1 large piece (filet) of salmon (we like wild salmon, but any type will do)
4 pats of butter (about 3 T.)
1 jar capers, drained
2 fresh lemons, cut into circles
3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced the long way (use more if you love it, less if you don’t)!
Directions:
Lay a large piece of foil (large enough to wrap salmon filet in) on a clean surface. Evenly space out two pats of butter before putting salmon on top of them. Evenly space out the two remaining pats of butter on the top of the salmon. Evenly cover the top of the salmon with the capers. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper. We like more pepper than salt, but you can make it as spicy or salty as you like. Place the garlic slices all over the salmon. Cover the whole fish with lemon circles. Wrap tightly in foil, and put in the refrigerator for at least a half hour.
Dad’s job: Heat your grill to medium-heat. Once heated, cook fish, still wrapped in foil, for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and unwrap, so that the fish is still on the foil but is not covered. Cook uncovered, on the foil, for another 5-10 minutes (until cooked through).
I like to eat my grilled salmon with wild rice and salad.
Lauren is seven years old and in the 2nd grade. She enjoys soccer, painting, playing with friends…and salmon!
PS Hey kids, do you have a great recipe that you like to make?Send it to us at Editor@AroundWellington.com, subject “Yummy Treats,” along with your contact information to share your recipe with our AroundWellington audience!
Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself.
Calling all parents: Looking for something ‘cool,’ for the kids to do
this winter break? Check out the South Florida Science Museum! They are holding their annual Winter Wonders Workshop for children ages 4-12. Starting on December 31 until January 4, parents can leave kids to ‘chill,’ out at a workshop that promises to deliver tons of winter themed activities.
WHO
For one week only the South Florida Science Museum is turning into a winter wonderland for children ages 4 – 12
WHAT
The South Florida Science Museums’ annual Winter Wonders Workshop for young scientist’s ages 4 – 12. This week long workshop promises to deliver ‘cool,’ even if the temperatures outside read differently.
Activities include:
-Liquid Nitrogen and Dry Ice Experiments
-Solar Science Exploration
-Wintery Crafts – including Spin Art Snowflakes!
-Digital Planetarium Shows – featuring the twinkle of wintery stars
-And much, much, more!
-Space is limited!
WHEN
December 31 – January 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – (there will also be extended hours of structured activities from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
WHERE
The South Florida Science Museum
4801 Dreher Trail North West Palm Beach, FL 33405
WHY
Founded in 1961, the South Florida Science Museum is currently in the process of an expansion anticipated to be complete June 2013, and is open during construction. Featuring fun and educational programming for all ages, the non-profit Museum is dedicated to exciting curiosity and furthering the understanding and appreciation of science and technology. The Museum features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, fresh and saltwater aquariums, as well as natural history exhibitions. Each year the Museum welcomes more than 125,000 visitors and reaches more than 45,000 students through workshops at the Museum and outreach programs to local schools.
COST
Week long workshop fee is $210 for museum members and $235 for non-members. Additionally, there is a one-time registration fee of $25.
GENERAL INFO
For more information about the Winter Wonders Workshop, please call the South Florida Science Museum, 561-832-1988 or visit .
See our video featuring Big Dog Ranch Rescue in this month’s “Letter from the Editor” too!
By Krista Martinelli
The staff and volunteers at the Big Dog Ranch Rescue seem to be successful at finding good homes for rescued dogs, even for dogs that some might consider unadoptable.
“Since 2009, we’ve saved approximately 3,000 dogs,” says Lorrie Browne of the Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR). At any given time, there are about 300 dogs in the Big Dog Ranch system.They care for about 125 dogs at the Ranch on Acme Road in Wellington (formerly the Folke Peterson Wildlife Center) and the remainder of the dogs are in foster homes throughout the State.
With a very well-organized program and a well-maintained website, the adoption process runs smoothly at BDRR. Those looking to adopt a dog or a puppy can see photos and information ahead of time about each animal at any given time – http://www.bdrr.org/adoptable-dogs/ and the staff are very thorough in making sure that new pet owners know what to expect.
