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How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor

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How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor

How to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor

By Nick Burton

Is your dog a good citizen, or do your neighbors take evasive maneuvers when they see you and your pooch coming their way?  You don’t want to be that dog owner!  Here are some tips for helping your furry family member embrace good etiquette. 

Leash training.  One of the top unspoken rules of neighborhood dog walking is proper leash manners.  Thankfully, this is a dog etiquette skill you can teach your pup from the comforts of home.  Walk your dog on a leash through your house, maintaining slack in the leash.  Keep a steady distance between you and your dog, asking that he stops and starts when you do and navigates corners and obstacles with you. As skill increases, move your exercises to the great outdoors.  Start with quiet areas and gradually increase the level of distractions and difficulties as your dog improves. 

 

Fencing the yard.  There are a slew of potential threats that come with an unfenced yard, including a means for your dog to escape, visible passersby that could activate aggressive behavior from your furry friend, and uninvited animal guests.  The last one could be said about your dog, too, if you don’t install a fence around your yard. Your neighbor would certainly appreciate the reduced risk of finding your pet roaming around in their backyard.  To decrease the chances of your dog performing an elaborate escape, make sure the fence is at least six feet tall, and stow away any objects that could assist in your pet’s attempts.  Pet owners living in Lake Worth will likely pay $1,575 – $3,466 for their fencing needs.

 

Pick up poop.  There’s no way around it.  Sometimes, your pooch just has to “go,” and when he poops in the park, on the sidewalk, or anyplace other than the usual spot in your yard, it’s your responsibility to clean it up.  Some dog owners allow their pups to eliminate in their neighbors’ yards, and you can be sure this will never win you or your pooch any awards for favorite of the neighborhood.  Also, some experts note there are those who prefer your dog doesn’t pee in their yards as well.  If possible, always opt for areas that are out of the way and discrete, rather than manicured lawns, landscaping, or children’s play areas. 

 

Eating out.  More restaurants and outdoor eateries are allowing dogs to dine, but before you and your pup partake, you should teach appropriate etiquette.  For instance, if you allow your pooch to beg at home, that behavior won’t disappear in public.  In fact, you’re likely to have him asking for a handout from other diners.  Don’t allow your dog to ask for table scraps and limit where your dog is allowed to lounge while you eat.  You can reinforce good behavior by leashing your dog at mealtime and practicing at home.  Try it at a picnic table in a quiet park before going to a crowded café. 

 

Dog parks.  Visiting a dog park is fun, but if it leads to confrontations with other dogs or utter mayhem, it loses the appeal quickly.  Cesar’s Way suggests taking your pooch on a vigorous walk before you ever get there.  Park a few blocks away and burn off some energy so your dog will be better prepared to focus and relax.  If your dog is socially disadvantaged and is either overly aggressive or submissive, work out those issues before going to dog parks.  Dogs who are aggressive will be drawn to submissive ones, and then you may have a fight on your hands. 

 

Never assume.  While you may know your dog is friendly and outgoing, other people don’t.  Similarly, if you come across a dog you don’t know, you can only count on and control yourself and your dog’s behavior.  One suggestion is if you encounter a dog owner that oversteps his or her bounds, politely explain you’re working on etiquette with your dog, and it’s not a good time for doggy greetings. 

 

Go out of your way.  Sometimes you may need to be the one taking evasive maneuvers.  If you see a neighbor with a dog phobia, an unfriendly-looking pooch, or a dog who is ill-mannered, some experts recommend that you take the initiative and cross the road.  If sidewalks are narrow or the street is very busy, you may be able to simply distract your own dog with a snack.  You may even bring an extra leash if you walk in an area where you expect to encounter stray dogs.  It’s a way to get control when the situation could easily get out of hand.

 

Be a good neighbor!  Teach your dog basic etiquette and pick up after your pooch.  Be aware of others and take the initiative to prevent incidents.  With some basic skills and strategies, you and your dog can be favorites of the neighborhood!

