The year 2014 arrived a little early on Tuesday afternoon for the guests at the Senior Center’s Annual New Year’s Eve party. It was a “Noon Year’s Eve” party of sorts, with more than enough shiny hats and tiaras, colorful noisemakers, bright balloons, and champagne to go around.

“It’s not real champagne. It’s pretend,” said one of the volunteers, as she passed out small plastic cups of bubbly to all the tables.

The guests continued to enjoy their cookies and cakes, smiling and wearing their party hats until everyone had a glass of sparkling grape juice in one hand, and a noisemaker in the other hand.

Rochester Senior Center Executive Director Sharon Lally took the microphone over to the middle of the room and got the crowd warmed up with the noisemakers for a practice run before the countdown began. Soon the entire room was filled with a cacophony of paper horns squawking, bells ringing, and the metal cranking of rattlers.

“Has everybody had enough to eat?” Ms. Lally asked the guests who were all at their tables, waiting for the arbitrary minute when they would usher in the New Year. “I see people without hats on!”

Upon the placement of a few more reluctant hats, at around 12:45 pm, Ms. Lally called for a 60-second countdown for ringing in the New Year.

“Sixty seconds? I’ll be asleep by then,” laughed one female guest from the crowd.

Those 60 seconds were more than enough to build the momentum as noisemakers noised and horns sounded, well before the countdown even reached 30. Then, when it came time for the final countdown, with a crescendo of clanging, the guests rang out “Happy New Year” with balloons dropping from the ceiling.

Ms. Lally lifted her glass, “To good health, good luck, and prosperity,” she toasted, followed by the clinks of champagne glasses heard around the room.

“Would anyone like to share a resolution?” Ms. Lally asked, scanning the room for any volunteers.

Ms. Lally travelled from table to table with the microphone, calling on a few willing participants, some of whom gave rather candid, comical resolutions.

“To play more cribbage,” said Carol Peters of Marion, who, as Ms. Lally pointed out, already spends a significant portion of her free time at the center playing cards.

“I got up this morning,” said Dale Dakin of Rochester. “Good enough!”

“To lose weight,” said Doris Boucher of Rochester. How? “By eating less,” she clarified.

Some shared more heartfelt resolutions, like Jackie Demers of Rochester. “Every day, give someone a smile. It will make their day brighter.”

“Be kind to each other,” suggested Lillian Breen of Freetown.

Jean Armstrong, the president of the Council on Aging offered her resolution, “To be a better person.”

“To come to the Senior Center more often,” said Mabel Calheta of Rochester, who proudly pointed out that her grandson, Joshua Holmes, was volunteering at the event for three of his 30 hours of community service for his Confirmation.

Ms. Peters gave “three cheers” for Ms. Lally and for all that she does every day for the Tri-Town senior citizens, just before Ms. Lally invited everyone to join her in singing “Let there be Peace on Earth.”

The guests blew their horns and rattled their noisemakers again, before singing a verse of “Auld Lang Syne,” together, keeping with tradition.

Ms. Lally thanked the guests and told them, on behalf of everyone at the Senior Center, “I want to wish a Happy New Year to each and every one of you.” She continued, “I hope it’s a better year for everybody and, God willing, we will all be here next year.”

By Jean Perry

For the second year in a row, local residents will be gathering at Mattapoisett Town Beach on New Year’s Day and “Freezin for a Reason” when they participate in a Polar Plunge to raise money for the BAM Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance to local residents undergoing cancer treatment.

BAM Foundation Founder Alicia Halle, along with Michele and William Huggins of Mattapoisett, are coordinating the popular annual event for January 1. The Huggins Family was once a recipient of BAM funding while William was undergoing cancer treatment.

“They reached out to us when William was in treatment,” said Michele. “We were really touched by that. This is our way to pay it forward.”

The financial assistance helps offset the hidden costs of cancer treatment, such as travel expenses, hospital parking fees, and extra child care to name a few.

“Things that you don’t even think about,” said Michele, “but are real.”

Last year the event attracted about 300 spectators and 100 plungers, according to Michele, and she hopes this year they will double the amount of plungers and donations as well.

Costumes are encouraged! The more creative the better, says Michele. There will also be prizes awarded to participants who raise the most funds, among other things.

The Polar Plunge will take place promptly at 12:00pm, so participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow for checking-in and dropping-off of donations.

Parking was an issue last year as well, so if you do not want to wind up parking all the way at Ned’s Point, you should arrive at least 30 minutes early.

There will be a heated tent, hot beverages, a bon fire, grilled shrimp on the beach, and a bake sale, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local families in need.

