Free fun this week: Pride after-parties, retro double-features, weekly workouts
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WORK IT
Starting a summer workout regimen can sometimes feel like a tumultuous, tedious journey — but you don't have to do it alone. To help locals stay active this season, Suffolk Downs is hosting free workout classes through September. Every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning, Blue Line Flex's curated list of instructors will host group classes ranging from vinyasa yoga to total body bootcamp to cardio dance groove.
Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. Registration required. 10 Suffolk Downs Boulevard, Revere.
THE FIRST PUNCH
For those who weren't placed in karate, taekwondo, or another martial arts course as a child, the joy of climbing the mastery ranks is unknown, but not unachievable. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, Villari's Martial Arts Center offers a free first class for adults, introducing techniques and the culture of the studio.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, time varies. 54 Union Square, Somerville.
YOUNG VOICES
As the school year comes to an end, Boston's K-5 population will go head-to-head with its biggest nemesis: boredom. Luckily, the city is full of free cultural programming to keep growing minds engaged and occupied. This week, the Boston Children's Chorus, a community choir frequented by over 700 students, will showcase its talent with a final 'Big Sing' performance at the Strand Theatre. Tickets are free, but the performance is priceless.
June 10, doors at 11:45 a.m. 543 Columbia Road.
DOWN TO FLAVORTOWN
June 14, 2-6 p.m. Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville.
; June 14, 2 p.m.-11 p.m. High Street Place Food Hall, 100 High St.
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A WILD TIME
In case you needed a reminder, this Sunday is Father's Day, the annual celebration of the paternal figures who help guide us through life. Zoo England is offering free admission to the Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Stoneham for all father figures (plus their families) who want to walk on the wild side.
June 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road. Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham.
Deals & steals
ALL ABOARD
While your summer wanderlust and wallet may be in disagreement, idyllic day trip getaways just got a little more within reach. Through the end of the month, Amtrak is offering a 20 percent discount on all Downeaster fares — from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, and back again.
Through June 30. Prices vary.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to
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Marianna Orozco can be reached at
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Buzz Feed
10 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
'Little House' Carter Family Actors Talk Final Season
It's been over five decades since Little House on the Prairie first graced television screens, and the beloved drama still inspires generations. While fans usually associate the iconic little house with the Ingalls family, Season 9 introduced the Carters: Sarah, John, Jeb, and Jason. Continuing to celebrate 50 years of Little House, I sat down with Stan Ivar and Pamela Roylance — who played John and Sarah Carter — to talk about stepping into television history, favorite behind-the-scenes memories, and reuniting for the play Love Letters. BuzzFeed: You both entered the show in Season 9, when the Carter family moved into the Ingalls' house. What was that first day on set like, starting as new characters on an established show? Stan Ivar: Our first day was in Simi Valley, on location right in front of the little house. It was a scene with Pam and me facing each other, and then Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert standing right alongside us. The four of us were standing in a tight circle, and it was when Charles was turning the house over to the Carter family. We're doing our lines, and I'm just not getting them out right; I keep flubbing them. Michael was directing, and he said, "Let's cut. Stan, why don't we go out behind the little house?" So we did, just he and I, out of earshot of everybody else, and he asked me, "What's wrong?" I said, "I'm just nervous. I mean, I'm here with Little Joe from Bonanza, and Half-Pint!" He said, "Look, don't worry. I'll make you a promise. I'll never let you look bad. So leave it up to me, and don't you worry about it. You just do what you do, and I'll tell you if I don't like it, okay?" He took the pressure off me completely. He was a great guy that way, and then we filmed the scene, and it was fine. You know, Michael was from New Jersey, and I'm from Brooklyn. Every now and then, my New York accent would come back. Sometimes when he was directing, and I had just filmed a scene, he would walk up behind me and whisper (in New York accent),"I hear New York!" Pamela Roylance: That first day was really beautiful because it was the four of us, and the whole cast and crew were very gracious and accepting of the new actors. For me, Little House was a dream come true. It was one of the shows that I wanted to do when I left my teaching job in Portland, Oregon. I remember standing in the little house and looking up at the loft for the first time. I was thinking, "I am the only woman on this entire planet who gets to be in these boots, in this prairie dress, and have this be my home for however long it lasts." I love Season 9. I love the edginess of it. We entered an iconic show with the gift of being series regulars. We got to live in