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June, 2012 – Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts

Living Green

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June 1, 2012

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Living Green

Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts

By Jathy Garcia, Your Plumber in a Skirt

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know that it’s a great appliance that makes household duties less demanding. But if not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares.

The most important rule of thumb: Don’t Put Anything In The Garbage Disposal That Is Not Biodegradable Food. A garbage disposal is not a trash can; it’s for food scraps only. Non food items can damage both blades and the motor. When in doubt, throw it out!

Garbage Disposal Don’ts . . .

Don’t grind glass, plastic, metal or even paper.
Don’t grind cigarette butts
Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
Don’t grind extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, onion skins, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains .
Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.

Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
Don’t grind large animal bones (beef, pork etc.).
Avoid putting coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. Although they’ll actually help eliminate odors, they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs. Best to avoid.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals.

Garbage Disposal Do’s . . .

Do keep your garbage disposal clean. Pour a little dish soap inside and let the garbage disposal run for a minute or so with some cold water after washing dishes.

Do run your garbage disposal regularly. Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion, assures that all parts stay moving and prevents obstructions from accumulating.
Do grind food waste w/ a strong flow of cold water. Why cold water? It will cause any grease or oils that may get into the unit to solidify, so that they can be chopped up before reaching the trap.
Do grind peelings from citrus fruits such as lemons or oranges to freshen up drain smells.

Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running, Problem-Free

Ice is an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. Just toss a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and run it. As the garbage disposal chops into the ice cubes, the ice chips will effectively scour all the hard to reach areas of the unit, and melt down the drain. Try this once or twice a month to keep your garbage disposal in fine working order.

Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will treat you well, in return. We have described the mistakes you should avoid and the actions you should take in order to keep your garbage disposal working smoothly for many years and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need to call for plumbing or drain cleaning services.

When all else fails, call your Plumbing Pro!

These are general maintenance tips and simple remedies for minor problems. If you try these solutions and they don’t work or if your problem seems to be getting worse, contact Hi-Tech Plumbing immediately.

We have the tools and know-how to address all your plumbing needs.

“Living Green,” it’s just one more way Hi-Tech Plumbing can help so Don’t Fret … Call Hi-Tech Check out more advice on Going Green at Hi-Tech.

June, 2012 – A Year in Review & A Look at What Lies Ahead

Future is Bright

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June 1, 2012

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Teen Talk

A Year in Review & A Look at What Lies Ahead

By Jessica Small

After countless hours of staring at books, researching topics, and figuring out how to use a $120 calculator, the finish line is finally in sight. I have survived my junior year of high school, and it is officially the long-awaited “end of the year.”

With classes reaching their completion and the long awaited humid, hot Florida summer approaching, I have a lot of mixed feelings.

On the one hand, I am sad. High school has been such a huge learning experience – both in and out of the classroom. It’s so strange to think that I have just one year left before I leave Wellington High behind. I am sad this year is over, because it has been a particularly pleasant one. I rose to higher positions of leadership in thinkPINKkids (a club that raises money for breast cancer research), the school newspaper (whswave.com), and dance team. I took on incredibly difficult courses, and have somehow managed to endure them. I made more friends, and became closer with a select few.

Yet, I am also very excited for what the future holds for me. I know my senior year will be even busier, even more enjoyable, and hopefully even more memorable. I look forward to fun times in my extracurricular activities and even to those late-night, last-minute cram study sessions.

Watching the class of 2012 graduate has really put things into perspective for me. I am officially a senior. In just a few months, I’ll be applying to colleges. In less than a year, I will be preparing to venture off into a new chapter of my life. And now, I find myself constantly researching colleges and universities, comparing prices and locations.

I guess what it comes down to is that I’m anxious. I’m anxious to leave behind my days of secondary school. I’m anxious to be teetering on the edge between reliance on my parents and total independence. Everything is so up in the air right now, and sometimes it’s just completely overwhelming! But I think that’s good. I think it’s important for every teen to look into what they want to do with their life, even if it is overwhelming to contemplate at times. No one’s saying that teenagers should have a life plan by the time their 20. However, it is important to be a few steps ahead of yourself.

