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"HEY, AUNT MAGGIE, I CAN SMELL YOUR GRAVY!"
On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, Margaret Corino Luglio went home to her eternal reward. Today, March 1, friends, family, and other relatives from the old neighborhoods are streaming to Wildwood, New Jersey, to escort this special lady to her peaceful resting place.
They're flying in from West Palm Beach, driving down from Boston, and Belleville and Nutley are emptying onto the Garden State Parkway in the early morning hours. If you could look close at the faces of these respectful travelers you'll notice a special phenomenon—they'll all be shedding a tear and smiling at the same time.
"Hey, Aunt Maggie, I can smell your gravy!"
Margaret Corino was the first of eight children of Carmine and Maria (Capalbo) Corino. Her parents survived the trip from the shores of Calabria in Southern Italy to settle in Belleville, New Jersey.
Grandpa Corino and his friends and boys built the houses they raised their families in. They were right on the Belleville-Nutley line—some of their bedrooms in Nutley, the rest in Belleville.
"Where ya from?"
"The Belleville-Nutley line—Big Tree section."
Those were Aunt Margaret's roots. She quickly became the proverbial big sister, but as time would pass, Aunt Maggie became a second mother to her siblings, their best friend, a confidant, a business advisor, … and eventually, the matriarch of the Corino's from the Big Tree section of Belleville.
To so many of us—her nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends from the old day, Margaret Corino became that daring beauty who would be the first to leave her town for the opportunity at the Jersey Shore. Her handsome husband Bob Luglio from across the river in Lyndhurst encouraged her to take the first step.
Yes, she would leave the blue collar cocoon of King Street, St. Mary's Place, Carmer Avenue, and the connecting roads to Holy Family Church and St. Mary's Church, but so had her brothers back in the forties and fifties.
They, with the exception of Tony and Frankie, went off to war—Angelo and Jimmy to Europe, and Tommie to Korea. Her sister Rosie would head over to New York with Uncle Joe Scotto, but Aunt Jo would become a Biondi, moving a couple of feet into Nutley with Uncle Jimmie.
So daring was Aunt Maggie. But, she'd never forget—the scadaul and beans (escarole and beans), eggs in the gravy with peas, pasta, Zinacola bread, tripe, potato and eggs, and the many other depression meals she cooked with her mother and sisters during the tough years of her youth when her father and brothers were building an excavation business.
Yes, she left the neighborhood, but the neighborhood never left her heart.
"Hey, Aunt Maggie, I can smell your gravy."
It was in Wildwood where Margaret bloomed. Her two wonderful daughters Judy and Barbara blessed her and Uncle Bob with respect and youthful beauty as they assisted in building the family motel business. It wasn't long before some of the other transplants from the Italian American enclaves of New York City and Northern Jersey got to know their new Wildwood neighbor.
How could they not notice her? Her businesses were growing, her home was always open to them, she was always in the kitchen preparing food even for strangers, and when it was time to celebrate, no one was more grateful than "Aunt Maggie Jiggs."
Jiggs? Yep, she'd always be dancing with her husband, her sisters, her daughters, strangers… not the Jig, but more like the donandell (tarantella). Food, drink, and a big hug would always welcome you at her home—no matter who you were.
My first memory of my Aunt Maggie, my wife's eldest aunt? I was invited to stay "overnight" in one of her motels back in the early sixties. Yea, I'd have to share the mattresses on the kitchen floor with my future brother-in-law Angelo, and his double cousins (sisters married brothers) Jimmie, Carl, and Mark.
No complaints from me, … it was my first overnight at the Jersey Shore—my father's take home pay and my mother's check from the grave yard shift assured great summer days in our backyard in Belleville, but an overnight at the Shore? Not quite.
And so I saw the legend of Aunt Maggie unfold. It is still so real in my heart right now. Her love for her family, her appreciation for the moment, her ability to listen, her generosity, … and her spiritual and personal strength—yea, she reminded me of my mother a bit, but she was ever so unique.
Every year my wife Maria would make sure Wildwood would be a destination for me and our daughters Tina and Corrine. Judy married Police Chief Bob Davenport, and Barbara wed accountant Nick Terenik. Aunt Maggie's grandkids came—Patrick, Michelle, and Michael for Judy, and Thea, a blessing for Barbara. So, lots of reasons to head to Wildwood, but none better than to just be with Aunt Maggie.
My fictionalized memoir Bad News on the Doorstep has lots of characters, lots of ethnic situations, and unbelievable anecdotes. But what was the most popular chapter according to my readers, no matter where they called home? Always, the answer is the same: "Wildwood Days." And all because of the character, Aunt Maggie.
Well, she and her husband build a mini-motel dynasty in the Wildwoods, sharing it with her children and grandchildren, showing them how to gain wealth, and teaching them about their roots. The depression meals would sometimes be featured in her home to remind us all where we came from. But in spite of the circumstance, Aunt Maggie would be smiling, laughing, serving, listening, … and dancing.
And we were all learning from her just how to live. She stayed humble, she learned that in her Roman Catholic Church, and she thrilled to see her daughters come to know the Lord in a personal way, just like her.
In the end, her spirit lives on. Her son-in-law Bobbie, a noble veteran of Vietnam, respected former Top Cop in Wildwood, just smiles when he thinks of her. His first grandson Gavin is special. When Bob calls him at home in Wildwood from his stately winter home in Marisol in Palm Beach Gardens, it has gone like this:
"Hi, Gavin, it's Poppie."
"Hi, Poppie."
"What are you doing, Gavin?"
"Poppie, I'm talking to YOU!"
Yea, I can smell Maggie's gravy—her great grandson, focusing on the moment with his hero of a grandfather, nothing else mattering at the time… just like his great grandma Maggie! For Aunt Maggie, it was all about the joy of the moment… no matter what!
Margaret Corino Luglio took a little trip about ten years ago. Alzheimer's arrived and she strolled off to another place. Oh, my God… the trips for all of us continued to Wildwood as her daughters would find places for us to sleep. But all had to wait until we visited Aunt Maggie at her nursing home. She looked great, we laughed with her, she ate our chocolates, the sparkle was in her eyes. Oh, some things had changed, … but it seemed they were always making gravy at that nursing home… Aunt Maggie's gravy.
One time when we visited, Judy reintroduced us—me, my wife Maria, and my father-in-law Angelo Corino (Maggie's brother). When asked how she was, she replied, "I feel like I'm lost and can't find my way home." Later that visit she informed us she speaks with Sally, my mother-in-law who had passed on. We laughed and cried with her.
On Tuesday, February 26, the call came down to Judy and Barbara in Florida that they best return to Wildwood quickly. They did. But as they were in flight, Patrick Davenport, Margaret's oldest grandchild, was at her side. She was just outside the Gates of Heaven. Time was quickly approaching.
But Patrick was an outstanding high school basketball player at Wildwood Catholic, received his degree from Villanova, his Dad fought the enemy hand-to-hand in another land, and Pat's now his Dad's partner in the Biscayne Motel. He knows a little about life. And he knows his grandmother. He encouraged her to hang in: "The girls are coming, Judy and Barbara, just wait for them, Nanny."
He wasn't pleading. He was respectfully suggesting. He was confidant she would not leave yet.
Well, Aunt Maggie waited. The girls arrived. They sang and danced around her. Moments later, their devoted mother finally found her way home… to the arms of a loving, smiling, and tearful Creator. He finally had one of His greatest of creations all to himself. And I bet Aunt Maggie convinced Him to dance!!
And so, if you are so fortunate to have known Margaret Corino Luglio, next time you're in Wildwood or the Crest, and it's Sunday afternoon, and you're making your way off the beach, … stop. Get into the moment, … at first you'll hear the cawing of the seagulls, then the clickity sound of the roller coaster, the menagerie of sounds from the thousands on the beach, the aroma of sausage and peppers wafting in from the boardwalk, maybe popcorn, cotton candy, … the yelps of the barkers at the board games. Your senses will be assaulted.
But, if you knew Aunt Maggie, and you really get into that moment with the sun beating down on you, take a whiff of the Jersey Shore air. You won't smell the salt from the ocean, … you'll smell Aunt Maggie's Sunday gravy. It's waiting for you, just as her example of how to live, love, and pass on this blessing of life to others. I'm down in West Palm Beach right now, … and ya know what?
One final note, God has a sense of humor and a perfect plan: Patrick and his beautiful wife Jennifer just brought a healthy baby girl into the world. Her name is Maggie. So, Maggie's back in town. Yea, Maggie's back in town, never to leave, no matter where we or she is.
Rest in peace, Aunt Maggie, keep on dancing, … we'll see you when the Lord picks the time.
Nephew Joe in West Palm, enjoying the smell of Aunt Maggie's gravy.
PS: For those of you who have the time, and want to get to know Aunt Maggie better, or perhaps you knew her, and don't want to forget her? Well, below is Chapter 21 of Bad News on the Doorstep. It will always be Aunt Maggie's chapter. And then there's a short Epilogue. Enjoy. But remember—it's fiction; but not the Maggie part—couldn't touch that. You can't make a masterpiece better.
"WILDWOOD DAYS"
Copyright 2004, Joseph Rocco Cervasio, all rights reserved.
