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July, 2010 – TWO MEN celebrates 5 Years

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July, 2010 – TWO MEN celebrates 5 Years

TWO MEN AND A TRUCKBIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

 

YOU ARE INVITED!

 

What: Fundraiser for Families First of Palm Beach County

 

When: Monday, July 12 from 5:30 to 7:30pm

 

Where: Tall Tales Restaurant at Gander Mountain, 100 Gander Way, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403 (I-95 at Northlake)

 

Why: Celebrate the work of Families First and the 5th Birthday of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach

 

More: Networking, complimentary hors d’oevres, cash bar (2 for 1), door prizes

 

How Much: $10/person donation to Families First

 

  This month, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach celebrates its 5th birthday.  The occasion brings to mind the remarkable work of Families First of Palm Beach County.  Much of their work involves making sure that children all over Palm Beach County can celebrate their 5th birthdays.

 

  Families First works with mothers, fathers and extended families to help make sure that these children are born in good health; receive the attention and nurturing they need to thrive; remain free from abuse; make important early strides in learning and growth; and are ready for future growth, development and success.

 

  Come network with other successful professionals, celebrate our birthday, and learn more about Families First of Palm Beach County and how you can receive the personal satisfaction of being a part of its important work.

 

 

Joel Dowley

President

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

4439 Westroads Drive

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Ph: 561-845-7373

July, 2010 – Green, Health & Wellness Expo on July 24th

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July, 2010 – Green, Health & Wellness Expo on July 24th
MEDIA CONTACT:  
Corey Drent or Kelly Husak
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
561.278.0850 or DrentPR@aol.com

South Florida Science Museum
2nd Annual Green, Health & Wellness Expo
July 24, 2010

health_expo_pic
Photo Id:
From left to right Lauren Belinsky, Whole Foods Market; Ron Walker, Bob
Swanson Give a Life Foundation; Jamie Clautier, South Florida Science
Museum; Kristina Holt, South Florida Science Museum; Lana Blackman, Solid Waste Authority 
WHAT: The 2nd Annual Green, Health and Wellness Expo is a one-stop shop to learn about green and healthy living and aging in our community.  The expo will feature fun and educational activities for the family, promoting a healthy lifestyle and balanced living. The Museum is proud to be partnering with Whole Foods Market for this event. 
WHO: South Florida Science Museum 
WHEN: Saturday, July 24, 2010
10am-4pm
 
WHERE: South Florida Science Museum
4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach
 
WHY: The South Florida Science Museum provides curious minds of all ages with an entertaining and educational journey through science and technology. Located in West Palm Beach, the museum features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as natural history exhibitions. Each year the museum welcomes more than 120,000 visitors and reaches more than 40,000 students through workshops at the museum and outreach programs to local schools. Established in 1961, the museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to exciting curiosity and furthering the understanding and appreciation of science and technology.
 
HOW MUCH: Museum admission: Adults $9.00, Seniors 62+ $7.50, Children 3-12 $6.00, under 3 years and Museum members are free.
 
GENERAL INFO: For more information about the South Florida Science Museum call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org.
###
 

Corey Drent  
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
561.278.0850
561.278.2955 fax

July, 2010 – Whole Foods Market July Calendar

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For Immediate Release

Contact: Lauren Belinsky

561-904-4000

Lauren.Belinsky@WholeFoods.com

 

 

July, 2010 Events, Wellington

2635 State Road 7

Wellington, FL 33414

Open 8:00am to 10:00pm Mon-Sat. 9:00am-9:00pm on Sundays

 

 

Events are held at 2635 State Road 7, in the Lifestyle Center and are free of charge unless otherwise noted.  Register by phone at 561.904.4000 or at the customer service desk. Refunds, credits, or transfer of classes will not be honored for no-shows or cancellations made fewer than 24 hours before event. All events are subject to change.  Classes with low registration may be cancelled.  Any classes cancelled by Whole Foods Market will be refunded. Space is limited. 

 

 

Announcement:

 

Get the latest specials, store news, delicious recipes and best deals delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our e-newsletter!  Just visit Wholefoodsmarket.com/newsletter and follow the instructions.

 

Make Change for Change by Remembering Your Reusable Bags!

Customers who bring their own shopping bags receive a 10 cent refund per bag or can choose to donate the refund to one of two charities; the local Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center or the Whole Planet Foundation.  Please ask a cashier for details on the charities or visit: www.Vinceremos.com  and www.WholePlanetFoundation.org.


Events, Seminars, & Classes:

Block Party Every Tuesday Night!
Tuesday, July 6th 5:30-7:00pm  ~  Cherry Fest

Tuesday, July 13th 5:30-7:00pm ~ It’s All About Local

Tuesday, July 20th 5:30-7:00pm ~ Southern Style Specialties

Tuesday, July 27th 5:30-7:00pm ~ Summers On Grilling
Experience a new way to shop for dinner.  Enjoy free samples around the store and your chance to vote for your favorite sample.  Teams will create new recipes each week to give you new cooking ideas and to compete for our recycled Earth trophy, so be sure to pick up a ballot in our produce department to cast your vote!  No registration necessary, just come on by!