I think that’s a lesson we can all benefit from. There’re many advantages to researching and planning for the future. Whether you’re determining which college is the best fit for you or deciding to move across the country or choosing to get married or anything really, it’s important to always review the past and plan for what lies ahead.

Jessica Small is a rising senior at Wellington High School. She is the Editor-in-Chief of her school’s online publication, whswave.com. She is enrolled in rigorous courses at WHS and aspires to study journalism and business in college. She is involved in her high school dance team and is also the current president of thinkPINKkids.

June, 2012 – Fusion Fantasy: A Tale of Two Dinners at Kontiki

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June 1, 2012

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The Florida Foodie

Fusion Fantasy: A Tale of Two Dinners at Kontiki

By Saucy Sarah

Kontiki Wine and Raw Bar

13860 Wellington Trace Wellington, FL 33414

561-296-0404

Kontiki Wine and Raw Bar, located in the Courtyard Plaza in Wellington, is a land filled with harmonious tangles of flavors. A fusion of culinary influences from Asia Minor, Europe, and the Americas, Kontiki lives up to its website claim of being “the jewel of Wellington”. I don’t want to gush—All respectable food writer’s aim to be fair, yet discerning—but I have to admit, I visited Kontiki twice in one week. Why did I go back so soon, you may ask? It was love at first bite. I couldn’t stay away. I had to return and try more offerings on their vast and intriguing menu. You can find selections from Thai dumplings to baked brie on their “Tapas” menu. Select some sushi from their impressive raw bar or have a ham and cheese baguette. There’s even a Greek salad. Kontiki is a global bazaar of tastes and textures waiting for you to try them all.

kontiki At first encounter, it seems hard to pin this place down. Even the front entrance makes you pause and wonder, “What will I eat inside there?” A pair of stoic horses – almost life-sized—and two carved Geishas guard the gateway to this culinary adventure. Go in, you won’t be disappointed. That first night at Knotiki, my dining companion and I chose to order several dishes and share them in traditional Tapas fashion. Kontiki lends itself well to this type of communal eating with its variety of plates of one or two bite offerings. We kontiki02 ordered the Spring Rolls ($8) stuffed with juicy chicken, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables. Served with a sweet/sour sauce, they arrived first to our table, piping hot and perfectly fried in a thin, crunchy spring roll shell. Next to appear; the Thai dumplings ($9); full of moist chicken, shrimp, and crab and gently steamed. They came nestled in a bamboo steamer with a delicious soy based dipping sauce. The highlight of our dinner was the Sushi Bomb ($15). It is a unique roll filled with tuna, salmon, and whitefish with a crunchy panko crust coating the outside. My dining companion is not the biggest fan of sushi, but she admitted, this was delicious and something she would eat again.

On my second dinner at Kontiki, my raw bar loving family was in tow. I was on a mission to see if Kontiki could score high once again. We started with the Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella salad ($11), wanting to try some of the non-Asian influenced dishes this time around. I’ve had this salad many times and I must say that Kontiki’s version is now in my top five. The tomatoes were sweet and the mozzarella was super fresh and creamy. The balsamic reduction and basil pesto that accompany the salad were good enough to merit licking the plate. We then tried the Shrimp Tempura ($18) which came out stacked in teepee-like fashion of lighter-than-air fried vegetables and shrimp. Every bite was utterly crunchy and made you want another bite. A plate of crab cakes ($15) arrived at our table sporting big chunks of sweet crab and little binder to hinder the delicate meat. I do suggest you may want to ask for the mustard aioli on the side. It’s a powerful sauce and overwhelmed the delicate crab a tad.

The finale of our meal was an array of sushi offerings; The Dragon Roll ($15), The Wellington Roll ($13), and the nine piece sushi combo platter. My brother, an avid sushi enthusiast, said it best. “I’m ruined. Sushi anywhere else will never be as good as Kontiki.” I have to agree with him. Each piece was perfection. I was particularly impressed with the Wellington Roll which consisted of tempura snapper, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, and crusted in masago. There was a slight sweet nuttiness to the roll and the tempura gave a nice crunchy contrast to the soft rice and succulent fish.