The summer of '59 was hot and humid in northern New Jersey. Frank was getting into the best football shape of his life, not playing summer baseball for the first time since he was nine. Shock over the double suicide at the Profetta house was still high. Its effect on Jo-Jo was profound, having witnessed the clash between the old man and Gary Gubitosi, but also finding the stack of twenties. On the other hand, the thirteen year old still had not decided what to do with his evidence that was now snugly nestled between his underwear and the 1959 edition of Street and Smith's College Football Magazine. To make sure his older brother did not go fishing for the college football predictions bible, Jo-Jo bought him his own copy. He had still not yet decided what to do with the stash, and had not even asked for prayerful guidance. In fact, he seemed paralyzed by the whole set of circumstances.
Surprisingly, that summer Marietta seemed to be forgetting about the counterfeit situation. Not only had Pete dodged his name being on the suspects' list, but she also could not be more grateful that Frank's education at Cornell was being covered totally by scholarship, financial aid, and a part-time job. And, if he needed extra, her brother assured her Sneaks Babula had given the OK to tap into his "gift." The pressure was off, at least for now. She seemed to seize on any bit of good news around the household, and give it life far beyond its worth. Frank and Maria's impending visit to the Giardina relatives at the Jersey Shore was an example.
On this morning of vacation planning, Rocky was already at work, Donna still sleeping, and Marietta had just arrived home from her graveyard shift. Jo-Jo joined her and his brother at the kitchen table.
"Frankie, when does Maria want to take you down to Wildwood?" asked his mother.
"Oh, Ma, I forgot to tell you. It'll be next weekend, and she said her mother and father want me to invite Jo-Jo and one of his friends to stay over, too."
"Did you tell your brother yet?" asked Marietta with a sly smile, as Jo-Jo's eyes instantly bulged with delight. Marietta felt that, too. This would give Jo-Jo his first time on vacation for more than a one-day trip, as well as take pressure off her and Rocky to supply their own version of a mini-holiday.
No longer waiting for his brother's formal announcement, Jo-Jo exclaimed, "I'll come. I'll come!"
Frank was also looking forward to his first trip to one of the state's southern most resort areas. The summer phenomenon of Wildwood was often referred to on American Bandstand. Also, the Giardinas and their relatives there were not only generous people, but with so many sisters marrying brothers from the same paese, anytime they saw a potential betrothal brewing, they would do anything to solidify it, and make the relationship grow. Inviting Frank's little brother was simply part of the process.
The idea of staying at the Jersey Shore was giving Jo-Jo a feeling in his stomach that resembled his initial reaction to his first kiss with Rosemarie Masino. Was he also fantasizing about the Bandstand girls he might meet on the Wildwood boardwalk? Maybe he was looking at another first time experience which could never match its anticipation. That would not be the case for the Bonaducci boys this time.
The plan was for Frank to drive Uncle Jimmy Quinn's '56 Chevy, leaving the last Friday in July, returning Monday morning to their summertime jobs, … Maria as a playground director at Belleville's Recreation House, and Frank with the town's Public Works Department. Jo-Jo would tag along with his guest, whomever he might choose.
After Jo-Jo revealed his choice for his traveling companion, Frank asked, "Why Russell Giardella? You could ask the guys from around here like Gerald or Roger. What's up with Russell?" In Frank's mind, the near-sighted paperboy had been somewhat of a paper-tossing pest over the years.
"He's like me," answered his brother.
"Oh, he'll be just like you even more when he sets his four eyes on the Philly girls on the boardwalk."
"Frankie, forget that," said Jo-Jo. "Not Russell."
"I know, Jo-Jo. But I'm curious, and so will Maria be when I tell her. After all, she knows all your buddies. I mean this kid is going to be sleeping at one of her Aunt Maggie's places. It's important."
"Well, Russell's like me," Jo-Jo repeated.
"Yes, you said that already. Be more specific, little brother."
"Well, he never stayed anywhere overnight, … just like me."
Frank was surprised. "Really, Jo-Jo? Never once?"
"Frank, they got another kid on the way! Mr. Giardella just works his head off with Wonder Bread, comes home, ties all the kids to their chairs, except Russell, kisses Mrs. Giardella, feeds his family, goes to sleep, then goes back to work. You know what?" asked Jo-Jo, without waiting for a response. "With Russell coming, it'll be Mr. Giardella who'll be delivering The Ledger. They don't know what the word 'vacation' means. None of the kids complain like we always do to Mommy and Daddy." Now Jo-Jo was worried Frank might not give Russell his approval.
"I know one other thing Mr. and Mrs. Giardella do do," said Frank. "They must go to mass every day." His subtle sarcasm of Catholic commitment to no birth control caught both Jo-Jo and Marietta by surprise. "You're a good man, Joseph Bonaducci," Frank relented, kissing Jo-Jo's head and squeezing his cheeks. "You have Mommy's heart and Daddy's loyalty. Russell's got a good friend."
Jo-Jo could not sleep the night before the day of the trip. Marietta had been busy making eggs, pepper, and pepperoni sandwiches on fresh Giordano hard rolls she got Pete to buy the day before. From after dinner that night to right before Uncle Nick Durso picked her up for work at 11:45 PM in Norma Desmond, Marietta dutifully prepared the feast, artfully wrapping the sandwiches in wax paper to prevent the moist flavors of butter, olive oil, onions, green peppers, and the freshest and hottest pepperoni Charlie Buccino from Silver Lake could find, dripping inside Jimmy Quinn's car. Eighteen sandwiches in total had been created, with Marietta envisioning all of Maria's cousins and other family members tasting her very wet and tantalizing Bloomfield Avenue sandwich specialties. Burning smoke from her excessive use of oil and butter so engulfed the entire house with appetizing scents that Jo-Jo quickly devoured one of the eighteen soon after his mother left for work.
Marietta had silently enjoyed the sandwich making, because it let her mind drift back to trips to Coney Island she remembered, back in the thirties, before her father died. She also appreciated the fact that Frank was getting closer to the Giardina family, who like her Bonaducci in-laws, looked for any excuse to enjoy life and be festive. She had missed that in her own childhood. She thanked God her children were surely gravitating to a lifestyle full of more hope than the worry that had filled hers.
Wildwood would be a new world for Jo-Jo and Russell. The trip took three and a half hours. It was only noon, as Frank pulled the car into the open space in front of Aunt Maggie Corino's brick porch home on Surf Avenue in the northern part of Wildwood. While it was only noon on this last Friday in July, the four eyes, four ears, and four nostrils that belonged to Jo-Jo and Russell were working overtime already. The temperature was heading for ninety according to the Philadelphia DJs who provided the radio music on the ride down.
As Frank and Maria prepared to exit the vehicle, their two thirteen year old guests sat, almost paralyzed in the cramped back seat by the smell of sun tan lotion coming from people strolling by, … possibly a potion of baby oil and iodine, with a sweet, tropical, and fruity trace. It was a telltale sign they must be near, for their first time, the legendary, expansive … Wildwood Beach.
Jo-Jo and Russell also got their first whiff of ocean air rolling in over the boardwalk, across the hot asphalt street, and meandering through the heavily-leafed trees dotting Surf Avenue. And it was not just any ocean air in their minds. This came from the spray of the mighty Atlantic Ocean that they'd only read about in schoolbooks. While its foamy waves were caressing the sandy shore just a quarter of a mile away, its invisible aroma was already beckoning Jo-Jo and Russell to head quickly to the beach to behold its majesty.
The caw of seagulls had joined in titillating the imagination of the two who had never stayed overnight. These gray-headed airborne creatures were welcoming the visitors from the sweltering neighborhoods of northern New Jersey, simultaneously soliciting some delectable handouts to be spread by human fingers.
The two boys were tattooed further into the leather seats, which had moistened the backs of their Levi dungarees. Their ears were now being provoked by a familiar sound, not unlike the endless, slow-moving freight trains behind Smallwood Avenue back in Belleville, … a clickity-clack staccato they would be able to recall for all their lives. But this metal on metal concert was without clacks; it was only the clickities … of roller coaster cars as they labored to the zenith of their routes, about to require human screams to complete their score, officially welcoming the boys to the Jersey Shore destination. It was clearly the dominant noise of the moment, with spinning of wheels of fortune and calls of barkers only faint in the boardwalk background.
While the aroma of Mrs. Bonaducci's peppers, pepperoni, onions, and eggs was exuding from the trunk of the '56 Chevy, totally having escorted any of Jimmy Quinn's favorite pine smell away by the Perth Amboy Bridge, even those flavorful temptations had met their true match. A final scented tidal wave of banquet table proportions overwhelmed Russell and Jo-Jo in the form of boardwalk popcorn, French fries, pizza, and sausage, now making their own bid to capture the smelling pleasure of the two teens. Indeed, while it was only twelve noon at the Jersey Shore, the sights, sounds, and smells of Wildwood at its best had already seduced both infant travelers!
Maria's Aunt Margaret was the oldest of her dad's four brothers and three sisters. Known to all from the Big Tree and Avondale sections of Nutley and Belleville as "Maggie," she had followed her husband, Armando Corino, to Wildwood after he was discharged from the Army. She and her sisters had watched their father, Ernesto Giardina, build a modest excavation company with her younger brothers. Originally when she relocated to Wildwood to buy a small ten-unit motel, many thought it would have been Maggie as the one who should have succeeded her shrewd, hardworking father as head of the family's profitable dirt moving enterprise. Her brothers would also have agreed.
