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April, 2013 – Living with Bees

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April, 2013 – Living with Bees

Living GreenBryan Hayes

Living with Bees

By Bryan Hayes

It was late in the afternoon on another sunny South Florida day.   There was nothing out of the ordinary, and I was basking in the glow of the beautiful cloudless sky.  It is one reason I really enjoy living here, especially when so much of the country has such inclement weather even this late into the year.

As I was standing there, a young man approached me. He looked almost nervous as he got near and finally he spoke.  

“You’ve got a problem,” he proclaimed.  “You’ve got bees!” 

I looked back at him and smiled, “I have bees, but I don’t have a problem.”

He simply looked at me, questioningly. And I get that quite often, by the way.

I found having bees as being anything but problematic.  We simply had an agreement. They didn’t bother me, and I didn’t bother them.  I actually thought it was rather exciting to see these magnificent creatures on a daily basis.  I did though get stung on several occasions, but always because it was my fault. 

Being that they were close to the sidewalk, others were not quite as enthralled with the situation like the gentleman who seemed to think there was a problem, although he most likely does not understand how crucial bees are for sustaining life.  Bees are very advantageous and rather critical to the overall ecosystem.   It is estimated that 30% of our food is pollinated by bees, for example.

Bee populations, however, have steadily decreased over recent years sometimes at an alarming rate.  This has a direct impact on our food supply.  And it is one reason why I did not see them as being an issue. 

How long I had these bees, I really do not know, but I did not want to exterminate them or have them exterminated.   I called around but did not have any luck with finding a beekeeper that would be able to move them humanely. 

That was until I found Sharon’s Garden Honey.  They came to my residence, found the bees and began the relocation process.   I was immediately awestruck, because I thought I had maybe 50 bees.  Certainly that was all that I had seen.  But, once they took the cover off where they were building the hive it was amazing to see literally thousands of them.  They were living under ground where the water meter is located, and upon seeing them for the first time, I quickly realized that they had been quite busy and had been there much longer than I could have imagined.

As they started pulling out comb after honey comb out, I was more in more in awe of the process.  There are so many beekeepers reporting dramatic reductions in bee colonies and here I was becoming an unknowing beekeeper, quite naturally without any assistance on my part.  They flourished on their own, and luckily I found a service that relocated them humanely.

Ironically, I saw the gentleman again walking by on the sidewalk so I asked him if he had noticed that I no longer have my bees.   He was certainly happy to know I had resolved my “problem.” And as I see it, I rectified a situation in a way that was for the betterment for all parties.

If you need bee relocation assistance, I highly recommend Sharon’s Garden Honey. Bees are a valuable, vanishing resource, so it’s a good idea to protect the bees we still see.  Their phone number is (561) 718-1091.  You can also find them on Facebook by typing in “Sharon’s Garden Honey” in the search bar. 

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/

 

April, 2013 – Television

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Television

The most important thing we’ve learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set —
Or better still, just don’t install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we’ve been,
We’ve watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone’s place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they’re hypnotised by it,
Until they’re absolutely drunk
With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don’t climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink —
But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK — HE ONLY SEES!
‘All right!’ you’ll cry. ‘All right!’ you’ll say,
‘But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children? Please explain!’
We’ll answer this by asking you,
‘What used the darling ones to do?
‘How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?’
Have you forgotten? Don’t you know?
We’ll say it very loud and slow:
THEY … USED … TO … READ! They’d READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching ’round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it’s Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and-
Just How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There’s Mr. Rat and Mr. Mole-
Oh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They’ll now begin to feel the need
Of having something to read.
And once they start — oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They’ll grow so keen
They’ll wonder what they’d ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.

– Roald Dahl

 

April, 2013 – Traveling with your Dog

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April, 2013 – Traveling with your Dog

                                                      

Dog Walkin’ Wellingtonbarbaraphillippi1

 

Traveling with your Dog


By Barbara K. Phillippi

Spring is in the air, and as surely as some folks are planting gardens, others are planning summer vacations. Is it best to travel without your pooch, meaning a pet sitter, family member, or willing neighbor steps in, or are you going to jump through hoops to keep him with you at all times? You’ve already decided to make the trip, so let’s wade in and discuss practical stuff.

 

                                                                UP, UP, AND AWAY?


 

dog_plane2If you’re thinking about taking to the not-so-friendly skies, you’ll need to be doing some serious research, long before you purchase your plane tickets. Discover which airlines service your itinerary, and don’t expect that pet costs and restrictions are uniform across that range of carriers! Check the prices and requirements of each; seating criteria and crate size, etc, differ from airline to airline. Here’s a partial list of questions that will be helpful when making Fido’s flight plans:

-What types (sizes) of pets are allowed?
-How much is the Pet Fare?
-Will my pet be in cargo?
-How many pets are allowed per aircraft? (sometimes only 1 or 2 per flight, first come, first served)
-How many pet carriers is each customer allowed?
-Do animals assisting customers with disabilities count toward the maximum number of pets permitted?
-What types of pet carriers can customers bring?
-How big can my pet carrier be?
-Will pet carriers count as a carry-on bag or personal item?
-Are reservations for the pet required?
-Can Pet Fares be purchased on the airline website?
-What form of payment will be taken for a Pet Fare?
-Can pets earn frequent flyer miles?
-Do pets require any type of vaccinations or documentation?
-What do I do with my pet when I get to the security check point?
-Will Customers be able to pre-board because they are traveling with a pet carrier?
-Once onboard, can the Customer hold his/her pet?
-Is there an area at the airport for pets to relieve themselves?
-Will the Pet Fare be refundable if a Customer decides not to travel?
-Does the airline accept pet crates/strollers as checked baggage?

