This month’s feature home is extraordinary and is seated at an unparalleled location. Wrapped with a warm, sandy oceanfront beach, a protective retaining wall, and a private harbor entrance, the home has a secure, 70' deep-water dock and slip at Green Harbor in Falmouth. Beyond intriguing, the excitement is palatable over this listing because it is now available for an astute investor.

By Rob Saint Laurent, M.Ed.  

It’s May, and the coronavirus continues to weigh heavily on hearts and minds, as the nation continues to hear of the continuous and inevitable surge in infections.

No one is certain how long social distancing measures will be needed if the proposed national extension of May 4 is rescinded, and so we walk the tightrope of enduring anxiousness.  

Because of the virus’ predicted seasonality, a recent (non-peer-reviewed) study by Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health, suggests that unless vaccines, drug therapies, and/or aggressive quarantines can be implemented, intermittent physical distancing may need to extend into 2022 for the US to stay within its critical care capacity.

In the wake of extended social isolation and its fallout to the economy, it is the impact on mental health. A recent March 25-30 tracking poll, by the Kaiser Family Foundation, found 45 percent of Americans now feel an adverse psychological impact from the pandemic—a 13 percent rise from March 11-15.

Even before the coronavirus, the incidence of loneliness had already reached epidemic proportions in the US. A 2018 national survey by Cigna found that at least 40 percent of 20,000 Americans felt their social relationships were sometimes or always non-meaningful, while nearly 50 percent said they sometimes or always felt lonely or socially isolated. Youngest adults were most susceptible.

Meanwhile, as people reel from the uncertainty of lost income with many confined to living in close proximity, there have been increasing reports of domestic violence worldwide.

Because of the unfortunate and untimely arrival of the Coronavirus, we have begun to learn about social distancing, physical isolation, and—quite possibly—the need to retreat to a safe and secure location.

By following these steps, one can significantly lower the chances of contracting the modern-day plague while also offering a quick and easy means for mitigating contaminants.

Caravans of New Yorkers are headed to the Hamptons, for the reasons above, simultaneously, we’ve noticed an uptick—or at the very least, an earlier than usual arrival of homeowners to the hidden summer enclaves of the SouthCoast.

The timing is interesting and gives rise to the question, are homeowners seeing the value of owning along the coastline because it offers unique protection from high-density areas? Perhaps.

This transition makes sense because if you live in a populated urban location, your risk factor quadruples. The majority of cities don’t allow for six feet of space around an individual, so heading to such a beautiful place to be able to live freely is not only desirable but a wise decision.

Having an exclusive compound to escape doesn’t have to be a response to a pandemic; it is useful and serves a multitude of purposes. Primarily, it is an ideal environment to relax and enjoy summers and holidays and the shoulder-seasons with family and friends. Plus, having easy access to Buzzards Bay and a long list of sailing destinations of the northeast, the harbor of Padanarama is the perfect home base.

Regardless of who you are, what you do for a living or your level of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should be concerned about its far-reaching potential, the harmful results that will follow, and the devastating outcome for a future generation.

Obviously, there are great benefits derived from this new technology; however, it’s essential to recognize that AI is a sharp and dangerous double-edged sword. Now that we have crossed the threshold into Deep Learning—which removes human input to problem-solving equations—our society is forever changed, and our long-term existence remains in question.

The holiday season, followed by winter, is when homeowners spend the greatest amount of time gazing around the house. At the same time, they realize the wear and tear the interior has suffered over the years. In reality, we don’t often look up at ceilings or down at the floors, but, when we do—oh my—the truth is ever-present, and so we scramble to figure out our next steps.

Regardless of the home improvement project you’re considering, and whether you’re handy enough to embark on the ‘do-it-yourself’ journey, or hire a professional, it makes sense to have knowledge of the products available, how they are used, and the proper installation of each type of floor covering.

Dining History
Dinner takes on a variety of forms— a quick bite, party buffet, or getting together with family on a relaxing Sunday. There are also formal dinners when linen, China, and sterling silver are gathered and arranged for the best of friends, out-of-town guests, and clients, all of whom will enjoy and be impressed with your magnificent presentation and culinary talents.

In her essay, Setting the Table, author Evangeline Holland shares some startling facts about the progression of formal dinners, from the Middle Ages (500 AD, after the fall of the Roman Empire) to the turn of the 20th century.

With a long list of seasonal events and festivals, the flavors and textures of home-grown recipes, pickling, and brewing, accentuated by contemporary culture, art, quilting, sculpture—even ice cream manufacturing; visitors will find there’s no shortage of “things to do” once you arrive to the Green Mountain State.

