Celebrating Dad on his special day
Ever wonder what you would be like without your dad guiding you along life’s path? How you would have turned out or what you might have become? Dads play such an important role in our development growing up. While my parents were divorced, they still took an interest in our development. My sister and I would spend the weekend with my dad every other week. For the most part I enjoyed this and he taught me how to do a lot of things. For example, he taught me to swim and to dive off the diving board. There was a pool at his house. He taught me to fish. I didn’t like it much but it was a chance to spend several hours with him. He taught me what not to do in business (he was a dentist with his own office and staff) and we went for long drives. At age 9, he thought as long as he was in the car with me I could learn to drive legally. How funny is that? He had a red VW bug which we refered to as tomato soup. I got pretty good in a short period of time. When he would bring my sister and I back home to my mom’s house on Sunday afternoon, he would let me steer the car. Pretty cool. While he wasn’t there a lot of the time, he seemed to be there when it counted; graduations, Boy Scout events and even camping trips. So if you still have your dad with you, wish him a genuine Happy Father’s Day. If he’s no longer with you, remember he’s always going to be there in spirit so remember the good times. If you’re lucky enough to be a dad, take the time to be with your children and to share in their ideas of a good time. It certainly won’t be the same as when you were a child. Kids seem somehow smarter now that when I was growing up. I always said “as I got older, my dad became smarter.” Here’s to all you dads out there. Happy Father’s Day and thanks for all that you have given us growing up!
Hopefully we will be open for the Father’s Day celebrations on June 21st. That said I’m sure it will be celebration with social distancing. If it saves lives, make sure you do it. So let’s take a look at the celebrations for June 2020. First off and with great pride I announce that Village News Magazine is (with this new issue) EXPANDING in our 17th year. That’s right. With so many publications across our state either on hold or outright closing, we have decided to expand to the Northern portion of Virginia Beach. A plan that has been on the table for more than 6 years. Our distribution will expand from 85,000 homes a month to well over 103,000. We are excited about this and the possible reach for our readers, especially our advertisers. Wish us luck! The Tony Awards happen on the 7th this month. The event awards the actors and actresses that had outstanding performance in theaters. The 14th is National Flag Day. Wave it proudly. The 20th is the start of Summer. Something to look forward to indeed. The 21st if Father’s Day. Celebrate that man we love so much. See a special section in this issue. The 27th is National Ice Cream Day. Count me in! Love me some scream!
Celebrating 17 Years Village News Staff Peter Cousin Editor-in-Chief Peter@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Tara Perrone Lead Graphic Designer Tara@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Andrea Cousin Production Manager Andrea@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Sherry Wood Marketing Director Sherry@InsitePublishing.com 757-301-9617 Shannon Brown Business Development Shannon@InsitePublishing.com 757-335-9239 Pam Monahan Contributing Editor Pammonahan551@yahoo.com 757-301-9887
At whatever you do this month we hope you enjoy this month’s read of Village News Magazine and thank you all for a great 17 years in business!
Golf Golf Tips Tips
Day s ’ r e h t a F y Happ Neighborhood Neighborhood News News
5 Golf Tips Fix Your Short Game
Education Education 4 6 26 17 18
Fashion Trends for Dad Computer Mandate Your June 2020 Horoscope Crush Cabin Fever Anticipate Canine Separation Anxiety
FEATURE FEATURE
David Cando IT Department Dcando@Gmail.com 757-497-1620
2 HAPPY Father’s Day 22 Can’t wait to take a bit out of life again 30 Some words about my dad the SUPERHERO
8 Natural Virginia Beach 21 VB passes $2 billion budget
Culture Culture 7 Gourmet SELECTS: Salt & Pepper Rib Eye 1 1 COCKTAILS on the house: Black Pepper Gibson 2 5 Top Gardening Trends
Humor 5 Golf Humor 2 3 Playing Golf in the 80’s again - A Fun Look Back
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Circa 1930
Oversized Blazers Take it back to the ‘80s with an oversized blazer. Large and in charge, put a twist on the essential suit jacket by taking it up a few sizes. Whether it be a pinstripe or something one color, this is a great way to put a retro spin on a modern outfit without looking too formal. Choose a fit that’s slightly bigger than the regular fit or go all out with something massive. Pair it with a basic T-shirt or a funky button-down and jeans, and you’re going to be strutting down every street in style.
