Neighborhood News April 2024 Issue

Neighborhood News Neighborhood News A Word from the Publisher

Goodbye March, hello April! Sadly, the last of our mostwelcomed cold snaps are now behind us. Spring has sprung, and we have officially entered our ‘rainy/grow season,’ when the grass and bushes unfortunately exponentially grow more quickly. It’s now the optimal time to have your trees trimmed before hurricane season begins in June.

Our Jewish neighbors will celebrate Passover beginning at sundown on Monday, April 22nd. The holiday commemorates the biblical story of Exodus where God’s miracles freed the Israelites after 400 years of brutal slavery in Egypt (see page 7.)

Earth Day is on Monday, April 22nd. This important day raises awareness of the importance of taking care of our planet, especially our oceans. Take part in one of our local beach cleanups and learn about the many ways you can help protect our environment (see page 36.)

We have quite a few fun, local events inside our pages this month. The Neighborhood News is proud to be one of the sponsors of the 12th Annual Ride4Orphans charity bike ride being held on Saturday morning, April 27th (see page 16), as well as a sponsor of ‘Bike Day & Muscle Car’ event, also held on Saturday afternoon, April 27th (see page 34.) No matter which type of “biker” you are, you can do either (or both) events that day!

If you reside outside one of the 36 communities the Neighborhood News direct mails to each month, we also offer a free digital subscription – just email our office to request having your email added, and you’ll automatically receive our issue that you can read on your phone or computer. You can also read our current and previous issues online at www.NeighborhoodNewsInfo.com or on our Facebook Page (Neighborhood News-Lake Worth.)

Have a wonderful month and a Happy Passover!

Thomas Keating

“It’s not the honors or prizes in life that ultimately nourish our souls. It’s knowing we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is truly good stuff.”

–Mister “Fred” Rogers

Lake Charleston

Lakeview Estates

Rivermill

Coco Plum

Coronado Estates

Le Palais

Isola Bella Estates

Osprey Oaks

Smith Farm

Northtree

Grande Palms

Bristol Lakes

Villaggio Colors

Canyon Isles

Palm Shores

Villages of Woodlake

Winston Trails

Smithbrooke

Lantern Key

The Colony

Isola Bella

Waterchase

Alden Ridge

Cypress Trails Direct

Canyon Lakes

Journeys End

Rainbow Lakes

Princeton

Sun Valley

Cinnabar

The Estates

Nautica Sound

Bay Estates

Just Added: Thoroughbred Lake Estates

Office: 561-644-2328

Email: Office@NeighborhoodNewsInfo.com

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Publisher: Thomas Keating

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Neighborhood News Contest Winner… You Could

Win!

Be Next!

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Mark Neill from Lake Charleston, who found the NN sun graphic in the “Smoothie King” ad and won (2) tickets to Movies of Lake Worth/Delray and Dinner for 2 at Texas Roadhouse!

the April “Dinner and a Movie” Contest

The Winner will receive free Dinner for (2) at Texas Roadhouse and (2) tickets to Movies of Lake Worth / Delray! Mail or email our office at: Office@NeighborhoodNewsInfo.com with the answer to “Which ad in this issue has the NN Starburst Graphic in it?” Winner will be randomly selected on April 15th.

Good Luck!

Happy Birthday

Inventor

Oh, the joy of picking that single Z out of the Scrabble pile just when you also have e b r and a, on a lovely triple word score. It's those moments that make Scrabble one of the most satisfying board games to play, and it so happens that it is the perfect game for April, all because of one guy.

Alfred Mosher Butts was born April 13th in 1899. He went on to become an architect, and then an unemployed architect, during the Great Depression. With time on his hands, Butts decided to design a board game. He studied existing games and decided that they all fell into one of three categories. There were number games such as bingo or dice. There were move games like chess and checkers. And there were word games like anagrams.

Butts wanted to invent a game that combined chance and skill. He conceived the idea of Scrabble as a sort of crossword created on the fly. To determine how many tiles he would need for each letter, he studied the front page of The New York Times. He made some good decisions. Of the 100 tiles in a Scrabble set, there needed to be plenty of Es (15) but not that many Ss (4). After all, he didn't want people to just go around making plurals.

Game makers didn't like the game, but Butts eventually teamed up with a businessman who marketed the game. More than 150 million Scrabble sets have been sold worldwide, and an estimated 33% of U.S. homes contain a Scrabble game.

Mike’s Iguana Control

Passover: The Time of Freedom

The celebration of Passover in the Jewish community begins after sundown on Monday, April 22. It is an eightday celebration that honors the freedom and exodus of the Israelites enslaved by the Egyptian Pharaoh. During the final plague, the Israelites are told by God to mark their doors with the blood of a lamb so the angel of death would ‘pass over’ their homes and spare their firstborn children from death.

This is a time for family, rejoicing, and the retelling of Hebrew history. This feast, also known as Pesach, is the first of three major festivals. Pesach in Hebrew means 'passing over,' in reference to how God passed over the houses of the Jews in Egypt while punishing their captors.

The name Pesach is also the name of the sacrificial lamb offered in the Temple before the Exodus of the Jews. Another name for this observance is Z'man Cherutenu, which means 'the Time of Our Freedom.' The Fast of the Firstborn is observed on the day before Passover. Firstborn Jewish males fast to commemorate that the firstborn sons of the Israelites were spared in Egypt.

Seders are observed on the first two nights of Passover. At Seder dinners, the youngest child of the household traditionally recites or sings the Four Questions. The teaching exercise begins with asking, "Why is this night different from all other nights?"

Plastic—It’s Everywhere You Don’t Want It to Be

Microplastics, bits of plastic that are less than five millimeters, are everywhere on Earth -- in our food, soil, and water. A recent study by the University of Newcastle in Australia estimates that every person consumes about five grams of plastic every week. That would be like eating a credit card.

