Florida Creative Living Issue #5 by Florida Creative Living Magazine

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Creative Living Florida

May - June 2012 5th ISSUE

Sections

22 24 46

Front Cover Topics

22-23 5 Ways to Beat Summer Gain 24

What’s a Healthy Alternative to Water? : Staying Hydrated

Featured Business : Historic Shed

46-47 Family or Work? : Tips to Help Balance Career and Family 49

Are You Happy With Your Skin? : Skincare Tips That’ll Make You Glow

In Every Issue

49 4

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Florida Creative Living

Artist Corner Artwork created by artist - pgs 54-55 Band Directory List of Florida Bands - pg 55 Business Directory List of Florida Businesses - pg 56 Chef’s Delight Low-fat, Gluten Free, Diabetic, easy to make friendly recipes - pg 57 Community Spotlight Florida businesses news - pg 57 Va Memoirs Featured stories of Veterans - pg 65

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens May - June 2012 5th ISSUE

17 26

News 5 Reasons to Look for a Summer Job Building Confidence | pg 12

Sports Can Kids with Asthma Play Sports? Treatment & Prevention| pgs 24-25

Kids Talk Summer Vacations | pgs 13-14

I Got Dizzy Playing Sports! What’s Going On? | pgs 25-26

Going Away to Camp Are You Ready for A Sleepaway Camp? | pgs 15-16

Techno & Science What’s the West Nile Virus? Tips to Stay Protected | pgs 26-27

My Friend has Cancer How Can I Help | pgs 17-19

What’s the Big Sweat About Dehydration? Recognizing the Signs | pgs 28-29

Healthy Habits Understanding the Risks of Tanning Sun Protection from UVA Rays | pgs 19-22

Staying Safe Top 9 Beach and Ocean Safety Tips How to Stay Safe At the Beach and Have Fun | pg 30

5 Ways to Beat Summer Gain Make Healthy Goals | pgs 22-23

Doodle Corner Word Ladder, Connect-The-Dots, and More... Activity Center | pgs 30-33

Does Chewing a Lot Help You Lose Weight? Expert Advice | pg 23 What’s a Healthy Alternative to Water? Staying Hydrated | pg 24

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Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living May - June 2012

5th ISSUE

40 62

38 News Historic Shed Custom Designed and Built Garden Sheds| pg 37

Are You Happy With Your Skin? Skincare Tips That’ll Make You Glow | pg 49

Sarasota Pops Orchestra: The Secret Is Out! Wedding Give Away | pg 38

Say “Thank You” Living with an Attitude of Gratitude | pgs 50-51

The News Is... The Pier Aquarium Is Still Open | pgs 39-40

Sports Beat the Summer Heat Staying Hydrated While Running | pg 51

Home Genealogy...Do You Know? Having Fun Tracing Family History | pgs 40-41

Crossword & Sudoku Fun Time for a Break! | pgs 52-53

Raising a Summer Reader All About Reading | pg 42 Road Trip Boredom Busters Making Road Trips Fun | pgs 43-44 Family or Work? Tips to Help Balance Career and Family | pgs 46-47 Health Adult Dyslexia: Working With It | pg 48 8

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May - June 2012

Technology Technology of Tomorrow | pgs 59-60 Entertainment Pioneer Florida Museum and Village Dade City, Florida| pgs 62-63 VA Memoirs ‘Remember When’ The Good and Bad Times | pg 65

May - June 2012

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Creative Living Florida

A BRIEF WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

ummer time is in the air, even though it’s not official until June 20th. Summertime is viewed by most as the season with the most opportunities to have a good time because it is the time of the year in which most people have the freedom to vacation and spend time with their loved ones.

In this issue we discuss about the importance on sun protection from UVA rays, tips to make road trips fun, skincare tips that’ll make you glow, and much more! Would you like to win a wedding from the Sarasota Pops Orchestra? View pg 38 for more information. Do you need extra storage for your garden tools? View our featured business Historic Shed on pg 37. We at Florida Creative Living wish all our readers a Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day. Please don’t forget to pay respect for our fallen heros on Memorial Day!

Susan Gulash | susan@floridacreativeliving.com Florida Creative Living is a full-size, full-color, bi-monthly, online interactive magazine published six times a year by Gulash Graphics. It is distributed free of charge and no content is allowed to be reproduced in whole or part without written permission from Florida Creative Living. This publication is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers and is not necessarily the opinion of Florida Creative Living. Typographical errors, and the accuracy of information supplied by advertisers, or the action of the advertisers are not the publication and its publisher responsibility. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit for length and clarity all submissions.

Florida Creative Living

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O: 813.994.5110 C: 813.458.1098 F: 813.200.1002

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s & d i K s n Tee

Section

Kids & Teens | NEWS

5 Reasons to Look for a Summer Job Building Confidence Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD

ou may have heard all kinds of negative stuff — again! — about this summer’s job market. It’s true that jobs for teens can be tough to find. But they are out there. So go for it. If you don’t land the job you want (or even any job), you’ll still gain something from the process.

get past the hurt and bounce back. You’ll learn something about yourself. Did you take a job that wasn’t your first choice? You might discover a new skill or interest you never knew you had. Get offered the perfect job? Feel your self-esteem soar! Even if you don’t really love your job but need to save for a new car or college, you’ll learn that you can stick with something you don’t particularly like to reach a goal that’s important to you. And if nothing works out? You may decide to start your own business. You’ll push the limits of your comfort zone. Yes, it’s a lot easier to sit home doing the same stuff you always do. But going out job-hunting can push you out of that comfort zone into a whole new experience. And you never know what you might find. Did you pass by a great new store on your way to submit an application? Did your interviewer do something totally wacky, like take off his shoes and put his feet on the desk? Even if all you come home with are some crazy stories, it’s worth it.

You’ll develop your interview skills. The more jobs you apply for, the better you’ll get at interviewing. Learning how to come across well in an interview is a skill you’ll use forever. It helps with everything from getting into college to landing a full-time job You’ll face less competition. The word’s out that summer jobs are hard when the time comes. to find. So lots of teens will give up without even trying. If potential applicants remove themselves from the process, it ups your odds of You’ll get better at coping with landing a job. And, if you don’t get the job you want, volunteer. It’s rejection. It’s unlikely you’ll get a great way to gain experience and add something to your résumé, the first job you interview for. whether for college applications or future jobs. Rejection is a fact of life, and The bottom line with summer jobs is to just go for it. Try something there’s no denying it can be hard new. You have nothing to lose and lots to gain. to handle. The good news is, the more we face rejection and learn ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. to deal with the feelings that go Reprinted with permission with it, the easier it becomes to 12

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k l a T s id

Kids & Teens | NEWS

Summer Vacations

ike a delicious recipe you cook in your kitchen, a great trip needs more than one ingredient. You need a great place, fun stuff to do, and fun people to share it with, according to about 300 kids who responded to our survey about summer vacations.

Reviewed by: Laura L. Bailet, PhD

garden he and his grandmother plant every year. Other kids said they also had a blast without going too far from home. They visited relatives, ran through sprinklers, and visited nearby beaches.

Sarah, 12, remembers a parade on the boardwalk in New Jersey. People in the parade threw candy Some kids are already seasoned travelers, having to the kids. “Me and my sister got so much candy visited Africa, India, China, Europe, the Philippines, — enough to last us until Halloween!” and Fiji, an island in the South Pacific Ocean. Other kids watched the landscape change as they Ellie, 10, had a blast in Portugal — especially the traveled to a different part of the country. night they were allowed to jump in the pool with their clothes on. Taylor, 11, remembers the view out the airplane window as she flew across the United States Hridaya, 11, saw the Taj Mahal on a visit to India. from the East Coast to Arizona. “Buildings turned into farms, and farms into deserts. It was cool!” Alex, 10, said his family had a great time in Taylor said. “When we got to the Grand Canyon, Perranporth and Newquay, beach areas in Great I was speechless! I can’t even explain how cool Britain. According to Alex, “Newquay Zoo rocks!” and beautiful it was! You would have to see it for yourself.”

Around the World

Across the Country

Back in the United States, kids liked traveling to the Hammocks, Fishing Rods, and Hula Skirts Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney World, Tiannah, 11, said her best trip was to Vermont, and, of course, good old grandma’s house. the home of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. In addition Dean, 8, said the best part of his summer is the

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Tanzania in Africa. “I went not to have a safari adventure, but a family one. We went because all my family lives there except my mom, dad, my to the ice cream, she liked lying brother, me, and my sister. That was on a comfortable hammock and the best part because I could meet sleeping under the stars. my distant family.”

Kids & Teens | NEWS

Sophie, 11, liked her trip to Colorado best because she learned to cast a fishing rod in a wobbly canoe. She also learned the backstroke in the hotel pool. Hawaii was a favorite spot for a number of kids who wrote us.

Fantasy Trips Far, Far Away

Family and friends also were important as kids described where they’d go on a dream vacation. Some kids chose popular vacation spots, but others said they wanted to visit other planets or go back in time!

family and her cats, Marcie and Buster, on a trip to see volcanoes. She’d stop in Hawaii and Yellowstone National Park — two volcanic spots — to get a head start on her career. “I want to study volcanoes when I grow up,” she said. Hyder, 12, wants to go to Norway to see how it stays light for 6 months of the year and dark for the other 6. Who would he take? “My mom because I love her very much.” Matt, 10, says he wants to go to Washington, DC, to see his uncle and to see the new Major League Baseball team, the Nationals. He’d take his family “because they have done so many things for me.”

Diana, 11, liked it so much she wants to move there. “I went to the beach, saw snakes, fish, and a sailfish in the ocean, ate great food, got sunburned, and rode in the new rented car we got.” Where you vacation is important, but as kids described their favorite trips, it was the people that seemed to matter most. In fact, more than half of kids said fun people were the most important ingredient — more important than a great place or fun stuff to do.

Alaina, 13, says she’s always wanted to visit Queensland, Australia. She’d visit the Sydney Opera House and explore Australian culture. Who would she bring? “My mom, dad, and . . . no one else. Ha-ha, just kidding. I’d take along my little brother, too.”

Jen, 12, wants to visit 1960s. Why? To see the Beatles live in concert. “I am a big fan of the Beatles and am disappointed that I wasn’t even alive when they were together. I’d take my parents so they could tell me about Mabembe, 12, said her best trip the ‘60s so I would know how to act was a couple years ago when in a different decade!” It’s hard to tell if Ashlei, 10, her family took a very long was kidding when she said drive to Toronto for a wedding. Nina, 15, would take her best friend, she’d take no one with her on “What made the trip sooo fun Kathy, to the moon so they could a dream vacation to Hershey, was that we drove,” she said. float around in zero gravity. Pennsylvania. Why go alone? “Yes you heard right, we drove! “I want all the chocolate to Two and a half days long. I tell Madeline, 8, wants to take her dog, myself,” she said. ya, it was all worth it because Captain, on a trip to Saturn. we did it together as a family.” Megan, 10, would like to take her Lucie, 11, said her best vacation ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission was when her family went to 14

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Going

Kids & Teens | NEWS

Away to Camp

Are You Ready for a Sleepaway Camp? Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

riends, Fun, Learning, canoeing, playing tennis, or dancing in a dance contest! Independence

Going to sleepaway camp is a summertime tradition for many kids. It’s called sleepaway camp because you stay overnight there. Kids typically stay at sleepaway camp for a week or longer.

You might go to a traditional camp, where kids swim, do crafts, put on plays, and sit around the campfire at night. Or maybe you’re going to a special-interest camp, where you’ll work on your sports skills, or learn more about computers, outer space, or art. There are even camps that serve kids who have the same health problem, such as asthma or diabetes.

But camp is even more than just friends and fun. It’s also an opportunity to learn a little more about being independent. Read on to learn how to get prepared for a memorable camp experience.

