July/August, 2009 – A Wonderful Summer!

A Letter from the Editor

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July 1, 2009

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FROM THE EDITOR

July/August – Wishing You a Wonderful Summer!

Dear Around Wellington Readers,

I hope you are all having a Happy Summer! We have a plethora of great new articles for you to read and new contests happening between July 1 – 10 and between August 1 – 10!

You are guaranteed to get some good laughs out of Wendell Abern’s “Cantankerously Yours,” as I did. It’s his annual complaint letter to the editors of People Magazine . . . for not including him in their “100 Most Beautiful People in the World.” He asked me to publish his photo at about twice the normal size, so I obliged. Enjoy! And I think you’ll see the validity to Wendell’s complaint as you read on.

As for our special Around Wellington Stories of the Month, we have three topics of interest. First we take a look at three different organizations which advocate for children with autism, all making a difference in our community: The Other Side of the Fence, Autism Action Group and Project Lifesaver. Writer Jamie Allison analyzes the pro’s and con’s of desktops vs. laptops vs. netbooks, spelling it out for those who might be considering making a purchase in the near future. And writer Frannie Sheridan, who’s currently working on a Wacky Healthy Food Show for TV, gets romantic about chocolate…and chocolate cake.

In “As I Was Saying,” humorist Alan Williamson gives some fine tips on the art of walking. Don’t miss his “Walk This Way!” You’ll never take a walk the same way again. Or at least without thinking about it funny.

Check your sign and see what’s in store for you with “Astrology at Work” in Your Life by Karola Crawford this summer.

Dennis Lipp takes a turn at writing “By the Numbers” this month, giving us a look at income protection and valuable insurance information.

Judy Collins is the subject of Glenn Swift’s “Cultural Corner,” and Collins shares her “Seven T’s,” good rules to live by that she discovered when coping with the darkest moments of her life.

Health & Fitness expert Cheryl Alker tackles the subject of childhood obesity and tips for parents to get their children up and moving again.

We’re happy to introduce you to new monthly columnist Lisa Dawn Wax (aka Lightworker Lisa)! In “Lighten Up with Lisa,” she shares a few tips on thinking outside of the box and lightening up your heavy load. I’m already getting good feedback from this story after just one day of being published, so I’m happy to hear about people getting inspired by it.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tomer Haik, “The Kids’ Teeth Doctor” for our AW Spotlight article. Several parents have mentioned to me that they LOVED him and the positive experiences that their children have had. As the mother of a two-year-old and a four-year-old, I can fully understand how difficult it is to instill good “brushing routines” and dental care. Dr. Haik and his staff are extremely helpful when it comes to getting children off to the right start. In August, Dr. Haik will be sharing a fun video about Top Ten Tips for kids’ dental care on this website too!

While you might have mixed feelings about who Michael Jackson became later in his life, you cannot deny the monumental contributions he made to the world of music. I cried on the day that the world lost him, along with so many others who mourned. Did you know that one in ten people own the album “Thriller?” It’s the biggest-selling album of all time. Anyway, it breaks my heart to see the old videos of him performing, as a ten—year-old and then seeing how he changed . . . so dramatically. I thought it would be a good tribute to share the lyrics of his song “Man in the Mirror” for our Poem of the Month, as well as a video that one of his fans put together.

Here is our Table of Contents for July and August, including many other great articles for you to read!

Around Wellington in Pictures

As I Was Saying

Astrology at Work

AW Spotlight (Dr. Tomer Haik)

AW Stories of the Month

The Neighborhood Scoop (VillageWalk)

Pet Talk

Poem of the Month (Tribute to Michael Jackson)

THANKS for your continued interest in Around Wellington Magazine online! For questions or story ideas, contact: [email protected]. For advertising information, click on “Advertise.”

Wishing a Happy Summer to you and your families!