Here are a couple of examples of crate size regulations from two carriers – this is NOT a complete list, either of the number of airlines available or their requirements and regulations. I include them to show discrepancies between providers.

With American Airlines, the maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high. Soft-sided pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides.

On Southwest Airlines, the middle seat is the best pick if you’re traveling with a pet carrier, but not all airlines offer diverse crate size seating:
Window Seat: 19”L x 14”W x 8.25” H
Aisle Seat: 19” L x 14” W x 8.25” H
Middle seat: 19” L x 19” W x8.25: H   

Many airlines have temperature restrictions also… if they are extreme, (too hot, too cold) and could be a health threat at any stop on the route, your dog may be denied boarding.

Feeding lightly or not at all prior to the flight helps prevent vomiting and soiling of the crate. A small dish attached to inside of the crate can permit watering by an attendant if there is a flight delay. Instructions detailing both pet and owner information, destination, health concerns, microchip info, your dog’s feeding and walking needs, etc., should be tied in a plastic bag, and attached securely to the crate.

International travel has its own list of requirements and procedures, which can include additional inoculations, health requirements, even the necessity of quarantine for entry into some countries.

Tranquilizing your pet

Many travelers ask their vets for ways to ease travel stress for anvet_dog anxious pooch. Internet advice shouldn’t be trusted, so you should definitely have that conversation with your dog’s doctor.

No matter which carrier you choose, one of the most important things to do when flying with your dog is to remain watchful. Be sure he is checked in properly, and sit near an airport window to watch and see that he is boarded onto the plane. Keep an eye on him while waiting together in a lobby or lounge. By being wary, you’ll decrease the risk of you and your dog being somehow separated on your trip.
                                                                       

THE ROAD TRIP

A road trip may be a challenge for your dog, especially if his only trips have been to the vet, or the groomer, and he’s thinking “uh, oh, it’s going to get bad when the car stops!” every time you put him into a vehicle. Start with short rides around the neighborhood, with a “cookie” treat at the end of the trip.

My dogs have always traveled in their crates, and sleep peacefully during the journey except for “pee” stops at reasonable intervals. Sometimes, I’ve traveled with three or four animals, all similarly accommodated while in the vehicle. Now, it’s just Gracie and me. I place her carrier on a rolled up rug, which keeps it level, on the rear seat, behind the driver. Door facing out, for easy access at stops, it’s anchored by an extra leash tied from the crate handle to the bars between the rear seat head rest and the seat back. Her leash and a plastic bag are readily available under the crate handle, which is tagged with important pet/owner info. 

On the floor behind the front seat are a large bottle of water from home and a water bowl, which gets filled and offered at each stop. In a handled bag that can easily be carried into a hotel, along with the crate, is her food dish, more poop bags, paper towels, and enough food measured out into individual meals to complete the trip.

 

 

gracie_crateIf your dog isn’t crate trained, at least get him a sturdy harness that will prevent him from traveling around the car’s interior, always a distraction to the driver. Enclosed is a picture of my friend Rick Bailey’s Jack Russell Terrier, “Jumper Dog,” a seasoned road warrior, in his safety harness.

Rick says, “Jumper Dog’s harness is made by Travelin’ Dog. I got it a couple of years ago at Pet Smart. I just checked online, and you can still find it. Others never were as strong or as comfortable as this one. They retail from $16 to $20-plus, depending on size. This gives him room to turn and move around, and most importantly, keeps him out if the back seat where I can’t watch him, and from jumping into my lap when I’m driving.”

“This harness also prevents him from jumping or falling out of the carjumper_dog if the window’s down, and he sees something he wants. He’s a “Jack” (Russell Terrier,) and needs to be protected from himself, as well as protected during a possible minor accident.

 

Where will you stay during the trip itself, and after arrival at your destination? If it’s a short trip to a pet-friendly relative or friend, no problem. But if you stay over on the road, please, plan ahead. Don’t be one of those pet owners who sneak the dog into their hotel unit after dark. I know people who do this; one giggled that her beagle had defecated on the bed. She got an exorbitant bill from the hotel a month later. Your dog is NOT an exception, and you are NOT special. This thoughtless and selfish behavior is what causes hotels to stop accommodating animals, and pet fees to become prohibitive for responsible owners who play by the book. Imagine being the parent of a child with a severe pet allergy, who unknowingly checks into a room where a pet had previously been smuggled! What sort of night will that family enjoy?

There are websites which can help you find pet friendly locations, in every price range. The ASPCA has a page with links:
http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-friendly-hotels.aspx


I also use
www.bringfido.com

www.bookit.com

 

Many individual hotel chain websites and independent travel sites let you indicate “pets” in the criteria when you’re searching for accommodations.

If you think that you and your dog will be welcome only at low end chain motels, think again. Gracie has stayed at the Westin in Lake Mary, FL, where there is a designated dog floor (#3), and at the Sheraton Riverside in Tampa, (NO pet fee both times, and the room rate well under $100 a night). She rides up and down, waits patiently for elevator doors to open, struts across the lobby.

We recently visited Florida’s Disney World, one of most patronized destinations in the world, where no pets are allowed on Park property. Yet Gracie went too, and bunked in for the day at WDW’s official pet care facility, “Best Friends Pet Care” in the resort.

