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June, 2009 – Let Your Light Shine!

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June, 2009 – Let Your Light Shine!

Let Your Light Shine!Terri Farris

 

by Terri Farris

 

Lighthouses, a long time symbol of guidance, originated from people setting fires at the edge of the water to warn boats of dangerous rocks and shorelines!  The first lighthouse was built in Egypt in 283.  It guided ships for over 1,500 years and was 900 feet tall!  Today lighthouses stand on harbors, islands and beaches all over the world.

 

The Hudson River beginning in the New York Harbor and continuing up through the Hudson Valley area to Albany, New York is home to eight lighthouses which are now historic landmarks:  The Statue of Liberty, Jeffrey Hooks Lighthouse, Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Stony Point Lighthouse, Esopus Meadows Lighthouse; Rondout Lighthouse, Saugerties Lighthouse and the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.  Let’s take a trip up the Hudson River to learn about some of these unique historic landmarks!

The Statue of Liberty –

The world’s most famous lighthouse is also one of the most recognized symbols of America. Representing a beacon of hope to thousands, the Statue of Liberty stands as a National Monument on Liberty Island in the New York harbor at the mouth of the Hudson River.   Formerly used as a lighthouse, Congress accepted this gift from France as a work of art and as a beacon for the New York harbor in 1877.    President Cleveland appointed the US Light-House Board to be the caretaker of Lady Liberty.  Fourteen arc lamps were strategically placed to illuminate the torch; however, the dimness of the lighting was little help to ships entering the harbor.  The “Liberty Lighthouse” closed in 1902. 

The Statue of Liberty can be visited by boarding a ferry at Battery Park in New York City or at the Central Railroad Terminal located at the north end of Liberty State Park in New Jersey.  Liberty Island, the statue and its base were closed immediately after the events of September 11, 2001.  Limited access to the statue resumed in December 2001.  The Statue of Liberty crown will reopen to the public on July 4th of this year. http://www.nps.gov/stli

Jeffrey Hooks Lighthouse –

Just up the river stands one of the most beloved lighthouses in Little Red LighthouseAmerica.  The Jeffrey Hooks Lighthouse, known as The Little Red Lighthouse, was constructed in 1920 to aid in the navigation of shipping on the Hudson River.  In the 1930’s the George Washington Bridge was constructed over the lighthouse.  The story of the lighthouse is told in the 1940’s children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge by Hildegard H. Swift.  In the story the Little Red Lighthouse is happy with his important role of warning the ships about the river’s dangers.  One day a great grey bridge is constructed over it and the Little Red Lighthouse feels useless.  In the end, the lighthouse learns it still has an important place in the world and learns to work with the Great Grey Bridge to warn the ships!   The lighthouse was saved from demolition due to the outpouring of support from the public who sent letters and money for the preservation of this beloved icon. The lighthouse was later deeded to the City of New York.  You can tour the lighthouse from Spring thru Autumn.  Tours are led by the Urban Park Rangers and feature historical exhibits inside the lighthouse.  http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=393

 Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse –

The 1883 lighthouse at Sleepy Hollow, formerly known as the Tarrytown Lighthouse, is the only Caisson-style lighthouse on theSleepy Hollow Lighthouse river.  The United States Congress authorized the erection of the lighthouse in 1847 but the project was delayed by controversy over the prospective site of the lighthouse.  Over thirty years later the decision was finally made to locate the lighthouse in the river itself approximately one-quarter mile off Kingsland Point.  In its 78 years of service the lighthouse had a nearly perfect record of performance.  The Lighthouse at Sleepy Hollow had twelve keepers over the 78 year period, many with wives and some with children.  Designed as a family station, the keeper and his family lived in the five-story structure year-round.  The lighthouse was rendered obsolete with the completion of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955.  The lighthouse is open for group tours by appointment only for groups of up to 25 people.  Periodic public visiting hours are also held.  Call (914) 366-5109 for further information.  The lighthouse can be viewed from Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow.