 

Good Ol’ Watermelon Eating Contest

Saturday, July 3rd Juice Starts Dripping at the Sound of the Starting Gun at 10:45am

Check out our fierce watermelon eating contest and cheer on your favorite Team Members!  The Team Member that finishes 10 lbs. of watermelon first will be declared the champion and will win all of the bragging rights and their picture posted in the store!

 

Scrumptious Summer Samples!

Saturday, July 3rd 11:00-1:00pm on the Patio, Free

Immediately following the watermelon eating contest, we will be offering a variety of 4th of July favorites for you to sample and to give you great ideas for your BBQs!   Be sure to enter to win our BBQ Essentials Gift Basket worth over $50!  No Purchase Necessary, just stop on by and fill out the entry form.  No registration necessary

 

Mommy-Baby Yoga by Amazing Births
Thursday, July 8th, 10:30-11:15am $10/Mother

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Enter our comfortable, supportive environment where moms can meet other new moms, enjoy special bonding with their babies, and experience the benefits or yoga. Bring a mat for you and a blanket for your baby and wear comfortable clothes. No prior yoga experience necessary, newborns to crawlers fit this class best.  (*please arrive 10 minutes before class time).

 

Gluten Free Cooking

Thursday, July 8th 6:30-8:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Chef Joe will be teaching new delicious Gluten Free recipes that are easy for anyone to put together.  Bring your appetite and your gluten free questions. 

 

Branford’s Sauce Explosion Demonstration

Saturday, July 10th 11:00-2:00pm on the Patio, Free

Stop by and taste the bold flavors of Branford’s Original BBQ and Hot Sauces!  This local producer has been making our taste buds smile for years.  Come on by to meet the man who started it all and enjoy tasting all of his sauces!  No registration necessary.

Jamaica-n Me Hungry!

July 13th, 6:30-7:30pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Celebrate the flavors of Jamaica, with Dianne Morin, native Jamaican cook, as she teaches you to make mouth watering jerk chicken, rice and peas (which we call rice & beans), and refreshing tropical punch!  All participants will receive the recipes and a taste of each dish, enjoy! 

 

Mom’s Morning Escape

Thursday, July 15th 9:00-11:00am, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Join us for Mom’s Morning Escape where Mom’s will receive a free coffee or tea, and muffin from the coffee bar.  Please check in with customer service and pick up your Mom’s Morning Escape Voucher, then make your way to the coffee bar for breakfast. Also enjoy a relaxing five minute chair massage by My Massage Corner in the café (first come first served)! 

 

Sustainable Seafood: Featuring Harpoon-Caught Swordfish

Friday, July 16th 6:30-8:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Join Terry Guam, Regional Associate Seafood Coordinator and Chef Joe as they teach you great recipes utilizing our sustainable seafood!  Participants will enjoy an informative tour of our seafood case and learn to make and taste different seafood recipes!

 

All About Orchids

Saturday, July 17th 10:00-11:00am, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Interested in learning more about orchids?   Meet our floral designer, Rosanne Ruby as she shares tips on the best way of taking care of orchids.  Make sure to bring your questions!

 

Health Starts Here Tour and Recipe Class

Sunday, July 18th 2:00-4:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Join natural health expert, Dr. Jonn McClellan, for an introductory class on healthy eating. The class will include a guided tour of the store and a cooking demonstration in the Lifestyle Center by Chef Joe, which will utilize nutrient dense ingredients for you to sample.  Please meet in the Lifestyle Center on the day of the class.

 

Top Ten Wine Tasting

Friday, July 23rd 6:00-8:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000

Taste our top ten wines and artisan beers while enjoying live tunes by Jonathan!  There will be a free drawing to win fantastic wines and beers.   Just stop by the specialty department to fill out your entry form.  No Purchase Necessary to Win.  You must be 21 yrs. or older to attend.

 

South Florida Science Museum’s 2nd Annual Green, Health & Wellness Expo

Saturday, July 24th from 10:00am-4:00pm at the South Florida Science Museum

Visit the 2nd annual Green, Health & Wellness Expo to participate in fun and educational activities for the whole family.  There will be vendors, games, crafts, and exhibits with useful information about living a healthy and green lifestyle.  All visitors that bring a reusable drink bottle will get a prize from Whole Foods Market! 

Cost: Adults $9, Children $6, Seniors $7.50.  For more information visit: www.sfsm.org or call 561-370-7724

 

Deliciously Raw with Renate: Thai-licious
Tuesday, July 27th 6:30-8:00pm, $20/Person

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000, Payment Collected upon Registration
Join Raw Foods Chef, Renate, as she shares her secrets to living a raw foods lifestyle.  Each month, Renate shares how to live a raw lifestyle without sacrificing taste!   Each class will include three delicious recipes all with plant-based ingredients full of nutrients.  This is the perfect class for the amateur, novice or expert!  