My new goal is to try everything on Kontiki’s dizzying ride-through-the-world of a menu. Your goal is to visit this gem of a restaurant and take Kontiki’s global culinary adventure. You won’t be disappointed.

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.”

June, 2012 – When One is Not Enough . . .

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June 1, 2012

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Dog Walkin’ Wellington

When One is Not Enough . . .

By Barbara Phillippi

The name of this column is “Dog Walkin’ Wellington,” and we pass folks every day, enthusiastically exercising their pets on our streets and by-ways. I decided to talk to a few walkers who travel with more than one canine in tow and ask them, “Why isn’t just one dog enough?” Finding folks with multiple leashes in hand was pretty easy.

Nancy and her three

If you travel Wellington Trace between Big Blue Trace and Forest Hill Blvd, you’ve probably seen Nancy Locke and her three Basset Hounds, Howie, Tiki, and Junior. “We walk about half a mile in the morning, another half after work,” says Nancy.

Why Basset Hounds? “When I moved to Florida, I lived on the beach. We were allowed a 25 lb. dog, but my first Basset grew to be about 50 lbs – still, everyone loved her, and I knew that this was the breed for me.” After this dog was gone, Nancy decided she’d like to show Bassets.

Her three dogs are litter mates, meaning that they were born at the same time, from the same mom, and by the same sire. “My sister has four of them, I have these three, and a friend has the other one. One of them made it to the Westminster dog show. And we still have Whoopie.” Nancy’s dogs all have obedience and rally titles. She shows Howie, and drives up to 5 hours to events; no further, she can’t stay all night, as she has to turn around and drive home. There are two other Bassets waiting to be fed and tended to.

nancy_allthree

Nancy recommends and supports Florida’s Basset Rescue organization: http://www.suncoastbassetrescue.org Next time you see Nancy and the Bassets, give them a toot of the horn.

Nancy says there are few Bassets in Wellington. One friend has four, but those are the only ones she’s sure of. Has she thought about adding to her pack? “Oh, NO! Three is enough,” she exclaims. Just today, her sister moved into Nancy’s villa for a few weeks, bringing two teenagers and her own four Bassets, so there are currently seven Bassets in residence.

basset_xmas1 “It’s a madhouse,” she laughs. She shows me a picture of her last year’s Christmas card. It’s Tiki, in a wig, with antlers. I ask her if I can use it for the column. “Sure, she says,” so, here’s a picture of the Christmas Basset, guaranteed to make dog lovers smile.

Mona and her three

Mona Snell has three rescues, and wishes she had room for a dozen. Several years ago, Weederman, a 16-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, who had been Mona’s constant companion for years, was in failing health. Friends told her that she should prepare for the time when he would be gone, and Mona found “Poppy,” now eight years old, a Pitt mix, and a Hurricane Katrina dog. She came from Danny and Ron’s Rescue, (http://www.dannyandronsrescue.com)

mona_poppy

Poppy was unsocialized, shy, and introverted, Mona thinks was pulled from under a porch or vehicle during the disaster. Poppy adjusted, and settled in as Weederman’s companion; they got along just fine.

“Dora” is a six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier – named for Mt. Dora, the North Florida Town that hosts huge, annual, antique and collectibles sales. While checking out the bargains there, a friend asked her, “Did you see the Jack Russell puppies back there?” Mona took a look; the man selling them said he’d take $125 for the female that she liked – he needed the money for his daughter’s college dora_toy fund. “I paid $124 in bills, and 4 quarters for her. He said, “Keep the change.” Mona’s pack grew to three, as Dora came home to live with Poppy and Weederman.

Weederman has since passed on, and Mona would like to think that he’s at the “Rainbow Bridge.” Animal lovers know this as a reference to a celestial place, where pets that have died wait for their master’s to join them, and they cross the bridge to a better world together. “I was down to two dogs for almost four years, she says. Then, somehow, it was just seemed time to start searching for a third companion.
Why isn’t one dog enough? Mona and I share about the same thoughts – Dogs are many times more agreeable, faithful, and better companions than most people.

