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| Roundup: Pittsfield Little League 12s, Babe Ruth 13s fall on road Tuesday night |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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The berkshire reign have awarded a scholarship to girls basketball player jaelynn walker.
walker, who graduated from taconic high school this spring and averaged 16.3 points per game for the thunder, plans to play college basketball at mount saint mary college in newburgh, new york.
per a release, the check was for $1,000. Jaelynn was a vital player on the berkshire reign girls basketball team last spring. She was able to gain college exposure through the berkshire reign team and by utilizing a college recruiting program provided by the reign program. We wish jaelynn the best of luck!
american legion baseball
pittsfield post 68-1 8, westfield 0
westfield — camden zerbatos number was called on the road tuesday night and he delivered for post 68-1.
zerbato struck out eight batters in a complete game no-hitter..
camden isnt in our normal pitching rotation, but as the regular season is wrapping up, and our pitchers were still resting from their pitch counts — o dolt him he would start tonight, and he wanted the ball, wrote coach dustin burdette. He is a gamer. He does anything you ask him to. Ive coached camden since he was 12 years old and this is the last year i will coach him, and for him to do that in his last year with legion was incredible.
the pittsfield offense came from simon mele going 2 for 4 with a double and two rbi, while gavin odonnell was 1 for 4 with two rbi and jay codey 1 for 3 with a double and two rbi.
pittsfield improves to 10-1 and will wrap the regular season at clapp park today at 5:45 p.M. Against monson.
little league baseball
holden 4, pittsfield 3
the pittsfield 12s handled adams-cheshire to claim the don gleason district 1 little league championship.
holden — in the first game of the massachusetts little league section 1 tournament, the pittsfield 12s staged a late comeback but came up just short on the road at holden.
the district 1 champions trailed 4-0 entering the top of the fifth inning and were hitless.
mateo herrera opened the inning by getting hit by a pitch, and then shayne clairemont ended the no-hitter with a single. Will n dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners into scoring position, but ryder froio wound up not needing the help.
with two on, two outs and two strikes on him, froio smacked a fly ball to center field for a three-run homer.
unfortunately for the visitors, those were their only two hits of the game, and holden set pittsfield down in order in the sixth to secure the win.
pittsfield drops into the elimination bracket, where one silver lining is a home game. While holden will travel to westfield, pittsfield will host leominster at 5:30 p.M. Today. Westfield beat leominster 11-1 in the other section 1 game.
if pittsfield wins today, it will play thursday against the loser of westfield-holden.
on tuesday, andrew scalise pitched four innings, and was tagged for four runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out two. Clairmont pitched a scoreless inning of relief with two ks.
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pittsfield 000 030 — 3 2 0
holden 210 10x — 4 7 0
babe ruth baseball
westfield 9, pittsfield 13
aiden christopher baseball player
aiden christopher and the pittsfield 13s dropped two of three games to westfield in the western mass. Championship.
westfield — in the decisive game 3 of the western massachusetts championship series, the westfield 13s scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to put the contest out of reach.
pittsfield had westfield down to its final strike twice, but couldnt close the door fully saturday night.
the pittsfield 13s had dropped game 1 at wahconah park in heart-breaking fashion, but bounced back to win game 2 in westfield. Back at bullens field tuesday night, the local all-stars ran out of steam.
pittsfield out-hit westfield 11-6 in the game, but also committed four errors, leading to five unearned runs for starting pitcher cooper reed.
reed went 5 1/3, allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out three batters. Fernando vasconcelos closed out the sixth with 2/3 scoreless.
pittsfield evened the game up 2-2 in the top of the fourth inning.
noah m led off with a single and isaac acevedo doubled him home to break the seal. After acevedo stole third, with two outs, vasconcelos sent an rbi single to center field. Landon marquis and jacob knauth followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases, but a ground out ended the frame.
westfield responded with three runs on two hits and two errors in the home half and was back up 5-2.
back-to-back singles by acevedo and aiden c plated a pittsfield run in the fifth, but once again the visitors left the bases loaded.
acevedo was 3 for 3 and knauth had two hits as well.
both pittsfield and westfield will play in the new england regional, as pittsfield will host at wahconah park. That tournament wont start until july 25. |
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| Hollywood A-Listers Checkered Overalls Spark Frenzy in Knoxville |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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It looks like the tennessee volunteers might have gained a high-profile fan in timothée chalamet. The oscar-nominated actor recently caught the attention of vols enthusiasts by donning orange and white checkerboard overalls in a social media post, sparking plenty of chatter among the tennessee faithful.
now, timothée chalamet might be best known for captivating audiences in films like “dune,” “wonka,” and the bob dylan biopic “a complete unknown,” but he’s no stranger to the sports arena either. Chalamet doesn’t shy away from showcasing his sports enthusiasm, as was evident when he made an appearance as a guest picker on college gameday last december.
while some critics thought his appearance was a promotional stint for “a complete unknown,” chalamet proved them wrong by doing his homework. He was the lone picker to nail the mac championship game prediction, demonstrating he knows his way around the field as well as the silver screen.
chalamet’s fandom doesn’t stop at college football. Recently, he was also spotted courtside, hyping up the new york knicks at an nba game, proving he spreads his sports passion across different arenas and leagues.
so, is timothée chalamet a bona fide tennessee fan? That might still be up for debate.
however, inviting him to be the gameday guest picker on rocky top this fall could be the ultimate test of his allegiance. Until then, vols fans can only speculate whether chalamet’s checkerboard ensemble was just a fashion statement or a sign of true fandom. |
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| 21 Cast Iron Skillet Gift Basket Ideas For Any Budget: Unique Presents Everyone |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Whenever i want to give a gift that really stands out, i love creating something both practical and personal. There’s just something special about building a basket around a timeless cast iron skillet . It’s like sharing a classic kitchen tool with so much potential—one that can last for generations and start new traditions in someone’s home. Cast iron skillet gift baskets are a heartfelt way to treat loved ones to something handy, creative, and fun to open.
i know how tough it can be to find gift ideas that fit any budget and feel unique at the same time. With a bit of thought and inspiration, a cast iron skillet becomes the perfect base for an unforgettable present. Putting together these baskets lets me show off my creativity while wrapping up things i know people will actually use and enjoy. And, honestly, there’s nothing like the joy of seeing someone’s face light up as they discover all the thoughtful little touches inside.
lodge cast iron skillet 10.25 inch i always choose the lodge cast iron skillet in the 10.25 inch size when picking out a main item for a gift basket. It strikes a great balance between size and usefulness. I find it works well for everything from frying eggs to baking cornbread.
this skillet feels solid in my hands. I like that it comes pre-seasoned, so i can use it right out of the box. It holds heat well and cooks food evenly, which makes it a good fit for home cooks.
if you want a solid skillet for your gift basket, check out the lodge’s collection of cast iron gifts .
smithey ironware cast iron skillet when i want to give a cast iron skillet that stands out, i often choose the smithey ironware cast iron skillet. It looks beautiful and cooks well, making it a thoughtful gift.
the skillet feels steady in my hands. I like that the surface is smooth and easy to use, even for people who are new to cast iron. The handle also makes it comfortable to move from stovetop to oven.
if you want to surprise someone, adding a smithey pan to your basket is a great touch. You can find high-quality options from smithey ironware company .
personalized engraved cast iron skillet i love giving gifts that feel unique and special. Personalizing a cast iron skillet with an engraving adds a meaningful touch. It could be a family name, a favorite quote, or an important date.
when i create a gift basket, i include a custom skillet as the centerpiece. This small detail makes the gift unforgettable. I’ve found that people really appreciate something made just for them.
there are shops online that offer custom engraved cast iron skillets . Choosing the right message or design is a fun way to show you care. It turns a simple skillet into a keepsake that lasts for years.
lodge pan scraper i always add a lodge pan scraper to my cast iron skillet gift baskets. These handy tools make cleaning up after cooking so much easier. I find they really help get tough bits off without scratching the pan.
when i first started using cast iron, i struggled to clean it the right way. Scrub brushes sometimes left marks, but the pan scraper kept my pans looking new. They are small, lightweight, and easy to use.
i like to pick the classic lodge brand for quality. For anyone who wants to keep their cast iron in top shape, a scraper is a simple and thoughtful addition. Adding this tool makes the gift basket more complete and useful for any home cook.
lodge silicone handle cover when i want to make cooking safer and easier, i always turn to a lodge silicone handle cover. This small tool helps me pick up hot cast iron pans without burning my hands.
i’ve found these silicone covers to be practical and tough. They can handle heat up to 500°f and fit most lodge cast iron skillets well. I use them for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread.
slipping one onto the handle means i don’t have to search for a towel or oven mitt. They come in different colors, which adds a little style to my kitchen. If i’m building a cast iron gift basket, i make sure to include a lodge silicone handle holder every time.
pre-seasoned dutch oven by lodge i always like to include a pre-seasoned dutch oven by lodge when i’m putting together a special cast iron gift basket. This piece is strong and easy to use, even for someone new to cooking with cast iron. It can handle baking, roasting, and slow-cooked meals.
what i like most is that it arrives ready to use. The pre-seasoned finish means it has a natural, easy-release surface. I don’t have to spend hours prepping it, and neither do my gift recipients.
this dutch oven fits well in any kitchen and works on different cooktops. You can find more ideas for a dutch oven gift basket on this helpful tiktok page .
smithey cast iron grill pan i love adding a smithey cast iron grill pan to a gift basket because it works for anyone who enjoys cooking. The grill ridges help make those perfect sear marks on burgers, chicken, or vegetables.
when i tried it myself, i noticed how well it held heat and cooked food evenly. It feels solid and easy to handle, so i’ve found it’s great for everyday use or special meals.
this pan pairs nicely with simple extras like a small bottle of oil or a pack of favorite spices. It’s a flexible choice that can fit many different budgets, making it easy to create a special and useful gift basket.
cast iron enameled dutch oven i love including a cast iron enameled dutch oven in a gift basket. It always feels special, and i know it’s something that lasts for years. The colorful enamel adds a cheerful touch to any kitchen.
whenever i give one, i sometimes tuck in a soup mix or stew recipe. It gives that little nudge to try it out right away.
a dutch oven is perfect for slow-cooking , baking bread , or simmering stews . It’s a versatile tool that i find myself using again and again. If you want more inspiration, check out these dutch oven gift basket ideas .
cast iron bacon press i love including a cast iron bacon press in my gift baskets because it makes cooking bacon so much easier. With it, i can keep strips flat and help them cook evenly every time.
