January 17, 2013 PDF Edition - Wilbraham-Hampden Times

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Page 1 The Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES January 17, 013 Upscale Asian dining in Longmeadow By The Undercover Epicurean I was fully recovered from my extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration and ready to get back to work doing what I do best, finding fabulous food for you, my loyal fans. I had heard of a relatively new Asian restaurant in Longmeadow that was said to be out of the ordinary. This is how my accomplice in dining detection and I found ourselves on our way to Ume Asian Bistro just two days after the new year began. We chose a Thursday night and a slightly later arrival time of 7:30 p.m. to be sure our dinner was selected and on the way, if not on the table, before the soft jazz stylings of saxophonist Joe Wilson began. The smooth and subtle tones of Wilson’s musical interpretations offered a soothing background. Wilson is truly a master who can also be enjoyed at Ume on Wednesday nights. Martini to Start I ordered a Caramel Apple Martini ($8.95) to get started. A blend of Stoli Apple Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Apple Pucker and sour mix offered up a smooth sensation with an almost non-existent vodka bite and, for me, brought back the childhood memory of sweet and sour candy that made you pucker. This may be an autumn-inspired drink, but I found it to be an awesome accompaniment even on a chilly winter evening. I ordered the Black Angus Thai Boneless Short Ribs ($18) accompanied by sweet potatoes and sugar snow peas. The at the budget,” said Puppolo. Puppolo said the governor and Legislature have to deal with an $800 million deficit gap that has to be closed. He said the governor was scheduled to give his State of the State address Jan. 16, which will define where he stands and what programs will get trimmed. Patrick has already mentioned cuts in state hiring, reduction to judiciary funding, less money for safety net programs for low income people, limited funding for new projects, drawing from the Rainy Day Fund, and a reduction in money going to the Massachusetts School Building Authority. (Wilbraham and Hampden recently benefitted from the school building authority, which helped fund the new Minnechaug Regional High School that opened this fall.) In a press release from Evan Horowitz, director of communications of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, an independent think tank that concentrates on middle and lower income people, he blames several factors that causes the state to face persistent deficits. They are: The weak economy that has lowered state revenues even as it has increased the number of people relying on core safety net services. And, income tax cuts of the late 1990s, which continue to cost the state over $2.6 billion per year. “Our state is still in a severe fiscal crisis. We DININg Out ribs were most definitely the focal point of the meal. An apple and ginger coating added a sweet flavor with a slight kick to the savory ribs. The snow peas were cooked and served in their pods giving them a crunchy texture, but losing some of the sweetness normally found when served on their own. The potatoes were accented with a vanilla blend and seemed to have been pureed. The amount was less are now five years into the worst national economic crisis since the Great Depression. Equally important, we are almost 15 years into an ongoing fiscal crisis,” said Horowitz. Budget Timetable Puppolo said he is expecting Patrick to come up with a revised budget by the end of January. “The timetable will include debate in the House through April. Then the Senate will take a look at it. Differences between both houses will be reconciled by June and we will finish by July 30,” said Puppolo. But, he said there could be a possible reason for optimism. “We will be watching how tax revenues will go this tax season. It depends what we receive from the income and capital gains tax revenues. We’ll see what happens,” observed Puppolo. Puppolo said he prides himself in supporting a balanced and on-time budget each legislative season. Local Aid How will the budget affect Wilbraham and Hampden? Wilbraham Town Administrator Robert Weitz said, “For Wilbraham, we get about $1.2 million in local aid that could be cut. But the school system is much more vulnerable and will be affected. Unfortunately, town government has been relying less and less, over the past five years, on money from the than generous, but when it came to the flavor, I could offer no criticism. Less is more, they say. They tasted sweet enough to substitute as dessert. My meal came with the basic garden salad of greens, grape tomato and cucumber slices, but the ginger dressing made it exceptional. My only challenge of the evening was the popular Asian dining instru- state, so we will be less affected than the schools,” commented Weitz. Weitz said the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District usually receives Chapter 70 funds, for general schools use. Regional transportation support could also