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WELLINGTON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB: SOLITUDE BASKED IN SUNSHINE

Mike May
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WELLINGTON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB: SOLITUDE BASKED IN SUNSHINE

WELLINGTON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB:  SOLITUDE BASKED IN SUNSHINE

Story by Mike May, Photos by Emily May

It’s a fabulous, fun, and first-class place to unwind, exercise, eat, and play golf.  That’s the best way to describe the Wellington National Golf Club (wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com) in Wellington, Florida.  There are many reasons why the Wellington National GC deserves to be referred to as a first-class venue for golf.  Beginning with the opening tee shot and ending with the last putt dropping on the 18th green, you’ll quickly see that the attention to detail by Wellington National GC superintendent Jeff Smolen and his crew is impressive and commendable.  While the tee boxes, fairways, rough, and surrounding wooded areas are maintained to the highest standards possible, the quality and consistency of the greens are even better.

Perched on 260 acres of pine tree-filled property, this golf course was designed by one of golf’s major champions:  1973 U.S. Open and 1976 British Open winner Johnny Miller.  The course opened for play in 1989 and was originally called the Binks Forest Golf Club.  It changed names in March 2016.  In addition to being a first-class place to play golf, the Wellington National GC is also a first-class place to swim, dine, and exercise.  And, the atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly.

Wellington National’s 6th fairway, looking back from the green

Whether it’s January or June, Wellington National is maintained to the highest and most meticulous standards possible.  At Wellington National, you can see that perfection is always the goal, yet excellence is always an acceptable outcome.

At Wellington National, you’ll see a tribute to Wellington’s strong and vibrant equestrian community.  To that end, the tee markers on each hole are actually small metallic heads of horses that reflect the presence of polo, dressage, and horse jumping in the village of Wellington.  And each tee box is well grassed and flat, just like all horses would prefer.  In fact, the club’s logo features that same horse-head silhouette.

On the course, the fairways are in great shape throughout the year, as if a PGA Tour event was scheduled to be played there the following week.

If you ever wanted to rename Wellington National, two acceptable monikers would be Solitude or Serenity.  Why?  Because it’s very peaceful and quiet on this golf course.  For the most part, on any given hole, the only tee box, fairway, or green that you will see is the one you are playing.  It’s worth noting that one of Wellington National’s clever creations is a rather large double green that services both the par-five 12th and the par-four 14th holes.

Since this golf club’s opening, Wellington National has blossomed into one of south Florida’s pre-eminent destinations for golf, especially in Palm Beach County which is filled with many private and public golf courses that includes the oldest 18-hole golf course in Florida – that being the Ocean Course at the Breakers in Palm Beach.

Wellington National’s 2nd fairway

The sternest test at Wellington National can be referred to as ‘The Formidable Foursome’ — the last two holes of the front nine and the first two holes of the back nine.  Of those four holes, the 8th is the third most difficult hole on the course and the 9th hole is the most difficult.  As for the par-four 10th hole, which is ranked 12th on the course’s handicap system, it’s one of the more testing medium-length par fours as the fairway narrows the closer that you get to the green.  And, the 11th is ranked second on the handicap rating.  There’s no shame in playing those four holes in level bogeys.

Wellington National’s 17th Fairway

In an effort to maintain this course’s natural beauty, golfers are allowed a free drop if their ball finishes in the mulched flower beds on the 18th hole.  Clearly, the superintendent doesn’t want you trying to save par from the petunias!

As a private club, the Wellington National Golf Club does offer membership opportunities at a variety of price points.

According to Wellington National Golf Club General Manager and Director of Golf Ted Strelec, there are a few options and price points to consider.  For instance, the top-tier membership is the Premier Golf Membership, which is ideal for an entire family.  For young families, where the parents are under the age of 40, there’s the Junior Executive Membership.  And, for people who enjoy limited access to the golf course, but want all the social benefits of the club — such as access to the outdoor pool, the gym, and the two restaurants: Wine Bar Restaurant and the Champions Bistro — there’s the Social Membership.