Stony Point Lighthouse –

Built in 1826 by Thomas Phillips of New York City for a cost of $3,350, the Stony Point Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson. Stony Point Lighthouse Constructed of blue split stone, the lighthouse is a 30-foot tall octagonal structure.  One of the most notable keepers of this lighthouse was Nancy Rose.  Nancy’s husband, Alexander Rose, died just four years after taking over as keeper.  A widow with six children, Nancy cared for the Stony Point lighthouse once maintaining her post in the lighthouse for 56 hours faithfully ringing the fog bell during a dense fog!  The lighthouse is part of the Stony Point Battlefield Park.  http://nysparks.state.ny.us/sites/info.asp?siteID=29

Saugerties Lighthouse –

The Saugerties Lighthouse is a red-brick lighthouse built in 1869 situated at the mouth of the Esopus Creek on the Hudson River.   This restored lighthouse gives visitors an opportunity to step back in time and sample life as a lighthouse keeper with a stay at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast!  The lighthouse contains a small museum, gift shop, parlor, kitchen, keepers quarters and two guest bedrooms.  Access to the lighthouse is by way of a ½ mile long trail with bridges and boardwalks.  The lighthouse is open to the public during the day.  Overnight reservations can be made for Thursday through Sunday evenings year round except for the month of February.    http://www.saugertieslighthouse.com

A visit to any of the Hudson Valley Lighthouses from the Statute of Liberty in the New York harbor to the Hudson-Athens lighthouse at the top of the Hudson River Valley will transport you back to a time when the lights were still shining from these historic beacons!

Terri Farris is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling. You can see more of her writing on her blog at www.terrifarris.blog-spot.com or contact her at [email protected].

 

June, 2009 – Solar Day

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LIVING GREEN

First Annual SolarDay

 to be held on Sunday, June 21

the First Day of Summer

  

The first annual SolarDay (www.solarday.com)  will be held nationwide on the first day of Summer – Sunday, June 21, 2009 – to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy and local solar installations in their area.

 

SolarDay is the first statewide and national recognition on the importance of solar energy to provide a source of energy that will reduce the U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.  This is an annual event held each year on the first day of Summer.

 

John Reed, Director of Elevator Communications, LLC – creator of SolarDay – explained the need for this new annual celebration of American energy independence through the adoption of solar energy installations and policies:

 

“While oil prices have recently declined, the party’s over for cheap fossil fuels, forever.  Sooner or later we’ll be looking, again, at $4.50 a gallon gasoline and we need to focus on steps we can take, as individuals and businesses – to permanently reduce our need on fossil fuels and the environmental hazards of greenhouse gases.  The new Obama administration provides us with a fresh start to dramatically grow the solar and green energy we need to meet our energy needs.

 

“The importance of solar energy has been recognized by the U.S. Congress, which included an 8-year extension of the 30% energy investment tax credit (ITC) in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and removed the $2,000 cap which enables homeowners to fully use the 30% ITC.”

 

 

About SolarDay™, 2009

 

SolarDay™ 2009 is the first in an annual, state-by-state and national day of recognition for the growth of solar energy in the U.S. and a celebration of the growth in our energy independence.

 

SolarDay will be held on the first day of Summer each year.

 

Solarday.com is also the first consumer portal for information about solar energy and companies on a state-by-state basis so consumers can contact local solar installers to find out more about tax credits, costs and the benefits of energy independence. More information is available at: www.solarday.com.

 

 

 

Ten Ideas for SolarDay 2009 Local Community Events

 

Sunday, June 21 – the first day of summer

 

 

 

Do Your Own Thing

 

1 – SolarDay 2009, Run for the Sun:  how about a nice, friendly 5K walk and run event on a pleasant Sunday, June 21 – with proceeds donated to a fine, local environmental cause in your hometown.  A SolarDay Walk-A-Thon would also be great.

 

2 – SolarDay 2009, show Me Your Solar: How about a self-guided tour of local solar homes and businesses so people can see, firsthand, how solar works on a practical basis?

 

3 – SolarDay 2009, My Town Eco-Tour: Most towns have cool eco-elements many people don’t know about.  Why not an Eco-Tour on SolarDay 2009 to check out the people and places that are living and working eco-friendly in your town?

 

4 – SolarDay 2009, Going Green – Ten Steps To Sustainability: Need an expert for SolarDay?  Your local solar energy company can help, as can the U.S. Green Building  Council and local organizations that would be happy to discuss steps everyone can take to live better, greener lives.

 

5 – SolarDay 2009, Save Energy: Again, your local solar company can give plenty of advice on saving energy in the home and workplace.  There are also experts from your local utility available to talk to SolarDay 2009 participants about saving energy – everything from turning back the thermostat to long-lasting, energy-efficient lightbulbs to natural lighting to . . . it’s a long list of practical, inexpensive ideas that can help reduce the costs of energy in our daily lives.

 

6 – SolarDay 2009, Eco-Home, Eco-Business:  We can start improving the quality of our homes and workplaces with low VOC paints, recycled carpets, natural glues and adhesives, natural cleaning products, recycled products, eco-friendly flooring and natural bamboo, FSC-certified wood products – this is a great place to start with an expert speaker about simple tips to improve the eco-quality of our homes and businesses.