 

Chef Chris Paul’s American Classics
Friday, July 30th 7:00pm, $35/Person

Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000, Payment Collected upon Registration
Enjoy a five course, five-star meal, prepared by Master Chef Chris Paul from Wild Orchids Fusion.  The night begins with an introduction to the three wines that you will taste throughout the evening, then you will be dazzled by the chef as he creates the most delectable dishes you will ever taste! 

 

Kids Cooking Camps!

July 19th-23rd 9am-Noon $165

July 26th-30th 9am-Noon $165

The week long cooking camp will begin with recipes from South of the Border to Italian on Tuesday and then a Pajama Party on Wednesday where kids should come in their PJs!  Thursday they will learn to create the perfect Back Yard Bash with recipes perfect for a picnic and Friday will be a special day where campers will prepare lunch for the parents.  On Friday, parents please arrive by 11:15am to enjoy the fruits of their labor.  Space is limited to the first 20 registrations.  To register stop by our customer service desk for the registration form and make checks payable to Dianne M Morin Inc.  Checks to be mailed directly to Dianne Morin or visit www.diannemmorininc.com

July/August, 2010 – Happy Summer!

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July/August, 2010 – Happy Summer!

Letter from the Editor 

 

July/August, 2010

                                                                                                                 

 

Dear Around Wellington Readers,

 

Happy Summer to you all!  And Happy 4th of July!pskrista-camel

 

If you’ve been dying to just relax with a good book, maybe you’ll find a little quiet time by the pool or the beach this summer finally. Writer Marla Schwartz gives us an extensive article with excellent summer reading suggestions. She highlights Florida authors, as well as other authors who set their scene in Florida or touch upon Florida within their stories.  Personally I just finished reading “Big Russ and Me” by the late, great Tim Russert, which I loved as a great Father’s Day themed book. As usual I was in a quandary about “what to read next.” So I simply printed out Marla’s article “Summertime, a Great Time for Books” and I’ll take it with me on my next trip to the library. 

 

If you haven’t heard, there’s a new Amphitheatre in Wellington, right by the Wellington Community Center, and the grand opening day is Saturday, July 3rd.  Admission is free!  The renovated Wellington Aquatic Complex also has free admission on July 3rd from 10am to 5pm.  Meanwhile, many festivities are planned for the Amphitheatre grand opening day from 3pm to 10pm, including bounce houses, hula hooping contests, musical guests and a laser light show. More . . .

 

I’m happy to say that after a little hiatus, the well-loved doctors Lesley Glover and Vanessa Vizcaino are back with “Ask the Docs,” now joined by Heather Loguidice, ARNP. They will be taking turns writing the “Ask the Docs” column on helpful health topics, and this month Heather writes about the importance of Vitamin D.  For more information about their medical practice, visit their website for Family Medical and Wellness Center.

 

This month in “Cantankerously Yours,” Wendell Abern reflects on his theory about men and women…and their shopping habits. In “Men I’ve Met in Women’s Shoe Departments,” Wendell reveals his strategy for surviving all of the past shoe (and other) shopping trips that he endured. Funny stuff!

 

Our fun contests continue!  We continue to offer two contests each month!!  So between July 1st – 10th, you have the opportunity to win tickets for two to the Improv at CityPlace!  We will have two lucky winners, chosen at random from the correct entries.  Just visit our “Contest” page between July 1st – 10th for instructions. These are extra special gift certificates because they are good for ANY SHOW (special events at any price) for one year!  Another contest will follow in mid-July.

 

If you have not become a Facebook fan of AroundWellington.com yet, here’s a new reason to do it. When we have good fortune of extra tickets or prizes (as I did last month), they will be offered to our Facebook fans. Just recently AroundWellington.com FB fan Dava Hamerling received two tickets to see the Lisa Loeb children’s musical “Camp Kappawanna,” just for being the quickest to respond. Congrats, Dava!

 

This month we have the delicious pleasure of sharing a taste of “Havana” with you, as Havana Restaurant in West Palm Beach is our “AW Spotlight” business. If you haven’t visited Havana yet, don’t wait any longer! They have a 24/7 Walk-Up Window and are located at the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Dixie Highway. Just watch out for that Mojo garlic sauce…it’s addictive. Here’s their menu: http://www.havanacubanfood.com/menu.html

 

Speaking of yummy, we have a few nice summer grilling recipes for you. Check out these recipes for Grilled Salmon, Grilled Veggies with Couscous and a nice Red, White and Blue dessert!

 

Have you ever been at a complete loss for words when it comes to “what to say” in comforting someone, especially during this time of economic hardship? Lisa Dawn Wax illustrates how sometimes a complete loss for words is just what is needed – in the act of compassion.  If you’re not the best listener, you will find insights and “nuggets of truth” that are quite helpful in “Lighten Up with Lisa.”

 

I’m (almost) at a loss for words on the subject of the BP oil spill. It’s devastating that it has still not been stopped and continues to gush. It’s mind-boggling that BP had no emergency plan in place and has no decent plan to deal with the destruction being caused to the environment, wildlife, fisherman and everyone impacted. If you’re moved by the videos of dying wildlife, you can donate to the National Wildlife Federation. Every effort, large or small, helps.  A local Wellington artist has created a beautiful tile/mural devoted to all of the wildlife suffering in the Gulf.  Check out “Homeless of the Gulf” by Kathy Carroll. Perhaps a children’s book needs to be written on the subject too. My 3-year-old son keeps asking me, “What about the oil spill? Are the birds going to be OK? Are the fish going to be OK?” He is so sweet and so concerned, as he’s picked up snippets from the news and taken them to heart. I really don’t know how to answer him.