“The goal of the adoption process is getting the right dog to the right home,” explains Lorrie Browne. People looking to adopt are asked to fill out an application on the website, make an appointment and prepare to spend about an hour with an adoption consultant to find the perfect dog for their family. If they already have other dogs at home, they are asked to bring the dog at a follow up visit, giving the dogs space to play and interact with each other in one of the runs on the property. Before the adoption is finalized, a home visit is conducted by one of the many BDRR volunteers to make sure the home is a good fit for the dog and new family.BDRR gives the new pet owners starter food and instructions. They also make sure each dog is spayed or neutered and given all of its shots, at about half the price it would normally cost at a local vet. BDRR does everything it can to set everyone up for success.
Upon my first visit to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, I was struck by a few things – how beautiful so many of the dogs are, how many of them are purebred and how clean the facility is kept.Also, I noticed that they are no longer all “big dogs.” There are several small dogs in the mix as well. While it started out as a shelter for big dogs, BDRR expanded its reach as it grew larger. They have even changed their logo to say “Big & Little Dog Ranch Rescue.”
They are a no-kill shelter, an unusual thing in this age of pet overflow.As one of our previous AroundWellington writers’ articles pointed out, the average “kill rate” in shelters is 60 – 70% of the animals, which I find to be a shocking and sad statistic. It’s a difficult feat to have a well-run, no-kill animal shelter.
And an even bigger challenge is to rehabilitate dogs who have been in abusive situations and then find loving homes for them. BDRR takes on some of these extremely difficult cases. One amazing recovery happened with a bulldog named Colin, rescued from the Miami-Dade area. He had been used as a “bait dog” to get pit bulls fired up for fighting. He arrived bloody, beaten down and malnourished. “After a lot of love, baths and lot of special medical care, he was adopted,” says Browne. “He now lives happily on a horse farm with five acres of land and other animals.” Another amazing fact of Colin’s recovery – he has never shown any signs of aggression since being adopted.See the video about Colin.
Another great dog recovery story happened with Betsy. She came to Big Dog Ranch Rescue pregnant and had shot gun wounds on her legs. With metal rods on her legs for support, she gained strength, had her litter and then got adopted. Cases like these are often too difficult for other shelters to handle. There are many “Happy Tails” of adoption, and BDRR is good about sharing the good news whenever one of their dogs has found their forever home. (See http://www.bdrr.org/happy-tails/).
For those who would like to help out, but cannot commit to adopting a dog at the moment, another option is fostering a dog. Fostering a dog is a form of volunteerism. Foster home stays are usually two months or longer. While having a dog in their home, the foster parents get to know the dog, promote their dog on Facebook, show off the dog to friends, bring the dog to events and help out BDRR by providing one more space for another dog at the shelter during the stay.They can always choose to go from fostering to adoption, if they would like to.
I asked Lorrie Browne how her whole family got involved in the Big Dog Rescue Ranch cause. She said that her own dog had died quite suddenly, leaving the house far too quiet. So they adopted Roxie from BDRR, who had been a mother for a puppy mill. They were happy to be able to give the dog a new home and a secure future. Meanwhile her niece, who was eleven years old at the time, initiated a fundraiser for BDRR at her school Panther Run. The fundraiser was a huge success, and then as their family got to know the folks at BDRR further, they wanted to continue to help. Browne was impressed with the good work that the staff and volunteers do, offering her own skills with community outreach, fundraising and website work.
When it comes to the needs of the BDRR, the medical bills are a huge factor. In addition to the necessary spaying/neutering and shots, some dogs come to the shelter ill or with serious injuries. They are always in need of more donated services from local vets. Food is another big expense, totaling about 5,000 pounds per month these days. Browne says they were the lucky recipients of a makeover for their surgical center by Designing Spaces. Along with that, they are receiving food for one year from By Nature® Pet Foods. Overall it costs approximately a million dollars per year to operate the Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Every donation, whether it’s financial or a donated item, helps a great deal.
In the winter, they need a lot of blankets for their dogs. Year-round, they need crates, food, toys, sheets, towels and linens. “If you’re cleaning out your linens closet, please think of Big Dog Ranch Rescue,” says Browne.