be affected, he said. In other 2013 legislative school matters Puppolo said as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and other committees he will be active in refiling and studying bills this session. Wilbraham – On issues that affect Wilbraham specifically, Puppolo said he, as well as state Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham), a former Wilbraham selectman, is expecting to be asked to support the effort to build a new Wilbraham Senior Center due to lack of room at the Scantic Valley YMCA. “I know they need bigger space,” he said. He said he also recognizes that the current police station is too small. “I have talked to Police Chief Roger Tucker and know what he needs,” said Puppolo. Parole Issues – He said he would be working with Hampden County District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni to tighten up rules on state parole policy. “The laws haven’t caught up with new technology. We want to close some of the loopholes on wiretapping. I am anticipating the Speaker of the House (Robert DeLeo, D- Winthrop) will make an announcement soon,” said Puppolo. ment, chopsticks. Not the wooden ones, but metal. They looked pretty, but in the hands of one who lacks fine motor skills, it can be a sad sight. Fusion of Styles My companion ordered the Pad Thai ($15) with beef (other choices included chicken and shrimp), rice noodles, peanuts, bean sprouts and fresh lime. Plenty of tender beef and “tons” of noodles filled her plate. She was delighted with the contrast in flavors, noting a bit of sweetness accented by the sour lime, and textures ranging from the crumbled peanuts to the softness of the beef and noodles. Small pieces of tofu could also be found although she would have preferred they remain lost. Ume is an upscale, authentic Japanese restaurant that offers a fusion of styles in a relaxing and intimate atmosphere with a décor that is unlike any other Asian restaurant in the area I have visited. This is a must-see for your dining “To Do” list. Located on Bliss Road in the Longmeadow Shops, Ume’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. For more information, call 413-565- 5088 (388-4145). You’ll have to wait a bit to visit them at www.umeasianbistro.com since their website is currently under construction. * * * Food Fact - The world’s largest restaurant is Bangkok, Thailand’s Royal Dragon, serving 5,000. (Source – Soft- Cafe.com) Budget shortfall causes cuts to local aid PUPPOLO from page 1 Cultural Center offers gnocchi-making SPRINGFIELD - The Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts, Inc. is sponsoring a gnocchi-making class on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Center, 56 Margaret St, Springfield. An instructor, supplies and space will be provided for adults and children. Just bring an apron and take home what you make. Space is limited. Seats will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the ICC at 413-784-1492 or email to CookwICC@comcast. net to request a registration form and to check seating availability. Payment must be received by Jan. 25 to guarantee a seat. Mail your name, address and phone number along with the registration fee of $20 for ICC members, $15 for children of members 12 years and younger, $25 per adult non-member, and $20 for children of non-members 12 years and younger to: Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts, Inc., Attn: Gnocchi-Making, 56 Margaret St, Springfield, MA 01105. AGAWAM – “Chefs for Jimmy” fundraiser will be held Friday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Join nearly 30 of Western New England’s culinary greats at Agawam’s Chez Josef to benefit the Jim- Transportation – Puppolo said for public transportation he and other Western Massachusetts representatives struggle with the eastern Massachusetts MBTA getting more than their fair share of funding at the expense of the Pioneer Valley Transportation Authority, which serves Wilbraham. “It has to be looked at,” he said. Unemployment Rates – Puppolo said he wants to keep a freeze on unemployment rates for small businesses. He said he would file a bill as early as he can to continue a rate freeze so that companies can know what to expect. Jobs – Puppolo said he would work at reducing red tape for businesses by streamlining regulations. “I want to make it easier for small businesses to expand,” he said. Gun Control – Gun control is a very hot button issue in the wake of the tragedy at Newtown, Conn. Puppolo was careful to say that he didn’t want to restrict lawful gun owners and hunters but wants to put controls on assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines. “The problem is where gun owners cross with mental illness,” said Puppolo. In summing up the coming year, Puppolo stated, “We’re in there pitching but more money is not on the radar screen.” Charles F. Bennett can be reached at cbennett@turley.com. Culinary greats cook for Jimmy Fund my Fund which supports cancer care and research at Dana- Farber. Tickets are $75 and are only available in advance by calling 800-525-4669 or purchasing online at jimmyfund.org/chefs-for-jimmy.