 

As we did last year, we have a combined July/August issue.  However, some of our columnists elected to write their story for August 1st instead of July 1st.  So we will get caught up with “Astrology at Work in Your Life,” “By the Numbers” and “Health & Fitness” in August.

 

THANKS to everyone’s contributions, writers and photographers!  Please explore to  see our latest stories and photos.

 

Around Wellington in Pictures

As I Was Saying

Ask the Docs

AW Spotlight

AW Stories of the Month

Birthdays

Cantankerously Yours

Contest

Cultural Corner

Lighten Up with Lisa

Living Green

Mommy Moments

Pet Talk

Photo Galleries

Poem of the Month

Press Releases

The Space Room

Teen Talk

Travel with Terri

Ultimate Productivity

Videos

 

I’m thankful to our readers for your ongoing feedback (and participation in our contests) and to our advertisers!  Welcome to our new advertiser PURE, Palm Beach, a full-service cleaning company that does chemical-free vapor steam cleanings. One of the owners worked previously for NASA and developed this technology to bring you a higher level of clean and a safer level of clean! 

 

Hope you’re having a happy summer so far!

 

Cheers,

 

Krista Martinelli

Editor

AroundWellington.com

July, 2010 – Summer Recipes

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July, 2010 – Summer Recipes

Grilled Salmon

Prep: 10 min./ Cook: 15 min.

Ingredients125222-grilledsalmon

  • 2 pounds salmon fillets
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1.                        Place salmon in shallow dish. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Set aside 1/4 cup for basting; pour the rest over the salmon. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain, discarding marinade. Grill salmon over medium coals, skin side down, for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste occasionally with reserved marinade. Serves 4.

Grilled Vegetables with Couscous

Prep Time: 20 Min./ Cook Time: 15 Min.

Ingredients259748-grilledveggies

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 zucchini
  • 1 small eggplant
  • 1 large sweet onion
  • 3/4 cup frozen broad beans
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup vegetable stock

Directions

1.                        Remove the seeds from the pepper, and chop into strips about 1 to 2 inches long. Cut the eggplant crossways into rounds about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick, and cut each one into 6 to 8 even chunks. Peel the onion, and chop into 8 portions. Trim the zucchini, and cut into thick slices.

2.                        Heat grill pan over a high heat with a generous splash of olive oil. When it is very hot, add all the vegetables to the pan. Press down occasionally to get grill lines across them. Turn occasionally to prevent burning. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are evenly browned and cooked through.

3.                        Stir broad beans into the vegetables. Add chopped tomatoes, and vinegar. Simmer for a few minutes while the couscous is prepared.

4.                        Place couscous into a medium bowl. Add boiling vegetable stock, and stir with a fork. Keep lifting the couscous occasionally to prevent it sticking. It only takes 2 to 3 minutes to become soft. Place couscous in a large bowl or serving platter, and serve the vegetables on top. Serves 4.

Red, White & Blue Refresher

 

Ingredients122695-redwhiteblue

  • 1 quart pineapple or lemon sherbet
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup white grape juice or white wine

Directions

·          Divide the sherbet between four dessert cups or bowls. Top with the berries and grape juice.

 

Thanks to www.allrecipes.com for these yummy summer recipes.

July, 2010 – Men I’ve Met in Women’s Shoe Departments

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July, 2010 – Men I’ve Met in Women’s Shoe Departments

Cantankerously YoursWendell Abern

Men I’ve met in Women’s Shoe Departments

By Wendell Abern

Dear Fellow Schleppers,

    I don’t care if this sounds mysoginistic, pig-headed or arrogant: women do not know how to shop.

    Men shop in a straight line. If we need a shirt, we go to a store, march over to the men’s department, look through shirts, find one or two in the colors we want, pay and leave.

    Women shop by zigzagging. If a woman needs a blouse, she serpentines an obstacle course that requires at least 30 minutes in fashion jewelry, 20 minutes in perfumes and an undisclosed amount of time in small kitchen appliances.

    Long ago, I solved the problem of how to go shopping with my wife. I take along something to read. First place we go to is the women’s shoe department, where I select a chair. Then we split up. I spend about eight minutes shopping, and come back to the chair, where I read until she finishes zigzagging.

    On my first venture, I discover there are other men who have already discovered this idea. I sit down in the agreed-upon chair, open the sports page (which I had deliberately left unread until then), and notice the guy sitting across from me. Seventyish. Huge shock of white hair. Rheumy eyes. Thick paperback book. Without even asking, he knows why I’m there.

    “What’s your wife gettin’?” he asks.

    “A dress.”

    “Two hours,” he says. “With a dress, you gotta bring more ‘n the sports page to read.”

    “Nah. I know my wife. Half-hour at the most.”