As much a good businesswoman as she might be, Maggie was even more well known for her warm hospitality, twenty-four hour kitchen, and her drive to enjoy each, and everyday, as a gift from God. She had sported broad shoulders and a tiny waist as the bride of her husband from the Nutley side of King Street. Cocoa brown hair, contrasted well with olive skin, stemming from her family roots in Calabria. A tiny bump at the top of her nose that made her, her mother's daughter, only accentuated the warmth and childlike faith that projected out of her closely set brown eyes. The years in Wildwood, helping Armand lug mattresses and dressers up and down motel stairs, not only aged her, but also strained her back into a slight right tilt. Always sampling her own cooking, and never allowing leftovers to go uneaten, her short stature gave her body a sturdy look. Her perpetually worn apron reminded everyone that glamour was not her style, but rather hard work and commitment to her family. Naturally, her motel business was a success and destined to grow in the future. Two daughters and two sons worshiped the ground Maggie walked on.
"Maria, Maria, my brother's daughter. Come, come." Maggie, reached to hug her neice as she walked up the front steps. "And I finally get the football star to visit us. Frank Bonaducci!" She kissed and hugged him as if she had known Frank since childhood. "And these two must be our special guests."
With her arms opened, Maggie expected hugs from Jo-Jo and Russell. The boys did not hesitate. After all, Maria's aunt was the reason they were on their first overnight vacation.
Unloading the luggage on the porch, it was impossible for the guests not to see the ferris wheel, roller coaster, and countless food and game stands that dominated the nearby boardwalk. "Mrs. Corino, my mom asked me to give you this," said Frank, "… as a thanks for having us all down this weekend."
Ushering them all into her kitchen, Maggie's two boys took the luggage around the corner to the Wellington Apartments where their male guests would be sleeping, while her daughters set the table for coffee and cake. As Maggie sat down and slowly opened the daintily wrapped package, her eyes lit up. "Oh my, oh my, … the portrait of the 'Sacred Heart of Jesus'. So thoughtful; our blessed Jesus. Thanks to you and your mother, Frankie." Maggie hugged the framed picture and turned again to her niece's boyfriend. "Frank, your mother's Marietta, right?" He had met Maggie on several occasions at the assortment of wakes and Communion, Confirmation, Marriage and Baptism celebrations that sometimes seem to dominate the every social hour of a large Italian American family. But she had never sat down to speak with him. "You know, I know her. You know how?"
Frank shook his head. "Nope."
Jo-Jo was quiet as a church mouse. Maria also tuned in. All Russell was thinking about was devouring the beckoning crumb cake.
"You have an Aunt Bella," Maggie continued. "She and I, and a bunch of girls, used to get together to go out dancin' Saturday nights, … down the First Ward of Newark, before the War. We were all single. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, … when we walked into the room, all eyes would go to Bella, …such a beauty. And she would tell us all about her family, especially her brothers fighting overseas, and how one of them was gonna marry this beautiful girl from Bloomfield Avenue. I mean we weren't that close, because there was so many of us. But who could forget Bella, … or your mother's name, … 'Marietta'? I mentioned it to my brother, Ang, when he told me about Frankie. But you know your father, Maria … always forgets. So, I do know the Bonaducci family a little bit. So, Frankie, give your mother a kiss for me, and make sure she knows to come down and visit."
"Gee, I didn't know," was all Frank could say.
As always, Maggie was in motion, not only talking with her hands in between words, but also helping her daughters set the table and cut the cake, all at the same time. She continued. "And you know what? Your Aunt Bella comes down every time Louie Prima shows up at the Riptide. She's always with her husband and a couple of other couples. Well, guess who's in Wildwood this weekend? Mr. Prima! So, maybe Bella will show up."
Small world, thought Frank.
Maggie's sons returned to tell Frank that he and the boys were all set up in the small rooming house around the corner. Over the last twelve years, Maggie and her husband had made the Sonata Suites into such a favorite motel for the goomods and goombods from Newark, Belleville, Lyndhurst, and Nutley that they had just acquired the Wellington as their second property. Every time she had vacancies, Maggie would make the call north to invite whoever could make it down. This weekend most of her nieces and nephews were coming to town to cash in on her generosity, as, of course, there would be no charge. On the other hand, all guests were required to be at Maggie's crowded home on Friday nights for fresh fish and "olyule" with the "allige"; then again on Sunday afternoon, … after the beach, for macaronis with the red gravy, sausage, meatballs, and pork. No one would ever dishonor this commandment.
That Friday the sun could not have been hotter and the Atlantic Ocean more refreshing for the visitors from Belleville. Jo-Jo could not believe the vastness of the Wildwood Beach, compared to the eroding shorelines at Sandy Hook, Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Belmar, … locations just within the "daytrip" limits of his father's ailing '49 Chevy. Russell's freedom from his seven other brothers and sisters seemed to be revealing a different side to the underweight and nervous thirteen year old. Finally he had time for himself, so he didn't know what to do first; just sit in the sand, stare at the blue-green ocean water, or wait for someone to say he had to return home to deliver The Ledger and strap all his brothers and sisters in for dinner. Frank was playing touch football on the beach with Maria's other cousins, down for the week with their parents, several of whom had played freshman ball at Belleville High last year, and were relishing tangling with the college-bound running back.
Maria, who was strolling the beach with Maggie's daughters, Judy and Barbara, stopped in amazement at seeing a statuesque woman with deeply suntanned bronze body and gigantic floppy white hat with red ribbon. Her stylish black bathing suit accentuated every natural curve the Good Lord had bestowed on her. Aunt Maggie really was prophetic. Maria announced to her cousins, "God, it's Frank's Aunt Bella. She's here, just like your mother predicted."
Standing in the middle of a circle of beach chairs, full of others her age, Bella was being her normal, expressive center of attraction. As Maria surveyed Bella's audience, there were five other ladies and two men. Uncle Emil Bruno was not there.
"Aunt Bella, it's me, Maria Giardina!"
Bella reacted, "Mother Mary, it's my handsome nephew's beautiful girlfriend! Maria, come, … come meet my friends." And noticing Maria's cousins, she added, "And who are these two Italian beauties?"
Maria made introductions, and then Bella went around the circle. "Darlings, I want you to meet my nephew's future wife, … we hope. You all know Frank, Rocky's kid. Well, this is his girlfriend, Maria, and her two cousins." Bella turned back to the three teenagers. "Now meet my friends." After announcing each woman in her entourage, she focused on the "special" guests. "And now, these handsome gentlemen, … my dashing cousin, Carmine Bonaducci from Brooklyn, and his associate, an old friend, … and 'enemy' of all of us girls, …Benny Badalamenti from New York, too."
Every one in Bella's circle laughed, except the three teens. What did Aunt Bella's "enemy" label on Mr. Badalamenti mean? Maria wondered. She was biting her lip, figuring out what she would say to Frank. Indeed, she knew he would love seeing his Aunt Bella, and even the chance to talk to his second cousin, Carmine. But after Frank's winter encounter with Badalamenti on the rescue mission to find Gino, and now his being on the list of counterfeit indictees, perhaps her boyfriend would rather stay clear of him this particular weekend.
Carmine Bonaducci was just as gracious as all the male Bonaduccis that Maria had met. Slowly raising his sculptured body from the chair, his furry chest reminded her of Frank's father, although his full head of black hair was more like her boyfriend's than Rocky's receding hairline. He reached for her right hand. "My dear, you are as beautiful as your intended father-in-law describes you. And with my young cousin Frank, you make a dashing couple." He then slowly turned towards Judy and Barbara. "I am pleased also to make your acquaintances."
By now, Badalamenti was on his feet, and in just the manner Maria expected, greeted them. "Youse kids from the Lake?"
"No, Mr. Badalamenti," answered Maria. "We are not from the Silver Lake section of Belleville. I'm from King Street on the Belleville-Nutley line, and my cousins are from here in Wildwood."
"Great," said Badalamenti, now with disinterest. Not only were the girls too young for Bad Boy, but the relationship to the Bonaduccis put them totally off limits.
Maria shared chitchat with Bella about their plans for the weekend, as well as the coincidental mentioning of her name by Aunt Maggie.
Addressing all three girls, Bella affectionately recalled her dancing days. "Ladies, those were so special," she reflected. "And your mother, Margaret, so beautiful. I remember she was engaged to your dad, so she didn't dance too much. But guys loved her. Could she talk about anything? No wonder she and your father are so successful down here. You know, I see her once in a while at Louie Prima shows. Tell her we're going tomorrow night."
Later that afternoon, Maria told Frank about the chance meeting. His father's cousin's presence peaked his interest. But with Badalamenti in tow, Frank had a sick feeling in his stomach.
At dinner that night, Aunt Maggie only slightly helped Frank put his concerns at ease, because after raving about glamorous Aunt Bella, her daughters mentioned talking to a gentlemanly … "Mr. Bonaducci"! After the fresh fish feast, which had been supplied by Armand from his day's fishing on Thursday, the house full of relatives and guests scattered to the front porch and eventually to the boardwalk.
Maggie insisted on a little anisette for everyone to cut the fat and oil of the meal. Even Jo-Jo and Russell had their own tiny shot glasses, which made them feel they'd died and gone to heaven. They looked at Maggie in disbelief as she poured. "You're both on vacation. I'll talk to your parents." The boys smiled at each other as if they had just gotten away with the crime of the century.
As the girls did the dishes, Maggie sat in her big rocker next to Frank on the porch. A cool sea breeze began to pick up. "So, Frank, Carmine Bonaducci is your father's cousin?"
"You know, I like him very much," Maggie continued. "I know him from Chamber of Commerce meetings this winter. He's quite a gentleman, and an even better businessman."
"You know him that well?"