The Injustices of our Nation

Jaiden Lagalo-Blinston
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The Injustices of our Nation

The Injustices of our Nation

By Jaiden Lagalo-Blinston

Since the birth of our great nation our country has dealt with many injustices for minorities. What makes the United States such a great country is our ability to work together but even though the U.S. proceeds to prosper, as a society we still continue having to deal with these issues. The question is, has the U.S. done enough to address the historical injustices to minorities and what needs to be done?  There are still many issues facing minorities and people of other cultural backgrounds, there has been a lot of progress and key events in changing the idea of equality in the course of U.S. history, but there are still a lot of people that choose to be silent and need a voice to these injustices today.

Minorities and people of other cultural backgrounds are still facing discrimination in society. Even though our country has established laws and foundations that have helped minorities to have more rights, there is still prejudice against minorities, online and in real life.  In 2016, ProPublica found that using a designation called “Ethnic Affinities,” Facebook let advertisers target and exclude certain groups of users when placing ads for a new apartment or a house for sale. ProPublica said Facebook approved an ad for a housing-related event that excluded African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics. “When Facebook uses the vast amount of personal data it collects to help advertisers to discriminate, it’s the same as slamming the door in someone’s face,” HUD Assistant Secretary Anna María Farias said.“This is a serious issue in our country that needs to be changed, it’s already bad enough racism still thrives in society but it’s even more disturbing to see that in 2018, racism is starting to take over online platforms.”

 

There has been progress throughout U.S. history in changing the idea of equality with minorities. With events such as the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement, this helped our country progress and get to where it stands today on equality and with human rights. (“Who is Martin Luther King Jr. to Us, 50 Years Later?” states, “King’s battles in the South brought him into conflict with an array of powerful white racists, but the struggles against housing discrimination, school segregation and police brutality produced a different set of combatants, many of whom were protected by Democratic Party machines and black political operatives who acted as gatekeepers in black communities.”  This article explains a brief summary of how Martin Luther King Jr was a leader of the civil rights movement and what has been addressed in the past that prompted an end to segregation laws in the 20th century. Our country’s current laws have changed politically because of our country’s want and need for change, but what about scientifically? For example, Henrietta Lacks was anAfrican American woman who had cancer and was mistreated horribly for the color of skin when getting cancer treatment. Because of her suffering, she prompted a whole new perspective of inequality in science and medicine. This was a time when “benevolent deception” was a common practice (in the 1940’s and 1950’s) – doctors often withheld even the most fundamental information from their patients, sometimes not giving any diagnosis at all. They believed it was best not to confuse or upset patients with frightening terms they might not understand, like cancer. Doctors knew best, and most patients didn’t question that. Especially black patients in public wards. Black patients like Henrietta Lacks in the 1940’s were more prone to being discriminated against in the medical field and because of Henrietta’s advocacy, this introduced the idea of patient protection laws, in which our country still uses today.

 

Even though there has been a major change, people are still not able to voice injustices and to say how they feel about the idea and meaning behind equality. With the groups like Black lives matter and the rise of the feminists, modern media and society is starting to fight back racial injustices. (Jones) Andrew, 17, from Ridgewood, New Jersey says, “Blacks and whites are too confrontational about everything. I regard myself as being liberal and progressive, but there’s no need for confrontation. Black people now, so many of them, they’ve got this idea that everybody is attacking them. We’ve gotta love each other. It’s not ‘them’ against ‘us.’ It’s all ‘us.’ Black Lives Matter. Well, all lives matter.”… “Teens today may look up to Selena Gomez (as well as LeBron James, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicki Minaj), but they also idolize Beyoncé in part because she injected race, police brutality and civil rights into one of the largest, most American moments of the year. Brooks points out that in the past two years the NAACP has witnessed more racial conflict and challenges “than we’ve seen in nearly a generation,” and has had 28 percent more young people join the organization online. “At a moment of conflict, crisis and challenge, rather than sliding into a civic and depressive funk, what do teens do? They join organizations. They take to Twitter. They do something about it,” he says. Today, 75 percent of teens own smartphones. “And that’s not because they can watch cat videos all day. But because they can engage in the world. And that says a lot about their character and morality.” Even though racism still continues to be a part of our society, younger people want and are starting to get involved in their community and this encourages other people to use their voice to stand up for others . With events such as rallies, protests and fundraisers, people will continue to fight back against these injustices against human rights.