when i use a bacon press, the bacon gets crispy without curling up. It also works for other foods like grilled cheese or paninis. Sometimes, i use it to press out extra fat when making burgers.
a bacon press adds that special touch to breakfast. It feels sturdy in my hand and is easy to clean. I think any home cook will enjoy having one along with their cast iron skillet. This simple tool really helps me get better results in the kitchen.
french onion soup recipe card i always love including a recipe card in my gift baskets, and french onion soup is one of my favorites. It’s simple but feels special, and it pairs perfectly with a cast iron skillet.
i caramelize onions low and slow, then add beef broth and seasonings. Topping it with crusty bread and melted cheese makes it even more comforting.
if you want easy step-by-step instructions, i recommend this easy french onion soup recipe . It’s a great pick for sharing and enjoying at home.
cast iron cornbread muffin mix i always add cornbread muffin mix to my cast iron gift baskets . It’s easy to use and perfect for anyone who loves classic comfort food .
when i give a basket, i pick a cornbread mix that goes well with a small cast iron skillet. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of southern flavor to any kitchen.
i’ve seen gift sets that pair cornbread mix with a cast iron pan , and they make baking feel extra special. Just pour the mix into the skillet, bake, and enjoy warm, golden muffins.
artisanal hot chocolate mix when i want to make a cast iron skillet gift basket special, i always add an artisanal hot chocolate mix. It feels comforting and makes the basket extra inviting.
i like to put the mix in a cute jar or a small tin. Sometimes, i add mini marshmallows or a few chocolate shavings on top for a simple touch.
i’ve found that handmade cocoa blends are the perfect match for a cozy night in. If you need ideas, you can check out how others have put together a hot cocoa gift basket for even more inspiration.
cocktail cherries for manhattan when i put together a cast iron skillet gift basket, i like to add something special for cocktail fans . For me, cocktail cherries make every manhattan feel a bit more polished.
i’ve found that quality is key. I avoid the bright red supermarket cherries. Instead, i look for options that have rich flavor and deep color, like old-fashioned cocktail cherries or amarena cherries.
a small jar looks great in a basket and lasts for many drinks. My friends are always surprised by how much a good cherry can upgrade their cocktails.
handcrafted wooden cooking spoon when i put together a cast iron skillet gift basket, i always look for something that feels special and personal. A handcrafted wooden cooking spoon is one of my favorite choices.
these spoons are made from strong woods like maple or walnut, so they last for years. I love how each one is a little different, showing off unique wood grain and shapes.
cooking with a wooden spoon just feels right to me. It’s gentle on cast iron and doesn’t scratch the surface. If i want a really thoughtful touch, i’ll get a handmade spoon from an artisan, like those at new hampshire bowl and board .
adding this to the basket makes it feel complete and warm.
cast iron skillet cleaning brush i always add a cast iron skillet cleaning brush to my gift baskets. It makes cleaning up so much easier without harming the skillet’s surface. I’ve found that a brush with sturdy bristles is perfect for scrubbing away stuck-on food.
personally, i like brushes with a comfortable handle. They feel good in my hand and give me more control when washing up. Sometimes i pick ones with a hanging loop for easy storage.
including a cleaning brush shows i care about helping friends keep their cast iron in great shape. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that can make a big difference if someone is new to cast iron care. A brush keeps things simple and makes cleanup less of a chore.
gourmet coffee sampler i love adding a gourmet coffee sampler to a cast iron skillet gift basket. It’s a simple way to share quality flavors with anyone who enjoys a morning cup . I like to pick out a few small bags or single-serve packs in different roasts or flavors.
sometimes, i include a couple of coffee-themed treats. Chocolate-dipped spoons, biscotti, or buttery cookies go well with the coffee sampler. It makes the basket feel more complete without costing a lot.
if you want more ideas, i recommend looking at some gourmet coffee gift baskets for inspiration. You might even find some flavor combos you haven’t tried yet. Adding these special touches helps make the gift feel personal.
jar of local honey i love including a jar of local honey in a cast iron skillet gift basket. It feels like a sweet touch and supports small businesses in my community. Honey pairs well with so many recipes that use a cast iron skillet.
sometimes i pick wildflower or clover honey because the flavors stand out. It’s a great way to add natural sweetness to cornbread or a warm skillet pancake. I also like how honey looks in the basket, especially in a glass jar with a simple label.
giving local honey feels practical and thoughtful. I’ve even found that people enjoy tasting honey from a new area. If i want to personalize it, i’ll tie a little wooden dipper to the jar with twine.
assorted jams and jellies i always find that adding jars of assorted jams and jellies gives my gift baskets a special touch. The bright colors and sweet flavors make everything look cheerful and inviting.
sometimes, i pick up unique flavors like strawberry basil, blueberry lavender, or even spicy pepper jelly. When i want even more variety, i look for sets that include small jars in different flavors. You can even explore creative jelly and jam gift basket ideas for more inspiration.
i love how these spreads go perfectly with fresh bread or breakfast treats. Homemade or locally made jams add warmth and thoughtfulness to any basket. It always feels great to share something delicious and personal.
set of rustic soup bowls when i put together a cast iron skillet gift basket, i like to add a set of rustic soup bowls . Soup bowls with a simple, earthy look create a warm and inviting feel. They make any meal seem a little more special.
i look for bowls that are sturdy and comfortable to hold. Choosing a set that fits well with the cast iron theme makes the whole gift feel more complete. For inspiration, i often check out cast iron cooking gift baskets and pick matching pieces.
i find it nice to include two or four bowls, so it’s easy to share a homemade soup or stew with a friend. This small touch always makes the basket practical and welcoming.
cast iron care guide book i always include a cast iron care guide book in my skillet gift baskets. A good guide walks beginners through seasoning, cleaning, and daily maintenance. This helps them keep their new pan in top shape for years.
i like picking up care books with easy tips and clear pictures. Something simple gives people confidence, even if they’ve never used cast iron before.
seasoning and washing cast iron can seem tricky, but a small book makes it less overwhelming. I find these guides can turn a basic gift into something really thoughtful and useful.
you can find unique options online or even make a handwritten booklet yourself. A clear guide means your cast iron gift can be enjoyed again and again.
custom recipe print in frame i love adding a custom recipe print in a frame to a cast iron skillet gift basket. It’s a simple touch, but it makes the gift feel personal and thoughtful. I often choose a favorite family recipe or a special dish that means something to both me and the person i’m gifting.
displaying the recipe in a pretty frame lets them keep it close in their kitchen. It’s practical and adds a homey touch. You can use your own handwriting or print it out in a nice font.
if you want to make it extra special, i sometimes include a recipe that uses the skillet right away. This way, every time they cook with their new skillet, they’re reminded of the gift and the connection we share.
why cast iron skillet gift baskets are always appreciated a cast iron skillet is something i see used in kitchens everywhere, no matter the cooking style. These skillets last for decades, fit into any budget, and make practical, personal gifts people remember.
versatility in any kitchen i love how a cast iron skillet works for almost any meal i want to cook. From frying eggs to baking cornbread or searing steak, a single skillet takes on so many jobs. It works on a stove, over a fire, or even in the oven.
that means it fits into tiny kitchens or big ones. It’s perfect for beginners who are just learning to cook, but i’ve also seen experienced cooks use their skillets for special recipes.
i sometimes tuck simple tools like a spatula or a jar of seasoning into my gift basket to give it extra usefulness. Here are a few ways people can use their cast iron skillet:
use meal example fry crispy chicken sauté veggies or onions bake biscuits, pie roast vegetables, meat no matter what someone likes to make, there’s probably a way to use a cast iron pan. That’s why this gift feels so personal and friendly.
timeless appeal and durability the classic look of cast iron never goes out of style. I think of the skillets handed down in my family—each one builds memories along with flavor. They actually get better with age because the surface becomes easier to use and clean over time.
cast iron lasts for many years when it’s cared for, so my gift isn’t something a person will toss or outgrow. It can become a kitchen staple, useful for anyone from college students to grandparents.
cookware made from cast iron is also easy to restore and season. Even if someone is new to cast iron, they can learn to take care of it with just a little practice. That long-lasting value is what makes cast iron gifts special, and it’s a big reason people treasure them. I’ve seen families use their cast iron for generations, making it a thoughtful and reliable present.
for more ideas on what to add, you can check these unique cast iron skillet gift basket ideas that fit any budget.
tips for personalizing your cast iron skillet gift basket i’ve found that making a cast iron skillet gift basket feel unique comes down to picking items that fit the person’s style and needs. Whether it’s choosing the best skillet size or adding themed touches, a bit of thought goes a long way in making the gift special.
choosing the right skillet size when i select a skillet for a gift basket, i think about how the person will use it. A 6-8 inch skillet is perfect for singles or couples. It’s easy to handle and great for things like eggs or small desserts. For families or anyone who cooks larger meals , i like to go with a 10-12 inch skillet.
some friends love to camp or grill outdoors. For them, i sometimes choose a smaller, lightweight skillet that fits in a backpack. If the basket is for a seasoned cook, i may pick a deeper skillet for stews and baking. Here’s a quick guide:
skillet size best for 6-8 inch singles, couples 10-12 inch families, meals deep skillet baking, stews no matter the size, i always check for a solid handle and a smooth cooking surface. A well-made pan makes all the difference.
adding themed accessories once i have the skillet, i start thinking about fun ways to personalize the basket. I like to pick a cooking theme—like breakfast, pizza night, or camping—and find accessories to match. For a breakfast basket, i include items like a pancake mix, a small jar of maple syrup, and a silicone spatula.
for a pizza night set, i might include a pizza cutter, a jar of pizza sauce, and a little bag of italian seasoning. If i’m making a camping basket, i add a firestarter, some marshmallows, and a rugged dish towel.
other ideas:
mini recipe book tied with twine good quality cooking oil cast iron scrub brush i always wrap accessories with a bit of color—maybe a bright napkin or a ribbon—to bring the whole basket together. I try to choose things that will actually get used, so the basket feels practical as well as fun. For visual inspiration, i sometimes look at cast iron skillet gift basket ideas online.
frequently asked questions when i put together a cast iron skillet gift basket, i want it to be useful, affordable, and special for the person getting it. I always look for easy ways to personalize on a budget, get creative with what i add, and pick must-haves that anyone new to cast iron will appreciate.
how can i personalize a cast iron skillet gift basket while staying within my budget? I like to add a homemade recipe card or a handwritten note with my favorite skillet dish. Sometimes, i use a diy tag with the person’s name or tie a simple ribbon in their favorite color. Affordable engraving is another option, or i can choose a small kitchen gadget that matches their style.
