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September, 2015 – Discover Utrecht: Holland’s City of Charm

Travel with Terri

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September 1, 2015

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Travel with Terri

Discover Utrecht: Holland’s City of Charm

Story and Photos by Terri Marshall

When you plan a trip to Holland the itinerary has to include tulips, wooden windmills and Gouda cheese, that’s a given. It will probably also include a visit to some of The Netherlands’ best known cities like Amsterdam, The Hague and Delft with its iconic blue earthenware. One city that might not be on your radar is Utrecht. A university city filled with bustling wharves, hidden gardens, an intriguing history and music on virtually every corner, Utrecht is utterly charming. And, it is only about a half hour scenic train ride from Amsterdam.

So what charmed me about Utrecht? It started with a walk through the city. I strolled past eye-catching contemporary structures interspersed with ancient historic city houses dating back to the early Middle Ages. Bicycles were everywhere in the car free city center with parents rigging some incredibly creative wagons to tow their children, groceries and even home improvement supplies.

The canals of Utrecht are unlike any in the world. The wharves at the central canal, Oudegracht, were built in the 12th-century as a medieval harbor. Merchants made clever use of the difference in levels between the canals with their mooring stages and the street with its houses a few feet higher up. Rather than haul cargo from the quayside up to the banks and back down again to the cellar of a canal house, they built tunnels straight from the quay to the cellars. Today, those tunnels have been converted into shops, restaurants and galleries. Nowhere else in the world can you dine and shop beside a canal in a medieval harbor.

Strolling the cobblestone streets surrounding the city’s medieval old town during a busy weekend, the streets are lively with the sounds of street organs and other musicians. In contrast, on an early Sunday morning, I strolled alone to the sounds of an older gentlemen playing his accordion on Domplein – the main square where Utrecht was founded. I ducked into side streets that led to impossibly beautiful public gardens. One of the most stunning was the Pandhof. This hidden gem lies between St. Martin’s Cathedral and the University Hall at Domplein. Entry to the monastery garden is through a neo-Gothic gate where small plots of plants separated by low-lying hedges beg you to sit and contemplate life for a while – at least until you’re ready to tackle the climb to the top of Domtoren.

A cathedral city with a history dating back to 47 AD, Utrecht has been attacked by Vikings, damaged by a massive town fire and even wiped out by a hurricane. Each time the city was rebuilt. The 14th-century bell tower, Domtoren (Dom Tower) stands as a silent witness to the city’s past and a testament to its survival. The Dom Tower and the Dom Church took almost 300 years to build. Domtoren is Utrecht’s most famous landmark and can be seen from anywhere in the city. If you can master the 465 steps to the top of the tower, you will be rewarded with views of the surrounding cities and countryside which, on a clear day, stretch all the way to Amsterdam. The impressive Carillion bells in the tower contribute to the music that rings throughout the city.

After the long haul up the tower, head underground to give your thighs a rest at DOM Under. This fascinating underground world exposes 2000 years of Dutch history under Domplein. Archaeological excavations have uncovered layer upon layer of the city’s historic treasures. In this innovative attraction receivers are planted among the artifacts. As you descend into the underground each person is handed a flashlight with an attached earpiece. When the beam from the flashlight shines on a receiver it activates an audio recording that explains the significance of each exhibit. Searching for the receivers amid the old bricks, ancient Roman oil lamps, tombs and even skeletons kept everyone entertained as we uncovered the layers of early Utrecht.

The Centraal Museum also provides an excellent cultural overview of the past, present and future of Utrecht. Besides exhibits about the city’s history, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Rietveld designs, a collection of work by Dutch masters who lived in Utrecht and displays of today’s fashion, design and arts. You’ll also find works by Dick Bruna, the graphic designer who created the beloved children’s book character, Miffy.

Just walking through Utrecht the city’s love of music is evident. From street musicians playing street organs to university students playing string quartets, music is everywhere. But if you are looking for an outstanding music venue, the TivoliVrendenburg is unsurpassed. As the biggest music stage in Holland, TivoliVredenburg has five concert halls with room for 300 to2000 people. Simultaneous concerts ranging from intimate chamber music concerts to large-scale pop productions and everything in between can be accommodated. In addition to the music halls, there are bars, a grand café and a restaurant. It is truly a stunning venue.

Utrecht is also a city where you can visit a market every day of the week. There are three large markets in the city center including the Bloemenmarkt (flower market) which completely captivated me with its colorful array of blooms – and of course those iconic tulips.

Isn’t it time you got to know Utrecht?