High Waisted Trousers Take it back to the ’40s with high waisted trousers. This is a flattering style that comes back into fashion every few years, due to its versatility. Channel your inner Marlon Brando by pairing them with a tucked-in T-shirt, or put a modern twist on the traditional pants by rocking them with an open shirt. From navy to cream, this is a great bottom half to wear all year round.
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It’s The Short Game Tiger Woods’ short game is perhaps the greatest of all time—his ability to turn a tough greenside shot into an unforgettable moment is unmatched. Fortunately he has shared some of his best secrets with Golf Digest through the years. Though it might take some practice before your short game reaches elite status, Tiger's tips will definitely help how you approach these key shots.
address. This will shift your eyes back over the ball, get your arms hanging freely from your shoulders, and help you regain your feel.
We’ve all been there. You’re in the midst of your round and suddenly you lose your touch. Whatever the issue, there’s a good chance the inconsistencies are coming from something small and more importantly, easy to fix.“ Proper posture and good eye alignment are two of the most important elements of a consistent putting stroke. Whenever I’m struggling on the greens, I can usually trace the cause to a mistake in one or both of these areas,” Woods says. One common fault is setting up too far from the ball and extending the arms. Try Tiger’s quick fix and stand more upright at
24882488 North Landing Road, Suite 107
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The Computer Mandate www.ExecTechVA.net
Dear Village News Readers, Well, here we are again. Another Father’s Day celebration. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there in reader-land. We hope you are going to be spoiled the way you deserve. A night out to your favorite steak restaurant? Maybe a new tie or shirts? And maybe a new computer? Whatever the case we wish you the happiest of times and thank you for all that you do. If you should be lucky enough to receive a new computer for your special day, give us a call. Let’s get you started off on the right foot.
When we meet, we will make sure all your software you use is properly installed and run diagnostics for optimum performance. We’re always here to help. Especially when something as important as a new computer is in the picture. We look forward to hearing from you to setup an appointment. David always say: We're always available to Village News readers for a quick analysis of your equipment. Just give us a call at 497-1620. Remember our motto: David “Can-Do!”
2020 Combo Associate Memberships ALL of 2020 for the low price of $299 or $29 per month* (Limited Combo Associate $199 year/$19 per month Includes Heron Ridge, VB National & Riverfront Golf Courses Call For Details (757)426-3800
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Dinner Good Enough to EAT! Not sure how to make it or what goes in it? No prob-
A bone-in rib eye requires nothing more than salt, pepper, and a hot grill. Though to make it even more sublime, serve with scallions that have been tossed in olive oil and salt and given a quick char. Put steak on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt per side. Chill uncovered for up to 3 hours. Remove steak from refrigerator 1 hour before grilling and let come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels. Season again with 1/2 tsp. salt; press in 1/2 tsp. pepper per side so pieces adhere. Build a two-zone fire in a charcoal grill for direct (medium-high coals) and indirect (medium-low coals) heat. Alternatively, heat a gas grill to high just before cooking, leaving one burner on low. Sear steak over direct heat, flipping once, until nicely charred, 3-4 minutes per side. (If a flareup occurs, use tongs to gently slide the steak to a cooler part of the grill.) Move steak to indirect heat and continue grilling, flipping once, 3-4 minutes per side. Using tongs, lift steak and sear both edges (the bone side and the fat-cap side) for 1-2 minutes per side to render out some of the fat. Grill steak to desired temperature, 14-18 minutes total or until an instant-read thermometer registers 120° for rare (steak will carry over to 125°, or medium-rare, as it rests).
Remember you eat with your eyes first You should enjoy the food you eat.
Transfer steak to a carving board; let rest for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain, season with coarse sea salt, and serve.
Here, Village News Shows You How.