Microplastics come from everywhere. Some are created with the breakdown of larger items, including synthetic clothing that shed bits when washed, car tires, or paint flakes. Some microplastics are manufactured for use in other products like makeup or sunscreen. In food, fruits and vegetables contain the bits, probably from the water taken in by roots. But plastics are also present in beer, rice, honey, tea, and salt. They are literally in the apples on the trees, the snow in the Arctic, and the sands of the deserts.

Experts at Rutgers University say the scientific community is still speculating what impact microplastics are having on human health. There is some possibility that they can affect hormones and reproduction when these chemicals are absorbed into the body.

In honor of Earth Day on April 22nd, you can do your part to help. Avoid using plastic containers, single-use bags, and plastic packing materials. Try to replace plastic tubes and bottles in everything you can, especially single-use plastic water bottles. Always recycle to help keep plastic out of our landfills. Participate in one of the local beach cleanups or do one on your own with family or friends.

Jackpots,

Total Solar Eclipse Coming in Apri l

On April 8, American camera buffs and those interested in all things celestial won't have to cross an ocean to experience a total solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse completely obscures the light of the sun, leaving just a faint visible solar corona. The 15-mile footprint, or path of totality, will be most visible on a path through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The path will just nick Michigan at the lower southeast corner.

Solar eclipses happen only when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, obscuring it from view. Those planning to take in this rare spectacle should check with NASA and other online weather sources to ensure the best location. It is necessary to avoid areas of cloud cover and unpredictable weather disturbances.

Without good blocking features on cameras and sunglasses, viewers can risk blindness. The eclipse cannot be viewed safely with the naked eye, but eclipse viewing glasses are widely available.

For about $10,000, you can take a Cessna Citation X jet from Texas to Mexico and back. The experience, offered by TEI Tours and Travel, will let passengers experience 6 minutes and 50 seconds of totality during a three-hour flight. The advantage of seeing the eclipse from the air is that planes fly above the clouds, offering an unobstructed view of the eclipse. The odds of a clear view from the ground are set at about 50/50. More than 31 million U.S. residents live in the path of totality.

Raisins Do the Body Good

They're one of the oldest foods in human history, but raisins are attracting new attention as an optimal source for steady energy. Raisins are a top energy source that sustain blood sugar levels much longer than other high-energy foods, but raisins don't come with a crash after the energy runs out. If you munch on a donut, you'll be hungry again in a little while. If you munch on a little box of raisins, you won't.

The California Raisin Marketing Board says the list of health benefits associated with raisins keeps growing. In a study done on the effect of raisins on cholesterol, subjects with elevated cholesterol ate a diet high in fiber and low in fats. The diet included raisins, which are shown to contain 4 grams of fiber per one and one-half ounce serving. Those who followed the diet lowered their cholesterol levels and reduced their risk of heart disease.

Other studies show that raisins are rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent heart disease and cancer. Research sponsored by the World Health Organization shows that raisins are one of the top sources of boron in our diets. Boron has beneficial effects on the bones and the brain and helps to metabolize nutrients like calcium, copper, and nitrogen.

If you want to control your blood pressure, raisins are one of the best snacks for you. They're a good source of potassium, a mineral that has been shown to lower high blood pressure. They also don't spoil. Put a box or two in your lunch box or drawer.

Get Stronger, Live Longer

Most Americans don't do any kind of strength training exercises -- no lifting weights or bodyweight exercises, like squats and push-ups. That's to their detriment, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommends that most adults do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice each week, in addition to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. The benefits of strength:

* Weight management. Strength training preserves and builds lean muscle mass, which increases your metabolism and can help you lose weight. Increased muscle mass is also associated with improved insulin sensitivity.

* Bone health. Resistance training and weight-bearing exercise supports healthy bone density and can reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

* Better quality of life. Muscle-strengthening activities make it easier to engage in everyday activities like climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects, improves balance, and can improve general physical function.

* Chronic condition management. People with chronic conditions like obesity, arthritis, depression, or diabetes can all benefit from strength training.

Strength training doesn't have to be complicated or require any equipment to get started-- just comfortable clothing and space to move around is enough. Choose three to five basic exercises, such as squats, wall push-ups, glute bridges, and stepups, and perform two to three sets of 10 to 12 reps with a minute of rest between sets.

Artisan Foods l Speciaty Coffees l Bakery Jams & Honey l Meat &

The Wine Room l 518 Cafe l Pet Wants

30 Farmers Market Vendors All Under One Roof

Tuesday - Saturday, 8am to 6pm

518 Lantana Road • Lantana, FL

SE Corner of Lantana

561.467.6565

One Inch of Silence Still Exists

Outside, a young person drives by with his car stereo booming a relentless ear-shattering boom, boom, boom. You wonder how long he himself will be able to hear it. A cellphone rings. A lawn mower fires up. Somewhere people argue. They are the common noises of modern life, and they obscure sounds of nature: A breeze rustling the leaves. Water flowing from a creek. Birds chattering in flight. A bee buzzing by.

But there is one place in the continental United States where you might not hear anything except nature. In Washington's Olympic National Park, a small red pebble marks the quietest inch in the country. It's a place supposedly devoid of ambient human noise, what acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton calls a 'sanctuary of silence.'

You aren't going to stumble upon the area. The spot is accessible only by a scenic three-mile rainforest hike down the Hoh River Trail near Forks. One Square Inch of Silence was designated a noise control project on April 22, 2005.

The idea is that to keep One Square Inch of Silence in silence forces the surrounding forest to be preserved in silence, and Hempton hopes, encourage the practice of silence to spread. Only one human sound routinely interferes with the square inch of silence: The US Navy flies growler jets above the Hoh Forest on training missions.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Your home, whether it's your dream home or far from it, is where lifelong memories are made. There, you'll bring home your first dog, host friends and family, kick off your shoes after a long day, and sing a little too loudly while cooking dinner. Whether you rent or own, nearly no home is perfect. But by reframing your perspective, you'll be able to appreciate the positive sides of your home instead of focusing on what your budget doesn't allow you to change.