 

Our country still deals many issues facing minorities and people of other cultural backgrounds, there has been a lot of progress and key events in changing the idea of equality in the course of U.S. history,  but there is still a lot of people that choose to be silent and need a voice to these injustices today. When considering if our country has done enough about the human rights and inequality, it is important that we acknowledge our country’s current injustices while understanding our past mistakes in order to become a more equal and more unified society. In the end, the U.S. needs more people like Henrietta Lacks and Martin Luther King Jr.- so our country can continue to progress and get closer to the idea of the American Dream.

 

Heal Your Heel

Lynda Linforth
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Heal Your Heel

Heal Your Heel

By Lynda Linforth

There are few things more frustrating than being mentally and physically committed to a new exercise program, only to be thwarted by injury. As Summer approaches and fitness enthusiasm turns more towards outside activities, I am prepared for the exuberant number of minor but hobbling injuries which clients will bring me by the beginning of the school holidays. The main injuries our clients come to work through are plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, knee, shoulder and lower back pain. This article will address plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

A little pain in the ankle, Achilles tendon or foot can quickly escalate to huge problems if ignored. I had a client in my Bridal Boot Camp, desperate to lose weight for her wedding but both of her Achilles tendons started to give her pain. Assuming it was tendonitis, I restricted her impact workouts with bike riding only, upper body strength training and I changed her diet. Unbeknownst to me, she continued her nightly runs outside. The pain increased but her weight continued to drop. Her wedding was a fabulous event and she danced the night away in high heels.  The next morning, when they were getting ready to leave on their honeymoon, she fell to the ground unable to walk. Her husband took her to the ER where an MRI showed both Achilles tendons had ruptured, needing immediate surgery. Instead of leaving for Italy that day, she spent the first 8 weeks of their marriage in a wheelchair recovering from surgery.

Plantar fasciitis is the painful inflammation of the fascia (fibrous connective tissue) around the plantar (sole of the foot but in this case, the heel). Many cases of heel pain are caused by inflammation which has been aggravated by a change in gait caused by the pain, inappropriate shoes, weight gain or increased impact activity. Most common symptoms are the intense pain felt when first stepping out of bed, heel tenderness when walking or exercising and knots or cramps in the arch of the foot.  

I spoke with Craig Sapenoff, D.P.M. at Sapenoff & Harris Podiatry on Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. Dr. Sapenoff treated me for a severe ankle sprain two years ago and I wanted to get his thoughts about heel pain in general. “While PF is the most common problem for heel pain symptoms, it’s not the only possibility. These symptoms are also seen with tarsal tunnel syndrome fracture, nerve entrapment and more.” Dr. Sapenoff said. Plantar fasciitis should be diagnosed by a medical professional before attempting treatment as similar symptoms occur for heel spurs and other pedalian complaints. 

The most common causes of heel pain stem from steady weight gain followed by periods of inactivity followed by increased activity. This causes an unnatural load on the most sensitive part of the foot. However, athletes are not exempt. There are a high percentage of active people who suffer from repetitive injuries (tendonitis, bruising and plantar fasciitis) and especially those who partake in high impact activities such as running, and playing sports.

Achilles tendonitis can occur with or without plantar fasciitis but as they are in the same proximity (the Achilles tendon inserts in the calcaneus or heel bone) they are often present simultaneously.