If you are interested in playing first-class golf at a first-class club, contact Kyle D’Andrea at 561-333-5731 ext. 110 or via email: [email protected].

 

Close to Home: Florida Road Trips

Terri Marshall
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Close to Home: Florida Road Trips

Itching to get away but don’t want to venture too far from home? Welcome to the COVID club! Fortunately, with Florida’s 65,755 square miles of varied landscapes—yes, there are a few hills scattered here and there—road trips provide plenty of options for a change of scenery. Sleep in and catch a west coast sunset instead of an early east coast sunrise. Indulge in fresh oysters where they’re harvested in the Florida Panhandle. Search for black bears in the Ocala National Forest. Wherever you choose to roam, you’re certain to find new experiences.

Florida road trips on #travelwithterri for AroundWellington
Wandering Cattle at Wild Florida

Exploring Central Florida’s Backroads

Of course you’ve been to Central Florida, that’s where Mickey and the gang live. But next time, skip the make-believe and venture down the area’s backroads for new discoveries. On U.S. Hwy 192 in Kenansville, Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park supplies plenty of fast-paced thrills on airboats as they speed through the Everglade headwaters. Along the way baby gators with protective moms, birds of every hue and even an occasional cow can be spotted in the water. Within the park, there’s plenty of wildlife to view as you wander along the winding boardwalks. If you’re looking for an up-close experience, book an animal encounter. My personal favorites: the porcupines and the sloth!

Further east on U.S. Hwy 60 near Lake Wales, the Bok Tower Gardens’ main attraction stands at the center of a picture-perfect 250-acre garden. The 205-foot-tall “singing” tower serenades through its carillon bells. Inspired by his walks to the top of Iron Mountain—one of Florida’s highest hills at 298 feet above sea level—Edward W. Bok chose this area to create a bird sanctuary and a place for quiet reflection in the 1920s. Today it remains one of the area’s greatest treasures.

If you’re traveling with kids in tow, be sure to check out the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, A riverwalk with fountains, hammocks between the trees and a stage for make-believe play are among the highlights.

In Lakeland, the Safari Wilderness Ranch transports everyone far away to the plains of Africa. Here large herds of exotic game roam freely across 260 acres of wilderness. Customized safari vehicles bring you up close to ostriches, giraffes, zebras, water buffalo and more.

Bok Tower Gardens on Florida Road Trips with #travelwithterri for Around Wellington
Bok Tower Gardens

Black Bear Scenic Byway and Beyond

For a change of scenery head into the Ocala National Forest for a drive on FL-40E—the Black Bear Scenic Byway. The byways’ namesake black bears sometimes appear by the roadside, so keep your eyes peeled.

Take a break and cool off with a dip in one of the cool clear springs. With more than 600 springs, rivers and lakes there’s plenty to choose from, but Juniper Springs with its working water wheel is a favorite. While you’re there, stroll along the boardwalk that leads around the back of the spring into more serene nature and a bridge that overlooks Fern Hammock Springs where sand boils bubble up and social distancing is effortless.

Exiting the forest, continue your spring exploration at DeLeon Springs. Start your day at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill & Griddle House. Pitchers of batter and a griddle await at each table along with toppings like pecans, chocolate chips and blueberries. It’s guaranteed to be delicious…and maybe a little messy.

Located 15 miles south, Blue Springs State Park, the largest spring on the St. Johns River, harbors an estimated 250 to 300 manatees. The delightful creatures seek out the consistently warmer waters in the springs for their winter home from November through March. A stroll along the boardwalk yields views of the manatees as they feed and care for their calves.

Florida road trips on #travelwithterri for Around Wellington
Ocala National Forest

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Encompassing 348,000 acres of pristine land along Florida’s panhandle, Franklin County boasts stellar fishing and oysters aplenty. Often referred to as the forgotten coasts, here communities with country music worthy names like Apalachicola and Alligator Point dot the landscape. And 200 miles of unspoiled beaches invite you to sit a spell and wait for that west coast sunset. Nearby, Carrabelle lays claim to the world’s smallest police station housed in a phone booth. This is “old” Florida at its best.

