“Hey wing nut, where’ve you been?” my neighbor asked me. “Well, coconut, I’ve been in the sick-ward since May”, I responded.
It was true; I had been out from mid-May to mid-July. How does a stay-at-home mom of two kids under the age of six parlay her responsibilities with no warning of impending illness? It was a day-to-day riddle to be solved. Before anyone would dare step in the door, I needed to be cleared of carrying a contagious disease. Even my husband put me in solitary confinement. I swore my illness bore no resemblance of the flu, or at least of any variety propagated in the Petri-dish called school and delivered by my sweeties. I was whisked away to the doctor’s office for a complete examination. For the journey, I had to wear a mask dug out from under the work bench last used to sand and refinish furniture. It did not help my nausea. It turns out that the room-spinning, stomach-turning illness was no other than BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.) Basically, I had rocks in my head- or rather inner-ear. I’m sure my many acquaintances could have confirmed that for free.
Now, the help could arrive. I couldn’t move without turning green, so I made one call to a connected friend from church. After a brief explanation, she brought in a visiting nurse. She was of the Florence Nightingale variety and could hold my hair back while I leaned over the toilet with real fortitude. She held up better than my sorority sisters did back in the ole’ college days anyway. This magnificent woman cleaned, cooked and even read stories to the kids. After a couple of weeks the dizziness subsided and I had to let her go. Meanwhile, a friend shuttled the kids to their respective activities and babysitters. I found the High School guidance counselor to be a great resource at recommending some really helpful, kid-friendly sophomore girls. They arrived fresh from central costuming which included rainbow hair colors and dynamic grunge attire. Despite their tough-look, they had great energy, enthusiasm and were very trustworthy.
So what’s the moral of this story? Be prepared in the event you are not able to care for your kids should you become injured or ill. Get the phone numbers of caregivers and housecleaners who do not need a year’s contract. Have them in a handy spot where someone can get them. I made a little notebook and put it in a drawer of my desk. Don’t be certain that relatives and friends can be around the great many hours you’ll be in need. You will likely need outside help, often specialized in a medical field. Have your metaphorical diaper bag packed and ready to go at all times. You never know when you need a backup plan.
Melanie Lewis is the mother of two boys, ages 3 and 5. She is married to a self-described geek and works part-time. She enjoys reading, gardening and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll cat Percy and Golden Retriever Rosie.
October is homecoming month for Palm Beach County high schools. Traditionally, homecoming is when the alumni from years past come back to visit their alma mater during the homecoming football game. The week begins with a flurry of activities that promote school spirit. It would be to your advantage to participate.
While some of the activities may seem childish, they can actually be quite enjoyable if you get involved. Powderpuff football, where the cheerleaders play football (class against class) and the football players are the cheerleaders, is both entertaining and amusing.
Since the Wellington High School homecoming theme is “Decades,” the lip sync contest will surely incorporate music and costumes from the 50’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. A variety of clubs will have fun building their floats for the homecoming parade. This year will be different from previous years in that the parade will precede the carnival on Thursday, October 15th, rather than the homecoming game. This is due to a scheduled teacher work day on Friday, October 16th. The week will also include pep rallies and the homecoming dance. I strongly encourage students to try to attend the homecoming dance. It’s much less formal (and less expensive) than prom, and the entire student body is invited, so get your tickets before they sell out.
One thing that I notice year after year is the lack of involvement on the part of the freshman and sophomore classes. They don’t know what they’re missing!
Homecoming week is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in the activities planned by members of student government. They put in an extraordinary effort to make homecoming week as enjoyable as possible. Also, try to be supportive of your team and attend the homecoming football game.
By the 15th of October, most Palm Beach County secondary schools will end their first quarter. It is surprising how quickly the first grading period has passed. In the midst of all these activities, be sure to pace yourself with your schoolwork. Try to plan ahead and don’t let your grades start to slip.
Of course, the other notable event in the month of October is Halloween. Rather than trick or treating, most high schoolers get together with friends at Halloween-themed parties. You can still creatively dress up in costume, overload on candy and watch a scary movie.
October is filled with exciting and enjoyable events. With any luck, the weather will be pleasant and start to cool down. Rainy season is just about over, so let’s hope for clear skies on Halloween night. However, knowing south Florida, I would bring an umbrella… just in case.
One last reminder for seniors: if you are in the process of applying to colleges for either early action or early decision, don’t forget to submit your applications by November 1st. I will discuss colleges and the application process in further detail in the next issue of Around Wellington. Have an optimistic October!