In February, the rate was $26 per day, which begins an hour before the parks open until an hour after park closing. There are half-day, overnight, and extended stay rates also. Grooming, outside runs, and extra pampering are available if desired. Staff is extra fussy, facilities are immaculate. Gracie’s stay figured out at about $2.17 an hour, and I would take her again, with no qualms.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/best-friends-pet-care/

Some of my friends and I, self-vaccinate, so be warned. You must provide a record of up-to-date inoculations, signed by a veterinarian, when your pet checks in. The facility allowed Gracie to stay this time, but I got a lecture, and was warned that she would not be permitted on subsequent visits without a veterinary signature on all her papers.

A note of caution. Removing a pet from his/her familiar environment and routine is confusing, and often upsetting for your pet, who is used to his/her limited world. If possible, keep to his regular feeding/walking schedule. If you know that your dog didn’t like kids at home, or is “iffy” with other animals, those propensities will be more acute in a strange location. Be alert for situations that might occur at a moment’s notice, and don’t chance a confrontation.

Remember that safe and happy travel with your pooch depends on your preparation before the day of departure. “Bon voyage!” May you and your pooch enjoy your adventure, and the miles that you travel together.

“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!”

April, 2013 – A Festival to Remember

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April, 2013 – A Festival to Remember

Health and FitnessCheryl Alker

A FESTIVAL TO REMEMBER…..IF ONLY YOU HAD BEEN THERE!

By Cheryl Alker

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 1st Annual Wellness Experience Fitness Festival held right here in Wellington.

It was held in the afternoon, so there really was plenty of time for me to fit in my normal Saturday chores before I headed out.  The weather was perfect, blue skies, a little windy and a definite nip in the air, but nothing a regular sweatshirt couldn’t cope with!

The event was extremely well run with information tables set up and attended by knowledgeable professionals ready to answer any questions you had been dying to ask about your general exercise routine, how to prevent and treat your back pain, what type of yoga would suit you as a beginner, the list goes on and on.  You name the question there was a professional on hand to give you expert advice.  Not only did the event cater to one to one Q & A’s.  All afternoon we were treated to amazing live demonstrations which were performed on a stage which gave clear visibility to all attending by high energy fitness professionals who have their businesses right in our backyard.

Sounds perfect I hear you cry, but it wasn’t was it? Because guess what? YOU did not attend!  Now I don’t wish to point fingers but with all these experts available to help you in your goal to a better you, not only in 2013 but for the rest of your life it might be nice if you would be able to get off your couch and take advantage of such an event.

Yes I am sorry to say that there were more fitness professionals than there were attendees at the Festival. I am also afraid to report that this is a very a sad reflection of the general apathy that the fitness/wellbeing industry has to suffer and why you only have to Google the frightening statistics available on obesity, heart disease, back pain etc. to understand why these stats are well out of control.

Ok have I made you feel bad enough for not attending? 

In all fairness, if we’re all entirely honest, there are times when the last thing we want to do is exercise and eat healthily even when we know we should. It can be a great struggle at times.

And I suppose, nobody can possibly feel motivated to work out and eat healthily 100 percent of the time. Yet, as we all know by now, the key to long term success in any wellness regimen is consistency.

So, how can we conquer those feelings of resistance to exercise and eating well?

Here are 5 tricks of the trade for keeping your exercise and eating routine going, even when you’d rather be doing or eating something else.

1. Expect To Feel Apathetic (At Times)

As I mentioned, everyone falls prey to exercise/eating well apathy from time to time. It’s completely normal to feel this way once in a while.

But, many people see this stage as a personal failure, a sign that they just don’t have the will power to stick with their plan, or achieve their goals.

In fact, there’s no need to beat yourself up, you are simply going through a natural phase in your progress. If you stick with it, you will soon be back on track, and thankful that you didn’t give up, when you hit that rough spot.

2. Do Something At Least

Getting started is usually the first hurdle you will face. The thought of a one hour workout can be off-putting, so break it down into manageable chunks, and tackle them as they come.

Tell yourself you just need to get dressed, get your shoes on, and then out the door.

When you take these first little steps, you will be able to muster the energy to do something, at the very least.

More often than not, you will find that those 15 minutes you said you would start with, ended up being more like a full workout.

The great thing is that once the workout has been completed you will choose to eat a healthy meal, don’t complete the workout, and the meal becomes a high fat, high colorific disaster also. See the problem?

3. Vary Your Routine

Exercise/eating apathy is sometimes the result of doing the same exercises or eating the same thing over and over again. It’s amazing what a change of scenery, a new workout routine or new healthy recipe will do for you.

4. Team Up

There’s no doubt, exercise can be really enjoyable as “me-time,” however it can also be refreshing to meet up with a friend, or a group from time to time, too.

You could even try out a new team sport, or get together with a friend or a group of friends for a game of tennis, cycling, hiking, or football.

Not only will you have lots of fun, but if you’re joining with a new group of people, you will probably make new friends as well.

Eating together afterwards will also encourage you to make healthy choices.  Eating alone encourages bad choices because no-one will see, often choosing the right foods is easier if you have to do it in front of someone else and guess what? They too will be feeling the same.  Your choice or their choice kept you all on the straight and narrow.

5. Be Specific About Goals

Without a clear set of goals, it is difficult to get a sense of progress and accomplishment, and that can really dampen your enthusiasm.

