BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas Ramping Up For National Marina Day August 9, 2008
BoatU.S. Cooperating
Marinas, which make boating more affordable by offering substantial
discounts on fuel, transient slips and repairs, are ramping up for
National Marina Day, Saturday, August 9, 2008.
BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of The United States) and its
885 BoatU.S. Cooperating Marinas are co-sponsors of this grass-roots
effort designed to bring local community attention to the valuable role
marinas play in providing access to our waterways.
National Marina Day was created by the Association of Marina Industries (AMI) to highlight the important role marinas play in their communities.
With activities slated for the whole family, Marina Day 2008 will focus on how marinas are family-friendly gateways to recreational boating. BBQs, music, raffles, charity fundraisers, beach clean-ups, regattas and boat safety demonstrations are all part of the festivities.
“Marinas are invaluable to the boating lifestyle and fulfill a critical need by providing waterway access and boating services,” said Jim Schofield, director of the BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina Program and 2008 Marina Day Committee Member. “This event gives us an opportunity to share with town leaders how a marina contributes economically and allows a community to enjoy the water,” he added.
For more information on National Marina Day, contact AMI at 202-737-9774, or visit the National Marina Day Web site at http://www.MarinaAssociation.org/nmd
BoatU.S. is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters and provides its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services. For membership information visit BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
July 15, 2008 Inshore
/ Offshore Fishing Report
Hot and humid as one Hurricane passes another
forms. I am keeping my fingers crossed as everybody else should that we
don’t receive any storm in our area. Hopefully Mother Nature will
cooperate and we continue to receive beautiful summer weather for our
local area.
The offshore fishing has provided great action for
anglers off Palm Beach. The Bonita schools continue to keep anglers rods
bent, whether or not they are targeting them. Live baits and trolled
lures work great along with dead baits drifted with the current. The
Kingfish continue to roam the shallow water in depths of 50 to 90 feet.
Anglers are using live baits for best results, as they drift blue
runners under a kite or free lined with the current. The average size of
the Kings has been 10 to 30 pounds.
Early bird anglers continue to catch Wahoo as they
high speed troll in depths of 175 to 300 feet. The Best baits have been
Yo Zuri Bonita plugs and Schneilander lures in dark color patterns. The
Wahoo have been ranging in size from 15 to 40 pounds.
Bottom fishing has been great for anglers as
offshore currents slowed. The Mutton Snapper and Mangrove Snapper
fishing is great on the shallow wrecks using dead baits dropped to the
bottom. Chunks of dead Bonita and dead sardines should produce many
strikes. There has also been Amberjacks roaming the wrecks looking for a
free meal. These fish tend to school up so once you find them hold on
tight they can pull drag.
Capt. Wess of Reel Intense charters reported
catching a 5 foot Tiger shark off the Palm Beach inlet Monday with his
client. The Tiger shark is rare catch for our area, and I am proud to
report the Shark was released with out any harm
The Inshore fishing has been full of action for
anglers targeting Snook. The Snook continue to gather in our inlets and
deep channels. Anglers have been reporting catches in the twenties with
many of the Snook averaging 5 to 25 pounds. Live baits dropped to the
bottom and jigs bounced off the bottom will get you hooked up.
The Tarpon action has been great on the beach and
inside the ICW for anglers looking to tango with the silver king. Look
for rolling fish and present a live bait or jig in the area were fish
are rolling. The Tarpon have ranged in size from 10 to 100 pounds.
Always remember to bow down while a Tarpon is jumping to avoid the break
offs and hooks pulling out.
The Docks and seawalls have provided great action for anglers using jigs and live baits. The Jacks, Snapper and a few Trout have been the main predators being caught. These fish have been ambushing bait schools as they look for shelter. Early morning and late afternoon has provided the best bite.
