McKenna’s Place, located in a strip mall on the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Kirk Road, is a bustling bar & grill, perfect for an after work drink with your coworkers, a nice family meal, or a place to watch the big game on their array of flat screen TVs. When you walk in, you feel like you have stepped into an episode of the beloved TV classic, “Cheers.” You are always welcomed promptly and warmly by the servers and host staff. If you go back a few times, you will see that McKenna’s Place has a very devout and loyal repeat customer base. I am now one of them!
The chicken wings at McKenna’s Place
McKenna’s Place is first and foremost a classic bar & grill, so I suggest you stick to classic offerings when you order. Their timeless bar classics are top notch. The true test of any bar & grill is their wings and McKenna’s wings (10 for $7.95) are stellar. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with celery and blue cheese. They have several flavors for you to try, – classic buffalo, honey mustard, garlic, teriyaki, BBQ, or jerk. McKenna’s also offers great Angus burger (base price $6.95) boasting a thick, meaty patty on a nice soft bun. Build your own burger masterpiece from the array of burger toppings. I’ve had the burger twice and both times it came out perfectly cooked to my specifications.
Mahi mahi tacos
One night, I tried the grilled Mahi Mahi tacos ($8.95) on their weekly special menu. The dish arrived with two large tacos filled with fresh grilled fish, lots of veggie toppings, and sides of salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges. Though the tacos were very fresh and the fish was cooked perfectly,
Loaded potato skins
I did miss the classic accompaniment of a cabbage slaw on the taco. We also tried the “Buffalo Skins” from the specials menu. Full of buffalo chicken pieces and crumbled blue cheese, these were defiantly an over-the-top version of the classic potato skin. These indulgent appetizers go very well with McKenna’s cheese fries ($4.95) which are topped with a variety of grated cheeses and melted to perfection.
McKenna’s also offers healthier fare such as great dinner-sized salads that you can add chicken or seafood to. I really enjoy their big Caesar salad with buffalo chicken on it ($6.95 for a full $5.00 extra for the chicken). They also have quite a few Irish classics such as Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash, and Corned Beef and Cabbage if you are looking for some comfort food.
McKenna’s Place is a great little gem of a bar & grill. There is always something going on! Trivia night on Wednesdays at 7:00pm, Ladies drink free on Thursdays at 9:00pm, and there is always a smiling face to greet you and a nice cold beer after a hard day’s work. Go and try it one night and you might just want to make it your very own regular spot too.
In her previous life, Sarah, a Palm Beach County Native, spent ten years working in various high-end eating establishments around South Florida. She is currently a fiction thesis candidate in the MFA program at Florida International University where she also teaches creative writing and rhetoric. If that is not enough, Sarah is also the owner of Cakes by Sarah, a local custom cake shop. Sarah lives in Lake Worth with her husband and two beautiful boys. “Food, fiction, and family are my life.”
It’s so easy to make your own sugar scrub, just like the ones that are so expensive in the bath and body stores. And it’s only pennies to do so.
Ingredients:
¾ Cup of white sugar
¼ Cup of any edible oil (recommended – sunflower oil)
A few drops of essential oil. (For example, grapefruit, lavender, citrus or whatever scent you enjoy).
All natural sugar scrub leaves your hands smooth and soft.
Mix together in a medium size bowl. When washing your hands with sugar scrub, wash your hands first. Then use a spoon and put sugar scrub in your hands. Scrub for about 30 seconds to a minute over the sink. Rinse. Your hands will feel very soft and smooth! Enjoy!
Whether you have children or not, you cannot have failed to have noticed that it’s back to school time. Television and newspaper advertisements are literally bombarding us with savings that are available on clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies and electronics.
Once that first school bell rings your child will be kitted out from head to toe in everything he/she needs for the year ahead and school life will become a dominant factor in their everyday lives. While there is no doubt that school and an education are absolute necessities in our children’s development, have you ever taken a moment to notice the affect it may be having on your child’s posture?
If you work, or have ever worked in an office, you will be aware of ergonomics (the applied science of equipment design intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort) and how it is vitally important to your overall wellbeing to be set up in correct posture if you sit for long periods of time. So what about our children’s school desk and chair? Below will explain why, as parents, we should we be taking some sort of precautionary measure to preserve our children’s posture.
Did you know that poor posture in our children, and particularly during the teenage years, causes muscle strain or over time abnormal bone growth? Poor posture can also make your child appear less confident. In fact, back pain is one of the most common complaints in teenagers and adults alike. Most experience a bout of back pain at some point in their lives and for some, back pain can be a continual source of aggravation and discomfort.