Terri is a New York City based writer who is happiest when she’s globetrotting. She is the Special Projects Editor for TravelSquire.com, the National Chocolate Examiner, the Globetrotting Grandmom for TravelingMom.com and a contributor to several other publications. Tough life, right? You can find more of Terri’s work and adventures on her website: www.trippingwithterri.com Follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TrippingwithTerri and on Twitter @trippingwterri .

September, 2015 – Rock Bottom Bedrock

Mommy Moments

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August 31, 2015

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Mommy Moments

Rock Bottom Bedrock

By Ilyse August

Many people ask me, “How is your son?” For those of you who don’t know my story, or my SON’S STORY, this will be my part II continuation of a teenage boy’s fall from glory to rock bottom…and at the bottom is where he found that our bedrock is in fact God. (See Part 1 of the story).

Whether or not you believe in God; whether or not you are passionately religious or call yourself “spiritual”, I feel this story of a young man may touch you. If I can help even one person with his story, then this time taken to write, reflect & share will be completely worth it.

My son became a Bar Mitzvah in June of 2009. He continued to chant Torah well after his special day. But he was dealing with “legal drug use–psychotropic medications prescribed by a reputable psychiatrist for intense anxiety disorder and “ADHD/Impulsivity” mental health challenges. These prescribed meds led to an interest and need to self-medicate to “treat” the very real side effects of the meds. (We tried a multitude of combinations and a variety of different types of meds, to eliminate the side effects, all to no avail.)

Ultimately this is an all too common path for many who are in our family’s situation. We watched, feeling helpless, as our son spiraled downward. His promising hockey career careened to a screeching halt. At 16 years of age, my son had been one of the two youngest draft picks (USA & CANADIAN draft) in the NAHL. He had been selected to play for the SOO EAGLES in MI. Sadly, it was not to be. His detour off his NAHL career path was only the beginning of the story yet to be written. Putting aside all the sacrifice we as a family put forth over the years leading to his amazing draft success, hitting rock bottom for my son is what may perhaps set the stage for the rest of his entire life should he be open for all the messages being bestowed upon him.

There began a three-year descent—and jail was inevitable. Luckily, jail also became the catalyst for his change.

Hitting rock bottom is not easy, and although many of us think that drug addiction and substance abuse only effects people from lower socio-economic status, or those who come from broken families or families rippled with hereditary challenges within this realm, drug addiction/substance abuse is more common across the board than we care to acknowledge. The pretty young lady sitting next to you in church, temple or wherever you choose to pray, or the athlete sitting next to you in a movie theatre, or the business man standing next to you in line at the food store, or wherever—may be in the throughs of addiction.

“So how is your son?” This is a question that I don’t know how best to answer. He is building his self worth back up. He is growing from the narrow depths of despair that could have easily taken his life several times over. He recognizes his need to comprehend that his hockey career does NOT define who he is and his definition of success needs to be redefined. How do we all define success? Usually it’s around financial achievement and/or goals we set to accomplish whether they be career and/or leadership attainment. Life happens and in this school of thought there is rarely the observation that often times we need to reflect more on the word success and what it truly can mean for some.

I see life being all about relationships: Being vulnerable and being comfortable enough in our own skins to remaining open for others to truly ‘see’ who we are. Being open to and for others allows us to share in others lives, and to invest in others when they may need us. So in looking at my own son and being asked how he is…I feel like it is important for all of us to redefine success & what it really means in our lives. To succeed beyond addiction, success has to be more than just what we accomplish. Truly I feel success needs to be more about the relationships we build with others.

You see, relationships are what can carry us through often trying times in our lives. If one person falls, the other can pick the person up. As I have been learning myself from a community & spiritual leader in Pastor Craig Groeschel,

“Everyone needs someone to do life with;

Everyone needs someone to invest in;

Everyone needs someone to stay for.”

Through my son’s extraordinarily difficult and trying time in his life and in our family’s lives, I have come to realize that my son is doing okay because he is willing to recognize his need to grow and believe in something greater than himself. How we found a spiritual mentor and home is a phenomenal story all on its own, but all the ‘little things’ leading up to where our son is at spiritually right now has been an incredible journey for us all and mostly for our son

I do feel God works in amazing and mysterious, and in ridiculously unbelievable ways.

So…”How is your son?”

My son is good. He has a lot to learn, but if he’s willing to receive this education, he will impact lives in a way that he could have never imagined possible before his downward spiral. God is good and God chooses certain people to hit that rock bottom so that the best rock can be found.