Well that is the report for the past week hope you
all enjoyed. Remember you can’t catch the from the couch so get out
there and get hooked up. Tight Lines! Capt. Craig Korczynski
PhlatsInshoreFishing.com, PalmBeachFishingGuides.com 561-644-4371
Tip Of the Week: The word is out and the battle is not over yet. Palm Beach County is at it again but now they are targeting the boating community. The county commissioners are trying to pass a $10 boat ramp fee for all Palm Beach County boat ramps. A hearing was held July 14th to pass the fee but was shot down. This is great but now the county is arranging to pass a yearly boat ramp fee for all boaters. Enough is enough. The boating community is already taxed enough and now that gas prices are outrageous many boaters can’t even afford to enjoy their weekend hobby. The whole point of a public ramp is to be enjoyed freely whenever we choose. We have already paid for the ramps with tax payers money, if this ramp fee is passed it’s a slap in the face to all boaters and shows that the county and all the county commissioners are more concerned with their pockets being filled.
How To Make Your Home Safer This Storm Season
(StatePoint) Wicked weather has been raging across the country this year, and storm and hurricane season now is upon us -- bringing with it threats to homes from highly destructive wind-borne debris.
Homeowners need to know what to do to prepare their houses and property from these dangerous forces of nature.
In addition to following some basic tips to safeguard their home's exteriors, many homeowners are installing storm shelters that are virtually impervious to extreme wind and flying debris.
"Most houses aren't tough enough to resist the destruction that hurricanes or tornadoes can dish out," says Chris Anderson, DuPont StormRoom Manager. "This is why storm shelters are being installed in record numbers - especially versatile structures that also can be used throughout the year for other purposes, such as a laundry room, closet or bathroom."
Increasingly popular among homeowners are extremely durable shelters, such as the DuPont StormRoom with Kevlar - an in-home shelter manufactured from the same lightweight material used for bullet-resistant vests worn by law enforcement and military personnel.
You can help make your entire home safer from the threats of hurricanes and other storms by following these safety tips from the experts at The National Hurricane Center, DuPont and the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
* Protect and secure the areas where wind can enter. This can be done by reinforcing five critical areas: doors, roof, straps (areas where your roof meets the top of stud walls), shutters or impact resistant windows and garage doors. To learn how to strengthen each of these, visit the National Hurricane Center's Web Site at www.nhc.noaa.gov and click on "Be Prepared" in the menu.
* To protect windows before a storm hits, install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in it so you can put it up quickly. Remember, tape does not prevent windows from breaking. If you are replacing old window or purchasing new windows consider upgrading to hurricane impact resistant windows so you can have 24/7 protection.
* Ensure your home's exterior siding is well-secured. Also consider dry flood-proofing your home and adding waterproof veneer to exterior walls.
* Consider building or installing a storm shelter. Many storm rooms, such as the DuPont StormRoom with Kevlar, can be equipped with electricity, radio and wireless reception. These extremely sturdy shelters can be specified into new home construction or be retrofitted to an existing residence.
* Trim trees and shrubs around your home to prevent limbs from becoming airborne missiles that could damage your house and belongings. Remove dead limbs and strategically remove branches so wind can blow through.
* Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
* Also consider these options: raise electrical system components, anchor fuel tanks, raise or flood-proof HVAC equipment and/or install sewer backflow valves.
* As soon as you are alerted to an oncoming hurricane, secure any outdoor objects that could damage your property if they get swept up in high winds - such as garbage cans, lawn furniture, hanging plants and outdoor decorations. Consider bringing these objects indoors.
For more information on protecting your home from hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather, visit www.stormroom.dupont.com.
"There are many steps you can take to protect your home and your family," said Anderson. "It all boils down to being prepared by arming yourself with good information and acting on it to secure your home before a storm hits."
Ten
Things Your Dog Wants You To Know
by Danielle Hollister
1 - My life will probably only last 7 to 14 years. It will hurt me more than you know if I have to be away from you for longer than a day or two.
2 - If you have patience with me and give me time to learn what you would like from me, I can promise you, you will never be disappointed.
3 - Trust me with your life and have faith in our future together. If I don't feel that you honestly believe in me, I will suffer great emotional stress. My sense of self-worth is totally dependent upon your confidence in me.
4 - Don't stay mad at me for long or confine me to a cage to punish me. You have your friends, your job, and your recreation. I HAVE ONLY YOU!
5 - Talk to me about anything you want as frequently as possible. Even if I can’t comprehend your precise words, I can understand the meaning of what you're telling me by the tone of your voice.