January 17, 013 The Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES Page 13 Family and friends raise money for accident victim DINNER from page 1 can Citizen’s Club in Ludlow on Saturday, Jan. 12 Reccord almost looked like the accident never happened. A Patriot’s Baseball cap covered the scar on his head from the craniotomy that stopped the bleeding in his brain and saved his life. A long sleeve shirt covered the majority of the brace on his wrist. And the smile on his face as he greeted people and thanked them for coming made him look positively normal. It was the wheelchair in the corner, and the fact that he had to hop instead of walk from guest to guest gave away the extent of his injuries. Flew to Texas According to his mother, Kathy, Brett still has a long way to go until he is fully recovered. A deep cut on his right foot still needs wound care and had made physical therapy for the rest of his injuries more difficult. In addition, he will need to have at least one more surgery on his right leg. But all things considered, “he’s doing pretty well,” said Reccord. A single mother, Reccord had to take two weeks off of her work as a physician’s assistant to fly to Texas to be with her son after the accident. Now, that Reccord is doing better she had been able to return to work, but has cut back on her hours substantially. “I used to work 60 or 80 hours a week, now I’m not working any extra,” she said. The insurance is covering the majority of Reccord’s medical expenses, however, the deductibles and costs of things such as the trip to Texas add up. “It’s a huge expense,” said Reccord. This is one of the reasons why Lori Kellner, a longtime family friend, started planning the benefit dinner, which between ticket prices and raffles, raised $9,800 for the Reccord family. Kellner and Betty Murphy, another longtime friend and co-organizer of the dinner, have known Kathy Reccord since their kids were “very young” and consider each other to be like family. “When you hear your friend crying on the other end of the phone wondering if her kid is going to live, you have to do something,” said Kellner who started plan- The Library Loft Schoolhouse Commons Historical Center • 1085 Park Street, Palmer We are celebrating our 10th year at the Schoolhouse Commons. Thanks to our wonderful “friends,” volunteers and patrons, we will be open on Fridays beginning in September. Our New Hours Tues. 10am - 4pm • Wed. 10am - 4pm • Thurs. 10am - 4pm Fri. 10am-4pm • Sat. 10am - 4pm Hope to see you there Book donations will be accepted at the Palmer Public Library or the Library Loft during open hours. Please, no magazines or Reader's Digest Condensed Books. We accept books only in good, clean condition. For more information call 283-3330 ext. 100 Proceeds To Benefit the Palmer Public Library TIMES photo by David Miles Rep. Angelo Puppolo, his daughter Olivia; Peg Sterns, Sen. Gale Candaras and Dennis Lopata in front of Greg the Barber’s shop. SUNDAY BINGO LUDLOW ELKS 69 Chapin St., Ludlow Hot, Hot 150 • 50/50 Elks • Jackpot PROGRESSIVE GAME DOORS OPEN 4 pm • Kitchen Opens 4:30 pm GAMES START AT 6:00 PM ning the dinner while the Reccords were still in Texas. “I felt she really needed a little extra help.” The dinner itself was humble. Guests were served pasta, meatballs, salad and bread buffet style on Styrofoam plates. But what was sacrificed in cutlery was made up for in the spirit of cheer in the room and in the funds raised to be given to the Reccord family. At the dinner, over 30 gift baskets were raffled off. The big ticket item was a large screen television donated by Michael Ferrera of the El Cid Lounge and Ken Norton from Ludlow, but it was a Michael Kors watch, donated by Brett Reccord’s girlfriend that received the most tickets. The band PrideFalls also performed for free. Over 280 people purchased tickets to the dinner. The mix of people that showed up included family, friends of Kathy Reccord, work friends of Brett, and random people. Also in attendance were members of the band Maker, who Brett Reccord was touring with as a crew member when the accident happened. Rock Band Maker Maker, is an indie rock