    “You got grandchildren?”

    “Yeah. Why?”

    “To get to dresses, your wife’s gotta go through children’s clothes. That’s 45 minutes, minimum. Tack on another fifteen for toys and games, then an hour for the dress. Total, two hours. If you’re lucky.”

    He was wrong. It took her three hours.

    The next time, my wife needs a new summer outfit, so I bring the entire newspaper. I just start to read when a fiftysomething guy sets down a thermos and a laptop on the chair between us.

    “You here for the sale?” he asks.

    “Yeah.”

    “Us too. We come every month for their biggest sale of the year.”

    “You bring your laptop every month?.”

    “Nah. Just for the killers. Today is a killer.”

    “What’s a killer?”

    “A killer is when she needs a gift for someone, doesn’t know what to get, and comes to the store looking for ideas. Killer. Good for at least four hours.”

    “I’ll remember that.”

    About five minutes later a slender, attractive woman comes over

and deposits two bags on the chair next to him, and leaves.

Laptop consults his watch. “Forty-five minutes, first drop-off. It’s

gonna be a six-hour day.”

    Fortunately, my wife finds her summer outfit in less than two hours.  My new friend asks me if we’ll be there for next month’s biggest sale of the year, and I tell him I hope not.

    However, we do go to another store a week later. My wife needs a gift for someone, but isn’t sure what to get. A bona fide killer. Armed with the information from Laptop, I pack a thermos and an overnight bag. My wife does not consider this funny. I settle on a paperback thriller.

    We arrive at the store, I select a chair in the shoe department and we split up. I go buy two pairs of shorts and two shirts and am back in my chair in twelve minutes.

    I open my thriller and start to read when I spy a young man saying good-bye to his young wife with a kiss. She leaves and he settles into a chair and opens up the sports page he has brought with him and nods at me.

    “She’s shopping, you’re waiting, right?” I ask

    “You got it.”

    “What’s she getting?”

    “A dress.”

    With confidence, I announce, “Two hours. With a dress, you gotta bring more ‘n the sports page.”

    “Nah,” he says. “I know my wife. Half-hour at the most.”

    “You got children?”

    “Yeah. Why?”

    “Just curious,” I say, sparing him the news about children’s clothes

and toys and games and go back to my thriller.

    His wife shows up two hours later. The young man looks at me,

shakes his head in awe, winks and leaves.

    Two hours later, when my wife finally shows up, I think to myself,

If I had started doing this forty years ago, I could have read 50 other

books by this time.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@comcast.net. 

July, 2010 – Nautical Sights and Culinary Delights

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July, 2010 – Nautical Sights and Culinary Delights

Travel with Terri

Nautical Sights and Culinary Delights

 

By Terri FarrisTerri Farris

Photos by Gregory Holder

The bay is dotted with sailboats and ferries, lighthouses stand proudly on the shore, an abundance of lobster, shrimp and clam chowder populate the menus of local restaurants and historical buildings are given new life – this is Portland, Maine. 

Maine is a geographically diverse state with mountains, lakes, rocky beaches and stunning coastal views.   Portland is situated on a peninsula that juts into the Casco Bay and getting out into the bay is an excellent way to begin any Maine experience.  Options for exploration by water include ferries, tour boats, sailboats and kayaks.

Casco Bay is filled with islands.  In 1700, Colonel Wolfgang William Romer, an English military engineer, reportedly said “there are as many islands as there are days in the year”, resulting in the popular myth that there are 365 islands.  Due to this myth, the islands are often referred to as the Calendar Islands. 

The Casco Bay Line ferries transports visitors and residents to the islands.  For your adventure, you can opt to visit a specific island or go along with the postman on the daily Mail Run Boats which deliver mail to the residents on all of the islands.  www.cascobaylines.com

 

Offering the “Lighthouse Lovers Cruise”, dinner cruises and a combination Land & Sea tour, the Portland Discovery Company is an excellent option for exploring.  The 90 minute trolley tour is narrated by locals with insightful information and anecdotes to inform

Portland Head Light - one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world!
Portland Head Light - one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world!

and entertain.  The water tour cruises past several lighthouses including the Spring Point Ledge Light – a caisson lighthouse constructed in 1897- and the oldest lighthouse in Maine, the Portland Head Light.  Built in 1791 and authorized by President George Washington, this beautiful lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the country. www.portlanddiscovery.com

For a truly unique experience in Casco Bay, climb aboard a vintage wooden sailboat for a two hour wind jammer cruise with the Portland Schooner Company.  Pack a picnic lunch and a favorite bottle of wine and take happy hour to the sea!  Experience the thrill of sailing while taking in the sights of the lighthouses, rocky beaches, old military forts and sea life.  Energetic guests are invited to help with the hoisting of the sails while the more leisurely can sit back and enjoy the ride.  These magnificent boats were built in Maine in the early 1900’s and have been beautifully restored. www.portlandschooner.com