Your Dad will go crazy for this amazing steak. Served with his favorite drink and side dish and you will become his favorite all over again. Happy Father’s Day!
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By Pam Monahan
Raising the Monarch The end of the summer means raising monarch butterflies to me. The annual migration of North America’s monarch butterfly is a unique and amazing phenomenon. The monarch is the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do.This butterfly migrates to the same 11 to 12 mountain areas in the States of Mexico and Michoacan from October to late March. Some fly as far as 3,000 miles to reach their winter home! For the past several years, beginning in mid-July, tiny monarch caterpillars start appearing in a patch of common milkweed in my garden. The monarch egg is tinier than a pin head and the newly hatched caterpillar is not much bigger. This butterfly uses milkweed as its “host plant,” meaning the butterfly lays its eggs exclusively on this plant. When the caterpillars hatch, usually between 5 and 10 days, depending on the weather, they receive nourishment by consuming the leaves of the host plant. Just 9 to 14 days after hatching from its egg, a caterpillar will be about 2" long and fully grown. What I do that is a bit different, is pluck the caterpillars from the milkweed and hand raise them in my home in a 15″ x 15″ x 24″ mesh container. This is my personal way of conserving the monarch butterfly.
I take many cuttings of milkweed and place them in water inside the container for the caterpillars to eat as needed. This way, they are safer from many natural predators and pesticides. All they do is eat and poop during this time. When they are fully grown, they will leave the milkweed plant, crawl to the to the top of the mesh container to pupate. Remember learning about metamorphosis in school? Well, this is it. A beautiful, jade green chrysalis forms around the caterpillar. Inside the chrysalis, which is only about an inch long, the caterpillar will maricolously transform into a beautiful butterfly. In just 9 to 14 days the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is complete. Through the chrysalis, you can now see the orange and black wings of the monarch butterfly. Don’t turn away to do something, because you might miss the beautiful sight of the butterfly emerging, which is called eclosing. You will be amazed! After about an hour their wings are dry. I wait another hour or so, then release them in my garden. It is certainly a celebration! They usually rest a bit longer, then on beautiful butterfly wings, they are gone. Godspeed, beautiful butterflies!
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Visit Your Hampton Roads BMW Dealership for a Test Drive TODAY!
Looking for something different than what’s in the fridge tonight? Check us out!
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Black Pepper Gibson
Poor Dad. While Mom gets showered with flowers and eggs Benedict on her special day, Father’s Day has been reduced to a charcoal commercial: grill a steak, crack a beer, rinse, repeat. We don’t know about you, but our fathers are way cooler and more interesting than this tired stereotype. So this year, we’re going to toast them with a drink that’s worthy of them. Below are a few options that will show Dad how much you appreciate him. 1.5 oz Gin 0.5 oz Dry Vermouth The ratio is always open for debate, the original called for a 1:1 ratio (1.5 oz Vermouth), the classic ratio is the same as the Martini 3:1, but many today have the ratio at 5 or 6:1 (0.25 oz Vermouth) – we however tend to classify this as a Dry Gibson. At the end of any such debate it is really up to you and your own personal taste to decide.
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E
lectricity is always there for us. From keeping the lights on to running important "background" tasks like maintaining a steady Wi-Fi signal, we're often unaware of how electricity touches all aspects of our lives. That is, until something happens, like a severe storm hits and the power goes out. And during an extended power interruption, life becomes disruptive to homeowners, especially the elderly, families with young children and those who work from home. Unexpected events remind us that it's easy to take the systems and routines in our lives for granted. Situations such as these remind us of the importance of being proactive and prepared. So, what will you do if a storm hits or the electrical grid fails and the lights go out? How will you get through a prolonged power outage? If you don't have an answer for that, don't panic. You have plenty of time to get ready. Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, so now is the perfect time to take preventative measures, especially those homeowners who live along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard. For tips, visit hurricanes.gov/prepare. To help you prepare and keep your family safe and comfortable during a power outage, keep these important tips handy from the power experts at KOHLER Generators. Trim back trees or branches: During a storm, these can break and fall on electrical lines leading to your home. Before you start trimming away overhanging branches, consult with your local power company to ensure everyone's safety. Never, ever touch a downed electrical line. Invest in battery-powered lighting: Sure, we all make use of the light that comes with our smartphone. But you don't want to rely on that as your lighting source during a power outage, or you'll drain the battery. Head to your local hardware store and pick up two or three flashlights, along with a battery-powered lantern as a hands-free way to illuminate dark rooms. Keep plenty of extra batteries on hand. Extinguish candles: Don't use kerosene lamps, candles or anything that requires an open flame for lighting. These can cause a fire hazard. Keep it charged: To keep your computers and smart devices working throughout the outage, purchase battery packs and power banks. This backup will let you maintain a connection to information, updates and loved ones.
