Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
Review Brooks & Crowley
October 2024
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
THE CEMETERY CHRONICLES Tales of Graveyards in Ireland and Boston
While many in America view graveyards as somber, haunted places, numerous cultures see them as places of remembrance. They treat a visit to the cemetery like a visit to the house of a family member they have not seen in a while, where they can reminisce and catch up on the goings-on of the family. From the outside, this may seem unorthodox, but it’s nothing nefarious — they are just being respectful — and they enjoy visiting the graves of loved ones out of a sense of kinship, and pay their respects to feel closer to their ancestors. The Irish culture does this and having Irish family means that you are going to spend more time at the cemetery than you otherwise would. With Halloween around the corner, I thought I would share some of my graveyard experiences, both stateside and in Ireland proper.
They began at the beginning — a trip to the local graveyard to visit long and recently deceased relatives — a common Irish experience. There, all of the branches of the family tree were explained. The next day, a cousin from my father’s side of the family took them out for the day and topped it off with — you guessed it — a visit to the cemetery where that side of the family is buried. The girls were a little taken aback but came to appreciate the tribute to the forebears. Since nearly all of the relatives for centuries were from the same small village, it is certainly an efficient way to trace the family tree.
against the graves for centuries, causing barnacles and other watery wear to appear on the graves. Worst of all, it was surrounded by a wrought iron fence with a big, creaky gate. Well, sure enough, as we were perusing the graveyard, that gate slammed shut on its own accord. The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I was spooked . My brother was able to brush it off, though, and he teased me about it for the rest of the trip. IRISH PRIORITIES During COVID-19, Ireland was truly locked down. That meant for years we could not visit Ireland, and the Irish side of my family could not visit us. So, once things opened back up, we began visiting one another in our respective cities. An Irish cousin of mine came and stayed with his wife’s family in Boston, but we had agreed to meet up at one point. He told me the thing he wanted to do most was visit my parents’ graves. So, about two days before he was set to fly back to Ireland, he gave me a call. He was supposed to go to a party that night but decided to ditch it and go to the cemetery with me instead. I took him there, and he left some trinkets and stones from Ireland on my parents’ graves, presenting them with gifts from their homeland and paying respect to his family. At first, I thought he should have gone to the party, but it was a sweet gesture and definitely cemented in me the different feelings many cultures have toward their ancestors. Fittingly, we went out for a Guinness afterward. –Neil Crowley
THE GRAVEYARD GATE This was decades ago, but the frightening — and embarrassing — memory pops into
Last year when my daughter, Katie, was visiting Ireland with her roommate from school, she connected with cousins from both sides of the family who agreed to take
my head every Halloween. My
brother and I were visiting family in Ireland, and a cemetery was just down the street from the house where we were staying. He convinced me to come with him for a visit, which was a mistake. It was nearing the twilight hours, and the graveyard seemed like it was pulled directly from a campy horror movie. Its proximity to the sea meant the ocean air had brushed
them around Galway for the day. When our cousin from my mother’s
side collected them, she said, “You’re going to see your great- grandparents today.” That was a head
scratcher for Katie until she found herself in the village graveyard, posing for a picture next to her great-grandparents headstone.
1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
The Rivalries That Redefined Amusement Parks
In the early 20th century, Coney Island was the beating heart of America’s burgeoning amusement park industry. Three rival parks — Steeplechase Park, Luna Park, and Dreamland — engaged in cutthroat competition that dramatically reshaped this iconic destination. “Sodom by the Sea,” a tawdry, vice-filled destination. But in 1897, Steeplechase Park opened, and its founder, George Tilyou, sought to bring clean fun to the masses. Tilyou’s success soon drew the attention of his rivals. In 1902, he lured away the founders of the popular “A Trip to the Moon” attraction from the upcoming Luna Park. These underhanded tactics were common — A TAWDRY REPUTATION Coney Island was once known as
the parks constantly copied each other’s rides and acts. RAPID INNOVATION This competitive spirit drove rapid innovation. Over just a few years, the parks introduced groundbreaking new attractions like the Rotating Barrel, Thunderbolt roller coaster, and the world’s largest Ferris wheel. They transformed the public’s perception of amusement parks, elevating them from sideshows to technologically advanced experiences. THE MODERN AMUSEMENT PARK The era of Coney Island’s dueling theme parks was short-lived. Still, the competition drove the evolution of amusement parks, laying the foundation for the iconic destination Coney Island has become.