Portland Schooner Crew
Portland Schooner Crew

Portland’s water adventures are only part of the story.  On land there are numerous boutique shops for exploration in the historic Old Port district.  Most are owned by local merchants and are filled with unique gifts, clothing and specialty items.  One of the more unusual shops, Fetch, is the place to go for discerning dogs and cats!  Fetch opened on “April Stools Day” in 2000 with the mission of providing a high quality of life for the dogs and cats (and their people) in the Portland area.  Dogs and cats are encouraged to come into the shop to check out all of the unique toys and accessories.  You are welcome to join your pet – as long as you remain on a leash.  In fact, Portland is an extremely  pet friendly community with most restaurants and several hotels accommodating the furriest member of the family. www.fetchportland.wordpress.com

 

Everyone associates Maine with lobster, but did you know it is also the number one producer of blueberries?  Maine’s Pantry, located along the waterfront is a family owned business dedicated to bringing the bounty of Maine specialty foods to its customers.  Traditional blueberry muffin mix, syrups, jams and pancake mixes fill the shelves alongside the more unusual Blueberry Coffee, Blueberry Crème Soda, Blueberry Hot Sauce and Blueberry Salsa.  www.mainespantry.com

For foodies, Portland is paradise beyond the bounty of blueberries.

Portland Lobster Company - Yummy!
Portland Lobster Company - Yummy!

  Sample the lobster rolls, crab cakes, clams and shrimp in a casual atmosphere at Portland Lobster Company located on the harbor in the Old Port district.  Enjoy live music while dining outside on the deck watching the harbor activity.  www.portlandlobstercompany.com

If you are a fan of clam chowder, don’t miss Gilbert’s Chowder House.  Loved by locals and tourists, this is quite possibly the best clam chowder anywhere.  www.gilbertschowderhouse.com  

Chef Harding Lee Smith has three restaurants in Portland, The Corner Room – a casual Italian-inspired restaurant, The Front Room – serving new American comfort food made from the finest local ingredients, and The Grill Room – serving the best in wood grilled meats, fish and chicken and wood fired pizzas.  The lobster mashed potatoes are unbelievably delicious!   www.thefrontroomrestaurant.com

Gilbert's Chowder House
Gilbert's Chowder House

Nautical sights and culinary delights are just part of the experience; history buffs will also love Portland’s offerings.  Step back in time with a visit to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and museum.  Climb aboard the antique cars pulled by steam or diesel powered locomotives for a scenic ride along Portland’s waterfront.  Visit the museum and learn how these unique two-foot gauge steam trains connected rural Maine with the rest of the world from 1879 until just before World War II.  www.mngrr.org

 

 

Portland’s historic Old Port is one of the most successful revitalized warehouse districts in the country.  The centerpiece of the Old Port District is the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa.   Built in 1895, this neo-classic structure was originally The State of Maine Armory.  It served as a naval recreation center during World War II and later as the city’s public bath house.   Today this beautiful structure serves as the home of the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa.  Guests stay in old world luxury with superior service.  Add a little romance to your

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa - located in the Historic Old Port District in the former Armory
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa - located in the Historic Old Port District in the former Armory

vacation with a couples’ massage at the hotel spa.  Enjoy an elegant dinner at Twenty Milk Street followed by a nightcap at the Armory Lounge.  Whatever your preference, the hotel, spa and restaurant staff are committed to making your visit memorable.  www.theregency.com

In the Greater Portland area, the quintessential Maine experience awaits.  What are you waiting for? www.visitportland.com

 

Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at tfarris60@hotmail.com.

 

July, 2010 – Up, Up and Away

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July, 2010 – Up, Up and Away

Mommy MomentsMelanie Lewis

Up, Up and Away—Air Travel with kids

By Melanie Lewis

 

The Lightning McQueen coloring book was tucked away in the carry-on bag along with some hard candy (to help pop the ears adjusting to the change in altitude), crackers and empty water bottles (because full ones at the airport cost a lot more).  We were headed on a flight with 2 small kids ages 4 and 6.  The last time we’d flown the kids were infants – 9 months old. I could soothe popping ears by nursing in flight. The kids were highly charged by the sight of opening and closing the window shade at one year old, something more was needed to hold their attention and assuage their excitement this time.  The prepared parent is a requirement in the new order of flying post-9/11.

Before you step foot in the airport for your trip, take a test run.  Not even a bad idea for a rainy day activity.  They will be familiarizing themselves to the sights and sounds of plane travel.  Many airports have kids play areas, but most are tucked away beyond security.  They will at least be able to ride the escalators and elevators, watch planes land and take-off and ask questions when you’re more poised to answer them, not racing to make a connection.

Another preparedness item is research. Plenty of books have been written on the subject of air travel with kids and will be far greater detail than allotted here.  Another thing that surprised me was the monorail shuttle at Orlando International airport.  Next trip, I’ll check online for airport diagrams of terminals and special features for time delays like waiting to board a shuttle.  For kids this can be a special treat, rather than a travel hiccup as we see it.  We also made a trip to the library to get books about kids traveling, for kids traveling.  They were entertaining and illustrated the highlights of travel in a kid-friendly way.