***

Formerly a Non Profit Fundraising Specialist Ilyse August is a seasoned Network Marketing professional with a passion to change the lives of many people not only here in S. Florida, but throughout the world as well. Through the education of the powers that are inherent in Earth’s most ancient Superfoods, such as WILD Super Blue Green Algae (SBGA,) tonic mushrooms, botanicals, probiotics, enzymes, the whole host of Chorophyll (Spirulina,) base foods, Ilyse aims to guide people to understanding that our bodies are the true miracles, and feeding/nourishing our bodies with the best foods from earth can only help to facilitate our bodies operating at their optimal performance levels achieving greater health.

To reach Ilyse August, you can call her at (561) 503-3691 or email her at iaugust@NEbluegreen.com. For more information on Superfoods, specifically Earth’s first foods – Blue green algae and tonic mushrooms, please contact Ilyse.

September, 2015 – Curried Eggplant and Chickpea Saute

Yummy Treats

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August 31, 2015

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Yummy Treats

Curried Eggplant and Chickpea Saute

By the Cookin’ Yogi

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
Sea salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 onion chopped
3 – 4 tomatoes chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 eggplant cut into 1” cubes
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 15 oz can chick peas
1/2 cup fresh basil
1 tsp corn starch if not using yogurt
1/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt, optional

Directions

In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice, 1 ½ cups water, and ½ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Stir the rice once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, eggplant, curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and the garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until eggplant is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
Stir in the chickpeas and cook just until heated through, about 3 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from heat and stir in the basil and corn starch. Add the yogurt, if using, at this step without cornstarch. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the vegetables over the rice with yogurt, if using.

***

For more great recipes and healthy tips, visit the Cookin’ Yogi at www.CookinYogi.com or call Sherri Mraz, (561) 791-6455.

September, 2015 – When in the Presence of Royalty

AW Stories of the Month

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August 31, 2015

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Berkel and Me

When in the Presence of Royalty

A Part of the “Berkel & Me” Series

By Jon Frangipane

I never used discount coupons to buy food at the grocery store because I

didn’t want to go through the trouble of cutting them out of the Sunday paper

and then holding up the line at the checkout counter, thereby becoming

one of those irritating, inconsiderate coupon-toting laggards that I hate with

all my being.

Since I picked up Berkel a few months ago at the local animal shelter, he had been pressuring me to buy premium cat food under the guise that he was a descendent of some cat owned by King Olaf, the Holy Martyr-King of Norway,

and that his body couldn’t tolerate normal cat food.

I’m not as gullible as I look, so I said, “Berkel, the papers I

received from the Humane Society never indicated any royal blood

running through your veins. In fact you were such skin and bones,

I doubt if you had any blood running through your veins. And

besides, you happened to be the only kitten left, the reason of

which should have been apparent to me at that time, but I was in

a weak state of mind and I’ll never forgive myself.”

“Well, I beg your pardon! Do you happen to see the little white

spot on the side of my precious nose?”

“Yes, but my insurance doesn’t cover cat nose jobs.”

“I wasn’t referring to a nose job, but for your information I was

referring to the fact that King Olaf’s cat named Desmond had the

same white spot in the same area of his nose and there is documentation

and paintings to prove it. You can check Wikipedia yourself.

“President Obama says we’ll have to make some sacrifices this

year until the country can get on its feet again, so just get used to less than premium food, buddy!”

“Well, I don’t see the president eating at Denny’s, or McDonald’s. If he

doesn’t sacrifice, why should I?”

“Because he’s the President of these United States, that’s why!”

“Oh, yea! Well, he also happens to be a servant of the people, so

if it’s a question of equality for all, I’d like to eat what President

Obama eats. When he sacrifices, I’ll sacrifice!”

“Listen, I’m on the way to the grocery store with the coupons

that I clipped out of the Sunday paper, so I can take advantage during

this economic turndown and time for personal sacrifice.”

“Oh my, how patriotic! Just remember who I am and that my

royal stomach may accidentally deposit some royal regurgitation

on your favorite chair, if that said royal stomach is treated unroyally.”

I pulled a fistful of coupons out of the kitchen drawer and left

the house without saying goodbye. My cat was treating me like a

dog. I was so enraged that I could feel my heart pounding like a

bass drum, and the vein in my left temple pulsating against my

baseball cap.

It was good to get away from the big mouth fuzzball. King Olaf?

What a joke! He must think I’m stupid.

So, up and down the aisles of the supermarket I went for over

an hour, checking every price, reading every ingredient on the back

of each can and package, being sure that the bargain items were of

decent quality. I still was a little wary, but no products listed rat

hairs, so I felt somewhat relieved. I also find it disingenuous of

some food companies to add salmonella to their peanut butter. I

think the FDA has been downsized to only two people who check

out these things, so they’re bound to miss almost all 99.99% of

products produced in this country.