Different From Day Camp

Many kids go to day camps during the summer. They can be a lot of fun, but the schedule is familiar. You start camp in the morning and go home in the afternoon. Sometimes, a bus takes you or you might get a ride from one of your parents or someone else’s parents. Like anything, it might take you a little while to get adjusted to the place, the camp counselors, and the kids. But you come home every night, just like you do during the school year. Sleepaway camp offers some additional excitement because you’ll be there all day and night, eating your meals there and sleeping over. It’s a kind of vacation, but without your parents. You’ll probably sleep in a cabin or dorm with other kids attending the camp. You’ll probably eat together in a large cafeteria and you’ll have to share the bathroom with the other kids.

Some sleepaway camps are coed, which means that there are both No matter which kind of boys and girls at the camp. (They have separate cabins for sleeping, sleepaway camp you’re going to, though.) Other camps are just for girls or just for boys, but often these you’re probably excited — and all-girl and all-boy camps meet up for dances and parties. maybe a little nervous if it’s your first time. Be proud of yourself Usually, the camp mails out information to your family before you for being grown-up enough to go go, so you’ll know what to bring. You’ll also probably need to have to camp. It’s a chance to try new your doctor fill out a health assessment for you, so the camp can be things, like horseback riding, sure your shots are up to date and camp counselors know about any CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

May - June 2012 Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

depends on the type of camp and how long you’ll be there. But remember that you won’t need 30 pairs of underwear, even if you’ll be there 30 days. If you’re going to have a long stay, your camp counselor will let you know how to handle laundry.

Kids & Teens | NEWS health problems you have. Just like any vacation, you’ll need to pack a bag (or two) full of the clothes and other stuff you’ll need while you’re there. Food is generally provided, but you might need some extra money for snacks or other small expenses.

Some of the typical items that everyone needs for camp are:

But best of all, camp counselors help kids have fun at camp. They organize the camp activities and set the schedule for days and evenings.

It’s wise to label all your clothes and belongings because it’s easy to lose things at camp. If you leave something behind, it can be returned to you when your name is on it. And if you and your friend own the same beach towel, you’ll be able to tell which one is yours.

Counselors and other grown-ups at camp are responsible for taking care of you, but campers can do a lot to take care of themselves. This means following the safety rules when it comes to activities, such as swimming and boating. You’ll want to take it seriously when a counselor tells you not to wander away from the group when you’re on a hike in the woods.

It’s also nice to pack a small reminder of home, such as a photo of your family or your favorite pet. These will come in handy if you start to miss them.

sweatshirts and T-shirts shorts, jeans, and long pants swimsuits raincoat sneakers walking boots socks and underwear Who Takes Care of You at sheets and towels Camp? toothbrush and toothpaste Camp counselors (who are usually shampoo, soap, and any other toiletries you may use grown-ups and older teens) will be sunscreen (at least SPF 15) on hand to lead activities and keep bug spray (especially for mosquitoes) you safe, just like your parents paper and pen to write to family and friends would at home. For instance, if you sports equipment (tennis racquet, swimming cap, goggles, scrape your knee, a camp counselor etc.) can help you get it cleaned up and • any medications you regularly take bandaged. And if you get sick, a • quarters (for calling home on a pay phone, laundry, and counselor could call a doctor and snacks) your parents.

Campers can do other smart things, such as remembering to put on sunscreen and bug spray. And camp counselors will be delighted if you make an effort to keep your cabin neat and throw trash in the trash can.

Packing

What you need to pack for camp

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Who Knew You’d Miss Home?

With so much to do, it’s tough to be bored at camp. But you might find that you feel a little homesick. Homesickness is the feeling of missing your everyday familiar life, like your parents, your dog, your room, and maybe even your brother or sister. The good news is that you might be able to call home to talk with your family. There also may be a special day or weekend at camp when family members come to visit. In the meantime, email or write letters to your family and friends. If you’re feeling down, it can help to talk with other campers or your counselors about your feelings. But it’s also OK if you don’t feel lonely because you’re too busy having fun. That’s the idea, after all. Have a great time at camp! ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission

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Kids & Teens | NEWS

How Can I Help Reviewed by: Dora A. Temple, LCSW

our friend has been diagnosed with cancer but you’re the one freaking out: What can I do? How should I act? Is it OK to talk about it? What’s “normal” now?

It’s hard to know how to respond when someone you love — someone your own age — is diagnosed with cancer. It can be frightening, confusing, and may bring on some heavy thoughts about life and death. You might even struggle with the temptation to pull back from your friendship so you can avoid the uncomfortable feelings you have. But your friend needs you now more than ever. So what should you do? It’s normal to have to difficult feelings; don’t try to brush them off. Try to think a bit about what you’re feeling. You’ll expect to

feel sadness, of course, and fear, and maybe anger. But it’s also natural to feel some surprising emotions like disappointment or embarrassment.

Vomiting and nausea. Try not to be hurt if the double-chocolate brownies you baked with such love sit untouched on the plate. Your friend may not feel like eating — at home or out. In fact, someone with cancer may not feel like going out at all if he or she is worried about throwing up in public. You might want to reassure your friend that you know this is a possibility and that you realize it’s a side effect of cancer treatment.

Of course you don’t want to burden your friend with your feelings. But you need support, too. So try to find someone you can turn to — like a parent or school counselor. Once you have a way of dealing with your own feelings, it will be easier not to let your emotions or fears get in the way of being a good friend. Weakness, fatigue, and lack of endurance. Cancer treatments Here are some ways you can can make even the smallest help. things a big struggle — like walking up stairs or carrying Be Prepared schoolbooks. Your friend may You probably know that your suddenly become too tired to friend could lose hair as a side talk on the phone or be unable effect of cancer treatment. But to walk around the mall. Let you may also notice emotional your friend take things at his or and physical changes in your her own pace, though. Don’t friend. Some things that you may CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE see happen include: May - June 2012

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Kids & Teens | NEWS

show your support will mean so much. If distance or your schedule makes it hard to be there in person, stay in touch by sending notes and cards and by emailing, IMing, phoning, or texting.

automatically assume people with cancer won’t want to go out or that they should stay home. Let your friend make the call, but be understanding if the exertion proves too much.

You can also offer to drive other friends to the hospital or set up an email list or an online social network group so your friend can stay connected.

Talk about it — and listen. Friends going through tough times like to talk about it. Listen, ask questions, and do some basic research on your own so you can understand more about the type Embarrassment. Your friend may of cancer and what your friend might be feeling. Don’t be afraid be even more self-conscious about to ask questions of your friend’s family, the doctors, and other having cancer because he or she cancer patients. can’t do what other people do or look the way they look. Be patient. People with cancer, understandably, are often sad, anxious, and afraid. On top of that, some treatments have side But your friend’s not the only one effects like fatigue or mood swings. If you show up to visit and who may feel awkward. Be prepared your friend seems distant, angry, or less than enthused, try not for your own feelings, too: Some to take it personally. Don’t give up; your friend is going through people can feel uncomfortable a lot. Come back again tomorrow and chances are things will be about being seen with a friend better. who has no hair or looks physically different. We all feel temporary Keep it real — but keep it positive. It can help to talk about the embarrassment at times — who future and to make plans in a realistic, compassionate way. Don’t hasn’t cringed at something a friend shrug off your friend’s fears or concerns about death, but do try to does or wears? The good news is, offer realistic specific examples of other people — famous people, we get over it. people you know — who have survived this type of cancer. (No examples come to mind? Do a Web search!) Difficulty keeping up in school. Your friend may fall behind in Practical Support school. Cancer treatments can sap “If there’s anything I can do...” is a nice thing to say. But families a lot of energy and teens getting of teens with cancer often say that the more specific the offer, the chemotherapy or radiation may better. struggle academically. People can also feel disconnected and left out Here are a few things you can offer to do: of things when they miss school a lot. Be the point person. Help your friend’s family spend less time updating people by phone or email — offer to relay messages to Emotional Support friends, teachers, and others on a regular basis. Make sure you So what can you do to help your have the phone numbers and email addresses you need, and then friend? Here are some ideas. create a list so you can text or email everyone at once when there is news to report. Be there. OK, so this is obvious, but it’s also critically important. Teens Go a little nutty. Don’t be afraid to be silly. Humor can be an with cancer often feel isolated and excellent distraction, so consider showing up with joke books, Mad alone, especially if they’re in the Libs (remember those?), Silly String, comedy DVDs, weird little hospital or away from school for toys — anything you think your friend would like. If your friend is long stretches of time. Visit as often feeling low on energy, which is common during treatment, bring as you can. Fight the urge to stay in the fun and turn up the silliness. away because you feel awkward or wish this weren’t happening. Make a care package. Talk with your friend’s parents about what Even if you aren’t sure what to say foods your friend can and can’t have — and what foods might be to your friend, just being there to CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE 18

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favorites right now (when people are sick, their tastes can change). Or put together some fun, escapist stuff for your friend to do while alone, perhaps fast-read novels or games like Sudoku. Wrap up your package and bring it to the hospital or your friend’s home. Step in with siblings. If your friend has siblings, spend some time with them. They probably feel a lot of the same things you do, so you might be able to help each other through it. Help out with schoolwork. Offer to help your friend with homework — everything from passing along assignments to tutoring your friend or working together if it’s appropriate. Even something as simple as taking really good notes (or asking someone else to do so

if your friend is not in your class) can be a huge help. Create a blog. Have friends and family members contribute to a blog — or, offline, fill a small notebook — with funny or meaningful stories, quotes, and trivia from your friendship. Be careful not to give it a tone of “these were the last good times,” but instead let it be a fun reminder of how much your friend means to everyone and how eager you are for his/her recovery so you can keep making memories! Consider adding pictures and making it look like a celebrity magazine about your friend. Give it as a gift so your friend can read it when feeling down.

Kids & Teens | NEWS Take care of yourself. Your friend’s cancer will take a toll on you, too, so try to be aware of your own emotional needs. Consider keeping a journal as well as talking with a trusted adult about the impact this has on you. The bottom line: The most important thing is to be there for your friend, in whatever way feels natural. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

Understanding the

Risks of

Sun Protection from UVA Rays

Reviewed by: Patrice Hyde, MD

ant to banish your pale skin in favor of a deep, dark tan? Join the club. Especially when summer looms, many people start considering the best way to get that sun-bronzed glow — turning to self-tanners, tanning booths, a stretch in the sun, or a combination of these.

To many people, summer means hanging out at the pool or the beach, soaking up rays and baking in the sun in pursuit of the perfect golden tan. Indeed, most Americans, including up to 80% of people under age 25, think they look better with a tan. But before you don your bathing suit and head to the pool — or into a tanning booth — spend a few minutes finding out about your skin and sun exposure. These facts can help you get the look you want without stressing your skin. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS How Tanning Happens

The sun’s rays contain two types of ultraviolet radiation that reach your skin: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation burns the upper layers of skin (the epidermis), causing sunburns. UVA radiation is what makes people tan. UVA rays penetrate to the lower layers of the epidermis, where they trigger cells called melanocytes (pronounced: melan-oh-sites) to produce melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning.

