Spring events heat up at PRIME

PRIME — April 2012 Spring officially emerged as we were putting to bed the April edition of PRIME, although I'm sure to many it felt more like a midsummer heat wave than a temperate April. With a spring in our collective steps, this month was an opportune time to sit outside on a sunny day and chat with illustrator Daniel Guidera. We feature his story starting on page 5. For the uninitiated, Guidera is a Northampton resident who creates pop-culture artistic drawings. He hasn't yet gotten the same public recognition as area legends like Dr. Seuss or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. But who knows? His artwork could be the next big thing to come out of Western Massachusetts. We're hoping for his T-shirts and posters to be on the horizon. Also in this edition, photographer George Skovera brings us a snowy glimpse of the 2012 Winter Senior Games at Wachusett Mountain. While there wasn't much natural snow to be found this past winter, event organizers and ski area folks did a great job making sure there was enough man-made powder on the ground to ensure some successful runs. As a heads-up for the summer events, the Massachusetts Senior Games web site indicates that age restrictions have been eased for the state competition. Only competitors ages 50-plus are eligible to qualify for the National Senior Games, however, as of 2012, anyone over the age of 40 in invited to join the state competition. For more information, please visit the site www.maseniorgames.org. We once again have plenty in store for your reading pleasure this edition. Spring is also a traditional time for daytrips and making travel plans, so regular contributor Gina Barry of Bacon Wilson talks about ensuring that your legal paperwork is in order before embarking on the next cruise. She recommends completing your estate plan before packing a suitcase, and contacting your attorney at least one month in advance of your trip. Her informative article is on page 6. We also hope to promote a good event this month: the annual Life Enrichment Expo. The expo takes place at the Basketball Hall of Fame once again this year, with free admission and parking. If you go, be sure to drop by the PRIME Magazine booth and say hello on April 26. Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the event. This fall, the magazine will also celebrate a 20th milestone, so keep a close eye on on these pages in the coming months. Sales consultant Terry O'Donnell wanted to remind readers that our anniversary plans are in the works as we count down to celebrating two decades of excellence this October. Until next month, we hope that you continue to enjoy PRIME Magazine and visit us on the Web at www.primeontheweb.com. Mike Briotta PRIME Editor mikeb@thereminder.com