the little house and be best friends with Laura and Almanzo. Michael really set it up so the audience would accept us. He gave us two adorable boys who were irresistible. He brought in Shannen Doherty to play Almanzo's niece. Michael put us in a position of being able to be utilized almost every episode that season. It didn't occur to me that people might not like us. It wasn't until recently, meeting fans and doing autograph signings, that I discovered not everybody liked the Carter family. I understand where they are coming from — as a fan, I wouldn't have liked seeing my favorite characters leave either. But I was so happy to be a part of it. The Carters had a few run-ins with my personal favorite character, Mrs. Oleson. Can you share what it was like working with Katherine MacGregor? Stan: Katherine was special. The first day I worked with her, it was on the soundstage, and I was in my dressing room getting ready. All of a sudden, there was a little knock on the door. She didn't wait for anybody to open it; she opened it herself. She peeked in, looked at me, and said, "So you're the new stud in town!" She was generous in a lot of ways. I'd never done a TV show before, but I had worked on stage and in some commercials. I remember our first scene was with Billy Barty [the episode "Little Lou"]. We had a scene together outside the Oleson's store. We were standing around, and during the filming, she looked at me. In the script, she didn't need to look at my character at that time. When it was all over, she said, "Do you know why I looked at you? I looked at you because then the camera has to come to you." She was a pistol, but she was fun to work with, a really, really great gal. Pamela: She was so intelligent and articulate. It was wonderful to just sit and visit with her off-camera when we weren't working. We enjoyed talking about the old days, talking about her husband, and talking about the actors that she had worked with. I remember when we did the scene in the newspaper office. She brought such wonderful energy. As Sarah Carter, you couldn't help but be intimidated by Harriet — you couldn't help but do a better job because of the talent she brought. Katherine and Richard [who portrayed Nels] would give gifts as Nels and Harriet at Christmas time. I still have the 'Nels and Harriet' platter that they gave me, and it's just lovely. I also remember driving in the lot one evening, and Katherine saw me leaving. She saw me in my Nissan Sentra, and she said, "Oh, we'll get you in a Mercedes in no time!" (Pamela laughs) She was kind-hearted, and I saw her years later and just really enjoyed laughing with her. She could seem scary as Harriet Oleson, and like you said, Stan, she was a pistol, but there was this heart under there that was easy to access. There were some incredible child actors in Season 9. David Friedman and Lindsay Kennedy played Jason and Jeb Carter, and Shannen Doherty portrayed Jenny Wilder. What was it like working with them? Pamela: Those three kids were amazing. I didn't get to work with Shannen as much as I did with the boys, but they all really seemed to enjoy each other and get along. It was amazing having the little Carter family, especially for me, the only female around these three male energies. They were hysterically funny and always cracking jokes. Stan had those boys laughing all the time. I don't ever remember us having a difficult time together; it was a joy to be there. I remember doing the scene in "The Last Summer" where I go up to the loft, and Jason is exhausted after working for Ruthy [portrayed by Vera Miles]. In the scene, I reached out and touched his cheek. I just remember the love I felt and how special it was to have that moment with him. It was such genuine love from Pamela to David, not just Sarah Carter to Jason Carter. Stan: Yeah, definitely. They were great kids, and now they're great men. The scene I really remember was with Lindsay, when John and Jeb talk about swimming. I remember when I read the script at home, I said, "My gosh, I hope I don't have to go in the water and show this kid how to swim!" I graduated from the New York State Maritime College, and I went to sea on container ships before I started acting professionally. Even though I sailed all around, I don't know how to swim! When we did that scene, I knew I was going to get phone calls left and right from classmates of mine from the Academy. (Stan laughs) There were never any rough spots; the four of us fit together as a family. We really enjoyed working together. Shannen was great as well. I didn't work that much with her on Little House, but I did do a Beverly Hills, 90210 episode years later, where I saw Shannen again. Stan, I want to hear your thoughts about the episode "Alden's Dilemma," where John and Almanzo have quite an adventure in California. Stan: It was fun! I enjoyed that episode a lot, because we went to San Francisco. It was the first time in Little House that I had been away from Walnut Grove, so it really was cool. With the bath scene, we got to work with Professor Toru Tanaka [professional wrestler], and it was a fun scene to do. I have a tattoo of an anchor on my left shoulder, so they had to cover it for that scene. We got to work with a lot of extras in the Grange convention that John and Almanzo attended. Pamela, I would love to hear about "The Last Summer," where you got to work with the legendary Vera Miles. That episode always makes me cry! Pamela: It's a beautiful episode. When I discovered I got to have two scenes with Vera Miles, I can't even tell you how honored and excited I was. When I first met her, it was in the dressing room, and she was so sweet. She had watched the