band, made up of five musicians, the majority of whom met each other while attending Minnechaug Regional High School, according to guitarist Eric Soucy. The band was named the number four Best Unsigned Artist by Purevolume this year. Reccord became involved with the band, when he learned that the group’s van had broken down the day before they were set to begin a tour. Friends with many of the band members since Minnechaug, Reccord decided to offer up his vehicle and help out. “He’s a really good friend to all of us,” said Soucy. “Just a nice kid.” Kellner and the Reccords would like to thank everyone who has made a donation big or small made the time to come to the dinner. “There are so many people to thank,” said Kellner. Donations can be made at Hampden Bank, 1363 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01118. Checks should be made out to the “Reccord Family Donation Account.” Celebrating a special birthday WILBRAHAM – State Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham) and Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield) presented official citations to Winnifred “Peg” Stearns on the occasion of her 102nd Birthday in front of Greg the Barber’s window last week. Stearns was born in Nova Scotia and came to Springfield as a child. She is believed to be the oldest known graduate of Technical High School and believed to be the oldest person residing in Wilbraham. Stearns graduated from the Baystate Lifelong Learning Center 1455 N. Main St., Third Floor, Palmer (413) 283-2329 Website: www.topfloorlearning.org NEW! HIGH SCHOOL TUTORING Is your high school student in need of a Reading, Writing or Math tutor? Call our Director of Adult Literacy to discuss how we can help. (413) 283-2329 SURVIVORS' BRIDGE This group is for women who are or have been affected by domestic violence. Community funding enables Survivors' Bridge members to take FREE classes in computer instruction, math, reading and journal writing. Top Floor Learning also provides referrals to a support group. ADULT LITERACY PROGRAMS Reading/Writing/Math and ESL Volunteer Tutors ALWAYS Needed! Reading, Writing, Math One to One Tutoring This individualized program centers on the needs and goals of learners in reading, writing, and math. English as a Second Language One to One Tutoring For learners of English who speak NO English or very little English School of Nursing in 1932 and went on to marry and raise a family in the area. She presently resides at Life Care in Wilbraham and was escorted to the event by Life Care Executive Director Dennis Lopata. Showing a difference in the generations, Puppolo’s daughter Olivia took part in the presentation. Candaras and Puppolo thanked Greg Lockart (Greg the Barber) for posting notice of the special occasion in his shop window on the corner of Springfield and Main streets in Wilbraham. English as a Second Language Conversation Classes For learners at an Intermediate or Advanced level who would like more opportunities to converse in English. Classes January 22- May 28 Tuesdays, 10 am - 12 noon $95.00 ESL Volunteer Tutors Needed! Citizenship For learners of a second language who would like to become U.S. Citizens. NEED TO TAKE THE GED? Top Floor Learning provides a complete package of GED services for adults who are 16 or over and who have left high school. GED Official Half-Length Practice Test (FREE) Call Gail at (413) 283-2329 to make an appointment. CONDUCT YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Does your business need a nearby training center or meeting space? TFL facilitates: • Meeting space • Wired computer lab, seats 8 plus instructor station. LCD projector and screen available. Full suite of Microsoft 2010 software installed • Kitchen facilities • Wifi available throughout the space Wide range of morning, afternoon and evening hours available. Fees begin at $30/hour. Free parking included. For more information on the above programs, call the Director of Adult Literacy at (413) 283-2329.
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January 17, 2013 PDF Edition - Wilbraham-Hampden Times

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