what are some innovative ideas to fill a cast iron skillet gift basket? I toss in unique spice blends, a tiny bottle of hot sauce, or even a mini jar of local honey. For food lovers, i might add a small pancake mix or gourmet chocolate. I’ve also seen people include recipe booklets, personalized utensils, or even custom engraved skillets for that wow factor.
what are the must-haves for a beginner’s cast iron skillet gift basket? A lodge cast iron skillet 10.25 inch has always felt like a perfect start. I include a lodge pan scraper for easy cleaning and a lodge silicone handle cover for safety. A simple care guide and a small bottle of oil will help any beginner feel extra confident.
how do you make a cast iron skillet gift basket suitable for any cooking enthusiast? I pay attention to their favorite foods and cooking style. I might add gourmet salts, a textured towel, or a creative kitchen timer. Including a durable scraper and a quality handle cover makes the basket practical for everyday use, no matter their experience.
can you suggest budget-friendly accessories to include with a cast iron skillet for a gift basket? I often use silicone handle covers, simple wooden spoons, or fun kitchen towels. Pan scrapers are helpful and cheap. If i find a sale, i add small seasoning packs or simple potholders. These add value without breaking my budget.
what creative packaging tips can elevate the look of a budget-friendly cast iron skillet gift basket? I nestle everything in a checkered towel or brown paper instead of a basket. Tying everything with twine looks rustic and cozy. Sometimes, i use a linen napkin or reusable bag for an eco-friendly touch. Pages with quick skillet tips tucked inside make it extra thoughtful, inspired by many unique gift basket ideas . |
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| Hero Initiative Brings Six Exclusive Guests to Baltimore Comic-Con 2025 |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Hero initiative , the charity that helps comic book creators in medical or financial need, will host six amazing creators at its booth at the 2025 baltimore comic-con , october 17-19, 2025 at the baltimore convention center . Tickets can be purchased online now .
founder of the legacy indy comic book publisher and studio devil’s due, josh blaylock is not only a prolific comic book writer and artist, but an expert in licensing and pop culture trends. He began publishing comics while still a teenager, rising to fame six years later with the license acquisition and resurrection of g.I. Joe , voltron , and other classic properties in the comic space, to huge success. The first of their kind, his comics launched a nostalgia wave that is still felt to this day, and pioneered a trend of independent publishers seizing the spotlight by revitalizing major licensed brands. He is most known for his supernatural action comic mercy sparx , and the world of characters surrounding it (currently in development as a major motion picture), with several other creations translated into toys, film, and television. Having published and written over 1,000 comic books with over $70 million in sales, josh also regularly collaborates on projects in entertainment, fashion, and tech, including for north coast music fest, adidas, pixel vault, hannibal buress, diplo, 0n1 force, a system of a down, louis the child, and more. His non-fiction book, how to self-publish comics: not just create them , was made required reading at savannah college of art & design.
aaron campbell is known for his critically acclaimed work on titles including hellblazer: dead in america , suicide squad : blaze , and the award-winning john constantine: hellblazer . He is the co-creator of infidel (image comics), named one of the best horror stories of all time and one of the best books of 2018 by npr. Aaron is also the co-writer of west of sundown (vault comics) as well as being a prolific cover artist.
matthew clark started his career in earnest in 1997 working at the art studio, studiosaurus. In 1999, matthew became the regular artist on dc’s wonder woman , following that with felon from top cow (written by frequent collaborator greg rucka). Since then, clark has worked for dc comics (including teen titans , the outsiders , adventures of superman , doom patrol ), marvel (notably, ghost rider , the punisher , the amazing spider-man ), and valiant ( bloodshot , harbinger ), as well as contributing artwork for kurt busiek’s acclaimed series, astro city . Matthew is currently recovering from a triple bypass operation and has started his rehabilitation as of this writing.
social media:
matthew can be found on instagram at @emceeartist
facebook link: https://www.Facebook.Com/mclarkartist
on threads @emceeartist
on bluesky @emceeartist@bsky.Social
art inquiry can be made at emceerobot@gmail.Com
brian haberlin is an award winning american comic book artist, writer, editor, and producer. He is best known as the co-creator of the witchblade franchise and for his innovative augmented reality and pioneering digital art style.
haberlin started his career working at lorimar/warner brothers television, but eventually he gave up his job at warner brothers in order to pursue a career in comics, his life-long passion.
haberlin began his career in comics working at top cow productions, where he developed most of the modern methods of comic book production used today. He rose to vp of creative affairs while there and ran the creative side of the company. While there he co-created witchblade , prompted by the lack of realistic female superheroes in comics. The witchblade franchise has since expanded to include multiple spin-offs, a live action television series, and an anime series.
haberlin formed his own studio soon after, producing work for marvel comics, dc comics, and image comics. He then started avalon publishing. Through avalon, he published/created many successful fantasy and sci-fi titles, including stone (highest selling independent comic the year released), a fantasy series which incorporated elements of filipino mythology, aria (#2 selling comic in the u.S. In its release), an urban fantasy, area 52 , a science fiction title, nine rings of the wu-tang , and m-rex , which has been adapted into the successful cartoon network series generator rex . And many others.
haberlin became editor in chief for todd mcfarlane productions in 2006, and penciled and inked its flagship title, spawn , for two years during david hine’s run as writer.
in 2012, haberlin formed anomaly productions with skip brittenham to produce truly innovative cross-platform content, and comics that routinely sell out and are top sellers in their releases, with anomaly , anomaly: the rubicon , shifter , faster than light , between worlds , sonata , creative creature catcher , the marked , hellcop , and lighthouse at the end of the universe currently in release as graphic novels, comics, children’s books, and augmented reality apps, with the upcoming, fury formula and love inc. To debut in the coming months.
he has been featured in many books and magazines around the world such as: wired, rolling stone, imagine fx, 3d world, creating comics from start to finish, secrets of painter experts, and secrets of zbrush artists to name just a few.
he routinely speaks around the country and world from the wall street journal’s all things d, to the south korean kocca academic conference and currently has 3-4 hours of his own panels each year at san diego comic con.
haberlin also runs digitalarttutorials.Com and traditionalarttutorials.Com that produce art education tutorials from his methods. He teaches comic art at minneapolis college of art and design, and his work is in the permanent collection at the smithsonian museum.
haberlin has also entered the fine art community, being featured recently in two prestigious magazines: american art collector (cover) and beautiful bizarre magazine, and having his work featured in five gallery shows this year.
jamal igle is the recipient of the 2011 inkpot award for outstanding achievement in comic art. He is writer/artist/creator of molly danger for action lab entertainment, the co-creator of venture with dynamo 5 creator/writer jay faerber, and the penciller/co-creator of the wrong earth with writer and editor in chief, tom peyer for ahoy comics. Jamal is a comic industry veteran whose detailed pencils have graced books as varied as the narrative of the life of frederick douglass , the all-ages action miniseries race against time , as well as mainstream hits such as g.I. Joe , iron man , spider-man , and green lantern . Jamal has served as the series artist for popular runs on firestorm the nuclear man , nightwing , tangent: superman’s reign , superman , supergirl , and zatanna for dc comics, noble causes for image comics, and a four-issue run on new warriors for marvel comics.
jamal recently completed the sequel to the hit series black called white from black superpowers/black mask studios, and the wrong earth: night and day , the mysterious micro-face for npr planet money, and milestones in history for dc comics. Jamal also worked with legendary batman writer scott snyder on his new creator-owned series, dudley datson and the forever machine for comixology.
currently, jamal is hard at work on the newest volume of the wrong earth as well as helping shape the next generation of comics creators at the school of visual arts in new york city.
mike norton is the creator of the eisner and harvey award-winning webcomic, battlepug and the co-creator and artist of grumble as well as the critically-acclaimed revival . He has worked for marvel, dc, dark horse, and just about everybody else. He likes to pet dogs, drink beer, and watch movies you wouldn’t see on a dare. |
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| I Know What You Did Last Summer Trilogy Recap: Story So Far | Film Fugitives |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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No discussion of classic 90s slasher movies is complete without mentioning the i know what you did last summer movie franchise, loosely inspired by the novel written by lois duncan. Although, except for the original, first entry—which became a cult classic by introducing the fisherman killer and his weapon of choice, the ice-hook—none of the sequels made a mark in the long run, the movies have remained relevant in teen-horror discourse nevertheless. Like numerous other old-school horror franchises, this one has gone through a reboot, and later next week, the latest adaptation of i know what you did last summer will hit the theaters. Before that, let’s catch up with the earlier entries to get a better idea about what to expect and possible references.
first entry
the first movie opens on a coastal cliff off southport, california, on 4th july, 1996, as a certain david egan is seen reflecting on his tragic past, holding his late fiancée, susie’s locket in his hand. Exactly a year ago, david lost susie at the same spot in a car accident, and sitting on the edge of the cliff, a distraught david almost seems to be contemplating taking his life.
the narrative focuses on julie james, the central protagonist of both the first installment and its sequel. Julie; her boyfriend, ray; her best friend helen; and helen’s boyfriend, a rich jerk named barry, celebrate helen being crowned the latest croaker pageant competition winner. At their high school farewell party, their batchmate, max, who has a crush on julie, ends up engaging in a minor scuffle with barry. Anyway, the quartet soon leave for a nearby beach in barry’s car to fool around and speculate about the course their lives will take. On their way back home, the teenagers get a bit carefree and reckless, and while driving, ray ends up running over a man. Panic ensues as the man, whose face has been disfigured in the accident, appears to have died. Going against julie’s advice they reveal everything to the authorities, barry convinces ray and helen to dispose of the body and take this secret to their graves—in fear of their promising future getting maligned by the repercussions of their action. Max passes by in his car, and they somehow manage to cover up the incident from him. As they later proceed to dump the corpse into the sea, the person in question appears to be alive still. However, the quartet ends up disposing of him anyway and makes a pact never to disclose anything about the incident to anyone.
as the story shifts to a year later, none of the teenagers have their lives settled in the ways they wanted, and especially julie, who left southport to pursue college and also to leave her past behind, has suffered from her guilty conscience. Her relationship with ray has run its course as well, as she could never digest the fact that ray agreed with barry’s cover-up plan. Julie returns to southport to be with her family during summer break and finds a letter addressed to her, with the anonymous sender mentioning they are aware of what she did last summer. Julie’s fear and guilt overwhelm her mind, and she decides to meet helen to discuss the situation. Both of them go to barry, who speculates that max had probably witnessed their act that fateful day and is trying to blackmail them. Barry threatens max and assures julie and helen that he will not bother them again. Ray, who has followed his father’s footsteps and is working as a fisherman, tries to reconcile with julie, to no avail.