Krista Martinelli, Editor

June, 2009 – Lourdese Marzigliano at Miss America Junior Teen Pageant

Press Releases

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July 1, 2009

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June, 2009 – Lourdese Marzigliano at Miss America Junior Teen Pageant

For Immediate Release

Miss Lourdese Marzigliano, age 15, daughter of Michael and Lourdes Marzigliano of Lake Worth,

Lourdese Marzigliano, Representing Florida

has been selected to represent Florida at the 2009 Miss America Junior Teen Pageant.

As the Florida Junior Teen, Lourdese will be attending the National Pageant for her age group in Florida and Disney World during the week of Thanksgiving 2009. She will compete for the National Pageant title of Miss America Junior Teen and thousands of dollars in cash awards, prizes and scholarships.

Nationwide, State Winners and State Pageant Finalists will compete in the twenty-fifth annual scholarship competition organized by the American Coed Pageants, Inc: National Talent, Speech, Academic Achievement, Community Service, Photogenic, Personality, Most Promising Model, Best Actress and National Cover Girl and Hostess Contests will be held in addition to the National Pageant Winner’s Contest.

For more information on American Coed Pageants, contact Mrs. Carolyn Hawkins at the National Pageant Office at (850) 432-8662.

July/August, 2009 – Protecting Your Income

By the Numbers

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July 1, 2009

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July/August, 2009 – Protecting Your Income

BY THE NUMBERS

Provided by Dennis C. Lipp

Protecting Your Income – Part I

If you are in business, you probably insure the components of your business against loss beyond your control. You insure your premises against fire, accidental injury, and theft of property. Your equipment is probably insured. You probably have business interruption insurance to compensate you if your property is rendered unusable due to accidental damage. Whether or not you own a business, you probably insure your car so you can be sure that you’ll always have the means to get to work. You probably insure your dwelling so you can be sure that there will be a roof over your head in the event of a catastrophe.

Life, homeowners, and other types of insurance policies provide important kinds of coverage, but they will not safeguard you from financial impact if a disability prevents you from working. The stark reality is that without disability income insurance, a serious injury or illness could be financially devastating to you and your family.

You may believe you’re less likely to become disabled than to die prematurely, but statistics show exactly the opposite is true. According to tables prepared by the Society of Actuaries in 1985, at any given time in your career, the chance that a long-term disability will occur is several times the likelihood of death. For example, at age 37, the odds of a long-term disability vs. death is 3.3 to 1. At age 42, the odds are 3.5 to 1, at age 47, they are 2.8 to 1, and at age 52, they are 2.2 to 1.

Before you read further, please get a piece of blank paper and a writing utensil. On the paper, write the names of 20 people that know each other. Some examples are members of your family or members of a club, service, or religious organization. Once you have finished, circle the ones who have had a disability lasting 90 days or longer. My experience has shown that more than 90 percent of you will have circled at least 1 name on your lists.

If you earn $50,000 per year, in 20 years you will have earned 1 million dollars. Without you in it, will your car earn you that kind of money? Will any of the other things you insured enable you to continue receiving your income? Disability income insurance, also known as disability income replacement insurance, is an important vehicle that will help replace a portion of your income in the event that you become disabled due to accident or illness.

There are several types of disability insurance policies. A properly licensed agent or financial representative can explain what may be appropriate for you.

The opinions expressed in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you consult your representative, attorney, or accountant with regard to your individual situation.

This column appears courtesy of Dennis Lipp. Dennis is a Registered Representative offering securities through MetLife Securities, Inc.(MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC), New York, NY 10166. Insurance and annuities offered through Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. MSI and MLIC are MetLife companies. He focuses on meeting the individual insurance and financial services needs of people and businesses in the western communities of Palm Beach County. You can reach Dennis at the office at MetLife, One Clearlake Centre, Suite 1200, 250 S. Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Direct (561) 207-2466 or Cell (561) 596-6357.