Stay in the know: Bad weather can hit with little to no warning. That's why it's a good idea to pick up a weather radio. When a severe storm approaches, you'll be alerted to take shelter. Get a back-up power source: Consider investing in an automatic standby generator to power your home. A standby unit has the ability to power all your major systems and appliances, including a refrigerator, lights, heating and cooling systems, Wi-Fi router, sump pump and home security system. In fact, having a permanently installed generator connected to your home's electrical system can be a lifesaver. Much like a central air conditioner, an automatic standby generator is housed outside, and runs on natural gas or liquid propane. Standby generators from Kohler kick in automatically, usually in a matter of seconds, so everything in your home is back up and running even when a storm interrupts your source of power. And it has the capacity to keep going, as long as the outage lasts, because its powerful, industrial engine can handle heavy loads and is protected by a corrosion-resistant housing. You'll also love the quiet operation and the ability to monitor and control the unit with a tablet or smartphone. "An automatic standby generator provides great peace of mind because you'll always have safe, reliable power during an outage - no matter how long it may last," said Ed Del Grande, a home improvement expert and author. "When the lights go out in your neighborhood, you'll be an oasis for your family, friends and neighbors in need." If you'd like to learn more about KOHLER Generators and how an automatic standby generator can be an important part of storm readiness, visit KOHLERGenerators.com.
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How your family can crush cabin fever It's not always easy to be at home with kids day after day, but with a little creativity, you can beat cabin fever. Whether you're in your own backyard or venturing out, there are plenty of things you can do to have fun together. Make sure to choose activities that are ageappropriate and that follow your current local guidelines for social distancing. Here are just a few things to try. Get out in nature: Visit nearby parks or scenic areas for fresh air and exercise. Choose locations that aren't crowded, so social distancing isn't difficult. Bring toys for the kids, like balls, kites, hula hoops, scooters or bikes. Play tourist: Pretend your car is a tour bus. Let Mom or Dad play tour guide first, modeling what to say (serious and/or funny). Drive by picturesque or unusual locations and make up the "tour" as you go along. Then let your kids take a turn narrating the "sights" as you drive. Plan a celebratory parade: Have a friend or family member with a birthday, anniversary or graduation to celebrate? Plan a drive-by parade with a few other family groups in cars, complete with signs, streamers and balloons. Honk, wave and sing as you slowly pass their home. Enjoy a treat with the family: Visit a Sonic Drive-in for a treat everyone will love. Contactless ordering and payment are easy using the Sonic app: just create and pay for your order in the app, drive to your nearby SONIC, and check in when you arrive via the app. A Sonic Carhop brings out your meal when it's ready. To help families during this challenging time, Sonic Wacky Pack Kids Meals are available for only $1.99 through May 31. Wacky Pack Kids Meals include choice of Jr. Burger, Corn Dog, Grilled Cheese, Crispy Tenders or Hot Dog, and they're served with Tots, Fries or Tree Top Apple Sauce, plus Minute Maid 100% Apple Juice or 1% milk jug. Kids 3 and up receive a Kidrobot SONIC Edition Dunny toy. Check out SonicWackyPack.com for free, downloadable activity packs that include coloring sheets, puzzles and games to entertain the kids while stuck at home. Make washing the car an event: If there's a touchless car wash nearby, young children will have a blast being in the car during the washing process. Turn up their favorite songs while you sit back and watch the suds and water do their work. Or you could involve the kids in washing the family car in your driveway.