Enter “Sugar,” a purebred American or Japanese Spitz, now a year old, that she also found at Danny and Ron’s. Sugar is a “gardening dog,” who likes to dig in the yard and garden, and bring plants and dirt inside. She’s adapted well to her “sisters,” but Dora, the dominant canine, isn’t too pleased that Sugar isn’t there just for a visit.

The Dunning family and their trio of rescues

Brian Dunning moves along Primrose Lane at a really good clip, and it’s clear that his three small dogs aren’t content leisurely tagging behind. Out front, and tugging, are Jake, a Bichon – fluffy, white, and barky; Hercules, an apricot mini poodle, more reserved, but friendly; and Daisy, a free spirited Cairn Terrier. Both “boys” are ten years old, and Daisy, the boss of the bunch, is four.

“We found all three on ‘PETFINDER,’ (www.petfinder.com) explains daughter Madeline Dunning.” “And they all came from local shelters.” Dad Brian says, “Jake was the first, then we got Hercules, to be his companion.” But that didn’t work out, as Hercules was so damaged by his previous circumstances that he didn’t enjoy canine interaction. Still, time has helped him adjust to being a great all around family dog, and he fits right into the daisy1 daily routine.

Daisy, pictured with Madeline, is the companion for Jake that the Dunnings always wanted. As the two play in the yard, Daisy is always on top, the chaser, the instigator. And Jake loves it.

Mom Mary and daughter Celestial also strongly advocate for rescue adoption. “Purchasing an animal has never been an option,” says dad Brian. I agree. Here are three purebreds that were throwaways. It’s time to stop the pet shop/puppy mill revolving door.

Last, but not least, I have my own “overabundance” of Jack Russell Terriers, Gracie, eight, Woody, fifteen, and Buck, seven. And yes, I’m quite happy with three!

my_three_jacks

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!”

June, 2012 – The Walk Talk

As I Was Saying

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June 1, 2012

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As I Was Saying

The Walk Talk

By Alan Williamson

What would you say if I told you that by walking just 30 minutes a day, four times a week, you could enjoy increased energy, a trimmer body, a greater sense of calm and well-being, and a deeper, more restful night’s sleep?

Not good enough?

What if I told you that a brisk 30-minute walk, just four times a week, could also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, raise your IQ, allow you to speak a second language fluently within one week, and land a seven-figure recording contract with a major label even if you’ve had no previous singing experience.

Still not convinced?

What if I told you that if you start walking now – this week – and continue walking just 30 minutes a day, four times a week, that in three months you will have reduced your risk of heart disease by 34 percent, added 2.4 years to your life, mastered the fine art of search engine optimization, and developed the inexplicable ability to communicate with domestic animals in a way that fosters caring, empowering, mutually-rewarding relationships.

While I can’t guarantee that all of these benefits will come your way (individual results may vary), I’m here to add my voice to the long chorus line of medical and fitness advisors who say, and I quote, “If you want to look better, feel better and live better, put down that pizza-encrusted, digitally-enabled, virtual reality video gamepad and go for a walk!”

But where, when, with who and at what pace, you ask.

These are mostly matters of personal preference. For me, for instance, the answers would be “In Birch State Park,” “at 7 a.m.,” “with my Indian sidekick Buddy Blackfoot,” and “enough to make me breathe harder.” For someone else, the answers could be completely different, perhaps more along the lines of “Heatherwood Drive,” “after dinner,” “with my dog Rooney,” and “like a small town mayor marching in the Memorial Day parade.”

Whatever specific details suit your tastes and circumstances, the good news is, once you start, walking is an activity that comes pretty naturally and requires very little instruction. This is why Walking Magazine, which ceased publication in 2001, couldn’t go the distance in spite of informative and motivational articles such as:

“Tying your Laces: The Trick to Injury-Free Walking”

“Trees, Shrubs and Flowers: What to Look at While You Walk”

“Pick a Spot to Turn Around: The Secret to Planning a Long Walk”

“Strut, Stroll, Saunter or Mince: Develop Your Walking Style

and Never Look Back”

Even though the instinctive nature of walking makes “coaching” the activity virtually unnecessary, I have identified three rules of walking for health and fitness that I strongly recommend. They are:

1. Never walk on the side of a busy road heading in the same direction as traffic. As a matter of self-preservation, you’re safer walking against the flow of traffic so you can see and react to drivers who may in fact be engaged in other activities inside their cars. These activities may include putting on a fresh change of clothes, watching a recent episode of Celebrity Apprentice on their cell phone, or making arrangements to take a donkey tour of the Grand Canyon (right after they head-butt you into a roadside ditch with the front bumper of their SUV).