The key to setting goals is to make them as specific as possible. For example, many people define their fitness goal as simply, “I want to get in shape”. Well the problem with that is, “getting in shape,” could mean a lot of different things.

A better goal would be, “I want to get in shape, so that I can jog 3 miles.” This gives you a way to measure your progress, and know when you have been successful in achieving it.

Goals should also be timely, because having a deadline helps focus your efforts, and it keeps you accountable.

To continue with my example, “I want to get in shape to jog 3 miles within 2 months,” would be an even better statement of the goal you want to achieve.

Your goal for your eating plan may have been “I need to lose weight” but how about making that goal more specific with “I am going to fill two thirds of my plate with vegetables and eat at least 2/3 pieces of fruit a day”.

If you do fall prey to exercise/eating healthy apathy, don’t worry. Just get back into it… starting today.

The benefits of being fit and healthy really are worth it!

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 just released a DVD for back pain sufferers. 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 or www.24sevenwellness.com

 

April, 2013 – Overlooked: The Beauty of Aging

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April, 2013 – Overlooked: The Beauty of Aging

Cantankerously Yourswendell-abern-cantank-yours

Overlooked:  The Beauty of Aging

By Wendell Abern

 

Dear Mid-Lifers and Older,

          As I mentioned last month, I have just turned 80. And for the past 25 years or so, I have been listening to people saying things like, “Old age ain’t for sissies.” 

          While such comments stem primarily from health issues, no one ever mentions the beautiful things about getting older. 

          Being old gives you license … for just about anything! Being late with birthday cards. Acting unreasonably just because you feel like it. Embarrassing your kids in front of their kids.

          To me, age is just another number. But I love to take advantage of it.  I no longer feel constrained to remain silent when others display rudeness or incompetence. Okay, granted, I have been writing about displays of incivility and stupidity for some time. And I’ve been vocal about it on occasion.

          But I’ve never really cut loose verbally. A few recent incidents demonstrated to me how therapeutic it can be to transcend the written word, and give those who are annoying me a lesson in obnoxiousness.

          It all began with a machine.

          Machines come alive around me and stop working. In this case, it was my washing machine: a slow leak from an old hose, necessitating a call to Sears.  Whenever I go through this process (frequently, because my machines love to torment me), I find that the service person who comes is terrific … but the telephone tyranny I go through first activates my curmudgeon glands.

          I call Sears. After seven minutes on hold, Jennifer answers.

          “I can send someone out a week from tomorrow,” she says after consulting her computer.

          “WHAT! Jennifer, connect me with your supervisor, and I mean NOW, not after seven minutes on hold or –”

          Jennifer disconnects, and I go on hold for ten minutes, when Jeff answers.

          “Jeff,” I say in my best fake affability voice, “I’d like to invite you to come swimming with me on my front porch. However, there is no life guard.”

          “Sir, Jennifer told me — “

          “She told me I had to wait a week for help. Not acceptable.”

          “Sir, I can have someone there on Thursday.”

          “That’s three days. How about tomorrow?”

          “Thursday, sir. Best I can do.”

          I settle for Thursday.  My repair person – Joe – is scheduled to arrive between eight and noon.  At 10:45, I receive a recorded announcement telling me Joe will not be able to come until four. I call back the number on my caller ID.  Roberta answers.

          “Hi, Roberta.  I’m calling from Noah’s Ark.”

          Giggle.

          “You just left a message that my hero won’t be here until four and I have run out of rags, dish towels and bath towels soaking up the water. Now please call him and –”

          “Sir, I can call him, but he’s –”

          “I don’t want to know his problems! I don’t want to know your problems! You’re supposed to be fixing my problems! Roberta, I am a lawyer (a wonderful lie I employ whenever it’s expedient), and if he’s not here by two o’clock, I am holding Sears liable for any damages on my porch.” 

          I hang up. Joe shows up at 1:45. Takes him 20 minutes to replace my old hose. 

          This incident paved the way for my newfound persona. No more merely writing about my frustrations!  From now on, I vocalize! I threaten! I yell! I lie!

          Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks?

          A week or so after this incident, I am standing in line at Publix. The woman in front of me is on her cell phone, talking loud enough to be heard throughout the checkout section.

          I believe there are few things as inconsiderate as private conversations in public places.  I decide to chime in when the woman says, “Marge, you wouldn’t have this problem if you’d stayed with ‘Weight Watchers!'”

          “Ask her if she’s tried the Atkins diet?” I say as loud as I can.

          The woman turns her back on me and says, “You just can’t keep eating this way! You’ll look like a house!”

          “Jennie Craig,” I suggest. “Tell her to give Jennie Craig a shot.” 

          A slight pause. Then, “I’m going to have to call you later, Marge. I have to check out now.” She turns around and glares at me.

          “Maybe she should try liposuction,” I say.

          She frowns. The cashier chuckles. I smile.

          By now, I honestly feel like my verbal abrasiveness is helping to make the world a better place!

          I have occasion to hone this new skill a few days later when I take my friend Nancy to see a current box-office hit.

          I rarely go to movies these days.  I’m perfectly content to rent movies and watch them in the privacy of my home.  What upsets me even more than the outrageous prices is the prevalence of rude patrons who feel compelled to narrate the movie to a companion.

          However, whenever Nancy visits (she lives out of state), we go to some movie.  After last month’s incident, she may be a little reluctant on her next trip.

          The woman sitting directly behind me starts three minutes into the movie.

          “She just told him he had intriguing eyes,” she announces to her friend in a loud whisper.