As I finally pulled my cart up to the checkout counter, my

pocket calculator told me that I was about to save $4.89. It took

me 45 minutes longer to shop. Further calculations told me that I

saved 10.86 cents for every overtime minute.

But I did feel a great feeling of accomplishment as I handed the

cashier my coupons. In less time than it takes Berkel to cough up a

hairball, the cashier told me that the coupons had expired and the

items would be rung up at the regular price.

“There must be some mistake! I distinctly remember cutting

them out and placing in the 2nd drawer of my kitchen cabinet,” I

said firmly.

“I betcha any money, if you go home you’re gonna find this

week’s coupons in the 1st drawer. I betcha any money,” said the

cashier, a spitting image of Nurse Hatchet.

“So, who’s going to know, lady. Who’s gonna know!” I said as I

felt myself losing my equilibrium.

“You’re asking me to be dishonest? said the cashier.

“Listen, I’m just a first-time coupon user, you could at least

show me some pity.”

I now felt a hundred eyes glaring at me from behind because I

had just become one of those irritating, inconsiderate coupon-toting

laggards that I hate with all my being. I felt myself shrinking

down into the tile floor.

“I’ll show you some pity, buddy, when people like you vote to

raise up my hourly pay. You must think I’m having a picnic here,

putting up with irritating, inconsiderate coupon-toting laggards.”

“No, no. I’m very, very sorry,” I said, as my voice began to crackle

and the vein in my left temple was about to pop open.

“You’re sorry?” Come home with me. I’ll show you what

sorry is,” she ranted.

“My house has no roof, I have no insurance, I’m seven months behind

in my mortgage, my husband wears a diaper, and if my septic tank doesn’t

stop overflowing, I’ll be up to my lower lip in some serious doo-doo!” screamed the cashier, as she threw my coupons in my face, pounded the cash register with both fists, gave me the finger and raced out of the supermarket.

I turned to the people in line and cried, “I’m not a laggard… I’m

not a laggard! I sounded like Jack Benny.

The manager came by and lead me out of the supermarket .

“What about my food,” I pleaded. “And I have a royal cat who’s

a descendent Desmond, a cat owned by King Olaf of Norway, so I

had to spend over an hour carefully looking at labels, deciding

what to buy and this is the treatment I get?”

“You are hereby banned from our supermarket for 6 months. I

suggest you get help from a reliable shrink.”

I returned home and entered. I was tired and confused. Berkel

met me at the door.

“You look tired and confused,” said Berkel. Well, where’s my

food? My tongue’s dragging on the floor.

“Well, you see, my coupons had expired and the cashier wouldn’t

accept them, and her house has no roof, she has no insurance,

she’s 7 months behind in her mortgage, her husband wears diapers,

and if her septic tank doesn’t stop, she’ll be up to her lower lip in

some serious doo-doo…”

Berkel looked at me like I was nuts and didn’t say a word. First

time I ever saw him speechless.

***

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Lighthouse Point Magazine. Thank you, Jon Frangipane, for your mentoring and your good humor at all times.

Jon Frangipane is a pianist and an ASCAP published composer. He is co-facilitator of the Fort Lauderdale Writers’ Group, along with Wendell Abern. He dabbles in playwriting and tennis. Lives with Tiger, a neurotic tabby. Berkel is now in kitty heaven.

September, 2015 – Painting Party at Oak Bistro

Press Releases

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August 31, 2015

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September, 2015 – Painting Party at Oak Bistro

Destination Painting Party presents

a special event on September 17th, 2015 at the Oak Bistro & Wine Bar

(a joint venture of Bootz Culture Camp and IXT Studio)

September, 2015 – Bright Horizons, Preparing Preschoolers for a Bright Future

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August 31, 2015

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AW Spotlight

Bright Horizons, Preparing Preschoolers for a Bright Future

By Krista Martinelli

The Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool center opened recently in Wellington on State Road 7 (441), right next to the Renaissance School. I had the opportunity to chat with Director Penny Wenman and tour the new school which is bright, clean and beautiful. They will be celebrating their one year anniversary in November, and are planning a big birthday bash celebration on November 14^th from 10am to 12pm.

“With our specially crafted curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips, students receive intentional guidance and rich experiences that move them along their journey by building upon individual strengths and talents.” says Wenman. “Our curriculum is based on an “emergent” approach where teachers plan activities and projects based on the specific group of children they are working with, taking into account their skills, needs, and interests. We are always formally and informally assessing children’s progress in the classroom through ongoing evaluation and documentation to ensure all of our Kindergarten Prep and VPK students are prepared for Kindergarten.” explains Wenman.

