Monday, June 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 914

November, 2011 – Brunch & Browse

0

Brunch & Browse…for a good cause!

 This is your invitation to join us on Sunday November 6th at the Madison Greet Golf Club for our Brunch & Browse! 

This event will take place in the ball room, and will be from 12 – 4.

 

There is no admission to come to this event and There will be door prizes and lots of great things to buy for yourself or as holiday gifts!! 

 

DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR UNWANTED GOLD AND SILVER.  KEN, THE GOLD GUY, WILL BE

THERE AND HE PAYS TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR UNWANTED GOLD AND SILVER THINGS! 

HE PAYS CASH

SO YOU ILL HAVE MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON YOURSELF, FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

 

Come support the YWCA Harmony House and your club! 

If you are on Facebook, you can go to my page and SHARE the information by finding my post and hitting the SHARE button under the flyer.

 I will be posting it every day and I hope you will too!

 

Our goal is to get at least 200 woman and men looking for great gifts for their wives, mothers, daughters and girlfriends or co-workers!

 

A delicious Brunch or lunch is available at the Mar Bar Grill!  I tried it last weekend and had one of the best burgers I have eaten in a very long time!

 

 

Support the YWCA Harmony House!  Women helping Women!  See you on Sunday between 12 – 4!

Stacy Kaufman
bbff-001

December, 2011 – Winterfest…reserve your spot

0

WinterFest is coming… Dec. 2nd

winterfest

November, 2011 – A Tribute to Steve Jobs

0

A Tribute to Steve Jobs – Remembering His Legacy to Healthcare & Wellness

 

By Constance Barnhart Koontz, Editor of www.HelpingYouCare.com

 

 

Steve Jobs, 56, the founder of Apple®, died Wednesday, October 5, 2011, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite his personal struggle, Jobs is remembered for his remarkable contributions to technology, including healthcare and wellness technology, and his personal qualities that greatly inspired and uplifted those around him.

Remembering His Legacy in Technology and Innovation

Business and political leaders around the world are eulogizing his legacy to technology and innovation. President Barack Obama issued the following statement:

“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”

Many technology executives and other business leaders have remembered Steve for his innovation and immense contributions. Some of their statements are quoted in Bloomberg Business News.

Some of Steve Jobs’ Less Known But Important Contributions to Healthcare and Wellness

Apple’s iPhone and other devices provide a multitude of mobile apps that empower family caregivers with valuable information, resources, and organizational tools, at their fingertips regardless of where they are.

For example, if you are in the hospital with your senior loved one and need immediate access to information about his or her medical history, medications, contact information for doctors, or other critical information, CaregiversTouch for the iPhone allows you to have stored this important information and have it immediately available on your iPhone.

Or, with Elder 911, you can have immediate access to “over 500 pieces of expert advice” provided by an experienced geriatric care manager, which “are organized into 11 eldercare topics providing you with proven solutions to caregiving problems as you encounter them.”

Other iPhone apps help you stay fit, and exercise for good health. For example, Sports Tracker “turns your iPhone into an interactive exercise diary” that allows you to “track and analyze workout performances as you monitor everything from calories burned to average training speed and altitude. Then store your data for future reference and share it with friends for bragging rights.”

Or, Yoga Stretch provides background sound and voice prompts for yoga, that may help you “achieve perfect physical and mental balance without leaving home.”

Other health-related Apple® apps include:

Many more healthcare and wellness-related apps for Apple® devices, can be found by visiting the Apple® website.

Steve Jobs Philosophy & Inspiring Words and Example

Perhaps the most moving legacy of Steve Jobs is his sobering, realistic yet uplifting personal philosophy and his inspiring words and example — to live every day as if it was his last. His philosophy in itself may be viewed as promoting mental, emotional, vocational, and ethical/ spiritual wellness.

As stated by the International Business Times, “In 2005, Steve Jobs’ commencement speech inspired a crowd of young Stanford University graduates. The visionary Apple co-founder recounted crucial moments of his life and legacy, while imparting wisdom to the next generation. In revisiting the speech on the night of his death, Jobs’ own words shed light on a legend:

 

“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

– Steve Jobs

Visit the HelpingYouCare.com site for a 15-minute video of Steve Jobs giving a 2005 commencement address at Stanford University.