‘I'll only be here a year,’ you think. Then, that year turns into another, which rolls into a third. No matter how long you plan to stay in your home- a month or a lifetime- don't put off prioritizing easy, budget-friendly ways to make your house feel like it's yours.

It could be as simple as hanging family photos or inviting friends over for a dinner party. Wherever you are, make your house feel like a home with decor, people, and the memories you fill it with. Hate the harsh overhead lights? Add dimmers. Can't stand the carpet? Layer a rug on top of it. Painting is an obvious first step to freshening up any room, and so is switching out hardware. You would be surprised how much a kitchen full of new cabinet pulls can transform the space.

Sometimes, the best option is a ‘for now’ solution that can hold you over until you can either change it permanently or move. For every downside, there's an upside. Focus on the inherent, redeeming qualities of your home.

12TH ANNUAL CHARITY BIKE RIDE

SATURDAY APRIL 27, 2024

FEATURING 15, 34 & 62 MILE ROUTES

Last year, with the support of over 800 riders and volunteers, we raised over $100,000 to provide light and hope to children in need around the world and right here in our local community. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a casual rider, you can make a difference! Be a part of our story and ride for a purpose.

PRESENTED BY

Outrage Grows Over PBC Utilities Assessment

Hundreds of angry homeowners filled the halls of the P.B. County Commissioner’s meeting last week to voice opposition to the proposed $4,825.00 per property assessment for relocating county utility lines underground. By the end of the meeting, the controversial assessment affecting hundreds of Lake Worth and West Boynton Beach communities unanimously passed.

Among the almost 300 communities assessed include: Lake Charleston, Winston Trails, Smith Farm, Journeys End, Lake View Estates, Smithbrooke, Northtree, Rainbow Lakes, Rivermill, Lantern Key, Coco Plum, Isola Bella, Villaggio, Cinnabar, Waterchase, Colors, The Estates, Le Palais, Canyon Lakes, Canyon Isles, Nautica Sound, Isola Bella Estates, Alden Ridge, Palm Shore, Legend Lake Estates, Osprey Oaks, Bay Estates, Cypress Trails, and Thoroughbred Lake Estates.

The construction assessment, believed to be the first of its kind in Palm Beach County, is anticipated to impact approximately 120,000 homeowners and will be mailed out this month to homeowners on record as of April 1st. Homeowners will have until April 1st 2025 to pay their balance.

Checks can be made out to The April Fools Bank…and yes, this is a joke. Now go prank your spouse and try to act really upset as you read this aloud to them!

By Marc Solomon/NN Contributing Writer

The topic of mental health is prevalent in today’s news. It can be said that Dorothea Dix was one of its very first proponents. Having an April birthday in 1802, Dix spent a lifetime fighting for the rights of the mentally ill and for better living conditions in the prison system. Most notably, she was a leading figure in the movements that challenged the notion that people with mental disturbances could not be cured or helped.

Born in Hampden, Maine, Dix’s career started as a teacher. Soon she would experience fatigue and depression. Perhaps her own struggles made her a more compassionate advocate. In 1841, Dix taught Sunday school to female convicts in a Massachusetts jail. During her visits, she saw how the conditions were in need of improvement.

In 1843, Dix submitted her first “memorial” to the state legislator. Here, she drew attention to the horrendous treatment of the mentally ill in prisons, almshouses for the poor, and asylums. Dix was able to use her vivid and upsetting descriptions to powerful effect, damning the existence of these abuses and asking for action on behalf of the “inmates” of these institutions.

No Victorian woman matched Dix's record of concrete achievement nor lived a more intrepid life. Her tireless work and dramatic testimonials highlighted the appalling conditions in existing institutions and promoted the inherent value of compassionate care. She was inducted in the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1979.

April—National Kidney Month

Every day your kidneys go about their work of removing excess fluid and waste from your blood. In addition to filtering waste, the kidneys have several other important jobs to do. They produce the two hormones needed to make red blood cells and regulate blood pressure, and they produce the active form of vitamin D, which helps maintain calcium for bones and other body functions.

At your regular checkup, ask your doctor about a blood test to measure your kidney function. Early detection of a problem is important. Each kidney has millions of tiny nephrons that act as filters. Beginning around age 40, a natural loss of nephrons occurs, but because there are so many, that doesn't cause problems unless other factors are present. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or both, some nephrons will lose their ability to filter blood.

In addition to controlling diabetes and blood pressure, there are ways to protect your kidneys. If you regularly take over-the-counter painkillers, especially for a long period of time, check with your doctor to recommend a safer alternative. And always seek prompt treatment for strep throat. When streptococcus invades the kidneys of adults, it can lead to kidney problems.

Lastly, be cautious about "natural" supplements. Products labeled "natural" aren't necessarily safe, and some can work like prescription drugs. Patients taking blood thinners should know that garlic, ginger, ginko biloba, and ginseng all contain natural anticoagulants, and could cause internal bleeding in people taking blood thinners.

www.NeighborhoodNewsInfo.com

When Luke Skywalker famously got his hand lopped off in Star Wars, it wasn't a big deal because the Jedi simply got a prosthetic hand and continued swinging his lightsaber like usual. While such advanced prosthetics are common in science fiction, they're still a dream in the real world. But breakthroughs are happening. Researchers have figured out how to make prosthetic hands that can sense temperatures. This could help amputees enjoy better-functioning and more useful replacement limbs.

Researchers were recently able to place sensors on the fingertips of prosthetic limbs. The sensors can not only sense hot and cold but also deliver that information to the nerves in residual limbs. The human brain can interpret these signals and think the limb is still there, allowing amputees to actually feel hot and cold temperatures.