"Well, he's a big player, and we have mostly small operators down here. He stands out. Bought a couple of motels, he tells me, after bailing out of Cuba. Had a chance to go to Vegas, but wanted to get involved in the family market down here. He's done a beautiful job with the Beachcomber, the Chandelier, and the Casa Mia. You know, he loves the music business, too. And with all of the groups and individual talent that comes down here, he's going to parlay that, too."
"Honestly, Aunt Maggie, I've met him only a couple of times. He seems a great guy, but my father worries he's mixed in with the wrong people sometimes, and could embarrass the family name if he doesn't watch out."
"I don't know anything about wrong people, but right now, he's putting money into Wildwood, and he's helping our cause. We have a great history here, and want the future to be even better." Maggie was all business. Judgments came later. Then she added, "But listen, Frank. What somebody else does should not affect your life. Just because you have the same last name doesn't mean your fortunes depend on anyone else's behavior."
Almost in disbelief of Maggie's lucid advice, Frank nodded in agreement. "I think my father gets bothered by it more than anyone."
"My brother Ang tells me what a good man your father is. Listen, you make sure he visits Aunt Maggie this summer, and we'll sit." Maggie smiled, waiting for Frank's reaction. He smiled back.
In the next half hour, the forty-four year old Maggie Corino, the grammar school graduate, educated Frank on how she and her husband came to Wildwood with little money, but lots of dreams and courage to take risk. Now the resort town was growing along with her business. When she originally arrived from Belleville, Wildwood was quiet. She fondly recalled Vaughn Monroe and Woody Herman at the Hunt family's Starlight Ballroom. Then she paused for a time that seemed interminable for Frank, given Maggie's penchant to fill every moment in life either with a generous deed or a meaningful flow of words. Continuing, she said, "But you know what, Frank? That's changed. Rock 'n' roll has become more profitable, so the acts are changing. Me and Uncle Armand don't mind, as long as the Jersey and Philly kids don't go crazy. Yea, it's changing. And the only constant in life is … change."
"But it's still amazing how all of the old big names have come through Wildwood." Frank was enjoying this time with his girlfriend's aunt, and her appreciation of music and the entertainment business.
"Yes, Frank, the big bands and the old big names still come through. Just up the street, ya know, is where the Manor Supper Club used to be. I'm going back now. Tony Bennett, The 4 Aces, Pat Boone, Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, and even Ella Fitzgerald would always be showing up. They still appear from time to time, … especially Boone. And as your Aunt Bella knows, Louie Prima and Keely Smith are at the Riptide this weekend; Julie LaRosa's at the Club Avalon. Then the rock 'n' rollers, … Bill Haley and the Comets are at the Starlight, and this Chubby Checker guy, at the Hofbrau House. Tommie, my younger brother, has been bringing down this kid, Marty DeRose from Newark, to try out in the different clubs. My Lord, he sings all the Italian stuff. Yes, we know all the owners. They get us good seats. It's still a small town. I have to know which stars are here so I can tell my guests." Maggie loved the vitality of her Wildwood. It was a long way from digging foundations in Belleville and Nutley.
"Have Dion and the Belmonts been through, Aunt Maggie?"
"Don't think so, but as I said, rock 'n' roll dominates now, all because of American Bandstand. That's why your cousin's putting his money here. Even though it's a short season, there's money in real estate and music, and he sees it."
Another person's perception of Carmine Bonaducci was far from that of Frank's father. "Very interesting," was Frank's reaction.
"Looking at it honestly though, Frank, it's all timing." Maggie's enthusiasm level was changing. "It all started quietly in the late forties and early fifties. Then the high point had to be when the American Bandstand people came in. They started record hops at the Starlight back in '56 with this DJ who later got in trouble back in Philly. Then Dick Clark shows up the following summer, … and the rest is history."
"I'll never forget it. On August 5th that year, they somehow broadcast the record hop that had now been named American Bandstand. I mean Dick Clark stands up and says, 'Live on ABC-TV, it's American Bandstand from the Starlight Ballroom in Wildwood, New Jersey.' Wow, it made us all proud. Uncle Armand and I figured we made it to the right place at the right time."
Maggie stared at the boardwalk, alive with music and lights as the crowds passed right in front of her house.
"Gee, Aunt Maggie, good foresight, huh?
"Well, yes, Frank, but I think it's changing again."
"The fifties is an era that's ending. That Buddy Holly crash? Took the heart out of this rock 'n' roll thing."
"But Aunt Maggie, as much as that affected all of us kids, you've been telling me how it's a good time in Wildwood."
"It is now, Frank, but things change. Yea, things are always changing. The real test of whether Uncle Armand and I can really run a business is if these crowds go elsewhere."
"So what about my cousin, Carmine? You said he has an eye for big business opportunities."
"He does. That's why he's interested in music," said Maggie, not backing off of her admiration for the Brooklyn Bonaducci.
"But, you said there may be a change going on. So won't he get hurt, too?"
"You get into real estate for the long haul. You need staying power, and he has it. As far as the music thing, if he gets involved, it just won't be here. Music is universal."
"Got it, Aunt Maggie."
"Frank, you've got a good head on your shoulders. Plus my sister-in-law, Santina, tells me you're a good boy. But, don't judge other men. Jesus didn't. Look for the best in them. And if you have faith in God, take some risks like your cousin, Carmine. Look at what he does. Learn something. You don't have to like it all. Just eat the meat, … and spit out the bones." Maggie looked directly at him. "Capice?" (understand)
For Frank, Maria, Jo-Jo and Russell, the weekend proceeded at breakneck speed. The weather was totally cooperative, so the grateful, younger vacationers had to deal with a sunburn problem by Saturday night. It seemed a small price to pay.
That night it seemed all of North Newark, Belleville, and Nutley was on the boardwalk. Mickey Geltrudi and a contingent of Nutley footballers were doing their strut up and down the boards, until they saw Frank. Then, as if beholding a righteous prince who had given them glory at his own expense, they slowed up and crossed over in front of the passing tram to shake his hand and talk about football and the girls from Philly. Then noticing Maria at his side, they changed the subject back to football only. Jo-Jo and Russell were impressed and proud of the respect the Maroon Raiders gave Frank.
Buying tickets on Hunt's Pier, Frank was startled by a tap on the back. Hunched over slightly to minimize the weight on his left hip was Vinnie Giampietro, Belleville's faithful bus driver and one of the surprise names amongst the counterfeit indictees.
Nonetheless, Frank was pleased. "Vinnie, long time no see, Cuz."
"Miss ya, man," said Vinnie with a hug and eyes filled with tears.
The crippled, overweight ex-Bellboy's liquored breath caught Frank by surprise, and triggered an obligation to help in some way. "Vin, what are you upset about?" Maria watched her boyfriend's compassion as his younger brother and Russell were already off to the rides. Frank continued, "It's the indictment thing, right?"
"Frankie, I'm sick about it. If my parents were alive, they'd be shattered."
Then Frank noticed a small group lingering in the shadows behind the ticket booth. Each appeared to have had too much to drink as well, being even more loud and boisterous than the emotional Vinnie. He saw "Crazy Louie" Montana who'd also been indicted. It was the worst of the Bloomfield Avenue crowd … young, brash, violent, and out of control.
Frank pulled Vinnie aside. "What are you doing with those hoods, Cuz? You're better than that."
"Frankie, they're on my annual fishin' trip. Ya know, I sponsor it, and some of the boys from the North Ward and Bloomfield Avenue show up. I can't stop 'em. I mean I also got Father Giambalvo from St. Francis wit me, too. It's a mixed crowd." Then, adding soberly, "And we caught a lot of fish today, too."
"All right, Vin. But go have one of those Philadelphia cheese steaks or something to get rid of your booze breath. You know, Cuz, get some onions going for
"In case you meet some New Jersey State Police down here, and they start asking questions."
"Hey, Frankie. I ain't never done anything wrong. Yea, some of the guys get on my bus and hand me these big bills over the months. I cash 'em. But what was I supposed to do. How'd I know they were bad?"
Frank stared into the bus driver's sad eyes and cupped his fat face in his hands. "Listen, my mother and I have been praying for you, Craigie Francello, Two Tones, Greenie, Costello from the candy store, and the rest of the good guys. I mean Henry Davidson and Matte are already dead, Lord rest their souls. Listen to your attorneys and be honest. It'll work out."
They embraced one more time, and parted; the loud screams of amusement ride customers, the sounds of the carnival music, and the sizzling of a nearby sausage and peppers stand seemingly absorbing all the emotion of the chance encounter into the vacuum of life on Wildwood's boardwalk.
Frankie turned to Maria. "He needs big help."
She nodded agreement.
After church on Sunday morning, Aunt Maggie's house was once again overflowing with people. Judy and Barbara were frying dozens of eggs, bacon was sizzling in the frying pan, and the aroma of freshly percolated coffee was drifting out the front door and beckoning to all within range to enter into the Corino abode. Between bites of the breakfast buffet, Russell and Jo-Jo glanced at each other. Their looks reflected that there was only one day left before the ride home, early Monday morning, to avoid the weekend traffic chaos.
Aunt Maggie called out to Frank who was on the porch with her sons, Nick and Bobby. "Hey, I saw your Aunt Bella last night."
That news sent Frank into the house to find a seat at the kitchen table, overflowing with breakfast buns, Italian bread, and fruit.
"Yes, she's as glamorous as ever. And your Uncle Emil will be down tonight to spend a few days off from his pharmacy job."
"You saw her at the Louie Prima thing?" Frank asked.