max is brutally murdered by a raincoat-wearing mysterious killer who uses a large ice hook to dispatch him. The same night, the killer tracks down barry and severely injures him by driving barry’s car into him. It becomes clear that julie’s fears are not misplaced, and the friends start speculating about the identity of the assailant. Julie reveals that, a year ago, they ran over a certain david egan, as his body was recovered from the ocean a couple of days later. The friends decide to approach david’s only surviving family member, his sister missy.
as julie and helen visit missy’s place with the excuse of their car breaking down nearby, they learn that one of david’s friends, who introduced himself as billy blue, had visited her to pay his respects after david’s passing. While julie and co. Have trouble finding someone of that name, the fisherman killer continues to torment them in different ways. The killer sneaks inside helen’s place and cuts off her hair at night, dumps max’s body with some crabs inside the trunk of julie’s car, and sends a threatening letter to ray. As fear starts mounting up, julie decides to come clean to missy about the past and asks helen to attend this year’s 4th of july parade to lure the killer out.
julie learns from missy that her brother, david, had contemplated taking his own life that day, as his guilt and regret had pushed him over the edge, and he’d left a suicide note, which corroborates that. However, upon seeing the note, julie recognizes it to be sent by the mysterious killer who has been stalking them. She looks up details about susie’s death on the internet and suspects susie’s fisherman father, benjamin willis, to be the culprit in question.
unfortunately, before julie is able to warn her friends, the killer dispatches barry right in front of helen’s eyes during the annual croaker pageant competition. Helen tries her best to direct the authorities to the killer but fails to do so. As a cop escorts helen back to her place, he is murdered by the killer as well. Helen flees and takes refuge in her family’s garment store, where her irritable sister, elsa, becomes the next victim of the killer. Helen almost manages to escape but ends up getting caught and killed by the assailant in the end.
julie goes to meet ray and reveals her speculation that david egan indeed drowned and was not killed in the collision; instead, benjamin willis wanted to take revenge for his daughter’s death and killed david, leaving a threatening note before doing so. However, she sees the name of ray’s fishing boat, billy blue, and mistakenly considers him to be the killer. The real killer in question, ben willis, offers to help julie and knocks down ray before starting the boat. Eventually, julie realizes that she has been trapped by the serial killer, as ben blames her and her friends for leaving him for dead a year ago. Ray chases the ship in a speedboat, is able to board the ship, and following a prolonged scuffle, manages to throw ben into the ocean, cutting off his hand using the ship’s rigging. Julie and ray reconcile as she realizes that ray took the guise of billy blue to absolve himself to some extent by comforting missy, as his guilt over accidentally killing david prompted him to do so. Ben’s body is not recovered, but the authorities assure julie and ray that they will eventually find his corpse.
julie’s fate remains in question by the end of the first movie, as a year later in her college dormitory, she comes across a message in a windowpane—where someone has left a threatening note about still knowing about her past actions. As the movie comes to an end, someone breaks through the windowpane, leaving a massive cliffhanger.
second entry
the cliffhanger of the first movie doesn’t amount to anything, as julie is enjoying her college life. However, lingering effects of ptsd from the past events are still present in her mind, and she has opened up about it to her new best friend, karla. Viewers meet karla’s boyfriend, tyrell, and a mild-mannered will benson, who seems to be infatuated with julie. Ray is stuck in his fisherman job and can’t get much time off from work to visit with julie; still, their bond seems to be rock solid.
karla wins in a quiz competition on a local radio channel by merely answering one question and gets a free trip to the bahamas with a luxurious stay in a secluded island resort for four persons. Julie wants to bring ray along with her, but his busy schedule leaves his presence in question. However, ray decides to go to the bahamas anyway to surprise julie, taking a diamond ring with him as he plans to propose to her. As ray sets off with his friend, dave, they come across the infamous fisherman killer, who murders dave in a brutal fashion. Ray somehow manages to escape with his life but ends up losing his senses after falling into a ditch.
finding ray missing, karla and tyrell decide to take will along with them and reach their resort in the bahamas. The resort manager, mr. Brooks, reveals that they are the only tourists present at the resort at the moment and warns that the island remains inaccessible during severe storms. Things start to go awry when julie finds a similar threatening message to the one she came across last year in the resort’s karaoke machine. One by one, several attendants of the resort—darick and olga—are murdered by the fisherman killer. Ray is found by the authorities and gets admitted to the hospital. However, after gaining his senses, ray escapes and trades his diamond ring in for a gun in a pawn shop.
julie comes across darick’s corpse, but the killer hides it before she is able to show it to her friends and resort manager, prompting them to believe julie is losing her mind. However, as the killer continues their murder spree, taking down a supplier named titus and mr. Brooks, the horrid situation eventually comes to light. The communication line to the island is disrupted as well, which makes it impossible for ray to warn julie either. Ray coerces a ship captain to take him to the island as a severe storm hits the island. Julie, karla, tyrell, and will search for the only surviving elderly attendee of the resort, estes, and visiting his room, they find evidence of him performing black magic on them. However, estes meets with them and clarifies that he was actually trying to protect them, as he had figured out that the friends were tricked by the radio quiz. Estes reveals ben willis used to be an employee of this resort, and had two kids—a son and a daughter. Ben had allegedly killed his wife, sarah, after suspecting her to be in an affair and has not been heard of ever since. Estes believes that ben has returned and is trying to hunt down julie and co. Eventually, tyrell and estes fall victim to the fisherman killer, and nancy, a bartender whom the friends tried to rescue, meets the same fate. Will lies to julie and karla about being attacked by estes, only to completely isolate julie and later reveal that he is ben’s son, who planned with his father, who survived his fall into the ocean in the first movie, to win julie’s trust and take revenge on her. In the nick of time, ray arrives and holds ben and will at gunpoint just as they are about to kill julie; however, ray’s gun jams, allowing ben to overpower him. Ironically, ben ends up killing his own son while trying to attack ray. Julie gets her hands on ray’s gun and shoots ben to death. Karla appears to have survived the rampage of the two killers as well, and the three survivors end up getting rescued by the authorities.
some time later, ray and julie are seen happily married, when another fisherman killer attacks julie at their place, and once again her fate remains in question. However, as julie is seen alive in the trailer of the rebooted i know what you did last summer, it seems, once again, the ending cliffhanger tease goes absolutely nowhere.
third entry
the third and arguably the weakest installment, i still know what you did last summer, features a totally new cast and a different tone compared to the previous two entries, as the grounded slasher thriller theme gets superseded by supernatural elements. Viewers are taken to the small town of broken ridge, where the legend of the fisherman killer is quite popular. On the eve of 4th july, a bunch of teenagers—zoe, roger, pj, amber, and her boyfriend colby—try to pull a prank by staging a supposed assault of the said killer in the town carnival. Pj, who was supposed to pull off a trick using his skateboard on a rooftop to escape from roger disguised as a fisherman killer, ends up impaling himself on a pole and dies. Remorseful, the friend quartet decide to keep the truth of the incident a secret in fear of drawing the ire of the townsfolk, although amber, the lead of the narrative, wanted to reveal the truth.
a year later, none of their lives have gone the way the friends intended, and amber returns to broken ridge, only to learn that her boyfriend, colby, never left the town, contrary to what he made her believe. Lance, pj’s cousin, has feelings for amber, but he can’t muster the courage to profess them to her. A dejected amber is approached by local cop, deputy haffner, who seems to be interested in her as well. Later, amber receives multiple threatening messages on her phone, similar to what julie received all those years ago—and she wastes no time to inform the rest of the group about it. Aside from zoe, who at present performs as a lead vocalist in a band and regrets being separated from amber, colby and roger don’t believe amber’s words and, as usual, consider her fear to be misplaced.
roger, who works in an industrial welding workshop, is suffering from guilt and remorse since that fateful day, and upon learning amber’s account, he tries to kill himself using the prop hook he carried with himself that night. Roger becomes the first victim of a newly emerged fisherman killer. Amber finds herself stalked by the killer as her bicycle tires get slashed, and on her way back home in a ropeway cart, she gets attacked by the hook-wielding fisherman killer. The friends consider roger to have taken his own life, but as the fisherman killer continues to torment them by threatening them with messages and stalking them, the rest of the group agree that amber’s warnings were not unfounded after all. At one point, sheriff davis, pj’s father, is considered to be a suspect as well, as the group nearly ends up confessing the truth to him by approaching haffner, only to retreat later. Julie finds out the connection of the fisherman killer and the day of 4th july, as she learns about past murder incidents involving ben willis. Amber surmises their sin of covering up pj’s death has resulted the restless spirit of ben willis to haunt them.
as 4th july approaches, the friends decide to stick together, but zoe needs to perform at a concert, and as amber decides to be present for her, the rest of the group agrees as well. Following zoe’s performance, the fisherman killer attacks them and murders zoe. Sheriff davis and colby meet the same fate, and the only survivors, amber and lance, come across deputy haffner while fleeing from the scene. Haffner reveals that he is aware of what happened last summer, as a remorseful roger had confessed everything to him, but he kept it a secret to cover for amber, as haffner has feelings for her. He implores lance and amber to enter his police vehicle, but they mistakenly believe him to be the fisherman killer after seeing zoe’s body in his vehicle. The real killer, the ghost of ben willis, attacks and brutally kills deputy haffner using a forklift. Amber finds out that the prop hook, which belonged to roger, for some reason harms ben willis. After a prolonged chase, she is able to save lance from the fisherman killer by dragging the ghost of ben willis by using the hook and throwing him inside a wood chipper. Lance and amber turn out to be the only survivors of the harrowing series of incidents.
a year later, amber is seen driving alone through the desolate freeway of nevada when all of a sudden her car tires get punctured. Amber steps out of the car and feels that time has suddenly come to a halt when the screen fades to black and the infamous fisherman killer is hinted to have killed her off screen. |
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| Obituaries 07-16-2025 |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Joseph “pinuccio” aresco, sr.
owned j. Aresco trucking co.
family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial visitation on thursday, july 17th from 11 a.M. To 1 p.M., In the vertuccio smith & vazza, beechwood home for funerals, 262 beach st., Revere for joseph “pinuccio” aresco, sr., Who died at the massachusetts general hospital on thursday, july 10 following a brief illness. He was 68 years old. His funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 1 p.M. Immediately followed by interment in woodlawn cemetery, everett.
joe, who was also known as “joe tomatoes” and “pinuccio” was born in catania, sicily on september 11, 1956. He along with his family immigrated to the united states when he was five years old. The family lived in the west end of boston and later moved to east boston.