Director of Bright Horizons in Wellington Penny Wenman

Bright Horizons at Wellington is currently preparing for their Curriculum Night, which is scheduled for September 17^th. This is an opportunity for parents to learn more about the curriculum, explore the classrooms, meet the teachers and interact with currently enrolled families. Also during the week of Sept. 14^th, families are invited to visit the preschool from 10am to 4pm for an open house. “Families can stop by any time during this week for a personalized visit,” says Wenman.

Why is play important?

“Play is how children start to discover how things work,” she explains. Play is important for discovering the properties of an object – it’s the scientific method in action. As children get older, “play adds a much-needed social element too, that begins with taking turns and sharing,” says Wenman. Play is considered a key component to children’s learning at Bright Horizons, and this is a good thing, as the amount of play time has been reduced both at home and at school in the U.S. over the last few decades. “Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength,” according to an American Academy of Pediatrics report.”

Cultivating Learning in Every Room

If you take a tour of Bright Horizons at Wellington, you will be impressed with the well-designed facilities. Here are some of the things you will see.

A Media Room with SMART Board and Touch Screen Computers
Inviting and engaging playgrounds, specific to each age group
A Natural-Light Art Studio with covered Outdoor Patio
A Movement Matters Zone with Rock Climbing Wall for Physical Education
A Heated Swimming Pool for year-round Swimming Lessons

A heated swimming pool comes in handy for year-round swim safety lessons at Bright Horizons preschool in Wellington.

Nurturing Teachers

I asked, “What is the mark of a great preschool teacher?” At Bright Horizons, they seek out warm, nurturing, and passionate child development professionals who love and understand children. “Our teachers are highly engaged and trained professionals with extensive years of experience in the early education field.” says Wenman. Bright Horizons teachers have the opportunity to continue their education through Bright Horizons’ online Mary Ann Tocio University and tuition reimbursement benefits. This helps to ensure their teachers are current on research as it pertains to the early education field.

Health and Safety Practices

“At Bright Horizons, health and safety is our number one priority”, says Wenman. “Parents can be confident and secure that their children are well protected, classrooms are clean and safe, and that the center practices stringent health and safety guidelines,” explains Wenman. Not only are professional cleaners brought in each day to thoroughly clean and disinfect the center, but teachers help by educating children on health practices such as hand washing and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing. In fact, parents are required to wash both their hands and their children’s hands when entering the classrooms.

In addition, one of the curriculum components at the center is called Well Aware. Wenman explains, “Well Aware is a component of our curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips that fosters positive attitudes toward healthy living, physical activity, and nutrition through appropriate experiences that incorporate healthful habits into daily routines. For example, it’s important for children to know that some food grows in the ground,” says Wenman. It’s empowering for children to understand where their food comes from. Being disconnected from where food comes from is turning out to be a large problem among young kids in the U.S., as pointed out in Jamie Oliver’s (aka “The Naked Chef”) new series “Food Revolution.” There’s a lot that can be done at the earliest ages in learning about food. You can put a warm potato in a Zip Lock bag and give it to preschoolers to mash, says Wenman. Pretty soon, “you’ve got mashed potatoes.” This simple activity is like magic to the kids and it’s also a science lesson.

Preparing Children for Kindergarten

I asked Director Penny Wenman about how they prepare children at Bright Horizons to be ready for Kindergarten. See her response!

The FREE VPK Program

Yes, Bright Horizons offers a free VPK program for four-year-olds. There’s one class that runs from 8:30am to 11:30am, another

from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and an additional morning VPK class that includes wrap- around students. Just call Bright Horizons to ask about it and set up a tour. 561-753-9140

Bright Horizons, a Growing Company

Currently, there are almost 1,000 Bright Horizons schools internationally and they continue to grow. “We are the leading providers of early education,” says Wenman. “Each Bright Horizon school reflects its surrounding location,” she says. There’s an effort to incorporate elements of the town in its design and curriculum. Bright Horizons was started over 25 years ago by an entrepreneurial couple Linda Brown and Roger Mason. They were aiming for quality child care inside corporations, in order to make life easier for working parents. Bright Horizons is headquartered in Watertown, Massachusetts. They have locations in England, India, across the United States, inside banks, inside hospitals and continue to grow throughout the world.

They also have a charitable arm of the organization, the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children®. Through their Bright Spaces initiative, they are able to brighten up and re-model homeless shelters, orphanages, foster care homes and other places in need of extra attention. Check out the “Shine a Light” video from the Today Show, showing the work of Bright Spaces to renovate a NYC homeless shelter. Willie Geist Reveals Bright Space for Kids in Homeless Shelter. See the video! Meanwhile, our local Bright Spaces organization is working to renovate the interior of Grandma’s Place, an emergency shelter for abused and neglected children. (An AroundWellington.com NewsSpot video is coming in the fall about this project and about a fundraiser for Grandma’s Place).