More Information

For more on helpful technology for caregivers and seniors, see the HelpingYouCare™ resource pages on News & Updates on Technology & Other ThingsForElderNeeds™.

See also the HelpingYouCare™ resource pages on Wellness/ Healthy Living for Seniors & Caregivers, including:

_____________

Copyright © 2011 Care-Help LLC, publisher of HelpingYouCare™.

 

About HelpingYouCare™

HelpingYouCare™ (.com and .org) was founded, as a community service, by a caregiver, Connie Barnhart Koontz, and her husband David Koontz, with the support and guidance of a dedicated and caring team of advisors and contributors. Our purpose is to help you care for your aging parents & senior loved ones and for yourself, by providing the comprehensive, serious and helpful information, news, resources, education, practical tools, and support you need as a family caregiver. Our further purpose is to give voice to your concerns and suggestions, as well as those of health care experts, for the improvement of our health and long-term care systems. Our mission is to help meet the rapidly growing needs of caregivers and their senior loved ones as our population ages. 

October, 2011 – Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Events Calander

0

ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 
EVENTS CALENDAR – NOVEMBER 2011


The following programs are being offered at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge during the month of November 2011. Please come and join us! http//:fws.gov/Loxahatchee. 

Entrance Fee Free Days at the Refuge 
Veterans Day Weekend 
Friday, November 11 – Sunday, November 13 
All federal facilities that charge an entrance fee (including the Refuge) will be waiving their entrance fees. Everyone likes free, right? The Department of the Interior announced that this weekend federal fee free (try saying that three times) days would be observed. So come out and enjoy this long weekend in the outdoors.

Volunteer Orientation for New Volunteers 
Monday, November 14, 2011 
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ever thought about volunteering at a national wildlife refuge? Well here’s your chance. The Refuge is welcoming any interested individuals to join their volunteer corps. Please call Charles (Chuck) Ryan at 735-6010 or email charles_ryan@fws.gov to sign up for this orientation. 

Roving Bird Naturalist on the Marsh Trail 
Every Tuesday and Friday
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM, respectfully 
A refuge volunteer birder will be walking the Marsh Trail with a spotting scope ready to answer any bird question visitors might have. 

Roving Naturalist in the Cypress Swamp
Every Tuesday and Wednesday 
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 
A refuge volunteer naturalist will be walking the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk with a plant guide ready to answer any question visitors might have.

Marsh Trail Bird Walks 
Every Wednesday and Saturday 
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Join a naturalist for an early morning bird walk around the Marsh Trail. Meet at the Marsh Trail parking lot. 

Swamp Stroll
Every Sunday
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM 

Join a naturalist for a guided tour through the refuge’s Cypress Swamp . Learn about the swamp ecosystem from cypress tree knees to animals that call the swamp home.

Guided Canoe Trips 
Saturday, November 5, 2011 and November 19, 2011
8:00 AM – 10:15 AM 
Enjoy a beautiful canoe tour through a portion of the refuge interior. Tour leaves from the Headquarters Boat Ramp. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED by calling 734-8303.

Refuge Visitor Center Closed 
Thanksgiving Day 
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Come out and enjoy a walk after you eat with your family. The Refuge grounds will remain open all day. 

The refuge is located off U.S. 441/SR 7, two miles south of SR 804 ( Boynton Beach Blvd. ) and three miles north of SR 806 ( Delray Beach ’s Atlantic Avenue ). The refuge is currently open from 6 am to 9:00 pm, seven days a week. Refuge hours change seasonally and are posted at each entrance. The Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian is charged. A variety of annual passes, including a $12.00 refuge specific annual pass, are available. For additional information, please visit the refuge website at 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, an enhancing fish and wildlife habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 150-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System comprised of over 553 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 64 fish and wildlife management offices, and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.

For more information about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visit our home page at www.fws.gov.

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife 
Closes Headquarters Area Canoe Trail


The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge will be closing its headquarters area canoe trail on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 and Wednesday, November 2, 201, Sylvia Pelizza, Refuge Manager announced today. This short closure is due to the continuing efforts of ridding the Refuge of exotic plant materials such as Melaleuca and Lygodium or Old World climbing fern. Canoeing is still allowed in the areas open to boating (L-40, L-39, and L-7 Canals) and anywhere south of the Hunt Boundary (26º 27.130′ N); however, people using canoes are warned that motorized boats will be present.
http://www.fws.gov/Loxahatchee or call the Administration Office at (561) 732-3684.