Strolling the wide streets of Apalachicola under canopies of oak trees evokes a sense of nostalgia. Stately homes line the streets, brick warehouses transformed into quaint shops and local restaurants line the waterfront.

On St. George Island, the Cape St. George Lighthouse stood for 153 years before toppling into the gulf in 2005 following years of coastal erosion. Painstakingly restored brick by brick, it now stands in the center of the island as a triumphant testament to the determination of the residents.

Craving a little water adventure? The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail Systems’ nearly 100 miles of prime trails for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding deliver hours of paddling fun. In the nearly 900 square miles of the Apalachicola National Forest, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and hiking add to the adventure. If you’re up for camping, Wright Lake includes 18 campsites with picnic tables, grills, tent pads and fire rings.

Cape George Light on a Florida road Trips with #travelwithterri for Around Wellington
Cape George Light Photo: Visit Florida

No matter what road you choose to follow, Florida yields a bounty of discoveries. Happy trails to you!

The Chandlers of Wellington Face a Tough Road Ahead

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The Chandlers of Wellington Face a Tough Road Ahead

The Chandlers of Wellington Face a Tough Road Ahead

by Gina M Capone

#TheChandler’sNeedOurHelp

It’s been fourteen months since the car accident. It isn’t like before. Now, things are harder, and everyone knows it’s an uphill battle. But there is hope that things will come together, it’s what the family puts their faith in.  Donald, Katie, Valerie and Camryn are moving beyond their expectations, stopping to be grateful that they still have each other and an album of the old with a fresh look toward the new.

Valerie was a normal teenager, playing soccer and volleyball, riding her bike and skateboard. She was building friendships, poised to grow into her adolescence. But everything changed in one moment, and with a spine injury, the family is assessing their needs a year later. How can the family advance in the best way for the long haul?  How can they make sure Valerie can thrive with her disability?

Soon to enter high school, Valerie is the oldest daughter of Katie and Donnie. Her younger sister, Camryn misses the way they used to be, playing sports and having fun, like a normal budding family. She misses being able to do things with her big sister, who spends a majority of her time in therapy and at appointments at the doctor’s office, now that she is paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

The family has been in a rental accommodation for the last year because their house would not accommodate Valerie at the time of the accident, so they sold it. But now, they are ready to purchase a house in Wellington, again, that will accommodate their needs. Moving to a new area, outside of Wellington with no friends would make things even harder for both Valerie and Camryn. The family has been an integral part of the Village. Donnie and Katie both volunteer as soccer and volleyball coaches for the Village of Wellington, encouraging and mentoring the local kids. They love Wellington and are asking for the communities help.

They want to stay in their hometown of Wellington, as this is the only home the girls have known. But the lease is coming due at the apartment they are renting and they haven’t found a property yet to purchase, that fits their needs. They want to purchase an affordable home with a pool in the Village. Valerie needs the physical therapy of the water each day, keeping her strength and activity up so she can have a break from living in her wheelchair.

The family needs to complete a remodel to retrofit the property so that Valerie has the ease of growing through her high school years and into adulthood. They want to get the word out to home owners thinking of selling or realtors who know of a fundamental property that will accommodate their requirements far into the future.

The property must be laid out on one floor with 4 bedrooms and 2-3 baths. If they can find a reasonably priced home, they want to find a connection with a local business or businesses, HGTV and Wellington local Robert Van Winkle, Vanilla Ice and his Vanilla Ice Project to help them. If they could get assistance to outfit the doorways so that they are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through, a kitchen easily accessible from Valerie’s chair and a bathroom that allows Valerie the ease to be independent; the next year may see the little girl thriving, taking the immediate demands off the family.

Valerie needs to use the sink to wash her hands and brush her teeth. She needs a bathroom outfitted to take a shower on her own. Small adjustments that can make her feel much better, and more normal. She needs the freedom to help herself.

The family would like to find a vehicle that has a chair lift for Valerie. Katie must help Valerie, in and out of the car, these days. In the rain, especially, this gets dangerous, when Donnie is working fifteen hours, and cannot be there.

