West Boynton

Insects are bugging us - big time!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:42:46 -0500

Do you have an empty flower pot in your yard? Is there any container that could fill with standing water around your property? Well, this is the time to walk around your property and to remove any places for mosquitoes to breed. Unfortunately, abandoned properties nearby and empty pools have become areas where mosquitoes have found incubators for their eggs. Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus and other diseases by transmitting them along with their nasty bites. Although spraying neighborhoods has begun, it is really up to us, the residents of Boynton Beach, to watch out for ourselves, too.

Senate Bill 1840 - Protecting Florida's health Act

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:31:45 -0500

A bipartisan Senate Bill 1840 "Protecting Florida's Health Act," by State Senator Deutch (D) and Senator Altman (R), was passed by the Legislature. It imposes a $1.00 surcharge per pack of cigarettes and an increased surcharge on all tobacco products. The purposes of this Bill include: 1) generating funds for Medicaid reimbursement rates 2) preventing youth from starting to smoke 3) Florida would no longer have the lowest tobacco tax in the U.S. More historic anti-smoking legislation hopes to save the lives of thousands of smokers and hopes to prevent countless new young people from ever starting. President Barack Obama admits to having a nicotine habit that he is trying to end, with difficulty. Finally the FDA will have authority to regulate the ingredients of tobacco products, including the addition of warning labels to cover 50% of the front and back of cigarette packs. In addition, this bill give the federal government the authority to regulate the sale and marketing of cigarettes and other tobacco products. The use of words, such as: "light," "low tar," and "mild," will be banned from cigarette packs and cartons and advertising. Philip Morris USA is the only cigarette manugacturing company, so far, that has supported fair tobacco regulations.

Lookout water, here I come!

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:07:24 -0500

It's really bathing suit time. I mean, everyone else is in the water or dipping their toes into the pool (which is finally warm). The pool aerobics class is so full, I have to go into the deep water - and I am NOT tall. Oh, I remember those cookies and birthday cakes and delicious rolls I ate this winter. Why do my hips have to remember them, too? So, it's bathing suit time and my friends have come out of their homes to socialize in the shallow end of the pool to talk about their upcoming trips. Visits to grandchildren and places far and wide are discussed, while walking or standing in the pool. My mom used to walk into the pool very slowly, in the shallow end, and splash water into the front of her bathing suit. I can't believe I do the same thing! I must be getting old - but, here I am in the water. Will you be putting on your suit and dipping into your community pool? Are you young? Do you have kids? A fun place to go is the new fountain splash area at Canyon Lakes. Enjoy watching the children try to catch the water spouts.

Palm Beach County Parks

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:15:41 -0500

We live in a wonderful area of Florida where there are so many outdoor activities for children of all ages. Have you been to Daggerwing Nature Center in Boca Raton? It is located at 11200 Park Access Road, 561 488-9953. There are boardwalks, nature trails and lots of birds and animals to see. Visit the Green Cay Nature Center at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, 561 966-7000. Enjoy the boardwalk and visit the exhibits inside. There is a lovely gift shop, too. Don't forget the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, W.Palm Beach 561 233-1400. During the summer there is lots to see and do. Call the numbers provided for hours and special events.

COWBRA news and June meeting date - June 17, 2009

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:37:56 -0500

Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) next meeting will be on Wed., June 17, 2009, 9:30 A.M. Majestic Isles. Located on the north side of Woolbright Rd.., just east of El Clair Ranch Rd.. Program: Area Agency for Aging Open to the public. No tickets or reservations required. Contact Eric Malkin at (561) 731-1765 for more information. Please bring non perishable food items to this meeting COWBRA is now an organization of 88 communities, which represents over 100,000 residents of West Boynton. COWBRA works closely with the West Boca Community Council and the Alliance of Delray Residential Association. COWBRA worked with Lake Worth communities to establish an organization similar to COWBRA, which has been recognized by PBC Commissioners as the Lake Worth Coalition.

Green Cay in the summertime

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:05:41 -0500

Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road, west of Boynton Beach between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. The wetlands are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Nature center hours are 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday; 8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Saturdays and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Sundays. On Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M., and on Saturdays at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. and 1:00 and 3:00 P.M., free guided half-mile tours are offered to visitors. There are no reservations required. For more information, call 561 966-7000. OR www.pbcparks.com/nature If you are looking for a lovely morning or afternoon walk with visiting relatives or if you need a destination to take your grandchildren, Green Cay Nature Center is a great refuge for the eyes and the soul. Bring your camera and your binoculars. There is a lot to see! The Nature Center has indoor exhibits, restrooms, and a lovely gift shop. Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable. Hint: The alligators are often found by taking the path to the LEFT of the Visitor's Center.