One of the most common causes of back pain is poor posture. Posture can be defined as the way in which you hold yourself. Good posture ensures that all of your bones and joints are aligned properly which prevents excessive strain on the muscles and promotes a full range of movement at the joints. Unfortunately our children are spending more and more time sitting, in fact research shows that young people spend more time than ever at a desk, in front of a computer, on their telephone, tablets, playing video games or just watching television. This in turn is contributing to an increase in the prevalence of back pain amongst the younger generation.
Poor posture is definitely more associated with people with a sedentary lifestyle as people tend to slouch or slump whilst sitting. Now you may not necessarily associate the word “sedentary” with your child, after all I am sure many of you who are reading this article have children involved in one sport or another but if we are honest, those activities are usually after school or at the weekends. Just take a moment to analyze the percentage of the day that your child is actually seated. They spend 7 to 8 hours at school, obviously sitting for the majority of that time, they come home and may watch television for a little, sitting, they will no doubt sit to catch up with social media, and then they start their homework, sitting, at some point they will eat, sitting……….. You get the picture?
Sitting for hours each day will eventually force the body out of alignment, leading to lower and upper back problems, lack of energy, a collapsed ribcage, loss of waistline, loss of abdominal support, shoulders rolling forward and the head sitting will eventually be forced into an incorrect position which could lead to TMJ dysfunction.
The first diagram is how we should look for correct postural alignment, take a look at your child and see which category they might fall into.
So what can you do to ensure your child does move into their teenage/adult years in good postural alignment and without back pain?
Encourage good habits from an early age – most of us remember being told to ‘sit up straight’ and ‘stop slouching’ by our parents and although it may have seemed annoying at the time, teaching good habits from an early age is really important.
Show them how to set up a chair correctly – your child’s feet should touch the ground and their head should not be tilting up or down to look at a screen, they should be looking at eye-level and have the appropriate size keyboard and mouse if possible.
Invest in a good chair for the home – if your son or daughter spends a lot of time sitting at a desk for work or study purposes or because they enjoy playing computer games or using the Internet, investing in a good chair will make a massive difference. A good chair should have a high back to support the entire length of the back and additional lumbar support for the lower back (this is usually built-in). It is also helpful to have adjustable height and arms, as this enables you to sit in a comfortable position when typing or playing a game.
Encourage exercise – When muscles are short and tight they draw bones closer together, resulting in poor posture and poor mobility at the joint. Encourage your child to stretch regularly, strengthen the muscles that retract and adduct the shoulder girdle and improve core strength.
Warning – Some cases of poor posture can indicate a teenager is experiencing scoliosis (an abnormal curving of the spine). Scoliosis may not appear until your child reaches adolescent growth spurt in teenage years. Early diagnosis can mean earlier treatment intervention, which can prevent the curve from developing more severely. If your child complains of back pain, has trouble breathing, the spine appears visibly curved, then it would be worth a visit to your physician.
***
Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 30 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Results International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Alker has a proven totally natural program that alleviates back pain visit www.secretbackpaincure.com. For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, e:books or DVD’s please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.
Arlington, Virginia: Places of honor and remembrance
Story and photos by Terri Marshall
As September arrives, we look to the twelfth anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th – an event that forever changed our nation. On my recent visit to Arlington, Virginia I paused to remember the events as they affected our capital. My visit included a tour of the Pentagon, the 9/11 Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. The experience was both exciting and emotional, and I would like to share it with you this month as you Travel with Terri.
I started with a tour of the Pentagon where each person was carefully screened before entering and where no one was going to get past the massive police officers with machine guns standing guard. I wisely resisted the temptation to ask to pose for a photo with the guns. Moving into the waiting area, I found a place to pose behind a podium where I declared myself temporarily in charge of the Department of Defense – to the horror of friends, family and Facebook friends.
The entrance to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. Photo by Terri Marshall.
We were introduced to our guide, Air Force Airman Trevor from Alabama. Trevor handles the VIP tours for the Pentagon and is extremely knowledgeable, as well as coordinated. He led the entire mile and one-half tour walking backwards never turning to look behind him – even while stepping onto the escalator.
The Pentagon consists of five rings – A through E. The building covers 583 acres and has 6,636,360 square feet of floor space. The total length of the corridors is 17.5 miles and the length of each outer wall is 921 feet. There are 131 stairways, 19 sets of escalators, 16,250 light fixtures, 284 restrooms, 692 drinking fountains and 7,754 windows! Approximately 23,000 people work in the building and it is truly a city within the city. There are also several shops and restaurants strictly for the use of building employees.