The little things that Valerie used to do she can no longer complete on her own, like picking up an object, or retrieving something that dropped on the floor. So, a generous breeder from Wyoming has a puppy available with the condition that it is officially trained to be Valerie’s service dog. They even have a local trainer that is willing to train the puppy. It takes a minimum of 12-18 months to train the dog who will live with the trainer during this time and the cost can typically run $20,000.

There is a Gofundme page for Valerie set up, to help the Chandler’s move with a little more ease into next year. It is a difficult time for many with the Covid19 pandemic, so any amount will be helpful if you can give them a hand. Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/trqu3-spinal-surgery

Valerie longs to have the simple things restored that allow her to complete her daily tasks. Since the body can develop osteoporosis, bad circulation and blood clots, besides making the lungs weak because sitting and laying too long is damaging to the body and can cause pressure wounds, it is important to the family to look for ways to maintain Valerie’s lifestyle by ensuring her future. Valerie currently has pressure wounds, and this sets up hurdles for the young teenager each day.

Valerie is doing well with her therapy, works hard, and doesn’t complain. But Valerie is still a child, who mentally and physically must adjust to this new life.

There are many fences to climb. The reality is that the family needs a village to help them thrive, and a world that cares to give a hand. Donald is working two jobs, while Katie is the primary care giver to Valerie.

Spinal Revision is the ultimate goal for the family. But such a feat is expensive, as it is not covered by insurance and not currently allowed in the United States but offered in Greece. So, the family ponders the thought with anticipation that one day Valerie may have a chance to live her life more like it once was, standing, running, moving, dancing but now, the simple things need addressing, like living day to day, paralyzed in a wheel chair.

If you have a home for sale or know of one that would work for the family, Call Katie Chandler at (561) 628-1339. If you have a business that would be willing to help with modifications so the house can be retrofitted for Valerie, please contact the family. If there is a vehicle in the area that would allow Valerie to get around more safely or you and your friends can offer a donation, think of the Chandler’s right now.

Please tell your friends and family that the Chandler’s are a family that needs a leg up. They are a local Wellington family rebounding and building back from a crisis, in the middle of a pandemic.  If you are in a position to help, please do in any small way you can.  The Family appreciates your ongoing kindness. Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/trqu3-spinal-surgery

 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE SUPPORTS LOCAL FAMILIES

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BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE SUPPORTS LOCAL FAMILIES

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE SUPPORTS LOCAL FAMILIES WITH NEEDED SCHOOL ESSENTIALS, BOOKS AND MASKS

Initiative led by Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Jewish Volunteer Center collected vital supplies and $67,000 for local teachers and students, partnership with Education Foundation

Teachers at Gove Elementary received a shipment of books.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (August 20, 2020) – Even with most schools going virtual this year and students attending class from home, thousands of children are  still in critical need of supplies to support their academic success. Families in Palm Beach County’s western communities received incredible support thanks to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) and its network of interfaith and community partners, as well as its partnership with Education Foundation of Palm Beach County. Through the partnership, more than 100 JVC volunteers packed nearly 750 backpacks as well as nearly 1,000 pencil boxes filled with school supplies, books and protective face masks for all students at four Title 1 schools: Belle Glade Elementary, Gove Elementary, Gladeview Elementary, and Pahokee Elementary Schools. Education Foundation and FPL volunteers assembled the additional, for a total of 2,400 backpacks.

 

Federation and additional donors also raised more than $67,000 to purchase additional school essentials for local teachers to help offset the cost of purchasing necessities for their students. According to Education Foundation, teachers spend an average of $875 annually out of their own pay to purchase items like notebook paper and pencils for students who cannot afford them.

Pictured left to right: Lexi Simon with her dad, Dr. David Simon, residents of Wellington, were two of more than 100 volunteers who helped pack the backpacks.