Your first stop after check-in is security.  Let the kids know ahead of time what to expect.  Even after the thorough explanation at age-appropriate level, they still did not want to remove their shoes. In retrospect, this might have been the time to have them wear their sandals instead of lace-up shoes.

Our inexpensive, non-stop flight was in the form of Jet-Blue.  Good choice, since you can leave some of those snacks behind—they’ve got a plentiful and hearty selection of munchies. The flight crew was very accommodating with our arrival stroller and car seat for gate check.  We could also check one bag each at no extra charge.  Check with the airline regarding the cost of luggage when booking a flight, so you can factor it in the cost of the ticket.  It may seem like a bargain online until taxes or baggage is added.

After most of the planned activities had been used up, we had to get inventive.  The kids were pounding the guy in the seat in front of us with their feet.  It was time for a stroll to visit the lavatory.  While at the rear of the plane we talked to the flight crew about how they liked to fly and their favorite destinations.  The next thing we knew, the captain had turned on the fasten seat-belt sign and instructed everyone to take their seat to prepare for landing.  We headed back to our seats, 14A and 14B (good practice with letters and numbers) and landed with lifesaver lollipops slurping away. The trip was enjoyable for everyone, except for a few moments for the guy in seat 13A.  I chalk it up to the flight readiness we did.  The experience seemed to be an exciting opportunity for learning.  The kids drew pictures and wrote a story about it for school.  We all can’t wait for our next adventure.  Bon Voyage.

Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 boys ages 4 and 7.  She is married and works part-time for Weight Watchers and as a Sipada representative. She enjoys reading, gardening and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie.

 

 

July, 2010 – Understanding the Human Heart

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July, 2010 – Understanding the Human Heart

Lighten Up with LisaLisa Dawn Wax

Learning one of life’s most important lessons comes from learning to understand the human heart.

By Lisa Dawn Wax

Dear Lightworker Lisa,

 It seems like almost everyone I talk to lately has some tragic life story to tell. Some are facing losing their homes to foreclosure, or forced to do a short sale, or they are unemployed and without health insurance or they are just so depressed because of one reason or another.  I want to be a good friend, but these days I feel I’m at a complete loss for words. What can I say to these people I care about?

Signed,

Caring but Clueless

Dear Clueless,

I’m sure this is a question that is occasionally asked by even the most experienced counselors, advisors, therapists and clergy. We are facing very challenging times; and although the struggles may feel insurmountable for many, I believe most people are finding their way to emulate that stray blade of grass that manages to push upward and break through the concrete sidewalk. That being said, everyone deals with stress or crisis differently so it is hard to give a cookie cutter response of what to say to the distressed people you care about.   It is common and normal when people hear stories of tragedy and sadness, especially form friends or family, to want to say “something” in order to try to solve the problem and offer comfort.  However, rather than ask the question of “what to say” consider asking the question, “when to say something or when NOT to say anything.”  The last thing most people want when they are seeking empathy and understanding is to end up with advice, judgment or constructive criticism.  Simply put- a hug can be worth a thousand words and is quite possibly one of the most genuine and heart felt expressions of Compassion.

Compassion is a beautiful and very necessary human virtue that can have a tremendous impact on both the giver and receiver.   It validates the emotions of the person in pain and reassures them that someone cares.  I firmly believe it is one of the most important lessons we can teach our children.  There is never an inappropriate time for compassion because compassion is ALWAYS appropriate.  Every major religion regards compassion as one of the greatest and most revered virtues.  For example, it is a central focal point of Buddhism. The spiritual teacher and enlightened one, Buddha, once told a student, “compassion shelters and embraces the distressed…the cultivation of compassion is not part of our practice…it is all of our practice.”  The Buddhist leader, Dali Lama, once said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”  In both Judaism and Christianity God is invoked as the “Father of Compassion”.  Rabbis speak of the “13 attributes of compassion” and Jesus preached to act compassionately towards others by righteously proclaiming, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

In his book, When Bad Things Happen To Good People, Harold Kushner recounts the biblical story of Job, who although he suffered greatly refused to renounce God even though it would have alleviated his suffering.   When Job’s friends came to “comfort” him they did everything wrong and in turn made him feel worse by implying that he must have done something to deserve such a fate of punishment.  They criticized his grief, they minimized his pain, and they asked him to disguise or reject his feelings.  What Job needed most from his friends was acts of Compassion.  He needed physical comforting, people sharing their strength with him, holding him rather than scolding him. He needed permission to be angry, to cry and to scream. He needed someone to tell him he was still a Good Person!   However, two things that the friends did correctly were: 1. they came and 2. They listened.   

So the next time someone is sharing a personal sadness and you feel at a complete loss for words, consider it a sign that words are not required in the matter.  Consider being there to wipe away tears, pick up pieces of broken glass, or just be a sounding board.  If you must say something, try asking the person what it is they need or want from you to help them to feel better.  Be compassionate and comforting by reiterating your desire to help alleviate their pain.  Hug them, cry with them, yell with them or laugh with them to help them find their inner peace, for a state of peace can yield new perspective, new strength and new inspiration to pursue a new life of joy. 

Lightworker Lisa

 

Until next time, may your days be brighter and your lives be lighter.