Safety Tips - from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 06:16:23 -0500

Driving Safety Tips: Keep your car in good running condition Be sure to have enough fuel to get to your destination, round-trip. Roll up the windows and lock all of your car doors, even if you are only parking in your driveway. Always keep your car keys in your hand, when approaching your parked car. Park in well-lit, busy locations and be especially alert in parking garages and at covered mall parking lots. "BUMP and ROB" has become popular in our area, recently. It works like this: A car, usually a driver and at least one passenger (sometimes children are inside car) rear-ends or bumps you in traffic. You quickly get out of your to assess the damage and to exchange information. One of the passengers or the driver jumps into your car and drives off. If you have car trouble, raise the hood of your car and turn on the emergency flashers. Stay inside your car and lock the doors. Call 911 on your cell phone. ALWAYS CARRY YOUR CELLPHONE! If you think you are being followed by another car, do NOT go home. Drive to the nearest police or sheriff's office.

Boynton Beach schools - nice, new and colorful

Wed, 27 May 2009 06:06:26 -0500

Boynton Beach schools - nice, new and colorful This year, several new school buildings were completed to accommodate the need for newer, updated facilities. In West Boynton, Sunset Palms Elementary School, at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Acme Dairy Road opened in August, 2008. Today, over 700 students and teachers enjoy the 123,000 square-foot technologically advanced building. The building has a Mediterranean look which is bright and light and very colorful, including beautiful murals. The old Hagen Ranch Road Elementary School, originally built in 1966 as a model "open classroom" school, has finally been demolished. In its place stands a beautiful new 129,656-square-foot, two-story school, sitting on 13 acres. This school can accommodate 889 students. Unfortunately, although the students and staff have been in the building for a complete school year, the grounds and fencing are still incomplete. Forest Park Elementary School, on SW Third Street underwent a $23 million modernization. The 40+ year-old school, on 11 acres has a new cafeteria, media center, administrative offices and classrooms. There is a new parking lot, bus loop, playgrounds and a covered pavilion for P.E. classes. This school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. Boynton Beach High School is an $8.9 million project built with students of the performing arts in mind. There are 23,000-square-feet added to the school that includes: lobby, green room, costume shop, recording studio, two dance studios and a chorus suite. Target and Bethesda Medical facilities. Forest Paark Elementary School, on SW Third Street underwent a $23 million modernization. The 40+ year-old school, on 11 acres has a new cafeteria, media center, administrative offices and classrooms. There is a new parking lot, bus loop, playgrounds and a covered pavilion for P.E. classes. This school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate program. Boynton Beach High School. This $8.9 million project was built with students of the performing arts in mind. There are 23,000-square-feet added to the school that includes: lobby, green room, costume shop, recording studio, two dance studios and a chorus suite.

Saving money - getting free stuff

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:33:07 -0500

Want to save money and get lots of free coupons? Do you want to print coupons at home and double values to save even more when you check out at the supermarket? Then log on to this site: nicolesnickels.blogspot.com/ Or, you can hear Nicole's Nickels on the radio on her weekly radio segment from the Jennifer & Danny Show on 97.9 WRMF. If you're local to the West Palm Beach, Florida area you can catch her live every Thursday morning between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Twinkies - an old treat - still around

Thu, 14 May 2009 03:39:07 -0500

A new book, Twinkie, Deconstructed, My Journey to Discover How the Ingredients Found in Processed Foods Are Grown, Mined (Yes, Mined), and Manipulated Into What America Eats. written by Steve Ettlinger (Hudson Street Press/Penguin), 2007, is a fascinating read. My husband, Abe, took a sandwich lunch to work every day for more than 20 years. In every paper bag, a Twinkie, Devil Dog, Yodel, or Drakes Cakes would always be included. In fact, his colleagues would remark, "If you want to find Abe, he's hiding behind his lunch bag." Why are these snack products so popular with adults and children? Well, they are sweet and they taste good! But, asks the author, Steve Ettlinger, what about those ingredients? What exactly is: mono and diglycerides or calcium sulfate or cellulose gum? This book has been called a "delightful romp through the food processing industry," by Publishers Weekly and "the latest in a recent boom of food investigation books," by The Wall Street Journal. This is a fun book; easy to read; well-written. So, if you want to know what Twinkies are made of, here are some of the ingredients: wheat flour, bleach, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, lecithin, eggs, cellulose gum, sodium acid pyrophosphate, monocalcium phosphate, polysorbate 60, calcium sulfate, sorbid acid, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and Red. No. 40. AND MORE.........too much more to list! All of these ingredients, he insists, are included to increase the shelf-life of the snacks. What ever happened to including an apple, banana, or home-made cookies into lunch boxes?

