
But, in other ways, in most every way, he defies age.
For starters, he is 94 and has his own blog.

Face time: Former Chanel makeup artist who worked on top models settles in Salem

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:28:00 EST

SALEM — Guy Lento has lent his magic touch to supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford.
As former director of makeup for Chanel, he traveled to Paris four times a year to prepare models to hit the runway and introduce the new Chanel collections each season.

Quick Picks

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:16:00 EST

Santa sighting in Beverly
First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot St., Beverly, will hold its annual holiday fair on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring homemade knitted items, baked goods and a country store. Silent auction items include premier seating for the Celtics and tickets to the Patriots and Bruins. Children can have photos taken with Santa. No admission fee. Visit www.fbcbeverly.org or call 978-922-3295.

Dear Abby: Art of letter-writing suffers neglect in age of the Internet

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:13:00 EST

Dear Abby: Please don't think I'm stupid for asking this, but I need some help. The practice of letter-writing appears to be a dying form because of e-mail and texting — which I'm good at. But when I receive a nice gift, I know the proper way to acknowledge it is to write a thank-you letter.

Insulted by fellow customer in supermarket checkout line

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:12:00 EST

Q: At the grocery store, I got in line behind a man who had used one of the portable scanners. All of his groceries are already bagged and in his cart. The belt is empty. The man hands his scanner to the cashier, and I start putting my groceries on the belt. In my mind, it was quite obvious that the man had all of his products — but not to the cashier — as she rang up my broccoli. I quickly corrected the situation, and the guy says under his breath something like "stupid, can't even wait," referring to me hastily unloading my cart. I ignore it and continue to unload my groceries. He wraps up his order, pays and says to the cashier, "Thanks, it was nice to see you, Claire." Then he walks away, turns back to me and calls me an idiot. I said, "Excuse me?" Then, the guy turns around and calls me a word I cannot put in print. I couldn't believe it. The place was mobbed, people, including children, all over. No one said anything, and I refrained from yelling and throwing things. I'm curious. What would you have done?

Makes sense to mulch in spring, summer and winter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:11:00 EST

Q: I'm confused about mulching. Do I mulch in summer, or do I mulch in winter?
A: Both! There are lots of reasons to mulch and protect the plants and soil. In spring and summer, we spread mulch to hold the moisture in the ground. We dutifully spread a layer of bark or peat over the garden, and we hope we can water less because a good mulch will hold the moisture in the ground during periods of drought.

Dear Abby: Men applaud the pleasures of being with older women

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:36:00 EST

Dear Abby: In your response to the letter from "'Cougar' in New York" (Sept. 3), you invited your male readers to share their thoughts. Abby, cougars are nothing new. They're simply out of the closet.

North Shore religion news in brief

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church at 64 Forrester St. in Salem will celebrate its patronal feast day on Saturday evening, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., with the service of Great Vespers with Litya. Bishop Nikon (Liolin), administrative head of churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire, will be chief celebrant, and he will be joined by local Orthodox clergy from the surrounding area. 978-744-5869.

North Shore religion calendar

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

Saturday, Nov. 14
Fall Psychic Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Swampscott Church of Spiritualism, 59 Burrill St., Swampscott. With readings from psychics, mediums, tarot cards. $25 for reading, includes refreshments. 781-595-6972.

Dear Abby: Teen looks for ammunition in battle with peer pressure

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST

Dear Abby: I'm a 14-year-old boy. I went to a party last weekend and some people pressured me to do some uncomfortable stuff. Can you advise me — and other teens — how to handle peer pressure?

Taking risks: Longtime anchor delivers sermon in Danvers about her new mission

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

On Sunday, Liz Walker, the longtime WBZ News anchor, will speak at the Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church in Danvers at 10:30 a.m. Walker was the face of Channel 4 for nearly 20 years before she left television journalism to pursue religious studies. She earned a master's degree in divinity from Harvard University in 2005 and is on the ministerial staff at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Boston.

INVITING READERS TO GIVE THANKS

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:13:00 EST

Maybe all year you've been meaning to send a thank-you card and never got around to it. Or maybe what someone did for you was so special, so above and beyond the call of duty, the act deserves a more public tribute.

