Checking out the Big Trucks

Last Saturday was the annual big trucks day at the Northborough at the Algonquin high school.  I almost missed the event but some friends mentioned it on Friday and our plans allowed the addition without difficulty.  Maybe where I grew up there weren't enough big trucks or maybe in my home town the DPW didn't need community support.  Whatever the case I never got to attend this type of event growing up, but my sons LOVE the big trucks.  I try to catch these type of things whenever I can.  Although Saturday overall was pretty wet, the rain held off most of the morning and my family was lucky to not only enjoy the event but also remain dry.

I have to commend the Public Works Department, as they lined up a great row of trucks for the kids to sit in, walk around, and of course take photos with.  It is funny how much a 5 year old enjoys a photos where the tire is taller then he is.  I personally enjoyed the street cleaner, not sure why but they seem fun.   My oldest got tricked on the street cleaner.  For most of the trucks he got in line or went to the drivers side to climb up into the truck.  He then "asked" his younger brother to go to the other door.  This way he could always drive first.  The street cleaner drives from the right side of the cab so the youngest got to first.  My oldest wasn't ready for that and got all confused when he got into the truck.  :-)

Although focused for Northborough and Southborough my Westborough family crashed the event, and we were happy to contribute the $10 per family to help continue these events.  I did think it was also an interesting bit of unintentional planing that right next to the tent where you can buy t-shirts and give you donation, there was one truck that was missing a large chunk of the seat and was showing it's age on the inside.  A subtle hint for anyone who was trying to ignore the donation tent.

Thank you to the DPW and for those who missed it, I have added a couple of photos for others to see the event.

Northborough recreation also hosted its first ever community wide yard sale at the event.  I have enough kids stuff, used and forgotten books and toys, and general junk to feed a summer's worth of yard sales so I try to avoid yard sales in general.  But I did notice sign after sign on my drive to the high school.  The community was definitely taking advantage of the advertising for this event all over town.

Momma wants her body back

First, let me start this blog by saying, I am impressed with anyone who has the dedication to stick to an exercise routine and achieve results. I have yet to achieve this goal.  I have over the past couple of months tried a couple of the gyms in the area and once I complete the next couple I will blog on my set of experiences.

My wife on the other hand has always enjoyed exercise.  When she lived in Boston she walked everywhere and still went to the gym 2 or 3 times a week.  I have never had this kind of dedication to fitness, and unfortunately as I said, it shows.  :-)  My wife really enjoys instructor lead classes or group exercise programs.  Sure she works out on her own at times, but this seems to be her preference.

After the birth of our first child in 2005 my wife was in search of some program to help her drop the extra weight.  This was when she first found stroller strides.  Of course she tried a few classes at some of the local gyms, and the Boroughs YMCA still has a few classes she enjoys, but in terms of results nothing has compared to stroller strides.  At first I just got to hear the stories and see some of the results, but in 2007 the Metrowest stroller strides group held classes on Saturday mornings and invited significant others to join the class.  This is where I got some first hand experience.

For those unfamiliar, stroller strides is a total fitness program for moms that they can do with their baby/child in tow, rather push in the stroller.  When weather permits these classes are held outside at places like Hopkinton State Park and Assabet River Rail Trail.   In the winter and on stormy days classes have been held at the Natick Collection and other indoor locations.  The program includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise stretch bands, the stroller and outdoor environment. On top of all this fitness, the local stroller strides includes weekly organized playgroups, monthly Mom's Night Out and  lot of other fun things.  The Metrowest organization is lead by Laura Kimball. 

From my perspective...the results I see on my wife...I have been impressed with stroller strides.  At the risk of getting yelled at later I am going to share two photos with my readers.  The first photo was taken 2 months after the birth of our second child.  The second is after my wife compeleted about 7 months of stroller strides.

I have one other comparison photo from after the birth of our first child but I am sure that will get me in too much trouble to post publicly.   But stroller strides isn't just for moms with strollers anymore.

Recently the Stroller Strides franchise added a new program called Body Back.  This program is an eight week results based workout/meal plan program designed specifically for moms of all ages! Program includes before and after assessments, two HIIT (high intensity, interval training)workouts per week (this time without the kids) in the beautiful outdoors, full meal plan and food diary, online coaching/support group and Mama Wants workout video series to use at home.