States, with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed annually. Although the numbers of new cases of many other types of cancer are falling or leveling off, the number of new cases of melanoma is growing. In the past, melanoma mostly affected people in their fifties or older, but today dermatologists see patients in their twenties and even late teens with this type of cancer. Experts believe this is partly due to an increase in the use of tanning beds and sun lamps, which have high levels of UVA rays. Doctors also think that UVB rays play a role in the development of melanoma. That’s because a sunburn or intense sun exposure may increase a person’s chances of developing this deadly cancer. Exposure to UVB rays also increases your risk of getting two other types of skin cancer: basal and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanin is the The main treatment for skin cancers body’s way of is excision — cutting the tumors protecting skin out. Since many basal or squamous from burning. cell carcinomas are on the face Darker-skinned and neck, surgery to remove them people tan can leave people with facial scars. more deeply The scars from surgery to remove than lightermelanomas can be anywhere on the skinned people body, and they’re often large. because their melanocytes Cancer isn’t the only problem produce more melanin. But just because a associated with UV exposure. UVA damage to the dermis is person doesn’t burn does not mean that he or she is also protected against skin the main factor in premature skin aging. To get a good idea of how sunlight affects the skin, look at your parents’ skin cancer and other problems. and see how different it is from yours. Much of that is due to sun exposure, not the age difference! UV rays can also Tanning Downsides UVA rays may make you tan, but they can lead to another problem we associate with old people: the also cause serious damage. That’s because eye problem cataracts. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays. UVA rays can go all the way Sun Smarts through the skin’s protective epidermis Staying out of the sun altogether may seem like the only to the dermis, where blood vessels and logical answer. But who wants to live like a hermit? The key nerves are found. Because of this, UVA rays is to enjoy the sun sensibly, finding a balance between sun may damage a person’s immune system, protection and those great summer activities like beach making it harder to fight off diseases and volleyball and swimming. leading to illnesses like melanoma, the most serious (and deadly) type of skin Sunscreens or sunblocks, which block or change the effect of the sun’s harmful rays, are one of your best defenses cancer. against sun damage because they protect you without Melanoma can kill. If it’s not found and interfering with your comfort and activity levels. treated, it can quickly spread from the skin The SPF number on a sunscreen shows the level of UVB to the body’s other organs. Skin cancer is epidemic in the United 20

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protection it gives. Sunscreens with a higher SPF number provide more defense against the sun’s damaging UV rays.

Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

Here are some tips to enjoy the great outdoors while protecting your skin and eyes from sun damage:

UV radiation — but so is snow. Snow skiing and other winter activities carry significant risk of sunburn, so always apply sunblock before hitting the slopes.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days and when you don’t plan on spending much time outdoors. Wearing sunscreen • Certain medications, such as antibiotics every day is essential because as much as 80% of sun used to treat acne and birth control exposure is incidental — the type you get from walking pills, can increase your sun sensitivity your dog or eating lunch outside. If you don’t want to (as well as your sensitivity to tanning wear a pure sunscreen, try a moisturizer with sunscreen beds). Ask your doctor whether your in it, but make sure you put on enough. medications might have this effect and what you should do. • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, • Avoid tanning it should also be hypoallergenic and “accelerators” or tanning noncomedogenic so it doesn’t cause pills that claim to a rash or clog your pores and give speed up the body’s you acne. production of melanin or darken • Apply sunscreen thickly and the skin. There’s frequently. If you’re not sure no proof that they you’re putting on enough, work and they switch to one with a higher SPF. aren’t approved Regardless of the SPF, always by government reapply sunscreen after a couple agencies for tanning of hours. Most broad-spectrum purposes. sunscreens are more effective at blocking UVB rays than UVA rays. So Trauma-free Tans even if you don’t get a sunburn, UVA Even when you’re serious rays could still be doing unseen damage about protecting your skin, you to your skin. may sometimes want the glow of a tan. Luckily, many products on the market • Reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours and after — but not sun lamps or tanning beds — swimming or sweating. In direct sun, wear a sunscreen will let you tan safely and sun-free. with a higher SPF, like SPF 30. While playing sports, use sunscreen that’s waterproof and sweatproof, but still One safe way to go bronze is with sunless reapply sunscreen every 1½ to 2 hours. self-tanners. These “tans in a bottle” contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which • Take frequent breaks. The sun’s rays are strongest gradually stains the dead cells in your skin’s between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. During those hours, outer layer. The “tan” lasts until these skin take breaks to cool off indoors or in the shade for a cells slough off, so exfoliating or vigorously while before heading out again. washing will make the color fade faster. Typically, these “fake bakes” last from • Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses that provide several days to a week. almost 100% protection against ultraviolet radiation. You may have to try a few brands of selfAnd here are some other things to be aware of when it tanner to find one that looks best with comes to avoiding sun damage: your skin tone. Options include sprays, • You probably know that water is a major reflector of May - June 2012

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens | HEATHLY HABITS

offer airbrush tanning. Airbrush tans may look more like a natural tan with more even results. With an airbrush tan, a salon technician will hook up a DHA solution to a spray compressor and spray the tan onto you. Your eyes, lips, and nose will be covered to protect them during the process, which takes anywhere from about 5 seconds to 1 minute. A few hours after the application, you’ll start noticing your new, safe tan.

lotions, and towelettes, and they’re easy to use. For a subtle, goof-proof glow, try one of the new moisturizers that contain a modest amount of fake tanner, letting you gradually build up a little color without blotches and staining — or the smell that some people dislike. All of these options With both self-tanners and airbrush tanning, you’ll get better results if you exfoliate your skin with a scrub brush are cheap, too, usually around $10. or loofah before the tanner is applied. This evens your skin Ask a friend to help you apply self-tanner tone and removes dead skin cells. to spots you can’t reach, like your back, for even results all over. And be sure to wash And with both types of sunless tanning, you’ll still need to it off of body areas that normally don’t tan wear sunscreen when you go outdoors to protect you from — like the palms of your hands and soles the sun’s rays. Fake tans don’t generate melanin production, of your feet — otherwise, they’ll just look so they won’t protect you against sunburn. But the upside is that you get the warm glow of a tan while you keep your dirty. ® beautifulThefor yearsFoundation/KidsHealth to come. Nemours . Reprinted with permission. You might also check out salons that skin©1995-2012.

Make Healthy Goals Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

hen we think summer, most of us think outdoor fun. So it seems like Here are 5 ways to beat summer weight gain: we should naturally lose weight 1. Get going with goals. When we don’t have a plan, over the summer — not gain it. it’s easy to spend summer moving from couch to computer, with regular stops at the fridge. Avoid In reality, though, summer isn’t this by aiming for a specific goal, like volunteering, all beach volleyball and water sports. Lots of mastering a new skill, or working at a job. Just be summer activities can work against our efforts sure to plan for some downtime so you can relax a to stay at a healthy weight (campfire s’mores little! and backyard barbecues, anyone?). The good news is it’s easy to avoid problems if we know what to look out for. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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May - June 2012

2. Stick to a schedule. With school out, we lose our daily routines. If you don’t have a specific job or activity to get Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS up for, it’s easy to sleep late, watch too much TV, and snack more than usual. Make sure your summer days love being outdoors, try joining a local have some structure — like getting up at the same time pool or move a regular run or soccer each day and eating meals at set times. Plan activities game to early morning or evening. for specific times, like exercising before breakfast, for example. If you have time on your hands, offer to make 5. Think about what (and how) you dinner a couple of nights a week so your family can enjoy eat. Summer means picnics and a sit-down meal together. barbecues — activities that revolve around an unlimited spread of food. 3. Stay busy. When we’re bored, it’s easy to fall into a trap of Pace yourself. Don’t overload your doing nothing and then feeling low on energy. In addition plate. Avoid going back for seconds to helping you avoid the cookie jar, filling your days with and thirds. Choose seasonal, healthy stuff to do can give you a sense of accomplishment. foods like fresh fruit instead of highThat’s especially true if a dream summer job or planned sugar, high-fat desserts. Make catching activity fell through. Limit your screen time — including up with family and friends your focus, TV, computer, and video games — to no more than 2 not the food. Another good tip for hours a day (write it in that schedule you put together!). summer eating is to limit frozen treats like ice cream to no more than once a 4. Beat the heat. Don’t let summer heat put your exercise week. plans on hold. Move your workout indoors. If a gym isn’t ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. your scene, try bowling or an indoor climbing wall. If you Reprinted with permission.

Does Chewing a Lot Help You Lose Weight? Expert Advice Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

ve heard a lot of things like chewing your food 15 times will help you lose weight or having a glass of water before each meal will help you eat less. How do I know what is true and what isn’t? - Breara*

down if you’re a fast eater and allow you to enjoy your food. And any slowing-down technique can help you avoid overeating and better pick up on your body’s cues that you’re full. Drinking water before you eat probably won’t make you any more full, but it won’t hurt, either. But eating food with a higher water content, like fruits, vegetables, and even soups, will make you feel more full, so you eat fewer calories.

If you’re looking for specific advice on nutrition it’s best to ask either your doctor When hunting for info, use common sense — if certain or a registered dietician. No one knows your advice seems too good to be true, it probably is. health and body better than you and your doctor. But if you find yourself searching for answers online, always use reputable sites. ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Chewing your food 15 times can slow you May - June 2012

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Kids & Teens | HEALTHY HABITS

What’s a Healthy Alternative to

Water?

Staying Hydrated Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

I - Erica*

can’t stand the taste of water, so I don’t drink enough of it. Is there an alternative I can have or anything that I can add to water to make it lose the taste of water without turning it into juice?

Getting enough fluids is the key to avoiding dehydration. Almost as important is making sure you don’t drink too many calories with sugary beverages like soda, juice, and sports drinks.

too blah and it’s just not doing it for you, you can always spruce it up. You have endless ways to make your very own concoction. Jazz up your water by adding some citrus — a slice or two of lemon or lime or a squeeze of orange can help make water more palatable. Give flavored seltzer a try; it’s got the fizz of a soda without all the calories. Or make your own spritzer by adding a splash of juice to plain seltzer. If none of these tricks work, try some watered-down juice, using more water than juice. Don’t give up on water just yet! ®

Water is always the best way to hydrate and avoid empty calories, but if you think it’s

Can Kids with Asthma

Play Sports?

Treatment & Prevention Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

sthma and Athletes

People with asthma can do more than play sports: They can excel at them. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, asthma affects more than 20% of elite athletes, and 1 in every 6 Olympic athletes. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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Kids & Teens | SPORTS

Even if you don’t want to be a professional athlete, you can benefit from being active and playing sports. It will keep you fit, help you stay Kids & Teens | SPORTS at a healthy weight, and even strengthen the breathing muscles in your chest. If you have asthma, this is especially important because it rescue medication at all times, can help your lungs work better. even during workouts, in case of a flare-up. Sports have some fantastic emotional benefits, too: Exercising causes the body to produce endorphins, chemicals in the body that lead a Talk with your doctor about your person to feel more peaceful and happy. Exercise can help some people plans to play sports or work out. sleep better. It can also help with mental health issues such as mild He or she may suggest some depression: People who feel strong and powerful can see themselves workout strategies. Depending in a better light. on your triggers, this may mean skipping outdoor workouts Which Sports Are Best? when pollen or mold counts Some sports are not as likely to cause problems for people with asthma. are high, wearing a scarf or ski Golf, yoga, and leisurely biking are less likely to trigger asthma flare- mask when training outside ups. Sports like baseball, football, gymnastics, and shorter track and during the winter, breathing field events tend to be good for people with asthma, too. through your nose instead of your mouth while exercising, Endurance sports, like long-distance running and cycling, and those or making sure you always have that require high energy output without a lot of rest time, like soccer time for a careful warm up and and basketball, may be more challenging for people with asthma. This cool down. These suggestions is especially true for cold-weather sports like cross-country skiing or should be listed in your written ice hockey. action plan. But that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in these sports if you truly enjoy them. In fact, many athletes with asthma have found that with proper training and medication, they can participate in any sport they choose.

Make sure your coach and teammates know about your asthma and understand when you need to stop working out and what steps to take if What Precautions Should You Take? you have a flare-up. After a Before playing sports, your asthma must be under control — in other while, you’ll become good at words, you shouldn’t be having lots of flare-ups. The best way to get listening to your body so you’ll asthma under control is by following your action plan and taking all know how to avoid or handle asthma medication as prescribed — even when you’re feeling OK. asthma problems at a game or practice. Skipping controller medication can make symptoms worse. Forgetting to take a prescribed medication before exercise can lead to severe ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/ flare-ups and even emergency department visits. You should carry KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

I Got

Dizzy

Playing Sports!