The Inn on Shipyard Park will also be hosting a post-plunge party with coffee and a signature Polar Plunge drink.

It is not too late to download the fundraising form, which can be found on the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/411862282257660.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of old shoes to protect your feet, a couple dry towels, and a plastic bag for your wet belongings!

Too chicken to take the plunge? You can also show your support by cheering on the plungers and buying a baked good or a tee shirt for $20.

Donations can also be sent directly to BAM Foundation, PO Box 30185, Acushnet, MA 02743.

See you there!

By Jean Perry

Going out and celebrating New Year’s Eve doesn’t need to cost a fortune, nor do you have to travel far to see fireworks, ice sculptures, fire eating, and all those other cool things a lot of people think only happen in big cities.

How does a family-friendly evening of free live music, street performances, and unique art activities and exhibits right in historic downtown New Bedford sound to you?

If you are looking for some ideas on how to ring in 2014, or if you just haven’t given it much thought yet, consider City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve 2013, organized and presented by AHA! and the City of New Bedford. The celebration, featuring a variety of free activities and events, runs from 4:30 until 8:00 pm, with fireworks over the harbor following at 8:30 pm.

The night kicks off at 4:30 pm with the Opening Ceremony at Custom House Park featuring Mayor Mitchell, city councilors, Miss New Bedford, Miss New Bedford Outstanding Teen, Showstoppers, and the UMass Steel Drum Band.

Following the ceremony is an All Faith Service for the New Year at Seamen’s Bethel at 15 Johnny Cake Hill from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

Some exciting, must-do activities include Fire & Ice! Fire Eaters at 6:15 pm on the Whaling Museum Plaza and at 7:30 pm in Custom House Park, with live ice sculpting in Custom House Park starting at 4:30 pm.

Fire-eating and juggling street performers, The Suspenders, will put on a show on William Street from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and there will be two stilt-walking shows at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Custom House Park.

The UMASS Dartmouth Kekeli African Music Ensemble will perform on the State Pier (near the Ferry Terminal) from 7:45 to 8:30 pm.

Bring the little ones to see Toe Jam Puppet Band perform at the YMCA at 25 S. Water Street for three shows at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm, or head over and warm up inside the National Park Visitor Center located at 33 William Street while working on a variety of hands-on craft activities with the national park’s 1850s Ladies from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

The kids will love Jedlie’s Magic Circus at the New Bedford Art Museum located at 608 Pleasant Street at 5:45 and 7:00 pm.

Also for kids and families, the New Bedford High School Drama Club presents Circus Shorts from 5:15 to 6:30 pm at the New Bedford Public Library located at 613 Pleasant Street, and the Ocean Explorium located at 174 Union Street will feature hands-on activities, Blue Earth Projection, and live exhibits from 4:00 until 7:00 pm.

Looking to experience some art? Then head straight for the We Art NB! galleries where you can look around and shop at Crowell’s Fine Art at 328 Acushnet Avenue, Gallery 65 on William at 65 William Street, the Paradise-McFee Gallery at 106 Williams Street, and TL6 the Gallery at 100 William Street.

From 5:30 until 8:00 pm, watch artists as they utilize all sorts of art mediums in a live competition for the best artwork award during the Plus Art! Battle at Artworks located at 384 Acushnet Avenue.        A number of venues, cafes, and bars will feature live music by local musicians of all kinds of musical genres. Café Arpeggio at 800 Purchase Street will host a folk coffee house from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, while Tia Maria’s located at 42 N. Water Street will feature Fado with Ana Vinagre at 5:30 and 6:30 pm.

There will be Celtic music with Eddie Dillon and Aoife Clancy at the Seamen’s Bethel from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, and Cape Verdean Kitchen Music at Celia’s Boutique from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society, Ponta de Sol will perform at Artworks from 6:00 until 8:00 pm.

Go see Showstoppers at the Penler Space (adjacent to the Zeiterion Theater) from 5:30 to 6:45 pm, or head over to 767 Exchange located at 767 Purchase Street from 6:00 to 8:00 pm to hear the O’ Tooles.

There will be Latin Guitar at Crowell’s Fine Art, time TBA, and if you are looking to dance in the new year, walk over to Wing’s Court for a dance party from 6:00 to 8:00 pm where DJ Anghelli will playing some loud tunes from ‘then and now’ to get you grooving.

If jazz is what you’re into, you will find plenty of it! Gallery 65 is hosting Paul Nagel and Bill Meile from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, and Jim Robataille, John Harrison, Dino Govoni, Dave Zinno, and Chris Poudrier will perform at the New Bedford Whaling Museum at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, 5:00 to 6:30 pm.