Here in Wellington

Here at the Wellington Bright Horizons, they are growing with new students enrolling every week. They are licensed for 198 students and excited to fill the center with eager kids. Bright Horizons is open from 7am to 6pm. They enroll students from 6 weeks old and up.

Here’s what one parent has to say. “The transition to daycare was scary for all of is, not just our son Everett. Miss Britany and Miss Laura (Penny and Jocelyn too!) made us feel at ease. They nurtured him during drop off and adapted routines throughout the day to ease his transitions. We feel very blessed to have found them!”

A bright reading corner in one of the classrooms at Bright Futures, Wellington.

Bright Horizons at Wellington

3220 S. State Road 7
Wellington, FL33414

(561) 753-9140

Enrolling Now!

www.BrightHorizons.com/wellington

Like Bright Horizons Wellington on Facebook

September, 2015 – Back to School Green Tips

Living Green

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August 31, 2015

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September, 2015 – Back to School Green Tips

Living Green

Jathy Garcia, co-owner of Hi-Tech Plumbing

Back to School Eco Friendly Green Tips

By Jathynia Garcia

So summer is over and our little ones are back in school, we now have to return to a daily routine of early morning rises and assist our kids in handling the duties of being a student. We can also teach them how to be green while still keeping up with the new routine.

Here’s some smart tips courtesy of the Huffington Post.

1. Join The EPA’s Clean School Bus Campaign

According to the EPA, school buses drive 25 million students about four billion miles every year in America. With all that stop-and-go, lots of fuel is burned every day. Check to see if your child’s bus is a newer bus that meets higher emissions standards, or if it is an old diesel bus that needs to follow stricter green standards. For more information, look at the EPA’s Clean School Bus campaign to learn more about greener bussing.

2. Don’t throw it away! How many of us throw out perfectly good notebooks because the first few pages were filled, or buy a new pencil box because the old one is no longer in style? Before going back-to-school shopping, take an inventory of what you already have and craft a shopping list around things that are really needed. Rip out the used notebook pages, and reuse it for a different class, or make a project of decorating the old pencil box with your child. Both will be good as new!

3. Buy Green Supplies

After you’ve done your inventory, take your child shopping for recycled, renewable school supplies. Many major retailers, including Targetand Office Depot, carry recycled notebooks, and Paper Mate has come out with a line of biodegradable pencils.

4. Find An Eco-Friendly Backpack

Backpacks can not only be harmful to the environment, but to your child’s health as well.The Daily Green cited a University of Michigan study saying 60% of teens and preteens (12-18 years old) suffer chronic back pain. Ease your child’s burden by purchasing an eco-friendly backpack that is padded and well suited for their size. Check out The Ultimate Green Store orEcocentric Bags for ideas

5. Send Lunch In A Reusable Pack

If your child brings a lunch from home, try packing food in reusable containers. Snack Taxi is a great resource for many types of reusable packages, or just send Tupperware and mason jars in place of baggies.

6. Bamboo vs Plastic – Try packing kids school with bamboo cutlery instead of sending them with disposable utensils that are not eco-friendly for the environment.

7. Healthy snacks start the school year is to get your kid excited about healthy eating. Sit down together and make a list of your child’s favorite healthy foods, including some fun recipes you can make together for easy weekday dinners. Pack fruits and vegetables that are in season, paying particular attention to which foods have high uses of pesticides, and make sure to include plenty of different colors and tastes!

8. Invest In A BPA-Free Water Bottle

It’s no surprise that kids should be drinking water instead of sugary drinks throughout the day, but sending them to school with disposable plastic bottles is not the way to go, says the Mother Nature Network. Instead, invest in a BPA-free reusable bottle. Whether your child prefers aluminum or plastic, reusable water bottles can be an eco-friendly, stylish way to send your child to school.

9. Make An Eco-Friendly Transportation Plan

If your child’s school does not offer bus service, or you opt out of it, there are a number of eco-friendly transportation options. Older kids can ride a bike if you live near the school (and the path consists only of safe roads!). For the younger kids, a morning walk can be a lovely way to bond with your child. Is school too far to walk or bike? Contact the administration to see if any other students live nearby, and get in touch with local parents about participating in a carpool.

10. Support Eco-Clothing Lines

Growing kids need new clothes pretty often, and throwing away old duds is a huge waste. Why not organize a neighborhood clothing swap, or donate old clothes to Goodwill? Replace these pieces with affordable, eco-friendly styles. Some retailers include H&M, which sells organic and recycled children’s clothing, and Nike among others.

Going back to school is exciting but we can also make it great for the environment if we all pitch in.