What's Going On? Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD

started feeling dizzy and faint during football practice today, and my heart was beating really fast. I thought it was because it’s been hot or maybe I had too much caffeine. But my coach still made me sit out practice and told me he won’t let me play until I get checked out by my doctor. Should I be worried? CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE - Pablo*

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Why? It’s possible for teen athletes to have health problems that may not have shown up on any tests before. Your coach is being extra careful because these problems can occasionally put athletes Most likely, there’s no need in danger when playing sports. to worry. But your coach is definitely giving you good Only a doctor can tell for sure what’s going on with you. So follow advice. Even if you’ve already your coach’s instructions and make that appointment. You’ll probably had your sports physical and need to get a couple of tests, like an EKG and some blood tests to checked out OK, you still need to check for heart and other problems. Don’t let that scare you, though. see your doctor if you have any Once you learn exactly what’s going on — and chances are it’s nothing of these symptoms while playing serious — you’ll be able to get treatment if you need it. sports: Most teens who get checked out for problems are able to return to play as usual — or even better than usual if doctors are able to • chest pain find and treat a problem that’s been interfering with their sports • trouble breathing performance. • dizziness • feeling faint or passing out ®

Kids & Teens | SPORTS

Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE

What’s the

West Nile Virus? Tips to stay protected Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

virus. But you can’t get the virus from Prevention (CDC) believes that, touching (or other casual contact with) after becoming infected, a person people or animals. becomes immune and won’t get sick from the virus again. Most people are unlikely to become seriously ill from West Nile virus. In A small number of people (less than fact, someone who does get infected 1%) who are infected with West with West Nile virus may not even Nile virus do become seriously ill, know it. That’s because most people though. They are usually people who do get the virus usually have few over the age of 50 who are at or no symptoms. A small number may greater risk of developing a more West Nile virus is transmitted to humans have symptoms like those of the flu, severe form of the infection, such from the bite of mosquitoes that probably such as fever and body aches. But as encephalitis or meningitis. picked up the virus after feeding on they usually get better quickly. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE infected birds. Pets and other animals can also become infected with West Nile The Centers for Disease Control and est Nile Basics Most mosquitoes are simply annoying. But a small percentage can carry diseases like West Nile virus. Over the past few years, cases of West Nile virus have been found in animals, birds, and humans in all continental states in the United States.

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May - June 2012

These more serious forms of infection can cause long-term illness, brain damage, permanent disability, and — in rare cases — even death. Symptoms usually begin 2 to 15 days after a person has been infected.

Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE

by clothing. • Don’t spray products directly onto your face Severe West Nile virus infection causes symptoms such as: (spray the repellent onto your hands first and then rub it onto your face) and don’t use • high fever repellent on your eyes or mouth. • very stiff neck and back (people are unable to bend their • Wash repellent off once you get back indoors. necks) • Don’t use repellent on areas of the skin that are • severe headache irritated or cut. • confusion or disorientation • Stop using a repellent if it gives you a rash or • weak muscles other skin reaction, wash it off, and call the • convulsions or seizures doctor. • • Don’t let little kids touch the People who think they may have symptoms repellent. of West Nile virus should see a doctor right away. Diagnosing the infection You can also take the early can help improve a person’s following precautions to chances of recovery. avoid mosquito bites Tips for Protecting Yourself and West Nile virus: Although it’s unlikely you’ll be infected with West Nile virus, • Wear longmosquito bites can still be sleeved shirts an itchy nuisance. The CDC and pants that advises people to protect cover your skin. themselves from mosquito You can now buy bites by using mosquito clothing that has repellent, especially at times been treated with when mosquitoes are most an insect repellent active, such as at dusk and called permethrin. dawn. (This repellent is meant for clothing, not The CDC recommends mosquito for applying directly to the repellents that include one of the skin.) Manufacturers say following ingredients: that the insect repellent stays on the clothing even after it has • DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) — been washed a couple of times. those that contain between 10% and 30% of • Don’t hang out near puddles or other pools DEET are best of standing water like gutters or wading pools • picaridin (KBR 3023) — they are common breeding grounds for • oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol or PMD) mosquitoes. • Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying You should reapply these according to the directions on the standing water found in flower pots, buckets, product label, which is often not more than once a day. Follow old tires, etc. the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the product. Don’t use a sunscreen that includes an insect repellent — sunscreen • If you find a dead bird, don’t touch it with your bare hands or try to move it. Let your parents should be reapplied frequently but insect repellents should know so they can contact your local health not. department right away. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the following • ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. tips for using insect repellents: • Don’t use insect repellent on skin that is already covered May - June 2012

Reprinted with permission.

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Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE

? n o i t ydra

Deh

Recognizing the signs Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD

hen it’s hot outside and you’ve been sweating, you get thirsty. Why? Thirst can be a sign of dehydration (say: dee-hye-dray-shun). Dehydration means that your body doesn’t have enough water in it to keep it working right.

A person gets water by drinking and eating. You lose water when you sweat, urinate (pee), have diarrhea, or throw up. You even lose a little water when you breathe. Our bodies need water to work properly. Usually, you can make up for the water you lose — like when you come in from outside and have a long, cool drink of water. If you don’t replace the water your body has lost, you might start feeling sick. And if you go too long without the water you need, you can become very ill and might need to go to the hospital.

Why Am I Dehydrated?

Many times kids get dehydrated when they’re playing hard and having fun. Have you ever gotten really sweaty and red-faced when you’ve been playing? This often happens when it’s hot outside, but it can happen indoors, too, like if you’re practicing basketball in a gym. Kids also can get dehydrated when they’re sick. If you have a stomach virus (say: vye-rus), you might throw up or have diarrhea (say: dye-uh-ree-uh) or both. On top of that, you probably don’t feel very much like eating or drinking. If you have a sore throat, you might find it hard to swallow food or drink. And if you have a fever, you can lose fluids because water evaporates from your skin in an attempt to cool your body down. That’s why your mom or dad tells you to drink a lot of fluids when you’re sick.

Signs of Dehydration

In addition to being thirsty, here are some signs that a person might be dehydrated: • feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or tired • rapid heartbeat • dry lips and mouth Another sign of dehydration is not peeing as much. Normally, urine should be a pale yellow color. Dark or strong-smelling pee can be a sign of dehydration. CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

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May - June 2012

What to Do

If you can, try not to get dehydrated in the first place. If you’re going to be going outside, it’s a good idea to drink water before, during, and after you play, especially if it’s hot. Dehydration can happen along with heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion (say: ig-zos-chun) and heat stroke.

Kids & Teens | TECHNO & SCIENCE

In addition to drinking water, it’s smart to dress in cool clothes and take breaks indoors or at least in the shade. If you’re sick, keep taking small sips of drinks like water or diluted juice, even if you’re not that thirsty or hungry. Eating an icepop is a great way to get fluids. How is an icepop a liquid? Well, it’s basically frozen water and flavoring. The warmth in your mouth and stomach turns it from a solid to a liquid. Other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contain water, too, but if your stomach is not feeling well you might not be ready for them.

Do I Need a Doctor?

Some cases of dehydration can be handled at home. But sometimes, that isn’t enough to get a kid feeling better. A kid may need to go to the doctor or emergency room if he or she has a heat-related illness or a virus with vomiting or diarrhea that just won’t quit.

Thirst-Quenching Tips

So do you have to drink eight glasses of water a day? No, but you do need to drink enough to satisfy your thirst, and maybe a little extra if you’re sick or if you’re going to be exercising. The best drink is water, of course, but milk is another great drink for kids. Juice is OK, but choose it less often than water and milk. Sports drinks are fine once in a while, but water should be considered the drink of champions.

At the hospital, the good news is that an intravenous (say: in-truh-vee-nus) (IV) line can get fluids into your body fast. An IV line is a special tube (like a very thin straw) that goes right into your vein, so the liquid goes right to where your body needs it most. It may pinch a little when the nurse is inserting it, but it will help you feel much better.

Limit soda and other sugary drinks, such as fruit punches, lemonades, and iced teas. These drinks contain a lot of sugar that your body doesn’t need. Some of them also contain caffeine, which can cause you to urinate (pee) more often than normal. In other words, it tells your body to get rid of fluids. And as you now know, that’s the opposite of what you need to do if you’re dehydrated!

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens | STAYING SAFE

Top 9 Beach and Ocean Safety Tips How to stay safe at the beach and have fun • • • • • • • • •

Learn to Swim. Swim Near a Lifeguard. Protect Your Head and Neck. Never Swim Alone. Obey All posted Warning Signs and Flags. Never Turn Your Back on the Ocean. Learn About Rip Currents and How to Get Out of Them. Beward of Trash and Broken Glass. Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Summer Word Ladder

G R E EN __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ Directions: Make your way from Green to Grass by changing just one letter on __ __ __ __ __ each step to make a new word. There are 7 steps on this word ladder. G R A SS 30

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May - June 2012

Summer Color. Wanting everything. Heavily wooded. More than one tree. Long lock of hair. Old fashioned salad plant. Crude. Dad’s favorite plant.

Memorial Day

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Crossword Puzzle 1 2

5 6

4 7

WORD BANK: Memorial Day, Veteran, Honor, Half-mast, Military, Salute, Medal, Waterloo - New York

ACROSS 2 . One who served in the military. 5. Of a pertaining to soldiers, to arms, or to war. 7. Flate piece of inscribed metal given as an honor or reward. 8. Proclaimed as the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson.

Down 1. A day for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the military. 3. A flag placed halfway up a mast or pole as a symbol of mourning for the dead. 4. A formal military gesture of respect. 6. To show respect for.

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Holidays Connect-The-Dots

Happy Memorial Day

Summer Time

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Doodle Pad

Kids & Teens | DOODLE CORNER

Summer Break Memories!

Draw your favorite part of 2012 Summer Break Vacation. Email your pictures to doodlepad@floridacreativeliving.com to be featured in our website Kids & Teens section.

May - June 2012 Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

For All Ages! |

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May - June 2012

Adult Living Section

November - December 2011

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

For All Ages! |

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Historic Shed | Brooksville, Florida

Adult Living |NEWS

View pg 3 for Historic Shed ad.

Contact: Jo-Anne Peck| Email: design@historicshed.com | Phone: 813.333.2249 | Website: www.historicshed.com

n 2002, husband and wife team Craig DeRoin and Jo-Anne Peck relocated their historic preservation company, Preservation Resource, Inc., from West Palm Beach to Tampa. The move allowed them to work full-time on a large-scale project within the Ybor City Historic District that involved the relocation and renovation of 64 homes for the Florida Department of Transportation. While working on the project, Jo-Anne was asked by Tampa city preservation staff to provide some design ideas for architecturally appropriate sheds and garages to be used as examples for the new owners of the remodeled Ybor homes within the historic district. This gave Craig an idea. Typical, off-the-shelf sheds can add much needed storage space, but look out of place next to quaint bungalows and stately colonial revival homes. Therefore, they are not allowed by architectural review boards in most historic districts. This leaves historic homeowners with the option of expensive, time-intensive, site-built outbuildings or trying to remodel pre-manufactured sheds to look a bit more appropriate. Craig, a building contractor, realized that there was a need for affordable, attractive, and historically appropriate sheds that could be built offsite, then delivered to historic homes. Craig built the first prototype shed behind their own 1923 bungalow. The shed was designed for use as a home office, with hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings and wired for internet and cable along with electricity. It was extremely popular with every visitor.

details. Jo-Anne got her Building Contractor license so she could take a wind load course and certify her own design drawings in Florida. In 2008, the Historic Shed website was officially launched offering custom sheds along with hard-tofind traditional building accessories like wood window screens and screen doors. Since then, product offerings have expanded to include one- and two-car detached garages, home offices, studios and even full cottages, all built in their Brooksville facility using a panelized system. The panelized system was developed to allow the sheds to be set up on often-tight historic properties filled with mature oaks with low hanging branches, fences, and narrow side yards. While historic homeowners have made up the majority of Historic Shed customers, owners of newer homes are attracted to their traditional shed designs as well, seeking an attractive accent in their garden. The Historic Shed cottage designs have been used as guest homes as well as primary residences. The custom shed business has proven to be even more enjoyable and satisfying than anticipated by Craig and Jo-Anne. Every shed, garage and cottage built has its own unique character so the jobs are always challenging and interesting. In addition, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten exclusive access to beautiful historic homes and neighborhoods throughout Florida, meeting wonderful, down-to-earth people along the way. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also been able to support neighborhood efforts by sponsoring historic home tours and other events.