          Two minutes later, she says, “He just said he thought it was great she had such a cushy job.”

          I turn around and, loud enough for the entire audience to hear, shout, “He did not!  He said she had a great tushey!”

          Nancy cringes. They move. I smile.

                                                *        *        *

          Octogenarians, unite!  Complain openly!  Humiliate verbally!  I haven’t had this much fun since I was 70 and started asking professional athletes to conjugate verbs.

          Cantankerously Yours,

          Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@comcast.net.

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

April, 2013 – Dim The Lights, Cue The Dash Cam

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April, 2013 – Dim The Lights, Cue The Dash Cam

As I Was SayingAlan Williamson

 

Dim The Lights, Cue The Dash Cam

 

By Alan Williamson

 

          My Mustang is in the shop. Its headlights don’t come on unless I flick the high beams on and off in rapid succession between 10 and 20 times. This has been happening for weeks and now the finger I use to flick my high beams on and off is getting sore. There is no listed medical condition called “high beam finger,” but thanks to my headlights, it’s a flicking affliction that throbs day and night.

Now, I’m not a mechanic, but this headlight malfunction seems like a situation that’s likely to deteriorate until they don’t come on at all. The way I picture it, the time my headlights will pick to not come on will be a night that I’ll get pulled over about 40 miles from home in the rain with a glass of cabernet on my breath. Plus, I’ll have somehow, for the first time in my life, left my wallet and license at work. And (also for the first time in my life) I’ll be wearing a cape and clown makeup. I’ve seen enough police car dash cam videos on the news to know that this will not go well for me.

          There won’t be a problem though, because I’ve gotten up early, made arrangements to be late for work, and have my car in the expert hands of my mechanic, Ron. Ron wastes no time in putting the Mustang through a battery of carefully-sequenced tests. From my view through the window in the waiting room I observe that many of those highly technical tests consist of Ron standing in front of the Mustang looking at the headlights while another mechanic named Chuck sits in the driver’s seat turning them on and off.  Within minutes, Ron comes back with a conclusive diagnosis.

          “Your headlights work fine,” he announces.

          “You fixed them already?” I ask uncomprehendingly.

          “There was nothing to fix,” he clarifies. “We turned them on and off about 30 times and they came on every time.”

          “But this has been going on for three weeks,” I stammer. “How can they suddenly be fine?”

           “These intermittent problems can be caused by a lot of things. Unless it’s doing it when we have the car here, it’s all a big guessing game.”

          “Well, if you had to guess, what would you say is causing the problem?”

          Ron stroked his chin and looked at me like he had an answer he needed to censor.

          “There are two different electrical switches that could be failing intermittently. We could replace one or the other, but there’s no guarantee that they’re what’s causing your problem.”

          “How much do they cost?” I ask, hungry to take some step that might prevent my appearing in any police car dash cam videos.

          “With labor, one’s going to run you about $325, the other about $140.

          A light went on in my head.

          “Again, if you had to guess, which switch would you say is more likely to cause the problem?”

          “The $325 one.”

          “But it could be the $140 one,” I counter.

          “Possible, but not probable,” Ron reasons.

          Finally seeing the folly of our hypothetical bantering, I ask Ron my final question: “If you were me, what would you do?”

          He gave me a lingering look.

“I’d lose about 15 pounds, get a better pair of shoes, and do something about that coffee breath.”

“I meant the car, Ron.”

“Oh, sorry. I’d let it go and keep an eye on it. You might be alright, but if the headlights cut out one day and you’re in the neighborhood, bring it back and we’ll take another look.”

I thank him for his maharishi-like advice and hit the road before he finds a reason to charge me something.

That night, about 40 miles from home, it starts raining. I go to turn my high beams on and notice my headlights aren’t working at all. As I look at my rearview mirror a police car looms up behind me with its lights flashing and siren wailing. I reach for my license and find an empty pocket instead of my wallet.

The police car dash cam video from that night is grainy, but in the interaction that ensued, it appears that a patrol officer and a man in a cape and clown makeup are having a spirited conversation about the crippling pain of high beam finger.

Ron, my mechanic, who saw the video on the news that night, turned to his wife and said, “Look, Tina, there’s the clown that was in my shop today.”

Just for the record, it takes one to know one, Ron. And when I come back to get the headlights fixed, I’m bringing you my ticket for causing temporary blindness in a police officer by excessively flashing my high beams.

But don’t worry. It’s only $325.

Dash cam that!       

Alan Williamson is an award-winning writer with 27 years in the field of true fiction (advertising). A practical man who knows that writing for a living is risky going, he has taken steps to pursue a second, more stable career as a leggy super model. Alan can be reached at alwilly@bellsouth.net.  © 2011 Alan Williamson.

April, 2013 – Risë and Sean Siegrist of Re/Max

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April, 2013 – Risë and Sean Siegrist of Re/Max

AW Spotlight

 

Risë and Sean Siegrist, the Preferred Realtors® of Wycliffe and Beyond

 

 

By Krista Martinelli

 

If you have never ventured into Wycliffe Golf and Country Club, just west of 441 on Lake Worth Road, you would be amazed at the gorgeous facilities, enriching events, and amazing camaraderie that you see within the gates of this 1,045-home community.  I had the chance to talk with the preferred Realtors® of Wycliffe, Risë Siegrist and her son Sean Siegrist, about what makes Wycliffe so special. They also shared their experiences as realtors working in some of the other nearby communities as well.