neighbors' windows (a trend sweeping the nation while people are staying home). Make the most of your own yard: You'd be amazed how much kids can appreciate their own yard, with just a little help. * Create an obstacle course using large cardboard boxes, hula hoops, cones or other items from your garage. * Make bubbles with 1 part dish soap to 3 parts water, adding a little sugar (1-2 teaspoons). Stir the mixture gently. Use pipe cleaners or cut out the bottom of plastic water bottles to create wands. * Use sidewalk chalk to draw hopscotch and other games, plus pictures and hopeful messages for neighbors walking by. * Find veggies or flowers your kids want to grow and involve them in gardening projects. * Dig through your garage for neglected toys and games. When did your kids last play badminton or croquet? Or make your own games, like jump rope, cornhole or horseshoes, using household items. Search online for tips on crafting homemade games. Take a trip down memory lane: Scour your memory and ask grandparents about outdoor games from when you (or they) were children. Have grandparents explain how to play their games via phone or FaceTime. Then, video kids playing the games for the whole family to share! Spending time together, outside or in, creates special memories your kids will treasure as they grow up making all your efforts worthwhile.
Go on a scavenger hunt: Whether you're walking or driving through the neighborhood, play "I Spy" or hunt for specific items - like a red car, a blue house, a large dog - or search for signs, rainbows or teddy bears in 17
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For almost all of us, we have been on "sit and stay" for over two months. The only person happy about this is the dog.
Self-harm: Obsessively licks or chews paws, legs or tail when you're gone.
The question is, when we return to some normalcy, and head back to work, or to re-start life, what will be the effect on our canines? Some dogs are at higher risk for anxiety when we return to our new normal.
Potty accidents: Urinates and/or defecates when you're gone, even though they're house-trained.
Dogs previously diagnosed with Canine Separation Anxiety should return to preventative measures before the owner returns to work. For dogs adopted during the "stay at home" regulations, their new owners should start leaving the dog alone for short periods of time, testing reactions. For the dog never exhibiting any tendency toward anxiety, owners should be vigilant; the events of the past two months were anxiety-producing for all of us, and that includes the canines. Fortunately, new drug-free solutions are now available to help our canine companions feel calmer.
Solutions for separation anxiety in dogs
"Research shows that more than one in seven dogs (13 million) in the U.S. suffer from separation anxiety. We expect this figure to dramatically increase once stay at home restrictions are lifted," said Dr. Judy Korman, veterinarian at Assisi Animal Health. "What might be initially viewed as bad behavior is actually a cry for help." When Jen Berger first got her bulldog Eggnog, she was a joy until Jen had to leave the house. Eggnog paced constantly until she returned. Jen thought this was simply due to Eggnog's young age, but instead of the problem improving as she grew, it actually got worse. Symptoms of canine separation anxiety Dogs with separation anxiety panic and exhibit behavior problems when they can't be with their owners. Below, Dr. Korman shares the most common symptoms of separation anxiety: Vocalizing: Barks, howls or whines when you leave or while you're gone. Escaping: Chews or scratches at doors or windows in an attempt to escape the home, a crate or exercise pen. Destructiveness: Chews or scratches on household items when you're gone. Pacing: Constant walking in a circle or back and forth as you're leaving or when you're gone. Panting: Heavy breathing as you're leaving or after you're gone. 18
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There are several treatment options if your dog has separation anxiety, including training techniques, medication and non-prescription therapies. Jen worked with her veterinarian and initially decided to put Eggnog on anxiety medication. Then she learned more about anxiety in dogs and a drug-free solution called Calmer Canine. "In dogs with separation anxiety, the area of the brain responsible for processing emotions and detecting fear goes into overdrive. This area is called the amygdala," said Dr. Korman. "The result is an imbalance of chemicals and hormones that leads to behavior changes." Based on technology that has been used to treat medical conditions in humans (including anxiety and mood disorders) since the 1970s and with a similar approach to what's been used to treat pain and inflammation in more than 50,000 animals , Dr. Korman and a team of veterinarians, neurobiologists and engineers developed a safe and effective way to treat anxiety in a dog's brain. The result is the only drug-free product invented to treat dogs diagnosed with separation anxiety. For Eggnog, Calmer Canine was the right solution. After using the device for six weeks with two 15-minute treatments per day, her separation anxiety improved greatly. "We recently received her progress update and were thrilled to learn that Eggnog's pacing and panting symptoms are much less and that she has been removed from her anxiety medications completely," said Dr. Korman. Symptoms of separation anxiety can mimic other issues, such as a medical condition or age-related behaviors. To learn if your dog might be suffering from separation anxiety, visit www.calmerk9.com, take the quiz and learn more about treatments.