"Bella was the star. Somehow, she got on stage and took over for Keely Smith. They all had a good time, … like Louie and Keely knew her. And your cousin Carmine was there with his business associates taking all kinds of pictures. Good clean fun."
"No kidding," marveled Frank.
Then, Maggie sat next to Frank, speaking in a lower tone so only he could hear. And she told him how she had spoken with Carmine Bonaducci and learned how he was putting up all of these rock 'n' roll stars with their managers and agents in his motels … for free; how this was part of his business arrangement with them.
As she spoke, Frank was figuring Badalamenti had to be present because he was probably one of Carmine's "associates." Then he flashed to the "backstage Johnnies'" night in Brooklyn, and how Bad Boy was right in the middle of the activities.
That's it, thought Frank to himself. Cousin Carmine must be deep into the pockets of some of these stars and their managers. God knows he's in with the disc jockeys, too. Legal or not, Frank knew his cousin was not getting involved just for the fun of it. Could Carmine be the mastermind in this Essex County counterfeit thing as well, with Badalamenti his main man in Newark?
Frank started to eat his eggs and said nothing. Aunt Maggie headed back to the stove where her gravy for dinner that night was already simmering. Maria stood next to her as she stirred the pot and barked directions for Judy to get some "basinigole" (basil).
"Aunt Maggie, I must ask this question," said Maria. "What is the difference between sauce and gravy?"
"Maria, I get that question all the time, especially from my Amedigan friends down here," said Maggie, taking a deep breath as if to recite the definition for the millionth time. She turned around to everyone in her crowded kitchen. "All right. The Amedigans have brown gravy, but the Italians have red sauce. The Amedigans never call it 'brown sauce', right? Now, the Italian gravy has the juices of the meats in it, … the pork necks, sausage, meatball, etc. It'll have the onions, garlic, basil, and that stuff, too, but the thing is the taste of the meat. Now, the sauce is just the tomato sauce, onions, garlic and such, and no meat, ... but we Italians call everything … gravy."
The whole room had been listening--her children, cousins from Belleville and Nutley, her husband, and some local friends who'd stopped by for coffee and … As they all waited further explanation, Maggie had already returned to her stove to test her concoction. She sensed the baffled silence, and turned around again. "That's it. We call it all gravy. We start with the sauce, but regardless, once it goes on the macaroni, it's gravy, whether it's got the meat in it, … or not."
The subject was closed. Maria smiled and hugged her aunt.
On their short walk back from the beach late that afternoon, Jo-Jo asked Russell, "What do you think, Russell?" Both were shuffling along in wet and sand-caked black sneakers, looking down at the sidewalk, just beyond the boardwalk and a short distance from Aunt Maggie's Sunday afternoon macaroni.
"Bout what?"
"Our first overnight vacation."
"Don't want to go home," said Russell, as serious as he had ever been. "I bet I could make some money down here. More than my Ledger route."
Jo-Jo said nothing else, but wondered what a whole week would be like in Wildwood; surely enough time to meet some Philadelphia girls. I bet all of 'em danced on American Bandstand at least once, and they probably even met The Dell Vikings and The Belmonts. Worst thing about the weekend was his sunburn. Running in the sand and playing touch football with some of the Nutley guys was great. Imagine a whole summer of running in the sand. I'd get faster than Frank and Gino!
Jo-Jo whipped his neck skyward.
"What's wrong?" asked Russell.
Jo-Jo took a deep breath. His sensitive nostrils could smell the intoxicating gravy, as it flowed out of Maggie's kitchen, past her porch, and now heading oceanward, colliding with his senses and mind. The salt sea air that had risen from the deep blue Atlantic had met its match as the two scents faced off just where the trees started on Surf Avenue. The onshore breeze was not strong enough to overcome the sausage, pork, and meatball essence of the gravy that had escaped the black pot sitting on Maggie's stove, … a huge black cauldron-like pot that had simmered its first guest of gravy back in '46 on a pot belly on Saint Mary's Place in Belleville, … right on the Nutley line. The huge industrial fan rumbling on the front porch of the Wildwood house gave the red tomato potion its unfair advantage over the slight wind off the water. The clash of the ocean and the gravy was happening deep with Jo-Jo's very bosom. Russell, nursing a runny nose, was oblivious. Jo-Jo was in a trance. The Jersey Shore and Aunt Maggie's gravy stimulated his young mind to make two conclusions: Frank had found the right family to marry into, and someday Jo-Jo would take a week's vacation in Wildwood.
On the way back to northern Jersey next morning, Jo-Jo's desires were split between his dream of a high school football career like his brother's, and at least spending more overnights in Wildwood in the future. As Frank sped his uncle's Chevy closer to Essex County, the Newark exit signs affected both brothers the same way--thoughts of the trial coming up, the deaths, and how close it all had come. Jo-Jo remembered the twenties he still had. Now he knew what to do with them.
… many summers later
Although Megan was raised in Newport, during the early years of their marriage Jo-Jo would make sure his family spent at least a few summer days in Wildwood, New Jersey. Their two boys and one girl would hear the story of their father's first vacation at the Jersey Shore resort, over and over again. Jo-Jo would go into every detail, … from the sounds of the rides to the cawing seagulls, to that enticing aroma of Aunt Maggie Corino's gravy clashing with the scent of sizzling sausage and peppers and the salt air rolling in from the direction of the boardwalk.
"Can you smell it kids? Did it make it to your nostrils yet?" Jo-Jo would ask his children at a young age, as the family walked off the beach on a hot summer day.
Megan would smile. Their oldest boy, William, would question, "Gee, Dad, first of all, Aunt Maggie lives down by Wildwood Crest now. How can we be smelling her gravy?"
Rocco, his younger son, was once quoted as coming back at his brother, "Oh, William, Daddy's right. Just stop for a minute, picture Aunt Maggie, and you can smell the gravy mixed with the salt air."
"What can we expect from a kid with a name like … Rocco?" was William's response.
Before Jo-Jo could react, his younger son retaliated, "Oh yea? You should talk with that Amedigan name. So, not too many kids are named Rocco, but it's Grandpa Rocky's name, and he stormed the beaches at Eniwetoc! I don't care what you say, William, I can smell the gravy!"
In loving memory of Margaret Corino Luglio
Maggie's obit
07:03 AM in Bad News on the Doorstep, Books, Family Matters, Food and Drink | Permalink
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Progressive Caucus* organized a meeting in the European Parliament with Richard Kozul-Wright, Director of the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
During meeting in Brussels, R. Kozul-Wright presented to the members of the Progressive Caucus -MEPs from the Socialists, the Greens and the Left- the 2017's report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, entitled 'Beyond Austerity: Towards a Global New Deal'. Emphasizing the lack of an alternative agenda for international trade by the progressive forces, he pointed out that the narrative that wants international trade relations and the World Trade Organization to be in crisis is proved to be wrong. "International trade continues to follow the same norms, international trade agreements continue to be formed on the same basis'', he mentioned.
Kozul-Wright criticized the "common" argument against the Chinese development strategy, which is considered to abuse international trade relations -that China is a "big emerging economy that violates the rules of the system". On the contrary, he referred to the importance of integrating emerging economies into this system. "With the new silk road, the Chinese example provides Europe with something that it does not have: a new Marshall plan for its trade and development agenda. China devotes money for these purposes, and Europe has to learn from this model'', he said.
Dimitris Papadimoulis, Vice-President of the European Parliament and member of the Progressive Caucus's Steering Committee, expressed his support for the proposal of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development for a new global New Deal on trade policies – one that prioritizes development policies, redistribution of wealth, the fight against tax evasion and the protection of workers' rights. He stressed that the European Union must take initiatives compatible with the United Nations in an attempt to restart international trade relations. "While facing with the challenges of hyper-globalisation due to neo-liberal policies, and also the protectionism posed by neoconservative forces, our duty to form a new progressive response to the question of international trade policy becomes greater. We need a response based on political governance", said Dim. Papadimoulis.
Florent Marcellesi, MEP for the Greens and also a member of the Progressive Caucus's Steering Committee, posed the ecological dimension as part of such a response, noting that unfortunately it is undermined in the UN report.
Eleonora Forenza, MEP for the Left, raised the gender dimension in trade policies, stressing that "what defends the interests of investors is binding, as opposed to what guarantees women's rights in the trading world".
Socialist MEP Maria Arena pointed out that "we are not against international trade, but we are in favour of demanding the welfare of the people".
The debate was co-ordinated by the Socialist MEP, Georgi Pirinski, also member of the Progressive Caucus's Steering Committee.
It is worth noting that based on the findings of the report, to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, posed by the so-called developed economies, 1-3 trillion dollars are needed each year in investments -according to estimates. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development concludes that this target could be covered if only 10% of the world's wealth-rich population were taxed by 5%.
*The Progressive Caucus is a space of dialogue based on confidence-building and open debate. Ιts aim is to analyze differences and build bridges between progressive allies in the European Parliament and across Europe. It has been established by progressive MEPs of different political groups and is open to everyone in the community of the European Parliament standing for solidarity, democracy, social justice and sustainability. In the Progressive Caucus participate MEPs from the S&D, the Greens/ EFA and the GUE/ NGL groups.
Calling every European citizen! EUROPE MUST BE ON ALERT!
Copyright © 2019 progressivecaucus.eu. All rights reserved.


Seven on Locust, just opened in Mill Valley, features an eclectic mix of style, products and price points.