 

7 – SolarDay 2009, Start Your Organic Garden – you can’t grow one without the sun.  Why not have an organic gardening expert at SolarDay 2009 to talk about chemical-free foods, natural and organic and biodynamic gardening.  All good.

 

8 – SolarDay 2009, Solar Oven Competition: Speaking of food, why not have a solar-oven competition?  These are easy to build (just Google solar ovens), lots of different designs, you can actually cook food at SolarDay 2009, outside in the sun and offer those delectables to participants at your local event.  Rather cool – and hot enough to cook with.

 

9 – SolarDay 2009, Green Getaway Silent Auction: Speaking of green, your organization can create a list of cool green destinations as a vacation getaway to the lucky bidder.  We’ve all obtained sponsors for silent auctions for our schools and organizations, why not a green getaway weekend package with a green hotel, local organic restaurant, maybe a natural winery – you get the idea. A little creativity and a little work will go a long way toward creating a fun, green getaway package.

 

10 – SolarDay 2009, Green Photo Contest: Invite your community to post their green photos on your organization’s website to share what folks are doing, in your town, to live green.

For more information, contact:

John Reed, Principal

Elevator Communications, LLC

[email protected]

SolarDay 2009

San Francisco, CA

(415) 848-9080

June, 2009 – Yesterday

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June, 2009 – Yesterday

Poem of the Month

By Minx Boren

yesterday

sometime

between the washing and drying of sheets

I remembered to be grateful for the many friends

who have blessed me with their company

 

yesterday

sometime

between racing here and there to complete

an endless list of errands

I remembered to be thankful for legs and arms

and wheels and smooth roads

in a safe country

 

yesterday

sometime

between the chopping and serving of a meal

I remembered to give thanks for the seeds

and the farmers and their tools

and the trucks that deliver to markets and

the thousands and thousands

of interlocking efforts that bring 

food to my table

 

yesterday

sometime

between good morning and good night

I remembered

really remembered

the goodness of my days

 

from Feeling My Way – 99 Poetic Journeys

© 2008  Minx Boren.  All rights reserved

 

 

For more poems by Minx Boren, visit:

http://www.coachminx.com./poetry/books.html

 

Minx Boren, Master Certified Coach
Minx Boren, Master Certified Coach

June, 2009 – June Pictures

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June, 2009 – June Pictures

Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site! 

Pictured are the Binks Forest Elementary School Student Council with third grade teacher and Coucil sponsor Lisa Gifford. The Council sponsored a drive for the “Forgotten Soldiers” that lasted two weeks and filled two truckloads with a variety of items including peanut butter, cereal bars, razors, sunscreen and magazines. The items were delivered on Friday, May 15, 2009. "The staff at Binks Forest Elementary is thrilled with the kindness of our students and parents," said BFES Media Specialist Sharon Wedgworth. Photo by Lois Spatz.
Pictured are the Binks Forest Elementary School Student Council with third grade teacher and Coucil sponsor Lisa Gifford. The Council sponsored a drive for the “Forgotten Soldiers” that lasted two weeks and filled two truckloads with a variety of items including peanut butter, cereal bars, razors, sunscreen and magazines. The items were delivered on Friday, May 15, 2009. "The staff at Binks Forest Elementary is thrilled with the kindness of our students and parents," said BFES Media Specialist Sharon Wedgworth. Photo by Lois Spatz.
 
Nacho Figueras, the Argentine Polo Player. Photo taken in Miami Beach by Christine Rose.
Nacho Figueras, the Argentine Polo Player. Photo taken in Miami Beach by Christine Rose.
The 22nd Annual Safe Harbor Celebrity Dog Wash made a big splash on Saturday, May 16 at Jupiter's Carlin Park with over 5000 attendees of the two-legged persuasion. The dog-friendly event featured a doggie costume contest and look-a-like contests, Sky Dogs, fabulous food and craft vendors and cool libations and a play area for the kids. The highlight of the event featured the headlining band War, most well-known for their mega-hits Lowrider, Cisco Kid, Spill the Wine and of course, Why Can't We Be Friends. Photo by Christine Rose.

 

Parents and kids got together for a good cause on May 22nd at My Gym in Royal Palm Beach, raising funds and bringing toys for the Children's Coalition. Photo by Krista Martinelli.
Parents and kids got together for a good cause on May 22nd at My Gym in Royal Palm Beach, raising funds and bringing toys for the Children's Coalition. Photo by Krista Martinelli.