July/August – The Kids Teeth Doctor, Dr. Tomer Haik

AW Spotlight

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July/August – The Kids Teeth Doctor, Dr. Tomer Haik

Dr. Haik, The Kids Teeth Doctor

Creating Happy Smiles

* Featuring an All New Video

Story by Krista Martinelli

See the video, featuring Dr. Tomer Haik’s Tips for Parents to Help with their Children’s Dental Success! Helpful tips for any parent who has battles over toothbrushing or struggles with finding a good dental routine.

When you walk into the pediatric dental office of Dr. Tomer Haik, you enter a fun, colorful place with video games and movies, pictures and paintings and lots of smiles. Everywhere you look, there are elephants, giraffes, lions and monkeys, and warm smiles. More importantly, you are greeted warmly by the staff and it just gets better when your child gets the pleasure of spending time with Dr. Haik. He is personable, silly, charming and everything that a parent could ask for when it comes to making their children feel at ease.

“It’s very rewarding to see the smiles coming from kids and their parents. My goal is to help families overcome the anxiety and fear that is sometimes associated with going to the dentist,” says Haik.

Located on 441 just one mile south of the Mall at Wellington Green, The Kids Teeth Doctor office takes patients from birth to 18 years of age. From routine check-ups to cleanings to extractions, Dr. Haik cares for all varieties of young dental issues.

“Dentistry has evolved into a more preventative approach, instead of just treating a problem when it arises.” Haik stresses the importance of children visiting the dentist by the time of their first birthday and getting check-ups every six months. What’s most important is establishing a good routine.

“Education is one of the most important things that we do in this office, and education is the backbone of prevention.

At the Kids Teeth Doctor office, Dr. Haik and his staff encourage parents to accompany their child during treatment. “The #1 rule for every pediatric dentist to keep in mind is,

Jungle theme throughout Dr. Haik's office, on the walls and everywhere you look

‘How do you expect children to react when they’re vulnerable lying on their backs, and there is a stranger with a mask on his face hovering over them? It is a very uncomfortable feeling for any child. So the goal is to treat children clinically and psychologically, doing everything possible to get rid of the natural anxiety that occurs, and it starts from the moment a child walks through the office doors. Dr. Haik and his staff aim “to treat every child as if he were their own.” They tend to take a slower pace and not rush the children too.

“At the end of the day, if we get an anxious child walking into the office and see him leaving happy and giving everyone high-fives, it’s very rewarding! Filling a tooth is not so much the challenge, cultivating strong positive attitudes about oral hygiene and the dentist requires greater efforts!”

Here’s what one happy parent has to say about her experience with Dr. Haik.

“As a mother of three young children, I have visited my share of pediatric dentists. I can now say with certainty that I have officially found my family dentist in Dr. Haik! I have NEVER experienced the professional warmth and gentle yet thorough care as I have with him and with his staff. He practices prevention, routine care and most importantly non-aggressive, non-invasive age-appropriate dental treatments. I have recommended him to all of my friends and clients and they love him too,” says Veronica Moister.

Dr. Haik started his own practice after working at three other pediatric offices in Florida and not being 100% satisfied with the way things were being done.

Dr. Haik in the front of his office on 441, just South of Forest Hill Blvd.

Dr. Haik and his wife Shari are the proud parents of a boy (almost four years old) and a girl (almost two). “They are truly the biggest reward in my life,” says Haik. “Also they instruct me in how to have this practice.”

The staff at his office is “dedicated and caring,” according to Haik. He is pleased with the way that they uphold the ethics he wants to carry out in running the practice. They are always trying to make the patient as comfortable as possible, from the moment of walking into the office to the moment of walking out.

Here are a few pediatric dental care tips from Dr. Haik. Note: He will be sharing more tips in approximately one month in the form of a fun video on this website!

· It’s important to take your child to the dentist by their first birthday.

· All kids should see a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to treat the “whole child” and see the big picture of the child’s development, more than just “treating baby teeth.” Note that not all children’s dentists are pediatric dentists.

If your experience at any dental office does not appeal to you, seek a second opinion. Don’t be afraid to ask about your child’s treatment, and never be afraid to ask about your child’s well being, especially if you are not in the room with him/her.