To see more Historic Shed outbuildings, visit their As things on the Ybor City job began winding down, website at www.HistoricShed.com. Craig and Jo-Anne made plans for starting a custom shed business. This involved researching historic By Jo-Anne Peck outbuildings, finding a warehouse to build the sheds, and working out numerous design and delivery May - June 2012 Florida Creative Living | For All Ages! 37

Adult Living |NEWS

Sarasota Pops | Sarasota, Florida SARASOTA POPS ORCHESTRA: The Secret is out!

The Sarasota Pops Orchestra

is giving away a wedding!

Contact: Robyn Wilkes| Email: robyn509@aol.com| Website: www.sarasotapops.org

o promote their 2012-2013 season, “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”, the Sarasota Pops orchestra is teaming up with local wedding vendors as part of a season long fundraising challenge to give away not just one wedding, but a total of four wedding packages.

a wedding package of donated goods and services at the end of the season. Moreover, the couple that raises the greatest amount of donations for the orchestra will have their wedding ceremony performed during the Pops’ last concert, April 21, 2013, at the Sarasota Opera House, one of the city’s most amazing historic and cultural landmarks. The orchestra will play a selection of music of the couple’s The Pops’ season opens on October choosing during the ceremony. 28 with “Ole Blue Eyes”, a tribute to Frank Sinatra and the Big Band Engaged couples who wish to be sound, featuring jazz vocalist Colton considered for this unique, once-in-aCarson. “Borrowed from Broadway”, lifetime opportunity for their wedding on December 9, features music from ceremony may obtain and submit the Great White Way and timeless applications beginning mid-May, 2012. holiday classics. The February 10, A total of four couples will be selected 2013 concert, “Something Old”, has a through an application and interview Celtic flair and features special guest process. Information for interested Graham Edge of the Moody Blues. couples may be obtained at www. The season finale, “The Wedding”, sarasotapops.org or via email to Robyn on April 21, 2013, features romantic Wilkes at robyn509@aol.com. favorites of the ages, an actual wedding ceremony, and an operatic Vendors that donate their services and tenor who will tug at your heart gifts are still needed. Information and strings. vendor applications are available and questions may be directed to Robyn Four engaged couples will be chosen Wilkes via email at robyn509@aol. to participate in the fundraising com. In return for donating services challenge. All finalists will receive and gifts vendors will receive in kind 38 For All Ages! | Florida Creative Living May - June 2012

advertising in each of our five concert program books and on sarasotapops.org for the entire 2012-2013 season. Examples of businesses and services needed are: photography, wedding locations, florists, honeymoon accommodations, bakeries, limo services, hair/makeup salons, wedding planners, jewelers, etc. About the Orchestra: Sarasota Pops, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit community orchestra comprised of professional and amateur musicians living mostly in the Sarasota and Bradenton communities. Sarasota Pops’ conductor, Robyn Wilkes, is the Instrumental Studies Department Chair at State College of Florida in Bradenton and lit the orchestra on fire during her inaugural season with her energy, ideas, and connection to the audience.

The Pier Aquarium | St. Petersburg, Florida

The News Is...The Pier Aquarium Is Still Open!

Adult Living |NEWS

View pg 10 for The Pier Aquarium ad.

Contact: Emily Stehle| Email: estehle@pieraquarium.org| Website: www.pieraquarium.org

here has been much talk and discussion about the fate of The Pier building, our home for the past 24 years and speculation and rumors that The Pier was already closed. It’s not true. The gates to The Pier Aquarium are still swinging, 10am-8pm MondaySaturday and noon-6pm Sunday.

We expect to be open until the end of December and will be preparing for our move and opening to Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium, John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach. In Spring 2013. Meanwhile, The St. Petersburg City Council has announced the closing of the Pier for May 31, 2013. Touch tank featuring critters from Tampa Bay – literally outside The Pier Building - is scheduled every day from 1-4pm. At that time guests can touch and learn about sea urchins, a variety of seastars, sea cucumbers, calico crabs, whelks and snails and other animals, some “captured” as a result of a school class Surf ‘n’Turf outing.

are for landlubbers and about sharks and marine mammals. The Marine Mammals camp for ages 7-12 is scheduled July 23-27. Campers will learn about dolphins, manatee and whales, all sometimes mistakenly called “fish.” Campers will travel to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute to discover how these mammals have learned to survive in the world of water. The very popular Sharks and Stingrays Camp for kids ages 7-12 will be offered twice, June 18-22 and July 16-20. Campers will discover the mysteries and misconceptions about elasmobranch animals, those without a bony skeleton. Also featured is the aquarium’s Coral Catshark Aquaculture Program. Shark and Stingray campers will visit the Florida Aquarium and Florida Fish and Wildlife Institute to learn more about these mysterious and often misunderstood creatures. Book Nook by the Bay (www.pieraquarium.org/2012booknook) The first Saturday of each month features a family program themed around a book, a presentation and craft activity and the reading of the book. Book Nook is from 10:30am-noon and is a free program offered with aquarium admission. May 5 Ocean Habitats: A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle June 2 Celebrating World Ocean Day: The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino July 7 The Pier Aquarium’s Shark Month: I’m a Shark by Bob Shea

Summer Marine Adventures (www. Aug. 4 Aquarium Exploration: Abby the Aquarist by Heidi de Maine pieraquarium.org/2012SMA)

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Summer camps at The Pier Aquarium

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

receive an official “Shark Feeder Certificate” for their help. The aquarium’s four-yearold Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) aquaculture program has produced more than a dozen baby sharks, and at least 10 now reside at other aquariums or schools such as Admiral Farragut Academy. The small baby sharks, untouched by Sept. 1 Coral Catshark Conservation: human hands, are about the size of a brown anole lizard and are appealing and Ocean Hide and Seek by Jennifer cute. Kramer Butch Ringelspaugh, Curator of Exhibits and “Head Nanny,” said the near threatened Oct. 6 Spooky Ocean: Winking status of this shark, native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean, was one of the reasons for Blinking Sea by Mary Batten creating a breeding program. Coral Catsharks dwell within coral crevices and are Nov. 3 Manatee Awareness Month: victim to blast fishing or caught for food or home aquariums or processed for Mary the Manatee by Suzanne Tate fishmeal or oil.

Adult Living | NEWS

Dec. 1 Saving the Sea: Angelee Save “By culturing these animals in captivity, we are lessening the need to harvest them the Sea by Beverly Factor from the wild,” Ringelspaugh said. “Our goal is to eventually provide other aquariums with these aquacultured animals so they also can participate in more sustainable The Pier Aquarium’s Coral Catshark practices.” Feeding

A “$1 a Shark” fund, where people can “purchase” a paper shark for shark

At 3pm, our Coral Catsharks are the conservation, has netted more than $400. The paper sharks are displayed in stars at feeding. Guests who assist the aquarium. (www.pieraquarium.org/$1ashark)

Geneology..

u o Y o D ? w o n K Having Fun Tracing Family History By Mary F. Johnson

o you know who your grandparents were, and did you get to spent time with them and receive their warm hugs and love as a young child? If you did, you are very blessed and lucky!

My father’s parents died when he was a young boy, so I wasn’t lucky enough to have met them. My mother’s parents were a diffierent story and boy did I get to know them. There is nothing better than a warm hug and kiss from a caring

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grandmother. She could cook the best homemake bread ever. She would knead it and let it rise and then knead it again until it was just right for the oven. Many times I would be helping in the hen coup or just playing in the yard and a drift of fresh baked bread would tear at my gut making my feet pound the ground running up on the wooden porch slamming the screen door behind me. Clunck. Grandmother would see me coming and have the knife in hand to cut me a piece of her freshly baked bread swiped with a slab of her home made butter and apple jelly. There is nothing better than homemade bread and butter, especially

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grandmothers. On the other hand, grandfather was a hard working farmer that spent hours in the fields tending to his crops. He was a no nonsense man, and I always looked forward to spending my vacation time in the summer with them. There was always something to do on the large 100 acre farm in Virginia. Maybe it was adventure of climbing the trees to pick the cherries, that I looked forward too, or maybe helping grandmother milk the cows and churn the butter. You had to make sure CONTINUE TO NEXT PAGE

you had the right amount of “Clabbered Milk” and it was a tiresome job at the at the churn. Then I think, maybe it was the learning of how to plant the garden, and how to take care of the farm animals with my grandfather, or just maybe it was that warm feeling of the love that was bestowed upon me. I like to think it was a combination of both but more the latter. I always looked forward to the long trip to grandma and grandpa’s.

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County that was doing a lot of research. They had the death certificate and marriage certificate of my grandparents. On As I got older, after my last child left home, and my these certificates, I found grandparents had passed away. I decided to start the search the names of my Great for my other set of grandparents. I started my search for Grand parents. Some of their names which I didn’t even know, since all the people my internet friends were that knew that information had long passed on. Thus my even able to provide me love for geneology was born, the mystery of where I had with a Will which lead to came from. All I had to go on was my childhood memory. more curiosity about my ancestors. I marvaled at I knew nothing about them except from what my Aunt their lifes and how they Laura Hylton had told me as a child. My summers were lived and the history that divided between my grandparents in Copper Valley and happened in the world my Aunt Laura in Roanoke, Va. She too had since passed they lived in. I am always away. trying to find that next piece of the puzzle that will connect I remembered asking Aunt Laura, about them. I can still me to an ancestor or a distant cousin. Thus ,the love for hear her voice say, “Your grandparents, died before you Geneology. were born”, Aunt Laura continued softly. “I was a young girl myself when they were taken to be with the Lord”. There is a site called “findagrave.com”, I have since placed “But how did they die”, I asked. “It was Typoid Fever” she their pictures on there with the book Aunt Laura wrote. muttered while making the corn bread for dinner. “We were left orphans and since I was the oldest I had to take care of all my brothers and sisters”, she looked at me with love in her eyes and continued. “I took care of your daddy, he was the baby, only a year or so old when our parents died.” “He was my favorite because he had red hair like me”. I thought about what she had said, I was the child of her favorite redheaded brother, my father, who was killed in an auto accident when I too was only 17 months old. I didn’t ask anymore, for the theme was too sad, and I knew what a fever was, or a least I thought I did at the time. So, when I started my search I really didn’t remember their names but I had her little book that she wrote “An Orphan as a missionary”. I had read it before but started to read it again this time looking for information on her life and her parents, my grandparents. And there it was , page 1 first paragraph, “On September the twenty-fourth ,1893 there was born to Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Hylton of Indian Valley, Va. a baby girl, whom they called Laura Mae.” My heart was pumping like a race car on an open track as I read those words. I had found the name of my grandfather. What could G.W. stand for? What was grandmother’s name? How was I to trace them and find out more information about them? Luckily I was using Dos back then and was able to connect to the internet with a program called Prodigy. I was able to connect to a group in Virginia from Floyd

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Raising a

Adult Living |HOME

Summer Reader All About Reading

Reviewed by: Laura L. Bailet, PhD

hen the lazy days of summer arrive and the schedule is packed with swimming, camp, and family vacations, it can be a challenge to find time for learning.

favorite parts of summer — whether it’s baseball, ice cream, or the pool — and have your child draw pictures of it or cut out pictures from magazines and catalogs. Paste the pictures onto paper to make a booklet and write text for it. When you’re done, read the book together. Reread it But kids’ reading skills don’t have to grow whenever you need to fend off the cold-weather blahs! cold once school’s out. Here are some ways to make reading a natural part of their summer fun: Keep in touch. Kids don’t have to go away to write about summer vacation. Even if your family stays home, they Explore your library. Visit your local library to check can send postcards to tell friends and relatives about out books and magazines that your kids haven’t their adventures. Ask a relative to be your child’s pen pal seen before. Many libraries have summer reading and encourage them to write each week. programs, book clubs, and reading contests for even the youngest borrowers. With a new library card, a Keep up the reading rituals. Even if everything else changes child will feel extra grown-up checking out books. during the summer, keep up the reading routines around your house. Read with your kids every day — whether Read on the road. Going on a long car trip? Make it’s just before bedtime or under a shady tree on a lazy sure the back seat is stocked with favorite reads. afternoon. And don’t forget to take a book to the beach! When you’re not at the wheel, read the books aloud. Just brush the sand off the pages — it’s no sweat! Get some audiobooks (many libraries have large ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. selections) and listen to them together during drive Reprinted with permission time. Make your own books. Pick one of your family’s 42 For All Ages! | Florida Creative Living May - June 2012

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Boredom Busters Making Road Trips Fun

he family road trip can be a time to bond and learn about each other’s interests and points of view — or an ordeal that makes you want to scream every time you hear “Are we there yet?” from your

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

Good Ol’ Games

Use the fallback road-trip games — 20 Questions, the License Plate Game, and I Spy.