Sean and Risë Siegrist, Preferred Wycliffe Realtors
Sean and Risë Siegrist, Preferred Wycliffe Realtors

 The Wycliffe Clubhouse is a hub of activities, offering resort-style living with so many things to do every day of the year.  This exquisite 80,000 square-foot facility keeps everything connected under one roof, including a tennis center with 16 har tru tennis courts, two 18-hole golf courses, a relaxing spa, a fitness studio which offers 36 different classes, upscale and casual dining facilities, card rooms equipped with 24/7 snacks, resort style pool and locker rooms and more.  

“Most importantly, there’s a whole mentality in this community of people being nice to each other. The employees are always trying to do new things to make it a more pleasant experience too,” says Risë. She feels strongly about ethics in business and in the first few minutes of our interview mentions how important the Golden Rule is in doing real estate transactions. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s so simple!” Clients clearly appreciate Risë’s ethics and efforts; she has been listed in the Top 15 for Re/Max sales in Florida from 2009 to 2012, as well as winning many other awards for her outstanding results at work. 

“One of the main misconceptions is that Wycliffe is a 55-and-older community,” says Risë. “Actually anyone can live here and we are zoned for A-rated schools.”

There are so many excellent professionals within Wycliffe to learn from and benefit from.

When it comes to golf, Wycliffe is proud to have Lynn Stebbins, a member of the LPGA since 1995, when she joined Wycliffe and became a class A member of the organization since 2002.  Lynn became the golf director of Wycliffe in 2003.  In 2011, Lynn won the esteemed “LPGA Southeast Section Club Professional of the Year” Award.  In 2011, Lynn won the esteemed “LPGA Southeast Section Club Professional of the Year” Award. LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals are certified as golf instructors, coaches and business managers through a comprehensive curriculum designed to meets the needs of the golfing public. 

Wycliffe is privileged to have a National Champion, Kam Kuchta, as its Tennis Director. Kam has been the Director of Tennis at Wycliffe since 2006.  Kam’s most recent win was in March 2012 where he won the 2012 National Clay Court Championship for the Men’s 35 Singles. Kam also won the Men’s 40 Doubles Championship at this tournament. His numerous other championships include the 2011 National Clay Court Championship Men’s 40 Singles, third place in the 2011 USPTA National Men’s 35 Clay Court Doubles, the 2010 USPTA Men’s 35 Singles #1 Player Rating, the 2010 USPTA National Clay Court Championship Men’s 40 Singles, the 2010 USPTA Florida State Championship Men’s 40 Singles and the 2008 USPTA Men’s 35 Singles #1 Player Rating.

“They are the best at what they do,” explains Sean Siegrist, “yet they are still down-to-Earth when it comes to teaching.”

Recently Risë, along with head golf pro Lynn Stebbins, traveled to the Westchester Golf Show in White Plains to exhibit what Wycliffe Golf and Country Club has to offer.  As 90% of new home owners in Wycliffe are re-locating from the Northeast and many of them are serious about having fun playing golf, this was a great avenue for reaching out to a New York audience.

She thinks outside of the box when it comes to marketing; that’ssean-rise3 why the Board of Directors at Wycliffe selected Risë to be their preferred Wycliffe realtor over two years ago. “They liked the video that I wanted to make, showcasing the best of Wycliffe,” she explains. “I wanted aerial views of the golf course – I wanted to land a helicopter on the driving range and do a few things that had not been done before.” Check out the official Wycliffe video, which can also be seen at www.RiseAtWycliffe.com.

These days the Siegrist family works an efficient team with Risë focused on the sellers, Sean focused on the buyers, Risë’s husband Gene working with mortgages and Sean’s wife Jennifer doing administrative work and implementing new systems.

What makes the Siegrist team so successful? “People say it’s luck, but I say hard work makes for good luck,” says Risë, who definitely works more than a 40-hour work week. Risë and Sean work hard for their clients, and they are (almost) always working. 

Having an excellent referral program helps a great deal too. When a Wycliffe resident refers a new buyer, they get a $1,000 credit to use at Wycliffe. Although she is quite possibly the busiest person at Wycliffe, Risë is a big fan of the hand-written “thank you” note. “If someone gives you a personal referral, you need to stop right there and write a hand-written thank you note,” she says.

 

One of the beautiful lobbies inside the Wycliffe Clubhouse, an 80,000 square-foot facility that supports golf, tennis, dining, fitness and other activities
One of the beautiful lobbies inside the Wycliffe Clubhouse, an 80,000 square-foot facility that supports golf, tennis, dining, fitness and other activities

They also have a special “Fly and Buy” program for buyers. If a new buyer reaches a contract within 90 days of their trip, Risë and Sean will pay up to $1500 for travel expenses related to the purchase of the new home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the majority of their clients are looking to buy or sell within Wycliffe, Risë and Sean have also become quite well-versed in other nearby communities – like the Valencias, Villagio, Bellagio, Buena Vida and others. See “Communities” on their website for a full listing of additional communities they specialize in.

“The best thing about helping people buy and sell their homes is the satisfaction of a job well-done,” says Risë. Clients rave about the professionalism and the results that they get, when they work with Risë and Sean. See their “Testimonials” page for a few other examples of clients who shared their appreciation.