6 - Remember no matter how you treat me, I will NEVER forget it.
7 - When you consider raising your hand to hit me, remember I have teeth that could break the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8 - Before you scream at me for failing to respond to
your commands as I usually do, take time to think about what might be
wrong with me that would cause me to treat you differently. Maybe I
haven't been eating right or drinking enough water. Or maybe my age is
catching up with me and I just can’t do what I used to do.
9 - Take good care of me when I get old. Someday you will be as old as me and you will see how it feels.
10 - Be there for me through good times and bad. Never say you can't handle taking me to the vets for stitches or surgery. Nothing could make me feel worse. Everything in my life is easier for me to deal with when I have you standing by my side. Remember my love for you is unconditional and it will last for your entire life.
Palm
Beach Paintdancing to feature music of Bruce Springsteen Fri., July 18
Palm Beach Paintdancing will hold another event this Friday, July 18, at the Westwood Gardens Clubhouse, located at 5601 Golden Eagle Circle, in Palm Beach Gardens. The dance will feature the music of Bruce Springsteen this week, with live drumming.
The event will take place from 8 to 10:30 pm. Paint Dancing is a new craze created solely for the purpose of openly expressing yourself for fun in two different mediums. The group supplies the non-toxic paint, brushes and paper. All you need to bring is your dancing shoes (or flip-flops) and wear something you don’t mind getting paint on!
Donation is $12 per person, $5 per child, with all encouraged to bring a bag of potatoes to support the local food banks. To RSVP, call 449-1423; or go online at Paintdancing.com, under Palm Beach Paintdancing.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream and Other Dances at Eissey Theatre Fri., Aug. 1
Looking to see a spectacular mid summer show? Florida Classical Ballet Theatre will be presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream and Other Dances on Friday, August 1 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Eissey Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens.
The show's tale begins in the woods where nighttime brings the revels of the fairies.
Ticket prices are as follows: Center Orchestra $20; Side Orchestra $15 and Balcony $10. Senior discounts are $10 for side orchestra and $5 for balcony. Reserve tickets at www.fcbt.org or call 561.630.8235.
Florida Classical Ballet Theatre is committed to preserving the art of classical ballet; enriching our community with the beauty of ballet and impacting young lives through the discipline of dance.
Getting to Know You
Getzwet Swimwear
Hello, My Name Is Kathy Nelson, and I have been designing Swimwear apparel for over 20 years. 14 of them spent here on Singer Island, with my former husband.
After divorcing, I decided to open my own shop to serve my clients. My new location is 1283 East Blue Heron Blvd., Singer Island (next to the Singer Island Health & Fitness Center).
I originally began custom making swimwear in 1986 in British Columbia, Canada where I am originally from. Finding the perfect style and fit is made easy by my all female fitting staff, who are experienced to assist you and create a pleasant shopping experience at Getzwet Custom-Made Swimwear.
I specialize in hard to fit and plus size swimwear made with style and comfort in mind. I design a suit for each individual person according to their shape, size and support requirements.
“In Di’s Eyes”
Review of “Hancock”
Rate PG-13
Directed by Peter Berg
Starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
You got to
love Will Smith. He is now
the #1 box office star in the world.
He is the most bankable in
Smith is
Hancock, a scruffy, drunken, depressed and seemingly immoral superhero.
Yes, you heard me right a superhero that has been shunned by the
public because they have grown sick and tired of his unorthodox rescue
tactics.
I must
congratulate Director Peter Berg for giving the audience a dose of
ingenuity that even the most anticipated movies of the year couldn’t
deliver (“Indiana Jones”) “Hancock” is not your typical superhero and
there are times when it has a very somber and serious look to it.
The special effects were outstanding; maybe even the best in any
movie so far this year.
However, my only concern is that it is marketed to the wrong audience.
This is not your “Superman”, “Batman”, or “Green Hornet” movie.
It isn’t the light comedy fans will be expecting either.
But it is extremely entertaining and although the big movie
critics are not happy with it, everyone involved should be very proud
and VERY RICH because of this film.