Video games along one wall entertain kids, especially when their siblings have an appointment.

And what is the key to proper teeth brushing for kids, according to Dr. Haik? Surprisingly, it’s good parental supervision. Dr. Haik recommends that parents get involved and stay involved brushing and flossing their children’s teeth into the mid-teen years. “The problem is that when they are too young, they don’t know how to brush their teeth well, and when they get a little older, they don’t want to brush their teeth well.” Kids are not patient enough about brushing their teeth by themselves until their mid-teens. “Kids rush and it needs to be monitored,” says Haik.

Coming on November 1^st!

In an another effort to contribute to the community, last year Dr. Haik threw an “after Halloween” party in a Wellington park, which will now be an annual event. On the first Sunday after Halloween (and this year it will be Sunday, November 1^st), Dr. Haik’s office presents “The Healthy Smiles Family Fun Day.”

“We collected 250 pounds of candy last year from parents and we sent it to our troops overseas,” says Haik. The concept is that kids give up some of their candy, preventing a few cavities. Meanwhile, they get to enjoy a bounce house, face painting and some other fun activities for the whole family.

The Kids Teeth Doctor

Tomer Haik, DDS, PA

Specializing in Dentistry for Infants, Children and Adolescents

3319 State Road 7 (Route 441), Suite 213, Wellington, FL 33414

See our “AW Coupons” link on this website for a coupon!

Phone: 561-333-8441

www.young-smiles.com

July/August, 2009 – New Support Group for Autistic Children

AW Stories of the Month

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July/August, 2009 – New Support Group for Autistic Children

Autism Action Groups

New Support Group for autistic children takes action!

By Kristine Messenger

When it comes to making a difference in the community for children with autism, there are no limitations. The following groups in particular have set their sights higher than most. They are not just talking about making changes, they are making changes!

Royal Palm Beach residents Linda Boucher and Tamara McKlveen of the newly Josh and Alyssa formed support group Autism Action Group and Andrea Thompson, president of The Other Side of The Fence joined forces to make their dreams of, “no limitations, find your key to success” come true!

These three women and other group members took it upon themselves to form a much-needed support group and not-for-profit organization to help families facing autism in the Western communities.

It is not hard to see their determination when you meet these women. Their time and effort to make things happen is very apparent as each member brings their own talents to the table. They are parents and grandparents who are raising children diagnosed with autism. Not only are they trying to find help for their own children and grandchildren, they are trying to help other families in the process too.

Unfortunately at this time, the obtain services in our community are few and far between. Most of the group members also agree there are little to no “affordable” services. So, in April of this year the groups came together and started to take action, seeking solutions.

Skyler: Diagnosed with autism, safer thanks to Project Lifesaver

All group members are now on a mission to help bring financial, educational, emotional, and therapeutic services to the area. It was not a hard decision for them to make. They saw a need to help support children with autism and went for it.

Andrea Thompson, president of The Other Side of the Fence says, “The Other Side of The Fence was born from a need for my son, and for other children with autism. I felt like autistic children and their parents are actually standing on the other side of the fence. Our children deserve services that are convenient and affordable in the community. My mission is to help provide affordable services and help educate individuals with autism and related disabilities. My vision is to open a therapeutic and educational center to service individuals with autism and their families, regardless of their financial abilities. I know this organization can become a success if not only families with autistic children come together, but every member of our community takes the opportunity to help. To put it simply, I am a mother of a child with autism who cannot find affordable services for my son.”

Linda Boucher of the Autism Action Group writes, “As with any disability, autism presents some very unique circumstances for those affected and their families. It didn’t take me long to realize that families in our community really didn’t have a place to go, or someone to talk to about these special challenges. Unless you are going though it yourself, it is very hard to grasp the gravity of what is really happening both physically and emotionally to the people involved. The support group, ‘Autism Action Group’ is a place to start. It is a place where people can talk to each other who have been there, and who they can relate to without a lot of explanation.