New Canyon Town Center Amphitheter

Wed, 06 May 2009 07:26:00 -0500

CANYON TOWN CENTER AMPHITHEATER From Florida's Turnpike, exit west at Boynton Beach Blvd. The Amphitheater is on the left in Canyon Town Center. That is the S.E. corner of Boynton Beach Blvd. and Lyons Road. GRAND OPENING & DEDICATION Sunday, May 17, 12:00 noon Featuring The Fabulons Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy affordable family entertainment at this outdoor amphitheater located at 8802 Boynton Beach Blvd. in the Canyon Town Center. A sampling of upcoming events to watch for... Concerts Karaoke Classic Car Shows Fall Festival - pumpkin patch & more Event Hotline: (561) 488-8069 GL Homes’ constructed the town center and also built the Canyon Town Center Amphitheater and adjacent soccer field for Palm Beach County. At the dedication GL Homes will hand over those properties to the County. Most of the new tenants of Canyon Town Center will be participating in the festivities, including: • Hot Dogs and soda provided by Publix • Kids safety fingerprinting provided by Bank of America • Panera Bread will be hosting a cookie decorating contest and food samples • Face painting http://www.co.palm-beach.fl.us/parks/amphitheaters/canyontowncenter

Swine Flu - facts from the C.D.C.

Sat, 02 May 2009 06:41:02 -0500

KEY FACTS ABOUT SWINE FLU from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention What is Swine Influenza? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930. How many swine flu viruses are there? Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. Can humans catch swine flu? Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient. How common is swine flu infection in humans? In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported. What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses. How does swine flu spread? Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu? In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine. In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection. How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed? To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing. What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans? There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there? Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1). Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses? No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses. Is there a vaccine for swine flu? Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses. Related Links

Floridian Baby Boomers Want to have fun

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 06:07:27 -0500

Baby Boomers Just Want to Have Fun There are thousands of Baby Boomers who live in senior communities in South Florida today. The majority of us are enjoying our senior years in adult communities where we golf, play tennis, swim, participate in aerobic and artistic activities and - in short - we're having the times of our lives! When my husband and I first moved here, our adult children would leave messages on our answering machine, "Mom, dad, where are you? We are worried about you. You're never at home!" Good, the shoe is on the other foot. We used to worry about them coming home late, too. Seniors are no longer as sedentary nor as frugal as in previous decades. We tend to eat out frequently and to enjoy cruises and daily bus trips to casinos or gambling ships. We are a new breed of consumers in our 60s, 70s and 80s who are willing to experiment with technology. (just visit the library computer area). Seniors are signing up for classes to continue their education. Read the ads for available classes in painting, ceramics, Yoga, Pilates, writing, and computers. Seniors want to keep our minds and bodies healthier, longer! We volunteer at schools to help students to learn to read and you can find us at hospitals, doing whatever needs to be done. Lots of advertising is geared towards taking our money, too. Haven't you received at least one invitation to a lunch at a fabulous restaurant, just for listening to a spiel about investing? How about the coupons for "early bird dinners" that attract us to eat more for our money? Have you ever seen so many ads before for creams and other products that will make us "look years younger"? Actually, we are probably the role models for banks and investments companies attempting to attract young couples to sock away their savings so that they, too, can live our senior lifestyles. Think about this, folks. Baby Boomers are unique. There will never be another group like us again.

Florida driver's license renewal - an experience

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:56:24 -0500

So, every ten years, the Florida DMV sends a notice (usually a postcard) to drivers whose licenses are about to expire. A list of necessary "proofs" must be provided, such as birth certificate and/or passport, Social Security card, utility bill, and, of course, your expiring driver's license. I showed up with everything. I decided it was time for a new photo, so here I was, in person. After arriving early for my scheduled appointment, I was treated to an amusing script of excuses by some people for why one or more of their required "proofs" were not available . In addition, their clothing, body ornaments, and hair accessories worn for the photo taken (to last 10 years) was nothing less than strange! This DMV morning could have been a comedy sketch on Saturday Night Live. Of course, on the day I was scheduled there wasn't enough ink in the photo machine for the photo to have the proper color balance. Then, the laminating apparatus was "off," so the finished product might or might not have a crinkle (mine didn't). Everything was resolved, and my license looks fine - even my photo! If you happen to be a germ-freak (like me) you would NOT have placed your face into the black eye-test screen area. "EWE!" I don't think any germ-proofing cleaner has ever touched that gizmo......however, I DO think there have been many runny noses, makeup, unshaven beards, etc. Need I continue?? To say the least, today was an unusual experience. I can't wait to see what's in store ten years from now, when I have to have my license renewed, again.

Cinnamon for your health

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 06:08:11 -0500

Cinnamon is an antioxidant-rich spice that has become the rage of The Super Foods Rx Diet, by Wendy Bazilian. Cinnamon boasts a rating of 6,956 ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), beating out even anti-oxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and cranberries, according to the USDA. A Study of the antioxidant capacities of 277 selected foods were released in November, 2007, by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists. The new database provides easy access to antioxidant values for a wide variety of foods, cinnamon having one of the highest ratings. It has also been suggested that cinnamon may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The database will be used by scientists to help guide current research into how antioxidants affect our nutritional health. For example, many fruits and vegetables are known to be good sources of antioxidant vitamins, such as E, C, and beta carotene, a form of vitamin A. But these natural foods also contain other compounds, collectively known as phytonutrients, that may also contribute to better health. Other healthy spice winners include cloves, oregano, turmeric, curry powder, ginger, thyme, paprika, rosemary, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin and chili powder.