Management: In regards to plantar fasciitis, ask your doctor about wearing a splint or boot-type support at night. This keeps your foot at a 90 degree angle during sleep to avoid that excruciating first step out of bed. Before leaving bed, try stretching out the hamstring (back of thigh) and the feet (by pulling your toes backwards).  Step out of bed carefully, and gently lower your heel to the floor.

Shoe inserts such as orthotics or heel cups for everyday use can offer relief. Do not wear completely flat shoes as this will only aggravate the condition. Wear comfortable, slightly elevated shoes or tennis shoes. Absolutely NO flip-flops or any type of shoe that needs to be gripped by toes such as slides or mules. Do not partake in any impact activity and stretch calves and hamstrings daily or whenever they feel tight. Ice regularly as reducing the inflammation is critical to recovery. For Achilles pain, massage the calf muscles and minimize all activity which aggravates it (switching from running to cycling, for example). Ice regularly and rest as much as possible.

All About Dr. Randy Laurich

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All About Dr. Randy Laurich

All About Dr. Randy Laurich

Editor of AroundWellington.com Krista Martinelli interviews Dr. Randall Laurich of The Wellness Experience about chiropractic care, how to take care of your spine and Dr. Randall’s move to Wellington, FL a few years ago.  

The Wellness Experience is located in Kobosko’s Crossing in Wellington, FL and can be reached at (561) 333-5351 or by going to their website, WellnessExperience.com.

A Summer of Enrichment

LoriB
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A Summer of Enrichment

A Summer of Enrichment

By Lori Hope Baumel

Is it just me or are the days, weeks and months flying by quickly? Didn’t the school year just begin? Why are there only 24 hours in a day? Why is it that we Homo sapiens actually have to sleep? Yes, I’ve posed way too many questions, and, at this point, my summer article is sounding rather silly. Let’s take a moment to think about it. Homo sapien is a Latin term for “wise, discerning and sensible man.” The term was coined in 1758 by the Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus. And of course, in 2019, we know better to include women in that category as well.

 

If you’re as curious as I am, perhaps you also experience an insatiable desire to learn and find that there is never enough time to satisfy that need. Lucky for you, information is everywhere. As the spring ends and summer begins, define your interests. Perhaps narrow them down to two or three. Then, take the time to expand your knowledge of your chosen subjects resources available to you online or at venues right here in Palm Beach County.

 

If you do the research, you’ll see that there are free courses (from legitimate sites) to learn just about anything. Harvard, MIT, Berkeley College and many more schools provide fascinating classes through the edx.org program. You can either go to edx.org or to find the Harvard classes see www.edx.org/school/harvardx. In addition, the website Udemy.com provides over 100,000 classes for a small fee. Personally, I’ve enjoyed courses via kadenze.com and khanacademy.org. As you probably know, YouTube provides a “how to” on just about anything and everything, but the videos vary in worthwhile content and include many ads.

 

Regardless of the learning method, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to be bored this summer. Take the opportunity to enrich your mind, body and soul. Let this be your summer of incredible growth. I’ve provided a nice list of local summer enrichment activities below. As the Nike ad states… Just do it!

 

Live… Go… Do!

 

Fun, Enriching Summer Events

 

  1. The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Presents

 

A Changing Economy in Palm Beach County

With Michelle Jacobs, Executive Director, Economics Council of Palm Beach County

Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 11 am to 1 pm

The luncheon will be held at the Atlantis Country Club, 190 South Atlantis Blvd.

Doors open at 11 am and lunch is served at 11:30. The cost to attend this thought-provoking event is $25 before June 12, and $35 afterwards. RSVPs are requested either online at www.lwvpbc.org or by calling Esther Friedman at 561-968-4123.

 

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.