At the present time our group meets every other week at The Old Wellington Mall @ 8:30 am. [Call for exact dates and locations.] It is my hope as membership increases (currently we are a small group, and steadily growing!) we will be able to add meeting times and places accordingly, so more people can participate.

We have banded together with The Other Side of The Fence. In doing so, we hope to combine our efforts to promote positive change. Most families affected by autism are currently driving as far as Jupiter and Boca Raton to find care for their children and young adults. We want to bring help and awareness to those living here! We want to create an environment with a sort of ‘one stop shopping place’ here in the western communities.

As of today, there are 1 in 150 children being diagnosed with autism. When a family first learns of their child’s diagnosis it can take weeks, months, or longer to find which treatments are available, and where they are located. At the very least, it is our goal to make finding the information and services more accessible.

People in our area can help by educating themselves about autism, and understanding that people with autism are a part of this community. Children affected with autism are not “bad” kids. They are very smart and loving children. Unfortunately, most individuals with autism have difficulties communicating with others. They express themselves differently and are not always able to understand socially acceptable behavior.

Not only does Linda dedicate her time to the support group, she has also taken on another huge responsibility. In June, Linda met with Michelle Damone,

Executive Director of Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County. Together they set up one of the first Project Lifesaver managing agencies in Royal Palm Beach. The site is located at Palms West Presbyterian Church in Loxahatchee Groves.

Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County is making great strides toward bringing

Jupiter Police Department Training with the Sheriff for Project Lifesaver

their program to the area. It is a public safety program used to locate missing persons due to wandering because of dementia, Alzheimers’s disease, autism, or related disorders. A transmitter (wristband) similar to a wristwatch is placed on the participant. Each transmitter has an assisted radio frequency inside. If that person becomes lost or wanders off, they can be tracked through the Palm Beach Sheriff’s office 911 center. To date, hundreds of officers have been trained, including many from their K9 department. Once a person is deemed eligible for the project, he or she will then be connected with a local managing agency and an initial assessment will be made. Information is then collected, including a current photo, and is stored in a private data base which is accessed by law enforcement in case of an emergency. A monthly battery change is mandatory, and at this time a fee is charged to cover costs. Currently grants and fund raising efforts are being made to provide participants in financial need with wristbands. To date, Project Lifesaver is offered in 45 states and the country of Canada.

Linda’s grandson was a participant of the PLS program in VA. When her daughter and grandchildren moved to Royal Palm Beach, they wanted to continue to be participants of the program. However, after trying to find a local managing agency, they learned that Project Lifesaver was just in the beginning stages here in Palm Beach County. While speaking with others parents, Linda quickly realized she was not the only one looking for a managing agency. After contacting Michelle Damone, within a few months she was able to get permission to have the site at her church, and the managing agency was established.

“Project Lifesaver saves lives; I didn’t want to hear about another tragedy if it could be prevented,” says Linda Boucher.

Personal Note: I can’t thank Linda Boucher, Michelle Damone, and the West Presbyterian church for all their energy and time spent to make the PLS Royal Palm Beach managing agency a part of the community.

Project Lifesaver has given my family the extra peace of mind we have been looking for. It gives me a sense of pride knowing we have such committed people working together to help save lives.

Many thanks to Andrea Thompson for taking the initiative to begin her dream and start making possibilities for the future a reality.

Kristine Messenger

Upcoming Event to Benefit Project Lifesaver

Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese Wine Tasting Benefit
On Friday, July 24th from 6:00-8:00pm, taste your way around Whole Foods Market Wellington and enjoy varieties of gourmet Macaroni & Cheese and Fine Wines throughout the store. A $20 donation will be collected at front entrance where you will receive a wine glass for the tasting and your gift for supporting Project Life Saver. 100% of proceeds go to Project Life Saver, Palm Beach County, benefiting both the Autism and Alzheimer’s community. Pre-registration at Customer Service Required.