Many people who once visited Vermont now call it home. Perhaps they’re attracted to the state because they can interact with nature and take pride in the quality of life, environment, as well as the principals of sustainability and the preservation of forests and farmlands.

Moreover, many residents point out that the freedom to live your life as you see fit is as much about their lifestyles as neighboring, New Hampshire, whose motto is—Live Free or Die.

Like many of you, we’re always on the lookout for new experiences, and when we were offered to test the new 2020 Buick Enclave Essence ST; our bags were packed before the SUV was delivered.

Once the vehicle arrived, so made an impression. The shiny, new SUV, with only a couple of hundred miles on the odometer, and that sweet new car smell, was a powerful sensory experience. The woodgrain interior—polished bright—perfectly framed the plush cabin and the four luxurious buckets and rear bench seat. Noticeably, the combination of the interior’s exquisite design and tasteful appointments melded well into the practical vehicle loaded with style and elegance.

The new and beautifully trimmed ST class is not only pleasing on the eyes but also all other senses. A prime example of this is how General Motors design teams combined technology, navigation, and entertainment into a fully intuitive and luxury automobile driving experience.

The auto company’s effort to win the race on elevating soundproofing to the next level is evident by its quietness during the multiple surfaces we traveled over seven days. Cabin amenities are spot-on and compatible with the vehicles state-of-the-art functions, which elevates the new Enclave to a level of competition in line with much more expensive SUVs of this class.

The oversized 8-inch touchscreen is bright and centered; when hooked into Sirius XM satellite, rock concert music, talk-programming, and world events are easily accessible by a gentle fingertip or by intuitive controls on the steering wheel. Safety and visibility are stepped up in the new 2020 Enclave, due to a high-def rear camera and surround vision system, keeping drivers alert to those who might not be.

What gets this luxury SUV attention at practically every place we stopped, is its premier crossover style. More comfortable than the nearest competitor, the Buick Enclave’s seats wrap around passengers and engulf them in a luxurious driving experience. Our test vehicle had two expansive moonroofs, lumbar supports, and a stable ride. With the added extravagance of a three-row seating platform, the new 2020 Enclave provides much more convenience than a family would first realize, but later appreciate when venturing on an extended vacation.

The Enclave boasts almost 100 cubic feet of cargo space—seats down—and limo-like room when unfolded and in place. The closest example of what it’s like to take friends out for a ride can be summed up as; thrill ’em, entertain ’em, then bring them out for dinner or cart them up to your ski-house. The event will leave them left with a long-lasting impression of what it’s like to “go in style.”

As for the ride, the Buick, seven-passenger crossover, is smooth and responsive, even though it is a significant sized SUV, it has the agility of a leopard on the hunt; we found this out when driving from Stowe through Smugglers Notch. Along the narrow bolder-lined pass, the Enclave easily took on every type of twist, turn, dip and drop imaginable; the finesse of the vehicle’s soul is uncovered when it transforms into a road-hugging animal. Stable, and purposeful, the Enclave—whether in the wild or when driving in civilization, instills purpose and intent, combined with a solid sense of security.

The Enclave isn’t to be confused with racing-type performance—that will only get you watched by speed enforcement; rather, the 3.6-liter V6, with 302 horses, offers more than enough power to warrant respect by other road warriors, and will get you off the exit and into traffic without worry.

After our extensive touring, a feature that never ceased to impress us was how the 2020 Enclave was never thirsty for a drink. During the week—going from Littleton, NH, to Stowe, then Burlington VT and back to New Hampshire—we only filled the tank once; it was unbelievable. With an estimated 17-25 mpg’s,
we easily hit the top end of the range—maybe exceeding it.

The Buick Enclave Essence ST has a long list of standard features that create an exceptional ride; LED headlights, Bluetooth, Smartphone connections, WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, tons of power equipment, a specialized cabin filter, and supple leather appointments.

The new 2020 Buick Enclave is a premier member of the GM family, and when the ST style package is added to the options list, the enhanced trim level of a sport-type grill, 20" alloy wheels, and other cool features increase the desirability and attractiveness of the vehicle for all generations.

At about $49,780, (our ride), fits into the range of what most families expect to spend on an SUV offering this level of pleasure and options. The combination of interior room, style, and comfort, with a hefty allocation of modern aesthetics, the Buick Enclave Essence is a must-test drive choice when you find yourself in the market for an All-American brand with extraordinary quality and value.