2. PalmBeach Photographic Centre Announces FOTOcamp for Kids 2019

Three Sessions Planned this Summer for Children & Teens, Ages 10 to 17

FOTOcamp for Kids – Ages 10-17

June 10-21: 9 am to 3 pm

July 8-19: 9 am to 3 pm

July 22-August 2: 9 am to 3 pm

Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world-renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), announced that this summer the nonprofit organization will be offering three age appropriate FOTOcamps for children and teens.

“FOTOcamp is for anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 that has an interest in photography and/or computers, and who are inquisitive and like adventure,” says NeJame.  “It is the perfect opportunity for youngsters and teens to gain knowledge in all areas of photography, beginning with the basics of picture-taking using SLR digital cameras and progressing to state-of the-art digital imaging, at each participant’s own rate of speed.” For more information see: www.workshop.org

 

3. Building Paradise: Addison Mizner’s Legacy

 

Now through Saturday, June 29
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum

300 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Presented by Historical Society of Palm Beach County

This exhibition pays homage to Addison Mizner, who developed a completely new architectural style for Palm Beach that became the standard for Palm Beach County. The year 2018 marks the centennial of Mizner’s first major Florida commission, the Everglades Club in Palm Beach. In addition to his Palm Beach “society” mansions and commercial properties, Mizner is known for spreading his unique style to Boca Raton, which he dreamed of turning into “the world’s most architecturally beautiful playground.” Mizner’s legacy continues in the 21st century as new developments emulate his style and honor his name.

For the first time, the Johnson History Museum has invited a guest curator, Augustus Mayhew, to lend life to the exhibition. Mayhew has gathered artifacts from private collectors and treasures from the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s collection that show the changes that Mizner introduced to the county, both architectural and in the business community. 

When Addison Mizner began building Palm Beach mansions, suitable construction materials were scarce. He then hired craftsmen from Europe and organized a complex of businesses where his visions could be realized. Mizner Industries, Inc. was comprised of several companies. Las Manos Pottery produced roof and floor tiles and decorative pottery. La Puerta sold antiques and reproduction furniture, and the Mizner Ornamental Cut Cast Stone Plant manufactured ornamental building stone. Many businesses continue to produce these same materials for new construction. 

Fledgling architects worked in Mizner’s drawing room, producing detailed renderings and construction drawings. Some of them eventually opened architectural firms and incorporated Mizner Industries materials in their own designs. 

Building Paradise: Addison Mizner’s Legacy aims to inform and entertain residents and visitors as well as provide an educational platform for the county’s school students. Mizner’s story is told by the Historical Society’s extensive permanent collection of photographs, architectural plans, sketches, scrapbooks, and diaries, as well as decorative objects and furnishings produced by Mizner Industries, the county’s largest 1920 building-related company. For more information call: (561) 832-4164

Free Admission: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

4. Couples Ring Making Party

Saturday, June 15, 1:30 PM
Armory Art Center

811 Park Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Enjoy learning how to size, solder, texturize, and finish silver rings for each other! Everyone will understand the basics of how to use the torch to heat things up. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Please wear closed toed shoes. For any questions, call 561-832-1776

$100.00 per couple ($50.00 per person, per class).

5. Palm Beach County Band/ Percussion Camp

Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 27
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Presented by Palm Beach County Band Camp

501 South Sapodilla Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Camp runs Monday – Friday June 17 – 27. 9:00 – 3:00

The Palm Beach County Band Camp’s goal is to provide a summertime opportunity for students to continue to develop musically as well as promote their enjoyment and understanding of music through the participation in regular rehearsals, master classes, large and small ensembles, listening sessions, and music theory, ear training, optional private lessons with professional instructors. Band and Percussion run concurrently with specialized instructors for each camp.