Interestingly enough, the sensor system, called MiniTouch, was largely assembled with off-the-shelf electronic components. It's even possible to install the heat sensing systems in current out-of-the-box prosthetics. Don't be surprised if in the future researchers make more advanced, custom models, but even the early results are promising. The Brainy Insights reports that the current global prosthetics market is worth over $8 billion. Advanced breakthroughs in tech might push that value higher in the years ahead.

The future will likely yield many applications. Researchers believe that improving sensory abilities will lead to prosthetic limbs that are more useful and function more like biological limbs.

Study History to Understand Present

Everything has a history and is the product of thousands of years of ideas, customs, and discoveries. Even our most mundane daily tasks came from somewhere and often have surprising roots. Handwashing, for example -- we take it for granted today, but doctors once ridiculed the idea or took offense at the suggestion that they could spread disease. One early outspoken advocate of hand hygiene, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, died in an asylum after his angry colleagues had him involuntarily committed.

The study of history offers a broad range of transferable skills, from better critical thinking to sharper research instincts and greater awareness of the world around us. Many of us know that World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918 -- the date and time aren't in doubt. But historians and scholars alike still seek and analyze primary sources and debate why the Great War started and ended as it did. Could the Treaty of Versailles have offered more favorable terms to the Central Powers? Would that have prevented the greater conflict that came later?

The philosopher George Santayana famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Through the study of history, we can develop greater empathy, understand changes and patterns over time, and appreciate our world as it is today.

Understanding the past is a path to a brighter future, but we must remember that history is much more than rote memorization of names and dates – it must never be forgotten or erased.

Bitcoin Halving Occurs in April

With Bitcoin prices soaring to more than $60,000 in March this year, the cryptocurrency is about to enter a halving period expected this month, which will slow production of new bitcoin, and perhaps raise the price even further.

According to Money, there are a finite number of bitcoins that can be mined -- 21 million. There are about 19.6 million currently in circulation, which means about 1.4 million coins have yet to be mined.

Bitcoin mining is a term used to describe how individual computers can be set to solve complex mathematical equations. The person who owns the computer is the bitcoin miner. If the computer solves the equation, the bitcoin network rewards the miner with a bitcoin, which fluctuates in value, though some financial analysts predict it could hit $400,000 in 2024. Anyone with a computer can be a miner, but it is increasingly difficult to mine a bitcoin.

Since 2020, a successful miner has received 6.25 bitcoins. But when the halving event occurs, successful miners will only receive 3.125 bitcoins.

The halving events occur every four years until all the 21 million bitcoins are mined, but there is no exact date for the halving. It happens only after 210,000 blocks on the bitcoin blockchain have been filled with data, which takes about four years to occur .

Earth Day Awareness

By Zoe Stoler, Junior at Park Vista High School

Earth Day, held on April 22nd, is typically one of those holidays that people let pass by. In reality, it is important and something we should be more aware of. The earth is our one and only home, and it’s our job to protect it.

Here in Boynton Beach and Lake Worth, we are lucky to be so close to the ocean. The ocean inhabits 71% of our earth and is home to more than 260,000 diverse species. Florida is a highly populated state and popular vacation spot due to our beaches. As more and more people move here for our warm climate, developments are being made. All the things we do on land have a bigger effect on our oceans.

Most people are tired of hearing about the dangers of plastics, but it’s true. Plastics are one of the most harmful pollutants to the ocean and can harm marine life, such as sea turtles. Turtles think the plastic is food and suffocate after consuming it. Plastics also break down into microplastics that are smaller than 5mm in diameter. Microplastics are consumed and transferred through the food chain and can eventually end up in the seafood we eat.

It’s all a cycle. What we do to harm the earth comes back and harms us. By learning about the dangers and consequences of our actions, it helps to bring awareness and prompt people to make a change.

'Bird Nesting' May Benefit Kids After Divorce

Mom and dad get divorced, and the kids begin a nomadic existence, moving from one house to another on a regular schedule: Different beds, new friends, different toys, and who forgot to bring their homework? It can all quickly become very confusing.

But what if the kids stay in one place and the adults come and go? That's the idea behind ‘bird nesting,’ where the kids, like hatchlings in a nest, stay put while mom and dad take turns occupying the house.

A recent study in the UK showed positive results with a greater degree of consistency from this growing trend, according to Good Housekeeping. For kids, their lives barely change since their schedules stay the same and they enjoy the same surroundings at all times. There aren't any dramatic differences between mom's house and dad's house, and this can lessen the likelihood of kids experiencing anxiety and depression.

The downside is that it requires divorced parties to agree to share a mortgage and expenses on a house they only live in part of the time, while maintaining some other living arrangements elsewhere -- a costly situation that may not always be possible. Some former couples have coped by maintaining a nearby joint apartment that they share when not living in the primary house with the kids. This solution probably wouldn't work for people in extreme conflict.

krystie@neighborhoodkids.net

The Lost Art of Knock-Knocks

Alert for uncles, aunts, and grandparents: If there is a fiveyear-old in your life, learn some knock-knock jokes. Parents will no doubt have already noticed that a good knock-knock joke can cause a five-year-old to collapse in giggles. But occasional visitors can score big with a good repertoire of knock-knocks and simple jokes.

Studies have shown that humor lights up the same parts of the brain in both adults and children. The adult humor centers are more developed, of course, but at age five, kids begin to understand the sequence of a story (start, middle, and end) and a joke. Knock-knocks are perfect for their new discovery, but they also respond to slapstick, exaggeration, and puns.

In fact, kids start working on the humor centers pretty early -- as soon as they respond to peek-a-boo. A developed sense of humor has been linked to creativity, empathy, and resiliency, according to The Globe and Mail. But if you want to appeal to a five-year-old, learn some good knock-knocks:

Knock, knock...Who's there? Howl…Howl who?

Howl you know unless you open the door?

Knock, knock…Who's there? Boo…Boo who?