The Reader's Eye

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:12:00 EST

"CHAIRS IN THE RAIN"
Photo by Richard D'Ambrosio of Peabody
PHOTO STAFF CRITIQUE
"We were drawn to the feel created by this photo, a sensation of coziness created from being indoors and dry on a rainy summer day. We have all experienced this scene, of staring out a window watching the rain pelt the ground. But not everyone thinks to pick up a camera. The repeating lines of the pine trees, the fence and the planks on the wooden floor draw the eye to the center of the photo."

Nice day for a green wedding

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:12:00 EST

For couples wedding planning, green may be a consideration, but it's not a priority.
Budget, stress and time constraints can complicate the planning process, putting green in the backseat behind staying on budget. For others, the extra effort is simply too much when added to everyday responsibilities.

Dear Abby: After-dark visitor next door raises neighbor's suspicions

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:11:00 EST

Dear Abby: My neighbors, "John" and "Marcia," are such a nice couple, I'm not sure what to do. I don't know them all that well, but what's going on is extremely upsetting.
On several occasions, I have seen a woman park her car near my home after dark and walk to the back door of their house. About an hour later, I see John let her out the front door. He even has the nerve to kiss her goodbye right on the front porch! I'm sure he is slipping this tart in for sex — right under his wife's nose.

Good causes

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:09:00 EST

The Nightingale Knitters present "La Petite Boutique" tomorrow at the Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St., Danvers, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hand-knitted and crocheted items for all ages will be sold, with every penny going to research into infant leukemia via Elliot's Fund (named for a toddler, currently in remission) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Also with a bakery, photography, jewelry, crafts, raffles. Contact Elliot's nana, Katy Carlin, at earthday94@comcast.net or call 978-777-0092 for more information.

Sandy's Legacy: North Shore Jazz Project aims to continue vision of Beverly jazz icon

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

When Sandford Berman died of cancer in 1991 at 68, his dream of educating the region's youth about jazz and blues through the medium of television did not die with him — it just took an 18-year hiatus.

Music in the blood: Singer Kate Taylor, sister of James and Livingston, comes to Marblehead to perform

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:43:00 EST

Singer and songwriter Kate Taylor will bring her earthy vocals and eclectic style to Marblehead's Me&Thee Coffeehouse tomorrow night in what will double as a CD release party of her latest album, "Fair Time!"

Goth fans can club in Salem

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST

Local fans of goth and industrial music don't have to trek to Boston to hear DJs mix music from such bands as Depeche Mode, Bauhaus and Marilyn Manson; they can attend Darq, a club night held at Bangkok Paradise restaurant in Salem every second and fourth Saturday.

Salem State celebrates its first writer of the year

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST

When Nancy Schultz, chairwoman of the English department at Salem State College, went to the supermarket and asked them to write "Happy 160th Birthday Sarah Orne Jewett" on a cake, there were puzzled expressions.

Vow to win a free wedding

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:12:00 EST

It was just supposed to be a chance for Nicole Mitsakis, a graphic designer, to do a little networking. Mitsakis, who designs invitations, was meeting with Natasha Bansfield, an event manager, and Heidi Nicholson and Lisa Almeida, owners of Bella Sera Bridal in Danvers.

Quick Picks

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:12:00 EST

Learn about local schools
The Beverly Mothers Club will hold its second annual school information fair on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club, 134 McKay St. The free event will feature representatives from 19 area schools, from nursery through high school. Call 978-578-8354 for more information.

No re-leaf in sight

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:11:00 EST

Luckily for Tom Marshall, he's not standing in his backyard.
Instead, the Balch Street resident was one of hundreds of arm-weary Beverly rakers who dumped their bags full of leaves at the city's compost site on Standley Street in Beverly this past weekend. As many as 23 vehicles were lined up at one point on Saturday to get into the site.

Dear Abby: Husband demands more than worn-out wife can provide

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:11:00 EST

Dear Abby: I am a 38-year-old business woman. I was single for many years until I met and fell in love with "Rory," who had been a long-time client. We were married a year ago.
Rory and I love each other, but we have a problem — or, should I say, I have one. Rory has a penile implant and an insatiable sex drive. I can't keep up with him. He demands sex every night and sometimes a couple of times during the week at lunchtime.

Mom may get ulcer trying to force flowers in time for daughter's shower

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:11:00 EST

Q: I am having a baby shower for my daughter in mid-January. Will there be spring flowering bulbs available at that time to use as centerpieces? I'm leaning toward jonquils. Or should I buy bulbs, pot them myself and force them to bloom? Thanks for any suggestions.