Rock 'n' roll meets handmade art and textiles from South Africa, and $12,000 paintings share space with $10 bracelets from Mexico at this open, airy store. There are petrified eucalyptus stumps with whimsical seats and women's clothing that blends bohemian and chic.
"I've been heavily influenced by boutiques in Paris, where there is an eclectic mix of style, products and price points," said Nadine Curtis, whose shop, 7 on Locust officially opened in Mill Valley last week.
Curtis, 39, grew up in Colorado and New York, and lived for several years in Cape Town, South Africa. She founded a yarn company there called Be Sweet, supporting local female artisans and education programs; It will operate its wholesale business out of the back of 7 on Locust.
"The whole idea is to appeal to the bohemian style," Curtis said. She pointed out the hand-cast wax candles - made by a couple in South Africa and sold exclusively in the United States by Curtis - in shapes of cameras, rabbits, horses and even Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The petrified eucalyptus seats are made by Bay Area designer Pamela Hadfield.
For her opening, Curtis is featuring three artists, including JD Wilson, whose work is collected by Julian Schnabel, and an assortment of original rock 'n' roll photography. Curtis plans to change the look, feel and inventory every six to eight weeks, and to host salon nights, trunk shows, art openings, pop-ups, book signings and DIY classes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18 drew Mill Valley Mayor Andy Berman and members of the Chamber of Commerce. "There is a great sense of community here," said Curtis.


So every 21st of the month my girlfriend and I commemorate the day of the month we decided to become a couple. We were officially together June 21st, 2007 -- and now seven months later we're still going strong. Is it just in the Philippines where monthsaries are important to couples just starting out? Or are monthsaries generally still being celebrated by couples?
To date, this relationship has been the longest I've been in -- and my current job is the longest I've been at. I started work with Friendster on the 5th of February 2007 and that's just a few days away. The February 5 would be my 'Empoyment Anniversary' at Friendster -- not that it would make a lot of difference, I'm betting it's bound to just be another day at the office for me.
For the first time tonight though I've tried to commute from my girlfriend's place in Manila to the condo at Makati at night. There I was in one of the usually busy thoroughfares and spots in Manila 10 PM in the evening trying to catch a bus that would pass by the avenue the condo building is located at. But tough luck, buses on that route don't have any more trips after 10 PM. So I had to settle for a cab ride 10x the bus fare.
It wasn't all put to waste though, I got the chance to go through Roxas Boulevard -- and I must admit it's the first time I've been on the right side of the boulevard (the side near the Manila Bay). I've seen pictures and video clips of the time when the boulevard was lined with bars and restaurants that blocked the view of the bay, but I've never been on that side even then. I couldn't miss it because I never saw it there (the bars and night life) but I do appreciate the breeze and calm the bay provides at night. The lights were bright and the traffic flowing -- the cab had its air conditioning on full blast so I can't say anything about the air outside, but the mild wind blowing the branches and leaves of the trees that line the boulevard suggested a very nice evening indeed.
Even if the commemoration of the monthsary was (compared to the past six monthsaries) not so eventful -- chinese delivered to the doorstep and Grey's Anatomy on the tube -- it's the thought that counts. Quality time is always better when you're together in love even if the fast chinese and stale episodes could have been any other week night. The fact that there are firsts, seconds, nth times and the reality that we remember is worth celebrating indeed.


I want new kitchen cabinets but I will settle for these inexpensive fixes!
Salad Season…yippee here are my new favorites!!!!
I am so thrilled to have been nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award. I really enjoy blogging and truly appreciate the nomination from http://thewrightsstuff.wordpress.com. I am always interested in the threads that connect us all to each other. I love this blog both for its beautiful imagery and for the wonderful writing!
So this is what I need to do for the award nomination!
1. I was born and grew up in Washington DC. This is very unusual as most people who say they live in Washington actually live in Virginia and Maryland.
2. I love dogs, sometime more than humans. In fact Coco my black lab is the CEO of my company.
3. I cook almost every night, and use only whole and natural ingredients. No preservatives for me!
4. I have two children and a wonderful husband.
5. I own my own business (Celia Bedilia) and try to work with other small and local business.
6. I am always busy, I get up and go full speed until after dinner and then I crash…hard.
7. I love Travel and spend a lot of time in South East Asia.
8. I am giving you and extra fact…I think humor is the key to happiness!
Ok well that is that! Thank you for this honor! I am thrilled to be thought of as ONE LOVELY BLOG!
Stay tuned for summer salads…my next post!
Thank you for the nomination! I love your blog and am so grateful you found mine noteworthy as well.
Thank you for nominating my blog! I love the images and information you provide on your blog. As you know, I find you the garnisher extraordinaire!


text:
Elementary, my dear Brickman
Christmas is so last Thursday. This post is all about a happy New Year, because on January 1, the next set in the 'Modular' series hits shelves: 10246 Detective s Office . This annual treat from the Creator Expert line is aimed largely at adult fans and always delivers a complex build with interesting techniques, nice part usage, rare colours and new elements. In fact building these is such a treat, it feels a bit spoilery to point out the great techniques to you. And I am going to - but I've moved that part of this review to the end, so that those of you wishing to maintain the mystery for when you build it can simply stop reading when I warn you!
Whilst it's been named Detective's Office, this set is far more than that: there's also a barber's shop, pool hall, kitchen, bathroom, terrace and an interconnecting section with balconies and alleyway. What's more, designer Jamie Berard has concocted an involved storyline to accompany this set which he explains in his designer video. It's not well-explained on the box or in the instructions, so I'll summarise it: we're in Prohibition times, but in some strange child-appropriate parallel universe where it's not alcohol that's been prohibited, but sugar. The bumbling private detective Ace Brickman is trying to figure out who is smuggling cookies and sweets and what he doesn't realise is that this is all happening on his patch. The product is being cooked in the kitchen upstairs, sneaked down the fire escape, through a grate at the back of the barber's, under a staircase and into the pub. Oops, I mean "pool hall". Not a pub.
So yeah, pretty bonkers, and therefore I love it. Jamie has managed to turn a potentially seedy, film noir-esque concept into a fun kids' toy. What makes it even more delicious is that the LEGO® Group actually have an ethical policy on sugar within the company - you won't find any fizzy pop in the vending machines at LEGO HQ, just water. I wonder how many LEGO sets contain satire?
There's a more varied colour scheme than usual, which looks fantastic. One advantage of Modulars is that they're an opportunity for the designer to deliver us a lot of basic bricks in a less common colour, like the Olive Green in last year's 10243 Parisian Restaurant , so the downside to having more colours in Detective's Office is that there's no real 'bulk' of any colour - but don't fret, there's still some new parts in a rarer hue.
Here's a pic of the cast of minifigures: the detective, a femme fatale, a darts player, a pool player, a barber and a police officer. I think there's a new print here; the detective's torso (Element ID 6100023 | Design ID 76382) which will be very useful. Aside from that, the two female torsos are the rarest - I think they each only appear in one LEGO Movie set.
The Creator line cannot request completely new parts, but they certainly can use any new parts that are available. In this set we have some really cool new 2015 stuff, and for me the most interesting offering is the round jumper. Oh yeah! There are two in the set, both used as tabletops.
So White is the first colour for the 2x2 round tile with 1 stud (6093053 18674) however I suspect we'll get other colours of this one fairly soon. Dark Stone Grey [TLG]/Dark Bluish Gray [BL] seems a likely candidate, because that's the colour that part 15535 comes in - the 2x2 round tile with a hole. Ever since that came out we've been putting a regular square 2x2 jumper upside down in it to create a neat (and legal) 180° reversal of anti-studs. Now with the round jumper, we have a combination that looks a lot prettier and can be exposed in builds. We just need it in gray please!
Apart from their shape, round jumpers do have another critical difference from their square counterparts. The stud is completely hollow rather than recessed, so you can insert a bar right through. This is in-keeping with the nature of round parts in LEGO; compare things like 1x1 bricks or 2x2 plates with their round versions and you'll note there's a tendency to include a 3.18mm hole or an axle hole in round parts. So I found quite a lot more things to do with my round jumpers than I anticipated.
Including making the
eye stalk of a Dalek!
I have no idea what this thing I made is (perhaps, sticking with the Doctor Who theme, it's a Gallifreyan decoration) but what it does suggest to me that the round jumper will help us make many pretty things.
Here's a nice effect using two round jumpers and a regular round tile. This could be used for steps, or smoke effects, or clouds perhaps. If you use the older style of round tile with an 'X' on the underside, there are more options as to where to insert the stud, permitting different levels of offset with the topmost layer.
Under the cone on the left is a round 2x2 plate with the regular 4 studs. When used in its place, the round jumper creates a subtle difference which I can imagine being useful in microscale models or when textures are desired, such as on spacecraft.
Another new part is this lovely minifig accessory: scissors (6096993 18920) of which you get two plus a spare. Fans are already thrilled about them simply based on the online set pictures, and rightly so. They're going to be so useful for your scenes and I'm expecting some lovely Edward Scissorhands minifigs soon! Finding alternate uses for them would be challenging, but I wouldn't put it past a hardcore Spacer to use it for greebling somehow.
This interesting new mirror (6103793 20193) counts as a new part: although it is the same size as the panes for 1x4x6 windows, it isn't the same mould. There are no embossed markings; it's just a plain sheet of white plastic with this special mirror on one side. It comes in the bag with the sides covered in protective stickers, so don't fret about it arriving scratched. As you can see, the reflection is superb so I am certain this will become a highly sought-after element. For example it will be great to work these into models that you can only view from one angle - to reflect certain details hidden from view.