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VIRGINIA BEACH — The week of April 27th, the Virginia Beach City Council was divided on how to fund the city government during a pandemic. But members found a way to unite on Tuesday evening. Wearing masks while meeting inside of City Hall, the council voted unanimously to pass the $2 billion budget for the next fiscal year. The council also voted to appropriate more than $320 million on construction projects over the next six years. Additionally, the council approved a $3 million tax relief plan — $2 million for real estate and personal property tax relief for residents who need it, and $1 million for additional tax relief for businesses who are struggling as a result of closures implemented by the governor to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The council decided not to implement a previously approved increase to the stormwater fee to help residents who may be financially impacted by COVID-19. The rate increase of 3.5 cents per day will take effect next summer instead, which will delay the city’s stormwater improvement projects. The city will lose out on more than $3.1 million in revenue for the next fiscal year, and the city manager will be directed in July to eliminate up to 45 positions. Councilwoman Barbara Henley said she was disappointed that the budget would delay projects that would help alleviate flooding. She said doing so is shortsighted and will come at a heavy price. “I am going to vote for the budget because I have never voted against the budget,” Henley said on Tuesday before voting. “But I am very much concerned that what we are doing is impacting our ability to deal with stormwater and flooding.”
“I have voted against budgets in the past, as people know,” Moss said. “There are a lot of tough choices in this budget. I hope the revenues hold true, because if they don’t, we will have some bigger tough choices.” The coronavirus pandemic has not only created uncertainty for residents and businesses, but also for the city government. The council plans to monitor incoming revenues and will make adjustments to the budget as needed. “This is going to be the start of a long journey for us,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said. Dyer said the council will now turn its focus to finding a new city manager. Last week, the council asked if candidates who live outside of Virginia would be comfortable traveling by plane to meet in person with council members. Regina Hilliard, the director of Human Resources, said on Tuesday that all candidates for the city manager position are willing to travel by plane for interviews. She said candidates were not sure if flights would be available considering airlines are reducing flight schedules due to lack of demand. She did not reveal how many candidates are under consideration or which cities they live in. The council plans to meet again on Thursday to consider an ordinance to allow restaurants to serve sit-down meals in parking lots, on public sidewalks, the boardwalk and connector parks. “We are going to do everything we can do to help the restaurant industry get open,” Dyer said.
Get to know your city!
Councilman John Moss said everyone has things they like and don’t like about the budget, but overall, he was in favor of it. 21
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I can’t wait to take a bite out of life again!
D
uring these difficult times it’s sometimes hard to remember the little things in life that made such an impact on our growth.