“Particularly during such a stressful season for families, students and teachers, Federation and our network of partners are committed to supporting our children and their educational needs so they can focus on their classwork instead of whether they can access basics such as notepads, rulers and calculators,” shared Melissa Hudson, director of the Jewish Volunteer Center at Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. “We are a community that supports each other and are incredibly proud how, even during a pandemic, we could mobilize such a large-scale volunteer initiative. This is what community is all about.”

 

In order to fill 2,400 backpacks, and to ensure everyone’s safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Education Foundation and JVC in partnership led a contactless back to school backpack volunteer packing event. The drive-thru event enabled the volunteers to remain in their cars while donations such as masks, backpacks and school supplies were placed in their trunks to be sorted, packed and returned to Red Apple Supplies. Supplies were generously delivered to the four schools by 2 Men and a Truck, who donated their time and resources.  Backpacks were distributed at drive by pickup events at schools in early August.

 

Thousands of books were donated by Federation’s Anne & Sam Klein Literacy program, and 5,000 masks were donated by ICNA Relief: Muslims for Humanity.

 

All donation and volunteer efforts were made possible thanks to Education Foundation of Palm Beach County as well as community partners Alloy Family Foundation, Carrier, JVC’s Anne & Sam Klein Literacy Program, ICNA Relief: Muslims for Humanity, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Sugar.

 

For more information about Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s commitment to education, visit jewishpalmbeach.org. For all volunteer opportunities, visit jewishvolunteer.org.

 

More about Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County

Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County works to transform, inspire and save lives in the Palm Beaches, Israel and 70 countries around the world.

 

Time for Robo-Cat?

Jon Frangipane
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Time for Robo-Cat?

Time For Robo-Cat?

By Jon Frangipane

Have you been noticing how humans seem to becoming more like robots and robots becoming more like humans?

I recently saw a T.V. show that featured an electronic cat called Robo-Cat that is equipped with touch sensors that let it engage in such real-life feline behavior as purring, moving its legs when you stroke its belly, and sleeping a lot. It will not, as far as I know, scratch your face, bite your toes, as Berkel enjoys doing, or even bother catching mice.

For cat lovers who dread the tedious and smelly job of caring for a litter box, having a second cat with electronic innards sounded like a splendid idea. I thought I’d tell my cat Berkel about it.

“Berkel,” did you happen to catch that T.V. show that featured an electronic cat called Robo-Cat that does everything you do… except poop?”

“No,” said Berkel, “but I saw a T.V. show that featured a life-like robotic man that does everything you do… except beat his cat over the head with a broom, and chase him around the house with the vacuum hose!

“But that’s the only way you know how to listen to me. Why don’t you learn how to listen, instead of talking back at me! I begged.

Berkel took a moment to scratch his ear and said, “Sorry, I think I have wax in my ear. I didn’t hear a word you said. And, by the way, on T.V. I recently saw an electronic, life-like woman called Robo-Chick that its creator said has almost everything a real woman has, but wears a special mute button to stop her from talking back. Didn’t you tell me you wish your lovely Felicia had a mute button, so you could turn her off when you’re watching football?”

“Yes indeed, I did say that. You see, for a man to be able to enjoy a football game, it takes a certain degree of concentration that women have trouble understanding. This would be the perfect time to have a Robo-Chick in my life with a mute button.”

“I thought that would be of interest to a man who is supposedly in full control, but close to adding a straight jacket to his wardrobe.” Berkel replied.

At times like these, I picture Berkel in the microwave oven, peering out the little window, pleading for forgiveness. But I’m a rational man, and perhaps Berkel may be right. Maybe this was something I should at least ponder. A football game without interruption would be a dream come true! I remember one time when the Giants and Green Bay were tied in the last minute of a playoff game and the Giants were about to kick a 60-yard field goal when Felicia came in the room singing an ungodly version of Happy Birthday.

Unquestionably, Felicia possesses, let’s say, the proper parts placed perfectly in the proper places, therefore I was quite happy and satisfied with the visual part of our relationship. But as she entered the room holding the cake and singing, it was like a stupendous verbal tsunami had struck me in the chest and left me desperately gasping for air and praying I’d die quickly.