***

*Donations needed:

We need the community to come together and help us make a difference – Will you please be a part of our success?

*Volunteers and sponsors, and donations are needed to help provide services and keep ‘Autism Action Group’ and ‘The Other Side of The Fence’ a success. For more information on current fundraising events, volunteering, meeting dates and times, Project Lifesaver Of Palm Beach County, or to join this support group please contact the following:

The Other Side of The Fence:

Andrea Thompson, President

561-452-3900

[email protected]

Autism Action Group:

Linda Boucher or Tamara McKlveen

561-790-6751

[email protected]

Project Lifesaver Of Palm Beach County:

Michelle Damone

561-753-6053

www.pbcprojectlifesaver.org

Kristine Messenger is the author of her first book, an autobiography titled “Somewhere Between Here and … Autism, Laughing with Angels, Dancing with Butterflies.” Visit her website for more information on the book and on her life’s journey, as a parent and as an advocate for autistic children.

July/August, 2009 – Desktops & Laptops & Netbooks . . .

AW Stories of the Month

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July/August, 2009 – Desktops & Laptops & Netbooks . . .

Tech Talk

By Jamie Allison

Desktops & Laptops & Netbooks . . . Oh My!

In today’s world, most people rely on the use of computers from paying their bills to communicating with the world and it is a tough decision when buying a new computer with so many options available. Many of us started off using desktop computers with those big bulky CRT monitors we all know and love. These days we live in an on-the-go wireless age where you can check your email and go online from just about anywhere with your laptop or cellular phone.

We all owned a desktop computer at some point in our lives, those big bulky boxes with the 2 ton monitors. It seems these days the desktop is being phased out and being replaced with laptops and netbooks. Unless you are doing some serious gaming or desktop publishing, you don’t need a desktop pc anymore. Even today’s laptops can handle the work load for just about everything. It’s all about portability and going wireless from checking your email from a bookstore or monitoring your stock portfolio before your flight leaves.

If you play online games or do a great deal of multi-tasking, then you might want to go with a much more powerful computer to handle the processing speed. The three main factors you want to consider on any computer you buy are processor speed, RAM (Random Access Memory) and hard drive space. Every time you open a program, it gets loaded from the hard drive into the RAM. This is because reading data from the RAM is much faster than reading data from the hard drive. Running programs from the RAM of the computer allows them to function without any lag time. The more RAM your computer has, the more data can be loaded from the hard drive into the RAM, which can effectively speed up your computer. In fact, adding RAM can be more beneficial to your computer’s performance than upgrading the CPU.

But the question is, what do I need to buy? Well laptops are the way to go. They are small, lightweight and very portable. These days desktop computers are not as popular as they used to be and they can be configured for wireless connectivity as well, but you won’t be packing one up to take with you on your next business trip or vacation. There are so many brands and styles of laptops out there, it’s hard to choose one sometimes. If you are just doing simple day-to-day tasks such as email, searching the internet, creating word documents and spreadsheets even video conferencing, you can get a really nice laptop for under $500.00.

These days even laptops are getting smaller with the introduction of netbooks, sometimes called mini laptops. A netbook is a small, portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet. Primarily designed for web browsing and e-mailing, netbooks rely heavily on the Internet for remote access to web-based applications and are targeted increasingly at cloud computing users who require a less powerful client computer. Netbooks typically run either Windows XP or Linux operating systems rather than more resource intensive operating systems like Windows Vista. They are the ultimate on-the-go portable link to the online word. Very small and extremely lightweight with screen sizes below 10″, you can carry these computers with you anywhere, just like a laptop but even smaller. The downside to these smaller machines is drive space and processing speed, but as we all know these things always change and technology is always getting better.

Netbooks are perfect for email, internet searching and some basic office document creating. Most of them do not have CD/DVD rom drives and the keyboards are very small and can take some time to get used to. With all the wireless options we have today, a laptop or netbook computer is the way to go.