The five rings surround a center courtyard that encompasses five and a half acres. The park setting of the courtyard is one of the largest no hat, no salute zones within the continental United States.
The 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon.
We passed through the POW/MIA corridor where displays and flags pay special tribute to all prisoners of war as well as those missing in action. Corridors honoring General Douglas MacArthur, the Marines, Naval Aviation, the Coast Guard and the Air Force were some of the tributes we viewed as we traversed the massive hallways.
When American Airlines flight number 77 crashed into the Pentagon on September 11th, it entered into the side of the building’s E ring. Entering the E ring, I noticed that the walls are flanked with handmade memorial quilts from all over the world. The crash site is now a 9-11 Memorial commemorating those killed in the terrorist attack. Panels represent medals awarded to military and civilian casualties. Another panel displays all the names of the victims. The new Pentagon chapel is also attached to the Memorial.
The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial park – there is a bench for each victim from the plane and the Pentagon.
Ground was broken for the building of the Pentagon on September 11, 1941 at 9:30 a.m. American Airlines flight number 77 crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2011 at 9:37 a.m. (after a slight take-off delay) 60 years to the day – and almost to the minute – of that groundbreaking. It is difficult to believe that was a coincidence.
With our tour concluded, we walked outside to visit the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. Erected in remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001, the Pentagon Memorial captures the moment in time when 184 souls were lost at the Pentagon and on American Airlines flight 77.
Each Memorial Unit within the park is a cantilevered bench made of stainless steel and inlaid with smooth granite. Underneath each unit there is a pool of flowing water and a permanent tribute, by name, to each victim. At night the pools reflect the lights mounted to the units and each morning at 9:37 a.m. the water in the pools stops flowing for one minute.
The Memorial Units are specifically positioned within the park to distinguish victims who were in the Pentagon from those who were on the airplane. The 125 Memorial Units honoring the victims of the Pentagon face the crash site in the Pentagon behind the Memorial. The Memorial Units honoring the 59 lives lost on Flight 77 face the sky from the direction the flight approached.
The spires at the Air Force Memorial.
Within the Pentagon Memorial, 85 Crape Myrtle trees are clustered around the Memorial Units. The Memorial’s stabilized gravel surface is bordered on the western edge by an Age Wall. The Age Wall grows one inch per year in height above the perimeter bench relative to the age lines. As we moved through the Memorial, the wall grew higher. It begins at just three inches – the age of Dana Falkenberg, the youngest victim. At its highest it is 71 inches, the age of the oldest victim, John D. Yamnicky.
The peaceful Memorial serves as a place of remembrance and as an educational tool for children who were too young to remember the events of that horrific morning. Audio tours are available by dialing (202) 741-1004. See www.pentagonmemorial.org
The next stop on my afternoon of remembrance was the Air Force Memorial. Standing tall against the nation’s capital skyline, the Air Force Memorial overlooks the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. It honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor heritage organizations. The Memorial’s design includes three stainless steel spires soaring into the sky with the highest reaching 270 feet above the ground evoking a sense of flight and the flying spirit. The three spires are meant to be associated with the service’s three core values: Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do.
The Memorial also includes a bronze Honor Guard, an Air Force Heritage/Core Value inscription wall, a Courage/Sacrifice/Valor inscription wall and the Missing Man Formation contemplation wall, all landscaped to create a memorial lawn and parade ground overlooking the nation’s capital. See www.airforcememorial.org
The view overlooking the Pentagon and Washington, DC from the Air Force Memorial.
The afternoon held moments of pride and patriotism and also moments of great sadness as we once again were reminded of the senseless losses of September 11th.
*****
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. Also, check out her blog atwww.trippingwithterri.com. You can contact Terri at terri.marshall60@gmail.com.
“It must be arthritis.” Many patients that begin experiencing discomfort and problems with their hands, often attribute their new-found problems to arthritis. Although this is often a cause of hand pain without any particular injury, there are many other potential causes that could be treated in addition to arthritis in the many joints of the wrist, hand, and fingers.
Our hands are a complex machine made up of numerous parts that need to work in unison for a fully functioning, pain-free hand. When just one of the many moving parts is altered, we can definitely feel the difference, and oftentimes have pain. In our everyday lives, almost every activity we do requires the use of our hands, and whether our hands work well directly affects our quality of life. My goal as a hand surgeon is for my patients to carry on with their normal life and normal activities without having to even think about their hands or wonder if they will have pain or be unable to do certain activities because problems with their hands limits them.