This program is open to any student with one year of playing experience. The age recommendation: grades 6-12, including current year high school graduates. Younger students are welcome if they have been playing for at least one year (no strings). Aftercare is available for an additional cost. For information call 561-586-0336. Fee: $275-$300

6. Moonlight Guided Canoe Tour

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

10216 Lee Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33473

Saturday, June 15 at 7 PM

Meet at the Lee Road Boat Ramp to enjoy a guided moonlight canoe tour through a portion of the Refuge interior. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and bring a flashlight and bug spray. Canoe rental from Loxahatchee Canoeing is $35; you may not bring your own. (One canoe will seat 2 to 3 people.) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – Call LOXAHATCHEE CANOEING at 561-733-0192. Entry fee is $5/vehicle.

 

 

 

My Skills Even Famous at the Pentagon

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My Skills Even Famous at the Pentagon

My Skills Even Famous at the Pentagon

By Wendell Abern

Photo by Karen Gonzalez

Dear Readers,

        I made it through high school and college without having to change one flat tire or repair any broken item around our house. My mechanical ineptitude did not get exposed until I joined the Navy. To those of you who may have missed some of my incomparable exploits in previous columns, I list here but a few:

        Norfolk, Virginia. My first day on active duty in the Navy. I joined the sailors lining the gangplank leading up to my first ship, the heavy cruiser USS Albany. I showed my Naval ID to the Officer of the Deck, who ordered me to “report to the Executive Officer forthwith.”

         “What?! Er … what, sir? What have I done?”

         “You’ll find out when you get there. Leave! Now!”

         I staggered there, terrified. At the Executive Officer’s door, I saluted, my arm shaking uncontrollably. He looked me up and down, grinning sardonically.

         “Well,” he said, “Lucky me. I get to meet face-to-face with the sailor who’s the talk of the Pentagon.”

         “What? What?”

         “At ease,” he said, grin now smug. “Sit down.”

         I sat down, quivering.

         “Sailor,” he said, “You took four different tests in basic training, so the Navy will know where to assign you. Best score on any test, a 75; average score, a 45. You did very well on three of them. On the Mechanical Test, you scored a 9.”

         “It was a hard test,” I said.

         “Sailor, in the 38 years the United States Navy has been administering these tests, no one has ever scored in single digits on any test. The United States Navy does not recognize nine as a score, and has ordered me to re-administer this test the minute you board ship.”

         And with that, he handed me a copy of the Mechanical Test, which I labored over for one hour – timed by an hourglass. I handed it to the XO; he took out a stencil, placed it over my answers and scored it.

         In genuine awe, he said, “You did it again.”

         “It was just as hard this time,” I said.

         And suddenly, magically, everything aboard the U.S.S. Albany became the personal property of the Executive Officer.

         “You stay away from my radar shack!” he ordered.

         “I – I wasn’t intending to hang out there a lot.”

         “I catch you anywhere near my engine room, I’ll throw you in the brig for three days!”

         “I – I’m not a big fan of engines.”

         I was assigned to the Personnel Office to work on the ship’s newspaper and handle other publicity chores. Outstanding! I was even blessed with a beautiful new electric typewriter.

         I was not permitted to change the typewriter ribbon.

         Boston. After a half-year Mediterranean cruise, my ship was ordered to Boston for eight months in drydock. My wife joined me; we had been married for about a year, and we came to love Boston as much as our home town, Chicago. We loved New England. We loved the fact I didn’t have to go to sea again for seven months. We were a very happy couple when we settled into an inexpensive apartment near Harvard.

         Attempting to impress my young wife, I decided to install a wall can opener in our tiny kitchen … which required drilling holes to secure the bracket on the wall, which would then hold the opener.

         However, I hung the bracket upside down.

         I drilled more holes. But aligned them wrong for the bracket. I drilled more holes. By the time we left Boston, that kitchen wall looked like the site of the Valentine’s Day Massacre.  We slinked out of town in the middle of the night.

         Chicago. We had been married for thirteen years when we bought a house. Beautiful home. Nice ‘burb. Two young kids. Great school a block away.

         By this time, of course, my wife had realized I was the last person in the world who should be a homeowner. Whenever anything broke around the house, the first thing she did was swear the kids to silence lest I try to fix it.