2. If your walk takes you into wooded areas or any other uneven terrain, take extra care to notice things in your path that might cause you to trip and fall. These obstructions may include such stumbling blocks as rocks, ruts, tree roots, discarded trash, or, on rare occasions, the slumbering, foul-smelling carcass of rocker/outdoorsman Ted Nugent.

3. Never, I repeat, never get talked into walking the Ross Prairie State Forest in Dunnello, Florida with my wife’s cousin Nancy’s husband Georg. Now don’t get me wrong. Georg is a great, down-to-earth guy, with no obnoxious habits. The problem is, Georg isn’t human. He’s a relentless walking machine built by the Germans to cover vast distances on foot in all kinds of terrain without a break. After walking for five miles through a heavily-wooded state forest, Georg will look back over his shoulder at you and say, “Let’s go once more around.” Since your answer will most likely be a winded, unintelligible whimper that sounds like “yeesh,” Georg will take that as a “yes” and off you’ll go back into the wild green yonder.

But these are trivial concerns. Walking is, on most days, a refreshingly safe, uncomplicated endeavor. So follow my simple rules, don’t overthink it, and enjoy the smooth and gentle route to robust health and fitness.

Oh, before you lace up, I do have just one little disclaimer. While moderately swinging your arms while you walk can provide additional upper body toning benefits, the exaggerated, cartoonish style of arm swinging employed by some overzealous racewalkers is discouraged. For one thing, the extra toning and calorie-burning benefits of such a technique are minor and, more importantly, the odds of you earning a reputation as a “walking whack-job” increase astronomically.

Okay, now you know everything I know, so let’s give this a try.

Ready, set, walk! One foot in front of the other, that’s it, that’s it, watch the arms, watch the arms, no crazy stuff, there you go, breathe deeply, that’s it, watch the crack in the sidewalk, nice move, you’re doing great. We’re just taking a walk here, nothing fancy, easy come, easy go. Whadaya say champ, once more around?

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.

June, 2012 – Summer Fun

Mommy Moments

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May 31, 2012

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Summer Fun – Creative, Affordable Ideas for Kids

By Krista Martinelli

Recently I’ve had a couple of conversations with moms who said that they are at a loss with “what to do with their children” this summer. Even though they admittedly can’t afford it, they’re looking for summer camps to send them off to for the whole summer, if possible. Although I can relate to the feeling of being overwhelmed with kids being around 24/7 which can happen in the summer, I think that if you happen to be a stay-at-home mom – you can find good, affordable, fun things to do with your own kids. If they are little ones, you can cherish the time while they still want to be around you and might prefer to be with you (their parents) over anyone else in their lives.

Now that my daughter will be seven and my son is five, I’m getting better at this – this conundrum of what to do with all of the hot, summer days that stretch ahead of us. As a business owner, I also have to work too – so some quiet time needs to be built into the schedule. Here are a few tips for surviving the summer. Feel free to send us more tips or ideas for free or affordable play places too.