Well, to my misfortune, I missed seeing the record-breaking kick, as Felicia stepped in front of the T.V., singing with a voice, unlike Marilyn Monroe, but more like someone running their fingernails across a chalkboard. Now, if Felicia didn’t rate a mute button at that moment, nobody did.

Berkel paced the room waiting for an answer. “So, tell me, are we going to resolve this hair-brained Robo-Cat scheme of yours, because I’m losing my patience?!” Berkel shouted.

Berkel and I rarely agree on anything, so this was hardly an unexpected discourse between us.

“Listen, don’t take this personally, Berkel, but I’ve been toying with the idea, just toying you understand…”

“Oh, about purchasing a robo-cat? Is that what this whole conversation is about? Am I going to be replaced by a pointless, puny, poopless piece of…”

“Easy, easy, my loyal friend. I was just planning a 30-day trial period with the Robo-Cat that I would name ‘Herkel,’ and in this way you’d have Herkel for company and I’d have Berkel and Herkel to keep me company. You would have a wonderful 30 days to get acquainted,“ I explained.

“Acquainted? You expect me, a real live cat, to be commiserating with a heartless, bloodless, battery-operated, mechanical bunch of electronic gadgetry?

“It’s the way of the future, Berkel! Don’t fight it. Embrace it. Computers will some day rule the world and make all the decisions for us. You and I are just like bits of sand, swept up in a storm of progressive thinking. Soon, we will have no names, just numbers. No telling what fate is in store for us. There’s no ‘somewhere over the rainbow.’ There’s no magic potion. We are doomed.

Berkel smiled and said, “What do you say pal, let’s get a pizza and watch some football.”

***

Copyright 2009 ©  Jon Frangipane     Revised 2015

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Dog Anxiety: Main Causes and How to Treat it

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Dog Anxiety: Main Causes and How to Treat it

Dog Anxiety: Main Causes and How to Treat it

By Peter Schoeman

Anxiety is a dog’s reaction to stress. It’s normal for a dog to experience stress and anxiety at times. But when you notice your dog acting anxious much more often than normal it can break your heart. No owner wants to see their dog suffer in any way. To help your dog, we have provided all the information you need on dog anxiety.

Dog Anxiety Causes

There are many reasons that a dog may experience anxiety. When you know the cause, it can be easier to resolve the issue since you know the reason behind it. Here are just some of the reasons a dog can get anxiety:

Fear

The world can be a scary place, especially to an animal. Dogs can become anxious due to thunder or a perceived predator. Different dogs will be afraid of different things. If you do notice that certain things tend to cause fear in your dog, avoid those triggers at all cost.

Separation

Many dogs become very close to their owners. The owner is the one who feeds them and shows them affection. When the owner leaves a dog may experience separation anxiety. This anxiety will stop the minute the owner returns. This could be due to boredom or a previous experience while left alone. Plus, a dog may just miss the owner. You may notice the dog staring out the window or even pacing around the home when gone.

Aging

Aging is a scary process for humans. You may not be able to care for yourself as independently as before. Things may also start to get rather confusing. It’s scary for dogs, too. A dog may not be as comfortable as it once was, giving them the feelings of nervousness.

Former Shelter Anxiety

Some dogs live in a shelter for some time. Despite the best efforts, life in a shelter isn’t always that great. The animals are typically kept in small cages and not given as much love as if they had a home and an owner. Living in a shelter can create anxiety for a dog. Rescue dogs who have suffered abuse at the hands of former owners are especially prone to problems.

Illness-Induced Anxiety

Getting sick is frustrating. When a dog is sick, they may be anxious about their condition. They may not know what is going on, but they know that something is wrong with their body. This can make them overwhelmed. The first thing to do is go to the vet to help find a solution to their health problems. Hopefully, this will solve the problem.

Other Dogs

Some dogs are social creatures. Other dogs are absolutely terrified of other dogs. This could be because they are small themselves. Otherwise, it could be because of a bad experience. It’s not just dogs, either. Some dogs are afraid of all animals, including cats.