         Then, one weekend while she was visiting her sister in Ohio, I decided to surprise her and build a bookcase for our living room. My friend at work, Dennis, had told me he had assembled one in 20 minutes. Took me four hours.

         When my wife came home, I proudly displayed my handiwork.

         She smiled, thanked me and gave me a nice hug.

         “I really appreciate this,” she said. “But there’s one thing I think you’ll have to fix, The way you’ve constructed it, the books will be facing the wall.”

         My neighbor (great with his hands) chuckled and re-assembled it for me in twenty-five minutes.

        Sunrise, Florida. We moved to a condo. By this time, I had learned to never touch anything that needed assembling, installation, re-installation, mending, polishing or repairing.

         One day, talking with a bridge partner, I mentioned I wanted to have my den walls painted.

         “Kevin!” she exclaimed with a smile. “Kevin Gallagher. Greatest handyman in South Florida. He’s handled any problem I’ve ever had. Plumbing, electrical, painting, you name it, he can fix it. And he’s very reasonable.”

          I called Kevin. He came at the time we’d agreed. Very unusual for Florida. We agreed on a reasonable fee. Took him one hour to paint my den walls, just as he’d said. Very unusual for Florida.

         Then Kevin asked me if I’d like him to install Roku on my TV set.

         “What’s Roku?”

         “A streaming device. Gives you Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, a whole bunch of channels. A kit costs maybe $30.”

         “Let’s do it.”

         He hooked me up in thirty minutes.

         Then, last week, my Roku remote died. I replaced batteries. Still dead. I called Kevin.

         “You probably just need a new stick. These remotes aren’t built to last a long time. Or, you could just get a new Roku kit.”

         I decided on a whole new kit. Another $30.

         I took one look at the directions and called Kevin.

         “I think I can put in the batteries,” I said.

         Kevin chuckled. He’s on his way as I write this. I wonder if I should brag about once being famous at the Pentagon.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@gmail.com.        

 

        

        

        

Celebrating

Melanie Lewis
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Celebrating

Celebrating

By Melanie Lewis

It was a “wild hair” as they say.  A Facebook contest.  In a moment of Facebook scrolling, I came across a post to nominate a worthy mother. The first person who popped into my head was a gal who lives a block away. She recently became a single parent, her husband died of colon cancer.  She has always been supportive and positive towards my business ventures.  She, being a daycare operator, knew of the challenges of budding entrepreneurs.   We actually met years ago when I had been working full time following the birth of my first child. I wanted a homecare environment, which she provided.  I tried her care for a short time, but was not ready to leave him for a full day. I ended up getting a Mother’s helper, a gal to babysit in the house while I worked. We reconnected years later when I tried my hand at Direct Marketing through Silpada jewelry parties. I loved the jewelry. I loved the nightlife. I loved the parties. Can you hear the disco beat a la Alicia Bridges?  Dianna had her hands full in a house with 4 kids and full time daycare. She would offer idea, “How about the town fair?  How about joining the Chamber of Commerce?  I’d be happy to look at a catalog.”  Anything is better than a flat out N.O. in the world of sales.  When Silpada sold the business to Warren Buffet’s Richline Group, the jewelry parties stopped for an online only format. Back to the want ads.

I started working on another Direct Marketing Company, Reliv Nutrition.  I worked in the weight loss and fitness industry for many years. A company that promoted wellness was a good fit.  I also felt that the side effects of medications were as bad as the problems they are intended to treat.  Menopause was at my doorstep. I couldn’t sleep and was having terrible night sweats. The offerings were hormone replacements, anti-seizure or anti-depressants with awful sounding possible consequences of breast cancer, clotting, dry mouth, dizziness and weight gain. Sleeping medication leads to dementia. No thanks! After drinking these shakes for 2 weeks I was sleeping through the night.  Reliv’s business side isn’t as glamorous, but hearing a customer say, “My muscles aren’t sore after working out, or my asthma is gone to the point I don’t need a nebulizer anymore.” These are great rewards that have benefited me as well. It’s encouraged me to form better lifestyle habits too.