“In Di’s
Eyes” go see this film but I think it should have been rated R so don’t
bring the little ones thinking it’s a kid’s flick.
It definitely isn’t.
How Seniors Can Beat The Heat
(SPM Wire) Enjoying the outdoors during the hot weather sometimes can be more harmful than entertaining -- especially for seniors.
Seniors are more susceptible to heatstroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related risks. With the onset of high temperatures, it is best to stay indoors and ignore those outdoor chores.
"Heat can be miserable for all ages, but potentially life threatening for older persons," according to Lois Aronstein, State Director, AARP New York.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to helping seniors sustain independence, is offering 10 helpful tips for fighting the heat this season.
* Ignore the chores. Relax, and put off any strenuous activity.
* Stay indoors especially during the hottest times of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
* Keep your house cool by closing the shades and blocking sunshine.
* Keep in mind that heat rises. If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lower-levels of your house when possible.
* Visit cool places around town. Check out the library or shopping mall, both entertaining and indoors.
* When you are outside, protect yourself from the sun. Stay in the shade. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and loose-fitting clothing.
* Keep your body cool by drinking plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. It will help keep you cool.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
* Take additional precautions if you have a chronic medical condition in order to prevent heat-related illness. Some conditions and medications place you at a higher risk for illness so talk to your doctor before you spend time in the sun.
* Be sure you can easily contact neighbors, family or friends in any instance.
By following these tips and being sensible during the warm weather months, you can take pleasure in the fresh outdoors and sunshine without the risk of heat-related illnesses.
How To
Tell If It's Time For Seniors To Stop Driving
(SPM Wire) When is it time to restrict a senior's driving or ask him or her to surrender the car keys completely?
It's a touchy subject for Baby Boomers and their aging parents. In fact, adult children would rather talk to their parents about funeral plans than about taking away their car keys, according to a new survey from Caring.com and the National Safety Council (NSC).
"Talking to an aging parent about driving is a very sensitive issue, but adult children need to have these conversations to avoid a dangerous situation for their loved ones and for society at large," said Andy Cohen, cofounder and CEO of Caring.com, a Web site for people who are caring for aging parents.
A clear understanding of a senior's driving abilities will make the uneasy task of discussing driving restrictions easier to approach. Before having any such conversations with an aging parent, it's important to first assess his or her driving aptitude.
With this in mind Caring.com and the NSC are offering these tips:
* Take several drives with your parent at the wheel, and observe his or her driving with an open mind.
* Notice if your parent is reluctant to drive.
* Watch for delayed reaction time.
* Notice his or her awareness of the driving environment.
* Inspect the car for signs of damage when your parent is not with you.
* Ask trusted friends and neighbors about your parent's driving.
When broaching the topic with seniors, you should always speak from a position of concern instead of ridicule, letting them know they have support.
While sensitive, the issue is particularly important and timely because the United States will experience substantial increases in the number of senior drivers over the next 20 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Indeed, the population of those over 75 is expected to grow from 18 million to 31 million between 2008 and 2028. And other than teenagers, drivers over age 65 have the highest accident rate. The increase in senior population -- paired with a high accident rate -- will result in up to 100,000 senior driving deaths by 2028.
"With our senior driving population growing, there will be more drivers over the age of 75, potentially causing serious safety issues on our roads," said John Kennedy, executive director of NSC Defensive Driving Programs. "As a nation, we must do more to promote mature driver safety through better education, self-evaluation tools, refresher driving courses, and more options for public transportation."
For more information on how to assess a senior's driving skills and how talk with him or her about driving issues, visit www.caring.com/driving.
Pet
sanctuary on the road to recovery
Community
still rallying behind Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary after March fire, yet
obstacles persist
Contributed by Michelle Gentile
The Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary
in Jupiter went up in flames overnight on March 14 this year. Jupiter
Police Department and Palm Beach County Firefighters were able to save
38 animals.
Three Jupiter police officers arrived on scene at 3:38 a.m. and witnessed billowing smoke coming from the building, located at Seagrape Square in Jupiter. Officers noticed the dogs trying to get out of the burning building and used batons to shatter the glass and let the animals free. They then formed a human chain to bring animals out one at a time to safety. Fourteen of the house cats perished and two dogs who looked like they’d have a similar fate were later resuscitated.
