I had a wonderful chat with Susan Silverstein-Kaufman about her children’s book and how it came to be. I must admit, I was especially interested in the origins of her book and how she got published, as I am in a children’s book writing group. Susan was inviting, easy to talk with and full of stories. She told me that the book started out as a love letter for her grandchildren Darcy and Gemma, who are now 5 and 8 years old.
By the way, Susan Silverstein-Kaufman was a school administrator at 29 years old. She has won numerous awards for innovative programs and has pioneered inclusion workshops at the School Board Conventions. You might recognize her from CBS news, as well as many other media outlets.
AW: Where did you get the idea for the character of Louis, a boy who doesn’t listen?
SSK: In 2nd grade, there was a boy who would always try to kiss the girls. His name was Louis. Of course, he didn’t listen. In this book, the family is visiting different states for different adventures. Some of the stories are based on real life.
I would tell my grandchildren Gemma and Darcy bedtime stories about this mischievous character Louis. Often, I would research facts on the Internet before telling them the bedtime stories, facts about places to visit, historical facts.
Susan Silverstein-Kaufman with her granddaughters
AW: Is this a self-published book? Or who published it?
SSK: AuthorHouse published it. I sent the book out to three publishers, and they decided to move forward with it.
AW: As a school administrator for most of your career, what is something you have learned about dealing with difficult students?
SSK: It takes patience and listening. You must give them a path to success. It involves collaborating with the family and with staff members. I was at one of the first schools in New Jersey with an Inclusion Program. We were fortunate to have a boy with Downs Syndrome, who had the same aide from kindergarten through 12th grade. His family was persistent about having him integrate with the normal grades from K-12 and not having him pulled out to go to a special school. It worked out and was a success story. You just have to have buy-in and understanding from all of the parties involved.
AW: That’s great that 10% of net proceeds go to the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. How did you decide to do this?
SSK: I was very impressed with a program called Read to Know and I volunteered at the WIC program. I got involved and used to set up little reading centers – and every child received a free book. Down here in Florida, I contacted the Literary Coalition of Palm Beach County. They invited me to come see their programs in action. I decided to give back.
AW: What age range were you aiming for with this book?
SSK:I was aiming for 8- to 12-year-olds, thinking that they would be the most engaged.
AW: According to you, what’s the moral of the story?
SSK:Of course, it’s “Mother Knows Best.” Also, as a side benefit, the young audiences get a little bit of geography with fun facts.
AW: Yes, you give a lot of fun facts about tourist attractions within the book. Do you find that young children pick up on those facts and remember them?
SSK:Yes. I tested the story on my grandkids. They would ask me, “Bubby, where’s Louis going to go next?” They loved learning about new places. We did a lot of reading via Facetime. And I would play with them via Facetime, buying some of the same toys. I must have at least ten Barbie dolls.
AW: What’s your hope for this book?
SSK: I hope it’s something that will bring families together.
For centuries, herbs and spices have been kitchen staples — transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences. Herbs have also been popular additions to gardens, with approximately 33% of U.S. households growing herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill in their backyard each year. You might be surprised to know that you can also grow a variety of spices in your home too!
You don’t even need a backyard or gardening experience to grow spices at home. Here are five spices you can easily plant indoors for year-round flavor.
Coriander
Coriander is the dry seed from the cilantro herb. These seeds are used whole, usually toasted, or ground as a spice in European, Asian, Latin, and Indian cuisine. It has a citrus flavor and floral aroma, perfect for dishes like curry. It can be grown indoors as it prefers cool weather and does not need full sun. After soaking the seeds overnight, sow them in a container about 3 to 4 inches apart, then water them thoroughly when the soil is dry. Make sure the soil is moist and not soaked. Coriander can take three weeks to sprout and 40 to 45 days to mature. Harvest the seeds and dry them on a paper towel or coffee filter for a week. When seeds are dry, roast the seeds in a pan on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly press them; if they crack, they are ready to spice up your dish now. You can also grind them to use Coriander powder in other recipes or store it in a tightly sealed container to use at another time.
Mustard
Mustard is one of the world’s most widely grown and used spices. Whether ground or whole, it offers various health benefits and a unique zing to your dishes. The plant is bright yellow with seeds that have a mild, earthy aroma and a hot, sharp flavor that strengthens when wet. Mustard is a cool-season plant that can be grown indoors any time of the year. Start with six seeds in every container and expect them to sprout in one or two days under the right conditions. Move them into a bigger container when the seedlings are about 3 inches tall and wait for about 40 days. When ready for harvest, snip the stock carefully and rub the seed pods off. Use a colander as you harvest the seeds to separate them from unwanted leaves or stems. Grind the seeds until powdered. You can use this powder right away, or mix it with water, wine, vinegar, or champagne, then refrigerate it to make it more like a spread for your next sandwich or burger. Keep this refrigerated to use for up to 2 weeks, or pop it in the freezer to extend its use for a full year.