Depending on the location of your pain, whether in the fingers, at the bottom of the thumb, in the wrist, or in the hand itself, a hand surgeon, with a complete medical evaluation is often able to pinpoint what is causing your problem, and important tests such as X-ray and MRI are oftentimes used to further solidify the diagnosis. Issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, often presenting as numbness and tingling in the hand, as well as trigger fingers, often presenting as soreness at the base of the finger with or without the finger locking up, can both cause different types of hand pain. Repetitive activities, such as golfing, tennis, knitting, exercising, woodworking, or simply being on the computer or your smart phone a lot could cause inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) that move your joints, or the joints themselves causing, pain, swelling, and dysfunction of the hand, wrist, or fingers. In addition to carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, and tendonitis, hand pain may also be coming from other treatable areas of the body such as the neck, shoulder, or elbow. A detailed evaluation of your concerns oftentimes sheds light on the source of pain, in order to customize treatment to get you back to enjoying life.
Although most people know precisely the reason why their hands, fingers, or wrists hurt when sustaining a fall, laceration, crushing injury, automobile accident, or other trauma; sometimes a fracture, tendon or ligament injury, or other soft tissue injury can occur from minimal trauma that you may or may not remember. Minor falls, lifting something too heavy, over working your body in the gym or at home taking care of the kids, could cause an injury that can be effectively treated in a shorter time frame by being evaluated by a qualified hand specialist instead of letting nature take its course.
Finally, your hand or wrist pain could also be caused by arthritis, and this is diagnosed by careful examination and X-ray. Arthritis in the hand could be caused by multiple factors including previous injury, immunologic condition such as rheumatoid or psoriasis, or years of wear and tear. Depending on the cause, there are multiple avenues of potential treatment that are often simple and non-invasive. Medications, lifestyle modifications, diet changes, creams, and splints are a few of the treatments that may be used prior to any more invasive treatments such as injections and/or surgery.
Whatever the cause of your pain, do not believe it is something you have to live with the rest of your life. There are readily available treatments and options that can be tailored to your particular problem, in hopes of getting you back to doing what you love to do without worrying about your hands. Our goal, as hand surgeons, is to restore your quality of life as best as possible, by treating the things you use everyday…your hands.
Dr. Kearse was born and raised in West Palm Beach and graduated from The King’s Academy. He graduated from the University of Florida with honors in microbiology as an undergraduate, and received his medical degree from University of Florida as well. Dr. Kearse completed an Orthopedic surgery residency at University of Florida-Jacksonville, at Shands Hospital, and also completed a Hand Surgery Fellowship at the University of Miami, at Jackson Memorial Hospital.
With a bow to hundreds of “barn dogs,” who report for duty with their humans to a barn of some sort in the Western Communities, every day, this time, I’d like to feature a few canines that actually “work” at local commercial establishments.
“BENJI,” VILLAGE MUSIC
“Benji” is a parti-color white and orange Pomeranian, on duty at Village
Benji at Village Music in Wellington
Music, 1066 Forest Hill Blvd in Wellington. He’s two, and was there to greet customers when this family business opened it’s doors November 12, 2012. Muted guitar riffs and a drum solo waft from the lesson rooms at the rear of the store, but Benji pays no attention. He’s there to welcome customers, especially children, who immediately seek him out when entering.
“Benji loves everyone,” says store owner Donna Willey. He knows when I’m getting ready to leave for work. In the morning, he’s already primed, as he’s been with me in the bathroom, knows all about the routine. The final straw is when I pick up my bag and keys, and then he goes crazy.”
She and husband Steve are amazed at the affinity that the little dog has with kids. Donna says that “after lessons, as kids wait to be picked up, Benji amuses and keeps them engaged and happy.” I ask, “What is his official job title?”
“Hmmmm,” (Donna ponders for a few moments.) “I think it should be ‘Child Care Director and Coordinator.’” I found that this guy is extremely cute and appealing, and visitors are encouraged to stop in and admire him anytime the store is open.
Donna and Steve Wiley and their dog Benji.
”JAKE,” FLOOR SPECIALISTS OF WELLINGTON
Jake at the Floor Specialists in Wellington
Readers of this column know that I’m partial to Jack Russell Terriers. And a JRT “owner,” (as if anyone could actually own one of these smart, quirky dogs.) “Jake” minds the back room at Floor Specialists of Wellington, 11154 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach.
He’s 6 years old, and a handsome white and chestnut rough coat JRT.