The refuge is located off U.S. 441/SR 7, two miles south of SR 804 ( Boynton Beach Blvd. ) and three miles north of SR 806 ( Delray Beach ’s Atlantic Avenue ). The refuge is currently open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week. Refuge hours change seasonally and are posted at each entrance. The Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian is charged. A variety of annual passes, including a $12.00 refuge specific annual pass, are available. Please visit the refuge website at 

October, 2011 – The Musical adventures of Oliver Twist

0

The production ” The Musical adventures of Oliver Twist”  by the Christian Youth Theatre (CYT) of W.P.B

 

Location: The Berean Christian School at  8350 Okeechobee Blvd, West Plam Beach Fl 33411.

 

Tickets are $10 for regular seats and $20 for premium seats. 
 
There will be three shows on:

 
Thursday Nov 17 at 7 pm

Friday Nov 18  at 7 pm 
Saturday Nov 19 at 11 am.
 
Contact Ann Barrett

ann@sbarrett.com 

321-544-8029       
http://www.bcsbulldogs.org/arts/CYT.

October, 2011 – Evenings on the Avenue

0

Lake Worth Downtown Cultural Alliance  

First Friday – Evenings on the Avenue – Lake Worth

Friday November 4th– FireDancers Ignite Lake Worth

 

Evenings on the Avenues, a free music and arts event is held the first and third Fridays of every month.  On Friday, November 4th Fire Dancers come to Lake Worth as part of Florida Flow Fest.  Evenings on the Avenue adds new events and treats for family fun and entertainment with each coming month.  This week, entertainers covered in flame will dance for an amazed public.  They will join the vendors, food purveyors and merchants who open their doors twice monthly with special sales, exhibits and treats.

 

Florida Flow Fest brings together spinners, flow artists, movers and shakers from across the state and beyond, to increase visibility and accessibility of FLOW ARTS, MOVEMENT ARTS, and DANCE in south Florida.  Master Workshops in Yoga, HoopDance, Poi Spinning, Staff Spinning and Contact Juggling.  Mini Workshops in: Burlesque Dance, Belly Dance, Breakdance, Hip Hop Dance, Modern Dance, African Dance, HoopDance, Poi & Staff, Contact Juggling, Capoeira & Yoga.

Visitors can stroll from Dixie to the Cultural Plaza on both Lake and Lucerne visiting Art Galleries, Shops and the many wonderful restaurants, both old and new. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery puts the pedal to the metal this week as three artists sling mud and take their pottery wheels to the street.  Jewelers up and down the avenue will be bringing out their season’s latest acquisitions.  Restaurants will be trying out their newest recipes for the approaching holiday season.

Bands of every genre will be performing at the mid-town outdoor Cultural Plaza. Puppet shows, arts and crafts vendors and street performers appear on street corners throughout the town.   

Lake Worth Evenings on the Avenue take place every first and third Fridays of the month beginning at 6:00 PM.  They are a long time tradition drawing hundreds of visitors each week.     Evening on the Avenues is a favorite event of the City of Lake Worth.  Make it a part of your weekend activities.

The Downtown Cultural Alliance (DCA) is a non-profit association of Downtown merchants and residents working together to keep Downtown Lake Worth vibrant and welcoming.  The DCA is working the Lake Worth CRA and LULA, the City of Lake Worth and the Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce to coordinate Evenings on the Avenue, the Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales, all Holiday Events and special events.

 

For additional information contact DCA:   Andy Amoroso Studio 205 561-533-5272   or Joyce Brown – 605 Lake Avenue – 215-205-9441

October, 2011 – Wellington Community Fitness Run & Walk

0

Wellington Community Fitness Run & Walk

 

Wellington and the Palms West Community Foundation are proud to present the 14th Annual Community Fitness 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. This USA Track & Field (USATF) Certified 5K run and non-competitive walk begins at 7:30 am at the Wellington Amphitheater located at 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard.

 

Preregistration is $10 for children and $25 for adults ages 18 and over. To preregister, visit www.palmswestcommunityfoundation.com. Same-day registration opens at 6:00 am and costs $20 for children and $30 for adults. Proceeds will benefit Hospice of Palm Beach County.