Paprika
True to its reputation, Paprika can spice up any dish. It comes from dried and ground sweet bell peppers or chili peppers. Its hot, sweet, and smoky flavor depends on the pepper used, and its color can vary in shades of red. It brings spicy flavor, vibrant color, and a boost of Vitamin C to dishes. Peppers are sun-loving vegetables, so pick a sunny spot with about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Scatter the seeds over the moist soil and lightly cover them with more potting mix. The seedlings should appear within two weeks; if the sprout is leggy, which means it has long, thin stalks, it needs more sunlight. Once it has around five to eight leaves and roots poking at the drainage holes, it’s time to transplant them into bigger pots. Wait for 80 days then only harvest the ripest peppers for a richer flavor. Remove the green top and the seeds, slice the peppers, and let them completely dry. When ready, grind, and use to top off your next barbecue or save for later.
Cumin
Growing cumin seeds indoors will need some patience as its growing cycle is about 120 days. Whole cumin seeds are often used in Indian recipes, while ground cumin is more common in Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. It has a warm, earthy flavor and tangy, musky aroma. Cumin grows best in warm climates and needs full sunlight for 6 to 8 hours daily. After soaking the seeds for 8 hours, sow them in well-drained soil. Seeds should germinate in approximately 7 to 14 days. It’s time to harvest when the seed clusters turn brown and dry out. Cut the stalks and place them in a paper bag. Tie and hang them upside down; the seeds should fall naturally into the bag within 10 days. Roast the harvested seeds in a pan, on medium heat, while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes before grinding them. Cumin is great to use right away in soups and vegetable dishes. It’s best to make this in small batches to help retain the flavor for a month.
Turmeric
Turmeric (pictured above), a relative of ginger, is known for its vibrant golden-orange color and pleasantly earthy, bitter taste. This medicinal herb is often used for treating pain and inflammation. For cooking, this ground-dried spice adds color and kick to your dish, even to cakes and desserts. Its excellent benefits are worth the 9 to 10-month wait before harvest. Start by soaking the turmeric rhizome for 24 hours, then pre-sprout it in a moist, sterile potting mix. Cover the container to keep it humid and maintain moisture as needed. Using a heat mat can help in maintaining a more constant temperature. Sprouts should appear within a month; then you can transplant them into deeper containers. It’s time to harvest when the leaves turn yellow and dry out. Carefully dig the entire plant and remove the soil. To replant, cut the stalk off and replant the rhizome you set aside. To make the spice, clean and peel the rhizome, then slice them thinly to dry them faster. Once brittle, they are ready to be pulverized. Turmeric is great for tea and marinating foods. It keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer.
Homegrown and home-ground spices are the freshest way to bring the heat to your kitchen and keep a little to use later. With patience, they can flourish in the smallest spaces and transform the cozy corners of your home into a living spice rack in a pot. This journey of nurturing seeds to harvesting the fruits of your labor will make your dish even more memorable.
A pup cup, also called puppachino, is simply whipped cream in a small cup. Some food establishments (especially those with a drive thru lane) have pup cups available for dogs. You won’t find them on the menu, though.
Oliver, our 2-year old yellow Labrador retriever, loves pup cups. Thanks to him, I’ve involuntarily learned the best local places for the treat.
We’ve got two spots for the best pup cups in town: Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. Here’s why.
Chick-fil-A is always delighted to add a pup cup on our order when we visit the drive thru. Even if I’ve placed my order ahead of time with their mobile app, they’re glad to add on the request when I get in line. His pup cup is always served with a smile. There is no additional charge to add a pup cup to your order at local Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Starbucks, who refers to the complimentary treat as a puppachino, is equally happy to make your dog’s day with a tasty treat. During one visit with Oliver, they even upgraded his cup to a larger size once they saw he was a big dog. He wouldn’t have known the difference, but that extra little touch made an impression on me.
Other fast food establishments, such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s, offer vanilla soft serve ice cream. I’ve never met a dog that will refuse one of these cold treats, but since there is more fat and sugar in ice cream than the whipped cream alternative, ice cream treats may lead to upset tummies. Also, check ingredients to make sure the ice cream doesn’t contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
While Oliver would prefer a pup cup every single day of the week, we only allow him to indulge in the treat once a week. With dogs and ‘people’ food, everything should be in moderation. Even at that frequency, Oliver knows when we’re in line for a pup cup. He starts drooling as soon as we enter the drive thru line and gobbles his pup cup or puppachino up quickly. He doesn’t understand the art of savoring the snack. He also doesn’t understand the art of keeping a car clean. So, if you plan to take your dog to get a pup cup, it’s a good idea to have a towel on hand.