Generalized Anxiety

Not every case of anxiety has a cause. Some dogs are just naturally born anxious. There are even certain breeds that tend to be more anxious than others. Some of the dog breeds particularly prone to anxiety include

  • Chihuahua
  • Border Collies
  • German Shepherds
  • Bichon Frise
  • Labrador Retriever

Symptoms

How do you know if your dog has anxiety? Well, there are quite a number of easy signs. Here are the things to look for if you suspect dog anxiety.

Read on . . .

***

Peter Schoeman is the creator of the thedogadventure.com where he writes on all topics related to dog training, nutrition and the best dog equipment. He lives with his wife, 2 kids and one very cute labradoodle. 

3 Simple Steps to Start You On Your Running Program

Cheryl Alker
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3 Simple Steps to Start You On Your Running Program

3 Simple Steps to Start You On Your Running Program

By Cheryl Alker

Considering the current situation how many of you have thought about, have or are about to take up a running routine?

 

Well, before you dash out the door maybe these few tips might help the whole process run (excuse the pun!) a little smoother.

Start Out Slow

If you have never run before, this is good advice – start slow!

 

Trying to run a four minute mile or a half marathon on your first outing is going to mean this will be your first and last trip out the door.  In fact, you don’t even need to run every day to begin with. I would suggest you start with two tor three days a week with a healthy gap in-between the run days. Keep the mileage low and the pace slow as you start to find out your comfort levels. The standard rule for building up mileage is to increase by no more than 10% each week.

 

There is no shame in walking a part of your run. Alternating between walking and running is actually a great way to build up endurance but ensure you walk at a decent pace maintaining form.

 

This is also a good way to start over if you are returning to running after an injury or you have taken a sabbatical for a while.

 

 

Plan

Try and purchase a good pair of shoes, running in an old beat up pair with no support could potentially cause injuries down the road.

 

Schedule the time you will run.  Allocating time in your daily calendar will mean the day will not slip away before you have even tied the shoelaces on your new running shoes. Pick the time of day that suits your body.  Some of us respond to exercise better at different times of day.  Obviously, heat or cold is a factor to consider.  Too cold and you risk injuring yourself if you have not properly warmed up, whilst too hot and you run the risk of fatigue or dehydration.

 

Celebrate the Victories

Setting yourself small goals every two to three weeks will keep you on track. Ensure you celebrate when you hit those goals though, let’s face it a new running outfit will never go amiss!  Don’t be too hard on yourself either. If you think you don’t look like a typical runner, take a good look around, you have a body that is designed for movement and you want to run, so you are a runner!

 

Enjoy!

Planting the Seeds

Bryan Hayes
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Planting the Seeds

Planting the Seeds

By Bryan Hayes

Let us
Together
Plant the seed
Today
For life’s
Tomorrow
So all our
Grandchildren’s
Grandchildren
Have sustainable,
Clean air
To breathe
Water to drink
And, a world
To live
Every thought
Every emotion
Every action
Every reaction
Every one
Is interconnected
What seed
Are we planting
Today
What will our legacy
Be

The Desk

Melanie Lewis
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The Desk

The Desk

By Melanie Lewis

Looking around his bedroom, my son started to think about how he was going to make that his new “school” for the fall.  He sat in his desk he had since he was in 4th grade. Now a freshman in High School, the leg room was cramped.  The alarm was sounded, “Maaaahhmmmmmm!”

“What?”, I shouted back.

“I need a new desk.”

Pandemic needs for one are usually needs of all.  Just like hand sanitizer and toilet paper, desks are sold out everywhere.  We needed a solution. In order to make room for the new, out went the old.  We chucked-out his old play telescope and a bag of random treasures: Pokeman cards, dice, broken crayons, dust bunnies, and several scrambled decks of cards. We sorted crayons, colored pencils, pens markers, pencils and assorted notepads.  This windfall of school supplies means no shopping the COVID aisles of picked-over items. We gave the old gem a good cleaning, and then I posted the desk on Facebook Marketplace.