The word of the fire also spread and people from a multitude of counties came to the no-kill facility to see how they could help. People and businesses donated food, water, bedding, medicine and others adopted the some 40 dogs who had been misplaced.
Even though the smoke has cleared and the cry for help is a little more muffled, the need continues.
“With what’s happening in the economy and with people loosing their homes we have record numbers of people showing up with their animals,” said Kay-Lenette Roca, executive director. “It is really scary for us right now.”
The fire decimated portions of the shelter but no section more than the veterinary clinic. The cost of the fire was more than $470,000.
The 5,000 sq. ft. veterinary clinic is now down to 1,400 sq. ft. so the facility has more animals to treat with less room, said Roca. To add insult to injury the facility is having trouble claiming their “content insurance”.
“Our landlord has fought tooth-and-nail for us, but it’s the insurance company that is making it difficult to rebuild,” said Roca. “We have $168,000 coverage in content insurance and they are saying they will only pay for the four walls and the floor.”
She also went on to mention that 22 years ago the building was built to code, but now many of the codes have changed, which adds to the price of rebuilding.
With support from their staff, raising approximately $400,000, and new board members on the horizon, Safe Harbor sees a silver lining.
“We’ve had to merge the departments but it’s made us have to learn what the other is doing and come together as a family,” said Roca. “And our board members are really outstanding, who hopefully will guide us into the next year.”
Recently, Herb Baum, former CEO of Campbell’s Soup and Quakerstate Oil, has literally come to the rescue on the board as treasurer.
“He’s adopted over a half a dozen animals and I have faith he will really help us get back on track in terms budgeting,” said Roca. “He’s been around the world and he’s trying to help us grow. We still want to remain a mom and pop organization but in the future we want to be able to help more animals.”
On Saturday July 12 and Sunday July 13, BarryMore’s Restaurant hosted an inaugural golf tournament that benefited Safe Harbor and a silent auction raised $3,000. Guests also participated in a cocktail reception, dinner and raffle. The raffle and live auction items included rounds of golf at area golf courses, dinner certificates, spa packages and pet specialty items.
“We had 88 participants and it was great to see local community taking care of local community,” said Miguel Dotres, owner of Barrymore’s. “We look forward to doing another one next year and possibly another charity event in September.”
Four months from the disaster, Safe Harbor says they are struggling like all non-profit organizations, but they had no idea that the facility was so important to everyone.
On Saturday, June 7, there was a very special service on the beach at Carlin Park, where Safe Harbor paid tribute to the 14 cats that died in the fire. As a final closure to this tragic event that touched each and every one them, they released their ashes into the sea.
“We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of support, love, compassion it goes to show you can never underestimate the love people have for animals,” said Roca. “I am passionate about the animals here and this organization and that other people feel that way makes me feel so good I can’t put it into words.”
For more information, call Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary & Hospital at 561-747-5311.
After
the smoke clears, Safe Harbor back on track
THE COMMUNITY RALLYED TO SUPPORT
SAFE HARBOR ANIMAL SANCTUARY in the wake of their devastating fire on
March 14. The fire
decimated portions of the shelter but no section more than the
veterinary clinic. The cost of the fire was more than $470,000. The
5,000 sq. ft. veterinary clinic is now down to 1,400 sq. ft., so the
facility has more animals to treat with less room. Andrea Harrison
(right) is holding Misty out back during the fire, behind police lines.
Andrea is a veterinary technician in the adoption hospital. She
and Taylor Roca (left) were cleared by the police to go in and remove
all the dogs in the adoption center after the fire.
PHOTO BY MICHELLE GENTILE
THERE ARE A LOT MORE SMILES, from both animals and volunteers, at Safe Harbor since the fire in March. Last weekend’s golf tournament benefit sponsored by Barrymore’s raised over $3,000 towards rebuilding the facility. Pictured is Taylor Roca (Executive Director Kay-Lennette Roca’s daughter) with one of her charges, “Romeo.” PHOTO BY MICHELLE GENTILE