For those interested in volunteering, they can fill out a form on the BDRR website (http://www.bdrr.org/volunteer-form-2/). Volunteer orientation happens most Sundays. Volunteers learn how to wash dogs, handle dogs and walk dogs. There is also an ongoing need for volunteers to help “behind the scenes.” For example, they can use those who specialize in websites, marketing, gardening, handy work, etc. “Whatever it is that you, we can probably put your skill to work if you’re willing to be a volunteer,” says Browne.
“We have wonderful dogs here,” says Browne. “What people might not realize is that some of these dogs have just lost their homes (because their family lost their home). So last week this dog was sitting comfortably on a bed in someone’s home and now – here he is.” When you make the choice to adopt or foster a dog, you are helping one dog and making room for another dog in need. “You’re becoming part of the whole cycle in doing so, and making the world a better place.”
Mark your calendars for the Howlin' Hoedown on January 19th at the Players Club.
The Howlin’ Hoedown is Coming Up on January 19th
Howlin' Hoedown
The Second Annual Howlin’ Hoedown will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the Players Club from 6:30 p.m. ‘til 11:00 p.m. This event will offer participants a fun-filled, casual evening which will include a silent auction, live auction, line-dancing, BBQ dinner and just a plain-old howlin’ good time! In the process, money will be raised to support Big Dog Ranch Rescue, a local non-profit, no-kill shelter, which is devoted to saving the lives of unwanted pets. They provide a home and care for dogs, of all breeds and sizes, until they are adopted into the right “furever” home.
Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased by filling out the form on the BDRR website (http://www.bdrr.org/hoedown2013/) calling the number below or sending in a check the address below. If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation here.
For additional information on donating to, sponsoring or attending the event, please click on links below or contact Maureen Gross at (561)793-3389 office, or (561)714-0887 cell. We would be happy to arrange for someone to pick up any item that you can donate.
Maureen Gross
Director of Development & Community Outreach Phelps Media Group International
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce Holds a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony For SuperFit Gym
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassadors recently had the opportunity to welcome SuperFit Gym as a new member.The gym is located at 8233 Gator Lane, #14, West Palm Beach Florida and the business is owned and operated by Julian and Yvonne Gibson-Serrette.Both are retired, professional bodybuilders who have won many medals and titleson the State, National and International levels –several being 1st place.
Photo L-R: Joanne T. Dee, Evelyn Perez, Mark “Boz” Bozicevic, Yvonne Gibson-Serrette, Julian Gibson-Serrette, Becca Hargreades, Dr. Randy Laurich, Carmine Marino, Bob Salerno
When entering SuperFit Gym, it is clear that the place means business when it comes to working out.It would be safe to assume that this is not the place a person would go to engage in casual conversation with the cutie doing cardio next to them like at many other gyms.SuperFit Gym trainers have over 25 years of personal experience and knowledge in the area of bodybuilding.They also have an impressive list of certifications in many specialty areas for optimal fitness and health.These trainers will most likely have you voluntarily sweating, breathing hard, biting the bullet, and eating more green plants at home as they bring you to your physical goals.
Julian was born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago and started getting involved in bodybuilding at the age of 19.He moved to Miamiin 1983 where he continued to compete and train others.When asked how he got involved in working out and being fit, he said, “When you live on the islands it’s a very physical type of upbringing –especially 50 years ago.We pretty much walked everywhere.Everyone was active – you swam, you biked, you walked.So it was pretty much ingrained in you to be active.”
Yvonne was born and raised in Miami, Florida.She was always active as well and enjoyed going to the gym.One day she met a bodybuilder who encouraged her to compete in an upcoming competition.She did and she won.Her career path unfolded from there.
Yvonne met Julian in 1987.Julian became her coach in nutrition and choreography (presentation) at her first nationals.Julian said, “She came in 2nd place!It was unheard of for a newcomer to come in and place that high.”After that he became her full time nutrition coach.
When asked what sets SuperFit Gym apart from other gyms, Julian explained that their 50-60 minute classes are all designed by their trainers who have over 25 years of experience in bodybuilding and proper nutrition.These classes include functional, high intensity movements (such as rowing, running, biking, jumping) and basic strength lifts.They incorporate multidirectional and isolation exercises in order to strengthen all muscles and muscle groups.