Don't cry, it's just a joke!

April Horoscope

ARIES: 3/21 - 4/19: A rare total solar eclipse occurs in your sign this month. Show confidence and step up to the challenge. You'll have more than enough energy.

TAURUS: 4/20 - 5/20: Turn your view inward this month with a self-assessment. You’ll gain valuable clarity and a degree of empathy. New beginnings are on the horizon. Be ready.

GEMINI: 5/21 - 6/20: Put down your phone. It’s time to make a bigger effort getting outside and doing more things in real life. There are things to see in the world just for you.

CANCER: 6/21 - 7/22: A dab of money comes your way this month. Consider all the things you can do with the unexpected surprise, then do nothing. It will come in handy later this year.

LEO: 7/23 - 8/22: A challenge is coming. Get out your armor and prepare for the quest. Will you succeed or fail? Stars show this is the time for the lion to roar loudly.

VIRGO: 8/23 - 9/22: A legal issue or question arises. Your choice of approach will go well but be mindful of not damaging an important relationship. Move slowly, it’s not worth it.

LIBRA: 9/23 - 10/21: Beware of misunderstandings with a close friend. No good ever comes from being stubborn. The sun will be moving into your relationship sector mid-month, keep the faith.

SCORPIO: 10/22 - 11/21: You’ve been stuck in a rut and are wondering what’s next. Stars show travel and change heading your way this summer. Why wait? Start planning a wild adventure now.

SAGITTARIUS: 11/22 - 12/21: Creativity levels surge in Sagittarius this month. Take up the paintbrush. Renovate your room. Sit down to finish writing your book. Your masterpiece awaits.

CAPRICORN: 12/22 - 1/19: Financial pressures are taking their toll, but you will be able to work things out if you follow your plan. Be disciplined and don't be concerned by the spending habits of others.

AQUARIUS: 1/20 - 2/18: Aquarius must work on letting go of unpleasantries from the past. There is a bright, sunny future lying in front of you. Cast aside doubts or irrelevant excuses and forge ahead with confidence.

PISCES: 2/19 - 3/20: It feels like things are flying at you from every direction this month. Some good, some not so good. It’s part of the process. Don’t be distracted. Focus on the prize and don’t sweat the details.

Neighborhood News

Trouble in Paradise

The other day my girlfriend left me a note on the fridge:

“It’s just not working. I can’t take it anymore. I am going to my mom’s house.”

I opened the fridge. The light came on. The beer was cold…

What the heck is she talking about?

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For Sale

•Gymnastics/Tumbling Inflatable Mat (10ft X 3.3’) with electric pump, great condition. Can use for gymnastics training, yoga, or even use as a huge float in water- $40. Gymnastics/ Tumbling folding mat, 2” thick padding, great condition and lightweight for easy carrying/transporting- $20. Call 561-9672310 (in Lake Charleston.)

•Beautiful pink & gray women's helmet worn twice- $50. Two padded size medium men's black jackets for racing or casual -great quality & condition. Call 561-777-0892 Marianne.

•Desk-antique, white, maple top with 5 drawers, 65”L x 29”W, great for home office-asking $200 obo. Kitchen/dining table, antique white, pine top, 54”L x 33”W with a 17” extension, with 5 chairs- asking $225 obo. All very good cond. Call 561-5943858 (in Northtree).

•Samsung Galaxy ear buds; never used; $50. Google Home Mini; new, $30. Cat/small dog stroller; barely used, $40. Lake Charleston, Call/text (561)371-2623.

•Wilson Pro Staff tennis racquets strung with gut, like new $75 each. Wilson 11 ½ men's tennis shoes-brand new, $55 each. (4) Continental 225/50 R18 All Season Tires- $100 for all 4 (only 7,ooo miles). Please call Ron at 561-736-0037 (in BB)

•5” h eagle on pedestal coin bank-$25. Multipurpose folding shopping cart with shelf/handle-$18. Brass flood lamp with pleated shade $25. Brown vinyl upholstered side chairs $28/ pair. All in like new cond- Call 561-731-4160.

•(50) aluminum hurricane shutters 82” length X 15” wide, along with few other sizes. Great cond, selling $10 each (or best offer for bunch together). Call 561-3347834 (Lake Charleston).

•Various Vases in colorful, unique shapes for sale - can match any decor – I have dozens of them, and selling all for under $25 O/B/O. Please leave message @ 561-319-4818.

For Sale, Cont'd

•(4) skim boards, wooden, 2 have grips on top, great condition, kids loved them but no longer use-$20 for all 4 together. (2) Bows (kids size), shoots regular arrows, $10 for both together. 60Up Balance Board Trainer for adults for physical therapy and light training. Never used, paid over $300 on Amazon, sell for $20. Call 561-644-2328 (Lake Charleston.)

• FOR SALE: Organ, desktop. Like new and comes with FREE manuals and songbook. Can give lessons. Best offer. Please call Louise for more information at: 561-733-0334.

•For Sale: Selling a stunning silver serving set and dining ware set, all are silver. Asking $300 or best offer, price negotiable. Please call 718-790-6271.

•Deluxe tall can opener with knife sharpener-$10. Heading pad by CASCO with moist or dry heat option-$8. Oster electric blender-new cond- $25. Tea Set by Rosina, 8 cups and saucers-$100. Large salad bowl with tongs- $10. Outdoor serving pieces, with ice bucket, serving tray, tumblers, and drink pitcher-$10. Call 561-637-8283.

•Collectibles: Antique Toys: Windups, Friction & Battery Operated. Political Items: JFK, LBJ, Obama, Trump. NFL & NHL mini helmets & mugs. Beer Tap Handle Pulls. Rock n’ Roll Albums. African wood masks, Superheroes figures, Home Decor items. Titanic large metal model. Call/Text: 561-523-3621.