Try the Alphabet Game. Pick a topic (for instance, animals) and a letter (A), then have everyone name animals that begin with that letter, like aardvark, antelope, ape. The best thing about A road trip can be a fun, educational, and sane this game is that kids can pick a topic of interest — cars, TV experience with just a little planning, creativity, characters, countries, cities, foods, names, etc. — and there and preparation. Sure, electronic games, apps, are 26 possibilities (one for each letter) for every topic. and portable DVD players are great distractions. But don’t overlook these family-friendly games Make the games into marathons, awarding special treats or and activities that can keep everyone happy as trinkets to whoever wins each round. Then have lightning the miles go by. rounds or finals for extra-special awards. kids.

Can-Do Cards

Don’t underestimate the power of a deck of cards. It presents endless possibilities for all ages and can provide hours of entertainment and concentration. If your kids are sick of the standard Go Fish, Crazy Eights, and Rummy games, buy — or borrow from your local library — a kids’ card games book for new ideas. Or buy a deck of quiz or trivia cards to keep their brains busy.

Contest Craze

Hold an official family spelling bee or trivia contest using index cards to write down words or questions. Winners can earn trinkets, stickers, activity or coloring books, trading cards, food treats, money (the younger the child, the smaller the amount), or extra minutes of hotel pool time or stay-up-late time.

Journal Jotting

Buy cheap but sturdy journals (or use plain notebooks or create your own from construction paper, hole puncher, and yarn) and have kids write down and describe what they see along the way. Have them collect something small (a stone, a seashell, a flower, etc.) or buy a super-small trinket from rest stops (buttons, stickers, postcards, etc.) to glue into their journal, describing each stop and each location or landmark they pass. Bring along a stack of old magazines and have kids cut out and paste pictures into their journals to illustrate some of what they’ve seen (cows, fire trucks, palm trees, deer, cars, etc.). Give each kid a disposable camera to capture their own memories and keep the pictures in their personal road-trip journals. CONTINUE TO PAGE 45

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living |HOME Make It Magnetic

or plastic harmonica for every family member for added accompaniment.

Tales Aplenty

Bring a few of your kids’ favorite books — or those they’ve Stock up on a few super-cheap magnetic games been wanting to read — both in the printed versions and on (like tic-tac-toe, checkers, etc.) at the local dollar tape/CD. You can listen to the story as the kids read along. store or at gift shops along the way. If you’d rather not spend the money, visit the library to check out copies of the books and tapes/CDs before you go. Or just Map Quest bring the books and take turns reading the stories out loud Bring a large map (or smaller map book that (making sure to use your best character voices, of course). little hands can better handle) just for the kids. Have them use stickers and highlighters to mark Team Storytelling each road you take on your journey. Ask each family member to create a line for a story (e.g.,”There once was a boy name Hugh...”), then have everyone add a line Road Trip Box to the Rescue until you’re all stumped (“who lived in the town’s biggest zoo” Find a sturdy cardboard box or hat box (one for ... “he often had nothing to do” ... “so he decided to make an each child) and paint the top with chalkboard igloo” ... “with a big polar bear named Sue”...). paint (black or green). Stock the box with tons of handy-dandy arts and crafts items and playthings: To make things really interesting, go as fast as you can, rhyme chalk, chalkboard eraser, washable markers, as much as possible, and take turns out of order (pointing to crayons, pocket-sized coloring books, someone new each time). Write down the colored pencils, scrap paper, mini dry story as you go, then have kids create erase board, dry erase marker and drawings to coordinate with your cloth eraser, construction paper, silly tale. When you’re done, you’ll stickers, stencils, colored pipe have your own custom-made cleaners, Popsicle sticks, family story. tape, colored tape, mini pom-poms, child-safe Window Gallery scissors, hole puncher, Use washable window yarn, and small dolls or markers to make colorful action figures. creations that even passersby can enjoy, or to Long road trips are a play endless, paper-free great time to put kids’ games like tic-tac-toe and imaginations to the hangman. Keep a cotton test to create puppets, cloth or dust rag handy so masks, journals, and kids can keep the window more. fun going throughout the trip — just make sure the driver’s Silence Is Golden view isn’t blocked! When all else fails, use the standby game “See Who Can Be Wordplay the Quietest.” After hours of singing Have kids write down various words they and crafting, your little ones just might see as you drive along (from billboards, bumper appreciate the challenge of not saying a peep. stickers, roadside attractions and stores, license plates, signs, Make prizes worth their while, with incentives the sides of trucks, etc.). Ask them to write a story, poem, or such as money (quarters, a dollar), gift-shop song grouping all of the words they see together. Have them trinkets or games, and a few extra minutes read, perform, or sing their creation for everyone when they’re at the hotel pool or staying up a few minutes done. longer that night. A little creativity and planning can cut down on the fighting and Sing, Sing a Song fussing and leave fond family memories of your time together Bone up on sing-along songs. Or buy or make — on the road and off. a tape or CD of “round” songs (like “Row, Row, ©1995-2012. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Row Your Boat,” “Three Blind Mice,” etc.) or singReprinted with permission along/participation songs (“Old MacDonald,” “B-I-N-G-O”) that will get everyone — even the most tone-deaf — involved. Buy a kazoo 44 For All Ages! | Florida Creative Living May - June 2012

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Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

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Family or

Work?

Tips to Help Balance Career and Family

hether you are male or female, a mom or a dad, balancing career and family can be really difficult. When you’re a woman, though, the choices you have to make seem especially difficult and the responsibilities all the more great. For some reason, women are guilt-ridden with their career decisions and the choices they make about working while trying to raise their children, providing nutritious meals for their family, keeping a respectable house and keeping their husbands happy. Last on the list, of course, is finding some time for themselves. So how does a woman find time to actually feel happy with her daily activities while keeping up with all of the responsibility?

First, take time to smell the roses! Literally, you can take time to smell the roses but you can actually do this with no flowers in sight. Every day, try tolook around and appreciate what you have, taking in the sounds of your child’s laughter, the wag of your dog’s tail, the special glance of your husband as you tell a funny joke. Sometimes, the knowledge 46

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of what you have on your plate for the day will feel overwhelming, but a little perspective goes a long way. It may be a cliché and a very tired phrase, but it truly does work. People tend to get lost in the mundane, day-to-day “functioning” instead of really living their lives. For example, next time you are worried about fitting in your exercise with your child’s play date at Little Gym, forego the Little Gym and head out with your son or daughter for a run. Strap the little one in the jog stroller or if he or she is old enough, ask them to put on the running shoes with Mommy and head outside! Once outside, you can literally stop to smell the roses. Just a few minutes of gratitude a day will work wonders for your soul and automatically make your life feel more balanced. Along these same lines, try and give yourself some “me” time once a week. Once a week may not seem like much, but if you really allow yourself to soak it in and enjoy the time spent, it will make the stress of all of the rest of the hectic days melt away. Take a good block of time on a Saturday or Sunday - 2 hours, maybe - and mark this time in your calendar in pen, not pencil. Keep a standing appointment with yourself, and honor it as you would any other. Think you are too busy on a weekend to do this? You will feel much more productive the rest of the weekend allowing yourself this little refresher’, rather than trying to cram some time in on a random Tuesday or other weeknight. For this special time, you can book a massage or a facial at your favorite spa. Take a couple of hours to go window shopping at your favorites stores, by yourself or with a friend. Take in a matinee with a couple of girlfriends. If your husband is willing to fly solo on a Saturday night, you can even book a girls’ night out once in a while

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and truly let loose! Even if your budget doesn’t allow for these activities once a week, you can lock yourself in the bathroom with a good book, a bubble bath and a nice glass of wine and feel good about your time alone - you deserve some! Probably the most obvious way to balance career and family is to incorporate your family into what would otherwise be “work time”. If you have a short commute to work, for example, perhaps you can drive your kids to school each morning instead of having them take the bus. In the alternative, you could have your morning cup of coffee at the bus stop with them and spend a few minutes chatting about their day and what they plan to learn in school as you sip your cup of Joe and breathe in the morning air to mentally prepare for your own day ahead. If you normally exercise in the morning and leave the house very early, switch your workout time to lunch and leave the office to

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Adult Living |HOME go to the gym, eating at your desk when you get back. You will have more time with your family each day and get a healthy break from your pile of papers to boot. You may need to get a little creative with your schedule, but there are definitely ways to help balance career and family. Sometimes an extra few minutes each day or a onceweekly good block of time can go a long way in helping restore your peace of mind and help you feel less harried. About the Author Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about women’s health and career topics, similar to what consumers read in Women’s Health

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Adult Living |HEALTH

Adult Dyslexia: Working With It

dult dyslexia is a condition, not a life- also suffer from low self-esteem. When diagnosed correctly, though, threatening illness. It is time to put things dyslexics prove to be intelligent and shine in creative activities. in perspective because it becomes more crippling when it’s not dealt Studying With Dyslexia with truthfully. College pupils who are dyslexic are common. Diagnosed with the condition, they’re provided with the help needed to cope with This isn’t a handicap of the intellect, even if you the demands of university life. There is no need, though, to send may have challenges in spelling and reading. It’s a dyslexic students to special schools that cater to persons afflicted condition of the neuroses that have to be properly with serious mental handicaps. diagnosed to get the necessary help at school or at work. With the grants available for dyslexic students, they are overcoming struggles and learning to cope and improve focus by utilizing If you have dyslexia, you can help yourself by changing techniques in note-taking and computers. the way you perceive the disorder in terms of your personal life, job, and dreams. Being aware The belief that dyslexics can’t finish college has been dispelled a of the condition from an informed standpoint renders hundred times by students like Albert Einstein, Pierre Curie, and it simpler for you to get help. George Patton. These people were gifted with dyslexia, excelled in their studies, and offered their outstanding contributions to the Dyslexia At Work world. Some common symptoms of adult dyslexia are these behaviors: How To Deal You can focus on your creative abilities if you are aware of your * Challenge in speech recognition struggles. This way, you become useful, routing your efforts * Challenge in following talks that are detailed elsewhere. * Abysmal reading comprehension * Numbers such as 69 and 96 are mixed up Explain that you’re capable of doing a good job, even if you learn in * Challenge in spelling a different way. At the office, make maximum use of the computer. * Memory is short-term or considerably poor Have it do the spelling and reading for you. * Concentration is poor It is a matter of being honest about the disorder with one’s self and Adult dyslexics who aren’t privy that they have the with others. For your co-workers and you, life will be a lot simpler. It disorder typically try to conceal their challenges for will be easier to deal with dyslexia, as well. fear of repercussions. They can come to terms with their condition, however, with the proper About the Author screening. Furthermore, the office can also provide Find out if you have adult dyslexia. The available online adult the required support to help dyslexics work. dyslexia test gives a comprehensive report of your disability. Visit The-Dyslexia-Center.com today for more information about the Calculating numbers, writing, and reading are a few dyslexia test and the advanced test for adult dyslexia. tasks that dyslexics attempt to steer clear of. They

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Adult Living |HEALTH

Are You Happy With Your Skin? Skincare Tips That’ll Make You Glow f you want to look great, then having great skin is a necessity. Diet and exercise play an important role when it comes to taking steps to improve the health of your skin beyond simply using good skin care products. Not only will it make you feel good about yourself, but the following steps also have many ancillary benefits when it comes to your health and happiness.