Get Out – Yep, in the words made famous by the film Amityville Horror, “get out.” Every day. You and the kids will feel stir crazy if you don’t. Personally I like to get out on whatever trip or to whatever activity we have planned in the mornings. This prevents things like too much TV, too much hand-held gaming and mindless snacking. Also, especially with younger kids, there’s a nice cycle of being bright and alert in the morning, getting to lunch time and then needing a little quiet time after lunch. Why don’t we have siestas in this country? I think they are onto something and we’re missing out! Another reason to get out in the morning (instead of the afternoon) is the rainy afternoon cycle that we enter into over the summer. Sometimes the stormy afternoon weather is so regular, you can set your watch to it in the summer here in Florida.
Swimming is one of the best summer activities in Florida. It makes sense, right? Your kids want to do active things, but it’s averaging about 95 degrees each day, so swimming is a natural. Try beach days – always fun. Make use of your community pool, if you have one. Now is the time to test out those swimming strokes you’ve been learning and fancy dives. Don’t forget sunscreen and lots of water to drink.
Crafts. As a parent, you can be prepared by just finding a few good crafts on the Internet each week. Enchanted Learning is a good site to begin with: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/ Let your children’s interests lead the way. Or if you’re working with very young kids and need a sense of structure, go by the alphabet. A coloring page or a craft a day works well, based on the “letter of the day.” Don’t forget Michael’s Crafts stores, which have free or inexpensive kids’ workshops each week. A few dollars invested in crafts’ materials goes a long way during the summer. Having a craft or two up your sleeve really comes in handy for all of those rainy afternoons.
Plan ahead for play dates. Your kids are social beings and so are you. You might just go batty if you try to do all of these activities – no matter how wonderful – without friends. So make sure that your kids are having friends over and visiting friends over the summer too. In the past to help with getting a little of my work done, I’ve arranged a couple of days a week with another nearby Mom. She took my two kids for one day a week, and I watched her two kids one day a week. As long as the kids are compatible, it all works out well and the kids tend to love it. (A lot of games, for example, are better with four players anyway).

Here are some places and things to do that your kids might enjoy this summer…Around Wellington! Our “Kids’ Corner” writer already compiled another nice list of affordable summer things to do – including things like KidsBowlFree.com, cheap summer movies for kids and the free Wellington Amphitheatre events. So definitely check out “Kids’ Corner” for the usual list of “Kids Eat Free” restaurants, plus all of these summer deals!

The Palm Beach Zoo – A day at the zoo is a great time for everyone, kids and parents adults. We are lucky that our local zoo was originally a botanical garden, so it’s one of the shadiest, most delightful places to be in the hot summers. The cool fountain at the front adds a couple hours of entertainment for your young kids too. See our “AW Spotlight” story this month about the Palm Beach Zoo. And did you know that their Zoo Camp has received awards for the best camp in South Florida? http://www.palmbeachzoo.org/

The Good Earth Farm – Are you afraid that pony rides and horseback riding lessons are too costly? You can make it happen for your kids at the Good Earth Farm! The Good Earth Farm Children’s Zoo, Pony Rides and Hay Rides are open every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm. Just $10 for kids and $8 for adults. http://goodearthfarm.info/

Joey’s Outback Adventures – This is one of those indoor bounce house and play places, right in the heart of Wellington. For less than $10 per child on weekdays, they can wear themselves out having indoor adventures. As you’ll see from their story, the way that Joey’s Outback came to be makes it a very special place – a little different from your average chain of indoor play places. I’ve also heard parents with older kids (as in 9, 10, 11) – that there’s more for their kids to do at Joey’s Outback and that the older siblings do not get bored. This is good news too! http://joeysoutback.com/

My Gym – Our kids have enjoyed classes at My Gym classes and now my son is currently enjoying karate there, a cool indoor summer sport. Would you like to know one of the best-kept secrets about My Gym in Royal Palm Beach? In addition to your child’s weekly class, you can show up for the “open play” sessions free of charge, as long as you’re a member. There are 5 open play hours each week to come and play in the cool indoor setting. Also, My Gym will offer a special week of summer camp fun from August 13 to 17. http://www.my-gym.com/

Playmobil FunPark– OK, so this is not the first time I’ve raved about Playmobil. But if you have young kids, you need to know how special this place is. There are only two Playmobil FunParks in the United States, originally built by the German toy inventor to showcase the toys and allow kids to just play – one in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and one in New Jersey. For just $1, your kids can play all day in this fun castle with Playmobil toys. There’s even a place to have an indoor picnic lunch. Visit the Playmobil website.