June, 2009 – Passing the Torch

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June, 2009 – Passing the Torch

TEEN TALK

by Evan Baumel

Evan Baumel
Evan Baumel

 

Passing the Torch

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Evan Baumel and I will be your teen talk columnist beginning with the September issue of Around Wellington Magazine.  You may recognize my last name.  My sister, Rachel Baumel, wrote the Teen Talk column for Around Wellington Magazine two years ago. Let me give you an update on Rachel: she is currently finishing her second year at Simmons College in Boston and is an Arts Administration major.  Like Rachel, I enjoy writing.  My style of writing is very different from my sister.  I prefer to write about politics, history and issues that teens are experiencing in this day and age.  I will attempt to approach these serious subjects in a way that is informative, readable and in some ways entertaining.  I enjoy reading satirical literature and the comics as much as the Op-Ed column of the New York Times.  I also glance at The Economist magazine to keep up with the business world and our current economic state. The fact that Around Wellington Magazine is now online is excellent!  Most teens are plugged into their computers, iphones and ipods almost every waking hour that we’re not in school.  As a result, Around Wellington Magazine online will be much more accessible to people our age, so be sure to bookmark it as one of your “favorites.” 

    I am an active student at Wellington High School and in August 2009 will be a senior.  My activities will include the Debate Team, National Honor Society, Key Club, the Wellington Community High School Wave Newspaper and other clubs.

    An issue that is very important to me is student political awareness.  Whether you attend Wellington High or Palm Beach Central, most of our teen readers are within four years of having the privilege to vote.  I will try to keep you informed of how current legislation will affect teens on a local, state and national level.  I will try not to discuss controversial issues or communicate any political bias.  It does not matter to me what party affiliation you or your family is involved in.  What matters most is that you are aware that decisions about YOUR future are being made every single day.

     Of course, I will be covering teen culture and events that will interest our high school readers.  Over the summer, I encourage you to participate in activities, events, and festivals. Take a vacation, get a summer job and have a good time.  Don’t waste your summer by sitting on the couch watching TV for ten weeks. Economic times are tough, so if you can’t get a summer job try to volunteer in some capacity and earn some community service hours. Last year I was a volunteer Counselor In Training at a local camp and it was enjoyable. Overall, the message I’m trying to convey is: “Do something, anything of value to make your summer count.” I look forward to joining the Around Wellington team of writers in September.

 

Evan Baumel will be a senior at Wellington High School.  He’s involved in Debate, National Honor Society, and Key Club.

June, 2009 – How Does the Estate Tax Affect Your Wealth Transfer Plan?

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June, 2009 – How Does the Estate Tax Affect Your Wealth Transfer Plan?

 

BY THE NUMBERS

by Juan Cocuyjuan-km1

 

How Does the Estate Tax Affect Your Wealth Transfer Plan?

Anyone with significant net worth must consider tax rates and the threshold at which wealth transfers are taxable.

If your estate is currently valued at less than $3,500,000 and is not expected to increase substantially any time soon, changes in estate tax rates and exemptions won’t mean much to you. But for persons with larger estates, current law offers significant but perhaps temporary tax breaks through phased rate reductions and increases in exclusion amounts.

The amount you can leave to your survivors free of estate tax is $3,500,000 in 2009. In 2010, the federal estate tax is scheduled to be repealed but, in 2011, it is supposed to go back to the $1,000,000 exemption with a top rate of 55%.  The common joke is if you are going to die, schedule it for 2010.  Currently, the amount that can be transferred free of gift tax by lifetime giving is $1,000,000 and will not increase. The maximum wealth transfer tax rate on taxable amounts is 45 percent. Also, you can gift $13,000 per year not included in the lifetime giving amount.

Spouses are permitted to join in any gift by the other spouse for the purpose of calculating the tax-free limit.

That means that, currently, a married couple could transfer up to $9,000,000 free of wealth transfer tax – which would include inheritances totaling $7,000,000, plus lifetime tax free gifts of $2,000,000, both significantly more than current limits. But again, it is preposterous to plan that both to die in 2009!

Never in our memory has planning for wealth transfer been more confusing and uncertain. That’s why we advise that, if you are in a high net worth situation and are up in years, you should consult your CPA and other advisors on how to plan your estate to cover the bases.  As always, if you have any questions about these or other issues, please call us.

 

Juan Cocuy, CPA

 

About Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. Located at 12400A South Shore Boulevard, Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. is the only full-service CPA firm in the western communities. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide a full menu of services to the professionals and businesses in our area including tax compliance and planning, auditing and consulting. We can be reached at 561-793-1927 or by visiting www.cocuyburns.com.