Cathy and Tom Ferris, the couple that owns the business, met Jake as a puppy six years ago, at a breeder’s kennel in Tampa. “He was the last one,” said Cathy. “When we saw the pups, we didn’t think he was very cute, and that’s probably why he was wasn’t spoken for yet.” He’s a handsome guy now, and looks aren’t everything, anyway. Jake has some medical issues, which make life a little challenging for both Cathy and Jake. “He has a torn meniscus, and dislocated lenses, plus an artificial lens in one eye, which is sightless.” Still, he watches TV with the Ferris family, and gets around just fine.
Terriers are often wary of a laundry list of stuff, including children, loud adults, and noises, and can be quirky when figuring out reactions. But Jake is a people dog, whose outstanding trait is his disposition. When the half door from the back room opens, and he’s “paged” by a customer, Jake approaches quietly with an active tail and happy face. He doesn’t jump on folks, and is very grateful if you scratch his wiry flanks and behind his ears. As people wait for service, he quietly keeps them company until they’re served. I assure Jake that he is very handsome, and that he could surely teach my Jack Russell some good manners. He wags a little harder, and rewards me with a light lick on the hand.
I ask Cathy about Jake’s official job description. She thinks very briefly, then offers, “Peace Keeper.”
“CLUTCH,” WOODY’S of WELLINGTON
Folks in the Western Communities know all about Woody’s, whether they’re bringing in a pair of old shoes that need “just a little stitching’ to keep them usable, or an equestrian who must have a competition boot fitted precisely to his/her foot and leg. Richard Wood, “Woody,” has a website that advertises: “Internationally Renowned Boot and Shoe Repair, since 1987.” Impressive, but I’d heard about the dogs that work here on a daily basis, and wanted to know their story.
I’m met at the door by Mac Thompson, who’s worked for Woody for 17 of the
Clutch of Woody’s in Wellington.
27 years Woody’s has been open at this location. One of the dogs, “Clutch,” is a 4 1/2 years old Jack Russell Terrier that belongs to Mac. “ Clutch,” I ponder, “What an unusual name!” Turns out that the dog is named after a 90’s Baltimore area rock band that Mac admires. His friend rescued Clutch as a puppy from an abusive situation, and because he was familiar with the Jack Russell breed traits, Mac took him home.
Clutch carries a florescent tennis ball throughout our interview. He has a stockpile of balls both at home, and in the store. And he can find one in the dark! “Sometimes, when I’m home, and it’s pitch dark outside, no lights or moon, I’ll go out and throw a ball. Then I let Clutch out, and don’t signal where it is. It doesn’t matter if I’ve gone around and thrown it in the front yard, in a few minutes, there he is, bringing it back.”
Clutch’s official title is greeter and customer relations. He has a group of fans who drop in at regular intervals to visit, and he loves engaging a visitor in a constant game of “fetch.” In the limited space of the store, no matter how the ball is thrown, he catches it, brings it back, and releases it for another go round. “I wish my Jack Russell would return it and release it like you do, Clutch,” I sigh.
“CHLOE,” WOODY’S OF WELLINGTON
Before we meet Chloe, I’ll explain that her job description is “Queen.” Period. Richard Wood “Woody” speaks with emotion and fondness of the little 7 year
Chloe of Woody’s in Wellington.
old Shih Tzu, who comes to work with him every day. He and wife Jackie had gone round and round for several years about what type of dog would join the family. Woody wanted a “man’s dog,” more like the Doberman, Bonnie, that he’d had many years ago, but wife Jackie prevailed wanted a smaller breed, and they decided to take look at a some Shih Tzu puppies that a friend recommended. Woody took one look at a champagne colored pup, and said, “SOLD,” without even asking the price. “I thought the color was just right, too,” he says, “my wife likes champagne.”
Chloe began “working” immediately after moving in with the Woods, at first staying in her crate in the back room. But she soon had the run of the shop, where a child’s wooden gate separates the work and customer areas, keeping Chloe and Clutch confined and safe. As I move toward the gate, she meets me there, and immediately sits and poses. She watches as I click off shot after shot, and seems to know just what a camera is; she never needs to be coached to “sit,” “heads up,” etc.
Does she get along with Clutch? “Oh, yes, they’re buddies,” Woody says, “but if she has a choice to interact with other dogs, or people, she’ll choose people every time.”
I admire the coat, soft and medium length, and Woody says she just visited the groomer. He likes her coat left longer, not shaved to the skin as many owners do. Woody lifts Chloe onto the glass counter top. There she sits, quiet and regal, while he takes a few minutes to wait on a customer and finish my little interview. Hmmm, Woody, I think her job description fits her. “Queen.” Perfect.