Picasso’s Paint-Your-Own Pottery – Here’s a wonderful place to go indoors and create masterpieces by painting pottery. The pricing is easy to work with, since you pay – only for the piece you select to paint. If it takes you 3 or 4 sessions to finish painting it, there are no additional charges. Picasso’s offers summer camp too. Beginning June 11 and running until August 17th, Picasso’s will be offering summer camp days – generally Monday, Tuesday and Friday of each week. Camp hours are 10am to 2pm each day. Reserve 1 day of camp, a week, or the whole summer for some great, creative fun! Space is limited. Reserve a spot for your artist today at Picasso’s. Visit the Picasso’s website.

Summer Savings Pass – Here’s another nice deal for the summer, if you’re willing to drive a bit further. It includes Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, the Museum of Science and Discovery and Zoo Miami. http://www.summersavingspass.com/

Enjoy your summer with your kids! As older parents are always telling me, this is a special time that you cannot get back – so make the most of it.

Krista Martinelli is the mother of a seven-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy. She is the owner/editor of AroundWellington.com. She enjoys swimming, tennis, reading, writing and doing crafts with her kids.

May, 2012 – Three Piggy Opera at Panther Run

Press Releases

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May 30, 2012

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Three Piggy Opera at Panther Run

Last week Panther Run had their Kindergarten Round-up. Although Dwane Earnhardt, former music teacher had retired last school year, the reigns were passed to Anna Karabensh who continued “The Three Piggy Opera” legacy. Anna Karabensh is completing her first year as Music teacher at Panther Run Elementary School . This year’s kindergartners performed for those that will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Parents and family members were also present. Each Kindergarten class had a chance to take part in the opera on different days. 3 classes preformed at a time. On this day they were the Kindergarten classes of Lisa Kenny, Olga Espinoza and Laura Hildebrandt.

Classes sing the operetta (all three Kindergarten classes)

Ricky Rodriguez, farmer selling straw (Teacher: Laura Hildebrandt)Megan Esposito, played the wolf. As piggy's challenge the wolf in their houses built of straw, twigs and bricks. (Teacher: Lisa Kenny)

Megan Esposito, played the wolf. As piggy's challenge the wolf in their houses built of straw, twigs and bricks. (Teacher: Lisa Kenny)

May, 2012 – Kravis Center Offers Family Musical, THE BRAND NEW KID

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May 30, 2012

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Kravis Center Offers a Delightful Musical for the Whole Family:

Katie Couric’s THE BRAND NEW KID

(West Palm Beach, FL – May 24, 2012) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will be offering a delightful musical for the whole family in June:

June 19-22

+ Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday – 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.

+ Thursday – 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.

City Theatre & Orlando Repertory Theatre’s Production of

THE BRAND NEW KID

Adapted by Michael Friedman and Melanie Marnich

From the Children’s Book by Katie Couric

This delightful kids’ musical is about being different and overcoming teasing through the power of acceptance and friendship. Lazlo S. Gasky has just moved to the United States to start his first day of second grade – where he finds the funny way he talks and looks makes him the target of the other kids’ teasing. But when popular Ellie McSnelly decides to take a chance on him, all the kids learn that our differences are what make us great.

“As loving and wonderful as they are,” Katie Couric says, “children can sometimes be cruel. Kindness can be taught, and perhaps we can all do a better job helping our children learn about tolerance and inclusion.” This idea is central to The Brand New Kid and extends to include children who are misunderstood and feeling left out for any number of reasons. A great way to teach children about tolerance and kindness to others, this lively musical is a treat for all audiences.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $25

Groups of 10 or More, Tickets $15; Children Under 1 Year $5

How to Purchase Tickets:

Tickets are available for purchase at the Kravis Center box office, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in downtown West Palm Beach; online at www.kravis.org; or by phone at (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471.

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:

Celebrating 20 Years of Artistic Excellence and Commitment to the Community, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County.

The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org.

May, 2012 – Océ Future Authors Project Writing Workshop at DonEstridge

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May 30, 2012

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May, 2012 – Océ Future Authors Project Writing Workshop at DonEstridge

Seventh Annual Océ Future Authors Project Writing Workshop to Begin June 11 at DonEstridge Middle School in Boca Raton – Robert Forbes and Mary Monroe are featured authors

Photo cutline: (l to r) Author Robert Forbes; Francis McMahon, vice president of marketing, Production Printing Systems at Océ North America; and Tracy Rudnick, director of programs and grants, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County.