 

June, 2009 – St. Peter’s CEC Offers Summer VPK

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June, 2009 – St. Peter’s CEC Offers Summer VPK

PRESS ADVISORY

Media Contact: Amy Roberts 561-791-9718

For immediate release 5/28/09

St. Peter’s CEC Offers its NEW Summer VPK in Wellington

St Peter’s Child Enrichment Center (CEC) in Wellington announces open enrollment for its NEW 2009 summer VPK program.  Florida residents can register their VPK eligible 4 and 5 year olds for an educational summer of themed week classes full of reading,

St. Peter's Summer Camp
St. Peter's Summer Camp

mathematics, and more – all taught by a certified teacher.  St. Peter’s offers a learning environment that is backed by over 20 years of teaching Wellington area children and a Gold Seal Certification.  Classes will be held Monday-Friday starting June 8th and continue through August 14th. The Florida approved VPK program is a great way to get your child ready for Kindergarten this Fall. The VPK classroom size is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. For St. Peter’s VPK enrollment information call the school director, Pat Banks, at 561-798-3286.

 

St. Peter’s CEC is located at 12200 West Forest Hill Boulevard in Wellington.  For more information about the CEC VPK program, summer offerings and fall registration, call Pat Banks, School Administrator (561) 798-3286.  Additional information about the school can be found at http://www.stpeters-umc.org.

 

 

Additional information:

The Child Enrichment Center Pre-School is a Florida approved pre-school under the guidance of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church of Wellington.  We are a non-profit organization made up of parents and friends of the Child Enrichment Center. 

June, 2009 – The Mommy & Me Pony Program

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Wall Street Farm

13159 57th Place

South Shore BLVD

Wellington, FL  33414

561/628-0973

 

Mommy & Me Pony’s Program

 

 

 

Mommy & Me Pony’s is a program designed for Mothers and children under 5 yrs old to experience the wonderful world of ponies while enveloping a bond between mother and child. This is a wonderful opportunity where Mom and children discover, learn, explore and play together.

 

Our goal at Wall Street Farm is to offer parent’s and their children affordable, learning-based classes designed to foster each of these areas of early development and lay the foundation for later success. We believe that much can be gained from introducing your child into a structured learning environment long before preschool, as long as that environment is nurturing and fun. And what kids don’t love ponies???

 

The early years of life are critical to your child’s intellectual, social and emotional development.  At this point in their life, positive and enriching experiences will have an ever lasting impact. Mommy and Me Pony’s provides opportunities for children and their mothers to learn and share the new experiences of ponies together and be exposed to various stimulating and challenging experiences in a warm environment.

Each 1 hour Mommy & Me session is supervised by a WSFRA instructor.  The session is filled with the introduction and interaction between mom, child and the pony that is chosen to fit the personality of the mother & child pair.

 

·                     Basic care-Petting, treats, grooming, bubble baths and getting farmiliar and comfortable with the pony.

·                     Riding Basics from square one.  Step one-Leading. Step two-Lead line and  pony rides, learning on the lunge line.  Step three-Riding on their own with mommy close by.  Step four- Walking and trotting up to as far as they want to advance.

 

The Mommy and Me Pony experience provides Mom’s and their children the opportunity to engage and learn a passion of ponies that is shared by so many together as a team.

 

This program runs year round and morning, afternoon and evening hours are available, And even though it is called Mommy & Me Pony’s, we are more than happy to accomodate those Daddy’s who wish to partake in this wonderful bonding experience.

 

 Please call for availablility.

June, 2009 – Kimmey’s Creative Camp

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June, 2009 – Kimmey’s Creative Camp

Announcing Kimmey’s Creative Camp!
Runs from June 1st to September 11th, 2009.
Keep Your Kids Creative All Summer!
Delray Beach, FL.

Only 10 children per camp!

Call (561) 445-6882 for more information.

Kimmey's Creative Camp...Keep Your Kids Creative All Summer!
Kimmey's Creative Camp...Keep Your Kids Creative All Summer!

June 4, 2009 – Taste of the West Kids’ Cooking Corner

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June 4, 2009 – Taste of the West Kids’ Cooking Corner

Kids Cooking Corner

at Taste of the West 2009

 

Sponsored by Whole Foods Market, children ages 5 to 12 will stir up chocolate treats! Each session is limited to 15 participating kids and attendance is FREE. Start times are 5pm, 6pm and 7pm on June 4th at the Taste of the West and Chocolate Lovers’ Festival at the South Florida EXPO Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

 

Registration deadline is May 29th. Please open and print the following application for the Kids’ Cooking Corner. Please fax back to the Palms West Chamber of Commerce at (561) 791-2069.

 

For more information, contact Anitra Harmon at the PW Chamber of Commerce at (561) 790-6200.

 

Deadline to submit is May 29th!
Deadline to submit is May 29th!

 

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