Jamie Allison, MCSA MCP Net+ A+, can be contacted at PC Piece of Mind Computer Services, [email protected] or at 561-827-3792. AOL IM: pcpieceofmind. Visit www.pcpieceofmind.com.

July/August, 2009 – Chocolate Wedding Cake

AW Stories of the Month

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Chocolate Wedding Cake

By Frannie Sheridan

Being an incurable Choco-holic, I would have argued long and hard with my future husband if he had not conceded to having a chocolate wedding cake. Luckily, I married Mr. Right Cake!

Some people find their romantic match based on astrology. I had gone a step further. Considering my predisposition to chocolate, I had been determined to date a pure milk chocolate lover like myself, as opposed to a dark or white chocolate lover. It was okay if potential marital partners had enjoyed their fix with a few raisins here and there, but most importantly, no nuts!

Having done extensive analytical research on the varying personality traits of people who had a preference for milk chocolate over dark or white, I would have been insane not to narrow my search. I had irrefutable evidence that pure milk chocolate lovers like myself had bubbly personalities, didn’t think cow milk was the anti-Christ, and didn’t have to go to some specialty store in the Austrian Alps to obtain their chocolate!

Now, I don’t mean to come across as chocolate-tist, and in my past I had dated the entire chocolate rainbow of personality types. And sure, there is room for all chocolate lovers in this world. But at the end of the day, I just want to be able to relax at home with my type and not have to endure the company of a serious “I only eat 85% dark cacao chocolate!” whiney health nut type of person, or an “I only eat white chocolate because I’m that pure!” annoying perfectionist. Uch! Too hard to live up to. I’m happy being a foot dragging, “I eat it cuz I like it and that’s that!” milk chocolate junkie.

So, when my future husband proposed to me, it didn’t bother me in the least that he was speaking with a mouthful of my favorite milk chocolate ganache cake. To me, the light brown on his lips was the color of true everlasting love.

Enjoying chocolate cake . . . isn't it romantic?

To further prove my point, I examined the chocolate preferences of two couples who were famous for their romantic longevity. Mickey and Minnie Mouse (no surprise that they are both milk chocolate lovers) and Fred and Ginger Rogers. Although Fred had been a diehard white chocolate lover, whereas Ginger had preferred dark, when together, they had always shared the same type, perfectly melding their personalities. As we all know, their concession is a rarity since most of us will viciously defend the right to opt for our favorite chocolate, no matter how amorous we feel.

Frannie Sheridan first published the above article with Examiner.com. Her new solo multi-character show ‘A Celebration Of Life…Dancing On Hitler’s Grave’ debuts in Boca at The Adoph and Rose Levis Theatre January 16 and 17th, 2010. An associated film project is in late development. Most recently, she performed her Wacky Healthy Food Show sponsered by Whole Foods, which she continues to perform around Florida, also in development for television.

July/August, 2009 – Musical Kids

Mommy Moments

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July 1, 2009

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MOMMY MOMENTS

By Melanie Lewis

Musical kids. Are they born that way or do they become inspired by their environments? I wondered this as I watched in awe at 10 year old Emily Webster featured in June’s issue of Around Wellington. She clearly enjoyed singing and playing guitar. I wondered how she came to choose her musical interests. I wanted to expose my kids to music. Partly, because of the “Mozart effect” theory, which suggests that “listening to Mozart makes you smarter” and has a beneficial effect on mental development. And I also knew from my own experiences with choirs and orchestras how much fun it was to participate in musical activities. It would then be up to them to take it from there.

From the time my kids were born, we were singing lullabies to sooth their colicky restlessness. As they grew older we were singing “the Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Wheels on the Bus” together. With a limited repertoire, I found the library had several baby-play/song books. Wee Sing Children’s songs and Finger plays by Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp are classics from the 70’s. Gymboree also had a book of different songs and activities. The kids participate more with finger plays. One particular favorite of ours is “Five little ducks went swimming one day.” It’s a bath time hit. You’ll need 5 rubber ducks in the bath tub or swimming pool. The song goes like this: “5 little ducks went swimming one day, over the hill and far away, momma duck said quack, quack, quack and 4 little ducks came back…and so on. At the end Momma duck says quack, quack, quack and all the ducks come back and I throw all the ducks up in the air and back into the bath.