On to recolours and printed parts now, and my favourites in this set are the tiles. Here you see a 1x3 tile in Reddish Brown at last (6100769 63864) - ironically I wanted these for a MOC last month - and you get twelve of them! Then there are two lovely recent tiles in Bright Red [TLG]/Red [BL]: the corner tile (6078641 14719) of which there are two and the doughnut tile (6102138 15535) of which you get a healthy six. This is the first recolour of the doughnut tile. There are two lovely new printed tiles too; a dartboard (6100582 14769) and an amusing "wanted" poster (6100585 19605) which ties into the story within the set.
The other printed parts are the very classy windows - yup, no stickers in this set! The 1x4x3 (6100569 86210) whilst beautiful will not find use beyond being the window of a private detective called Ace Brickman. However the two 1x4x6s (6100581 60803) will be great for pub windows. Because of course, it's not a pub in this set - it's a pool hall, remember? Why, the fact that there used to be a pub in Billund called the Highlander is but sheer coincidence.
Back to recolours. The 2x2x1 truncated cone is a very interesting part and now comes in Dark Orange (6075354 98100); here used upside down as a plant pot. The paint roller handle (6099599 12885) was a huge hit when it first came out in the Series 10 Minifigures' Decorator, as it is an interesting right-angled piece. This is its first appearance in a set in any colour and Jamie uses two of them for the exterior lamps on the barber shop. Also used in these lamps is another part new to Black: 1x1 round plates with a hole (6100627 85861), a.k.a. Apollo studs. And they're not just in the lamps: Jamie utilises the seventeen Apollo studs in the set in all sorts of places for functional or decorative effect. Better yet, he also uses them in places where a regular 1x1 round would have sufficed. Ostensibly this would be because it's more effective from a production standpoint to re-use the same part rather than introduce another one into a set's inventory... but I'd like to imagine that Jamie was more concerned with giving us as fans many as possible! When building this set, if you substitute regular 1x1 rounds wherever possible (including where Jamie has used Apollo studs decoratively), you'll have a dozen Black Apollo studs (including the spare) to use elsewhere. 1x1 round plates with 4 petals arrive in Lavender (6074906 33291) which is a surprise - I'm glad to have so many colours of flower available, but the Bright Reddish-Violet [TLG]/Magenta [BL] one released last summer has only appeared in one set to date. No complaints though! Although it's sad there's only one plus a spare in this set. And finally in this shot we have the 4x4 hemispherical dome in Earth Green [TLG]/Dark Green [BL] (6099338 86500), two of which are used as canopies on the pool hall.
Oops, forgot to include this in the last pic: there are Dark Green [TLG]/Green [BL] inverted 1x2 brackets (6099243 99780). What's especially great is that you get eight of them.
I also forgot to photograph the Reddish Brown 32x32 baseplate before I began building on it, but you can see plenty of it here because it remains exposed at the rear of the building, like a dirt yard. Getting a new baseplate in such a useful colour is fantastic news, but these will surely command a high price in the secondary market, so I'm hoping they will be available directly from TLG - or better yet, via the LUGbulk programme in 2016.
Two recolours in Dark Stone Grey are used decoratively - I'll say no more until we get to the spoilers section, although it's likely many of you already spotted these from pictures or videos of the set. There are four Unikitty tails (6099344 15429) and seven fists from Hero Factory (6099343 93575).
It's a little hard to tell in this pic, but these parts are Light Royal Blue [TLG]/Bright Light Blue [BL]. I discussed this colour in a post ages ago, when the 1x2 plate came out in this colour. Six 1x2 plates are present in Detective's Office, but it's these parts that are new: the 1x4x6 door frame (6099508 60596) of which there are three and the 1x2 brick (6100322 3004) of which there are a magnificent 67! So we're slowly getting there with the range of basic Light Royal Blue parts, but there's still a long way to go.
I'm not sure that anyone is especially bothered, but I'll also mention these colours of the 1x2 jumper with a central antistud (Design ID 15573) - as there are quite a lot that are getting rolled out for 2015. We have Warm Gold [TLG]/Pearl Gold [BL] (Element ID 6092594), Brick Yellow [TLG]/Tan [BL] (6092587), Sand Yellow [TLG]/Dark Tan [BL] (6092591), Dark Red (6092597) and finally Green (6092586) which so far has only been included in the limited edition 4000011 Nyiregyhaza Factory set.
Spoilers, sweetie
Yes, it's time to tune out if you don't want to know about cool sections of the build. Come back after you've built it!
I'll start with one you can't fail to have noticed.
The double-sided "POOL" sign takes a different approach to signage by using tiles to form letters. This sign couldn't have been achieved before the arrival of the doughnut tile and corner tile, and I think it's a lot of fun. I've read complaints of it looking "too cartoony" but that's exactly how signs often look, such as neon ones. You can actually straighten up the vertical lines in the P and the L if you prefer, but I like it as-is. (You can also remove the L altogether and snigger.) I am puzzled as to why both Black and White plates have been used behind the lettering; I'd have thought a single colour would be more effective but perhaps I'm missing something. The double-sided structure of the sign itself is clever too; Light Bluish Gray clip lights stick the two sides together but the sign is attached to the building with a single clip and bar connection.
Here are three places where Jamie has used specialised parts in clever ways. On the left you see the new ball and cup connectors used as columns - this is the first set I'm aware of that uses these functional parts decoratively. Top right, you can see how seven Hero Factory fists make a detailed balustrade. And bottom right, the four Unikitty tails top off another roof in fine form. I'm pleased to see it used so well - it was actually a part that really bothered me when it came out.
The pool hall is larger than all the other rooms and so has this small projecting roof at the rear, which detaches for ease of access. Given the trouble Jamie went to to make this room larger, it would have been nice if it was larger still. The exposed baseplate at the rear does make the model feel a little bare. However the set contains 2262 pieces which is a perfectly normal amount for a Modular. All that aside, this projecting roof is one example of the many varied facets in the layout of this Modular.
Indeed this set is no four-walled box, as you can see from this pic of the top floor without the roof. Whilst the Modulars all follow a certain format, no two are the same in approach and it's the many oddly-shaped buildings which distinguish this one - and the layout is more detailed than you might first imagine. For example, examine the top centre of this pic (around the flowers) and you'll see how the roof of the kitchen is actually offset by half a stud compared to the terrace walls.
Here's a closer shot of that Reddish Brown wall which is set inwards by a half-stud. To connect it to the Dark Bluish Gray wall Jamie uses the coupling plate (Design ID 3176) which creates this quirky tapered effect with the sill. Note also that at this stage of the build, the Reddish Brown wall is also a half-stud offset from the blue wall.
As we progress higher, both rooms need to be aligned back into the same grid so that the roof can be attached. Rather than the more obvious option of taking the Reddish Brown wall back out of offset, Jamie brings the blue walls into offset - making the front and back walls of the kitchen suddenly project outwards by half a stud. This is achieved with a layer of jumper plates - as well as utilising the hollow studs of windows and a solitary Apollo stud.
The finished effect is a nice subtle flourish and very realistic. Several windows in the build are also positioned a half-stud in or out, and although you might not spot all these uses of offset on first sight of the pictures, they add loads of charm and complexity to the model.
The water tower is constructed of a chain of Technic treads wrapped around a cog, with a Reddish Brown 1x3 tile neatly applied to each tread. Those five holes in treads are the right size to fit the small pins on the underside of tiles (or plates). The whole tower is a pretty neat bit of geometry and Jamie has used the opportunity to build parts of it upside down to make it extremely stable.
Now let's move downstairs to the ground floor to see a couple of nice things down there.
The pool table is clever - it seems simple, but doubtless took many iterations to get it right (and simple). I've rebuilt it here on a plate just for clarity; in the set it's built on the baseplate and surrounded by nice Earth Blue tiles. It's sort of a clam shell arrangement of two halves, if that makes sense. For the base you insert 1x1 bricks with bar into jumper plates, which creates a really tight hold and enables the cones to be added upside down, which represent pockets. The rest of the table is a submodel which then attaches on top of the 1x1 bricks with bar. I've left a little of the table exposed so you can see how Jamie has used inverted brackets to create the subtle cushions around the edges of the slate. In an ideal world the pockets would somehow sit within the frame of the table, but I'm being overcritical - the detail achieved here is remarkable.
The barber's sign repeats the technique from 10218 Pet Shop : using SNOT to create the lettering which is attached to a hidden bar using clips. It's great fun to build all the strange little pieces which you see in the left-hand pic and suddenly have them all come together as a legible word. It's interesting to note that there's far less hand-holding this time around - what took four pages to describe in Pet Shop takes only two here. Consequently this is a much better building experience that feels akin to putting a jigsaw together.
Here's the interior of my favourite room, the barber's shop, before the front gets built up. It's a far more complex build than you might imagine thanks to the secret passages and the level of details included. Note the lovely chair, and the lower section of the wall which uses White 1x2 bricks with groove (you get fourteen). The mirror doesn't connect to anything; instead it is held in a cavity that is designed to angle it down slightly so that you properly see the reflection of the minifigure.
I photographed a lot more, but feel I have already said more than enough! To cover every enjoyable section of 10246 Detective's Office would take a much longer post than this.
Our thanks to LEGO's Community & Events Engagement Team for providing this set.
10246 Detective s Office costs US$159.99/GB£132.99/€149.99. Consider using our affiliate links to buy it (or anything); this helps support New Elementary!