Events / Wanted Announcements

• FREE COMMUNITY EVENT: Come and show off your bike or muscle/super car at Bike Day on Saturday, April 27th from 11am-3pm. There’ll be music, food trucks, giveaways, and of course, tons of great looking bikes and cars to check out! Located at Keller Williams parking lot at 1400 Corporate Center Way in Wellington.

• GERMAN BEERFEST: Sunday, April 21st 12pm-5pm at the American German Club. $40 admission includes lunch and all you can drink (beer, wine, soft drinks) plus live entertainment by Alpine Express. Visit www. AmericanGermanClub.org for ticket info. Located at 5111 Lantana Rd in Lake Worth.

• CYCLING EVENT: Calling all riders, get ready for the 12th Annual Ride4Orphans charity bike ride on Saturday, April 27th starting at 7:30am. One of South Florida’s premier cycling events, this ride features 15, 34 and 62 mile routes and is SAG supported with plenty of attended rest stops along the way. Fun post-ride lunch/party included after the ride! Visit www.Ride4Orphans.com to register.

• LIFE IS A CABARET SHOW! Enjoy an afternoon of a cappella music featuring the Women of Note Chorus and special guest quartets, Duly Noted and Rounders, at the historic Lake Worth Playhouse in Lake Worth Beach. Sunday, April 28 at 1PM. For tickets, call 561-586-6410 www.lakeworthplayhouse.org / www.womenofnote.com #letusentertainyou.

Events / Wanted Announcements, Cont'd

•PLANT SALE: Plant-A-Palooza at Mounts Botanical Garden on Sat, April 27th & Sun, April 28th. Pick up exotic new plants and get ideas for sprucing up your garden this spring. And be sure to check out the Origami in the Garden exhibit featuring 20 larger-than-life sculptures now thru May 12th. Located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

•WRITERS’ GROUP at Sun Valley East seeking new members to join us. We are amateurs focused on improving our writing skills and having fun in the process. Please contact Bill at (561)752-2333.

•JEWELRY WANTED: Looking for Gold & Silver and older costume jewelry. I will also take broken jewelry. I come to you. For more information, call Nick @ 561-284-3242.

•CHARITY BINGO & LUNCH: Join us Wednesdays, April 10th & 24th at Mel’s Way Bistro in the Poinciana County Club. 3536 Via Poinciana. Doors open at 11 am and close at 12pm. Lunch from 11 am – 1 pm & Bingo from 1-3 pm. $25pp includes 5 games of bingo, lunch, beverage, tax and gratuity. Proceeds go to Hospice of the Palm Beaches by Poinciana Community Group. For reservations, please call 561-530-7947 or email: info@melswaybistro.com.

•QUARTER AUCTION: at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 6090 Hypoluxo Rd, on Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 9: a.m. Paddles $2. Over 20 vendors, prizes, raffles, and mystery box. Contact Bonnie Plucinski at apprincess@aol.com or 561-909-7152.

•TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT: Newly remodeled 2 bed/2.5 bath two-story townhouse with large screened-in covered patio located in East Boca Raton. Heated community pool, tennis/ pickleball courts, beautiful area close to beach, shopping, restaurants- $2,550/mth. Call 561-254-5981 for more info.

•BINGO: at St Matthew Parish! Bingo held every Thursday in St Matthew Catholic Church Parish Center at 6090 Hypoluxo Rd (east of Jog Rd) in Lake Worth. Doors open 5:30pm and play begins 6:30. Refreshments avail. Call 561-966-8878 for more info.

•ANTIQUES WANTED: I will come to you. Buying all types of antiques like glassware crocks & jugs, furniture, statues, copper, brass, toys, lamps, swords, decoys, coffee grinders, coins, bronzes, military items, costume jewelry, gold, silver and anything old. For more information, call Nick: 561-284-3242.

• JIGSAW PUZZLE GROUP: Would you like to join a local Lake Worth/Boynton group of people who trade jigsaw puzzles ever two months? Please call or text me for more information. 305-431-5306.

•MONTHLY BUNCO PARTY in Poinciana Community on the second Thursday of each month at 7pm at the Clubhouse, 3536 Via Poinciana. Admission is $5 and a small, unwrapped gift for the loser bag. If you do not know how to play, we will be happy to teach you. Join us for a fun night with refreshments, drink, and prizes. Open to public. Reservations required. Call Mindi at (561) 328-8977 or (954) 788-2212.

•QUARTER AUCTION benefiting Cathy's Cats. On Tuesday, April 16th, doors open at 6pm and auction starts at 7pm. Located at the Phi Delta Kappa event hall at 5060 Haverhill Road in Greenacres. Have fun, bring your friends (and your quarters!)

•WANTED: WW2 Military items. German, US helmets, hats, daggers, medals, flags. Avoid consigning thru high commission auctions or dealers who look to profit. I give a fair appraisal & cash on the spot. 561-410-5873.

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Neighborhood News

Deadline: The15th for following month’s issue • Content: Up to 330 characters,total (incl. spaces)

Email: Office@NeighborhoodNewsInfo.com

Mailing Address: 6586 Hypoluxo Rd. Suite #133, Lake Worth, FL 33467

$40 per month on a 3 month run or $45 single month

SERVICE / BUSINESS SERVICE / BUSINESS, Cont'd

HANDYMAN SERVICES: Outdoor and Indoor Maintenance. Screen repairs, dryer vents, lightbulb replacement, Roof Tile Caulking, Cleaning of Rain gutters, Cleaning of Driveways, Pavers, Patios and Pool Decks. Reliable and Affordable. Call or text for a free estimate: 561-291-3830. Se Habla Espanol.

LAWN MOWING: Guaranteed Lowest Rates on standard to smaller lots. 30 years experience can save you big on all your landscape issues. Trimming, fertilization, mulch, etc. 1 FREE CUT – no contract. Call 561-357-9024.