As they’ve gotten older, I’ve introduced them to more grown-up fare. Although they don’t rock-out to Green Day, they enjoy the oldies station on the radio. There are a couple of CD’s out that they enjoy. One in particular is Ziggy Marley’s Family Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB8mZMEo_6k

Although many kids can sing “High School Musical” from start to finish, my group has their focus on commercials like the McDonalds filet-o-fish. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJOIqVAD-s&feature=related. I figure as long as they’re singing and having fun, it’s a success. This spring, my 5 year old joined a children’s choir at church. The ages ranged from 5 to 15. The director gave us a CD with the songs and piano accompaniment to listen to and sing along. WOW! He was humming and singing to himself.

It wasn’t until recently that they started to take an interest in some of the noise-makers around the house. It seems a natural progression to want to play air guitar and try to make a coherent song on the mini piano keyboard. The sounds were getting more organized and made-up little tunes with nonsensical lyrics were showing up. An 8-week stint for piano lessons, however, did not yield virtuoso talent much less burgeoning interest for my 5-year-old.

Time will tell what kind of music my kids will be interested in. We’re creating memories and lots of digital video files for posterity. At least we’re having fun with our special musical moments and that’s the most important thing.

Visit this site for more interactive children’s songs:

http://www.smart-central.com/midiangel.htm

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.

July/August, 2009 – Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash…

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July 1, 2009

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July/August, 2009 – Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash…

Pet Talk

By Frances Goodman

Uh-Oh! Foray into Trash can put Pets at Risk

Have you ever walked into the kitchen to find the trash spread all over the floor?

And there in the middle of the mess is your wonderful dog — or sweet cat — looking quite pleased about it.

Raiding the trash is more than a minor frustration for us. It can be extremely dangerous to pets.

Toxic hazards in the trash may include medications, harmful foods like onions and coffee grounds, poisonous plant cuttings, and chemicals such as household cleaners, insecticides, or batteries.

Puppies and kittens have no discretion about what they put in their mouth, and are especially at risk.

Hazards

Here is a breakdown from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on what can happen if pets get into the trash:

1. Physical obstruction hazards — Items such as meat and poultry bones, plastic, metal, or paper can cause choking or trauma to the gastrointestinal tract. They can lead to a life-threatening blockage that could require emergency surgery.

2. Bacteria — Spoiled food can harbor millions of bacteria, which in some cases could lead to food poisoning or a condition known as bacterial enteritis. This is where the animal’s intestinal tract becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in painful bloating of the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Toxic Molds — Certain decaying foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds. Some of these can produce toxins that affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors and seizures that can quickly become life-threatening.

4. Poisonous household items — The list of potential poisons to animals could go on forever, according to the ASPCA.

Even non-toxic items, like used paper towels or tissue (which many dogs find irresistible), can cause upset stomach.

Prevention

Prevention is the key.

Where trash is concerned, this can be as easy as using sturdy cans, with lids, that are not easily tipped.

Attractive stainless steel cans with heavy wooden tops are available at upscale prices. Plastic cans with step-pedals are available at a more economical cost.

If possible, keep containers in out-of-reach areas, such as a secure cabinet under the sink or inside the closed pantry, in all rooms as well as the kitchen.

To further protect pets, the ASPCA recommends:

● Always take high-risk items directly to a secure garbage can outside;

● Properly dispose of batteries and other potentially poisonous materials.

Thanks for caring. See you next time.

♥

Training tip for the month: Catching your dog in the act of doing something good, and giving praise, is just as important as catching him/her in the act of doing something wrong, and giving a correction.

Got a question? Frances Goodman is a professional dog obedience trainer and pet care writer who resides in Royal Palm Beach. Email her at [email protected].