joe was educated in boston public schools. At a young age, joe had a very strong work ethic. He began working with his older brothers at their business, the matarazzo brothers co. In chelsea. Joe also worked the family pushcarts in haymarket in boston for many years. He worked very hard and hustled to earn a living.
joe eventually opened his own trucking company named j. Aresco trucking co., Which he recently retired from. Joe could always be heard singing either frank sinatra or elvis presley songs. He was a man who enjoyed working and he loved his family.
he was the beloved son of the late vittorio aresco and vincenza (rosa) aresco; the father of diana aresco and joseph aresco, jr., Cherished brother of angelo, the late sebastiano “yano”, antonio “anthony”, the late salvatore, carmelo, the late augustine, joseph, william, john, frank, richard, the late robert, and his only sister, anna pisaturo. He also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in joe’s name to st. Jude children’s research hospital, 501 st. Jude place, memphis, tn 38105.
to send online condolences, please visit www.Vertucciosmithvazza.Com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the vertuccio smith & vazza, beechwood home for funerals, revere.
jose “joe” pinheiro
a devoted family man
family and friends attended visiting hours on tuesday, july 15th at the vertuccio smith & vazza beechwood home for funerals, 262 beach st., Revere, for josé “joe” pinheiro, who passed away at his home on saturday, july 12th following
a period of declining health. He was 93 years old. A funeral will be conducted from the funeral home today, wednesday, july 16th, beginning at 10 a.M. Followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11 a.M. Interment will immediately follow at woodlawn cemetery in everett.
joe was born on march 1, 1932 in faial, azores, portugal, the son of the late josé de freitas and maria glidmina de terra pinheiro. He was raised and educated in portugal and later married the love of his life, maria silveira on may 27, 1958. The following year, they journeyed to the united states, settling in east boston, where they began building a life and family together.
joe began working for the new england casket company in east boston, where he was employed for over 40 years as a casket buffer, a role in which he took great pride. In 1976, joe and his family moved to revere, where he was proud of the home he built, and was especially proud of his beautiful garden. He also had a passion for woodworking and was known for his ability to fix or repair anything, always doing it his way.
joe was a former member of the holy ghost society of st. John’s portuguese church in east boston and a member of the u.S. Steelworkers union. He was a devoted family man who provided for his loved ones and shared his deep affection and pride with them.
the beloved husband of 67 years of maria d. Pinheiro of revere, he was the loving father of eloise m. “Ellie” bolen and her husband, bruce of revere, and the late joseph pinheiro; cherished grandfather of courtney m. Bolen of revere and melissa r. Archibald and her husband, paul of plymouth and the adored great-grandfather of christian m. Holley of revere; the dear brother of the late maria natalia freitas and manuel freitas. He is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the american diabetes association, p.O. Box 7023, merrifield, va 22116-7023 or at www.Diabetes.Org.
to send online condolences, please visit www.Vertucciosmithvazza.Com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the vertuccio smith & vazza,beechwood home for funerals.
robbie rupp
nurse who had a big heart and was always doing for others
robbie rupp of revere entered into rest on july 9, 2025. The loving sister of the late jack rupp and his late wife, betty and the late joe rupp, she is survived by sisters linda and her husband, bill semler and marion rupp and her brothers, paul rupp and his wife, rosemary torraco and fred rupp. He is also survived by jack’s daughter, mary ellen and her husband, doug madden and their children, matthew and katie, his son, john rupp and his wife, nene and their sons, ethan and luca, and daughter, linda and her husband, bill eldridge and their children, brittany and chris. She is also survived by linda’s daughter, karen and her husband, ron bigley, their daughter, alicia and karen’s daughter, chrissy as well as linda’s daughter, lynne and her husband, dom spadea and their sons, nick and dom. She was the dear daughter of the late mary (o’riordon) and harold rupp.
robbie grew up in revere, attended immaculate conception school and graduated from revere high school. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she a became a nurse after training at holy ghost hospital school of nursing – cambridge. She subsequently served as a nurse at: cambridge city hospital – cambridge, ma; mass. General hospital – boston, ma; santa barbara cottage hospital – santa barbara, ca; and whidden memorial hospital – everett, ma.
she was born to be a nurse. For many years robbie was the primary caregiver for her mother even as she continued to work full-time.
robbie had a big heart and was always doing for others. She was always concerned for the well being of everyone in her orbit, though she did not want anyone to be concerned about her. She loved her god, her family, her friends and her dogs princess and angel. She was an accomplished amateur artist and loved flower gardening – though her tomatoes did not fare so well. Surprisingly to some, she was a fan of country music. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
in accordance with her wishes, there will not be a viewing. A funeral mass will be celebrated at st. Anthony’s church, revere at 12 noon, friday july 18. Robbie will be interred at puritan lawn memorial park alongside her parents and other family members.
in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to st. Jude children’s research hospital – 262 danny thomas pl, memphis, tn 38105 www.Stjude.Org.
robert “bob” bertocchi
he loved family, faith and the new england patriots
family and friends attended visiting hours on monday, july 14th in the vertuccio smith & vazza beechwood home for funerals, 262 beach st., Revere for robert f. “Bob” bertocchi who died on friday, july 11th at the bane harbor house in hingham following a long illness, only five days before his 81st birthday. His funeral mass was celebrated in the immaculate conception church, 133 beach st., Revere. Interment immediately followed in holy cross cemetery, malden.
bob, as he was known to family, friends, and colleagues, was born on july 16, 1944, in malden. He was raised and educated in revere. Bob was a graduate of revere high school, class of 1962. He furthered his education at dartmouth college where he earned his bachelor’s in accounting, graduating with “high honors.” Bob later became a cpa in wakefield for many years. He would then spend the last 25 years of his life working as a senior accountant at mahoney’s garden center, where he was still working until his declining health at the age of 80.
bob was a man of great catholic faith, and he was a daily communicant of the immaculate conception church in revere, where he received all of his sacraments. He was a past member of the knight of columbus council #179 in revere.
bob was a passionate sports fan, and he loved the new england patriots. He was one of the first season ticket holders of the patriots, since 1971.
bob enjoyed time with his family and especially get togethers. He would always supply the guest of honor with their own individual speech, which he would deliver in “bob fashion.” He was a man who lived a humble life, he was frugal, quiet, and pleasant. Bob was truly a man who loved family, faith, and the new england patriots.
he was the beloved son of the late joseph a. Bertocchi and margaret mary (mccarthy) bertocchi, the loving brother of the late joseph c. Bertocch. He is also lovingly survived by many cousins young and old, his extended family at mahoney’s and friends.
in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in bob’s name to dana farber cancer institute / the jimmy fund, 10 brookline place west 5th floor, brookline, ma 02445-7226.
to send online condolences, please visit www.Vertucciosmithvazza.Com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the vertuccio smith & vazza, beechwood home for funerals.
paolo j. “Paul” larosa
owned “paul’s reptile circus”
family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on saturday, july 19th, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.M. In the vertuccio smith & vazza, beechwood home for funerals, 262 beach st., Revere, for paolo j. “Paul” larosa, who died on sunday july 13th following an 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer, he was 56 years old. A funeral mass will be celebrated following the visitation in st. Anthony of padua church, 250 revere st., Revere at 11 a.M. Entombment will immediately follow in the holy cross cemetery – chapel hill mausoleum, malden.
paul was born in winthrop hospital on september 24th, 1968. He was raised in east boston along with his brother and two sisters. He was a graduate of st. Dominic savio preparatory high school in east boston, class of 1987.
paul was a man who truly followed his passions in life. His biggest passion and fascination were reptiles. Paul worked around these animals, becoming as knowledgeable about every detail, species, habitat, herpetology, and eating habits, that he could have taught a college class. He traveled all over to learn about and to purchase various reptiles. He eventually collected enough to open his very own reptile business “paul’s reptile circus,” which he proudly owned and operated for 20 + years. Paul’s modo was “connecting kids with reptiles.” He would travel all throughout new england putting on shows and birthday parties. At times, his travels even led him to the hamptons. He enjoyed going to zoos and taking trips to the florida everglades. Many people dream of working their dream job; paul lived it! Although he was passionate about his animals, his family and friends were where he truly enjoyed spending his time. His children were the center of his heart.
he was the loving father of mollie allen of winchester, johnathan allen of swampscott and jenna allen of burlington and the proud grandfather of j.J.; The devoted son of the late angelo and carmela (pastore) larosa, the cherished brother of antonietta mario and her husband, martin of winchester, antonio larosa of revere and teresa rossetti and her husband, robert of tewksbury; treasured uncle of christy, angelo, martin, sofia, nicholas and robert.
in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in paul’s memory to new england herpetological society, 500 columbian st., Weymouth, ma 02190. For online condolences please visit us at www.Vertucciosmithvazza.Com.
janet dicalogero
dedicated registered nurse whose family was her bedrock, her pride and joy
janet (trino) dicalogero of chelsea passed away on july 9, 2025, at the age of 81. Born in everett on august 18, 1943 to the late edward tirino and jennie (bertuccio), she was the beloved wife of 54 years to john dicalogero jr.
janet, a dedicated registered nurse, spent her life providing care and comfort to all. Her passion for her profession was second only to the love she had for her family. Janet was a woman who believed in the value of togetherness and the strength of familial bonds. She was a past member of the calvary christian church in lynnfield, where she served with humility and dedication. In her free time, janet relished bowling, horseshoes where she was inducted into the hall of fame, and bocce, always eager to bring a touch of fun and competition into the mix.
janet was an avid red sox fan who didn’t miss a game. Her love of the red sox is from childhood and she was even blessed to catch a world series game during their chase to the championship.
in the words of maya angelou, “i sustain myself with the love of family.” This quote embodied janet’s life. Her family was her bedrock, her pride and joy.
she was the devoted mother of john dicalogero iii and his wife christina of melrose and jill florentino of revere; cherished grandmother of sophia and ella dicalogero and emma florentino; dear sister of the late martha dirienzo, frances myers, alfonso terino and tina dicesare. She is also survived by her loving brothers & sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was a loving, supportive mother, a dedicated nurse, and a friend to many, always extending a helping hand and a warm smile to those around her.
a visitation will be held at the paul buonfiglio & sons funeral home, 128 revere st, revere on saturday, july 19 from 11 a.M. To 2 p.M. Followed by a prayer service in the funeral home at 2 p.M. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Private interment. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to st. Jude children’s research hospital, 501 st. Jude pl, memphis, tn 38105-9959 or at www.Stjude.Org.