SCREEN REPAIR: Quality Screen Repairs–NEW: Pool Enclosures, Patios, Porches, Sunrooms –No Job Too Small or Big- Great Prices, Expert Craftsmanship, and we show up on time! Lic /Ins -Call today for a Free Estimate(Dallas) Florida Screen Company, Etc. 561-662-4187.

ANTIQUES WANTED: I will come to you. Buying all types of antiques like glassware crocks & jugs, furniture, statues, copper, brass, toys, lamps, swords, decoys, coffee grinders, coins, bronzes, military items, costume jewelry, gold, silver and anything old. For more information, call Nick: 561-284-3242

HANDYMAN: 35 years of Electrical experience. Ring devices, smoke detectors, dryer vent cleaning flood lights, ceiling Fans, Drywall repair, painting, ceiling textures, Lighting replacement of any kind. Plumbing, kitchen faucets, hot water heaters, toilets, garbage disposal replacement and Gutter cleaning. Call Marc at 561-3398633 free estimates.

PLUMBING SERVICE: For all your plumbing needs –new installation, repairs, drain cleaning, hot water heaters, etc., Please call Warren Malkiel. 30 years’ experience, member of BBB, licensed and insured at 561-723-6519.

BE PREPARED: In life, things happen! Don't leave your loved ones with the debts of your life! Protection is available. Insurance is the way! Maximize available opportunities. Reach out! 888-450-4055.

TILE & MARBLE INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS:

Bathroom walls repaired or new installations. Complete bathroom remodeling, tub conversions to shower stalls, faucets, shower doors, safety bars, granite countertops, vanities, flooring installs (tile, porcelain, marble, wood laminates.) Reasonable, reliable, great references, 25+ yrs professional exp. Call Chuck for free estimate 561-310-5190.

EXPERT SPRINKLER REPAIR: Specializing in sprinkler pumps, timers, valves, heads and most broken pipes. Honest, Dependable and on time for appointments. Call today! 561-207-1510.

SCRATCHES, SCRAPES, FENDER, OR BUMPER DAMAGE?

From collisions to small repairs,

SCRATCHCAR is your full-service collision repair center. FREE estimates, a mobile service system (we’ll come to your location), accept all insurance, and offer FREE pickup & delivery. Located at: 1 E. Linton Blvd., Bay 19, in Delray. 25% OFF Bumper Repairs (mention this ad.) Call 561-278-2866 /Cell: 561-756-0901.

SUNCOAST BUSINESS CONSULTANTS: Helping people buy and sell businesses in South Florida. Free valuations and confidential marketing for sellers. Please call Brian Zoberg, Lic. Real Estate Broker at 305-301-2443.

MIKE’S IGUANA CONTROL: We offer effective iguana removal and preventative measures to control your iguana problems. Residential, HOA and commercial service available. Open 24 hrs for emergency service. Great references, for a free estimate, please call 561-303-6735.

TROPICAL TREE AND LANDSCAPE : Expert tree trimming, removals, grinding. Landscape design / install. Curb appeal experts. Perfect pavers, sod, and plants. Please call Mark at 561-244-5100.

DRYWALL INSTALLATION: After mold remediation, drywall repairs (all kinds), popcorn removal and all kinds of ceiling and wall textures. Interior Painting, Faux painting, wall paper removal, mirror Removal. Call Marc Kessler 561-339-8633, no job too small!

SEEKING MEDICARE OR HEALTH INSURANCE?

Turning 26 or 65? Retirement's around the corner? Do you have a new job or in between jobs? If you have ?'s, we have answers! Discover affordable plans tailored for you with VIP Health Insurance. Act now for a secure future! Call or Text: 561.635.1205 or 954.292.8022 viphealthagency.com.

COMPUTER REPAIRS : Dave’s PC Repair and Such: We come to you! All types of computer support & repair. 20+ yrs. in the trade. Flat rate, parts extra if req’d. Upgrades, training, purchasing support. We come to you! Call Dave Bloomberg, 561-889-3647 www.davePC.net.

DRYER VENT CLEANING : Prevent the risk of fire from inside your dryer! And save time & electricity by drying clothes much quicker too. Call Healthier Indoor Air to schedule an appointment at 561-641-5966. Mention this ad and receive $15 Off!

MULCH/SOD/WEEDING: JT Mulch & More- your real deal for curb appeal! I deliver and install mulch, sod, rocks and also do weeding/gardening. Please call for a Free Estimate at 561-329-7779. Great references!

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICE / BUSINESS, Cont'd

ELECTRICIAN: Repairs, remodeling, all lighting inside or outside, small or large. Everything electrical. Licensed and Insured, Available Nights and Weekends at no extra charge. Call Ian, Master Electrician and Owner at (561) 767-7535 (and always Pet Friendly).

COMPUTER READY SERVICES: Specializing in desktops & laptops virus removals w/upgrades to WIN-10 also maintenance with restoring end user data. Over 40 years in the field. Dell certified & A+ certified. Call Bruce Alfarone @ 561-317-5756.

POOL SERVICE: Pool cleaning, resurfacing, renovations, heaters, salt systems, repairs, & installation of Travertine and brick pavers. Pool service starting at $80 for chemical only. Call Kismet Pool & Patio 561-951-2103 or www. KismetPoolAndPatio.com- Lake Charleston family owned/ operated. License U-22219/CPC1459000.

PR ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES, INC: Complete Preparation of Personal & Corporate Returns. Over 30 years Professional Tax Services. Complete Preparation of Personal & Corporate Returns. Expert Assistance in maintaining monthly bills & all personal finances. Free P/U & Delivery & Reasonable Rates. Ron/Pam Barnett 561-965-4623 / 561542-4112 or email: barney4553@gmail.com.

JEWELRY WANTED: Looking for Gold & Silver and older costume jewelry. I will also take broken jewelry. I come to you. For more information, please call Nick at 561-284-3242.

PET WANTS: Farm to bowl dog and cat food and single ingredient treat. Fresh is best! Free delivery to your door. Call today 561-577-0755 or 561-506-0461. www.PetWants.com/ DelrayBeach.

DJ & SOUND SERVICES: Make your party or event the one they’ll remember with Underline Sound and Concepts. Offering DJ Services, concerts, festivals, conferences, corp events, weddings, live recordings, backline setups, sound engineering and more. Please call 561-298-0565, email info@ underlinesound.com or visit www.underlinesound.com.

PUBLIC ADJUSTER: Roof leaks? Fire? Mold? Get a faster/ fairer claim for your damage. We work for you, not your insurance company. Free Inspection & Claim Review! You don’t pay a cent until we get you your claim check. Located in Lake Charleston. Call Jacob Moss PA: (561) 267-2681. Lic & bonded. #W595304.

TUTORS/CHILD CARE /LESSONS

LEARN PIANO - KEY BOARD - ORGAN: Standard or Popular. Adults, Children & Special Needs. Classes can be taken in a music studio, client’s home or my home, as well as clubhouses. 38 years' experience and references available. Please call Louise at 561-7330334 or cell 561-236-7758 for more information.

MATH TUTOR: Are you struggling with math? Does it make life difficult for you? Well not anymore, because I can help make it easier for you to understand! You will learn easier ways to solve problems from my sessions. Please call or email Tim at (561) 2519093 or timaculus397@gmail.com.

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CLEANING SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEANING: Camilla's Cleaning Services. Trusted locally for over 10 years to provide prompt and complete cleaning for your home or business. Excellent references. Call Camilla today for a FREE estimate. Now Accepting Credit Cards! 407-3180996 / camilla@ribeiro.pw.

CLEANING SERVICE: Morane Cleaning Services specializes in residential and office cleaning. We exceed our customer’s expectations with superior service and are available on weekdays and weekends. Great references, please call Winsome at 561-707-2170 or 561-577-0007.

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE : We do the dirty work for you. Responsible, honest & reliable. Flexible team over 10+ yrs. experience. Deep detail cleaning. House/Apt/ condos/offices/move-ins/move-outs/one-time. We provide Daily/Weekly/Monthly services. We also offer house sitting. Call Kings Cleaning Services, Inc. 561-255-7303 for a FREE estimate. Kingscleaningservices@hotmail.com.

WINDOW CLEANING: Professional window cleaningResidential and Commercial. Wonderful local referencesFully licensed& insured. All CCs accepted. Please call 561907-1333.

PERSONAL SERVICES

DOG WATCHERS/WALKERS: Mom or Daughter. We both love pets and would love to watch yours! Please Call Claudia or Rachel at 561-718-1986.

DECLUTTER & ORGANIZE: We help you declutter your home and organize your kitchen, closets, bathrooms, whatever rooms you need help with. Reasonable rates and local company. So stop procrastinating and call us today and have more space and be more organized tomorrow. King’s Cleaning Service: 561-255-7303.

SAL’S DRIVING SERVICE: Available for Errands, Doctor Visits, Shopping (with or without you), and Regular Driving Scheduling as well. Over 20 years’ experience, great references, please call Sal at 561-707-0046.

FEMALE ASSISTANT AVAILABLE: Dependable, mature, very experienced, great conversationalist (including for those with Dementia or Alz.) Available weekdays and/or weekends, part time. Doctor visits, local Shopping, reasonable rates, and flexible schedule. Don’t be alone, please call 561-369-4011.

PERSONAL TRAINING: Need assistance getting started? Want to feel stronger, have more energy, and look better? I can help you by coming to your home or gym and conduct a FREE consultation. With 16 years’ experience, I can prove that it is never too late to get started. Call or text 561-3170742. Healthy Bodies by Helen. Shaping up 1 rep at a time!

Are You Seeing Double?

By Marc Gardner/Optician –Crystal Clear Optical

In my optical store, we are seeing more patients complaining of double vision. And we are filling many eyeglass prescriptions that indicate double vision is a problem. Why is this happening?

Double vision (DV) or diplopia can be obvious or subtle. It can happen all the time or be fleeting. Some people experience this when their eyes are tired or only at night. There are different reasons that can cause double vision, such as cataracts, astigmatism, and dry eyes.

There are also serious medical conditions that can cause diplopia like MS or a thyroid disorder. There are different types of double vision. The only way to know exactly what’s going on is to be evaluated by an eye doctor. There are Neuroophthalmologists that specialize in double vision issues.

Often DV can be eliminated by eyeglasses with press-on prisms or prisms put directly into the actual lens. Sometimes we frost the lens. And sometimes a patch over one eye is needed. Surgery is reserved for more extreme cases. Unfortunately, DV is more common in seniors as their eye muscles get older and tired, but there are remedies.

Since 1996, Crystal Clear Optical has been helping people with eyeglasses, contact lenses and eye exams. Please call us at 561-963-0099 if we can be of any help.

The Dragon Rules the Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac proclaims 2024 to be one of the most prosperous, and it’s all due to one mystical creature with the head of a camel, the neck of a snake and the paws of a tiger. The dragon.

He rules the rains. Flies through water and sky alike. He is intelligent, loyal, spiritual, and wise. The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle that links each year to an animal sign. And the dragon dominates the other 11 animals of the zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, money, rooster, dog, and pig.

In China, and the many countries and regions under Chinese influence (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Vietnam, and Korea), you will be lucky to have a dragon baby, who is destined for success, and so Chinese birthrates climb dramatically in the year of the dragon.

2024 is also associated with the element of wood, one of the five elements. So, the combination of the animal sign and element together officially designates 2024 as the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The ancient Chinese zodiac existed at least as early as 475 BC and became widely adopted during the Han dynasty from 206 BC to 220 AD, according to Smithsonian Magazine. The Year of the Wood Dragon officially began Feb 10, in accordance with the lunar calendar.