These four dogs have one thing in common… they have remarkable dispositions. Many dogs are uncomfortable with noisy children, overzealous adults who insist on persistent petting and making silly noises, and a constant stream of strangers entering their “home” and comfort zone. These guys (and girl) have remarkable tolerance, yet each is very different from the others. So, working dogs, we salute you and your savvy owners…pets and people who know how to keep their customers happy, and coming back.
“In a perfect world, every home would have a dog, and every dog would have a home.”
***
Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”
My father-in-law and I were about as opposite as you could get. Ed Lisoski was a night owl, always finding a reason to stay up well past midnight. I was a morning person, trading late-night merriment for pre-dawn runs and sunrise solitude. Whenever my wife Sherry and I stayed with her mom and dad, I always had some version of this conversation with him around 11 p.m.
Ed: “You want some roast beef, Al? How about a shot and a beer?”
Me: “I just brushed my teeth and was heading to bed.”
Ed:(Surprised):“Oh … sure … ok, old buddy. See you in the morning.”
I always felt like a party pooper around Ed, which underscores another notable difference between us: He loved a big party, I liked small get-togethers, especially ones that ended by 11 p.m. During my first few years in the family I was repeatedly distressed by outings that stretched on way past my stamina and hunger for revelry.
Alan and Ed fishing
One particular Elks club dinner epitomized the pattern. The night started out with a crowd of about 200 people, a live band, open bar and enough food to stuff a herd of actual Elk. I ate, I drank, I even danced. At some point, I noticed the crowd was thinning out as the evening cycled down. I was ready to join the exodus. Ed had other plans.
“Everyone’s leaving, why are we still here?” I asked Sherry despairingly.
“Dad’s having a good time. He wants to be here when they end the evening with the Elks’ absent brothers toast and sing Auld Lang Syne.”
“They’re putting all the chairs on the tables and vacuuming,” I pointed out, embracing my role as a wet blanket.
Oh me of little faith. With Ed leading the search party, an authorized Elks officer was rounded up and the handful of us left at the lodge did the toast and sang Auld Lang Syne like it was midnight, New Year’s Eve.
Ed:“How about a shot and a beer, buddy?”
Me: “I was thinking more like a bed and some shut eye.”
Ed: (Surprised):“Oh … sure … yeah, you look tired. Better get some sleep.”
Ed was a man of big appetites and one of his cravings was the daily news. He was a newspaper junkie and, in addition to the paper he had delivered to the house, he would pick up an assortment of local rag sheets in his travels. Often, without any obvious relevance to other people in the room, he would read some random story out loud.
“Thief Steals Wooden Sign From Local Park,” he’d announce, broadcasting some yawn-inducing headline.
“Is that a park you go to?” I’d ask, expecting a connection.
“No, no. I don’t know where that park is,” he’d say, looking up at me blankly. I finally realized over the years that Ed was just the kind of guy that wanted to share with you whatever he had. Sometimes it was a shot and a beer. Sometimes it was the Pizzelle cookies he was so fond of making for friends and family. Sometimes it was a Polish song he loved … or just a story in a community paper.
Ed passed away on July 27, 2013 after battling various ailments and physical setbacks, including six years as a dialysis patient, having one of his legs amputated, and being confined to a wheelchair for the last three years of his life. He was 92, but even as his body wore out and frailty diminished his once robust presence, he never stopped being the larger than life Big Ed that marked the majority of his time on Earth.
Ed packed his life fuller than most. He was a proud ex-Marine who served his country as a Master Tech Sergeant during World War II. Before retiring, he relished his work testing new car design enhancements at General Motors. He loved his Polish heritage, music of all eras, dancing, hunting and fishing. He was devoted to his wife Leona, daughter Charlene (a.k.a. – Sherry), son Dennis, and his many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
I was Ed’s son-in-law, but that description is way too formal to capture how he treated me. Ed had a way of making everyone feel special, and he always made me feel like his other son. He called me “Aloosh” or “Old Buddy” and even in his downward spiral toward the end always wanted to know what was going on in my world.
Big Ed was a people person with a great curiosity and zest for life. I’ll always remember him that way and admire his courage and fighting spirit when times got tough. Love you, Dad L. I will miss you every day.
Got Facebook? So does “Living Green” as we proudly announce the new “Living Green” Facebook links!