If you decide to let your dog enjoy a pup cup, we hope he or she likes it as much as Oliver does!
On Tuesday, November 28th, Grandma’s Place will hold its 8th Annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. We are thrilled to announce Jodie Schmitz and Sunny Hawkins as Co-Chairs of this event. Committee Members include: Jane Bruno, Susy Burrowes, Amy Considine, Margaret Donnelley, Manda Galin, Helena Guest, Patti Hadden, Barbara Hollender, Eleanor Jones, May Liguori, Mary Lewis Moews, Toni O’Brien, Joan O’Connell, Dina Rubio, Lisa Shapiro, Marcie Singer, Jamie Taylor and Monique VandeKamp.
The luncheon starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent. During lunch there will be a small live auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes once again serves as the celebrity emcee.
The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes, and also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.
Tickets are $200 per person or tables at $2,000 each. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488,or e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org .
When it comes to healthcare for seniors, navigating the maze of Medicare options can be a daunting task. At the heart of the confusion often lies the choice between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap. Both options offer coverage beyond Original Medicare, but there are key differences to consider. In this blog post, we’ll break down those differences to help you make an informed decision.
What is Medicare Advantage? Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, covering everything that Parts A and B do along with additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. These plans often include prescription drug coverage as well, combining numerous healthcare needs into a single plan.
Pros: – All-inclusive coverage – Often includes extras like dental and vision – May include prescription drug coverage.
Cons: – Limited network of doctors and hospitals – May require referrals for specialists – Out-of-pocket costs can be unpredictable. More of a pay as you go insurance.
What are Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)?
Medigap plans are designed to supplement Original Medicare by filling the gaps in coverage. These plans don’t offer additional benefits like vision or dental; rather, they cover costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with Parts A and B.
Pros: – Wide network of doctors and hospitals – Predictable out-of-pocket costs – No referrals required for specialists
Cons: – Doesn’t cover additional services like dental and vision – Requires a separate prescription drug plan (Part D) – Monthly premiums can be higher
Key Differences:
Flexibility vs. Coverage – **Medicare Advantage** offers a one-stop-shop for healthcare services but within a restricted network. – **Medigap** gives you the freedom to choose doctors and specialists but only supplements the coverage provided by Original Medicare.
Costs – **Medicare Advantage** often has lower monthly premiums, but costs can vary depending on services used. – **Medigap** generally has higher monthly premiums but offers predictable costs for services.
The Bottom Line
The choice between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans boils down to what you value more: the convenience of having all your healthcare services bundled together, or the freedom to choose from a wider network of providers. Both have their merits, and your decision will depend on your healthcare needs, budget, and lifestyle. Take the time to assess your healthcare priorities and financial situation to make the best choice for you. As always, MedigapRx is happy to help you find the right plan for all your needs.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. We are licensed with all major carriers and throughout several states. We believe an educated consumer makes for the best client.
Wellington, FL – August 29, 2023 — It is with immense pride and admiration that we announce the outstanding achievement of Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a distinguished surgeon in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Shapiro has successfully completed an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 surgical procedures utilizing the cutting-edge da Vinci® Robot, cementing his status as a leader in minimally invasive surgical techniques in this region.
The da Vinci Surgical System has revolutionized the landscape of modern surgery, enabling surgeons to perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision, control and flexibility. Dr. Shapiro’s mastery of this advanced technology has not only brought about positive outcomes for his patients but has also elevated the standard of patient care in the region.
Through the integration of robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Shapiro has consistently exhibited unwavering dedication to advancing medical practices, resulting in improved surgical outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients. His commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation has made him an invaluable asset to the medical community and a beacon of hope for those in need of surgical intervention.
“Reaching this milestone of 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries with the da Vinci Robot is a testament to the transformative potential of advanced medical technology,” said Dr. Shapiro. “It has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me. None of this would have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our exceptional medical team and the continuous support from the hospital staff.”
“We are tremendously proud of Dr. Shapiro’s achievement in reaching this significant milestone,” said Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center. “His dedication to advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes is truly commendable. Dr. Shapiro’s unwavering commitment to patient care is an inspiration to the entire medical staff.”
Dr. Shapiro’s patients have expressed their gratitude for the compassionate care and remarkable results they experienced under his skilled hands. His personalized approach to each case, combined with modern medical technology, has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after surgeons in the region.
As Dr. Shapiro continues to break new ground in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, he remains committed to further advancing medical science and exploring innovative ways to improve patient care. His passion for excellence and commitment to improving the lives of his patients are attributes that have defined his exceptional career.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.
PALM BEACH, FL. – The holidays will soon be upon us and what better way to get into the spirit than with one of the most anticipated events of the season, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches’ Tree Lighting Celebration.