The Mission of the BLO is Vibrantly Clear; build curiosity, enthusiasm and new capacities.

Through a long history of successes—the BLO proclaims the title as the largest and longest-lived opera company in New England. It is the BLO who gives voice to a specialized form of theater and music; not to be confused with music-theater; a point sometimes misunderstood, albeit less appreciated.

Through innovation and creative forethought, the organization has become known as one of the most interesting and desirable music production company in the world. The group’s unique programming and engagement with outside communities, has captured the attention and appreciation of all ages by way of its user-friendly opera-experiences.

Founded in 1976, the company has staged world and US premieres, co-productions and co-commissions of note, with organizations such as The Royal Opera, Covent Garden, the Scottish Opera and the San Francisco Opera.

With such highly acclaimed credentials, it’s no wonder this forward thinking opera company is attracting multi-disciplined talent from around the globe.

For those unfamiliar or cloistered from the depth, form and function of this musical expression, they are only an aria from learning about the historical and emotional characterizations, and melodic style of vocals singularly associated with this type of performance.

The structure and attraction of the Boston-based opera company come from the leadership of Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director Esther Nelson. Under Nelson’s direction, the BLO is making great strides in opening its doors to new audiences; through an expanding repertoire of works, inclusive to new members, she recognizes this group’s search for a station to board the artistic journey opera offers.
The Artistic Director’s guidance and management in business related matters has translated to secure financial footing, rave reviews, and sell-out performance which is a measure of success for both the BLO and Nelson’s vision.

It’s estimated that some 25,000 people enjoyed BLO performances last year and with partnerships of other organizations vital to the cultural landscape of Boston, like the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Boston Public Library, a diverse and faithful audience will continue to grow.

The 2019/2020 season will span three-centuries of composers; the theme of power and politics are intended to stir passion and interest in new neighborhoods and with a new audience. Artists, coming from diverse backgrounds, will guide us through a new prism of musical entertainment.

The following information is provided by the Boston Lyric Opera. We suggest you visit their website for accuracy and changes for time and location of events
Pagliacci
September 27 – October 6
location to be announced

The BLO’s season opens with Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s indelible Pagliacci, starring Mexico-born tenor Rafael Rojas as Canio and his murderous circus clown alter-ego of the title. African American soprano Lauren Michelle, an alumna of Walnut Hill School in Natick, Mass., and a finalist in 2015’s BBC Cardiff Singer of the World contest, plays Nedda. Tobias Greenhalgh sings the role of Silvio, Nedda’s lover. Michael Mayes (2016’s Carmen and 2014’s Rigoletto) returns as Tonio. BLO’s emerging artist, alumnus Omar Najmi sings Beppe-Harlequin. BLO Music Director David Angus conducts. Pagliacci, written in 1892, will be sung in English and Italian. David Lefkowich directs the opera and the complete immersive experience, with food, music, and acrobats, mirroring the carnival atmosphere that sets the storyline in motion. Local community choruses and singers (plus on-site audience members) will be tapped to participate in the event and the performance alongside BLO’s professional chorus.

“Pagliacci is a quintessential opera…and I’m delighted to produce it for the first time at BLO,” Nelson says. “The music is direct and filled with sweeping melodic passion. At its heart is a jealous, abusive husband driven to murder his unfaithful young wife. But the dramatic backdrop is far more complex, frequently blurring the line between acting and reality. It is a perfect opera to bring together and celebrate our community partnerships. Rafael Rojas and Lauren Michelle will bring chemistry and excitement to our stage as the doomed couple.”

Fellow Travelers
November 13 – 17
at the Emerson Paramount Center
BLO’s deep bench of emerging artists is featured with returning artist Jesse Blumberg in the New England premiere of composer Gregory Spears and librettist Greg Pierce’s 2016 opera Fellow Travelers. This taut political thriller is based on Thomas Mallon’s 2007 historical novel of faith, love, and politics during the McCarthy era when homosexuals were blackmailed and purged from US government positions. In the shadow of 1950’s anti-Communist hysteria, powerful state department Executive Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller seduces Washington, DC transplant Timothy Laughlin, sparking a furtive romance after securing him a speechwriting job. Hawkins’ circle of friends and colleagues may—or may not—be keeping his secret from the prying eyes of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Fellow Travelers will be directed by Minnesota-based Peter Rothstein, artistic director of Theater Latte Da, whose own docu-musical All is Calm, made its off-Broadway debut last year. San Francisco-based conductor Emily Senturia leads the BLO orchestra. BLO’s 2018 Principal Artist in Residence Jesse Darden (2018’s Schoenberg In Hollywood) stars as Timothy alongside Jesse Blumberg (2017’s Burke & Hare) as Hawk. James Maddalena (seen most recently in 2017’s Tosca and 2018’s The Threepenny Opera) sings several roles including a senator, a general and a bartender. Emerging artist alumni cast members include Chelsea Basler, Vincent Turregano, David McFerrin, Simon Dyer, and Michelle Trainor. “Fellow Travelers is a love story set in a troubling time of American history,” Nelson says. “In the name of national security and against so-called ‘anti-American activities,’ American lives were needlessly ruined, and promising careers were ended.”