Things like a walk in the park (without a mask). Hugging a friend when you see them (instead of a fist bump). Laughing out loud around a group of friends at a funny joke, (without a mask) and going to the ball game, the sports arena, the movie theatre and your favorite restaurant (all without a mask). Times have changed, but inside, we haven’t. This is going to take some getting used to. But let’s be fair to ourselves and others around us. This new “normal” isn’t something we desired but it’s what we have now. All schools closed down for the forseeable future. Talks abound about reopening in the fall but what if the pandemic comes back? Then what? Kids have moved back home from school. We are now slowly getting around. I myself enjoy the trips to the grocery store almost everyday. I know most of the employees by sight and they recognize me, even in my mask. A few minutes a day away from being cooped up in the house is a nice relief. So when all this comes to pass and we get back to what will be the “new normal” remember what it was like to be the old normal. As your children grow, this timeframe will be known as the time when everything changed in our town, our city, our country and the world. At least we’ll have the memories to rely on. Be safe, stay healthy and here’s wishing you good luck. Peter Cousin - Editor Village News 22
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A Village News “Fun” look back 23
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Top Gardening Trends for 2020 Whether you have an outdoor oasis or are a nurturing indoor plant parent, gardening offers a multitude of benefits and has the power to brighten up any space or mood. Spring is the time to plan what plants to grow, and with some expert insight on top trends, you'll be gardening with success and enjoying the results. The team at Ball Horticultural Company shares the top trends for 2020, guiding plant lovers at all levels to confidently grow a garden, big or small. Indoor Garden Rooms: Mother Nature has made her way indoors with more people planting inside their homes in a variety of ways. Whether it's creating a soothing space by a windowsill filled with houseplants or growing your own edible herbs and microgreens in your kitchen, planting indoors is on the rise. Serious plant-lovers are even dedicating entire interior spaces to gardening, creating "garden rooms" or "indoor jungles." Indoor gardening lets homeowners experience the benefits of plants wherever they live, regardless of the weather outdoors. Easy-to-care-for houseplants, such as Dieffenbachia, a strong and sturdy plant that has stunning and unique tropical leaves, makes people feel like they are on vacation in their own homes. Studies show that foliage plants also clean indoor air and lift overall spirits. Finally, don't be afraid of indoor flowering plants like Gerbera or Cyclamen. Their flowers last 3-4 weeks and are available in many colors to fit your mood or match your seasonal dĂŠcor. PanAmerican Seed offers the Kitchen MinisÂŽ collection as an option for gardeners who want to grow and harvest their own vegetables year-round. These potted vegetable plants can thrive on a sunny windowsill or counter. With Kitchen Minis, such as the Siam Edible Potted Tomato, people can pluck ingredients right from the container in their kitchen to use in a recipe. The collection also includes sweet and hot peppers with more options to come. Gardening for Health and Wellness: It's no secret that consuming fresh vegetables and herbs is beneficial to one's physical health, and gardening at home puts a variety of flavorful produce within arm's reach. The benefits of gardening also extend to mental health, as tending a garden and being close to nature helps reduce
stress, calm anxiety and acts as a mood-booster. Herbs are a simple place to start when growing your own food. You can't go wrong with Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil, which adds flavor to many dishes like fresh Caprese salad. This beautiful, column-like plant not only gives a bountiful harvest, it is also late to flower and can be paired with colorful flowers in a mixed container for month after month of hand-plucked flavor and garden enjoyment. Mardi Gras Fun Snack Peppers from Burpee Plants are the perfect healthy miniature peppers that add a conversation piece to any garden. They're available in four eye-catching color options that can be grown together in one container for a fun patio display, and kids adore helping to grow, pick and eat these crunchy snacks. Aromatherapy is also a popular wellness practice, with lavender plants topping the list of must-haves because of its reputation for inspiring relaxation. SuperBlue English Lavender grows rich blue blooms on short flower spikes, providing a calming scent and great garden texture. Alternatively, Primavera Spanish Lavender flowers throughout the summer, displaying great heat tolerance with bushy, scented florets that attract bees and other pollinators. Bold Colors: Bold colors are planted in gardens across the country and different hues blanket landscapes large and small. Additionally, people with container gardens are planting flowers known for their vivid color for instant impact, making this trend accessible to all, including those who live in a condo or apartment with limited outdoor garden space. Some standout plants that feature the best bold hues include Galaxy Geranium, a brand-new series that is vigorous enough to keep its large, semi-double blooms in-color all season. Look for stunning dark red, pink, purple, salmon, violet, watermelon and white, giving gardeners the option to choose their favorite shade or create a rainbow of flowers.Another bold option that is wonderful for sunny borders or bright corners is Rose Marvel Salvia. Its mega-large bloom stems result in spectacular displays in spring and summer so you'll enjoy color throughout the warm months. The rose-pink flowers are deer and rabbit resistant, plus they rebloom without being cut back, saving time and minimizing maintenance.