her journey on earth has ended, but her legacy of love, dedication, and support will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate to know her. We invite all those who were touched by janet’s life to leave memories of janet and upload photos to the memorial page at www.Buonfiglio.Com this is a space for us to remember and celebrate janet dicalogero. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
steven greenstein
founder of metro driving school
steven greenstein, 80, of winthrop, passed away peacefully on july 2 with his loving family and friends by his side.
steve was the proud founder of metro driving school and the cherished son of the late rose (rae) (bornstein) greenstein and the late david greenstein. He was the beloved husband of the late nancy (kipnis) greenstein, a devoted stepfather to marc kipnis and the dear brother of the late barbara-lee pickard and her husband, bernie pickard. Steve is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
a longtime resident of winthrop, steve had a deep love for his community and found joy in the beauty of the local beaches and the serenity of the ocean. He had a special fondness for lighthouses, which reflected his calm, guiding presence in the lives of those who knew him.
a celebration of steve’s life will be held on saturday, july 19, from 12 to 5 p.M. At 32 faunbar avenue, winthrop. All who knew and loved steve are welcome to come together in remembrance and celebration.
joanne e. (Long) licata
her beautiful spirit and boundless love will be forever missed
family and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on sunday, july 20 from 2. To 6 p.M. In the vertuccio smith & vazza beechwood home for funerals, 262 beach st., Revere for joanne e. (Long) licata, a lifelong resident of revere, who passed away on july 13, 2025, at the age of 64,after multiple courageous battles with cancer. A funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on monday, july 21st beginning at 9 a.M. Followed by a funeral mass 10 a.M. In st. Anthony of padua church, 250 revere st. Revere. Interment will immediately follow in puritan lawn memorial park cemetery, peabody.
born in winthrop on march 21, 1961, she was the cherished daughter of the late rita m. (Leslie) and robert a. Long, sr. Joanne was the beloved wife of thomas of revere, with whom she shared 42 wonderful years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of ryan licata and paige licata and the loving “dog mom” to their nine-year-old pup, patches.
joanne was the dear sister of russell long; janis halloran and her husband, paul; and the late robert a. Long jr. And his wife, gail. She is also lovingly survived by her nieces and nephews: alexis keane, adrienne davies, christopher long, andrea bettencourt, greg licata, andrea cordray, kevin long, scott licata, jason & justin defilippo.
a longtime employee of revere public schools, joanne dedicated herself to serving her community and cherished the many friendships, meaningful relationships, and special memories she made throughout her years.
joanne had a deep love for life and found her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments spent with the people she loved most. She especially loved spending time up at the lake with family and lifelong friends, playing cards late into the night, and relaxing on the porch, savoring each sunset and each laugh.
a passionate boston sports fan, she loved cheering on the red sox, patriots, celtics, and bruins, often sending morning text reminders to her family about game times.
she was happiest when surrounded by ryan, paige, and tom, and treasured every moment spent with her close, lifelong friends. Whether she was sharing stories and laughter, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying quiet time together, joanne had a remarkable way of making every occasion feel special.
she had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel loved and seen. Her warmth, kindness, and humor left an unforgettable mark on all who knew her. Joanne’s life was beautifully full — filled with love, laughter, friendship, and countless cherished memories.
she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her beautiful spirit and boundless love will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in joanne’s memory to the american cancer society p.O. Box 6704 hagerstown, md 21741. For online condolences please visit: www.Vertucciosmithvazza. |
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| Ex-Kentucky football player Scott Mitchell stops suspected arsonist on Los Angel |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Join the conversation comments imagn images former kentucky wide receiver scott mitchell was in the right place at the right time on sunday and played a key role in authorities arresting a suspected arsonist. The ex-wildcat ran down andrew wistic ocalliham on a los angeles hillside and helped police take the homeless 43-year-old into custody after he allegedly set fire to forest land. Ocalliham was booked on suspicion of arson and is being held on $75,000 bail.
mitchell and his girlfriend, fashion designer davanh dimarco, noticed on a hike sunday a burning tree and a suspicious man leaving the scene. Mitchell ran about 150 yards to catch up to the man.
even without digging, i was able to chase that guy down, mitchell said to nbc news . I didnt know i still had it, im not going to lie.
ocalliham told mitchell that he was a fire marshal and that he started the fire as part of a controlled burn. Mitchell asked him to present his badge and noted that because ocalliham was alone -- and because of his disheveled state -- that he could reasonably deduct that he was the one who set the tree ablaze.
other hikers assisted mitchell and dimarco in keeping the man contained and in calling for emergency services. The los angeles fire department said aerial personnel along with 53 firefighters fully extinguished the hollywood hills fire sunday afternoon.
mitchell played college football from 2001-05, attending three schools. He opened his career at new mexico , sat out a season with the lobos and transferred to mount san antonio college. He flourished at the junior college level and picked up a number of power conference offers before he elected to make his sec debut at kentucky.
with the wildcats, mitchell tallied 53 catches, 671 yards and three touchdowns over 20 games and two seasons. He departed from the program at the end of the 2005 campaign and went unselected in the 2006 nfl draft .
nfl europe came calling after mitchell went undrafted, but he did not make the final roster cut with the berlin thunder. Mitchell instead made his professional debut in the arena football league with the new orleans voodoo in 2007. He then played in the cfl with the hamilton tiger-cats and posted a standout season in 2008 before a brief stint (and no games played) with the winnipeg blue bombers.
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| Down Syndrome Alabama to offer football fashion event in Vestavia Hills |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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Do right the stallings standard.Jpg do right the stallings standard.Jpg
former university of alabama football coach gene stallings and his son, john mark.
the down syndrome alabama nonprofit is having a football fashions & fun event at the vestavia hills civic center next month on sunday, aug. 10.
down syndrome alabama models will show off the latest fashions for football season in a fashion show at 2:30 p.M. That will be followed by a spirit hour tailgate experience at 3:30 p.M. And a showing of the film “do right: the stallings standard” at 4:45 p.M.
the documentary captures the legacy of gene stallings, a member of the college football hall of fame who coached at texas a&m university, the university of alabama and the st. Louis/phoenix cardinals.
in addition to leading the alabama crimson tide to a national championship in its 1992 season, stallings is known for his dedication to his family and advocacy for people with special needs, particularly his late son, john mark, who had down syndrome.
tickets for the football, fashions & fun event cost $10 and can be obtained here. For more information, or to become a sponsor, dsaloffice@gmail.Com. |
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| The Massive Secondhand Store In Florida Where Youll Find Rare Treasures At Rock- |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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You know that heart-stopping moment when you find something amazing for practically pennies?
the salvation army family store in fort lauderdale delivers that thrill on a massive scale, turning everyday thrift shopping into a treasure-hunting expedition worthy of indiana jones – minus the booby traps and plus air conditioning.
palm trees standing guard outside this unassuming treasure vault prove that even thrift stores dress up for florida living. Photo credit: santhana drake i’ve always believed that one person’s castoff is another person’s masterpiece-in-waiting, and nowhere proves this theory better than this sprawling secondhand paradise nestled among the palm trees of south florida.
the moment you approach the salvation army super store, you’re greeted by those iconic royal palm trees standing like sentinels against the bright florida sky, a surprising touch of tropical elegance for a thrift store experience.
what strikes you immediately is the sheer size of the operation – this isn’t your quaint corner thrift shop where you have to squeeze between overstuffed racks.
this is thrifting on a grand scale, where the hunt for treasures requires both stamina and strategy.
the bright red “super store” sign above the entrance isn’t exaggerating – it’s more like an understatement.
walking through those doors is like entering a parallel dimension where the rules of retail pricing have been gloriously suspended.
the red “super store” sign isn’t just marketing—it’s truth in advertising. Note the eager shoppers already lining up for their bargain safari. Photo credit: elaine scantlen inside, the space opens up like a cavern of possibilities, with fluorescent lighting illuminating row after row of potential finds.
the layout might seem overwhelming at first, but there’s a method to the magnificent madness.
each department is clearly marked, creating a sense of order in what could otherwise be chaos.
the clothing section alone could outfit a small town, with racks organized by type, size, and sometimes even color for the truly dedicated bargain fashionista.
men’s suits hang with dignified patience next to casual wear, while dresses ranging from vintage to last season’s trends create a timeline of fashion history.
what makes this particular salvation army location special isn’t just its impressive square footage – it’s the quality and variety of donations that flow through its doors.
fort lauderdale’s unique demographic mix means the inventory reflects everything from luxury condo cleanouts to estate sales to seasonal residents lightening their loads before heading north.
a retail landscape where sofas, dining sets, and clothing racks create neighborhoods of possibility in a fluorescent-lit universe. Photo credit: j. Romeo aldana this creates a fascinating mishmash where designer labels might hide between basic brands, and genuine antiques might be nestled beside mass-produced decor.
the furniture section resembles a showroom of decades past and present, with sofas in various stages of their life journey lined up like hopeful contestants in a beauty pageant of comfort.
mid-century modern pieces sit proudly near ornate traditional sets, while occasional random gems – like that perfectly distressed leather armchair that looks straight out of an english library – demand immediate adoption.
wooden dining tables tell stories of family gatherings through their gentle wear patterns, while chairs of mismatched charm wait for someone to recognize their potential in a creative dining arrangement.
the staff has an impressive knack for arrangement, creating vignettes that help shoppers envision these pieces in their own homes.
coffee tables adorned with curated knickknacks and lamps positioned just so transform what could be a warehouse experience into something approaching an eclectic showroom.
not just clothes, but stories hanging on these racks—some barely worn chapters, others well-loved classics waiting for their sequel. Photo credit: ryan b (papa osito) the housewares section is where the real detective work begins, with shelves upon shelves of kitchen gadgets, serving pieces, and decor items creating a domestic archeological dig.
this is the realm where patience is truly rewarded – where complete sets of vintage pyrex might be discovered by the vigilant shopper willing to sift through stacks of everyday dishes.
crystal glasses with elegant stems stand proudly next to utilitarian mugs, creating a democratic display of drinking vessels from all walks of life.
the book section is a bibliophile’s dream and nightmare simultaneously – dream for the prices and selection, nightmare for those of us with already overflowing bookshelves at home.
paperbacks and hardcovers alike create walls of potential worlds to explore, organized with varying degrees of precision depending on recent donation volume and volunteer enthusiasm.
fiction mingles with self-help, cookbooks sidle up to biographies, and occasionally, true treasures emerge – first editions, signed copies, or out-of-print gems that make your heart race with the thrill of discovery.