By Bryan Hayes
The intention of the new Facebook links is to allow you, the reader, to become more interactive by sharing your personal testimonials of how you are “Living Green.” Feel free to post pictures, videos and stories of ways that showcase yourself and your efforts while building a community of like-minded people not only locally but around the world. This virtual community, if you will, is intended to inspire others to become more eco-friendly whether it is individuals or businesses.
What would you like to see in subsequent articles? Or would you yourself like to be interviewed for an upcoming article? Share your posts on the Facebook page, and we will be happy to contact you directly. We want to hear from you. We want to truly make this about you and offer what you would like to read to provide an even better experience for all.
Technically, we have created both a “page” and a “group” on Facebook as some people like the group format while others like the page format. Either way, you are welcome to connect to both. Feel free to also share them with all of your friends.
Want to also thank you in advance for reaching out to our new avenues for additional Living Green coverage. Along with that, it is an opportune time to express our gratitude for your continued support of both Living Green and Around Wellington. We are continually striving to provide you with compelling information that directly pertains to you, and the community.
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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole Earth. ~ Baha’u’llah
Our most common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal. ~ John F Kennedy
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Bryan Hayes is an actor, amateur photographer, business consultant and full-time lover of all things living. To check out more from Bryan Hayes, please visit his blog at:http://outofthehaze.wordpress.com/
Interview with Andrea LaMaina, co-owner of That’s Dancing
Courtney Pirozzi and Brenan Gonzalez, enjoying their new national dance titles.
Local dance studio That’s Dancing has something to celebrate once again this year! While some dance studios would consider it a once-in-a-blue moon occurrence to have students win in national competitions, it’s becoming a regular, annual thing for That’s Dancing. This year they are extremely proud of their dance students Jillian Medero, Courtney Pirozzi and Brenan Gonzalez, who all captured national titles of honor. I asked Andrea LaMaina, who co-owns That’s Dancing along with her sister Michele Walsh, about this year’s success.
How do you prepare your dancers for National at That’s Dancing?
That’s Dancing: Dancers are constantly training. These kids are dancing 5 days a week. They supplement their classes with private lessons and coaching. It is a huge time commitment, but none of them seem to mind one bit! They typically want to stay longer!
Tell us about this year’s winners and their new titles.
Jillian Medero, age 17, won the title of Miss Onstage America National.
TD:Jillian Medero, age 17, won the title of Miss Onstage America National. (These Nationals were held in Orlando, Florida this year). She won overall best technical execution nationally. She’s also the Circle of the Stars award recipient.
Brenan Gonzalez, age 10, won the title of Junior Mister Dance of Florida. He represented FL Chapter 2 at the National Competition for Dance Masters of America (DMA Nationals) in New Orleans.
Courtney Pirozzi, age 9, won the title of Petite Miss Dance of Florida. She represented FL Chapter 2 at the National Competition for Dance Masters of America in New Orleans.
Brenan and Courtney also did a duet that was awarded a Platinum adjudication and first place duo/trio at the event.
Meanwhile, Courtney Pirozzi and Alexander Thomas of That’s Dancing, were chosen as dancers to perform in a music video with recording artist Spencer Kane. See the video below or by visiting this link.
What are their individual strengths…what they do best?
TD:Jillian has been dancing at That’s Dancing for 15 years. She is an extremely well-rounded dancer. She is strong and trains in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and acrobatics. Jillian’s dance career has brought her many regional titles and many successes. This was her first National title and she was elated. It is definitely an honor well-earned, as Jillian is an extremely dedicated dancer. She is consistent and hard working – she is the kid that many younger dancers admire and aspire to be like. I can understand why the younger dancers feel this way about her. Loyal, loving, dedicated, disciplined … she is an all around standout. Jillian plans to pursue a higher education degree as a dance major after she graduates from Dreyfoos School of the Arts as a dance major this school year. We are so proud of everything she has accomplished at our studio in the past 15 years. She is like a daughter to us.
Brenan has a contagious personality. His oldest sister trained at That’s Dancing and earned a college minor in dance. She is now teaching dance and auditioning for companies and other dance related jobs. His other older sister also trains at That’s Dancing and is going into 11th grade. Brenan has dance in his blood. He is creative, energetic and craves to learn new information. He possesses a very unique style for her age. We joke and say Brenan has “swag!”
Courtney cross trains between dance and gymnastics. She is a strong gymnast who possesses great determination and drive. She is an articulate little dancer who pays close attention to detail. This is a strength that sets her apart from other dancers her age.
What other valuable things do the dancers gain from taking part in DMA Nationals?