Norma
March 13  – 22
at Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre
Russia-born soprano Elena Stikhina made her American debut in Boston Lyric Opera’s 2017 Tosca and a critically lauded Metropolitan Opera debut late last year in Puccini’s Il Trittico. This season she makes her role debut at BLO as the title character in Vincenzo Bellini’s 1831 bel canto opera, Norma, best known for its popular aria “Casta Diva (Chaste Goddess).” Set in first-century B.C. Gaul, the story recounts a love triangle between Norma, a high priestess of the Druids, Pollione a high-ranking Roman official, and Adalgisa, a Druid temple virgin whom Pollione takes as a lover. Against the background of a civil uprising that she instigates, Norma works to convince Pollione to leave Adalgisa and return to her.
The notoriously challenging title role has been sung by many great voices including Maria Callas, Dame Joan Sutherland, Montserrat Caballé, Renata Scotto and Beverly Sills (in the Opera Company of Boston’s 1971 production under Sarah Caldwell). African American bass-baritone Alfred Walker (seen in BLO’s 2013 The Flying Dutchman and recently named to play Crown in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019/2020 production of Porgy and Bess) returns to BLO as Norma’s father, Oroveso. Jonathan Burton (BLO’s 2017 Tosca) returns as Pollione, and BLO favorite Sandra Piques-Eddy (Werther, 2016 and Katya Kabanova, 2015) returns as Adalgisa. Stephanie Havey (Assistant Director for BLO’s 2014 Rigoletto) returns as Stage Director. Music Director David Angus will lead the BLO Orchestra. “Bellini’s long melodies and hypnotizing musical phrases, which so directly articulate the unfolding dramatic events, are as alluring today as they were nearly 190 years ago,” says Nelson. “The story has plenty to say about the abuse of power. But the headline here, as throughout the season, is the singers. Elena Stikhina will be electrifying in this role.”
 
Giulio Cesare
May 8  – 17
location to be announced
G. F. Handel’s 1760 work Giulio Cesare, BLO’s first Baroque opera since 2011’s Agrippina, closes the 2019/20 Season in a production directed by Matthew Ozawa. With a libretto by Nicola Francesco Haym, this opera, like Norma, takes its story from first-century B.C. Rome—this time by way of Egypt with Caesar’s and Cleopatra’s entangled love story. The work is conducted by Gary Thor Wedow, a Baroque music master with a historically informed style heard previously in BLO’s Agrippina, who leads the BLO orchestra, which will include period instruments. Canadian counter-tenor David Trudgen (BLO’s 2010 Agrippina)—also well-versed in the Handel repertoire—sings the title role. Boston native and New England Conservatory graduate Jacquelyn Stucker, whose vibrant European career includes a recent two-year engagement with the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, sings Cleopatra. Making his BLO debut is South Korean counter-tenor Siman Chung as boy-king Tolomeo. Canada’s Wallis Giunta, winner of 2018’s International Opera Awards “Young Singer of the Year” award, makes her Boston debut singing en travesti as Sesto Pompeo. Emerging Artist alumnus Simon Dyer (2017’s The Rake’s Progress) and David McFerrin (2018’s Burke & Hare and the current The Rape of Lucretia) return to the company singing General Curio and Achilla, respectively. Renee Tatum (2018’s The Threepenny Opera) is Cornelia.

“Giulio Cesare is based loosely on Caesar’s fateful meeting in Egypt with the rebellious Cleopatra,” Nelson says. “What evolves is one of the most entertaining examples of opera aria, with larger-than-life characters performing some of the genre’s most passionate, intoxicating, mischievous, and majestic arias that narrate the love story of Caesar and Cleopatra. These roles demand singers with extraordinary vocal capabilities and our cast will excel in them, especially under the baton of Gary Wedow.”

For additional information or tickets, visit BLO.org or call 617.542.6772.