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Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air are considered the experts when it comes to plumbing and air conditioning service. They are a licensed and insured service company that has been serving residential and commercial customers throughout Palm Beach County since 2000. They understand the needs of their customers and because of that, offer same day service, 24/7 emergency service with up front pricing and they guarantee your satisfaction or they do the work again for free!

Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air works hard to earn your business and goes the extra mile to keep it. They can be reached by phone at (561) 285-8744 or on the web at www.hi-techplumbingandair.com

September, 2015 – AW in Pics

Around Wellington in Pictures

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August 31, 2015

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

BurgerFi staff, Wellington, FL. Photo by Lois Spatz.

At the end of the 3rd Chef Challenge, "Feast of the Sea," held at the Saltwater Brewery in Delray. Chef Blake Malatesta (Ocean 50) won the competition. Here he is (left) with three happy, well-fed judges. Photo: Krista Martinelli. — At the end of the 3rd Chef Challenge, “Feast of the Sea,” held at the Saltwater Brewery in Delray. Chef Blake Malatesta (Ocean 50) won the competition. Here he is (left) with three happy, well-fed judges. Photo: Krista Martinelli.

At the Woof Gang Bakery doggie ice cream social on August 16th. Carolee Ellison, dog trainer from Hounds & Heroes, with veteran Frank with his service dog Buff, a retired greyhound. Photo: Krista Martinelli.

Jeanne Bootz with Leslie Pfeiffer at the "Around the World" art show at Bootz Culture Camp on August 22, 2015. Photo: Krista Martinelli. — (L to R): Jeanne Bootz with Leslie Pfeiffer at the “Around the World” art show at Bootz Culture Camp on August 22, 2015. Photo: Krista Martinelli.

September, 2015 – Kids Eat FREE!

Kids' Corner

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August 30, 2015

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September, 2015 – Kids Eat FREE

Compiled by Shawn Thompson

Kids Eat FREE! This is your one-stop source for your favorite restaurants around town where your kids can eat free! All restaurants listed offer one free child meal (10 and under – some are 12 and under) per adult entrée purchased unless specified (drink offers vary). Since most places change their kids eat free promotions from time to time, please call ahead to make sure the offer is still good.

Shawn Thompson

If you have a favorite restaurant that offers a freebie meal not listed, please feel free to share!

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MONDAY

Brass Ring Pub 10998 Okeechobee Blvd., RPB (561)296-4563

After 5 p.m. – drink included

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TUESDAY

Alabama Joe’s 6316 Lantana Rd. #45 Pinewood Square, Lantana (561)963-3393

All day – drink included

Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grille 10880 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington (561)798-6227

All day – drink included (2 kids per adult w/ $8 meal)

Denny’s 300 Civic Way, RPB (561)793-7050

From 4-10 p.m. – no drink included (2 kids per one adult meal)

Shane’s Rib Shack 11051 Southern Blvd., RPB (561) 333-7427

All Day – drink included

Bru’s Room 11111 Southern Blvd., RPB (561)790-2771

From 5-9 p.m. – drink included, (Thursdays 1/2 off)

Hurricane Grill & Wings 11071 Southern Blvd, RPB (561)753-4868

All Day – drink included

Hurricane Grill & Wings 4075 State Rd. 7 (441), Lake Worth (561)318-6107

All Day – drink included

Rosalita’s Tex Mex Grill 5949 S. Congress Ave., Atlantis – corner of Lantana & Congress (561)964-5747

After 5 p.m. – drink included. Captain Cartoon, aka Dick Culpa, does FREE kids’ caricatures at Rosalita’s on Tuesday nights! Check out his website too.

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WEDNESDAY

Moe’s Southwest Grill 2605 St. Rd. 7, Bay 410 (561)792-5712

After 5 p.m. – drink, cookie + chips included

Duffy’s 11935 Southern Blvd., RPB (561)792-4045

All day – drink included

Tequila Cancun 2202 Jog Rd., Greenacres (561) 641-5100

Kids Eat FREE with adult meal purchase

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THURSDAY

Bonefish Mac’s Sports Grille 10880 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington (561)798-6227

All day – drink included (2 kids per adult w/ $8 meal)

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FRIDAY

See Everyday section

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SATURDAY

Steak ’n Shake 133 S. State Rd. 7, RPB (561)333-6474

All day – drink included

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SUNDAY

Steak ’n Shake 133 S. State Rd. 7, RPB (561) 333-6474

All day – drink included

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EVERYDAY (and Almost Everyday)

Butterfields Southern Café 1145 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., RPB (561)792-8723. (Monday thru Saturday. Restaurant closes on Sundays at 3pm).