TD: The nationals experience is extremely valuable to the growth of these dancers. They take part in learning opening number choreography, they take numerous dance classes in various styles of dance from well-known master teachers and they get to dance with other dancers who are training on the same level from all over the country. It is really neat to see them making friends with other dancers and keeping those new relationships alive through Facebook and Instagram! The dance world is very small, so it is valuable to have friends in this business!
Did the dancers have siblings this year, who also competed?
TD: Brenan has an older sister Adison, who traveled to New Orleans to compete and take classes at Nationals. She enjoyed her experience and it was awesome to have her there to help stretch Brenan and provide support!
Are they all a part of the Fusion Force Dance Company?
TD: Yes, all of the students are on our competitive dance team. FFDC is an auditioned group of dancers who are looking for more performance opportunities and a chance to be part of a competitive team.
What kind of a commitment is it for the kids who do Fusion Force Dance Company?
TD: Our team meets every Saturday for three hours. Many dancers are involved in additional choreography that is rehearsed at different times throughout the week. All dance company members are required to take 5 technique classes through the week in order to be eligible for the team.
What’s unique about That’s Dancing, as there are so many dance companies in our area?
TD: At That’s Dancing, we strive to maintain a studio that gives individual attention and proper technique training to students in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We believe that a dancer is a product of his/her teachers. The development of a dancer is paralleled through the relationship of expert and professional teachers and their association with their students. We believe in balance. The dance world is ever changing and dancers of this generation need to be so well-rounded. Most importantly, they need to have a clear head. We need to give them tools to succeed in LIFE, not just dance! We train to INSPIRE … to give kids the opportunities and the courage to face their smallest or biggest challenges. We believe in our students and help them to find their strengths. That is our job as responsible adults – not just dance teachers.
Tell us about the dance instructors who worked most closely with these three dancers.
TD: Andrea LaMaina worked with both Jillian and Brenan. Jessica Dinsky worked closely with Courtney Pirozzi. Jessica is an alumni of That’s Dancing and Fusion Force Dance Company, trained by Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh. She attended New WorldSchool of the Arts in Miami, where she received her BFA in dance.
Tell us about the parents. What does it take to be a parent of a dancer who competes nationally?
TD: Besides the monetary investments, parents of a competitive dancer need to be supportive and positive people. These kids apply enough pressure to themselves and having an overbearing parent does not mix.
How does dance help in a person’s overall development?
TD: Dance is an awesome tool to help with confidence and overall self-discipline.
Irresistible, aren’t they? Cute, cuddly, babies. They’re sweet, innocent and a clean slate of human history. How is the future brand new king of England any different? Not much at all really. It’s a similar bundle of joy for new parents to gaze at and grandparents to dote. And, that I find somewhat equalizing. Now that Kate Middleton has had her baby I feel as though we’d have much more to chat about if we sat down face to face. She may have a jet-setting lifestyle, glowing beauty and radiates princess poise, but mom-to-mom we’d be able to talk for hours. The average gal may not have the wherewithal to possess a glamorous life like hers. But, one thing moms everywhere can relate to is having our own precious baby.
Anytime I met another mom, we would share details of our pregnancy. We would share what were our food quirks, if we were queasy and the increasing displacement of clothing. Any other mom would become like a sister. I think Kate is the most approachable royal in residence. And with kids, how much fun would a play-date be? Hanging out at the palace creating embarrassing moments like when the kids put bubble bath in the fountain or tormenting the Beefeaters.
Kate and William, beaming with their new baby (George). Photo: AP.
Likewise, any mom could sit down and talk about the minute to minute details of birthing stories. We remember them better than anything else. Who carved the Thanksgiving turkey in 1996? Forget it. But who was in the delivery room cutting the umbilical cord? We KNOW!
If the royal family is truly hands-on, they will be waking for feedings all hours of the night and snuggling their precious bundles. I know there were a lot of sleepless nights and it’s something we can all relate to. The odd thing is, remembering the tough nights isn’t as vivid as the moments of milestones. Remember the first time looking at their faces, feeling them snuggle on our chest, trying to wrangle a diaper on and my personal favorite seeing the smile while making silly sounds and faces. Wouldn’t you like to be there to see a dignified royal like Prince Charles or Queen Elizabeth coo and gaga in baby-talk voice? While they may seem like stuffed shirts, the baby is just the ticket to give us an equal footing in the world of parenthood. Anyone could agree we’re all part of the same human family with our precious newcomers.
The entire process of pregnancy and birth gives a piece of that humanity we share.
Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 active young boys. She is married and works part-time as Silpada representative and a weight loss consultant. She enjoys book club, and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie. She can be reached atmelaniewlewis@yahoo.com.