Dry Brush Exfoliation: This should be done in the morning prior to going in the shower. This gets ride of excess dead skin, thus allowing your skin to detox. This will also help with blood circulation and decreases any puffiness. While this is a great way to improve your skin condition it also provides a calming affect through the gentle pressure, which stimulates the nervous system. With the help of a bristle brush you can be on your way to a dry brush exfoliation once a day in no time.

know that this will make their skin glow, but few know how to realistically eat their RDA of fibre every day. Here’s some tips to make sure you manage: 1. Brown is better than white. Pasta and bread both have up to ten times as much fibre in them when you opt for brown rather than white. This is an easy dietary change for most people, so at least give it a try and see if you can make the shift. 2. Eat apples, and lots of them! Apples are sweet and tasty. More importantly their skins are jam packed with fibre. Try to eat a couple of apples a day as a contribution towards your 5 fruit and vegetables. Get exercise: If you fail to get exercise then you’ll notice your muscle tone turning to flab. This has been said to lead to cellulite, acne and bloating. None of which will do your complexion any favours! That’s why you have to consider incorporating an exercise plan into your lifestyle. This shouldn’t be a chore, and is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Sugar: Sugar may be sweet, but it doesn’t do your skin any favours. This is said to be one of the major causes of ageing in the skin. You can easily tackle this problem through ensuring your not having any more sugar in your diet than you have to. This means that a sprinkle of sugar on your cereal shouldn’t be an option. When it comes to Hydration: This causes your digestion to tea and coffee, it’s easy to gradually reduce whether or not you take slow down and in turn leaves your body sugar. If you currently take 2 spoonfuls, come down to zero half a filled with impurities for longer than it spoonful at a time. should. You should try to drink 4 litres of water per day, at least. In order to make sure you meet this target have a bottle About the Author of water with you at all times throughout the day and you will find it’s easy to get Jesse Witham writes articles on Men personal care accessories. through this amount without thinking Please visit Anthony Logistics for high quality skin care products and about it. Don’t like drinking plain water? gifts for men! Consider adding flavoring to your water. Fibre: Fibre will improve your diet and your skin at the same time. Most people May - June 2012

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Say ” u o Y k n a h “T Living with an Attitude of Gratitude reating an attitude of gratitude is one of the easiest steps we can take to improve our lives. The happiness that we create for ourselves by showing our appreciation has farreaching effects, both for ourselves and for those we come into contact with. The potential for gratitude to spread beyond those people also increases significantly – it can be highly contagious. There are so many different ways that we can express an attitude of gratitude.

Here are just a few: Say “thank you”. This is the most basic and well-known way to show appreciation to others. Saying “thank you” is a great way to express your gratitude and can be done in several different forms. You can say it in person, over the phone, in a note, or in an email. Using this when it’s least expected can have significant results in lifting someone’s spirits. For example, a quick note to your child’s teacher thanking her for her hard work and patience might give her the boost of energy that she needs right when she needs it most. You may never know what effect this has had on her, but it will have an effect. Stop complaining about your life. Even as tough as life can be sometimes, remember that there is always someone that has things worse than you do. Constant complaining about what is wrong in your life will keep you focused on that. The opposite is true as well – focusing on what is right in your

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life will keep you focused on that. Focusing on the negative will bring you down while focusing on the positive will lift you up. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t have. This is very closely related to not complaining about your life. Being grateful for what you do have keeps you in a positive place, whereas focusing on what you don’t have keeps you in a negative place. Focusing on what you do have, regardless of how little or how much that may be, is a great expression of gratitude. Model your attitude. Modeling your attitude of gratitude is a great way to spread it to others. We’ve all heard the Golden Rule to “treat others the way you want to be treated”. Showing your appreciation to others shows them that you like to be treated this way too. An attitude of gratitude can be quite infectious! Be satisfied with simple things and be mindful of little things. Being grateful for the little things in our lives is just as important (if not, more so) than being grateful for the big things. Our lives are filled with little things every day that we can be grateful for. What about that front row parking spot you found when you were running late? Or the beautiful weather outside? How about the store clerk that went out of her way to help you? This may take a little practice, but there are many little things throughout the day that we can be grateful for if we take the time to notice them. Give to someone else. This is the best way to spread your gratitude of attitude. There are so many different ways to give to someone else. You could volunteer your time to help those less fortunate or give you time to children by mentoring them. The possibilities are endless but could make a huge difference in someone’s life without you evening knowing it. If they in turn give to someone else, the cycle could continue without end. Keep a gratitude journal. Let’s just be honest here: there are some days when it is hard to find anything to be grateful for. Keeping a gratitude journal can help with that. There are preprinted journals so you can just fill in the blanks or you can make your own. The important thing is to find at least 5 things each day to be grateful for, no matter how big or small those

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things are. A gratitude journal can serve two purposes: it will help you stop and remember what you are grateful for or it can serve as inspiration on days when you find it difficult to find anything to be grateful for by reading over past days. Practice random acts of kindness. This can be one of the most fun and rewarding ways to live a life of gratitude, especially when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done anonymously. Surprise someone with something unexpected. You may never know what it meant to them but it will likely make their day. Try putting a note in your

childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunch or bringing treats to the office to share. Even a small gesture can mean so much to someone. Living a life of gratitude is one of the easiest ways to live a happier life. It takes very little effort to show someone you appreciate them but will mean so much to them. There are so many ways to make gratitude a part of our life and to spread that attitude to others. Make today the day you start living a life of gratitude and spread your light to the rest of the world!

Adult Living |HEALTH About the Author April Mims is a life and career coach specializing in work/life balance issues and life and career transitions. Her coaching practice is Nexus Coaching Partners. She is passionate about empowering clients to balance the demands of a successful career and a strong family life.

Adult Living |SPORTS

Beat the Summer Heat Staying Hydrated While Running nce again, summer is creeping up on us with hot and humid days in the future forecast. The summer of 2012 is expected to be another very warm summer with numerous days above 30 degrees.

typically occurs from 1:00 pm to 4 pm. heat. It is known that all events do If possible run before the sun rises, or have water/Gatorade stations, so take run once the sun has set. advantage of this. Also, to replenish your carbohydrates, Energy gels/blocks are the +Try to avoid coffee, or any other most popular method of consumption. caffeine related products. The main Many popular brands are leading edge concern for runners with caffeine is with their nutritional components that the fact that it is a natural diuretic will help you reach the finish line Avid runners must be aware of certain which could lead to dehydration. quicker and safer. factors that may negatively affect their health and their performance while +If you a preparing for an event or Best of luck in your running for the running in the summer months. The a long run, drink the required 6-8 summer of 2012, train hard and dream following points are factors to always glasses or water per day, for at least 5 big. Eventually dreams do become a part consider while running in the summer days leading up to the event. This will of our reality. months: ensure that you are properly hydrated for when the event takes place. Since About the Author +Proper Clothing will allow your body to the average body is made up of 70% Melissa is co-owner of an online breath. It is important to remember that water, next to air it is the most vital community selling nutritional products specially designed clothing for summer substance that we need for survival. specifically to runners. Melissa is very is necessary and will enable you to passionate about running and competes run long distances. Try to find clothing +During the event, ensure that you in various long distance races for local that includes a polyester and spandex consume enough water or energy charities. combination. related products to keep your body +Avoid running at UV peak times. This hydrated while in the summer

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | CROSSWORD & SUDOKU FUN

Across

Crossword Puzzle

1. Destiny 5. Female horse 9. Molar 14. Gemstone 15. Highly excited 16. Relating to sound 17. Part of the neck 18. Deep loud noise 19. Move furtively 20. Three-legged stand 22. Skilful in movement 24. Change location 26. Cut in three 31. Religious doctrine 33. Relating to the eye 34. Subsequently 37. Become known 39. Animal foot 40. Formal association 41. Spanish title 42. Chief 45. Branch of knowledge 47. Agreement 48. Specific anesthetic 50. Flow of water in the same direction as the wind 52. Worked hard 55. Bluish shade of green 57. Shrub 59. Length of sawn wood 63. Lather 65. Small restaurant 66. Spooky 67. Boundary 68. Notion 69. Entice 70. Facial expression 71. Limited period of time

Down

1. Typeface 2. Separate 3. Nocturnal ungulate 4. Raise 5. Arboreal mustelid 6. In the past 7. Highway 8. White heron 9. Plan of action 10. Belonging to us 11. Lyric poem 12. Draw 13. Jump lightly 21. At any time

23. Fern leaf 25. Lull 27. Take a little at a time 28. Leave or strike out 29. Religious song 30. Tendency 32. Test 34. Offend 35. Travesty 36. Two times 38. Distribute 40. Lightheaded 43. Negation of a word 44. Field game

45. Impartial 46. Illegal 49. Metallic element 51. Tripod 53. Elude 54. Postpone 56. Connecting point of several lines 58. Side 59. Domestic companion 60. Sheltered side 61. Limb 62. Pinch 64. Historic period

View our next issue for the correct answers to this Crossword puzzle. 52

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Sudoku

Adult Living | CROSSWORD & SUDOKU FUN A sudoku puzzle is a logic puzzle which is solved using logic and reasoning. Though the number of squares in the grid may vary, a standard Sudoku puzzle is a 9x9 grid divided into nine 3x3 blocks in which some of the numbers are given. The object of the puzzle is to fill in the rest of the grid using only the numbers 1 through 9 so that no number repeats in any block, row or column. The difficulty is determined by how many and which numbers are given and where they are placed in the grid and can range from very easy to extremely challenging. Though sudoku puzzles generally use numbers as symbols, no mathematical skills are required to solve the puzzle. View our next issue for the correct answers to this Sudoku puzzle.

Answer Guide

March - April Issue

Crossword Puzzle

Sudoku

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living | ARTIST CORNER Sheree Rensel

Sheree Rensel

Artwork Title: Alive Size: 24” X 24” Price: $450

Artwork Title: Calm Size: 24” X 24” Price: $450

To purchase, please visit: http://www.wizzlewolf.com/ 2000.html

Sheree Rensel

Artwork Title: Free Size: 24” X 24” Price: $450

Artwork Title: RaduabtSize: 24” X 24” Price: $450

Location: St. Pete., Florida

Location: St. Pete, Florida

To purchase, please visit: http://www.wizzlewolf.com/ 2000.html

Sheree Rensel

Charles Marton

Artwork Title: Thankful Size: 24” X 24” Price: $450

Artwork Title: Butterflies Price: $15

Location: Gulfport, Florida

Location: St. Pete., Florida

To purchase, please visit: http://www.wizzlewolf.com/ 2000.html

To purchase, please visit: http://www.zazzle.com/ butterflies_horizontal_ mug-168318472425751880

Sessie Welzien Location: Key West, FL

Sessie Welzien

Artwork Title: Square Coin Purses Price: $12

Artwork Title: Round Coin Purses Price: $15

Contact: Sessie by email at sewfast321@aol.com to purchase your customized purse.

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

Location: Key West, FL

May - June 2012

Adult Living | ARTIST CORNER Sessie Welzien Location: Key West, FL

Sessie Welzien

Artwork Title: Purses Price: $20

Artwork Title: Purses Price: $40

Contact: Sessie by email at sewfast321@aol.com to purchase your customized purse.

Abigail White

Artwork Title: Yellow Habitat Home Large Giclee size 26x39 Price: $500.00 Small Giclee 12” x18” Price: $149.00

Artwork Title: Purple Habitat Home Large Giclee size 26x39 Price: $500.00 Small Giclee 12” x18” Price: $149.00

View more sizes and prices at www.ColorsOfWhite.com/prints

Location: Key West, FL

Abigail White Location: Key West, FL

Artwork Title: Habitat’s Bayside Landing Large Giclee size 26x39 Price: $500.00 Small Giclee 12” x18” Price: $149.00 View more sizes and prices at www.ColorsOfWhite.com/prints

Location: Key West, FL

Are you a Florida Artist that has paintings, drawings, photography, pottery, etc to sell? Want to become famous? Have your informati on listed and include your picture of your art work for a low fee of $20.