For the husbands/significant others out there I offer the following advice about Body Back:

• Once my wife really got into it, nothing could be overbooked on a Body Back night.  We have kids and I need to be home from work a little earlier two nights a week to cover kid duties.
• In our house I usually do a lot of the cooking.  And I, like so many others, love a nice juicy bacon cheeseburger from the grill.  This program changed things and my wife has made dinner more nights a week then I have.  BUT dinner often consists of brown rice, lots of vegatables, and lean meats.   All good things, I admit, but not all the flavors I love.
• If you're like me...a "big guy" and your wife is taking stroller strides you may start looking for a workout routine of your own.  Sure it may be enjoyable/exciting to watch your significant other bending and flexing to the videos at home, but trying to keep up is a whole different story.  :-)  To date I am still looking.
• Finally, stroller strides and body back work so enjoy the benefit of a happy, healthy, beautiful partner.  :-)

For any of the mom's who read my blog, and are looking to get back in shape in the Boroughs area, I recommend you check out the Metrowest Stroller Strides below if Laura's info.  For all the husbands like myself...Thanks Laura.

Contact:	Laura Kimball - M.B.A. Fitness, LLC
Phone:	(888) 514-2455
Email:	lkimball@strollerstrides.net

Summer Cigar and Whiskey

As I have mentioned in the past I am definitely a fan of Tavolino.  Although potentially pricey, they have yet to let me down.  I am also a fan of Julio's, so when the two planned an event together I couldn't miss it.

On May 11th, Julio's sponsored an Ashton cigar dinner at Tavolino Italian Gourmet in Westborough.  What a great event...Although it was a little chilly to be eating and socializing outside for 3 hours in early May, I really enjoyed the evening.  And short of climate change I don't think Anthony (Tavolino GM), Ryan (Julio's Owner), or any of the other managers could have done anything else to make the event better.

Let's first review another win from Tavolino's head chef.  The evening menu included:
Aperitivo: crab salad in cucumber cups, seared Tuscan ahi tuna on crostinis, petit potatoes with herbed sour cream, and bruschetta
Entree: grilled delmonico
Dolce: spiced molten chocolate cake with gorgonzola

This menu was paired with three Ashton cigars (Ashton Cabinet, Heritage, and VSG), Tavolino house cocktail “Tavolino Tea” and three small-batch bourbons: Eagle Rare Single Barrel, Buffalo Trace and Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel.   The cigars were exquisite and very well paired with the meal.  After the three bourbons there was an additional bourbon announced that evening.

Overall, it was a really fun event.  Representatives from Ashton and Buffalo talked about the cigars and bourbon.  Julio's managers brought their own experience to the event describing how they select whiskeys and other select liquors.   It was more then just a meal and drinks, the event was a fun social evening highlighting some really great tastes with true experts guiding us through the selections.

I know Tavolino has other events scheduled this summer.  Take the time to check out what they have planned on their events calendar. 

Julio's and Tavolino are planning a repeat event for late in August.  As soon as I get the information I will pass it along and maybe my readers will join me.  I know I won't miss the second installment of this event.  As I was writing this blog I also noticed the Dogfish event on July 13th listed on the Tavolino calendar.  I may first have to check that out as well. :-)

Local Music - More Artists

As a follow-up to my last post, there are many more local musicians in and around the Boroughs.  Lori along with all the artists below donated cds to the 2010 Taste of the Boroughs auction.  She shared this music and list with me and I wanted to in turn share it with all of you. I understand how hard it is to follow your dreams, so I encourage everyone to at least check out and support some some of the musician that are in our area. 

Lori Diamond – LoriDiamond.net
Kim Jennings – KimJenningsmusic.com
Elizabeth Lorrey – ElizabethLorrey.com
Too Many Drivers – Myspace.com/FredAbatelli
Stuart Ferguson – Reverbnation.com/StuartFerguson
Patti DeRosa – PattiDeRosa.com
Carrie Rowan – CarrieRowan.net
Daniel Chauvin – Myspace.com/DanChauvin
Marc Bridge – Myspace.com/SonicBridgeMusic
Perry Desmond-Davies – Myspace.com/PerryDesmondDavies
Jane Fallon – JaneFallon.com
Sean Fullerton – SeanFullertonMusic.net
G.S. Picard – Myspace.com/GSPicard
Jon McAuliffe – on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000053712900
Tony Gallo – Myspace.com/TonyGalloMusic
John Maclean - http://www.facebook.com/johnmacleanmusic
Lee Villaire – Myspace.com/LeeVillaire
Kevin Burgess – Myspace.com/KevinBurgessProjects

To anyone I missed, I do apologize, please feel free to add others to the comments.  I just wanted to highlight some of what I have found over the past couple of months.