Their gym is stocked with all types of equipment including TRX, Bosu balls, all types of free weights, climbing ropes plus good ole jump ropes.For better flexibility they offer “Active Isolated Stretching” sessions with a certified stretch practitioner.
Remember that adage “You are what you eat”?Well if you are noticing that you look like what you are eating and it doesn’t look good, a food coach is on premises who will get you eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and less of the “other” stuff that is not doing well for your body.
Within the community, SuperFit Gym supports a variety of animal welfare organizations and organizes several fundraisers throughout the year.
For more information about SuperFit Gymcontact Julian or Yvonne at 954.258.6840 or email them at SuperFitVegan@aol.com.Visit their website at www.SuperFitVegan.com.Also check out The Wellington Chamber of Commerce website at http://WellingtonChamber.com for all types of business and community information.
Press Release From:The Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Regarding:Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for SuperFit Gym
Date:November 29, 2012
Written By:Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group
Photograph By:Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group
Cub Scouts Pack 125 Team Up with Jack the Bike Man
Wellington‘s Cub Scout Pack 125 is pleased to announce that it is adopting Jack The Bike Man as a supported charity starting with its upcoming meeting on November 29th at 6:30 pm, at Binks Forest Elementary School in Wellington.
“Jack does an amazing job rehabilitating bikes for needy kids and teaching valuable vocational skills through his charity’s workshop,” said Steve Walton, Pack Master for the Pack. “We encourage anyone who has an unneeded bike to consider donating it to this truly worthy cause. The gift of a bike to a needy kid gives them a sense of pride and freedom that has positive long term effects for them in the developing stages of their lives.” Bikes can be donated at the meeting, directly to Jack The Bike Man atjackthebikeman.orgor through any scout in either Cub Scout Pack 125 or Boy Scout Troop 125 here in Wellington.
Winterfest – ONE Wellington 2012 Announces
International Polo Club Palm Beach as Presenting Sponsor and
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center As Host Venue
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is very pleased to announce Winterfest – ONE Wellington 2012 will be held December 1st at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, 3400 Equestrian Club Road in Wellington.The evening begins with a Show Jumping Competition at 6 pm withWinterfest officially kicking off at 7 pm.Back by overwhelming demand, Vanilla Ice will be the headline performer.The sponsors this year are International Polo Club Palm Beach, and ONE Wellington.
John Wash
John Wash, President of Operations for the International Polo Club Palm Beach will be the Emcee of the event.Festivities include musical and dance performances by local talent, a visit from Santa and his reindeer plus activities for the kids.Mark Bellissimo of Equestrian Sports Productions will be announcing the ONE WELLINGTON HERO.In addition, there will be a food and wine tasting expo, a VIP Sponsor Party, a salute to the troops, retail shopping and vendors offering all sorts of delicious food choices.Of course, everyone attending will be looking forward to the always electrifying performance by local resident Vanilla Ice at the end of the night.
“It’s hard to believe this is our third year doing this.”said International Polo Club Palm Beach President John Wash. “I don’t think anyone understood how big it was going to be…..and then it grew even larger in the second year.”This year’s new venue at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center will be able to meet the needs of an even larger crowd.John said, “Obviously the venue is different this year but it’s not so much about the venue, it’s about continuing a tradition.”
When asked why International Polo Club Palm Beach is always involved with Winterfest, John responded, “Well you know we have always tried to be a good neighbor.International Polo Club is now getting ready to start our tenth polo season.I came onboard six years ago, and one of the things I have always believed in was community involvement.We do so much to try to give back through different activities and events and our neighbors have embraced us so we want to reach back out and embrace the community in their different objectives.”He later added, “We are here to be a major sponsor and to help the Chamber and the local businesses as they have helped us.”
For more information about Winterfest – ONE Wellington 2012, contact Executive Director Michela Perillo-Green of The Wellington Chamber of Commerce at 561. 792.6525 or email to info@WellingtonChamber.com.Also visit The Wellington Chamber of Commerce online at http://WellingtonChamber.com.