episode "Sins of the Fathers" that had just aired, and she said, "You really got me last night." I probably floated 10 feet off the floor! Later, we are filming the scene where Sarah goes to Ruthy and apologizes. I'm sitting on the couch with her, and she reaches out and puts her hand on top of mine. It was so tender and touching. In that moment, I immediately logged that as something I was going to cherish for the rest of my life. We proceed to do the scene, and all of a sudden, [director] Maury Dexter calls cut. He says, "I'm hearing the same voice coming out of both of you. I can't tell the difference between your register and your pitch. Let's pick up the energy." I offered to fix it, and he turns to Vera and says, "No, no, let's let the pro do it!" I was humbled, but in the most beautiful way. Afterwards, Vera sent me the most beautiful card, which I still have. As you open it up, there's this delicate lace, and it's handwritten. It's one of the things I still cherish to this day. Finally, you are both reuniting to star in the play Love Letters, directed by Little House casting director Susan McCray. How has it been to reunite? Susan McCray / Via Susan McCray Stan: We haven't seen each other a lot over the years, but we have stayed friends. We have a bond. Pam said it to me a long time ago — we really bonded when we had to interview for NBC. They weren't sure about us newcomers coming onto Little House. Michael called us each at home and said, "You have to go over and do the interview again for the bigwigs at NBC. But I don't care what they say, because I want you, so don't worry." We just clicked, and we always supported each other. It was comfortable working with Pam, and the four of us together as the Carter family. Still to this day, it's comfortable. You know, I don't have a sister; I know Pamela has a brother, and I've met her brother. I love her, and the same with the boys. It's never changed. Pamela: I will second that. We really bonded during the audition process. Stan was just wonderful and made me feel so comfortable. When we did that NBC audition, Stan was the one who said, "Meet me in the park across from the studio, and we'll just rehearse the scene and relax," and that's exactly what we did. There was always this wonderful chemistry between the two of us. It's been wonderful to be able to stay friends and keep in touch, however frequently or infrequently. We always pick up where we left off, and Stan is always loving and kind and generous and funny. Here we are decades later, and we're doing this play where these people meet as children, and then their lives are intertwined. We're the same way; we always come back to each other, and we have that bond. I think that's why Susan saw this was going to work, because it was our real life, and here we are now stepping into it.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
The nine most annoying people you'll meet at the beach — and their cabanas, music, and sports equipment
It's almost enough to make you nostalgic for the days when people complained about the 'When you living your life your way starts to harm the people around you, [you need to rein] it in,' read one particularly popular comment. 'Wake the hell up.' Wake the hell up??? Is this the beach we're talking about — or the Advertisement Maybe I'm misremembering, but at some point wasn't the beach the poster location for, you know, relaxation? Feel the sand between your toes and all that . Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up On some beaches, mainly south of Massachusetts, the tension over the pop-up shade villages has gotten so intense that officials (on the Jersey Shore, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Ocean City, Md.) have laid down 'shade policies' restricting or banning the structures. Related : Alas, not unlike the Lone Star tick, tents and cabanas are multiplying — 'Umbrellas, canopies or sport-brellas Advertisement The SPF 50-rated McMansions are the latest irritant, but hardly the only one. With several weeks of summer remaining, here's a ranking of the nine worst people you'll meet on the sand. No one likes a Smokey the Beach Bum. VINCENT FEURAY/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images Smokey the Beach Bum The world is this person's ashtray. This offender not only smokes in nature, but litters butts around his blanket, your blanket, and manages to make paradise feel like a dive bar parking lot at 2 a.m. It's enough to make you wish he would vape. The Seashell Sargent She spends the entire day berating the spouse, the kids, and the kids' friends. People aren't eating enough of the food she spent all morning preparing. Or they're hogging it all. They're spending too much time in the water. Or not enough. After what we've paid for parking! You've unintentionally bought a front-row ticket to the most depressing soap opera on the beach. A seagull with a snack at Crane Beach in 2022. Stan Grossfeld/Globe Staff Lord of the Fries The guy on the next towel over gave a gull part of his burger, and now word has gone out in the sky: free food 17 feet southwest of the lifeguard stand. You're in a real-life scene from " Chad from Marketing Spends the entire afternoon on an endless stream of business calls. Yelling about key performance indicators, synergy, and 'touching base' like the beach is a WeWork with a good Zoom background. The Trespasser Stomps across your blanket like it's a public thoroughfare, not noticing as he kicks sand in your hummus, rumples your carefully smoothed set-up, and almost runs over the baby with his enormous $500 wagon. Advertisement A crowded at Coast Guard Beach in Eastham last summer. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The Olympian Look, buddy, we're glad you enjoy every land, sea, and sand sport known to man and Amazon Prime. But we're not charmed by the shuttlecocks, footballs, frisbees, and kites coming our way at all times. We came to the beach to let down our guard — not to play goalie. The Close Talker, Beach Edition This family sets up about three inches from your turf, even though there are miles of open beach. Why? They're too lazy to walk even a few minutes (OK, you were, too, but you got here first). They're having so much fun, and have brought so many supplies, that pretty soon their stuff starts to bleed onto your towel, forcing you to spend the afternoon patrolling a border only you are focused on. Two beach-goers played football a respectful distance from others in June of 2020. It's no fun when you're having to dodge stray balls. Blake Nissen for the Boston Globe The Self-Appointed DJ Announces his arrival on the beach with a walk-on song and things only get louder from there. Decides the beach needs his playlist — and it's heavy on electronic dance music. You came to the beach to listen to the birds and the sound of the waves in real life. Now your only move is to put on your noise-canceling headphones and pull up the 'beach sounds' app on your phone. The Land Grabber She hits the beach at 5:30 a.m., sets up her multiple cabanas and chairs in a primo spot, then — her turf claimed — heads home. The villa sits empty until 11 a.m. when she strolls back to claim her oceanfront view. If you don't like it, tough. The lifeguard is her nephew. Advertisement The Universe OK, not technically a person, but rather everyone and everything that has conspired to put you in a bad mood before you even got to the beach. Traffic that turns a one-hour trip into a three-hour ordeal, with the arrival time ticking ever upward. Nonresident parking fees that have hit $45 on weekends in Gloucester, and, oh, And worst of all: The beach isn't always as perfect as you'd hoped — but even so, it's what you'll pine for come winter. Beth Teitell can be reached at
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Boston Globe
The Lemonade Wars return to Marshvegas festival as its young organizer eyes big growth
Advertisement This year, with a nationally recognized headliner in the confessional folksinger Get Love Letters: The Newsletter A weekly dispatch with all the best relationship content and commentary – plus exclusive content for fans of Love Letters, Dinner With Cupid, weddings, therapy talk, and more. Enter Email Sign Up 'I'm trying to paint a picture of what we could become, and go from there,' Lauria says. He grew up in the shadow of another plucky little music festival, one that has grown into something much bigger. The Advertisement Colby Lauria was interviewed at last year's festival. HANDOUT 'The way they've been able to foster a community is incredible, from a local surf shop to a staple New England festival,' Lauria says. But he has another model in mind. 'I'm trying to aim to be the biggest family-friendly event in Massachusetts,' he says. This year's festival will feature bounce houses, mini-golf, face-painting stations, chalk zones, and stomp rocket competitions. A music lover who was a three-sport athlete in high school, Lauria got his start as a promoter at a young age. With three little brothers in the house, he was accustomed to keeping them busy by organizing activities. When a neighbor joked that he should start a day camp, he did exactly that. For four summers beginning at age 14, Lauria hosted Colby Camp, a two-week day camp in his family's backyard, with basketball, swimming, and other activities. Dozens of kids attended. His mother, Heather, 'was like the nurse on duty,' he says. She's actually a labor and delivery nurse at South Shore Hospital. For those parents of the campers 'to trust me with their third- or fourth-grader, that's a testament to the Marshfield community,' Lauria says. 'I love Marshfield. I do think this town's special.' Not that he doesn't want to see other parts of the world. During his senior year at St. Lawrence, he spent a semester on an internship in New York City. He hopes to make the city his home for the next few years. Manhattan's Lower East Side is where he first saw harf. (real name Will Harford, from Connecticut) perform at the Mercury Lounge. The singer agreed to headline Marshvegas and recommended another Connecticut act called Kids That Fly. Rounding out the bill will be two young artists from Marshfield, Elyce Hardenbergh and Kyle Fickeisen. Advertisement 'I always want to have someone from Marshfield represent,' Lauria says, 'so you can create a beacon of hope for kids who want to be an artist someday.' At St. Lawrence, he started a music appreciation club, and he got the administration to let him turn the dining hall into a nightclub for an evening. 'I loved that dining hall,' Lauria recalls. 'I'd eat there four times a day.' To date, he has financed Marshvegas with profits from the seasonal landscaping company he started. (It's called Mulcho Man.) On social media, Lauria has been documenting all the steps he has taken to create his festival, as a primer for other young people who may want to develop something similar. 'I love building excitement,' he says, 'and I love bringing people together. If I can inspire others to do the same — especially at a young age, when they're maybe a little more uncertain how to go about life — I think that's a beautiful thing.' According to Guinness, 'I think people get afraid to say they want to be great,' he says. So far, he's making great strides. James Sullivan can be reached at . James Sullivan can be reached at