Risë Siegrist also likes to stay involved and give back to her local community. She is very active, as the President of the Wycliffe Chapter of Hadassah, an organization she has been a member of since the age of 13. Hadassah puts on a lot of events, including fashion shows, educational lectures and programs.  Thanks to Risë’s efforts and leadership, Wycliffe Hadassah has a new Bulletin and 2 new Communication VP’s. The Siegrists are also sponsors of Wycliffe Charities, a very effective charity organization which gives back to approximately 15 non-profits in our local community. This year Wycliffe Charities will donate over $100,000 to local charities with $70,000 being raised during this year’s Wycliffe Charities Golf Tournament, their keynote event. Risë and Sean are sponsors of the ever-popular Wycliffe Stiffs stickball league, and Sean plays on the league. “The Wycliffe Stiffs are a great group of guys ranging from their 50s to 90s, and they really help each other on and off the field,” says Sean. (See related video about the Wycliffe Stiffs). Risë has sponsored the “Play for Pink” tennis breakfast for several years, which raises money for breast cancer research.

The Siegrists work well together as a family, and it’s unusual to have a family unit of four able to work so closely together. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” says Sean, who works well with his wife Jennifer, mother Risë and father Gene. Sean and Jennifer have a five-year-old daughter. And Risë has another son Jared, who enjoys his job as a math instructor in Jupiter. Risë’s stepmother Marjorie Viener is the ballroom dance instructor at Wycliffe. “My family keeps me from getting too bogged down in work. They have a great sense of humor,” says Risë.

Risë and Sean work out of the modernized Re/Max office, which is located just outside of the Mall at Wellington Green, in a strip mall of stores which includes Saito’s Japanese Restaurant, UltraCleaners and Cold Stone Creamery.  Instead of the old model of a real estate office, this office is set up as a coffee bar with open spaces and wireless access. Clients love it!

If you’re curious about Wycliffe or any of the other nearby communities in our area, just call Risë or Sean any day of the week!  They are always ready to serve you. Check out their website – www.RiseatWycliffe.com and Facebook page, “Wycliffe Golf and Country Club Homes.”

 

 

 

 

 sean-rise2

 

Risë and Sean Siegrist, Re/Max Realtors®

Preferred Wycliffe Realtors

Visit www.RiseatWycliffe.com

 

Risë Siegrist – 561-889-6873

Sean Siegrist – 561-568-3284 

 

 

April, 2013 – Stiletto Awards

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PALMS WEST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

2013 WOMEN OF THE YEAR

STILETTO AWARD LUNCHEON

 

SPONSORED BY

The Mall at Wellington Green

 

The Palms West Community Foundation 2013 Women of the Year Stiletto Awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd, beginning at 12:00 pm at Breakers West Country Club.  The Stiletto Awards honor outstanding women who have achieved professional excellence, serve their community, and have strengthened and enriched the quality of life in Central Palm Beach County by helping advance the educational, cultural, and economic interest of the community.

 

 “This is the third year for the Stiletto Awards, and we have a fabulous group of women up for the award on Wednesday—each one deserves to win.” explains Mariela Castillo, Community Foundation Coordinator for the Palms West Community Foundation.  “We divide the nominated group by their business category — Corporate, Government, Entrepreneur, and Non-profit/ Education.  We are excited to honor ALL of these wonderful women who have made a difference in our community.” 

 

The nominees for the Palms West Community Foundation 2013 Women of the Year Stiletto Awards in the Corporate category are Rachelle Crain – Mall at Wellington Green, Jennifer Berthiaume – Lion Country Safari, and Dana Gillette – Erdman Anthony. In the Government category, Diane Smith – PBSO and Tanya Quickel – Indian Trail Improvement District was nominated.  In the Entrepreneur category, Claudia Ruiz Levy – CRL Media Advertising, Beatriz DeLaRua CPA – Froehlich and De La Rua CPA, Firm LLC, Natalie Stolbach – Barry’s Jewelry Spa, and Jill Merrel – Ultima Fitness were nominated. Non-profit/Education category nominees were Ann Levene – Eisenberg – Palm Beach School for Autism, Tara Kircshner – The Dori Slosberg Foundation, Marianne Malky – Voice for the Children, Inc, Lynn Martin – Girls on the Run PBC, and Mary O’Connor – Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County.

 

For tickets to the 2013 Women of the Year Stiletto Award luncheon, or for information, visit www.cpbchamber.com, call 561.790.6200 or email Mariela Castillo at mariela@cpbchamber.com.

April, 2013 – Casual Seafood at Longboards on Clematis

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April, 2013 – Casual Seafood at Longboards on Clematis

The Florida Foodie

Casual Seafood Dining under Surfboards at Longboards Restaurant

By Saucy Sarahsaucysarah

519 N Clematis St. West Palm Beach, FL 33401

(561) 833-4660

 

Located on the quiet end of Clematis, Longboards is a traditional New England seafood eatery with a few twists. The restaurant is a fun place to dine, boasting an impressive gallery of beautiful longboards on display throughout the dining room. For this native South Floridian, I enjoyed drooling over all the beautiful boards as my companion and I ate lunch. Longboards is unpretentious and provides a relaxing atmosphere while you enjoy your meal.