Evan Baumel is a senior at Wellington High School. He’s involved in Debate, National Honor Society, Key Club, politics and writes for the school newspaper.
Yes, Scorpios, your long awaited birthday is here and you should expect the best in your efforts to get things accomplished. Your organizing skills are at an all time high and you have the power now to move mountains when it comes to organizations and structures. With the mercury retrograde period behind you, go ahead and start new planning and projects now. It may have appeared as though you weren’t getting anywhere last month, but all this has now changed and movement is evident. The only thing that may hold you back is your own thinking that you can’t change or make the change, but underneath it all, you know that you can. Dig deep and get in touch with what you have been dreaming about and bring it into fruition. Your unstoppable energy is an asset that will carry you to heights that only your imagination can limit.
Your Ruler is Pluto with a nature similar to that of the Hindu god Shiva, who is the creator and the destroyer. Pluto usually starts its journey by breaking down structures and then creates new ones in the place of the old. The cycle of death, destruction and rejuvenation is accompanied by tremendous power that you know on a very deep level, and this power is not subtle, but extremely intense in effect.
Sagittarius – Unexpected events have been happening in your life, but the ability to control them has been out of your realm until this month. You will see that your crazy ideas are gathering momentum and catching the eyes of admirers all around you. Keep moving forward – you are on the right path.
Capricorn – Details have a way of showing up and asking you to look at life to see where the major changes need to be made at this time. You may not want to make these changes, but they will occur with or without your permission, so go with the flow and allow the change to occur. This will be a healing in the long run.
Aquarius – Traveling near water is exactly where you need to be to turn on the excitement in your being. There is a lot of hidden talent that wants to emerge so stay and meditate until you take it all in. Foreigners may give you some needed insight.
Pisces – If life could only be smoother, but the sudden wake-up calls keep on happening. Your gentle nature is not used to this, but please don’t hide under the covers. You are being called on to participate and provide the information that only you can access.
Aries – Your focus is on the home and your family this month, so have picnics and get-togethers with the best of your friends and family. This is the time to try out new recipes and lavish them with food and drink. The latter part of the month will find you receiving recognition for your efforts.
Taurus – This is a good month to take care of the little details around your home that have bothered you but that you have not made the time for. Relationships will flourish in the latter part of the month.
Gemini – Too much thinking, too much talking, and all that heady stuff is interfering with your sleep. Try to channel your energy into meditation so that you can harness and sharpen your viewpoint. It will benefit humanity in a big way.
Cancer – You should be feeling a lot of physical energy right now, and compared to last month when you could not get anything to go forward, this is the time to make it happen. You have both the momentum and the stamina to get things done, so go for it.
Leo – Check your balance and your priorities so that you don’t get sidetracked into wasting your energy on something that has very little meaning for you. Feedback from those around you should be treasured.
Virgo – Last month’s confusion and miscommunication is a thing of the past and you are off to make it all right for the first part of the month. After the 10th focus your attention on others. Clear communication will be an asset that now makes room for deeper discussions.
Libra – The first half of the month is for thinking, writing, and communicating your desires. After the 15th you can show off your accomplishments in a big way. Beauty is definitely your thing.
Karola Crawford, MAFA, has been a certified Astrologer for 22 years. She has cast charts for clients all over the world and also practices Holistic medicine, Yoga, Shiatsu, Reiki, Auricular Acupucture and is an accomplished artist. Where does she get all of her energy? A grand trine in fire, of course. Karola can be reached at 561-615-1591 or by visiting the web site at www.karolacrawford.com.
Nearly half of the nation’s pet owners consider our pets “part of the family.” So, it only makes sense to include them in our Eco-friendly lifestyles.
I understand how some of you may be hesitant (considering that being organic, natural, and Eco-friendly is a lifestyle of choice), but I am here to tell you that you and your family can make a difference and live healthier in the process. These tips will give you and your family very simple solutions that help you make better earth conscious choices.
Here are my Five Tips to Begin the Eco-friendly Journey with Your Pets.
1) Clean up their poop (or shu-shu).
We all have them. Nicknames for unpleasant words (like “poop”). For my family, the word is “shu-shu.” Shu-shu is not my idea of a fun topic either… so I will get right to the point. Since we don’t live in San Francisco where they are turning shu-shu into bio-fuel, here we must pick up our pet’s shu-shu. If we don’t pick it up, shu-shu could be washed into our local waterways and into our water supplies. Don’t use those grocery store “plastic” bags… use biodegradable bags. Otherwise, shu-shu sits inside that plastic bag for hundreds of years at the landfill.