wicker chairs whisper of florida sunrooms while dark wood pieces dream of becoming statement heirlooms in your dining room. Photo credit: santhana drake the electronics section requires a special kind of optimism – the belief that yes, that vintage stereo receiver might indeed work perfectly once plugged in.
lamps without shades, shades without lamps, and mysterious gadgets whose original purpose has been lost to time create a technological purgatory that occasionally yields surprising rewards.
i’ve witnessed shoppers discovering everything from working high-end audio equipment to vintage cameras still in perfect condition, all for prices that would make a retail store manager weep.
the art and decor section might be the most entertaining area for people-watching, as shoppers tilt their heads thoughtfully at framed prints and original paintings alike.
the selection ranges from mass-produced hotel art to occasional original pieces that make you wonder about their journey to this wall.
frames often outvalue their contents, making this section a goldmine for creative reframing projects.
every furniture arrangement tells a different story—like a set designer’s workshop for the next great american living room drama. Photo credit: barbara toombs mirrors of all shapes and sizes reflect the curious faces of shoppers considering whether that ornate gold-painted frame might look ironic or just right in their otherwise minimalist apartment.
what truly sets this salvation army apart is the constant rotation of merchandise.
unlike retail stores with seasonal inventories, the stock here changes daily – sometimes hourly – as donations arrive and treasures depart in the arms of delighted new owners.
this creates a “shop now or forever hold your peace” environment that adds a thrilling sense of urgency to each visit.
regular shoppers develop a sixth sense for timing, some arriving right as the doors open or strategically visiting on certain days when new items typically hit the floor.
dish archaeology at its finest: somewhere in these stacks lurks a complete set of your grandmother’s china pattern. Photo credit: mourad benguergoura the pricing strategy appears to follow some mysterious algorithm known only to the pricing gods, with some items seemingly undervalued and others occasionally raising eyebrows.
this inconsistency is part of the charm – and the challenge – of thrift shopping here.
the true masters of the game know that colored tags indicate different discount schedules, with certain colors offering deeper discounts on rotating days of the week.
those in the know plan their visits strategically around these color-coded savings opportunities.
the checkout area features a collection of impulse-buy items that would make any retail psychologist proud – small treasures and oddities arranged to tempt you while waiting in line.
jewelry cases nearby display everything from costume pieces to the occasional item that looks suspiciously like it might be worth a professional appraisal.
the lighting department doubles as an art gallery—those stained glass beauties would make tiffany himself do a double-take. Photo credit: barbara toombs but beyond the treasures and the bargains, what makes this place truly special is the cross-section of humanity it attracts.
unlike specialty boutiques that cater to specific demographics, the salvation army draws everyone from budget-conscious college students to wealthy treasure hunters to practical families to professional resellers.
on any given day, you might spot interior designers sourcing unique pieces for high-end clients right alongside retirees looking for affordable basics.
young couples furnishing their first apartments examine sofas with the same careful consideration as seasoned antiquers assessing the potential value of a mysterious wooden chest.
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the diversity creates a democratic shopping experience where the only common denominator is the thrill of the hunt.
the staff members deserve special recognition for maintaining order in what could easily descend into retail chaos.
they sort, arrange, price, and sometimes offer insights into particularly interesting donations, becoming unofficial curators of this ever-changing collection.
footwear democracy in action: designer loafers mingle with practical sneakers, all waiting for their cinderella moment. Photo credit: ryan b (papa osito) many clearly take pride in creating displays that highlight especially unique or quality items, giving the space touches of retail finesse despite its thrift store nature.
for newcomers to thrift shopping, the fort lauderdale salvation army offers a gentle introduction to the art of secondhand treasure hunting.
the clean, organized space removes some of the intimidation factor that smaller, more cluttered thrift stores might present.
clear signage and logical organization make it possible to target specific departments if you’re shopping with purpose rather than browsing.
the store’s size also means you’re less likely to leave empty-handed – even on a “slow” merchandise day, the sheer volume ensures something interesting will catch your eye.
seasoned thrifters, meanwhile, appreciate the store for its consistent quality and surprising finds.
an interior decorator’s playground where coastal chic meets traditional charm, all at prices that won’t require a second mortgage. Photo credit: ryan b (papa osito) those who have developed the special vision required to see past current conditions to an item’s potential consider this location a regular must-visit on their thrifting circuit.
beyond the fun of bargain hunting, there’s something deeply satisfying about shopping here, knowing your purchases support the salvation army’s community programs.
the organization uses proceeds from its family stores to fund rehabilitation programs, emergency disaster services, and other community initiatives.
this adds a layer of purpose to what might otherwise be simple consumer activity – your vintage lamp purchase might indirectly help provide shelter or services to someone in need.
for the environmentally conscious, thrift shopping represents a form of practical recycling that keeps perfectly usable items out of landfills.
in our era of fast fashion and disposable furniture, choosing secondhand is increasingly recognized as not just economical but ecological.
handbag heaven where designer labels hide among everyday totes—retail detective work with potentially fabulous rewards. Photo credit: barbara toombs each purchase here represents a small victory against our throwaway culture.
visiting on weekday mornings often yields the freshest merchandise with smaller crowds, though weekend warriors will find the energy of a busier store adds to the treasure hunt atmosphere.
true thrift aficionados know to check back frequently rather than expecting to find exactly what they’re looking for in a single visit.
the unpredictable inventory is both the challenge and the charm of the experience.
some shoppers arrive with specific missions – replacing a broken blender, finding a desk for a home office, or sourcing inexpensive clothing for growing children.
others come with no agenda beyond seeing what might speak to them among the day’s offerings.
both approaches have their merits, though the most successful thrifters maintain a balance between focused searching and openness to unexpected discoveries.
the vacuum cleaner graveyard: where perfectly functional hoovers and dysons wait for their chance at a second cleaning career. Photo credit: ft. Lauderdale thrift stores – the salvation army if you’re decorating on a budget, this store can be a game-changer, allowing you to create distinctive spaces with character for a fraction of retail prices.
many interior designers secretly source unique accent pieces here, understanding that the most interesting rooms often include items with history and patina alongside new acquisitions.
the lighting department deserves special mention for its consistently interesting selection, from mid-century table lamps to ornate chandeliers that could transform ordinary rooms into statement spaces.
lampshades may show their age, but bases are often timeless – and easily refreshed with new shades.
the kitchenware section frequently yields commercial-quality pots and pans that outperform their brand-new budget counterparts, making this a smart destination for setting up a first kitchen.
vintage pyrex and corningware pieces have developed cult followings for their durability and retro appeal, and eagle-eyed shoppers can often spot these collectibles among ordinary bakeware.
the toy section creates a time capsule effect, with games and playthings from across decades sitting side by side.
dresser diplomacy: french provincial meets mid-century modern meets beach cottage in this wooden united nations of storage solutions. Photo credit: ft. Lauderdale thrift stores – the salvation army parents often experience nostalgic moments discovering toys from their own childhoods, now categorized as “vintage” (a somewhat startling realization for those of us who still feel relatively young).
children’s books represent some of the best values in the store, with picture books and young adult novels priced to make building a home library accessible for families on any budget.
for crafters and diy enthusiasts, the store functions as an affordable supply depot for projects requiring everything from frames to fabric to furniture in need of upcycling.
the seasonal section rotates through holiday decorations throughout the year, making this a budget-friendly way to refresh your festive decor.
in october, you might find halloween costumes and spooky decorations; by november, thanksgiving-themed items appear; and come december, the christmas selection expands dramatically.
the jewelry counter—final frontier of thrift store treasure hunting, where patience and a sharp eye can yield spectacular rewards. Photo credit: ryan b (papa osito) post-holiday donations mean january often brings a surge of never-used gift items, making winter an especially productive time for thrift shopping.
the media section offers dvds, cds, and sometimes vinyl records at prices that make building a physical media collection possible even in our streaming era.
vintage technology occasionally appears – record players, film cameras, and other analog devices that have reclaimed coolness in our digital age.
for anyone who enjoys the tactile pleasure of physical media, this section offers affordable ways to indulge that preference.
the sporting goods area contains everything from golf clubs to tennis rackets to exercise equipment, often barely used by owners whose fitness ambitions exceeded their actual habits.
these business hours represent your treasure hunting window of opportunity—mark your calendar and plan accordingly! Photo credit: akira sora this makes equipping yourself for new activities much less financially risky – if that new hobby doesn’t stick, you haven’t invested hundreds in top-of-the-line gear.
for more information about hours, special sales, and donation guidelines, visit the salvation army’s website or facebook page where they post updates about new arrivals and special discount days.
use this map to find your way to this treasure trove and plan your thrifting adventure.
where: 1801 w broward blvd, fort lauderdale, fl 33312
next time you’re cruising down federal highway in fort lauderdale, pull into that palm-lined parking lot and prepare for the hunt – that perfect something you didn’t even know you needed is waiting inside, probably wearing a colored tag that’s on sale today. |
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| The Massive Thrift Store In California With Rock-Bottom Prices That Feel Almost |
| Posted on Wednesday, July 16 @ 00:00:35 PDT (0 reads) | |
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In the shadows of pasadena’s high-end boutiques and designer shops lies a treasure trove that would make any bargain hunter’s heart skip a beat – acts thrift store, where wallet-friendly prices meet community spirit in a delightful dance of discovery.
you know that feeling when you find a five-dollar bill in your winter coat pocket?
the unassuming storefront hides a wonderland of bargains, like finding the secret entrance to narnia—except instead of talking lions, you’ll discover talking-worthy deals. Photo credit: lo shia multiply that by about a thousand, and you’ll start to understand the joy that awaits at acts thrift store in pasadena.
remember when your mom told you money doesn’t grow on trees?
well, she clearly hadn’t been to this california thrift paradise.
in a world where vintage shopping has become increasingly expensive (thanks, instagram influencers), acts remains refreshingly committed to what thrift stores were originally meant to be – affordable.
the modest storefront with its simple red-trimmed awning might not scream “retail therapy destination,” but don’t let appearances fool you.
this unassuming exterior houses a wonderland of pre-loved treasures that span everything from designer clothing to quirky home décor.
treasure hunters navigate the clothing seas with the 50%-off sign serving as the north star. The thrill of the hunt is palpable here. Photo credit: christine c. Walking through those front doors is like stepping into an alternate dimension where the concept of retail markup seems to have been completely forgotten.
the fluorescent lights might not be instagram-worthy, but they illuminate something far more valuable – genuine bargains.
seriously, who needs mood lighting when you’re saving enough money to pay your phone bill?
the layout follows the classic thrift store approach – organized chaos with a method to its madness.