4-8 p.m. every day – no drink included

The Original Pancake House 105 South State Rd. 7, RPB (561)296-0878

Until 2 p.m. Mon. – Friday – drink included

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Shawn Thompson is a local Wellington Mom and has two children, Aaron and Audrey. She enjoys volunteering at her children’s schools, attending their activities, working for a polo player, working for AroundWellington.com, plus taking evening walks with her family. Please e-mail her any free deals you find and would like to have included to shawn.srt@gmail.com

September, 2015 – Christie’s Critters

Paws-itive Press

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August 30, 2015

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Paws-itive Press

Christie’s Critters – Doing Great Things for Animals

By Barbara Masi

Krista Martinelli was looking to expand coverage of all things about animals and she asked me to write a bi-monthly column for AroundWellington.com. I was delighted as it has been a while since I have had a local column. Animals are my passion and many of those championing animal issues are my friends.

I am currently working on a half dozen columns, but will also be accepting suggestions on what you would like to see covered. In process are columns about the people behind local animal businesses and organizations, interviewing those with exotic pets, covering the making of a service animal, talking with those in the equestrian community and, of course, mentioning the adoptable and pet dogs and cats. You may reach me at GreyhoundGoddess@AroundWellington.com or barbaramasi@comcast.net.

me and Diamond — Christie of Christie’s Critters and 107.9 FM with Diamond.

This month I would like to feature a local dynamo in the animal rescue community, Christie Coulter, Founder and President of Christie’s Critters Foundation (incorporated May, 2013). Although Christie does not physically save the animals herself, her foundation assists local not-for-profit animal rescues and re-homing organizations with fundraising activities. Those who run the smaller shelters or foster and adoption programs are always in need of assistance creating awareness of what they do and how the community can help. Christie is there to function as an outreach for these groups that are working in the day to day care of the animals and cannot always devote sufficient time to fundraising.

In 2014 Christie’s organization was instrumental in collecting food, toys, leashes, collars and crates for 10 Palm Beach County rescue organizations in time for Christmas, so the homeless animals would not be forgotten for the holiday. She donated food to incoming rescues to Palm Beach County with Pilots n Paws and Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue.

Christie’s Critters’ Take Me Home Zone at Paws in the Park (formerly Petapalooza) features over 25 local rescue organizations as well as non-profits dedicated to the well-being of animals. The Christie’s Critters Take Me Home Zone recently took second place for Community Outreach at the Florida Festivals and Events Association Awards.

The foundation is highly supportive of the National Canine Cancer Foundation – working on the Bark and Bowl event held annually here in the Palm Beaches. Having lost CiCi, one of her beloved labs to that disease in 2011, she supports their research through donations.

Currently, in association with Woof Gang Bakery stores throughout Palm Beach County, Christie’s Critters is fundraising to sponsor HERO – a retired racing greyhound being trained as a service dog for a veteran in need – through Awesome Greyhound Adoptions and the Hounds and Heroes program.

Many of you will recognize Christie’s name (and certainly her voice) from her work as a DJ on SUNNY radio 107.9 FM here in the Palm Beaches, known as Christie Banks on the radio. She has been in radio from Miami to Charleston, SC to Philadelphia to San Diego to Washington, DC to Dallas to Orlando and to Ft.Myers. She landed back in South FL in 2008 where she went to work for SUNNY. An avid Steeler fan (born in Pittsburgh), she has been married for three years to Curt Coulter and they currently have three rescue dogs – two Labs and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Plaudits to Christie for her love of animals and her decision to help the efforts of many local animal advocacy groups. Check out ChristiesCritters.orgfor more information.

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Barbara Masi has been a resident of Boynton Beach for 35 years and an animal advocate all her life. Although having many breeds of dogs in the past, she has devoted the last 15 years to the re-homing of retired racing greyhounds and is the founder of a group that trains them as service dogs and donates them to veterans. Barbara works with local school children in educating them about animal kindness and anti-bullying through PBSO’s Animal Kindness Unit. Through her employment, she has the opportunity to interact with a variety of local animal groups and businesses, allowing her to share their knowledge of all animals to us at AroundWellington.com.

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September, 2015 – Discover Utrecht: Holland’s City of Charm

September, 2015 – Rock Bottom Bedrock

September, 2015 – Curried Eggplant and Chickpea Saute

September, 2015 – When in the Presence of Royalty

September, 2015 – Painting Party at Oak Bistro

September, 2015 – Bright Horizons, Preparing Preschoolers for a Bright Future

September, 2015 – Back to School Green Tips

September, 2015 – AW in Pics

September, 2015 – Kids Eat FREE!

September, 2015 – Christie’s Critters

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