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

October, 2011 – Story Time Returns to Scott’s Place

0

Story Time Returns to Scott’s Place

 

As the temperatures cool down, Story Time at Scott’s Place in Wellington returns from its summer hiatus. Beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday, November 5th, children of all ages will be delighted with stories about Thanksgiving. This turkey talk wouldn’t be complete without free snacks and giveaways, which will be provided by Walgreens.

 

Story Time will take place at Scott’s Place barrier free playground located at 12190 Forest Hill Boulevard on the first Saturday of every month through May 2012. Story Time participants are encouraged to enjoy the Scott’s Place playground before and after the event. The park is designed with large play structures and ramps ensuring children and parents of all physical abilities can play together.

 

The following Story Time dates and themes are scheduled:

 

Date                                        Theme

November 5th                         Thanksgiving                                   

December 3rd                         Holidays Around the World

January 7th                             New Year’s Day

February 4th                            Valentine’s Day

March 3rd                                St. Patrick’s Day

April 7th                                   Earth Day

May 5th                                    Animal Mommies and Babies

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

November, 2011 – Dogs, Dogs, Dogs

Dog Walkin’ Wellingtonbarbaraphillippi1

 

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs…All Around Wellington

 

By Barbara Phillippi

 

 

Hi Readers!

 

This is a new column for AroundWellington.com, and we’re going to be talking about dogs in the Wellington, Royal Palm Beach area. If you’ve noticed, there are a lot of canines here in the Western Communities! Keith Gainey, financial analyst, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, was kind enough to provide me with some statistics.

Licensed dogs in Wellington:


    Yr 2006 – 6560
    Yr 2007 – 6898
    Yr 2008 – 6595
    Yr 2009 – 6113
    Yr 2010 – 7609   
    Yr 2011 – 3526 (to date and counting)

Despite a challenging economy, there were almost 1,500 more dogs licensed in 2010 than 2009! We know that these have been a tough couple of years for many pet owners, who may have lost jobs, their homes, or were forced to move into restrictive rentals, and gave up their companion animals. The jump in numbers is puzzling, as shelters are full to bursting with more than the usual number of pet surrenders. Are people stepping up, adopting more? Or are pet stores and breeders enjoying a booming business?

We have no way of counting the number of canines licensed in other locations, that accompany their owners to Wellington for the equestrian “season,” or the number of snowbirds bringing their pets to enjoy the warm sun. We just know that there are plenty of purebreds and lovable mutts, trotting beside their masters, on every sidewalk, with many owners accompanied by more than one animal.

In the equine area, each farm seems to have a resident pack that welcomes visitors, that pads up and down the aisles of the barns. Why do they always seem to get along, no matter size and breed? Is there a “pecking order?” In the near future, we’ll visit a local barn and learn about its canine residents.

Are there some Wellington all-stars? Local dogs that are famous, that do tricks, excel as therapy dogs, win at shows and exhibitions? We’ll find some, meet their proud owners, and learn why they’ve made the headlines.

We’ll cover the local dog parks, make a list of dog-friendly beaches and publicize local rescue organizations. Once in awhile, we’ll target one particular breed, for some in-depth discussion and reporting. And we’ll let you know where you can find some low-cost vet care if you’re financially challenged right now.

Over a lifetime, I’ve had mostly “normal” dogs: a few German Shepherds, a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, I 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 I live in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!

There are still a several weeks left in the “official” hurricane season. If you’ve ever wondered where, if you ABSOLUTELY had to place your pet during a storm, or other emergency situation, at a pet shelter, there’s a good list at the bottom of this column. Please read the disclaimer carefully: I have no experience with any of these facilities – the list was included in a hurricane-preparation publication.

Until next time,

 

Barbara Phillippi


“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.”