TRUMBULL, CONN. May 14, 2012 – Océ, a Canon Group Company and an international leader in digital document management, today announced that Robert Forbes, children’s book author and president ofForbesLife magazine; and Mary Monroe, a high school teacher and young adult book author, will be the featured speakers at the 2012 Océ Future Authors Project writing workshop. In its seventh year, the program begins on June 11 with an intense eight-day writing workshop held at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School, 1798 NW Spanish River Boulevard , Boca Raton 33431 . Forty middle and high school students will be selected to participate from 85 applicants. The names of the students will be announced by May 18.

The program is a partnership between the School District of Palm Beach County and Océ North America, and is made possible with generous grants from the Lawrence Sanders Foundation; Maroone, an AutoNation Company; and Xplor International, a not-for-profit educational and networking association serving users and suppliers of document technologies.

The authors will be donating their time to provide insight and advice to the budding artists and complement the curriculum offered by the staff of three certified Palm Beach County language arts teachers.

The teachers for the 2012 class are: Nicole Adamo, who teachers at Don Estridge Middle School; Katrina Sapp Holder, a playwright and short story author who also teaches at Don Estridge Middle School; and Cartheda T. Mann, the chair of the English department and writing coach at Glades Central Community High School. Secondary Literacy Program Planner Dianna Fedderman supervises the program for the District.

Forbes, who lives in Palm Beach with his wife, has authored two published collections of imaginative poetry, Let’s Have a Bite!and Beastly Feasts! (www.robertforbes.com). When he is not writing poetry or running the magazine, he enjoys reading his works to school children. Monroe, who has been a national board certified language arts teacher in Palm Beach County for 13 years, has authored the popular trilogy, Miracle at Monty Middle School, Krazy White Girl and Tagger, her newest book written for teenboys interested in graffiti tagging.

The Océ Future Authors Project writing workshop is designed to help students become published authors. Students improve their writing and critical thinking skills, develop an understanding of how authors are published, and learn about today’s digital print and publishing opportunities.

Students gain insight into the process of writing, editing, and digitally publishing books through interactions with Océ executives, the published authors, and the teachers. Writings from each student are then compiled, professionally published and digitally printed in final book form by the Boca Raton-based Océ North America Production Printing Systems division. The finished book is then unveiled at a book signing hosted by the City of Boca Raton at the Spanish River Public Library. Since the program’s inception in 2006, nearly 300 students have participated in the Océ Future Authors Project writing workshops.

“Without support from companies like Océ North America and the other sponsors of the program, partnerships like this would not exist,” said Mary Kay Murray, the executive director of the Palm Beach Education Foundation. “Creative public-private partnerships, like the Future Authors program, give our students extraordinary experiences they otherwise would not have.”

Francis McMahon, vice president of marketing, Production Printing Systems at Océ North America, says his company remains committed to this program, which enriches the educational experience for so many budding authors.

“We continued to be impressed by the students who choose to spend their summer vacations as Océ Future Authors because of their passion for writing,” he said. “Our hope is that this experience will result in a group of young adults with lifelong commitments to writing, reading and learning.”

McMahon added that the age of digital publishing has opened upmore opportunities for these aspiring authors. “Digital printing technologies are revolutionizing the business of book publishing,” he said. “Publishers can now cost-effectively print books in run lengths anywhere from 1 to 10,000, creating exciting opportunities for new talent—like these future authors—who now can get their works published. As a leader in providing digital printing solutions for the book industry, we are delightedto support the Océ Future Authors Project and to help make the students’ dreams to become published authors a reality.”

For more information on how to donate to the program, contact the Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County Mary Kay Murray at murraymk@palmbeach.k12.fl.us.

For more information about the Océ Future Authors Project, visit www.oceusa.com/futureauthors. For more information, please visit www.oceusa.com.

June, 2012 – AW in Pictures

Around Wellington in Pictures

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May 30, 2012

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