I had a dozen responses in 10 minutes.  Within an hour it was loaded in the back of a large SUV. All done while masked.  We started thinking outside the box. Maybe convert a cupboard like I did our old entertainment center.  I added a pullout tray and, voila that became my desk/concealed office a couple of years ago.  We had an assortment of castoff furniture in the basement, so we cleaned an old table. My son drew a diagram of how he wanted the room to look. (See diagram).

Moving furniture unearthed an equal assortment of random items as did cleaning out his desk. Whoa, the dust! Even he thought this would be a good time to wear a mask.  We found . . . wooden dowels he used to make arrows for his homemade bow and arrow set, paper scraps covered with doodles, a gyroscope, more playing cards, dice, crayons, juggling set, single socks, AND MORE DUST. The clean desk was now ready and in place.  Amazing to think that thanks to a new arrangement, this child now has gotten a little energized and engaged in the prospect of fall learning.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (A Conversation About Grief)

Summer Wadleigh
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Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (A Conversation About Grief)

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (A Conversation About Grief)

By Summer Wadleigh

Throughout my short, yet highly valued time interning for Around Wellington and understanding what it’s like to write for a publication regularly, most, if not all of my articles have been about history, current events, or my political opinions. Though as I attempt to write my September edition of this column, I find myself wanting to pursue a topic much more personal. While this fraction of my work has remained solely on the factual side, I figured that I could try to use this article as an outlet in understanding my own emotions rather than bringing myself to write my usual, because sometimes we just can’t. I hope that anyone reading this can see a piece of themselves within it, and thus can find comfort while coping with immense loss.

As August comes to a close and September begins, I find myself reflecting on how different my life was two years ago, and doing some internal examination on the amount of progress I’ve made since my grandmother’s death in September 2018. Throughout my childhood and my early teenage years, my grandmother was nothing short of my best friend. She had this unfaltering light, this presence that was soft, yet commanded attention in every single room she walked into. Her pure kindness was practically unignorable, and she inspired so many people to become improved versions of themselves. She did this through her passion for education. The years that she spent working for my Elementary school as well as the School District of Palm Beach County, she mainly worked with books, and helped provide a lot of students with accessible reading tools, while also making the library my go-to hang out spot whenever I wanted to spend time with her. There was an extensive amount of room for growth throughout my childhood, and I looked no further than her in my search for the unconditional love and validation that I was lacking in most aspects of my life.

When I was eight years old, my grandmother began a battle with cancer that would not cease until shortly after my fifteenth birthday. This was an incredibly confusing time for me as I knew that cancer was a terminal illness, something that I had convinced myself was a death sentence, yet her spirit was almost better than before. With each surgery or round of chemo, she continuously embodied the image of strength, and was persistent in being there for the milestones that occurred within our family, or if she just wanted to pick me up and go out for lunch. Something as physically exhausting as frequent treatment did not affect her ability to be present in every moment and still appreciate the life that she had been given.

The thing about consistent recovery is that you’re never going to expect your loved one to go into a low risk operation and just die. In hearing something so intense, you begin to ask yourself a lot of questions, both answerable and unanswerable. Where is she now? Why was the last conversation that I had with her so casual? How will I go on without one of my most nurturing relationships? Why do bad things happen to good people? While I eventually reached my own conclusions in answering my vast variety of questions such as the reason behind the casualness of my last conversation with her being that I truly thought I was going to “see her later”, the question of why bad things happen to good people continues to nip at my brain nearly two years later.

Within these past couple of years, I believe that I am beginning to draw a progressive conclusion to that question as I continue to make my way through life without her ethereal spirit. Everyone in the world comes from a different walk of life, with different experiences, and different kinds of hardships that they have been dealt. Even amidst my personal array of hardships, I could have always been given another. But the universe gifted me her. I got to meet her and experience the person that she was. I had the privilege of being a piece of such a special person’s story, and hopefully some of what she taught me will allow me to be special too. In my desperate search for this answer, I realized that I had found it in the form of another question. It’s not a matter of why bad things happen to good people, but a matter of why do good things happen at all.

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