Local Music - Lori Diamond

Over the years I have had the good fortune to meet and become friends with several musicians.  Not rock/pop stars, but talented artists sharing their stories and emotion with their fans.  I always admire their dedication and passion.  Sure, I wish I had more musical talent myself, but my occasional karaoke attempt or my high school years playing trombone are all the music I have personally.  What I am talking about are the tons of great artists locally working to share their sound and talent.

On May 20th I had the opportunity to experience Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli at the Bull Run in Shirley MA.  Lori's music style is Acoustic / Soul / Folk, a deviation from my normal 80's hair bands but so impressive it was well worth broadening my tastes.  This was the third time I got to catch Lori and Fred and every time I think I become more impressed with their talent.

The first time I saw their act was at The Java Room, in Chelmsford.  This performance really wowed me.  First, Lori has a beautiful voice, it resonates emotion and really reaching into the core of the listener.  The second reason is kind of unique.  I have attended lots of local acts at bars, coffee shops, even entrance halls, and everyone always has some sound issue.  Too loud for the space, not balanced compared to the activities, or not clear enough to appreciate the music.  Lori's performance at the Jave Room was the first I have ever attended where the sound was PERFECT.  I truly mean perfect.  As I sat and enjoyed brunch with my family, the music was clear but we could still talk.  And the conversations from other tables didn't detract from the music.  As we walked to the car I kept commenting to my wife about the impressive music balance.  Finally, and I know this is most artists, Lori is so appreciative of any of her fans.  She is so sincere in her appreciation and makes and effort to visit with the people who come to see her play.  It really makes the experience so personal, just like the music.

The video below is a combination of a couple of excerpts from Lori and Fred's performance at the Bull Run last month.  Even on my poor video quality Blackberry you can get a taste for the music.

If you are looking for a relaxing Sunday brunch and Lori is playing at the Java Room, I encourage everyone to make the trip.  Also here is a link to Lori and Fred's 2010 schedule of performances.

What a busy spring!!!

I am sorry I haven't written much lately.  The spring got away from me and I needed to take a break to focus on multiple other things.  The short version...day job demanded a bit for attention and since that pays the mortgage I had to answer.  Then I became very involved in helping to keep the Westboro Area JCC from closing, I am proud to say it was a great success and I will detail more about that in the next couple of weeks.  Finally to top it all off I completed my masters degree at Clark University and graduated just this month. 

There are so many things I want to share so back to the writing.  Thank you for all the notes of encouragement as things got busy.  Online and in person this community never lets me down.

Boroughs Beer, Wine, and Food Tasting

There are a lot of local events in the Boroughs; art auctions, pancake breakfasts, cigar nights, kids programs, local music, and so much more.  I wish I was able to attend more of these local events, but like so many others, work, commutes, kids, and all the other aspects of daily life tend to leave us tired at the end of the day.  But these are all just excuses.  Some events are worth the effort.  This weekend has one of those events - Taste of the Boroughs 2010.

Ok, lots of great local events, why is this one so important...I am glad you asked...this is the only event so far that has asked me to emcee the festivities. :-)  But long before I took hold the microphone, I attended the 2008 Taste of the Boroughs, and that is when I decided this as a must attend event.  Let me give a little summary and then I can get into my personal experiences.

The Taste of the Boroughs event highlights local restaurants and caterers in the Boroughs (primarily Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, and Marlborough) and the surrounding areas, pairing them with fine wine and craft beer vendors from several regions. Adding to the culinary treats, there are silent and live auctions, a DJ, and live music. 


Sunday, March 7, 2010 6:00 - 9:00pm Doubletree Hotel Westborough

The event is produced and hosted by the Westboro Area JCC. Proceeds from the event benefit the community programs at the WAJCC and support the WAJCC preschool.