Shelters for Pets (for Hurricane Season or other Emergencies)


Animal Health Care Center
9835 Lake Worth Rd #6
Lake Worth, FL 33467
561-432-9997


VCA Cypress Wood Animal
10452 W Atlantic Blvd
Coral Springs, FL 33071
954-752-5775

Animal Health Clinic
5500 Military Trail #40
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-799-7717

Animal Wellness Center
137 S. State Road 7
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414
561-790-3555

Best Vet
358 N Congress Ave
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561-737-7773

Boca-Delray Animal Hospital
14888 S Military Trail
Delray Beach, FL 33484
561-496-1700

Clear Lake Animal Clinic
2725 N Australian Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
561-655-5929

Clint Moore Animal Hospital
9531 Clint Moore Rd
Boca Raton, FL 33496
561-487-0226

Coral Springs Animal Hosp.
2160 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33071
954-753-1800

Healing Arts Veterinary Center
2216 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
561-684-1755

Harmony Animal Hospital
1401 W Indiantown Rd #16
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-746-5501

Imperial Point Animal Hospital
1574 E Commercial Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
954-771-0156

Lantana-Atlantis Animal Hospital
3530 Lantana Rd
Lantana, FL 33462
561-439-0694

Lush Puppy Pet Resort
400 Capital Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
561-745-1719

Pet Lover Central
7491 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-241-3977

Simmons Veterinary Clinic
4975 Lake Worth Rd
Lake Worth, FL 33463
561-439-3220

Summit Blvd. Anima Hosp
4444 Summit Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
561-439-7900

VCA PBC Animal Hospital
3401 N. 2nd Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33461
561-964-4448

VCA Spanish River Animal

180 W Spanish River Blvd
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-368-0583

VCA Wiles Rd Animal Hosp
7460 Wiles Rd
Coral Springs, FL 33067
954-752-1879

Very Important Paws
418 Park Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-366-9000

 

November, 2011 – Kids @ Play

0

Mommy MomentsMelanie Lewis

Kids @ Play

By Melanie Lewis

 

Play is what kids do best.  Play is how they explore and learn about the world around them.  It behooves parents to make playtime as meaningful, positive and productive as possible.  Think about all the toys and activities advertised for children and the appeal they have as educational opportunities.  They meet several different aspects of growth; gross motor, fine motor, pincher grasp, hand-eye coordination, letter and number recognition and so on.  Kids love to play and play is what makes learning fun.  (By the way, for an excellent play date “Around Wellington,” check out the Playmobil Fun Park in Palm Beach Gardens. For just one dollar admission, your kids can work on those gross and fine motor skills all day, playing with those popular German-engineered toys).

Recently, a news report indicated that rough-housing with dad was a good opportunity for kids to learn to push the limits, but with an adult in a non-threatening way. It teaches kids when to stop, so that when they try to play rough with someone else, they know the limits.  Way to go, dads!

Next, add another dynamic – another child.  Enter into the world of unwelcome words.  Words like ‘mine’ are taught to be replaced with “share” and “take turns.”  As parents, it’s our job to encourage and help children work out the differences with appropriate language.  We, the adults, help the child integrate with their peers in an acceptable manner.   For some, the instinct to protect our child takes over and the adult leaves the room, but our brains need to take charge in situations, so that we model the appropriate behavior. It may take a while for this learning process in kids.  As we see in the news it goes on into high school with responses to bullying.

The excitement of that first play date was electric.  We soon learned that we put away our most treasured items, so coveted that our kids wouldn’t let another human touch them.  I particularly enjoyed play dates as it was a social outlet for me as well.  I learned that other moms have the same challenges of time, sleep and organization.  It’s also a chance to swap some good recipes, tips and see different toys in action.

The ultimate in playtime disarray is the playground.  Sometimes you’ll luck out and meet a familiar face, and if you’re lucky, you’ll remember their name.  If the kids hit it off, you may want share phone numbers and enter it right into your phone. What do you do if things don’t go well?  When the game of tag turns into a wrestling match?  There’s a disagreement who’s turn on the swings?  Or, worse, the unreasonable mommy lobs a big, “you don’t know how to discipline your kids” at you in front of the kids – (this really happened to me one time).  There’s give and take with everything and these moments are the “teachable moments” that have become the buzzword.  We all know that kids can be unable to channel their thoughts and feeling appropriately, but as adults we should.  Events don’t always go smoothly or as planned.  Someone throws a toy in the house and breaks something and they get time out.  The little boy wets his pants and has to wear little girls pink underwear and pants home (thanks, Katheryn!)  Or, poopey-face and demon is the moniker some other kids give your kid on the playground.  Teach your kid to apologize and get over it.  It’s about learning and playing together. It’s all a part of the chaos we call “growing up.”

Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 boys ages 5 and 8.   She is married and works part-time as Silpada representative and a weight loss consultant. She enjoys book club, and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie.  She can be reached at melaniewlewis@yahoo.com.