Gatlin’s Framing & Photography at 209 Union Street will present Al Nawoki & the UMass Jazz Quartet from 5:00 till 8:00 pm, while Scott Alan Correira & friends play jazz piano and musical revue at UMASS College of Performing & Visual Arts located at 715 Purchase Street, 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

Some venues will remain open after 9:00 pm with food, drink, and live music. Stop by Rose Alley Ale House at 94 Front Street where DJ Tom Cooney will be playing music from 9:00 pm – 1:00 am, with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

Cork at 90 Front Street will have live music with Chris Richards & Mike Lavoie from 8:30 pm till 12:30 am plus a five-course sharing menu and champagne toast starting at 4:00 pm (reservations required), and the Pour Farm Tavern at 780 Purchase Street will have a live band as yet to be determined.

So consider bundling-up, heading out on the town, and taking advantage of all the free activities that historical downtown New Bedford is offering this year to make New Year’s Eve a unique evening that you will actually remember in the morning!

By Jean Perry

He keeps it in his wallet in a coin holder with a small cellophane circle. It’s an Indian head penny, in great condition, dated 1897. “This is the first penny I ever earned. When I showed it to my father, he told me that he was born in 1897, so that made the penny even more special, so I kept it safe from that day on,” said Tom Shire, a Marion resident.

Growing up in Dorchester in the era of the horse and wagon, Shire followed his brothers and walked behind horses around the neighborhood, hoping for some droppings. He carried a ‘coal hoard’ and a two foot long coal shovel. He was five years old.

“I sold my first pail of horse manure to my elderly neighbor, Mrs. Parker. The penny was for bringing the manure and also for spreading it all around her flowers and vegetable garden,” said Shire.

“I lived during that transition period between horses and wagons and the automobile and truck era. There were plenty of peddlers with a horse and wagon including ragmen, fruit delivery men, and others selling or delivering all sorts of goods,” said Shire. When the shovel wasn’t being used to gather manure, it was used in the cellar to feed coal into the furnace. According to Shire, the end of the shovel could hold a half dozen pieces of coal which could easily be thrust into the furnace because the handle was about two feet long.

Shire has a history in show business and owned several theaters, including the Zeiterion, during his career. “Kirk Douglas’s autobiography is titled, The Ragman’s Son,” said Shire.

He collects vintage movie memorabilia and enjoys speaking to groups about his time in the business and movie trivia. Mr. Shire reopened the Zeiterion in 1975, then known as the State Theatre and focused on showing current and classic films. Mr. Shire also brought live acts to the stage, including a circus and a Mexican Folkloric Ballet Troupe and others.

A movie buff, Mr. Shire has an interesting collection including posters, autographed celebrity photographs, marquee signs, books, ticket stubs, stationary and many framed photographs of his favorite stars. Some of his favorites include Greta Garbo, Jimmy Durante, Lionel Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin, Gregory Peck and Tyrone Power, Ingrid Bergman and Myrna Loy.

Mr. Shire said that he fell in love with the grandeur of the old theater buildings while growing up. “Half the fun was being inside a beautifully designed theater with all the elaborate details on the walls and ceilings,” he said. Mr. Shire said that his mother didn’t see the attraction of going to the theater saying she couldn’t see, ‘paying good money to sit in a dark place next to a stranger.” Mr. Shire said his mother resisted when he got a job as an usher and had to work Sundays, but she finally conceded to her son’s love of the business.

Shire says his penny brings him happiness and is a reminder of the times when he was growing up. “My parents were immigrants and would often say, ‘here in America, we have everything, and it is our duty to help others and give back’.

Another memory Shire shared was running some errands for two Scottish sisters who lived on his street. “I knew they didn’t have much, so I was aware of that and they asked me if I wanted a cup of tea, a piece of candy or a nickel for my work. I looked at the table and could see that they couldn’t spare the nickel and that they certainly liked the candy, so I said I would be happy to stay for a cup of tea.” Shire said it was his first cup of tea ever and to this day he is an avid tea drinker. “My parents taught me to always be on the lookout for ways to help other people, and it’s become a lifelong habit,” said Shire.

Shire is active around Marion and recently served on the Marion School Committee and volunteers to help out in the cafeteria at Sippican Elementary School during lunch period. “I’ve shown my penny to several teachers and students and I tell the students to not waste food and to be thankful for all they have,” said Shire.

By Joan Hartnett-Barry