Top Wide Receivers to Watch This NFL Season Meet the Game-Changers
Quarterbacks are often the most popular and well-known players on their respective football teams, but they couldn’t do what they do without the help of their teammates. Wide receivers are valuable assets to any team, as they run routes, shake their defenders, and give the quarterback a target to throw to. While no wide receiver has ever won the Most Valuable Player award, receivers like Jerry Rice, Cooper Kupp, and Randy Moss have been invaluable to their team’s success. Since the NFL season is underway, now is the best time to familiarize yourself with a few wide receivers poised for breakout performances. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb led the league in receptions last year and was in the top three for receiving yards and touchdowns. This is a make-or-break year for the Cowboys, so expect another all-star showing from Lamb. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams: Not many people had heard of Nacua before the 2023 season, but he proved he belonged in the spotlight. Last season, Nacua set the rookie record for receptions and receiving yards as a fifth-round selection, and he could repeat those numbers this year. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: Hill has been impressing football fans since he first took the field for Kansas City in 2016 and remains one of
the fastest players in the league. He led the league in receiving yards last year, and he could do the same this year if he stays healthy. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: Did anyone expect the Lions to make the NFC championship last season? St. Brown was a big reason for their success, and he’s
entering the 2024 season with a new contract, more confidence, and better chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff. Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals: Harrison Jr. was a standout player at Ohio State University last year and will surely come into his rookie season strong after the Cardinals drafted him fourth overall. He’ll have his work cut out for him with the lackluster Cardinals’ offense, but he’s still worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
4 2
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
SUPERCHARGE YOUR MEMORY NEUROSCIENCE-BACKED TIPS FOR A SHARPER MIND
In today’s fast-paced world, having a sharp and reliable memory has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, recent advancements in neuroscience have revealed new techniques to help us improve our cognitive abilities and retain information more effectively. Here are four scientifically backed tips to transform your memory and unlock your full potential. EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN AND BODY. Numerous studies have shown that regular physical exercise can profoundly impact cognitive function. When you engage in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming, you improve your
cardiovascular health and stimulate the growth of the hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for learning and memory formation. MEDITATE FOR A SHARPER MIND. Did you know mindfulness and meditation can improve your memory? Researchers have discovered that individuals who practice meditation regularly, even just a few minutes a day, exhibit increased brain volume in the hippocampus, resulting in enhanced memory performance. NOURISH YOUR BRAIN WITH THE RIGHT FUEL. The saying “you are what you eat” is true for brain health. A diet rich in low-sugar, low-refined carbs and healthy protein and fat sources can support optimal cognitive function. These foods provide the building blocks your brain needs to keep your memory sharp and thinking clear. PRACTICE IMPROVES MEMORY. Practicing regularly is one of the most effective ways to improve your memory. Whether memorizing song lyrics, reciting poetry, or even just trying to recall your daily tasks, the more you challenge your brain to store and retrieve information, the better it will become.
So, what are you waiting for? Start exercising, meditating, fueling your brain, and practicing today — your future self will thank you.
Have a Laugh!
Delicious Ice Cream Cake
Easy to make and sure to impress, this ice cream cake recipe is a crowd- pleaser that will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Ingredients
• 2 cups crushed graham crackers • 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 quarts ice cream (any flavor, divided)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) • 1/2 cup chocolate or caramel topping (optional)
directions
1. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. 2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. 3. Place pan in the freezer for 30 minutes toy allow crust to set. 4. Meanwhile, let the ice cream melt just enough to become spreadable. Then spread half of the ice cream into the crust, sprinkle with nuts, then top with the remaining ice cream. 5. Drizzle with topping, if desired. Freeze for 3 hours or until firm. 6. Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving.
1 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 The Irish Graveyard Obsession 2 The Cutthroat Competition Behind Coney Island Wide Receivers Ready to Make History 3 Neuroscience-Inspired Strategies for a Sharper Mind
Delicious Ice Cream Cake
4 Can’t-Miss Local Events
What October Has to Offer Top Local Events in Boston
ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT The world’s largest three-day regatta (boat race), the Head of the Charles Regatta, which has been going strong in Boston since 1965, is Oct. 18–20 along the Charles River. This year, over 12,000 athletes, supported by nearly 2,500 staff and volunteers, will be rowing downriver in hopes of earning the coveted Head of the Charles Regatta medal. If you would like to catch the action, the event organizers have released a map of the best free and paid locations for spectators. SONGS TO SHOUT HOME ABOUT There are plenty of headliners making their way to Boston this month. Sting, the incredible, 16- time Grammy award-winning musician, will be playing at the MGM Music Hall from Oct. 4–6. Pop sensation Billie Eilish will be playing at the TD Garden on Oct. 11. Later, music lovers
Whether you are carving jack-o’-lanterns, trick- or-treating, or partaking in other traditions and activities — hyphenated or not — we wish you a happy Halloween this year! I don’t know if you are a history buff or not, but the Boston area has quite a history when it comes to hauntings, ghosts, and Halloween. Salem, just 60 miles northeast of Boston, was once the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. During these terrifying and less enlightened times, the town held a series of sham trials, wherein members of the Salem community accused one another of heinous acts of witchcraft. These days, however, rather than people in witch costumes getting as far as possible away from Salem, they are actually headed there in droves to celebrate Halloween in style! This October also features the world-famous Head of the Charles Regatta, and no shortage of concert offerings for Bostonians to enjoy!
will have to make a tough decision. On Oct. 26, Grammy-winning band For King and Country is going to be rocking out at the Agganis Arena. At the same time, legendary singer Cyndi Lauper will be playing at the MGM Music Hall. Whatever your musical persuasion, Boston has got you covered this October. WITCHIN’ GOOD TIME IN SALEM Salem Haunted Happenings is the world’s largest Halloween celebration, attracting over 160,000 costumed participants each year. Just a short trip northeast of Boston, the town is chock full of entertainment for the spiritual and skeptical alike. There are psychics, séances, and haunted houses for those looking to be spooked. There are also restaurants, museums, and trolley tours for those looking to steep themselves in the city’s rich and creepy history.
4
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator