Local Living Spring Issue 2019

HOME DESIGN

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Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.

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22 10 Swing Into Spring 22 Gardening For Your Kitchen: You Can Dig It! 46 A New Hip That Has This Doylestown Dentist and Backyard Farmer Smiling Again

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46

home & garden

fashion & beauty

12 A Space of His Own 14 Designer Kitchen 18 How to Clean & Care For Natural Stone

57 Resources for Addressing Mental Health Challenges at Work

health & wellness 27 5 Tips to Help Reduce Litter and Protect the Oceans 38 The Autism Spectrum 59 Take Your Workout Outdoors for a Fresh Boost 60 Ask Matt

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooking?

24 Go Big on Brunch 31 Wines Reviewed for You

4 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

legal 41 Save Your Way to Lower Home Insurance 42 Who's Looking After Your Children?

44 The Retirement Reality Check

family & pets 37 5 Ways to Raise a Confident, Adventurous Child 51 Put Away the Rocking Chair

travel 32 Create Your Own Family History at the All-Inclusive Woodloch 35 Bucket List Travel Destinations for 2019 64 Virginia Wine Country

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PUBLISHER Karen A. Kovacs ART DIRECTOR Patti Fitzpatrick You & I Designs DIRECTOR OF SALES Blair W. Johnson MARKETING DIRECTOR Susanna Koppany FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Jillian Dunn FOOD EDITOR Kimberly Cambra DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Amy McDermott CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason A. Bleecher, Mike Hirata Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Burns, Rosemary Caligiuri, Joanna Chodorowska, Jillian Dunn, Matthew W. Gelber, MS Chuck Grubbs, Blair Johnson, Pattie Krukowski, Sara Savini

MEDICAL CONTRIBUTERS St. Luke's University Health Network ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jim DeWees, Cynthia Price, Cynthia Zoccali ACCOUNTING MANAGER Melinda Kovacs COURIER SERVICE Harrisburg News Company BLUE WATER MEDIA LLC 609 788-0443 www.locallivingmag.com

6 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

publisher’s page

Ahhh, Spring!!

I

t’s the time for rebirth, spring cleaning, garden plan-ning, and best of all… spending more time outside. It’s time to revel in a collective sigh of relief for mak-ing it through another brutal winter. Spring is here! Who doesn’t love springtime? What a great way to end the cold, gray days of winter! (As you can probably tell, I am not a big fan of winter!) But now that spring is here all is well in the world again. There’s no better time than the present to get your body back into shape for swimsuit season. For those of you who actually contemplate wearing a bathing suit this summer there are plenty of body sculpting magazines with numerous examples of airbrushed or Photoshop images, to make you crazy at the supermarket checkout lines! Sweating away in the gym is fine, but I believe there are certain benefit’s to exercising outside. I am of the opinion that a combination of fresh air, sunshine, and the wonders of nature can stimulate you more than an elliptical machine and a television screen at the gym. So, for those of us who are a little older, a litter slower, and less likely to hit the gym over the winter, get out and enjoy some daily exercise outdoors. Start with walking, biking, or even gardening…

And while spring slowly melts away our memories of a particularly cold and snowy winter, I hope the stories and recipes in this issue will brighten your day. May you enjoy all the fresh air this season has to offer!

Happy Spring!

Karen Kovacs

Karen A. Kovacs, Publisher

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 7

editor’s letter

A

s I type this, I am sitting

re my deck in the sunSto on A n It’s hard to believe G n ishine.

ME that pejust ! over a week ago, o a elittle l ...our 4 nowmy rvil and I were out cleare husband t s a e stores!

F ing nearly a foot of snow off great our

S h op

walkways. Nature has many gifts, and I always seem to

find the beauty that each season provides. But as much Feasterville 91 E Street Rd • 267.699.2000 as I love sipping my coffee and watching the snowfall, I Hatboro 14 E Moreland Ave • 215.957.6131 have got to be honest… after the last snowstorm, I was over old man winter! When the shoveling was finished, Montgomeryville 979 Bethlehem Pk, I went inside and frantically packed away my snowman (Rt. 309) • 215.699.4146 figurines and pulled out my bins of spring décor. (ObviNorristown 1798 Markley St • 610.239.9848 ously, I felt as though my decorations were encouraging the weather!)

For now, the snow seems to have melted Monday thru Friday 10 am to 8 pm and the signs of spring are slowly poking through.

Saturday 10 am to 6 pm • Closed Sunday

Don ate

This issue has plenty to help us spring into the next season. I can attest that Pattie Krukowski has inspired used items me to bring...your life intogently my indoor space with fresh flowers and seasonal produce, while Landscape Trends has We accept your furniture, prompted me togently-used make big plans for my backyard garden. clothing, electronics, sporting goods, jewelry, I am not Much to my own mother’s disappointment, books, and household items, that the most motivated gardener; but each year I find mylonger fit your lifestyle. self no learning more.

Cravings and Crumbs author, Sara Savini, has me itching to earn my green thumb with her Drop off your donations at our store locations article on how to plan and edible kitchen garden.

Monday thru Saturday 8:30 am to 5 pm

With training in full swing, you will want to or callspring to arrange FREE Pickup check out of the Larger Forty-Year Old Version and his recount Items! of the ’93 Phillies. While Drew Giorgi’s recap of the latest car trends demonstrated at the 2015 Philadelphia Auto Show, will make you sigh with envy as you peer out at your standard sedan with a missing hubcap in the driveway. Or maybe that was just me…

215-957-6131

Th anks

to you...

I hope this issue inspires you to get out$1.4 of hibernation Impact Thrift Stores has donated over million and enjoy the splendor of spring.

Cheers to sunshine, to help financially support local charities that soft breezes, and sipping coffee on the deck! feed the hungry, house the homeless, aid the blind, and help families Goo d and children in need...

Gre s for a right here in our area. at

Goo er d Lisa Walters

Impact Thrift Stores, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Editor-in-Chief

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8 8 Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

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Swing Into Spring

5

Ideas For Updating Your Space

While spring naturally means it’s time for a refresh for many homeowners, it doesn’t mean you’re limited only to a cleaning party. Take advantage of the season by using it as an opportunity to upgrade different areas of your home for reasons ranging from energy efficiency and convenience to ease of living and safety.

With increasing technology for smart home devices and ever-evolving design styles, upgrading your home can be nearly anything you make of it. These ideas include ways that you can add organization, revolutionize your home tech, increase energy efficiency, enhance security and more.

10 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

Home

Elegant, Functional Shelving

Open shelving can add character, design and attractive storage to your home. For example, ClosetMaid’s Ventilated Shelving exhibits simple elegance and is both an aesthetically pleasing way to showcase your favorite things and functional enough to keep linens fresh in the closet or hold clutter at bay by the front door. Made from solid wood and epoxy-coated steel, these shelves are easy to install, durable and can complement nearly any room. Learn more at closetmaid.com.

Revolutionize Your Home

Take your smart home setup to the next level with assistance from a product like the Google Home Hub. Its 7-inch touch screen and built-in Google Assistant technology answers your questions, shows you the weather and more using voice recognition software.

The virtual assistant is available at retailers like Office Depot or OfficeMax, which offer Workonomy Tech Services to install smart home devices for added convenience. It also works with other smart hubs for fluid integration between all your at-home tech devices. Find more information at officedepot.com. Content courtesy of Office Depot.

right for your home, focus on options that include a strong deadbolt and thick frame for peace of mind.

Smart Home Safety

With safety typically representing a top priority for most homeowners, taking advantage of smart technology can be one way to improve your feelings of safety and comfort in your home. A solution like a smart lock on the main entryway to your house can add security while also ensuring you’re never locked out of your own home.

With options that can pair with apps on your smartphone or feature keyless entry via unique numerical passwords, you can marry convenience with safety.

Find ways to enhance your space this spring at eLivingToday.com

Natural Light, Fresh Air

Add natural light and fresh air to your home with an option like Velux No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights featuring pre-installed light filtering or light blocking shades in more than 80 colors. The skylights use a solar panel to capture daylight and recharge a batteryoperated control system. They can also be opened and closed via remote control or smartphone app, and a rain sensor closes the skylights during inclement weather.

Find more information at whyskylights.com.

A Front Door Fixer Upper

Anytime is a good time to make sure your home is safe, particularly at what’s often the main point of entry – your front door. This spring is an ideal time to keep out unwanted guests with a door that’s sturdy and draftresistant while also providing an aesthetic touch for enhanced curb appeal. When choosing a door that’s

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 11

HOME

A Space of His Own

By Pattie Krukowski

Y

ears ago my friend Johnny purchased an antique convertible Mercedes Benz. He did not just love that car but rather was in love with that car.

He was a bachelor at the time and that car oozed sex appeal. He religiously kept the leather conditioned and the paint waxed and buffed. One autumn, the first of many more to follow, he experienced a human form of migratory restlessness and in that car, journeyed from Vermont to Florida to spend the winter. After parking his chick magnet at the latest local hotspot for singles, he was often heard mumbling while shoving his keys in his pocket, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My chances would be better if I could just bring it in with me.â&#x20AC;?

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If Johnny ever asks me to design and decorate a man cave for him, I would base the whole concept around his car.

His three car garage would be transformed into a museumlike dwelling using one of the garage bays to house the beloved current car while the other two bays are opened up to accommodate a sitting room of manly proportion. He would drive up his long tree-lined driveway, through a remotely opened glass garage door to discover even more glass in the form of wall-to-wall, floor to ceiling windows, revealing him to the privacy of the woods that surround his home. The entire space would be based on a high gloss, epoxy painted cement floor the color of Guinness. A sleek blonde wood

wall system would hide storage, refrigeration and a dishwasher. The unhoned black granite bar top would complement the cool silver of a 4 Keg Stainless Steel Kegerator Direct Draw Beer Dispenser. He would be able to reach for a cold one while reclining on a cream colored leather sectional which wraps around a large square travertine topped coffee table that is the perfect height to rest both hooves and Heineken. A 55” Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 11 Smart TV that claims to “challenge your senses” floats next to several bracketless shelves proudly displaying Patriots memorabilia.

Wikipedia defines a man cave as a “mantuary or manspace where guys can do as they please,” without fear of upsetting any female sensibility about house décor or design. Across the country, garages, basements, extra guest rooms and offices

are being transformed into such spaces. The importance of a having a space for a man to get away from it all is a fast growing phenomenon. Even the DIY Network hosts a show called “Man Caves” featuring creative ways to develop a refuge just for the macho. Men in need of such a space will go to great extents to obtain one. My husband’s friend Charlie converted his chicken coop into one. I hear it’s outfitted nicely with a wood burning stove, overstuffed couch, fullsized refrigerator and dart board but I’ve never actually been there as Charlie is more traditional in his man cave requirements and sticks with the no-chicks policy.

Perhaps your style is more Hunting Lodge with décor

reminiscent of a Hemingway novel or a James Bond movie.

Heavy Baccarat, old-fashioned cut crystal glasses wait on patina silver trays, always ready to host a neat scotch for guests lucky enough to get an invite. Dark paneled walls rise from darker still hardwood floors. An oversized, real wood burning fireplace topped with a hand carved, strong grained reclaimed wood mantel displays trophies, a collection of pheasant guns and black and white photos of hunting adventures with friends. He-man types congregate round the built-especially-for-you Monarch Billiards pool table while the occasional weaker palate visits the corner wet-bar in search of ice or a water back.

Custom wine cellars are becoming more and more popular. Picture antique brick archways beckoning one to enter a separate glass-walled wine cabinet bigger than your master bathroom’s shower. Custom cabinets and under cabinet lights illuminate rows of vino anxiously waiting to be decanted.

A heavy legged, antique pine table the color of honey, cluttered with Reidel wine stems encourages an argument regarding whether the best Pinot Noir came from California or Oregon this past year. A cigar humidor as large as a Sub-Zero stands proudly against a rough plastered wall painted the deepest shade of sun-cooked terracotta. Wooden wine barrels provide a resting spot for cigar cutters and last month’s Wine Spectator Magazine.

In reality, many of us don’t have limitless space for such frivolity and must be practical and share the Man Cave space. This too, is doable. A contractor’s thoughtful space plan can insure the peaceful existence of Dad’s machismo, kids’ overabundance of toys, Mom’s scrapbooking materials and an extra place to put overnight guests.

Utilizing custom built-in cabinets or DIY storage units from Ikea can help you achieve this and even the tackiest of tchotchkes can be artfully displayed. Permanent or temporary walls or half walls forge much needed boundaries. Trundle beds stay out of the way for more room to play while ensuring no extra guest sleeps on the floor. Whether you share the space or are lucky enough to carve out even a nook that is exclusively he-man, draw from your true passions so it feels like an authentic extension of you.

References: www.bang-olufsen.com, www.kegerator.com, www.monarchbilliards.com Pattie Krukowski is a freelance writer currently residing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 13

DESIGNER

Kitchen

here’s a reason the kitchen is called the heart of the home: It’s where you and your family gather to cook, to eat, to socialize, and, sometimes, just to catch up over a quick snack or a cup of coffee. In many homes, the kitchen has evolved into an all-purpose room, including a dining table, computer desk, entertainment area, even a fireplace.

Today’s kitchens are practical, welcoming, and fun. They feature sophisticated colors and innovative components. They also look more like the rest of the house, complete with furniture-like cabinets, wood flooring, and artwork. The perfect recipe for a beautiful kitchen calls for giving a lot of thought to both the components and the activities that take place in the room, from cooking and cleanup to snacking and socializing. Above all, the perfect kitchen is both comfortable and a pleasure to work in.

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good to know

How To Clean & Care for Natural Stone

M

aintaining your stone is an integral part of your natural stone experience, as well enjoying the longevity that natural stone offers to clients.

Please use this information as a guide to ensure you are doing everything possible to keep your natural stone products looking like they did the day they arrived in your home or business. Below are some different maintenance suggestions based on the type of natural stone care you are performing:

General Care Care and Precautions

Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones.

Do not place hot items directly on the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.

Cleaning Procedures and Recommendations Floor Surfaces

Dust mop interior floors frequently using a clean non-treated dry dust mop. Sand, dirt and grit do the most damage to natural stone surfaces due to their abrasiveness. Mats or area rugs inside and outside an entrance will help to minimize the sand, dirt and grit that will scratch the stone floor. Be sure that the underside of the mat or rug is a non-slip surface. Normally, it will take a person about eight steps on a floor surface to remove sand or dirt from the bottom of their shoes. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn. The metal or plastic attachments or the wheels may scratch the surface.

Other Surfaces

Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner,

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stone soap (available at hardware stores) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results.

Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks.

Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.

Bath and Other Wet Areas

In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover or a solution of ammonia and water (about 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of water). Frequent or over-use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Dos and Don’ts

DO Dust mop floors frequently DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap DO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing DO Blot up spills immediately DO Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats DON’T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces DON’T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners DON’T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers

Volume 9| Issue 2 1 Local Living 2319 Volume 6 | Issue Local Living

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2020Local Local Living Volume Volume 9| 9|Issue Issue 22 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

cravings & crumbs Gardening for Your Kitchen: You Can Dig It!

By Sara Savini

2222Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

W

ith CSAs and farmers markets throughout the region, farm to table is at our fingertips. It’s a culinary delight! And so what if the farmers market didn’t have the golden beets you needed, or the $400 CSA membership gave you half a box of kohlrabi in this week’s share. No problem! You’ll just change your recipe, head off to the store, and... Oh, forget it; let’s just go out.

There is, however, another option. For fresh produce all summer long, spring is the perfect time for creating a culinary garden. Since the dawn of agriculture, culinary or “kitchen” gardening roots have been planted in good sense. Why go somewhere else to get the ingredients you need when you can grow them right outside your door? Devoting a small garden to the herbs, veggies, and fruits you love to cook with is the best of seasonal, local, and sustainable agriculture.

To the beginner, it seems daunting. Do I start with seeds or plants? Do I have the right soil? Ghaaaa! What about a fence for the deer? Take a deep breath. You too can become a part of the garden to table movement.

I’d like to be able to tell you that my home garden began with lots of research and careful planning, but it didn’t. It began with a toddler who liked digging, a couple of storage tubs with holes haphazardly poked in the bottom, pea gravel, Organic Mechanic soil, a few tomato plants, and a dose of reckless abandon. We threw our tomato tubs together and set them out on the driveway. And you know what? That year, we had enough heirloom tomatoes to share with friends, family, and neighbors. I was hooked. We had to grow more!

The wonderful part about this form of gardening is that it is an extension of self, of what you like to cook with, and what you like to eat. A fan of Asian cooking? Grow your own bok choy and long beans. Pinterested in mason jar salads? Plant a lettuce garden! Pickling obsessed? Cukes, carrots, and cauliflower are perfect picks. Just wait until late April to avoid the last frost and swing by your local garden supply store for some plants.

Or you can start now from seed. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company has a website as easy to navigate as it is visually stunning, and it provides a cornucopia of planting possibility. There are plenty of tutorials online detailing how to use plastic milk jugs as mini greenhouses - that way you don’t have to store seedlings inside and later harden them off outdoors.

You can start with any sunny spot. A good culinary garden doesn’t have to be sculpted into the decorative plots of yester-year (think Versailles only smaller). A bit of earth, a raised garden bed, a window basket, a centerpiece filled with herb plants, or some 10-gallon buckets from your hardware store (Seriously, buckets!) will be sufficient.

I’ll let you in on a little secret… Most of my garden is in containers. With two kids, a partially wooded lot, and

limited free time on my hands, tilling the earth is not on my to-do list. So I have a mostly moveable kitchen garden.

Herbs grow in sleek modern pots on the back deck, so they are closest to the kitchen. There, rock stars like Thai basil and lemon grass and old reliables like rosemary, oregano, and dill co-mingle amidst our patio furniture. Tumbling down above them, mint grows in horse trough baskets to catch the warm evening breezes. Set out by the sandbox are brightly colored pots of top hat blueberries, ground cherries, and one 20 gallon container of perennial strawberries for a perfect pick-your-own summer snack.

The vegetable portion of my culinary garden occupies the sunniest spot our property has to offer. Here is my test kitchen for all things agricultural. If it grows in zone 7a/6b, has an heirloom variety in a cool color, and you can grow it in a container, it’s fair game. Our usual suspects are an assortment of lettuces and greens, tomatoes, peppers, scallop squash, zucchini, peas, eggplant, and beans. This year we’re adding kohlrabi, sweet corn, and sunchokes to the mix. I’m a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gardener. If they don’t take, I’ll just try something else next year or if I’m feeling particularly indignant, rip them out mid season and plant something reliable.

The best thing about designing a garden for your kitchen is that it is ever evolving to fit your table and tastes. You can explore new flavors there, and from it, create wonderful seasonally inspired dishes. Gardening is a journey. You don’t have to know everything to get started. You just need a shovel, a bit of earth and some gumption. Give culinary gardening a try. You’ll dig it.

Sara is a freelance writer, culinary adventurer, and renaissance mom. She lives in Chester County with too many kitchen gadgets, her overly ambitious container garden, her husband Chris, and their two young sons (the Incredible Hulk and the Flash).

Volume 9| Issue 2 2 Local Living 2323 Volume 5 | Issue Local Living

Go Big on

Brunch

Building out a full menu to please your brunch guests with simple, tasty recipes can help create a fun, flavorful atmosphere when it’s time for a morning bite.

By making a variety of dishes to accommodate an array of personal tastes, you can give friends and family the flavors they desire. With choices like Mini Hash Brown Casseroles, you can fulfill a multitude of food groups from grains and fruits to dairy and meat. Allow the adults at your gathering to top off the meal with a spicy take on this Watermelon Bloody Mary, featuring simple preparation and a handful of garnish options.

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A Small Brunch Bite A full brunch menu calls for small bites on the side to complement the multitude of flavors brought on by a variety of brunch dishes.

For a clever option that’s quick to make, these Mini Hash Brown Casseroles provide a morsel bursting with flavor to pair with just about any morning meal. Made with refrigerated Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns, which are pre-shredded for a faster fridge to fork kitchen experience, you can make a batch of the tasty cups in less than an hour.

Find more brunch solutions and recipes at simplypotatoes.com.

Mini Hash Brown Casseroles Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 24 1

package refrigerated Simply Potatoes Shredded Hash Browns 1 pound Bob Evans Farms Original Sausage Roll 4 large eggs 1/2 cup milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup ham, cubed 1 cup red pepper, diced 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Heat oven to 350 F. Remove hash browns from refrigerator and let rest.

In skillet, cook sausage according to package directions.

Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins. In bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add hash browns, butter, ham, red pepper, black pepper and cheese; mix.

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake 27-30 minutes. Serve warm.

Sipping on Sweet and Spicy

Take your brunch the extra mile with a twist on the traditional mid-morning beverage. By adding jalapeno and horseradish to this Watermelon Bloody Mary, you’ll have a spicy, tasty version of a traditional brunch drink ready for your guests.

With watermelon balancing out the jalapeno, it’s an ideal balance of spicy and sweet with just the right amount of kick. Find more brunch recipes at watermelon.org.

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Watermelon Bloody Mary Yield: 4 cocktails 2 1 2 6 1 1/2 1 1

cups seedless watermelon, cubed medium jalapeno pepper, stem removed, chopped limes, juice only ounces low-sodium tomato juice teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper teaspoon fish sauce teaspoon horseradish hot sauce, to taste 1/3 cup vodka lime wedges chili lime salt ice 4 bamboo skewers (6 inches long) watermelon wedges (optional) prosciutto (optional) cucumber slices (optional) jalapeno slices (optional) green olives (optional) In blender, blend watermelon cubes and jalapeno pepper until completely smooth. Pour mixture through fine sieve set over pitcher.

Add lime juice, salt, pepper, fish sauce, horseradish and hot sauce, to taste, to pitcher; stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add vodka and stir.

Line rims of four glasses with lime juice from lime wedges; dip in chili lime salt poured on plate. Carefully put ice in each glass and divide Watermelon Bloody Mary mixture evenly.

Add garnishes, as desired, by skewering watermelon wedges, prosciutto, cucumber, jalapeno and green olives. Place garnishes in glasses and serve.

Find more brunch recipes at Culinary.net.

Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living 25

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5 Tips

WELLNESS

to Help REDUCE Litter and PROTECT the Oceans

The tide of environmental studies showing the harmful effects of litter and mismanaged waste on oceans are seemingly everywhere. For example, 8 million metric tons of plastics wind up in streams, rivers and waterways each year, according to research published in “Science.”

According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic product consumption is predicted to double over the next 10 years.

With the health of the oceans closely tied to the health of the environment, marine life and humans, making choices that help reduce ocean pollution is one way to make an impact. In fact, research from the Plastic Free July Foundation shows that

photo courtesy of Getty Images

more than six in 10 people refuse plastic shopping bags, avoid pre-packed fruit and vegetables, pick up litter and avoid buying water in plastic bottles.

“Mismanaged packaging waste is a threat our ofoceans and photo to courtesy Getty Images the overall health of our planet,” said Lynn Bragg, president of the Glass Packaging Institute. “We can all make a difference by changing the type of food and beverage packaging we buy, opting for reusable and refillable containers, following local recycling guidelines and helping keep beaches and waterways clean.”

These tips from the Glass Packaging Institute are just a few ways to contribute: 1. THINK ABOUT THE PACKAGING YOU CHOOSE.

When making a purchase, consider alternatives to plastic like glass or other natural and sustainable packaging. Glass, for example, is made mostly from sand and recycled glass, is reusable, recyclable and does not harm oceans or marine life.

2. CHOOSE REUSABLE CONTAINERS.

Taking advantage of reusable containers for food and beverages is one way to live a more eco-friendly life. Since only 9 percent of plastic bottles are recycled, according to “National Geographic,” reusable containers can serve as an ideal replacement for bottled water whether at home or on-the-go. Rather than plastic, choose glass or stainless steel, which can hold hot or cold food and beverages, and help protect the contents from any chemicals.

3. REDUCE YOUR SINGLE-USE FOOTPRINT. Whenever possible, bring reusable bags and containers to the store.

Some foods like cereal, pasta and rice can be purchased from bulk bins and placed in a glass or stainless-steel storage container. To further cut down on plastic waste, consider switching to reusable straws, which are available in glass, stainless steel or bamboo.

4. RECYCLE BETTER. Learn what you can and can’t recycle in your community. Certain items like disposable cups, greasy pizza boxes, non-recyclable plastic containers (like those for yogurt) and take-out containers can contaminate entire batches of recycling. About 91 percent of plastic is not recycled and can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to ocean pollution. Glass containers are 100 percent recyclable; steel and aluminum cans and cardboard are also easily recyclable.

5. GET INVOLVED. Volunteering or donating can help keep local beaches, parks and waterways clean. Getting involved with international and national groups with local chapters are also ways to participate in a local cleanup.

Find out more about the benefits of choosing and reusing glass packaging to help reduce ocean pollution at upgradetoglass.com.

Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living 27

28 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

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3030Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 4

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Bellview Winery Wines Reviewed for You

By Chuck Grubbs

B

ellview Winery of Landisville is located in southern New Jersey, just north of Vineland. Prior to becoming a winery, Bellview was known for their produce, “Jersey fruits and vegetables” for over 80 years. Today they have 40 acres of vineyards, with over 20 varietals cultivated, leading to a full variety of wines from reds and whites to fruit, desserts, sparkling and port wines.

Agriculture is the tradition and is exhibited in the estate wines produced since 2000.

Wines tasted included a Bellview Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Solavita.

Viognier (vee-ohn-YAY) is a wine grape varietal of European origin, which nearly became extinct in the 1960. Over the past 30 years, the popularity of this grape has increased, yet it is still not a well known to many. Grapes require a long, warm growing season typical of southern New Jersey climate. Bellview’s Viognier (2012) meets expectations having a pleasant fruity and floral aroma smooth to the palate with a clean finish. It is dry with a citrus undertone. Bellview’s Viognier works well with salsa and spicy foods.

Served chilled it is a good sipper wine for a warm summer evening.

Cabernet Franc (Cah-bur-nay Frahnk) is a major grape varietal typically grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Bellview’s Cabernet Franc (2012) demonstrates typical characteristics with a fruity berry aroma and peppery tones. It is Light bodied, strong in flavor but not

overpowering. Often Cab Franc is suggested in combination with Greek cuisine. However, Bellview’s Cabernet Franc would go well with mild to sharp cheeses, and it combines well with many foods including poultry, steaks, pizza and vegetable dishes.

Solavita is a red table wine offered by Bellview. It is a dry, medium bodied, light in color red wine. The Solavita has a berry aroma and a well-defined cherry flavor to the taste, with a finish that holds its essence. There is a peppery undertone and is somewhat tannic. This wine will work well with hearty food and pasta dishes.

Overall this red wine is expected to meet the expectations on the label, a Red Table Wine.

Bellview Winery is not far from destinations traveled to by many of our regional neighbors.

Just off route 40 and east of Route 55 near Vineland, one can make this a day trip destination or a stop off while heading to or from the Shore. The tasting room is open 7 days a week, along with a picnic area that provides an opportunity for wining and dining. Bellview also hosts various events annually. Check their website, www.bellviewwinery.com, for additional details.

Chuck Grubbs lives in Bucks County, PA. Being a wine enthusiast that always enjoys a visit to a winery on his travels throughout the world, he experiments in wine making as a hobby to entertain family and friends.

Volume Issue2014 2 Local Living 2131 July9| | August Local Living

Create Your Own Family History at the All-Inclusive

By Pattie Krukowski

or an experience to be cherished for years to come, book your stay at Woodloch. e four season resort is steeped in rich, local history; so in order to know Woodloch, one must first know the family behind this unique destination in the Pocono Mountains. Mary Mould originally visited Lake Teedyuskung as a 12 year old child and returned as oen as she could to visit the most peaceful place to share time with loved ones and have an adventure or two. In 1958 her dreams were made into a more permanent reality when she and her husband, Harry Kiesendahl purchased Woodloch Pines and moved their growing family there. e highest regard for excellence in hospitality is now supported by the Kiesendahl’s children and grandchildren. eir 50th Golden Anniversary was beautifully celebrated and articulated in their historic timeline and family album titled “Woodloch Pines, An American Dream”.

Although Woodloch is conveniently located just 95 miles from NY and Philadelphia, it feels like another world here. No high rises and gridlock, just some of world’s southernmost glacial lakes encom-

38 Local Living Volume 9| 8 |Issue Issue21 32

passed by wetlands and state game lands available to enjoy year round. Woodloch’s Mission Statement: “We strive to treat each guest as if they are company in our own home”. And it is reflected in the warm, cordial and accommodating staff. Amenities are endless from a full gamut of activities and sports, championship golf, delightful dining, and exceptional entertainment . Choose from charming accommodations perfect for a cozy, romantic weekend for two to a number of spacious guest houses with up to six bedrooms for a large family. If you’ve always been secretly interested in cooking demonstrations, watercolor classes, ballroom dancing or wine tasting, feed your soul at one of many memory making activities.

If your focus is on family, there are 30 family friendly activities daily, nightly entertainment and 1,200 acres to explore all nestled amongst mountains and lakes. It is boasted as “one of the top family resorts in America” by Better Homes and Gardens, Family Circle and Parents Magazine. e perfect place to celebrate a reunion or wedding, Woodloch will create a custom cook out or elegant sit down dinner for your occasion.

If your focus is on meeting, Woodloch is the place for corporate retreats that will not be soon forgotten.

Teambuilding programs are constructed to encourage communication, boost challenge resolution and ultimately strengthen your team. Over 20,000 square feet of meeting space, Wi-Fi and A/V equipment, made to order meals, and generous accommodations set the tone for success.

If your focus is on the Fairway, Woodloch’s 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, a Golf Digest 4.5 star rated “Best Courses to Play” should do the trick.

Spectacular mountain views serve as the backdrop to a course which winds its way through wetlands and meadows. A state-of-the-art practice facility and challenging instruction encourages all generations and experience levels to play. e Lodge at Woodloch houses one of the “10 Most Luxurious Spas in the US” according to Forbes Magazine. An all-inclusive resort for adults, e Lodge offers 60 exclusive rooms to accommodate only a total of 120 lucky guests. Guests of Woodloch Resort have privileged admittance to spa treatments and services. Lan-

guish in hydro massage waterfalls, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms while you wait for your Spring Awakening Body Polish and gourmet spa cuisine lunch. Couples packages and pre-natal massage are just a small example of the vast signature treatments available.

Proud Members of the Green Hotel Association, Woodloch strives to make a difference and inspires others to do so as well. ey offer environmental programs, corporate and scouting trips; they constructed an Eagle Nesting Platform on the property, and bat boxes have been installed throughout the resort to naturally control insects. ey even offer a tree replacement program through their landscaping department. e list goes on and on.

Are you ready to create your own family history at Woodloch? With so many options and packages available, visit their website at www.Woodloch.com or call 1-800-966-3562.

Pattie Krukowski is a freelance writer currently residing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

Volume 33 Volume9| 8 |Issue Issue21 Local LocalLiving Living 39

3434Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

TRAVEL

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Bucket List Travel Destinations for 2019

T

aking time to go on vacation or to just unplug from everyday life can be beneficial, and there’s certainly no lack of options when it comes to choosing an ideal vacation spot. The options for experiencing an amazing vacation are so plentiful, such as exploring a cruise port, eating and drinking your way around a city or simply visiting a new destination, you may find yourself struggling to narrow down the choices.

By focusing first on what type of vacation experience you would enjoy most, the details of the location may more easily fall into place.

“Often, would-be vacationers get so hung up on figuring out where they want to go, they forget to consider what they’ll do when they get there,” said Matthew Phillips, director of travel for AARP Services, Inc. “It makes sense to keep location in mind when it comes to considerations like climate, but knowing what types of activities, entertainment and sights you hope to experience can help ensure you plan a travel experience of a lifetime.”

Once you’ve determined how you’d like to spend your time, you can begin to explore some hot travel destinations, such as these: California: Rent a car and take a road trip down the California coast and experience sunshine, culture and more as you drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. It may be one single coastline, but California is filled with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and tourist attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Hollywood sign.

Caribbean: There are few better ways to escape the cold weather than with a Caribbean cruise, where breathtaking excursions, first-rate cuisine, exciting nightlife and spectacular entertainment fill every day and night. There are dozens of cruise options available, so it’s a good idea to do plenty of research and look into special incentives and

offers to complement the experience. For example, the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia provides exclusive offers to members on select cruises, including up to $1,000 in onboard credit.

Florida Gulf Coast: The warmer seasons are perfect for unplugging and relaxing by the sand and water. Head to the beaches of Florida and get a room with a view so the water is never out of reach. For example, Sarasota, Florida offers miles of beaches, including Siesta Key, known for its majestic waters and luxurious amenities.

Southwest France: Explore the beautiful wine-growing region of Southwest France through a fascinatingly historical and invigorating river cruise. For example, the Uniworld Bordeaux river cruise allows guests to sail three rivers: the Garonne, the Dordogne and the Gironde. The experience blends land and water with archaeological and historical tours, artisanal wine tastings, sprawling gardens and charming villages to explore. Take your experience a step further and see the sights while feeling like a local by going on a spotlight tour, an intimate way to uncover hidden gems.

Singapore: If you want to immerse yourself into a completely new and unique culture, hop on a flight and explore Singapore, commonly referred to as a “shopper’s paradise” for its emerging brands and bargains stores. Enjoy both the urban and natural attractions while indulging in the eclectic dining scene. Singaporean cuisine is full of diverse plates, such as bak kut teh, laksa and friend carrot cake, derived from several ethnic groups.

If you’re ready to start planning a satisfying getaway, a resource like AARP Member Benefits can assist with planning and saving money along the way. Learn more at AARPBenefits.com/travel.

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 35

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For more information about our services, please visit www.potentialinc.org or call 215-579-0670 today.

Potential, Inc. & The Springtime School 638 Newtown Yardley Rd. Newtown, PA 18940 (p) 215-579-6070 potentialinc.org

3636Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

FAMILY

5 Ways to Raise a Confident, Adventurous Child photo courtesy of Getty Images

From taking steps toward the stairs to learning that bubbles don’t taste good, exploration is a part of development for babies and young children. While it’s an exciting time, it also can be coupled with anxiety and hesitation as parents find themselves saying “no” or jumping in when baby discovers a new space.

An Open for Adventure survey from Babyganics found a majority of parents (69 percent) believe a child can learn to be more confident if he or she is allowed to explore freely as a baby. However, letting go doesn’t always come naturally for parents.

Clinical health psychologist Dr. Bobbi Wegner encourages parents to be explorer parents, which focuses on raising resilient, confident and adventurous humans through challenge and discovery. She offers these tips for parents: Aid in discovery. Encourage and applaud baby’s healthy risk-taking, such as mastering a challenging stair climb or pushing through moments of frustration and failure. Additionally, create teachable moments that introduce your child to necessary limits. For example, if you have hot coffee in the morning and your little one wants to touch the mug, let him or her gently touch a warm area of the mug with a fingertip and repeat that the mug is “hot” to help encourage exploration and flex baby’s senses.

Let baby be free. While you may think baby gadgets are necessary for playtime, consider rethinking those toys. Instead of searching for stimulation through lights and sounds from a toy, allow your baby to explore the natural environment. Look for opportunities that allow him or her to make a manageable mess and even get wet or dirty. This could be as simple as playing with a container filled with water or letting your baby pull up grass in the backyard. These small unstructured play adventures can help develop independence and confidence.

Engage the senses. Exposing your baby to new flavors and smells helps engage him or her on a multi-sensory level. For example, allowing your baby (at an appropriate age, typically between 4-7 months) to try new foods can provide a feeling of accomplishment while also exposing him or her to different textures and flavors.

Encourage even more sensory exploration by allowing your baby to smell the food and even play with it using his or her fingers.

Provide early exposure to new places. Bringing baby along to restaurants and other public spaces allows for positive exposure to new places, people and sounds, which can help build the immune system, encourage social interaction and support development. While letting a child explore in a public setting like an airport or train station can make many parents anxious, carrying products such as Babyganics Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizing Wipes can help ease parents’ apprehension and keep little hands germ-free while on the go.

Wait a moment. It’s common for parents to intervene the moment baby awakes from a nap or starts moving toward the stairs. Try pausing, allowing your little one to naturally find his or her limits while managing your own fears and worries. This tactic can allow your young explorer an opportunity for cognitive and socialemotional development with you as a safety net nearby.

“Parents often look to their own internal response to guide parenting: ‘If I am worried then it must be dangerous, and I should not allow my baby to do it,’” Wegner said. “When in fact, parents should prioritize their baby’s exploration and needs to provide learning opportunities rather than allowing their own anxieties to impede their children.”

For more information, visit babyganics.com.

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 37

The S P E C T R U M Autism & Asperger’s syndrome can dramatically affect a child’s life, as well as that of their families, schools, friends, and the wider community. Signs of Asperger’s syndrome and Autism usually will appear in the first three years of a child’s life, although there is no exact age for when signs of these disorders will emerge. These signs may differ between children in type and s everity as well, so Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and similar disorders are often seen as occurring on a spectrum.

T

hese disorders are not intellectual disabilities or mental illnesses, or caused by poor parenting skills.

Currently Asperger’s and Autism cannot be diagnosed at birth through means such as blood tests or brain scans. Diagnosis occurs as delays are observed in the child’s development, typically at two years of age although some researchers are arguing for earlier diagnosis.

Typical Indicators of Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome These disorders will cause delays in a child’s early development, with possible early signs, or indicators, from these groups:

3838Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

Social Skills • Cannot carry out simple instructions • Does not maintain eye contact or smile back to others • Appears happy in their own world, with little interest in others • Delays to normal development of speech • Responding to some sounds, but not human voices Behavior • Difficulty coping with changes to routines • Self-injuring behavior • Emotional outbursts with no apparent cause, or overly passive • Overly attached to certain objects or topics • Repetitive or ritualistic behavior such as rocking or flapping of the hands The Senses • Strong reaction to certain sounds • Will not look at objects directly • Insensitivity to pain, or extremes of temperature • Eating a very restricted range of food types • Walking on tip toes • Drawn to watching certain patterns or feeling certain textures.

Play and Imagination • Will only play with certain toys, possibly in unusual ways • Prefers not to play with others • Engages in only a limited range of play • Does not engage in pretend play.

I AM A WARRIOR, I AM A MOTHER

By Michele Rolfe

I realize it’s hard for people to understand what life is like when you have a special needs child. They see you doing a thousand things and give you credit for your strength and perseverance; but they don’t really know the depth of your struggles. There is a constant theme for hitting roadblocks when dealing with the medical community and insurance companies. Cutting through all the red tape is no easy task and some days you’re left feeling completely overwhelmed, stressed out and down right depressed. It’s hard to express in words the dedication, determination and tolerance you have to find within yourself to help your child recover. And somehow still maintain your sanity and sunny disposition!

The reality is that this journey is emotionally, physically and spiritually taxing. It is also the most rewarding aspect of my life.

Well, not to long ago I was having one of those bad days. For whatever reason, I was in a really down mood.

It could have been the e-mail explaining how yet another one of Alex’s ABA therapist “new school schedule” didn’t gel with our current therapy sessions. But more than likely it was receiving the estimated cost of biomedical treatment that is not covered by insurance. That shot a bullet through my heart and left me hyperventilating and speculating how we were going to come up with the money to cover it. It might have been the stupid paper cut I got when filling out another 33 pages of medical history for the umpteenth time. Although the snapshot in my mind of the little witch that rolled her eyes when Alex wouldn’t comply with the hearing test, didn’t help either. What is she like 18 years old? How could she possibly understand the anxiety I was already feeling for sitting in the waiting room for 45 minutes watching Alex’s patience fly out the window as the seconds ticked away?

Possibly it was the diminutive paycheck I received this week due to hours missed when shuffling Alex to and from his semiannual Psychological testing. The bright side to those visits is confirmation the 25 hours a week of therapy is working and Alex is getting better. He scores higher and higher each time we go, and I find myself do-

ing a victory dance in the hallway on our way out! Then again, my bad day could have been the result of an aching back from dragging my hysterical, fit throwing child out of the grocery store when they were out of his favorite cheese raviolis. Or it could be my humiliated ego from the disapproving looks thrown my way when the necklace he ripped off my neck went flying thru the air and spilled beads in a thousand different directions on the floor. Clean up in aisle 5! The last thing I needed at that moment was the unsolicited advice from a granny with a thick southern drawl who raised 10 kids and of course had all the answers.

My sadness could be attributed by the guilt I harbor for not having any time, let alone energy, to give my husband the love and attention he requires and most definitely deserves. Personally I believe he should be considered for Sainthood. What woman wouldn’t love a man who doesn’t complain about her cooking, does the dishes, and vacuums every night? Michael not only puts up with my Jersey attitude and consistent venting, but he keeps me stocked with Riesling wine and chocolate! God I love him!

Perhaps my self-pity for placing my own needs on the back burner is the culprit. With a tightly filled calendar and sheer exhaustion always knocking at my door, I’ve finally given up trying to do anything about the reoccurring gray hair, expanding waistline or the notion of ever wearing high heels again. My comfy “mommy wardrobe” usually resembles a napkin with a teary snot-smear, spilled juice, or a cheesy-finger rub somewhere on my outfit. My son considers it a badge of honor I should wear proudly!

Maybe, just maybe my head was so full of information, statistics, schedules, protocols, and the “to-do” list that I couldn’t possibly process anything else until I defragged my brain. No wonder I can’t get any sleep without selfmedicating! Don’t get me wrong, not all days are like this.

However, on this particular day with my bad attitude in high gear, feeling like I was banging my head against the wall, I had an epiphany of sorts. I had a vision of myself and my world; and the crystal clear revelation that my challenges were not going to change. I’m sure I’m not the first mother for this light bulb to somehow switch on, but I bet very few of them ever talk about it. The reality is that this journey is emotionally, physically and spiritually taxing. It is also the most rewarding aspect of my life. This is the best way I can describe what I’m feeling. This is my metaphorical story: I realized today that I am not in a football game. I thought I was. I thought I was the quarterback, you know the ‘most valuable player’ making decisions on whether to throw or run the ball, move left or fake right. I huddle up with my linemen, wide receivers and running backs; you know those players helping me win the game. We create a plan, execute it and with teamwork we make the goal line, score!

Nope…I was wrong. This isn’t a team sport. I see myself;

Volume 9| Issue LocalLiving Living3939 Volume 5 | Issue22 Local

I’m in a boxing ring. It’s just me, by myself, no one else.

I’m punching away, shuffling my feet, ducking and piv¬oting…but there’s no bell ringing. There’s no corner stool, no Gatorade, no spit pail, no towel. I can occasionally hear people yelling from the corner, “stay off the ropes”, “keep your arms up”, and “go for the body”. Their words are en¬couraging, I need to hear them, and they help keep me going. But, my eyes are swelled so I can’t see my opponent. My bones are busted so every blow I take is painful. If I manage to land a hit, it seems weak against this monster in the ring with me. In my mind I doubt my strength and question my own strategy. I can’t get any air through my nose, it’s hard to breathe and I’m quickly losing energy. I’m wondering, where’s the damn bell, when do I get a break? Then, I realize it’s not coming. There is no bell, there is no time to sit, no time to rest, and no one is going to wipe my brow, plug my bleeding nose or sear my oozing cheekbone.

I didn’t sign-up for this, not that I can remember any¬way, it all seems so fuzzy, came at me so fast. But I know the clock is ticking, I’m not only fighting this monster, but I’m fighting against time. I have to win this fight with a knockout; a win by the judges’ decision won’t get me the purse. In fact, the fight won’t end until there’s a knockout. I have more at stake than my adversary; my child’s very ex¬istence depends on it.

The quality of his life, the ability for him to reach his full potential is in my hands, in my boxing gloves. So I have to reach far down inside myself, real deep, and pull every bit of life I have up to the surface. I have to make whatever I have inside myself matter. I trip over my feet, stumble and catch myself. My legs are trembling now and I fear vertigo is setting in. Don’t fall down Michele, push harder. I pray for God to direct my punches. I pray for Him to give me the strength to endure the intense pain I’m feeling and the time to see this fight to the end.

Ha, the end; is there one? Well, if I manage to rip the belly out of this beast and the chime of the bell finally rings, no one will be there with a big gold belt to put around my waist. I won’t get some great athletic sponsor that will pay me hand¬somely, I won’t make the cover of Sports Illustrated and no one will remember my name.

No, my prize is much more precious! You can’t give it a dollar value. It will not be recognized with a trophy or honored with a star on Hollywood boulevard. It’s a quiet satisfaction. It’s the joy of hearing my child speak for the first time in 3 years; to hear him say the words ‘I love you’ and understand the meaning. The ability to have a twoway conversation, taken for granted by others, is priceless for us. It’s the happy thump my heartbeats when Alex eats solid food. It’s the elation of no longer seeing him curl up in a ball on the floor because he is afraid of the noise sur¬rounding him. It’s the smile I wear on my face when I see him playing with another child, engaging, interacting, and having fun.

4040Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

My reward is the pride I feel for Alex, for it is he who battles through all the hours of therapy, the multitude of tests, and hard work that pushes him to his limits.

My paycheck is the happy tear I shed when Alex’s frus¬tration for not being able to peddle a bicycle gives way to happily taking his bear-bear for a ride on his Spider¬man big wheel. It’s the laughter Mike and I cannot con¬tain when Alex comes out of his room with sunglasses and a cowboy hat on; a Star Wars towel wrapped around his shoulders and he’s using a plastic pirate sword as a gun to “shoot aliens”... imagination at it best! My reward is the pride I feel for Alex, for it is he who battles through all the hours of therapy, the multitude of tests, and hard work that pushes him to his limits. The eternal faith I have in my son’s ability to learn, grow, excel, exceed, prosper and live the life that was meant to be his. It’s something that only a mother can feel; it’s the internal peace of knowing that he will be okay.

Giving up is NOT an option. So here I am…breathing heavy, battered, bruised and tired…giving it all I’ve got. Seems tough? It is. It’s emotional beyond belief. Small mile¬stones are huge victories in my world. But, the reward far outweighs the battle. I am a warrior, I am a mother; I would fight this war over and over again without reservation. I thank God for my son. I thank God for Autism.

Hard to believe I would be thankful for it, but I am. It has forced me to be a better mother.

I have an intimate relationship, a bond with Alex that fills my heart with unconditional love and provides purpose in my life. I am willing to admit my drive is tenacious, my focus uncanny. I find myself becoming an advocate, trying to pro¬vide hope to other mothers. I thank God for my family and friends, shouting from those corner ropes offering prayers, support and praises. I thank God for the “super woman pant¬ies” that I put on every morning; they’re my secret hidden armor. And of course, for the duct tape that holds them up!

Michele Rolfe is a mom with first hand experience and opinions about raising a child with special needs.

SAVE Your Way to

Lower Home Insurance If your homeowner insurance rates are creeping up even though you haven’t filed any claims, it may be time to take a look at how you can bring those prices back down.

Research, smart shopping and even some home upgrades can make a noticeable difference in your insurance premiums. Explore the cost-savings potential with these tips from the experts at CertainTeed, a leading manufacturer of exterior and interior building products: Shop for the best rates. It’s easy to be complacent when you’ve used the same insurance company for years, but if getting the best rate is your objective, it’s a good idea to shop around. To do effective comparison shopping, have a copy of your current policy ready and contact a handful of competitors. Provide them the exact same coverage details so you can compare like rates, but also be ready to listen to information about additional coverage that may suit photooptions courtesy of Getty Images your needs.

Combine homeowner insurance with other policies. Most insurance carriers offer multiple policy discounts, which they apply when you insure more than one item. For example, if your homeowner insurance carrier also insures your cars, you’re likely to save money on the rates for protecting both your home and automobiles.

Update your home’s first line of defense. Many homeowners focus on aesthetics when it’s time to make upgrades, but there are some important functional improvements that can make a difference when it comes to your insurance premiums. For example, as extreme weather becomes more commonplace, the first line of defense is often the type of roofing material chosen. Many insurance companies even offer discounts for using impact-resistant shingles. Check with your insurance provider before making a final selection, but in general, look for products that include “impact-resistant” in their name and specs, and “Class IV Impact Resistance,” the highest rating available for roofing materials.

For example, NorthGate Class IV impact-resistant shingles from CertainTeed are engineered to have a higher probability of resisting hail. These shingles are made using rubber-like polymers that offer flexibility and impact resistance, as well as crack and shrink resistance, even in cold weather. So when severe weather strikes, your home can be protected and stay looking good.

Install a home security system. An intruder alarm can provide more than peace of mind. Insurance companies often reward homeowners who take steps to minimize the chances of burglary or vandalism.

After all, a well-protected home is less likely to result in a claim for losses. Some companies offer varying degrees of discounts on insurance rates depending on the type of system you install, so be sure to thoroughly research the options. For example, a system that simply emits a loud noise when triggered may generate one level of discount, while a system that dispatches emergency personnel when activated can lead to an even better rate.

Insurance rates are one place to save money on your home costs.

Learn more about impact-resistant shingles and how they can save your home and wallet at certainteed.com.

LEGAL

Who’s Looking After Your Children?

The Facts & Fiction Surrounding Guardianship

P

reparing for the “what ifs” is never easy, however every day you are without both temporary and permanent guardianships in place for your children, you are putting their well-being at risk. You may think you are prepared in case of emergency, but according to attorneys Phillip Godorov and Russ Nesevich of the estate planning law firm Godorov & Nesevich, most parents are under some common misconceptions. Take this pop quiz. Grab a #2 pencil and see how you fare. What you don’t know could have a profound impact on your children’s lives.

1) You and your spouse are enjoying a night on the town when you are involved in a car accident leaving you both unconscious. In this scenario, the police would simply ask your babysitter to stay with your children until relatives could be located.

4290Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living May | June 2012

FICTION: If you do not come home at a reasonable hour, your sitter may worry and call the police. Unless there is a temporary guardian present who has legal (documented) authority over your children, the police would have to call Child Protective Services. Then, a state worker could take your children out of your home until a responsible relative is located. This can be avoided by naming legal temporary guardians who could quickly arrive to care for and comfort your children in an emergency.

They could be friends, family, neighbors… anyone that you know and trust to love and care for your kids.

2) You don’t need to name a guardian in your will because you’ve made it clear to your mother that she is to care for your children if something happens.

FICTION: While your mother may seem like the obvious choice, she must be designated in your will or long-term guardian nomination. If not, a judge (who most likely does not know you or your children) will make the final decision as to who gets custody.

3) The person you designate to serve as your children’s guardian will also have access to your money when you pass, and taking care of your children financially will never be an issue.

FICTION: If you die without a will, or if you try to leave your money to a minor, the state’s surrogate office will likely be put in charge of those funds. A professional money manager may be appointed by the state and paid for out of your children’s inheritance. Then, all requests for money to support your children will have to be approved by, and distributed from, the state. When your children turn 18, they get handed a check for everything that’s left… and they can spend it any way they want!

4) Your parents are watching your children at the playground and your daughter falls off the monkey bars. Your father can swing into action and seek medical attention for his granddaughter.

FICTION: Without a valid Medical Power of Attorney, even grandparents aren’t legally allowed to authorize non-emergency care for your children.

5) You have the legal right to decide who will look after and care for your children if there ever comes a time when you cannot.

FACT: With some relatively easy planning, an attorney can ensure that your loved ones will be taken care of by the people that you select, and that they will be provided for in the ways that you feel are best. You can legally name short-term and long-term guardians for your children, and give those people the legal right to protect and provide for your children in the same manner as you would.

Confused, or feel like there is more you may need to do to better protect your children? You are not alone. For that reason, Phil and Russ have compiled a report on SIX COMMON MISTAKES PARENTS MAKE WHEN NAMING GUARDIANS. For your FREE copy, call (866) 321-3415. For more information on the firm of Godorov & Nesevich and the services they provide, visit www.GNattorneys.com. LL

FINANCIAL

DIVORCE PLAN, LLC Loretta Hutchinson, CFP , CDFA R

TM

1669 Edgewood Road, Suite #202 Yardley, PA 19067

Phone: (267) 202-5158

Loretta@FinancialDivorcePlan.com

Phone: (215) 302-3437

www.FinancialDivorcePlan.com

Is divorce in your future?

Wondering how it will affect your financial future?

Are you being asked to sign a divorce agreement that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand?

We can help!

Loretta Hutchinson, CFP , A Philadelphia Five Star Wealth Manager and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Aware winner for Financial Advisors, uses her extensive financial expertise to educate and advise her clients on all financial aspects of their divorce and what it may mean to their financial futures. By being financially proactive and informed, you can make the right decisions.

R

Financial Divorce Plan, LLC is an affiliate of InSync Financial Group, a registered investment advisor.

INTELLIGENT DIVORCE MADE Volume 9 POSSIBLE | Issue 2 Local Living 43

FINANCE

The Retirement Reality Check Little Things To Keep In Mind For Life After Work

by Rosemary Caligiuri, CASL®, RICP® President of Harvest Group Financial Services

D

ecades ago, there was a popular book entitled What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. Perhaps someday, another book will appear to discuss certain aspects of the retirement experience that go unrecognized - the “fine print”, if you will. Here are some little things that can be frequently overlooked.

How will you save in retirement? More and more baby boomers are retiring with the hope that they can become centenarians. That may prove true thanks to healthcare advances and generally healthier lifestyles.

We all save for retirement. With our increasing longevity, we will also need to save in retirement for the (presumed) decades ahead. That means more than budgeting; it means investing with growth and tax efficiency in mind year after year.

Could your cash flow be more important than your savings? While the #1 retirement fear is someday running out of money, your income stream may actually prove more important than your retirement nest egg. How great will the income stream be from your accumulated wealth?

There’s a longstanding belief that retirees should withdraw about 4% of their savings annually. This “4% rule” became popular back in the 1990s, thanks to an influential article written by financial advisor Bill Bengen, in the Journal of Financial Planning. While the “4% rule” has its followers, the respected economist William Sharpe dismissed it as simplistic and an open door to retirement income shortfalls in a widely cited 2009 essay in the Journal of Investment Management.

Volatility is pronounced in today’s financial markets, and

44 Volume 9| Issue 2 44 Local LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

the relative calm we knew prior to the last recession may take years to return. Because of this volatility, it is hard to imagine sticking to a hard-and-fast withdrawal rate in retirement – your annual withdrawal percentage may need to vary due to life and market factors.

What will you begin doing in retirement? In the classic retirement dream, every day feels like a Saturday. Your reward for decades of work is 24/7 freedom. But might all that freedom leave you bored?

Impossible, you say? It happens. Some people retire with only a vague idea of “what’s next”. After a few months or years, they find themselves in the doldrums. A goal-oriented retirement has its virtues. Purpose leads to objectives, objectives lead to plans, and plans can impart some structure and order to your days and weeks – and that can help cure retirement listlessness.

Will your spouse want to live the way that you live? Many couples retire with shared goals, but they find that their ambitions and day-to-day routines differ. Over time, this dissonance can be aggravating. A conversation will help you iron out potential conflicts. While your spouse’s “picture” of retirement may not be a mental photocopy of your own, the variance in retirement visions may surprise you.

When should you (and your spouse) claim Social Security benefits? “As soon as possible” may not be the wisest answer.

An analysis is needed. Talk with the financial professional you trust and run the numbers. If you can wait and apply for Social Security strategically, you might realize as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars more in benefits over your lifetimes.

Securities and advisory services are offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Supervisory Branch: 3902 State Street, Suite 101, Santa Barbara,, CA 93105, 1.888.569.1982. Harvest Group Financial Services and Centaurus Financial are not affiliated.

HEALTH

Extraordinary Care with a patient-centered approach

HEALTH

A New Hip Has This Doylestown Dentist and Backyard Farmer Smiling Again “I think I’m going to be working until they sweep me off the floor,” he said. It almost came to that five years ago – before he discovered St. Luke’s extraordinary orthopedic care.

Dr. Bash, a Vietnam veteran who has been a dentist since 1983, met with one renowned Philadelphia area orthopedic group which turned him down for hip replacement surgery because they thought his case, with the complication of lung problems, might negatively affect their success rate.

Dr. Bash specializes in emergency dentistry and is on call 24/7 every other weekend. He works six to seven days a week at his practice in Doylestown, for which he has been named Best Dentist multiple times in the Doylestown Intelligencer’s Best of BucksMont Reader’s Poll.

He ended up getting a third cortisone injection, which didn’t work at all. The continuing pain was so severe that he started using a wheel chair in his office to go from patient to patient. And then he developed an elbow problem, which completely exasperated him.

But a deteriorating hip condition and enduring its pain for three years, along with a lung issue treated with prednisone completely took over his quality of life.

“There was a St. Luke’s office right around the corner from where my wife and I live in Quakertown,” Dr. Bash said, “so I went over there and met Dr. Wei-Shen Lin, an orthopedic surgeon with St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care, to take care of my elbow.”

At 71 years old, Richard Bash, DDS, refuses to quit.

“I was in so much pain…,” Dr. Bash said. “My right leg would drag behind me when I walked.”

He turned to a Doylestown orthopedic group, which offered cortisone injections. The first two provided temporary relief, but then he looked at his X-ray and saw there was no cartilage in his right hip, basically putting him bone-on-bone.

46 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

Dr. Lin drained Dr. Bash’s elbow, and then a lightbulb went off for Dr. Bash. He asked Dr. Lin if he operated on hips. Three weeks later, after X-rays confirmed that Dr. Bash experienced avascular necrosis – AVN, the death of bone due to interruption of blood supply – and clearances from a pulmonologist and cardiologist, Dr. Lin performed a right hip replacement.

“I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back to work that Friday,” Dr. Bash said.

When Physical Therapy from St. Luke’s made a house visit that Saturday, Dr. Bash was out working on his 10-acre property, tending to the more than 120 chickens, ducks, pigeons and dogs he and his wife keep.

“Recovery times vary,” Dr. Lin said. “Everyone is different, but Dr. Bash had immediate pain relief from the pain he had prior to surgery, so the post-surgical pain was more tolerable for him and he was able to walk on it right away.”

Dr. Lin gives patients a list of precautions and movements to avoid while the surgical repair heals, but he agreed that the improvement Dr. Bash exhibited was remarkable.

DOCTOR PROFILE

Meet orthopedic surgeon Dr. Wei-Shen Lin of St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care in Quakertown

“When he first came to see me, he was very disheveled and didn’t look like he was taking care of himself because he was in so much pain from his hip,” Dr. Lin said. “When he came back for the follow-ups, he seemed to be happier, a huge personality change, and if you look at him today, he’s well groomed, almost like a totally different person because the chronic pain is no longer there.”

A joint replacement specialist with St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care, Dr. Wei-Shen Lin has been with St. Luke’s University Health Network since 2002, practicing at the St. Luke’s Quakertown Campus since 2008. Dr. Lin focuses on the treatment of sports injuries, fractures and arthritis in the knees and hips, and performs both general orthopedic procedures and joint replacement surgeries.

It’s an all too familiar story that Dr. Bash had seen in his own patients with gum and tooth issues.

Dr. Lin’s goal is to get patients back to enjoying their daily activities with the most appropriate and least invasive treatments and procedures. He believes that offering every patient an individualized care plan is essential for success. Dr. Lin provides patients with various treatment options and works closely with them to select the best plan based on their needs and goals.

“When people come in all debilitated and not smiling because their teeth are so bad, they still think they’re fine even though every time they talk their hand is covering their mouth, or they have a mustache covering their mouth,” Dr. Bash said.

“The next time I see them after they’ve been taken care of properly, the mustache is gone, the shabby clothes are gone. They’re different people.

“It’s nice to help people. I thought I did miracles for people. The surgery Dr. Lin did was certainly a miracle for me. When Dr. Lin did that for me, it was life-changing.”

St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care provides extraordinary care with a patient-centered approach. Call 484-526-1735 to request an appointment at any of our convenient locations throughout the region, including St. Luke’s Bone & Joint Institute in Quakertown and St. Luke’s Upper Perkiomen Outpatient Center in Pennsburg.

Dr. Lin received his medical degree from State University of New York, Syracuse College of Medicine and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Geisinger Medical Center. When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Lin enjoys camping, hiking, bike riding on trails, playing volleyball, and tinkering with computer systems.

Dr. Wei-Shen Lin St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care 1534 Park Ave Ste 210 Quakertown, PA 18951

(484) 526-1735

Volume 9| Issue 2

Local Living 47

48 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

Dr. Kent Lane Mueller, D.D.S. Let us welcome you into my VERY UNIqUE and SPECIAL SERVICE Dental Practice!

What makes my Practice unique may be VERY IMPORTANT to you; this may be the very best place for you to receive your care: I accept adult dental patients, which includes patients as young as 12 years old approaching a full adult dentition development.

1) ‘SLEEP-DENTISTRY’ - I often deliver treatment with an Anesthesiologist Physician chair-side, to provide care for those special patients that cannot ‘get numb’, have debilitating gag-reflex, high anxiety or sensitivity; or need complex surgical, prosthodontic, implant, surgical periodontic, restorative, and root canal care. My office facility provides for private post-treatment drive-in dismissal for our I.V. sedation and handicapped patients.

2) ‘DENTAL-IMPLANTOLOGY’ - This has different application and treatment objectives from patient to patient: Immediate single tooth replacement, denture stabilization, fixed bridge full arch tooth replacement, immediate full arch restoration, and more…

3) ‘CONE BEAM CAT-SCAN’ UNIT ON SITE - This low-radiation very sophisticated digital equipment assists in placing and guiding your implant placement in the office, as well as identifying and defining intra-boney pathology, impacted teeth, and missing teeth that may be otherwise obscure. This is a VERY important pre-treatment adjunct in planning my FAST-BRACES and INVISLIGN orthodontic cases.

4) THIS REMAINS A ‘FULL-SERVICE’ DENTAL PRACTICE - I will not require you to interrupt your overall treatment with off site visits. Your treatment is completed here START - FINISH! DENTAL EMERGENCIES ARE WELCOME! 5) THIS IS ALSO A ‘PREVENTIVE DENTAL’ PRACTICE - Here your periodic Periodontal-Restorative care is maintained post-treatment for you and your family through my chosen Dental Hygiene Staff.

7) ‘TMJ’ PAIN / OCCLUSION ANALYSIS AND CORRECTION Should you notice pain in your ear, crack and clicking pain in the joint with jaw movements, fracturing of teeth, rapid wear of teeth, gum recessions and grooving of exposed tooth roots, clenching, or grinding… Often, the solutions are much more simple than you may think. I was schooled in OHIO with respect to the ‘Gnathologist’ principles of occlusion (bite). I proudly incorporate these principles into my treatment of dental pathology and prosthetic dental reconstructions.

8) ‘PERIODONTAL DISEASE’ (GUM DISEASE) This generally painless and often life-threatening disease is often ignored and left untreated or under-treated.

Despite the advent of new technologies and medications made available to treat this insidious disease, surgical intervention under microscopes remains the definitive treatment for advanced disease processes. The delivery of this treatment modality is most often performed under I.V. Sedation.

9) ‘FAST BRACES’ AVAILABLE HERE - This is a U.S. patent approved orthodontic bracket technology reduces treatment time SIGNIFICANTLY! Talk to me regarding the dynamics of this treatment modality. CORRECT CROOKED TEETH ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL DISEASE THAT COMES WITH CROOKED TEETH. (Treatment may be significantly less expensive, too!)

10) ‘HOLISTIC DENTISTRY’ - As in any medicine, we look to provide you with information that may benefit you from outside the corporate product-marketing model.

We are organizing a presentation here for our patients, new patients, and interested others, regarding holistic solutions that may be outside the traditional dental umbrella. CALL US TO RESERVE A CHAIR FOR YOU TO ATTEND! You may contact Dr. Mueller’s office by calling (215) 657-5700, or for more information, visit www.kmuellerdds.com 1115 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090

Exit # 343 off the PA Turnpike Across from Best Buy

6) ‘COSMETICS’ - WONDERFUL! - Ailing, failing, and aging bridgework a problem for you? From a FULL SMILE MAKEOVER to modest touch-ups, my chosen porcelain artisans are fantastic. I treat dental ‘train-wrecks’.

“One-On One” PersOnalized dental service With tOday’s MOdern dentistry PrOvidinG the hiGhest QUality MaJOr restOrative dental & iMPlant treatMent

Volume 5 | Issue 2 Local Living

• ‘Sleep Dentistry’ • ‘Artistic Smile Design’ • Surgical Placement and Restoration of Dental Implants

Kent Lane Mueller, D.D.S.

(215) 657-5700

49

50 Local Living Volume 9| Issue 2

senior perspective Words and Wisdom

Put Away That Rocking Chair

by Diane Burns

R

etirement is sometimes referred to as the slower years of one’s life. BUT NOT TODAY! Senior citizens are not sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs snoozing the day away. Many have rejected retirement and are electing to continue working long after the age of sixty-five. The U.S. Department of Labor records show that more than 1.2 million 75 and older seniors are still in the workforce today.

Turn on the television and you may be surprised to see how many elderly actors are still performing their art: Betty White at 91, Cloris Leachman at 86, and Ed Asner at 83, just to name a few. They are not letting a number define them or keep them from doing what they love, and neither should you!

Believe it or not, statistics show that Bingo and sewing are NOT the favorite pastimes of the elderly. Instead, they are out and about in the world enjoying activities they now have time to pursue.

One of the favorite activities seniors are participating in is the walking clubs called Silver Sneakers. Members of these clubs often meet in the morning hours, and circle the floors at malls and many area hospitals.

When it comes to the competitive spirit, age is no restriction. Check out any bowling alley, day or night, and you’ll see seniors in energetic competitive leagues. On golf courses

across the country seniors are out trying for that elusive “hole-in-one,” while enjoying the great outdoors. The Senior Golf Association plans year round, friendly tournaments across the country giving golfers an opportunity to play on new courses that challenge their game.

Seniors can also be seen on tennis courts for their own pleasure or competing in tournaments. This sport is gaining new senior players every year. In many communities Bocce is the game of choice, whether it is at an organized club, the park, or even the backyard, it’s a game for all ages.

Older citizens are taking dance lessons of all kinds. Since the appearance of Dancing with the Stars, we have seen how well seniors can endure the rigors of learning and performing some intricate dance routines. From square, to line, and ballroom… dancing is increasing their energy level and flexibility. And don’t be surprised to see some getting their feet moving with a little tap dancing! Whatever type of dance you enjoy, there is a club around where fellow Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers swirl around the dance floor.

While these activities seem fairly normal, some are experiencing extraordinary activities in their golden years. Skydiving, marathon running, and triathlons are just a few of these exciting new challenges seniors are engaging in. So put away that rocker and get out your racket, golf clubs, or dancing shoes and begin to enjoy life again. Make the time you have, the best you can.

Diane Burns is a freelance writer currently residing in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

VolumeVolume 9| Issue 2 2 Local Living 5151 5 | Issue Local Living

New Knees Help Keep Sisters in Bakery Business C arole Algier and her two sisters work together, baking and selling specialty cakes. Their days, she says, are just filled with joy. Their business, Full Spirited Flavours TM, is a second career for each of them and something the close-knit trio believes was destined to be.

But that’s that’s not not all all these thesewomen womendo do together. together. In In the the past past two two But years, all three three have havehad had double double knee knee replacements, replacements Carole at Pottstown years, all Memorial Medical Center, by the same orthopedic surgeon, this past June.

All had surgery at Pottstown Memorial Medical Nikos MD,orthopedic of Brandywine Institute Orthopaedics.

Center,Pavlides, by the same surgeon, NikosofPavlides, MD, of And they all Institute stayed inoftheOrthopaedics. same room atAnd PMMC’s Brandywine they allCenter stayedfor in the Orthopedics Spine. Center for Orthopedics and Spine. same room atand PMMC’s “Dr. Pavlides is so tuned in to you as a patient, and his team at Pottstown is the same way,” says Algier, a Glenmoore resident.

“Everyone is on the same page. You feel safe and secure in their hands and so well cared for.”

Sister Sue was the first to have surgery, two years ago. Algier calls her “the scout” who researched and found the best doctor for “mature” knees pained by arthritis. Kathy had surgery a year ago.

“We were there for one another through the surgeries, and that support was great,” Algier says. “But also, Dr. Pavlides has such a complete program at Pottstown. There’s no way you can’t recoup!”

Innovative Techniques, Personalized Care Algier says Dr. Pavlides “is not one to jump into surgery” as the only option. He first advises weight loss, exercise and other nonsurgical options to alleviate knee pain. Her praise for Dr. Pavlides includes not only her hospital care and comprehensive therapy, but also her scar.

“I’m proud of my scar,” she says. “At therapy other patients noticed it and other doctors have asked about it.”

Dr. Pavlides uses minimally invasive surgical techniques and closes the incision from the inside out. It’s a cosmetic approach, he explains.

“I don’t use staples or close from the outside, so you don’t get that railroad track effect,” he says. “It takes more time, but I feel patients don’t need a big scar that’s a constant reminder of the surgery.”

From her sisters’ experience, Algier also knew she would receive an extraordinary level of personal attention from Dr. Pavlides.

“He spent time with me every day in the hospital and made sure I had everything I needed,” she says. “I’ve never had a better experience.”

4 • Fall2013 • TheCenterPost

5252Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2 Cake Sisters 17X11 Poster.indd 1

‘‘

The physician you see in the office is the one who performs your surgery and is also the one you see after surgery. It’s very personalized care.

’’

—Nikos Pavlides, MD Orthopedic surgeon Independent Member of the Medical Staff

Why for Why Choose Choose PMMC for Knee Replacement?

Replacement?

Dedicated orthopedic center • Dedicated orthopedic 1. with private rooms center with private rooms High standard of quality care 2.

• High standard of quality care New techniques/gender-specific 3. joint replacement • Gender-specific joint replacement sparing knee replacement infection rate 4.ACLLower • Lower infection rate Demonstrated successful outcomes 5.

Designated assuccessful a Blue • Demonstrated outcomes

6.

7.

Distinction Center in knee and hip replacement by Independence Blue Cross

Joint Commission Quality care in knee and hip & Hip replacement Knee accredited

by Certification the Joint Commission

Stop living with Stop with knee, knee,hip hip and joint joint pain! pain! and To learn our orthopedic can Meet ourhow Orthopedic Team experts at help you, call us at 610-327-7200. pottstownortho.com

TheCenterPost • Fall2013 • 5

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5454Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

profile Dr. Cathleen George Orthodontics a STRAIGHT SMILE Expert!

A

s a ‘straight smile’ expert and a predominant leader in orthodontia, Dr. Cathleen George and team deliver both, ‘perfect smiles’ and incomparable service. ‘Our practice is focused on excellence and our reputation throughout Bucks County stands as testament!’~Dr. Cathleen George Dr. Cathleen George began her orthodontic training while in high school, working as an assistant for an Orthodontist. She learned early on that her passion for excellence, detail and a person’s smiling potential would become a catalyst in her pursuit to become an Orthodontist, a ‘straight smile expert’!

After graduating with honors and distinction from the University of Penn Dental, Dr. George was granted acceptance into the Penn Orthodontic program. Orthodontists undergo 2 to 3 years of extensive, specialized training and are absolute experts in tooth movement and the guidance of facial development or Dentofacial Orthopedics. Continuing on the pursuit for Orthodontic excellence, Dr. George

completed both a board certification exam and exhaustive critical peer review to earn Diplomate Status from the American Board of Orthodontics.

With 20+ years of specialized orthodontic experience, an unrelenting desire to release every patient’s ‘perfect smile’, and the success of 1000s upon 1000s of cases, it’s safe to say, Dr. George is a ‘straight smile expert’! Continued education, training, and the teaching of new Orthodontic doctors at the University of Penn ensure Dr. George maintains unparalleled knowledge and expertise.

‘As an Orthodontic Specialist I am grateful to provide a service which creates a lifetime of beautiful healthy smiles!

Our continued success is measured by the many ‘perfect smiles’ and the impact those smiles will have on the lives of my patients!’

Your smile defines you; it is priceless, and a beautiful straight smile begins with a ‘straight smile expert’! Whether you are age 5 or 75, Dr. George and her team offer expert advice on Orthodontia, treatment options and complimentary consultations.

Expert treatment options include: • Adult Orthodontics • Traditional braces, including ‘esthetically’ clear • Invisalign • Early interceptive orthodontics • Accelerated Orthodontics, shortening treatment by 50% + For more information, visit www.teethstraight.com or call (215) 355-5995. Dr. George’s office is located at 51 Almshouse Road, Richboro, PA 18954.

Volume 9| Issue 2

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May | June 2013 Local Living

85

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HEALTH

Resources for Addressing Mental Health Challenges at Work Every year, about 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences a mental illness and 1 in 25 lives with a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with or limits at least one major life activity.

Mental illness is a top cause of worker disability in the U.S. and 62 percent of missed work days can be attributed to mental health conditions.

“The fact that such a high percentage of employees have come to work feeling suicidal is troubling,” Jackson said. “While this is certainly a worst-case scenario and employers would hope issues would not progress to this level, it also emphasizes the need to ensure support and resources are understood and readily available in the workplace.”

A leader in employee benefits, Unum recently published the report, “Strong Minds at Work,” on the prevalence of mental health issues in today’s workplaces. The research revealed just 25 percent of managers in the U.S. have received training on how to refer employees to mental health resources and more than half of people are unsure how to help a colleague with a mental health issue.

The bulk of mental health resources are usually offered via an employer’s health care provider and can include medical care, an employee assistance program (EAP), counseling referrals and financial and legal counseling. However, employees often don’t fully understand the resources available to them.

“The development, implementation and promotion of mental health strategies has become a top priority for many of today’s employers,” said Michelle Jackson, assistant vice president of market development at Unum. “Creating a workplace culture that promotes mental health resources and encourages employees to take advantage of them helps to destigmatize mental health issues and can lead to a happier, more productive workforce.”

Some of the report’s findings include: • Fifty-five percent of employees said their employer did not have, or they were unsure if their employer had, a specific program, initiative or policy in place to address mental health.

• Sixty-one percent of employees felt there’s a social stigma in the workplace toward colleagues with mental health issues; half of them felt the stigma has stayed the same or worsened in the past five years.

• Among employees with a mental health issue, 42 percent went to work with suicidal feelings.

According to the Unum study, HR professionals said 93 percent of their employers offer an EAP, yet only 38 percent of employees were aware of this resource. More than half of HR professionals said they offer financial counseling, legal services and telemedicine services, but a fraction of employees said they were aware these services exist.

“Employees should ask their HR department what mental health resources are available and be supportive of colleagues who may be struggling,” Jackson said. “Offering support to others and knowing where to direct them can not only save lives but also help create a more inclusive workplace environment.”

To download a copy of the mental health report, visit unum.com/mentalhealth.

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Volume 9| Issue 2

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FITNESS

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Take Your Workout Outdoors for a Fresh Boost As temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, you might start taking your workouts outside more often. To ensure your body’s comfort and safety, you may need to refresh your fitness regimen.

These tips can help you safely enjoy your summer workouts: Wear sweat-proof sunscreen. Protecting your skin is a yearround endeavor, but when it’s hot outside, you’re more likely to lose the protection of sunscreen faster. Use a sunscreen that is designed to withstand your summer workout, whether it’s a good sweaty run or laps in a refreshing pool. Reapply a broadspectrum formula with an SPF of 15 or higher regularly and be sure you’re using enough. Most people need a full ounce to cover their entire bodies.

Stay hydrated. In warmer weather, your body typically sweats at a higher rate, causing you to lose key electrolytes, like salt and potassium, that are important to keeping your body properly hydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking fluids before, during and after a workout. To mix up your hydration plan, consider choosing a water formulated for fitness, like Propel Vitamin Boost, which is enhanced with 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamins B3, B5, B6, C and E and electrolytes to help replace what is lost in sweat.

Find a workout buddy. There’s power – and safety – in numbers. Whether you grab a friend, coworker or pet, try exploring new places to work out for a change of scenery.

Having a buddy by your side not only offers security, but also a boost of motivation. Together, you can work toward a common goal, keep each other accountable and encourage each other to crank up the intensity.

Time workouts for cooler periods. Avoid exercising during the heat of the day. Instead, opt for morning or evening workouts and be conscious of high humidity levels, which can adversely affect your respiration and lead to overheating. It’s also a good idea to acclimate to the warmer temperatures by starting with a brief workout and gradually increasing the duration over the span of a week or two.

Wear appropriate clothes. Switching to summer attire isn’t just about wearing less material; you also need to pay attention to the fabric you wear. The appropriate fit may vary depending on your chosen activity, but generally, breathable fabric in lighter colors is ideal.

Visit propelwater.com to learn more about safely hydrating to tackle warm weather workouts.

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ASK Matt Dear Matt, I just broke up with my boyfriend of 3 years and quickly got into another serious relationship. My best friend thinks that I can’t ever be alone. Looking back, she is right, I have always had a boyfriend. Could I be addicted to love? G. In Devon In the situation of love addicts, often their own growth and development was challenged earlier in life. Similarly, many love addicts report some type of abuse or neglect as children and see themselves as damaged. Their parents are often love addicts to begin with. This explains it basically to many sufferers but I don’t always buy this answer. I like to dig a little deeper and look at all of your life’s experiences to see how they can relate to this behavior. Sometimes the answer is simple and other times it is much more detailed but together I know we will understand what causes it. Stress also encourages compulsive behavior by feeding the addict's need for withdrawal and fantasy. With the amount of stress everyone is under, I totally understand how it is possible to lead to alternative behavior. When I speak of stress, it can be stress from work, school or even your family. For a purely clinical explanation, levels of phenylethylamine, a chemical in the brain involved in the euphoria that comes with falling in love, rise with feelings of infatuation, boosting your excitement and interest in the person you find attractive.

Dear Matt, I think that I am the perfect guy. I have a great job, drive a nice car and have my own place, but can’t seem to keep a steady girlfriend! All the girls I’ve dated seem to think that I am too overbearing. Maybe they are right. I want to change, but what can I do? S. In Paoli I am happy that you have thought about it and want to do something about it now. That is a huge step in itself. The first step is to find a good match when it comes to a therapist. Someone you can open up to and talk freely with would be ideal for you. Then treatment should involve at least some of the following points, a commitment to abstinence (staying “out of love” for a while!) rebuilding meaningful relationships and managing stressors in your life.

Dear Matt: I’m a 42 year old woman who was recently divorced. All of my friends tell me I should just go on-line and I will find a great guy, but I can’t tell them I have no idea how to even do that, where are these websites?. Can you help me?

W. From Malvern

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I think that everyone just assumes that on-line dating is just second nature, but that is just not true at all. If you were born before 1970, the odds are this is completely foreign to you and that is totally understandable. The “old way” of dating was pretty clear, hang out with other girls, meet a guy at a bar or at work and your all set, married in one year, but today things are very different. The first thing I would tell you is to go on-line and just do a search for on-line dating services. Most of us have seen ads for Match.com or Eharmony.com, both excellent sites and very easy to navigate. I would go to each site and explore them, seeing what it is all about and investigate if it is for you or not. Match.com is based on you the dater doing most of the work, scrolling through profiles and narrowing the search down based on the characteristics of the person you want to date.

With Eharmony.com the site does more of the work for you. You fill in a personality survey about yourself and who you are looking for and the site will narrow down the perspective daters for you. Then if you find you are serious about joining a site, I would recommend both of these, they are well known, professional and easy to use on a daily basis.

Dear Matt: Recently I started dating some guys I meet on-line but I sometimes feel weird meeting them for the first time and I want to be really safe about it. Do you have some advice on how to go about this the right way? C. From Paoli One of the most important aspects of on-line dating is the safety. Safety begins with your first communication or email to someone you are interested in. I would tell you never to include personal information straight off.

Information like your phone number, address or even where you work. Until you feel that this person is someone real and interested in you, then I think it would be alright to ask for their phone number and play it safe.

Once you feel it is time to meet in person, I would recommend meeting in a very public, yet fun location. Maybe the local Starbucks or Barnes and Noble. Meeting someplace busy and lively will not only make you feel safer but can add vitality to your conversation since you two won’t be alone in a quiet restaurant where conversation could get stale if the face to face meeting is not what you expected. Be safe and smart and like any kind of dating, go with your gut, if it feels wrong or odd, get up and walk away.

PROFILE Dear Matt: I’ve meet a great girl on an on-line dating site. We had spoken on-line for over a month then meet in person and it went great. We have been dating for over seven weeks and she has totally changed her personality. I’m really turned off by her now. Can I break up with her through an email? L. In Wynnewood I would not recommend an email break up. In my private practice work, I have seen the good and bad aspects of email. Email makes our lives much easier in ways of communication, but with the good comes the bad. The reader of an email can’t tell what tone or mood the writer is in. If you send an email to break up, the odds are she will be very upset. I believe the best way to do this is the old fashioned way, talk, in person, face to face. If you feel that things are not going well, address it with her, you both will then understand it is not working out. If you feel for an other reason you can’t do this, please contact me and we can discuss it further.

Dear Matt, Lately, our 17 year old daughter seems to overreact to whatever we say to her. She is always irritated with us and loses her temper a lot. She used to be so upbeat and cooperative, but her personality has changed right before our eyes. Is this just typical teenage behavior or should we be concerned? E. In Merion It is a myth that all teenagers are moody and belligerent.

You say that you feel your daughter's personality has changed. Are there any other signs that she is troubled?

Are her grades slipping? Has she become secretive? It sounds as if something in her life is not right. You both need to sit down with her and talk about her thoughts and feelings. Speaking with her and encouraging her to open up to you about what might be bothering her is very important. Teenagers are very complex creatures and need to be handled with care. Impress upon her the fact that if she can't talk to you about her problems, she needs to speak to someone, be it the school counselor, a member of the clergy or a family doctor. This is a problem that needs to be addressed and resolved.

Matthew W. Gelber Matthew W Gelber MS is a psychotherapist and operates the Weldon center in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Matt works with individuals, couples and families in therapy and counseling. Matt has over 15000 clinical hours and over 10 years of experience working with clients in Montgomery, Chester and Delaware county's.

Please call or email Matt anytime for questions or to book a session.

610-310-5898 matthew.gelber@att.net

www.matthewgelber.com Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living 61

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PETS

photo courtesy of Getty Images

Tips to Successfully Bring a New Pet into Your Home Bringing home a puppy or kitten can lead to a lot of excitement. However, discussing issues that may arise and preparing in advance for a new pet’s arrival can help make for a smooth transition.

Consider these tips from the pet experts at PetSmart Charities to help make your new pet’s adjustment to its forever home a resounding success.

Know that pet parenting is a lifetime commitment. That oh-so-sweet puppy or kitten stage only lasts so long, so be sure that you’re prepared to give a lifetime of loving care. Nurturing the bond you create during the early months can create a foundation for lifelong companionship.

Consider adoption first. There are literally thousands of animals of all breeds and ages looking for loving homes. Consider adopting a pet that needs a home from a local shelter or adoption event.

“When you consider an option like adoption, you can make sure one less dog or cat is living in a shelter while also providing the gift of unconditional love to a furry friend in need,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities, which helps find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. “As a way to make adoption more accessible, we work with local adoption partners to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores each and every day, and especially during our National Adoption Weekends, which take place in stores nationwide.”

Select an appropriate pet. Integrating a pet into your household, especially for a first-time pet owner, can take some work. It’s important to consider factors like how often you travel, whether your work schedule will allow a visit home during the day for a potty-training puppy and if you’re willing to provide necessary care, such as daily

brushing for a long-haired animal. Also consider whether you truly want a puppy or a kitten; an adult pet offers numerous benefits, such as potentially being house-trained already and more resilient for play with small kids.

Provide structure for your pet. In a new family, a pet will often look for where he or she fits in and try to understand the rules of the house.

Dogs, especially, crave routine, boundaries and rules. Cats like to know what to expect, too. When pets don’t understand, they can feel uncertain and some pets might hide until they feel more comfortable.

Sensible rules can help pets feel secure in their new environments.

Being consistent with training, helping pets understand what behavior you want and providing a solid routine can help them feel comfortable and confident.

Prepare for pet parenting. The sweet kisses and cuddles are fun, but a new pet requires some preparation. Stock up on items like age-appropriate food and toys. Look into training classes and find a veterinarian you trust for regular checkups. Also take time to pet-proof your home, removing items that may pose a health threat or create temptations for undesirable behaviors.

Find more advice on introducing a new pet to your home and locate a local adoption event near you at petsmartcharities.org.

Volume 9| Issue 2 Local Living 63

Local

goes goes local local

Virginia Wine Country

By Diane Burns

I

n 1771 our third President Thomas Jefferson tried his hand at wine making in his home state of Virginia. And although Jefferson was successful in many endeavors, wine making was not one of them. His vines were infected by a deadly louse, which destroyed his vineyard and most of the soil around it. For the next 200 years, any wine that was produced in Virginia was undrinkable and tasted like detergent.

Over the years the wines became more tolerable but not remarkable.

However, the last 40 years has produced a generation of excellent VA winemakers whose wines can compete with the best of California wines. The state is the home of over 230 vineyards, and Virginia is now the fifth largest wine grapegrowing state in the country. The wines in this state have received many accolades from tourists and high scores from professional critics.

So let’s take a short tour of the most awarded wineries in the area. Each winery is in a unique location with beautiful scenery, spectacular views, and quaint little towns. The state is divided into several wine tasting regions, so you have a choice of different areas in the northern, central or southern part of the state. What better

6464Local Volume 9| Issue 2 LocalLiving Living Volume 5 | Issue 2

way to experience a short getaway than a visit to the wine country of Virginia?

These are the vineyards that are putting Virginia wines on the map: Potomac Point Winery- Stafford, VA The vineyard is a Tuscany-like estate just 45 minutes outside Washington, DC. Enjoy wine tasting in the tasting room or outside in the New Orleans style courtyard, while the children have some play time in the Lil Buds Room. There is also a Bistro open for a light menu of Tapas, soups, and salads.

Cedar Creek Vineyard For those who want to learn more about the wines of Virginia, this vineyard has a very educational tasting. Cedar Creek is an award winning family owned farm winery and vineyard. Although they only produce two wines, tourists highly recommend a visit to Cedar Creek.

Glen Manor The winery is situated on the west side of the Blue Ridge. The vineyard has a unique environment, with vines perched on steep mountain slopes. Grapes are grown mostly for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.

Villa Appalachia – Floyd, VA This is a beautiful venue with an excellent variety of wines. You will definitely be able to relax at this Italian inspired winery. Chianti Classico is the grape predominately grown and produced at Villa Appalachia.

Valhalla Vineyard – Shenandoah Valley Come and enjoy a tour of the winery and barrel cave conducted by the very professional staff. There Syrah has received the Governor’s Cup as well as many other National and International awards.

This is just a sample of the more than 200 wineries Virginia has to offer. Forbes Magazine once asked the question “Is Virginia the Napa of the East?” Why not experience the answer to that question first hand. You won’t be sorry you did.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information and a map of the entire wine making regions.

Virginia Chamber of Commerce –9 19 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219 (804)644-1607 or www.virgina.org Diane Burns is a freelance writer now residing in Chester County, PA

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Richard – Animal Lover, Hip Replacement

A New Hip has this Dentist and Animal Lover Smiling Again Richard Bash, DDS enjoys putting smiles back on the faces of patients who come to him in pain. But when his pain from a deteriorating hip condition turned his smile upside down, his case deemed too risky by big city orthopedic groups.

Meet Richard’s Doctor...

Wei-Shen Lin, MD Orthopedic Surgeon “Recovery times vary and everyone is different, but Dr. Bash had immediate pain relief after his hip surgery. He was able to walk on it right away.”

ortho.sluhn.org • 1-866-STLUKES

Wei-shen Lin, MD of St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care stepped in.

Just three days after a hip replacement, Dr. Bash was seeing patients in his office. That’s the joy of pain relief.

Orthopedics | Joint Replacement | Sports Medicine | Sports Performance | Physical Therapy | Rheumatology | Spine