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Were you born
in June?
Gemini - the Caring Twins There is so much childish innocence in the nature of Gemini, telling their tale of brotherhood, love between best friends and relatives who are entirely different by character, circumstances, physical appearance or upbringing. They are in this world to mend differences and make them feel right, ready to give their life for a brother or a friend. Gemini Love and Sex Fun and always ready for an intellectual challenge, Gemini sees love first through communication and verbal contact, and find it as important as physical contact with their partner. When these two combine, obstacles all seem to fade. Inquisitive and always ready to flirt, a Gemini could spend a lot of time with different lovers until they find the right one who is able to match their intellect and energy. They need excitement, variety and passion, and when they find the right person, a lover, a friend and someone to talk to combined into one, they will be faithful and determined to always treasure their heart. 26
JUNE 2020
Some words about dad the SUPERHERO Dad Rocks My dad always makes me feel happy and cares about me all the time. I love calling my dad after school every day to tell him about my day and see when he is coming home to be with me. My dad knows everything about sports and teaches me how to play and be a good athlete. He makes me feel very warm and cuddly when we hold hands and take walks together. The best thing of all is that he is my best friend and always makes me feel special. He rocks! — Ethan Irushalmi, 7, Virginia Beach
He keeps us happy Don’t laugh: When I was much younger, I thought my dad was a superhero. In between walking me to school, driving me to doctors’ appointments and helping me with my homework, he would keep the city safe and make sure all the bad guys were behaving. The other day my brother, Tommy, told me Dad is most like my lawyer. He’s there to defend me, advise me — and whenever I get a timeout, he gets me less time. I’ve taken a good look at Dad and realized I was never far from the truth. He’s an ex-Vietnam soldier, a retired police officer, an assistant Little League baseball coach and a volunteer tutor. He’s the first one up in the morning, fixing, repairing, shoveling, raking, hammering, shopping, picking up and dropping off . . . and the last to sit down to eat and go to bed. Dad is my superhero. I appreciate all he does to keep us happy and safe, and I love him with all my heart. — Carlie Camarda, 10, Chesapeake
A tall order My dad is the greatest of all. Even though he is but 5-foot-2, to me he is the biggest man ever. He encourages me and makes me feel good about myself, and he asks for nothing in return. He gives a lot of his time to help the needy. He’s a baseball coach and a Red Cross volunteer. He tries hard to be an active father at the age of 69. I know that I am not going to be tall when I get older, but I hope to be just like my father. He should be president of the United States. I know that everyone will say that he is the greatest. — Gerry Bloomfield, 13, Virginia Beach
My amazing stepdad This Father’s Day I will be giving thanks to my amazing stepdad, the closest thing to a father that I have had. Last summer, I was in a gifted and challenging program that prepares you for high school. Every night I would stay up past midnight, and he would always be there. He would answer my questions about geometry and help me decode Socrates and Plato. He was always there and I will always be grateful for his love and dedication. — Annie Medina, 14, Virginia Beach
He’s our MVP! Our dad, Kenny Albert, is the most fabulous father on Earth! He helps with homework, chaperones class trips and doesn’t miss a school play (he stands in the back with his camcorder)! He helps coach both our softball teams, sometimes two games the same night. He drives us to school every morning he is home, even after getting home from a road trip at 2 a.m. If he works late and misses bedtime, he leaves the game notes or scorecard. Just a little something to let us know he was thinking about us. He always makes us feel special — that’s why he’s our MVP! — Sydney and Amanda Albert, 7 and 10 ½, Virginia Beach
A man of many talents My dad is a wonderful and kind person. His knowledge of computers is amazing. He knows whether a program should be done in Flash or CS5, and his art is like looking back at Renaissance artists. When he strums his guitar, I feel like I’m at some kind of wonderful, every-genre guitarist concert. When I’ve been feeling down, his sense of humor has cheered me up. If his jokes fail, he’s always found other ways to make me smile. — Mitchell Winter, 12, Portsmouth