Wistfully, I stayed connected to what new designers brought by taking the Silpada click bait ads. Apparently it worked, because they must have known my penchant for pendants hadn’t decreased and my nominee was very deserving. What a big surprise to get notified via Facebook Messenger that I could go shopping for jewelry! We both were awarded a gift of one piece of Silpada jewelry for Mother’s Day.  Anything in the store! Diana came over to unbox our Mother’s Day treasures.  It was a fun way to celebrate us.

Free Water Safety Event at the Wellington Aquatics Complex

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Free Water Safety Event at the Wellington Aquatics Complex

Free Water Safety Event at the Wellington Aquatics Complex

Summertime is pool time, but before jumping in, we should all know how to stay safe, and that’s why the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12072 Forest Hill Boulevard) is hosting the “Make a S.P.L.A.S.H.” (Safety and Prevention Leaves All Swimmers Happy) event on Saturday, June 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This event is free to the public.
 
Pediatric residents from Palms West Hospital and first responders from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue will be on-hand to discuss water safety related issues. Wellington lifeguards along with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel will also demonstrate a near-drowning scenario. Multiple vendors will be on site to discuss the importance of safety in and around the water.
 
To learn more about programs and activities at the Wellington Aquatics Complex, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Aquatics.
 
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
 
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings

Festival Del Mar

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Festival Del Mar

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium presents

Festival Del Mar

Saturday, June 8th

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

WHO: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium presents the 5th Annual Festival del Mar

WHAT: The event is aimed at engaging the local Latin American community and promoting ocean conservation and education worldwide. Guests of all ages will enjoy a variety of cultural performances, bilingual touch tank demonstrations, interactive activities, science demonstrations, arts and crafts, special planetarium shows and much more. Festival del Mar is also aimed at encouraging Latin Americans to pursue a career in a science field. This year, children 12 and under are free!

 

WHERE: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail, West Palm Beach

 

WHEN: Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

 

WHY: This event will help further the Science Center’s mission to “open every mind to science” and foster an environment of education and conservation.

 

HOW MUCH: Tickets for Festival del Mar are included in the general admission, which is $17.95 for adults and this year, the event is free to members and children under 12. Tickets are purchased at the door.

 

CONTACT: For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit http://sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.

National Garden Week

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National Garden Week

NATIONAL GARDEN WEEK

 

Every year during the first week of June, Wellington Garden Club joins with garden clubs across the country to celebrate National Garden Week with a wide variety of garden-related events. This year Wellington Garden Club will mark the occasion in several ways. The highlight of the week will be a presentation at the Wellington Library on Saturday, June 8, from 1 – 3:00 p.m., by Laurie Albrecht entitled Gardening for Butterflies with Native Plants. Discover how to attract winged wonders to your yard. Learn about the butterflies that make Palm Beach County home, and the native plants that sustain both adults and their young.

This program is free and open to the public. As an added bonus, attendees will receive a voucher for two free 3-gallon native plants per household!

 

Ms. Albrecht is a UF/IFAS Extension Environmental Horticulture agent in Palm Beach County. She coordinates The Florida Friendly Landscaping and educational portion of the Native Canopy Education program for the county. Formerly, she was an instructor at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.

In addition to the butterfly garden presentation, Wellington Garden Club members will create floral arrangements to give to businesses and municipal offices in Wellington who have supported our programs over the past year.  And, on June 5, Garden Club members and summer camp staff will help children attending the Village Summer Camp Program to plant Firebush seedlings in pots to take home and plant in their yards. This activity is lots of fun and a great way to teach kids about native plants that attract bees and butterflies. Enjoy National Garden Week; plant something beautiful in your yard!

 

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