clothing racks stretch across the floor like soldiers in formation, each loaded with garments waiting for their second chance at fashion greatness.
what immediately strikes you is the sheer volume of merchandise packed into this space.
every corner, every shelf, every display case contains something that might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
each bookshelf tells a thousand stories before you even crack open a cover. Literary gold mines await the patient explorer. Photo credit: sol chapeau the clothing section is where many shoppers begin their acts adventure, and with good reason.
designer labels mingle democratically with everyday brands, creating a fashionista treasure hunt that could rival any episode of “project runway.”
i once spotted a pristine eileen fisher sweater that would have cost upwards of $200 new, casually hanging next to a target t-shirt as if they were old friends catching up over coffee.
the color-coded racks make browsing relatively painless, though the true thrift aficionado knows that thoroughness is key.
that calvin klein blazer or vintage levi’s jacket isn’t going to find itself.
what separates acts from many other thrift stores is the quality control.
unlike some places where you’re essentially paying to sort through actual garbage, most items here pass a reasonable inspection before hitting the floor.
hollywood magic at basement prices! From moana to anchorman, your next movie night marathon is just waiting to be discovered. Photo credit: hoymay p. Yes, you might find the occasional missing button or microscopic stain, but that’s part of the thrift store charm – imperfections with character.
the shoe section deserves special mention, not just for its selection but for its organization.
pairs are actually kept together (a rarity in thrift world) and arranged by size, sparing you the disappointment of finding a perfect single jimmy choo only to realize its partner has long since departed.
men’s shoes range from classic leather dress options to casual sneakers, while the women’s section offers everything from sensible flats to heels that could tell stories about weddings, proms, and corporate events of decades past.
for those who view fashion as a form of self-expression rather than a popularity contest, acts offers vintage pieces that mainstream retailers could never replicate.
those 1970s polyester shirts with collars big enough to achieve liftoff?
they’re here, waiting for your next theme party or bold fashion statement.
the jewelry counter is another hidden gem, quite literally.
these glasses aren’t just drinkware—they’re conversation pieces with color-coded price tags that make bargain hunting as easy as a summer cocktail. Photo credit: hoymay p. Behind glass cases sit vintage brooches, necklaces, and rings that carry the distinct patina of history.
while you probably won’t find actual diamonds (though never say never in thrift world), you will discover costume pieces with more personality than anything in a mall jewelry store.
but clothing is just the beginning of this treasure hunt.
the housewares section is where acts truly shines, offering everything from practical kitchen essentials to decorative oddities that defy categorization.
vintage pyrex dishes in patterns discontinued decades ago sit proudly next to coffee mugs bearing slogans from long-forgotten corporate events.
the delightful jumble of life’s necessities and oddities. Spot those blue nikes nestled between ceramic mugs and wooden clogs—retail serendipity at its finest. Photo credit: c l. The glassware selection could stock a small restaurant, with drinking vessels to suit every beverage preference from fine wine to chocolate milk.
for those furnishing their first apartment or looking to add character to an established home, the furniture section offers solid options at prices that feel like typos.
wooden bookcases, side tables, and occasionally larger pieces like dining sets or couches appear regularly.
yes, some may show signs of previous lives – a scratch here, a slight wobble there – but that’s nothing a little diy spirit can’t address.
the electronics section requires a more adventurous spirit and perhaps basic technical knowledge.
vintage stereo equipment sits alongside dvd players, table lamps, and the occasional computer monitor.
denim heaven stretches as far as the eye can see. Each pair has lived a previous life and is ready for new adventures. Photo credit: acts thrift store the understanding here is clear: plugging in before purchasing is always a wise move.
for the musically inclined, acts occasionally receives instruments – guitars with stories to tell, keyboards waiting for new fingers, and once in a blue moon, something truly unexpected like a accordion or ukulele.
the book section rivals some small libraries, with shelves groaning under the weight of paperbacks, hardcovers, and coffee table tomes.
best-sellers from five years ago mingle with classic literature and obscure technical manuals.
the organization system follows broad categories rather than strict alphabetization, making browsing more of a serendipitous adventure than a targeted search.
for parents, the children’s section offers a budget-friendly alternative to the wallet-draining experience of buying new toys and clothes that will likely be outgrown in months.
furniture purgatory where wooden dressers and nightstands await salvation. Someone’s “no longer needed” is about to become your “perfect fit.” Photo credit: acts thrift store puzzles, board games (usually with most pieces intact), stuffed animals, and clothing from infant to teen sizes create a one-stop shopping experience for growing families.
seasonal sections rotate throughout the year, with holiday decorations appearing months in advance (just like in regular retail, but without the markup).
halloween costumes in september, christmas decorations by october, and summer gear in early spring create a rhythm to the merchandise that regular shoppers come to anticipate.
what makes acts particularly special is the weekly specials.
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color-coded tags indicate different discount levels, with certain colors offering additional savings on specific days.
strategic shoppers quickly learn this system, planning their visits around these rotating discounts.
the ultimate thrill comes on days when certain tags are marked 50% off, creating a bargain hunter’s paradise that feels almost like legal theft.
the 50% off signs hanging from the ceiling serve as beacons of hope in a world of inflation and rising costs.
behind the scenes, acts operates with a mission beyond just selling used goods.
the sofa section: where floral patterns from yesteryear compete for your attention. That white sectional is practically begging for a netflix marathon. Photo credit: acts thrift store as a nonprofit thrift store, proceeds support community programs and services, adding a layer of feel-good satisfaction to every purchase.
your vintage flannel shirt purchase might help fund job training, emergency services, or community outreach programs.
the donation drop-off area at the back of the store sees a constant stream of activity, with community members contributing everything from gently used clothing to furniture.
this cycle of giving and receiving creates a sustainable system that benefits everyone involved.
donations are sorted, priced, and displayed with surprising efficiency, meaning the inventory changes constantly.
regular shoppers know that visiting frequently is key to finding the best items before someone else snags them.
the staff and volunteers deserve special mention for their dedication.
unlike high-pressure retail environments, acts employees generally allow shoppers to browse in peace, offering assistance when needed but never hovering with commission-hungry eyes.
tiny fashionistas start here! The children’s section offers runway-ready outfits at playground-friendly prices. Growth spurts, meet your match. Photo credit: charisse l. The checkout process is refreshingly straightforward – no extended warranty offers, no credit card applications, just simple transactions that often end with change from a twenty-dollar bill.
for those new to thrifting, acts offers a gentle introduction to the art of secondhand shopping.
the store is clean, well-organized by thrift standards, and lacks the overwhelming mustiness that sometimes characterizes smaller operations.
aisles are wide enough to navigate comfortably, and the lighting is sufficient to properly inspect potential purchases.
the clientele represents a true cross-section of pasadena and surrounding communities.
college students furnishing apartments mix with retirees supplementing wardrobes, young professionals seeking vintage statement pieces, and parents outfitting growing children without breaking the bank.
this blue-dressed doll with the unnervingly cheerful expression might follow you home in your dreams whether you buy her or not. Photo credit: megan r. The unifying factor is an appreciation for value and the thrill of discovery.
conversations between strangers often break out over particularly interesting finds – “that looks amazing on you!” Or “i had that exact same dish set growing up!” – Creating a community atmosphere rarely found in traditional retail environments.
the dressing rooms, while basic, provide enough privacy to evaluate potential purchases, though experienced thrifters often wear form-fitting basics to allow trying things on over clothes when necessary.
a full-length mirror near the clothing section offers the final verdict on fashion decisions.
for furniture and larger items, measurements are advisable before purchase, as the store has a no-returns policy that is strictly enforced.
the practical wisdom of “measure twice, buy once” has never been more applicable.
weekend visits reveal acts at its most energetic, with serious thrifters arriving early to claim first access to newly displayed merchandise.
the energy becomes almost competitive, though always maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
weekday mornings offer a more relaxed experience, with ample space to browse thoughtfully and staff available to answer questions.
mismatched dishes tell stories of dinner parties past. That blue ceramic mug could become your sunday morning coffee’s new best friend. Photo credit: megan r. The best strategy combines both approaches – quick weekend visits to catch new arrivals and longer weekday explorations to thoroughly search each section.
while some thrift stores have embraced technology with online presence and social media campaigns, acts maintains a relatively low-tech approach, focusing energy on the in-store experience rather than digital marketing.
this old-school approach feels appropriate for a business built around giving new life to items from the past.
for those seeking specific items, patience is essential.
unlike traditional retail where inventory is predictable, thrift shopping requires an open mind and willingness to visit multiple times before finding exactly what you want.
toy aisle nostalgia hits hard when you spot the exact dora game you had as a child. Yes, parents, your wallet can finally take a breath. Photo credit: acts thrift store however, this unpredictability is precisely what creates the addictive thrill that keeps customers returning.
the satisfaction of finding that perfect item after weeks of searching generates a dopamine rush that online shopping algorithms can only dream of replicating.
holiday seasons bring special energy to acts, with halloween costumes, christmas decorations, and gift-worthy items taking center stage at appropriate times.
post-christmas donations create a january bonanza as unwanted gifts find new homes, while spring cleaning season brings fresh waves of household items as residents purge and organize.
understanding these cycles helps the strategic shopper plan visits for maximum selection.
perhaps the most valuable aspect of acts isn’t found in any specific item but in the approach to consumption it represents.
artisanal mugs with personality to spare. That hand-painted floral one is practically demanding to be filled with your morning coffee. Photo credit: allisha j. In an era of fast fashion, planned obsolescence, and environmental concerns about waste, thrift stores offer a sustainable alternative that extends the useful life of products.
each purchase represents an item diverted from a landfill and resources saved from manufacturing something new.
the ecological footprint of a thrifted wardrobe is dramatically smaller than buying new, making acts not just good for your wallet but for the planet as well.
for newcomers to thrifting, a few tips can enhance the experience: bring hand sanitizer, wear easily removable shoes for trying on footwear, check items carefully for damage before purchasing, and most importantly, maintain an open mind about what you might find.
the store hours sign—your roadmap to bargain bliss. Sunday shopping is now an option for those post-brunch treasure hunting expeditions. Photo credit: tora m. For more information about hours, donation guidelines, and special sale days, visit the acts thrift store website or facebook page to stay updated on the latest deals and events.
use this map to find your way to this bargain paradise in pasadena and start your own thrift adventure.
where: 1311 n altadena dr, pasadena, ca 91104
next time your budget feels tight or you’re craving retail therapy without the guilt, remember that hidden behind a modest storefront in pasadena waits a world where treasure hunting and bargain finding merge into the ultimate shopping adventure – all while supporting your community. |
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