2) Pet Foods and Treats
Have you ever read the ingredients in your pet’s food? You might be surprised to know that pet food can include anything from pesticides to hormones to antibiotics. Instead, try natural and organic foods. This means that there are no artificial preservatives, flavorings, or fillings. Most grocery stores carry organic pet foods and treats on their shelves. However, if you want to do something really special, consider preparing your own food and treats. Check out your local library or search on the Internet for recipes and proper portion amounts for your pet.
3) Bedding and Toys
Purchase products made with organic cotton, hemp, or 100% recycled soda bottles. Yep, that’s right – many toys are made from recycled soda bottles (and can be recycled again after your pet loses interest). Recycled pet products are available in almost form, from leashes & collars to the bowls your pets eat from. This tip is especially important because not only will you be helping the environment, but these non-toxic toys and bedding also help with human allergies.
4) Kitty Litter
Use litter that is made from recycled newspaper and corn kernels. Why? Clay litter is strip-mined and is not Eco-friendly. On the other hand, newspaper and corn litter are quickly biodegradable!
5) Cleaners & Soaps
When searching for pest control, look for all-natural ingredients such as guava fruit, orange oil, and clove oils. When using cleaners use Eco-friendly, toxin-free products that contain eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint, cinnamon oil, lemon grass oil, or thyme oil. These natural ingredients are often just as effective. In other words, if it’s safe for us, it’s safe for our pets.
These are just a few ideas to get you started going green with your pet! For more ideas and information check out your local library or the Internet.
Christine Smith is a Principal, as well as the Director of Marketing for Fine Lions, Inc. Fine Lions specializes in a proprietary Eco-friendly wood graining process that is applied to non-wood products to give them the appearance of natural wood. This earth-conscious application may be done on exterior and interior doors, garage doors, kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as other surfaces. To learn more visit http://www.finelions.com.
When it comes to moving your precious belongings, everything you own, it’s important to trust the company you choose to hire. Fortunately, there is a moving company in our area that keeps your best interests in mind, providing really great customer service and doing it with honesty. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® in West Palm Beach is a locally-owned part of the international, award-winning franchise, carrying out the excellent service their founder started the business with.
Local owners Janelle and Joel Dowley are happy to have heard, “That was the best move we’ve ever had” many times from their customers. It’s not unusual for them to receive positive customer calls before the move is even finished. It also helps that they follow “THE GRANDMA RULE®.” The rule, upheld by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® staff, means treating everyone the way you would want your grandmother to be treated – with care and respect.
As Joel Dowley likes to say, “We are not a moving company. We’re a customer service company that moves things.” While moving companies have traditionally been male-dominated, says Janelle, it seems that founder and CEO Mary Ellen Sheets brought new ideas and values into the field. When we make the decision to hire someone, we’re very concerned with the question, “Who are we sending into your home?”
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® was started in the early 1980s by two brothers wanting to make extra money while they were in high school. And their mother Mary Ellen Sheets got involved in marketing and created the stick figure logo to advertise the business for them. After her first year of business, Sheets made a small profit of $1,000 and donated 100% of it to charity. Now, more than 25 years later, the company has grown to more than 200 locations worldwide. Sheets went on to win the award for “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2005. And the emphasis on giving back to the community remains as strong as it was in their first year of business.
The Dowleys at the West Palm Beach office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® carry on this company commitment to “giving back” to the fullest. “We want to feel like we’re a part of the community,” says Janelle. As the Dowleys see it, they have a resource, movers and trucks, and it just makes sense to lend a hand by doing what they do best.
The organizations they have helped and continue to help with their moving trucks are numerous: The Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, a Palm Beach County based organization that sends priority mail care packages around the world to American soldiers; the Loggerhead Marine Life Center; Families First of Palm Beach County; Habitat for Humanity; Quantum House; the Junior League; the Palms West Chamber of Commerce; Palm Beach Harvest, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. About once a month, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® movers contribute to the Forgotten Soldier’s packing day by picking up the care packages and bringing them to the post office. They also helped this organization move to a different warehouse space last July, donating the whole move to the Forgotten Soldiers organization.
Think Pink for October
Joel and Janelle Dowley of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, selling pink boxes for October.
Happening this month, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® movers will help with the logistics of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on October 17th, bringing things to the site at Okeeheelee Park. Since cancer runs in Janelle’s family, she has always felt strongly about this particular cause and is helping with the walk for the second year. In support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during October, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach is also offering pink boxes for sale. All profits from the sale of the pink boxes will be donated to the local MAKING STRIDES Against Breast Cancer® Walk.