Let me ignite the light in your life!

If you would like to submit a question for publication, you can email me directly at lisa@lightworkerlisa.com. 

 

A Lightworker is someone with an innate ability to know and heal.  Lightworkers believe it is their divine mission or higher purpose to write, teach or counsel others that spiritual methods can heal any situation.  Lightworkers are souls who volunteered, before birth, to help people learn about love and heal from the effects of fear. Lisa Dawn Wax, aka Lightworker Lisa is a born Lightworker, certified Angel Healing Practitioner and Reiki Master Practitioner; all of which basically confirm her intuitive abilities to help, heal and teach. Using reiki (energy healing), divine messages and intuitive readings, she has helped many people to identify the source of their pain, clarify current life situations, and successfully redirect their focus into positive channels.  If you are in need of affordable healing and life coaching with immediate results, call her at 561-594-3948 or visit her website www.lightworkerlisa.com. 

July, 2010 – Grunt! Clang! Thud!

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July, 2010 – Grunt! Clang! Thud!

As I Was SayingAlan Williamson

 

Grunt! Clang! Thud!

 

By Alan Williamson

 

       “I’m hitting the 21 Circle Gym,” I announce to my wife, a bottle of water in one hand, a towel in the other.

          “Have a good workout,” Sherry says cheerfully, graciously ignoring the fact that we live on a street named 21 Circle and that the “gym” is really a spare room in our house. After hearing this tired little joke on and off for the past eight years, she deserves an award for still playing along. Or a free gym membership.

          When I first thought of joining a gym – a real gym – I made a list of pros and cons.

Pros

Wide variety of equipment.

Training support and guidance.

Social stimulation.

Daily incentive to follow through on financial investment.

Cons

Wide variety of equipment.

Training support and guidance.

Social stimulation.

Daily incentive to follow through on financial investment.

          At the risk of sounding schizophrenic, the more I looked at each of my “pros” for joining a gym, the more they looked like “cons.”

          Wide variety of equipment. Show me a gym full of gleaming, cutting-edge equipment and I’ll show you a gym full of people constantly using that gleaming, cutting-edge equipment. What good is a lat pulldown machine or a pec deck if every time you go to use them someone else is grunting away on them? My dumbbells at home may not be as sleek and sophisticated as a multi-station weight stack unit with high, mid and low cable pulleys for the ultimate upper body workout, but when I’m ready to grab a pair of my dumbbells I don’t have to wait for Hans or Franz to finish clanging them together over their undulating torsos like over-sized symbols in a steroid-powered marching band.

          Training support and guidance.  Here’s the closely-guarded secret that personal trainers don’t want you to know about working out: it’s pretty basic stuff. Read a couple of issues of Men’s Health and instant expert status is within your iron-fisted grasp. Handy tip: If you’re lifting weights, make them heavy enough to challenge your muscles, but not so heavy that you get pinned under them for hours at a time and have to wait for help to arrive.

          Social stimulation.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been very good at doing two things at once. Even when I try to read and watch TV, I wind up stuck on the same page of my book for half an hour trying to simultaneously figure out if the TV program I was half-watching ended and was replaced by another program or if a whole new set of characters – including some from my book – were introduced halfway through. My point is, if I’m working out, I need to be 100% focused on working out, and if I’m debating with my friend Andy about who’s the best Saturday Night Live guest host of all time – Alec Baldwin or Steve Martin – I need to be 100% focused on that. (Alec Baldwin, by the way. I’m just saying.)

          Incentive to follow through on financial investment.  I’ve heard all the stories about gym memberships that go unused after the first three months with hundreds or thousands of nonrefundable dollars down the drain. No doubt many of those well-intentioned no-shows thought that spending some serious money on a membership would fortify their commitment to stick to a regular fitness regimen. Guess again buns-of-steel boy. Invest all you want, but when making that drive to the gym becomes just one more tedious chore in your jam-packed life, you’re better off with a short, 12-foot commute to the chin-up bar in the doorway of your spare bedroom. And don’t forget to drop and give your imaginary personal trainer 40 pushups before you hit the showers.

          “Did you have a good workout?” my wife asks after the last grunt, clang and thud gives way to a sweaty, self-satisfied silence.

          “I always have a great workout at the 21 Circle Gym,” I assert, inexplicably lapsing into an Austrian accent. “The only thing that would make it even better is a nice post-workout veggie and cheese omelet and a fresh fruit, whey protein smoothie.”

          “Sounds like you should talk to the 21 Circle chef,” Sherry says noncommittally, heading in an opposite direction.

          Hmmmm . . . that girl’s got spunk I think, still maintaining an Austrian accent in my mind’s ear as I check my chiseled physique in the mirror. Maybe when I’m done with this last set of dumbbell hammer curls, I’ll see about nailing her a free gym membership.

 

Alan Williamson is an award-winning writer with 27 years in the field of true fiction (advertising). A practical man who knows that writing for a living is risky going, he has taken steps to pursue a second, more stable career as a leggy super model. Alan can be reached at alwilly@bellsouth.net.  © 2010 Alan Williamson.

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