USA: Amazon.com | The Official LEGO Shop - Detective s Office
Canada: Amazon.ca | The Official LEGO® Shop - Detective s Office
Labels: Creator Expert, Modular, Set review
Anonymous 28 Dec 2014, 21:25:00
Speaking of castor sugar, when I first took a look at this set and the smuggling story, I immediately thought that there's a similarity between cookies and coke, ain't it.
And for recolored parts, I find it a sort of missed opportunity to exclude a recolor of the 93082 Kitchen Accessories sprue. Having a more natural color, such as chrome or gray, or even black or white would feel like a perfect fit for the Parisian Restaurant.
/Håkan
I feel like I've seen the Detective torso before. http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?M=sh054
Ryan H. 29 Dec 2014, 06:07:00
There are 10 (counting extras) magenta 33291 in set 41061 (which also has two brand new glitter colors) :)
Jonathan Wilson 30 Dec 2014, 22:17:00
Great review, makes me want the set even more now.
Nate 3 Jan 2015, 22:11:00
Reviews like this are exactly the content that has kept me subscribed to this blog. I know it's a niche interest, but I really appreciate the work you put into this site, and these reviews! Thank you!
Unknown 7 Jan 2015, 20:15:00
Sometimes I wish I wasn't a poor tfol, so that I could get sets like this.
Anonymous 14 Mar 2015, 14:52:00
Such an awesome review & an AMAZING set!!
BIONICLE 2015: Protectors
BIONICLE 2015: Lewa and Gali
Birds is the word

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Architecture is Barbara's first love, and became her first subject of photography, until 2014, when she traveled to Mexico and fell in love with portraiture and street photography. She feels it is an honor to capture the soul in people's eyes. When she is not shooting, you can find her cooking and drinking a glass of wine with friends on her amazing rooftop deck.
Barbara came from Italy, and has fallen in love with Vancouver. She loves the picturesque city, and enjoys helping others capture the beauty of the city in the way she can so easily do. Let her take you on a tour of Vancouver, where she will expose the true beauty of the city to you. After a tour with Barbara, you will see the city in a way you have never seen the city before – through a camera lens!


text:
Police logs: Officer arrests suspected drunken driver
Find out what Wisconsin Rapids-area residents are reporting in their neighborhoods.
Police logs: Officer arrests suspected drunken driver Find out what Wisconsin Rapids-area residents are reporting in their neighborhoods. Check out this story on wisconsinrapidstribune.com: https://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/2018/12/20/police-logs-wisconsin-rapids-officer-arrests-suspected-drunken-driver-thefts-reported/2375999002/
Karen Madden, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune Published 1:18 p.m. CT Dec. 20, 2018
Wisconsin Rapids-area police logs(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)Buy Photo
» At 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, a Wisconsin Rapids woman reported a theft from the 2900 block of George Road.
» At 10:38 a.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a disturbance and Lincoln High School, 1801 16th St. S.
» At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a disturbance near the intersection of Gaynor and 27th avenues.
» At 3:29 p.m. Wednesday, an employee at Shopko, 1100 E. Riverview Expressway, reported a theft.
» At 4:29 p.m. Wednesday, an employee at Shell, 240 Eighth St. S., reported a theft.
» At 5:26 p.m. Wednesday, a Wisconsin Rapids woman reported a theft in the 1000 block of Third Street North.
» At 7:02 p.m. Wednesday, an officer arrested a person during a traffic stop near the intersection of Jackson and Oak streets.
» At 8:24 p.m. Wednesday, an employee at Walmart, 4331 Eighth St. S., reported a theft.
» At 11;07 p.m. Wednesday, an officer arrested a person on suspicion of drunken driving near the intersection of 17th and West Grand avenues.
» At 12:16 a.m. Thursday, a Wisconsin Rapids woman reported a theft in the 300 block of 17th Avenue North.
» At 3:44 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a disturbance.
If you can solve a crime, please contact the appropriate police agency. Karen Madden/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
RELATED: Police logs: Thief leaves behind backpack
RELATED: Police logs: Caller reports neighbor's smoke
» At 8:16 a.m. Wednesday, a deputy arrested a woman at the Wood County Jail, 400 Market St., Wisconsin Rapids.
» At 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a disturbance at Port Edwards Elementary School, 951 Fifth St., village of Port Edwards.
» At 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a theft in the 3700 block of State 73 South, Saratoga.
» At 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, a deputy responded to a disturbance in Saratoga.
» At 3:29 p.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a theft at the Wood County Jail, 400 Market St.
» At 4:05 p.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a disturbance in Grand Rapids.
» At 5 p.m. Wednesday, a caller reported a traffic crash near the intersection of Wood County HH and Tenpas Road, Sherry.
» At 12:36 a.m. Thursday, a caller reported a theft in the 900 block of Wood County G, Port Edwards.
RELATED: Survivors, now men, finally face former Wisconsin priest charged with molesting them
RELATED: Jayme Closs disappearance: A timeline of events
Read or Share this story: https://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/story/news/2018/12/20/police-logs-wisconsin-rapids-officer-arrests-suspected-drunken-driver-thefts-reported/2375999002/
Inspections: Eleven with no violations
Police logs: Man vacuums up drugs at car wash, requests staff open machine


Buffalo, N.Y. – Phillips Lytle Managing Partner Kevin M. Hogan, Partner David J. McNamara, and Counsel Thomas R. Beecher, Jr. were named to Buffalo Business First's Power 250 – a list of the 250 men and women who wield the most clout in the eight-county region of Western New York.
McNamara was ranked No. 186.
Mr. Hogan was ranked No. 111 in 2018, and No. 116 on the 2017 list.
Mr. Beecher was ranked No. 72 in 2018 and has been ranked on the Buffalo Business First Power 250 every year since 2014. He was also ranked on the Power 200 list in 2013.
Mr. McNamara was ranked No. 179 on the 2018 list, and has been ranked on the Power 250 every year since 2014. He was also ranked on the Power 200 list in 2013.


We've done our research to compile a list of the TOP 10 Sport Watches! They take the hits and keep kickin' back with numerous features and styles. We'd like to hear what YOU say! Login now to cast your vote or write in your own!
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text:
DBBenchmark
===========

An Objective-C/C framework designed for extremely simple and easy benchmarking during development. Easily integrate into your project using the static library DBBenchmark.framework and import in your source:
```objc
#import <DBBenchmark/DBBenchmark.h>
```

### Block-based Benchmarks
Benchmarking with blocks is very easy. You can even customize the output name:
```objc
[DBBenchmark benchmark:^{
  for (int i = 0; i < 1000000; ++i) {
    // Perform lots of work
  }
}];
// Benchmark: 0.0043 seconds

// You can even add a name to display when logging
[DBBenchmark benchmarkName:@"Testing Loop" withBlock:^{
  for (int i = 0; i < 1000000; ++i) {
    // Perform lots of work
  }
}];
// Testing Loop: 0.0043 seconds
```

### Regular Benchmarks
Sometimes blocks make life more difficult and its just easier to add two line of code. Using this method, the name for the benchmark is given when you call [DBBenchmark end:].
```objc
[DBBenchmark start];
for (int i = 0; i < 1000000; ++i) {
  // Perform lots of work
}
[DBBenchmark end:@"Testing Loop"];
// Testing Loop: 0.0043 seconds
```

### C Function Benchmarks
The advantage of using C functions is that there's not need to strip out all the benchmarking code before release. The functions are automatically discarded via the pre-processor for all release builds. Use them like so:
```objc
DBBenchmarkStart();
for (int i = 0; i < 1000000; ++i) {
  // Perform lots of work
}
DBBenchmarkEnd(@"Testing a Loop %d times", 1000000);
// Testing a Loop 1000000 times: 0.0043 seconds
```
The beauty of DBBenchmarkEnd() is that it takes a variable number of arguments so you can pass them in just like NSLog().

### Nesting Benchmarks
Any of the benchmarking methods above can be nested and are thread-safe. So this is perfectly acceptable:
```objc
DBBenchmarkStart();
dispatch_async(dispatch_get_global_queue(DISPATCH_QUEUE_PRIORITY_BACKGROUND, 0), ^{
    for (int i = 0; i < 1000000; ++i) {

        DBBenchmarkStart();
        // Perform a unit of work
        DBBenchmarkEnd(@"Inner Benchmark");
    }
    DBBenchmarkEnd(@"Testing a Loop %d times", 1000000);
});
```
However, be careful not to start concurrent benchmarks because they will likely result in wonky data due to some benchmarks ending the wrong benchmarks.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


It would be a mistake to dismiss the idea of your worksite being a target for a Ministry of Labour (MOL) safety inspection just because your employees are not performing manual labour or operating dangerous machinery.
Every year, the MOL publishes a schedule of their safety blitz inspections for different industries. You can find the full schedule here. It does not say where or exactly when these will occur, but it does share the general "theme" and timeline of that season's inspections.
Understand the causes of slips, trips, and falls. See our previous article on strategies to prevent slips, trips, and falls on our industrial staffing website.
Learn from previous year's blitz results.
Conduct a hazard assessment and implement a plan of action. Download this free checklist and do a self-assessment of the work environment: compile an inventory of locations, work practices, and equipment that could pose a risk of injury. Know where the hazards are and start controlling them.
Educate workers. Display a slips, trips, and falls poster – click here to download a FREE poster for worker safety boards! Add prevention strategies to team meetings before, during, and after the blitz. This will encourage people to work safely and alert their supervisor to any hazards they encounter.
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