Now in its 39th year, the event will bring merriment to all while raising critical funds to support those faced with homelessness right here in our community. The event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at a private club in Palm Beach. Tickets are $400 per person. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Chaired by Karen Fischer, with Nancy Kyle serving as co-chair, the event will welcome guests with a serenade by the voices of The Kings Academy Choir. Guests will then enjoy the signature silent auction featuring a stunning orchid display, an expansive collection of holiday items and gift baskets, and a wine pull raffle where everyone is a winner. After an elegant dinner, an exciting live auction will fill the room with good cheer, all in the name of helping our neighbors in need.
The holiday celebration will continue with the lighting of the Angel Tree, honoring the donors and partners whose generosity assists hundreds of local families and children each year. A testimonial from an agency client will provide insight into the struggles many Palm Beach County families face and why the work of the organization makes such a difference.
“We are proud of the work Adopt-A-Family has done for the past 40 years, and we could not have done it without the unwavering support from our community and longtime donors,” shared CEO Matt Constantine. “What we do is more than a quick solution. We provide much-needed housing solutions and wraparound services that change the lives of families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and place families on the path to stability for future generations. We truly cannot express enough gratitude for all that our supporters do to enable us to serve our community.”
For more information, please contact Tori Uhlman at tuhlman@aafpbc.org or call (561) 444-0408. To learn more about Adopt-A-Family please visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org.
About Adopt-A-Family
Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches provides programs, services, and solutions to homeless and low-income Palm Beach County families experiencing a crisis. The organization’s mission is to strengthen families with children to achieve stability and self-sufficiency by providing access to all-encompassing services. To accomplish this mission, the agency provides physical housing units, an emergency shelter, rental assistance, homeless prevention services, youth educational programming, mental health services, and job coaching. To learn more about Adopt-A-Family’s work in Palm Beach County, please visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org or contact (561) 253-1361.
Director of Artist Services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Wellington Art Society will feature Jessica Ransom to speak at their first meeting on September 13, 2023. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. The meeting will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. For more information contact: Heather Bergstrom, presidentofwas@gmail.com
Jessica Ransom manages, curates, and oversees installation of all exhibitions as the Director of Artist Services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the only organization solely dedicated to supporting arts and culture in the Palm Beaches. In its’ sustaining effort to foster growth of the cultural sector, the Council provides support services to cultural organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for cultural funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism. Jessica serves as the primary contact for professional visual artists in Palm Beach County and leads the Council’s Artist Resource Team. Jessica has held positions throughout the art industry as an art advisor and appraiser, developing clientele for a fine art handling firm, and managing the contemporary art space Culture Lab at City Place. Her experience includes advising private collectors on purchases, sales, and appraisals, overseeing both private and public art installations, and managing all aspects of art loans. Jessica received her master’s in the History of Art and the Art Market from Christie’s Education in New York City. She is the current chairperson of the City of West Palm Beach Art Life committee and is a board member of Impact the Palm Beaches.
For additional information on the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, please visit their website at www.palmbeachculture.com.
### The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
The call came in late Monday morning. “She’s gone and I don’t know what to do with myself.” I’m a woman of a certain age and a lot of my friends are going through the same thing. Empty Nest Syndrome. My kids are still in high school but not for long. My bestie has experienced all of these things before me. Her kids are a little older and she has been able to guide me through things… the first time I dropped my daughter off at elementary school and had to watch her walk in and rely on people other than me, the horror of middle school, the turbulent high school years, the heartbreak of cruel people… the list goes on and on. We have always leaned on each other. Today is no exception.
For a lot of my friends, their houses are empty now and my friend was asking the very question that a lot of moms and dads ask themselves when the kids leave the nest – what do we do now? I tried being rational. “Remember when she drove away in the car for the first time by herself? Did she come back? She was fine, remember?” That didn’t work. I tried comforting her “She’s rooming with her best friend and her boyfriend isn’t far away.” That didn’t work either.
I know her well enough to know that when all else fails it’s time to get crazy. “So you have two vacant rooms now?” She confirmed that the rooms that her littles had occupied were in fact vacant. “Good. Here’s what you need to do: Get naked, drink sangria, dance and run around the house yelling at the top of your lungs. The first room, turn into a drum circle arena. The second put large tarps on the floor, throw down some paint and roll around in it. This is now your painting room.”
After she stops laughing, she says she feels better. Who doesn’t feel better after a good laugh? Even though I’m being silly in suggesting those crazy things… she could actually do that. What’s to stop her? Nothing. Our kids get new chapters in their lives and so do we. Will they probably do some crazy things? Lord, I hope so. The great thing about being a bit older is that you care less about what other people think and get a little more brazen in your craziness.
I just hope that she has the common sense after that bottle of sangria to pull the blinds before she gets naked and runs around the house… hmmm… or not?