To purchase pink boxes, contact TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach at 561-845-7373 or by emailing janelle.dowley@twomen.com. Also, there is still time to sign up for the Walk. For more information about the MAKING STRIDES Against Breast Cancer® Walk, contact Jeremy Morse at 561-650-0132 or Jeremy.morse@cancer.org.
Meanwhile, the TWO MEN locations across the country give 10 cents for every move back to the American Cancer Society (and have been doing this for the past six years). Last year, this resulted in a donation of approximately $65,000.
Getting Moving Down to a Science
Kierstin McGowan, Office Manager and Tina Lari, Customer Service Representative
In addition to being a business that gives back,
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach has their business down to a science. This is critical when it comes to giving accurate estimates before a move. They have an extremely detailed software program they use when collecting information. “Is that a glass table top? What type of art work do you have? Does the China cabinet have glass doors?” All of these types of questions get answered on their computer tablet, so there are absolutely no surprises when it’s moving day. They have an A-frame package for glass table tops and special bubble wrap for art work.
One of the misconceptions that people have about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is that it’s literally just two men and one truck. “Can you really move a whole house?” is a question that’s popped up quite a few times. In fact, they are experts in logistics at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, and they certainly have more than two men and multiple trucks, as needed.
Another thing that people might not realize about the company is that there is a focused effort on doing things “green.” “We are happy to do a green move for you,” says Janelle Dowley. They have plastic bins that can be used instead of the cardboard boxes. Also, they can take back the boxes and recycle them.
They have been very fortunate to have excellent staff members at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® West Palm Beach, since opening their doors five years ago. The entire team is always asking, “How can we do a better job of moving?” They excel at business moves. They create a moving plan, do a lot of color coding, find a point person at the company for the move and generally help the business plan their move. The goal is to avoid wasting any time or money in the process.
Joel and Janelle moved to South Florida from Michigan and feel fortunate to “live in paradise.” They have two daughters, Kara and Alayna. After getting her Master’s in International Business, Kara is working in Boston while Alayna is a senior at College of Charleston, South Carolina, getting a degree in biology with a minor in business. The Dowleys also have a small dog Rosie who comes to the office with them every work day. They are a warm, inviting family and treat their staff as extended family. Their positive attitude carries through to every move that they do!
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the USA’s first and largest local moving franchise company with locations in 32 states, including 21 locations in Florida.
After a few challenges in getting out and getting to his favorite concerts and events, young Korey Soderman got organized about having fun. As a differently-abled, extremely-bright teenager, Korey gets around using a motor wheelchair, communicates using hand gestures and a voice computer, and succeeds in doing so much more than he was ever expected to do as a young child diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Korey Soderman
“Getting out and meeting new people who are differently-abled is what it’s all about,” explains Korey. Korey’s Krew is a non-profit, charitable organization with the mission of providing children and adults with special needs the opportunity to attend local fairs, festivals, concerts and sporting events. Korey’s Krew provides tickets to such events, as well as any meals or other services needed. All Krew members and companions wear Korey’s Krew t-shirts and hats, supplied by Korey’s Krew. It’s a great way for differently-abled teens and young adults to meet and have fun together at amazing events. The group was founded in the spring of 2007 by Tom Shea, a friend of the Soderman family.
Korey’s twin brother Kyle attends college on the west coast of Florida. They are the sons of Wendy and Kris Soderman, founders of the highly-acclaimed Ideal Elementary and Dream Middle School in Royal Palm Beach. But that’s another story, a good one (see the August, 2007 edition of Around Wellington Magazine).
Founder Tom Shea organizes an annual golf tournament at Bear Lakes, which includes music and food afterwards for all participants to enjoy. However, due to the challenges of the economy, they skipped the past year.
Korey’s love for music and entertainment started early in life. In fact, according to his family, he is on this earth because of a Kenny Loggins song. The song “This is it” by Kenny Loggins inspired the Sodermans to make the choice to save Korey by performing an emergency C-section when Korey went into distress in the womb at just 32-weeks gestation. The decision was not an easy one, as it put the life of his otherwise healthy twin brother at risk. This inspirational story was presented on national TV in an A&E documentary in 2004. The documentary (with an introduction by actor Robert Downey, Jr.) can now be viewed on the Ideal and Dream School website, www.dreamideal.com.