All of that is lifted from the Taste of the Boroughs website, here is the straight facts on this event...worth every penny and a wonderful time.

2008
Taking a trip back to April of 2008 I found myself at my first Taste of the Boroughs.  Two things really stood out to me; 1. There is as lot of food and wine to enjoy at this event.  I made the mistake of eating beforehand thinking "tasting" meant very little.  2. This event is all about our communities.  The second realization is what really got me.

The WAJCC intentionally went out and invited multiple restaurants from our area.  Sure many of us dine in Boston for a night out, or we go to Worcester and enjoy a nice meal, but this event was focused on as many restaurants as possible from the Boroughs area.  That's only the restaurants; the auction took the event to a whole new level.  Here hundreds of local businesses contributed to amazing auction packages.  The word packages is critical here, these auction were not for a spa treatment or gift basket...no no no...the WAJCC packaged a spa treatment with a haircut and style and a gift certificate to a local clothing store and even spa products.  One package in 2008 had a four pack of passes to 9 museums all over the area.  I left full, maybe a little buzzed and holding a package for landscape design consulting, gift certificates to Home Depot, and gift certificates to the Plant Bazaar.  Eventually this became my backyard patio.

2009
I was asked to participate in the event as the emcee.  I happily accepted, mostly because I love to hear myself talk.  But really I love to talk about the great things in our communities.  Throughout the night I got to know the general managers for several of the local restaurants and I learned more about some of the local businesses that donated to the auction. 

I was definitely less buzzed in 2009 but again, full of great food and happy to have participated in such a fun event.  There were easily 250 people there in 2009 and the ballroom was packed with some really great places:  CJs Steakloft, DogFish Brewery, Simply Dahlicious, Guiseppe's Grille, El Basha, Yummy Mummy Brownies, and several more. 

By this time I was totally hooked.  An entire event where as a community we come together to socialize, enjoy great food, wine, and beer, and meet the general managers, owners, and head chefs at some of our favorite locations.  The atmosphere was invigorating.

I also got a chance to know some of the organizers of the event.  Much like myself they want to promote the local community.  They want to talk about the great businesses we have, and yes they want to raise money for the WAJCC, but that is so the WAJCC can offer more to the community.  Local organizations supporting local organizations.

2010
So the time has come again.  Taste of the Boroughs 2010 is this Sunday.  I'll let you in on some of the info I have learned about this years event and hopefully something will spark enough interest to come out and enjoy with me:

1. Yours truly will be returning as the emcee for the evening.
2. You will be supporting a great organization (WAJCC) that builds and support the local community.
3. The following breweries are represented this year - Berkshire Brewing, Boulder Beer, Opa Opa Brewery, Sherwood Forest Brewers, Dogfish Brewery, Wachusett Brewery.
4. The Vin Bin as assembled over 2 dozen wines from several wineries.
5. Did I mention I am the emcee for the evening
6. Restaurant/caterers represented - Allora Ristorante •  Bollywood Grill • Caffé Dolce • The Chateau Restaurant • Cheng-Du Restaurant • Chipolte Mexican Grill • CJ's Steakloft • Cold Stone Creamery • Culinary Underground • Doubletree Hotel • Edible Arrangements •  Horseshoe Pub & Restaurant • Not Your Average Joe's • The Original Beer Cookie • Panera Bread • Piccadilly Pub Restaurant • Red Barn Coffee Roasters • Roche Bros. Catering • Samba Steak + Sushi • Sorentos Italian Gourmet • Tavolino • Uno Chicago Grill
7. The auction packages - There are so many and everyone is impressive, from french lessons to flights to Florida, cigar boxes to spa treatments, cases of wine, and then some awesome sports items...several sets of tickets to Red Sox games, preseason Patriots tickets, signed Carlton Fisk Baseball, signed Ted Williams/Mickey Mantle rivals poster, signed Larry Bird photos, and even a signed Tom Brady jersey.
8. Local musical artists Lori Diamond and  Fred Abatelli will be preforming live!
9. Finally, you will have the chance to see me emcee the evening.  :-)

I hope my readers come out on Sunday and enjoy this event with me.  Obviously, I am enamored with the Taste of the Boroughs event but that is because I love our local communities and this event is all about our communities. And to be fair, I do also enjoy hearing myself talk.  A great organization, a great event, great communities...see you Sunday.