Longboards offers an interesting menu of classic seafood favorites and also some Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Lobster reins supreme in several dishes such as lobster sliders, lobster tacos, a traditional lobster roll, and even lobster mac and cheese. For the carnivores, there is a Longboards burger, skirt steak tacos, and a NY strip steak. I chose the classic lobster roll with truffle fries on the side ($16.00). I liked that the lobster roll came out on a brioche bun and was not

Lobster Roll at Longboards
Lobster Roll at Longboards

 drenched in a heavy mayo-based dressing. There were ample chunks of sweet lobster overflowing from the bun. A very good rendition. The truffle fries were a bit disappointing. I could not detect any true truffle flavor and the distinct aroma was missing as well. The fries, hand-cut from fresh potatoes, were good on their own, but I would skip paying the extra fee for the truffle addition. There was also a thimble full of coleslaw on my plate. Barely a mouth full, I suggest giving a bigger portion or getting rid of the coleslaw altogether. My companion selected the fresh catch of the day (mkt. price), which was Pompano on our visit. It arrived to our table accompanied by fresh sugar snap peas and the same lackluster truffle fries. The fish was grilled, still-on-skin, and succulent. I am always a big fan of restaurants that cook fish the way it should be cooked and Longboards appears to respect this practice. The sugar-snap peas were fresh, crisp andfish delightful with a hint of garlic. I could go back and eat a plate full of just the veggies.

To end our lunch we chose the key lime pie for dessert. I was rather disappointed with what came to our table. The filling was not tart, nor did it have a true lime flavor. As for the pie – unfortunately, I suspect it sat out uncovered in a refrigerator too long and absorbed the surrounding food flavors. I expect more from a piece of key lime pie from a restaurant in South Florida.

I look forward to returning Longboards and trying more of their menu items, though I think I will pass on the desserts next time. If you are looking for a casual and beachy place to eat some good seafood, Longboards is a place to check out. Take a gang of friends and sit out on the sidewalk on a nice night. Splurge for the Raw Bar Tower ( $75.00 – feed 5 people) and enjoy the Florida lifestyle.

Longboards on Clematis in West Palm Beach
Longboards on Clematis in West Palm Beach

 

 

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.”

April, 2013 – The Radical Camera

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April, 2013 – The Radical Camera

The Radical Camera, A Look at the New York Photo League

 

By Lori Baumel                  

 

 

“Look at her face… just LOOK at it!”

                                          – Marvin Newman, NY Photo League Photographer

 

 

ny-photo-league-1-marvin-newman_halloween

 

Photographer Marvin Newman next to his iconic Halloween, South Side, 1951. Photo by Eric Baumel.

  

I quickly glanced at the photo and was immediately drawn to the young girl in the mask. “No not that girl, THAT girl,” said Marvin pointing to another girl on the right. Her brow was furrowed, her eyes open wide and her mouth appeared dirty from, perhaps, Halloween candy. The photo was taken in 1951. Marvin Newman, at a rather sprite 85 years, was a photographer for many publications including Life, Look and Newsweek magazines. His works are included in a special exhibition of 150 vintage photographs, The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League 1936 – 1951 at the Norton Museum of Art on view until June 16. The New York Times hailed The Radical Camera as a “stirring show.” I must say, I agree.

 

In retrospect, the New York Photo League enabled many budding photographers to affect social reform. “At the time,” said Ida Wyman, 86, “it was just a place where we could all hang out.” They would meet, share ideas, and take classes from legends like Paul Strand, Lewis Hine and Sid Grossman, an organizer of the league. Grossman taught what constituted a good photograph and the photographer’s emotional relationship to it. “Not only that,” said Sonia Handelman Meyer, 93, “we could use their darkroom for a small fee.” What was the fee? “Twenty-five cents.” Sonia responded quickly with a smile.

                     

Over 1500 photographers passed through the league. It was not a political organization, but there were photographers that wanted to make a statement to motivate the viewer to improve the world through their craft. They inspired a specific look, a poetic technique characteristic of the New York school.

 

The concept of the New York Photo League reminded me of our local Palm Beach Photographic Center, which offers similar opportunities for promising photographers here in our own county.

 

 

Ida Wyman, Sidewalk Clock, 1947. Photo: Eric Baumel.
Ida Wyman, Sidewalk Clock, 1947. Photo: Eric Baumel.

 

 

 

 

 

Sonia Handelman Meyer, Anti-Lynching Rally Madison Square Park, 1946. Photo: Eric Baumel.
Sonia Handelman Meyer, Anti-Lynching Rally Madison Square Park, 1946. Photo: Eric Baumel.

When asked what they want the viewer to take away from this exhibit, Ida Wyman responded, “The reality of how things looked, how PEOPLE looked.” Sonia Handelman Meyer stated, “A sense of the times… what people were going through.” Marvin Newman wanted people “To understand that this group had some of the greatest photographers of the time.”

 

Oh, and by the way, I asked Marvin why the young girl had “that look” on her face. He answered in bewilderment, “I wish I knew. I’ve always wondered, I’ll never know… never know.”

 

I urge you to see the exhibit yourself and imagine what the answer might be.

                                                                                                                             – Lori Hope Baumel

The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League 1936 – 1951. Photo: Eric Baumel.
The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League 1936 – 1951. Photo: Eric Baumel.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information view: http://www.norton.org/. 

 

Lori Baumel
Lori Baumel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lori Baumel and her husband Eric Baumel live in Wellington and have three grown children. Their eldest, Sam, 26, is a media producer who currently resides in (extremely hipster) Brooklyn, NY. Rachel, 23, and Evan, 21, wrote the Around Wellington “Teen Talk” column in previous years. Eric has practiced radiology in Wellington since 1991. His many talents include artist, cook, photographer and, recently, medical app developer. You can learn more about Lori at www.loribaumel.com and read her blog at www.grownupcamp.tumblr.com.

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