What are other things that Korey likes to do? Most importantly, he is a big fan of live shows. He loves a wide variety of musical artists, with Three Doors Down and Simple Plan being a couple of his favorites. As long it’s live, whether it’s sporting events, plays, music, Korey loves to be there. He stays active and rides a tricycle. He always looks forward to competing in the Special Olympics. He’s also been a DJ for various events, putting his musical taste and talents to work. And like most teens, he is on his computer a great deal of the time – emailing, instant messaging, Skyping and just surfing the Web.
According to Korey, the biggest misconception people have about disabilities is simple, but frustrating. “People don’t think you’re smart, just because you’re disabled.”
Korey’s Krew offers a way for differently-abled teens and young adults to gettogether, see live shows and overcome those misconceptions that people sometimes have about disabilities.
Korey's Krew members at a Tim McGraw concert
Korey’s Krew accepts donations, large or small, and all proceeds go to the kids. If you would like to support Korey’s mission, please send a check to: Korey’s Krew, 13833 Wellington Trace E4 – 171, Wellington, FL, 33414, with tax exempt ID number 20-8869999. For more information, visit www.koreyskrew.com.
Since 2006, Macy’s “Shop For A Cause” Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $28 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your chance to be part of this monumental event on Saturday, October 17, 2009.
“Shop For A Cause” gives you the opportunity to help the Women’s Chamber Foundation (WCF) by purchasing a $5 Shopping Pass* for exclusive savings and special offers in every Macy’s store in the United States on Saturday, October 17th. As a participating charity, WCF keep 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each pass. Plus, you can enter to win a $500 Macy’s Gift Card! Come together with Macy’s and us, and while you’re out enjoying a day of shopping and great savings, you’ll be helping our community at the same time. For more information or to order a shopping pass, call contact Theresa LePore, WCF Chair at (561) 684-4523 or at president@womenschamber.biz.
RELEASE DATE: 10/01/09 (KILL DATE: 10/31/09): October artist announced for WAS online gallery
Joanne Baker MacLeod’s award-winning work featured on Society’s website
Wellington, FL, September 18, 2009 – Local painter Joanne Baker MacLeod is the featured artist for the month of October on the Wellington Art Society’s online Gallery Show.
Joanne received a degree in the fine arts from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA. where
she majored in commercial art. Baker MacLeod is known for her unique way of capturing light—drawing the viewer into her scenes of landscapes, people, animals and flowers.
Her award-winning work has been displayed in many galleries and businesses, as well
as private collections all over the country.
The one-woman online show features twelve of Baker MacLeod’s paintings and runs through October 31. All works are available for purchase. You can view the exhibit by visiting the Gallery Show section on the Society’s website, www.welingtonartsociety.org.
Founded in 1981, The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, its mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.
For more information, visit their website, www.wellingtonartsociety.org, or call W.A.S. President Adrianne Hetherington at 561-784-7561.
Wellington Art Society meeting features “hot” topic
Local artist Helen Hajjar to demonstrate wax technique at October 13 meeting
Wellington, FL, October 1, 2009 – Local artist Helen Hajjar will have the audience melting at the next Wellington Art Society meeting October 13, where she will be demonstrating the art of encaustic wax painting.
Encaustic means “burning in” and this Old World art form, dating back to 2000 BC, was used by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians, who melted bees wax over charcoal fires and added plant resins for color to create works of art.
Hajjar has adapted this technique to develop a unique way of painting using colored wax as paint and a small electric travel iron. Paintings created with this technique last much longer than oils and do not need to be under glass to be preserved. The technique produces colors that are more vivid, resulting in dramatic results. The native of Brooklyn, NY has won numerous awards for her outstanding work at different exhibitions and competitions in Florida and Connecticut, and has also written an instructional book on “Painting With Wax.”
The W.A.S. meeting will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, 151 Civic Center Way, near the southwest corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30pm, followed by a brief business meeting at 7, with the demo starting about 7:15. While the meeting is free and open to the public, there is a $5.00 fee for the demo for non-Society members.
Founded in 1981, The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, its mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.
For more information, visit their website, www.wellingtonartsociety.org, or call W.A.S. President Adrianne Hetherington at 561-784-7561.
“This is It! One Mother’s Big Decision and the Kenny Loggins Song that Inspired Her”
With this video, we provide a little background behind this month’s story about the non-profit organization Korey’s Krew. See the Korey’s Krew story in this month’s AW Stories of the Month! Korey is an incredible young man, and as you can see from this video, so are his parents.
TEEN TALK