All proceeds from Abigail White prints, benefit Habitat for Humanity of Key West & Lower FL Keys. Please contact opsdirector@habitatlowerkeys.org to order.

Attention band members, are you having a hard time finding gigs? Would you like to be listed for $20? Have a sound recording of your music? The $20 it includes one of your songs and your band informati on. Listi ngs are grouped by genres. Let Florida Creati ve Living give you that exposure to have your phone ring!

Adult Living |BAND DIRECTORY Tampa’s Arlington Road Band Classic Rock & Roll Blues Country Location: Land O’ Lakes, FL Manager: Chuck Johnson Email: branchwoodvideo@hotmail.com

Phone: 813.948.6814

Adult Living | BUSINESS DIRECTORY Apopka, Florida Divine Wellness, LLC Apopka, FL

Health and Wellness

www.divinewellness4u.com www.facebook.com/ DivineWellnessLLC

Bradenton, Florida Bankers Life & Casualty Company

Saint Pete., Florida

Lutz, Florida Gulash Graphics Lutz, FL Design Firm

O: 813.994.5110 C: 813.458.1098

The Pier Aquarium

St. Pete., FL Non-Profit Organization

O: 727.803.9799 ext. 207 www.pieraquarium.org

www.gulashgraphics.com

Motorhead Mobile Mechanic Lutz, FL Mechanic

O: 813.458.0334

www.motorheadmechanic.com

Wizzle Workz St. Pete., FL

Artist

www.wizzlewolf.com YouTube: wizzlewolf

Bradenton, FL Insurance

O: 941.730.8243

MJ Real Estate

Lutz, FL Real Estate Agency

Brooksville, Florida Historic Shed

Brooksville, FL Design Firm

O: 813.333.2249 www.historicshed.com

Sarasota, Florida

O: 813.948.6814 C: 813.376.8646

gatica6@hotmail.com

Software Architecture Symposiums International Lutz, FL Computers/Technology

Sarasota Pops Orchestra Sarasota, FL

Band

www.sarasotapops.org YouTube: sarasotapops

O: 813.690.9739

www.asaicentral.com

Tampa, Florida Dade City, Florida

Myakka, Florida

The Florida Pioneer Museum

Backyward Getaway

O: 352.567.0262

www.backyardgetaway.net

Dade City, FL Museum

www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org

Land O’ Lakes, Florida

Myakka, FL

Landscaping

O: 941.752.7663

Orlando, Florida

Sweet Whimsy

Minnow Wear

O: 813.244.3582 www.oursweetwhimsy.com

O: 407.468.2095

Land O’ Lakes, FL Custom Pendants

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

Orlando, FL

Clothing

www.minnowwear.com

May - June 2012

Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies Tampa, FL

Bakery

O: 813.477.4247 www.gluten-free-goodies.com

Wellington, Florida W4CY Radio

Wellington, FL Internet Radio

O: 561.506.4031 www.w4cy.com

Adult Living | Chef’s Delight Recipe provided by: Jean Morgan Tastefully Simple Team Manager 571-277-0221, jmorganva4@yahoo.com www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jmorgan1 Ingredients 1/4 cup Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix 1/4 cup olive oil 3 Tbsp. water 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives Zest and juice of 1 lemon 6 (4 oz.) white fish fillets Festa cheese for garnish Instructions 1. Serve it tonight: Combine all ingredients except fish and feta cheese in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Place fish in a greased baking dish; pour pesto mixture over fish. Roast at 450 degrees for 7-8 minutes or until fish flaskes easily. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese. Makes 6 servings. 2. Serve it later: Place marinade and fish in a large resealable bag. Freeze until ready to serve. Thaw completely; prepare as directed above. Sides: Sliced cucumbers sprinkled with Seasoned Salt.

By Lisa Ek

Florida Based Businesses

Adult Living | COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

is hosting a month long celebration in July. Come party with Them!!

July 1-14 Auction to benefit Majical Miniatures July 15-31 FBB Sponsor giveaway* Majical Miniatures is a wildlife/barnyard animal rescue and rehabilitation center. There goal is to keep the animals spirits “wild” always with intentions to release back into the wild. Those who can not be released are life long educators at Majical Miniatures. Backyard Getaway has agreed to not only donated their expertise but also their valuable time to build a pond in this education center. All we need now is the funding. This is where you come in. We are looking and for some great FBB who would be willing to donate products and services to our auction for such a worthy cause. To learn more on how you can help, please visit www.florida-based-businesses.com/christmas-in-july.html May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Adult Living | TECHNOLOGY

The Technology Of TOMORROW

Needlepoint Woes Resolved An encore to the Big Eye Needle is this neat idea called the Easy Needle. Unlike the Big Eye, which had an expanding loop eye, the Easy Needle has a minor slit in the eye to allow the thread to slide in comfortably. I know many use magnifying glasses to thread the needle, but if Easy Needle doesn’t interfere with the quality of my stitch, I’d be willing to give it a try.

Designers: Du Rui, Zhou Hongjie, Liu Yan & Tao Linkai

Prosthesis of the Future To ensure the most accurate and comfortable fit, the Active Leg prosthetic concept uses structural sheet metal with programmable deformation zones and an internal layer for pressure and temperature measurements. Sound a little complicated? Just wait… it also includes a neurocircuit sensor that sends and receives info to and from the brain to control electro-active polymers (sort of like a fauxmuscle). Pretty cool (even though we might have to wait until the year 2050!).

Designer: Jorge Rui Machado F. Silva

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

Adult Living |TECHNOLOGY

The Ultimate Green Hotel The Urban Hotel is a very well thought-out solar-powered ‘green’ hotel. It features rainwater recycling system and a bicycle in each room, to help visitors explore the city. Now the cool thing here is that there is a specific slot in the room to place the bike and you can use it as an exercise cycle. Stored kinetic energy from it gets converted to electricity and helps power small gadgets and lights. If you get enthusiastic enough, for all you know, you could end up renting the room for free! Apparently all your pedaled miles get converted to energy savings and can be redeemed against the room rent. Sweet! Designers: Lo Li-Te, Tai-Yen Lee, Cheng-Yu, Tsai Zong-Huei & Hsu Song-Jung Chen

Ring-Wall Mounted Fruit Holder

Hang your fruit on the wall. “The Ring” is an unusual fruit bowl made of porcelain. It is not placed on a dining table or on kitchen unit but hangs on the wall. The concept is between art and design. It is to be hang on the wall, like a decorative piece of art, a modern version of still life fruit paintings. Yet, as a fruit bowl, the ring is a useful design object, shape and openings are a new and interesting unit for a fruit bowl. The fruit is put into the opening at the top and can be taken out at the bottom. At both sides opening are located to show the amount of remaining fruit. Due to its perviousness to air and its eco-friendliness, porcelain is particularly suitable as a fruit bowl. In small kitchen, space is precious on table, but walls are often left bare. So the ring, decorative design, hang on the wall, make it easier to plan your space. Designer: Joung Myung Lee

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Photo Provided by Richard K. Riley

Pioneer Florida Museum | Dade City, Florida Adult Living | ENTERTAINMENT

View pg 62 for Pioneer Florida Museum ad.

Contact: Barbara Russ| Phone: 352.567.0262 | Website: www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org

rive up Hwy 301 just north of Dade City, turn at the little covered wagon, and between the train track and the pasture you’ll find the 16 acres that make up Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. The main seven acres of historic buildings and exhibits are a surprise to most visitors: surprised to find us and surprised at the vast collection of “old stuff”. There is something for everyone - dolls , trains, tractors, quilts, beaded purses, moonshine still (not operative - if we could sell samples we wouldn’t have to charge admission!). Join us for a lovely outdoors afternoon or come for one of the special events held almost monthly from fall to spring. Up next is a Hummingbird Festival on May 19th. Look quick or you’ll miss them! During the summer we’ll be sprucing up displays and the gardens, getting ready for the fall Labor Day Pioneer event filled with old-fashioned fun. October will bring a blue-grey re-enactment

reprising an incident in nearby Chipco. Those coming to the November artifact show also enjoy the Museum’s collection of fossils from this area. January brings the “Raising Cane” syrup tasting with samples from all over the state and cane grinding with Molly the mule down at the mill. The February quilt show features the travelling Hoffman collection as well as local quilters. In March the train show showcases an exciting collection of model train layouts, railroad memorabilia and hobby shop vendors sure to delight all train enthusiasts. The Florida Old Time Music Championship returns in April with banjos and fiddling into the night. Come to the Museum between events to really see what’s here. During the year, the Museum’s 1913 Porter 10 wheeler steam engine, once by the Cummer Cypress Company to haul cypress from the swamps, is on display and enjoyed by all who want to “be an engineer”. The outdoor

classroom area with its moss-drying fence and kitchen garden harkens back to an earlier time. The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village is filled with exhibits and artifacts from a bygone era sure to spark the interest of all. The museum’s historic buildings include the Lacoochee oneroom school house, the Overstreet 1860’s farm house, the 1950’s CC Smith General store and the 1910 Blanton Packing House. The main building is filled with examples of pioneer life and beyond with a quilt room, back porch and the renowned First Ladies of Florida Doll Collection. See you soon! The Pioneer Florida Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Florida’s pioneer heritage. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. General admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for students ages 6-18, children 5 and under are free. The museum is located one mile north of downtown Dade City, off US 301 at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road 33523. For more information, call the Museum at (352) 567-0262 or visit our website pioneerfloridamuseum.org

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!

For All Ages! |

Florida Creative Living

May - June 2012

Adult Living | VA Memoirs

by Chuck Johnson .. U.S.Army/ MSG (Ret)

hen I was asked to write this column about the military this month I was somewhat lost in picking an appropriate subject. While all of us, men and women alike have shared the unique experience of serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, we all have certain portions of that part of our life we can remember vividly. Also while we all have experience some bad times during this period of military service, we also had good times, some more then others. I thought it would be interesting to remember some of the good times or experiences which make us laugh at how we struggled through those certain times.

The Good and Bad Times

titled ‘RA”, which stood for Regular Army. If you were drafted you were a ‘U.S.’ and if you were a reservist coming in for your six months you were an ‘R.F.A.’. Oh how those titles were a means of the Drill Sergeant making you do unsavory tasks like twelve hour shifts in a 24 hour a day mess hall. Of course now they call them’ dining facilities. Do a week of 12 on 12 off in a dining facility and you will quickly remember that civilian life was not so bad after all. I remember when I was instructed to climb aboard a plane which took 30 of us to Ft Benning, Georgia, ‘Home of the Infantry’ and land of red dirt, the 60 foot parachute training towers, Sand Hill and hot temperatures. My Drill Sergeant was from Tennessee and most likely has passed on by now, however I wish I had looked him up later and thanked him for making me into a decent soldier, how to listen, follow orders, be respectful and never give up. His idea’s on leadership were right on. We could use him in Washington today. He used to tell everyone that ‘The Army was never meant to be a Democratic society and every task will not be easy-but you can do it’. I never forgot that. Being from New England he immediately informed me of his ‘ dislike for Yankees’ and we all feared him however much to his dismay we all graduated and I like to think we learned a lot from him. Over my 23 years of military service I was honored to serve with some truly great leaders and comrades. There is not enough space in this column to write about all the serious and humorous times I have experienced. I am sure that is the same with most veterans. What is true is that the military has provided our country with some very talented individuals and leaders. It has educated those who served and in my opinion made us a better country.

For myself I remember my first day at the reception station at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. The drill sergeants were less then compassionate. The barracks were not the modern air conditioned barracks of today but apparently left over from World War II. And as I chuckle about it now I recall thinking So lets remember the good times, the humorous times, the great men and women ‘what have I got myself into’. we served with. You each did your part. Thank You for that. And let us not forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in this country. How many of us remember securing that towel to the end of your bunk so the ‘C.Q.’(Charge of Quarters) would be able to tell who to wake up at four AM for kitchen police known as ‘K.P.’. Remember if you joined you were

May - June 2012 Florida Creative Living | For All Ages!