Press Release From:The Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Regarding:Winterfest 2012 and John Wash of The International Polo Club
Written By:Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group
Photo By:Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group
The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, 29th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade “Holiday in Paradise” to be held on December 9, 2012
The Central Palm Beach County Chamber, in collaboration with the Village of Wellington, will bring the 29th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade to thousands of spectators of the Western/Central Communities on Sunday, December 9th. The 2012 Parade’s presenting sponsors are The Schumacher Family of Dealerships and The Wellington Preservation Coalition. The Parade will begin at 1:00 pm and this year’s theme “Holiday in Paradise” will be featuring floats, marching bands, dance troupes, costumed characters, live music and more! Wellington residents and prominent Olympian Equestrians Margie Engle and Todd Minikus will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshals. “We thought it fitting in this Olympic year to feature some of our own EquestrianOlympians that reside in Palm Beach County. The Equestrian Season is upon us so this is the perfect timing for our parade. We are thrilled that we can feature both Margie and Todd as our Grand Marshalls” said Mary Lou Bedford, Vice President of the Chamber.
This year’s theme, “Holiday in Paradise” will bring out some really fun and creative floats with a tropical or Jimmy Buffet influenced décor. The parade route begins at Wellington Trace and continues down Forest Hill Boulevard, ending at Wellington’s Town Center and Amphitheater. In an effort to provide a safe procession for the parade, Forest Hill Boulevard will be closed from the north intersection at Wellington Trace to South Shore Boulevard beginning at 12:30 pm.
This year for the first time, the day’s events will end with the official tree lighting at the Wellington Amphitheater in the Holiday Park. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Waste Management and The Wellington PreservationCoalition, the Holiday Fun Park will include many more family oriented activities such as a carousel, skating rink , kids train ride, bounce houses, food and exhibit booths and a live concert immediately following the parade with an amazing Billy Joel tribute band. The Tree Lighting is scheduled for 6:15 so there will be plenty of food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.
The hours of the Holiday Park are from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Wellington Amphitheater located at 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard.
Before the parade, lace up your running shoes for the Holiday Mile Run/Walk beginning at 12:45 pm at Forest Hill Boulevard and Country Club Drive. Preregistration is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. The race application is available at www.cpbchamber.com. For more information, call (561) 790-6200.
The day of festivities would not be possible without the invaluable co-operation of Wellington, PBSO, the Palm Beach County Fire and Rescue and the generosity of our presenting sponsors Schumacher Family of Dealerships and The Wellington Preservation Coalition.
Other Community Sponsors include: Waste Management: sponsor of the Holiday Park, Florida Public Utilities, TKM Farms, The City of Greenacres, the Palm Beach Post, Republic Services of Palm Beach, Wellington Golf Cars, FP&L, Ric Bradshaw-PBSO, Boynton Financial Group, Whole Foods Market, Two Men and a Truck, The Gourmet Deli House, Starbucks, Grapeseeker Advertising and Design, Hill Audio Visual, JJ Muggs Stadium Grill, Print-it Plus and Walgreens.
Media Partners include The Palm Beach Post, Town Crier, Sun Sentinel, Wellington the Magazine, The Forum Group, , Coffee News, Around Wellington.
Oasis Compassion Agency Receives $25,000 grant from Batchelor Foundation for Operation of Food Pantry
Greenacres, Florida, October 2012 – Oasis Compassion Agency has received a $25,000 grant from the Batchelor Foundation to ensure efficient operation of their Food Pantry. Oasis is very grateful for the impact the Batchelor Foundation has in eradicating hunger and poverty in our community and for their faithful partnership. The Batchelor Foundation is largely responsible for the Food Pantry’s ability to distribute over 10,000 pounds of food each month to families living at or below the Federal Poverty guideline.Over 12,000 people have been assisted with a “hand up” through the Oasis program since its inception in 2003.
Oasis, entering its tenth year of operation in 2013, helps its Palm Beach County clients stabilize and improve their economic circumstances with a three-pronged approach in which roadblocks to success are identified, a plan is created to overcome those obstacles, and that plan is implemented.Oasis assists its clients with food and clothing while requiring clients to attend mental health counseling, job counseling or classes in personal finance and other life skills.
Browne of the Big Dog Ranch Rescue (BDRR). At any given time, there are about 300 dogs in the Big Dog Ranch system.
things – how beautiful so many of the dogs are, how many of them are purebred and how clean the facility is kept.
