ALPHA
DELTA ALPHA SISTERS
TRAVEL TO WISTERIA TEA ROOM & CAFÉ
DENISE JOHNSON, HERONS GLEN
On June 5, eight Sisters enjoyed tea and lunch at Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe. Our reservation was for 10:45 a.m. and we might’ve been the first ones there that morning! However, it didn’t take long for the Tea Room to fill up. Some of us arrived early to shop at the boutique next door and, of course, shopping continued after lunch. It’s such a neat little boutique that has a smattering of merchandise, including men’s tee shirts and cute things for children.
During lunch, we sampled FIVE flavors of tea which Wisteria also sells. They have many flavors of teas. One Sister ordered one of the tiers that beautifully displayed their many menu items on three-tiered plates. The rest of us ordered from the regular menu. I’m sure more tiers will be ordered next time.
GLORIA SELANDER, BEV AVIGLIANO, APRIL
PAULA KLIMAS, TERRY VIAU, BONNIE BICKEL, BEV DAVIS AND DENISE JOHNSON
Wisteria was once a historic home. The tearoom was restored by the owners, their family, and friends. From rescuing its original wood flooring, to preserving southern Florida charm, the Wisteria Tea Room & Café is the perfect place to rejuvenate. Enjoy elegant hot teas and refreshing iced teas not found anywhere else.
MCGARVEY,
ALPHA GAMMA DELTA NEWS
NANCY THOMPSON, HERONS GLEN
Herons Glen Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority has experienced exciting and innovative ways to stay engaged with our fellow Sisters and local community. Our March meeting was held at the HG gazebo, with an AGD Breakfast theme of sharing more of ourselves with each other, to enhance our solidarity. We ordered ahead from K&B Breakfast truck, which was definitely an efficient and tasty way to start the day. Eight members were able to attend, and while we had to snuggle into some warm clothes, and weigh down the tablecloth and napkins, our battery-operated candles lent some ambiance to the meeting. Also, the few brave morning pool swimmers added to the delightful atmosphere. We’ll do this again but hope for better weather!
On March 23, a representative group of Sisters attended the Taste of Love 2025 Extravaganza at the Ranch Concert Hall and Saloon in Fort Myers, supporting the AGD signature charity, Special Equestrians of Fort Myers, which raised over $300,000 this year! Featured under dazzling gold and black décor and lit by hundreds of LED sparking lights, were silent auctions, live auctions, wine tasting, a brewery, and 12 culinary stations provided by local chefs and eateries. A special attraction was a unique cake display created by Janette Delaney, a local baker and artiste. Guesses as to the identity of the personification of this treat ranged from Teddy Roosevelt, Burt Reynolds, and Charles Bronson to Pancho Villa. It was a truly remarkable confection that was then served to all of us as dessert – yum!
JANETTE DELANEY, LOCAL BAKER AND ARTISTE
Our April luncheon meeting was held in the Captain’s Room at Cristof’s Restaurant on MacGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers. Kudos to the Cristof management and servers who provided privacy and special service attention to us as we dined and conducted business simultaneously. We celebrated our Annual Birthday Party gift exchange for all Sisters, with each receiving a special gift from her Secret Sister. Officer elections were conducted with our 2025 slate agreeing to continue in their roles for another year: President Nancy Hentges, Vice President Nancy Thompson, Treasurer Sharon Pedersen and Secretary Linda Protani. Special agenda items were new member Fran
Schroeder being inaugurated, with her official Ritual Induction planned for the fall, and Nancy Thompson as Woman of the Year.
Our AGD chapter stays vibrant and active, holding informal ad hoc meetings at Sisters’ homes during the off season and sending cards to members for special events like birthdays and anniversaries and other significant events in our lives. We are a small, engaged group of Sisters, focused on friendship and service to each other, the Herons Glen community, and are always eager to share our vision with others and new members. Please contact VP Nancy Thompson at (315) 466-9091 for information.
S en ior L i v i n g
TENZA JANULA AND NANCY THOMPSON
ARDSLEY SCHOOL, ROOM 119
JACK NELSON, HERONS GLEN
For 12 years I taught sixth graders at Ardsley Elementary School in the Abington School District, Montgomery County, southeastern Pennsylvania, which bordered Philadelphia to the north. Ardsley’s grade levels spanned grades K through six. During that time, I had the pleasure of expanding the horizons of well over 300 students, all in room 119.
Our classrooms were self-contained, which meant I had to teach everything, from spelling and handwriting to math and science, with English and social studies in between. Adding to that mix, I had three reading groups to deal with. Needless to say, lesson planning was a real chore. Thankfully, art, music, and physical education were handled by specialists.
My first class, the class of 1963/64, was my favorite. It was loaded with academic talent, and the kids were well-behaved, which made my first experience of teaching a most pleasant one. I had a pet, of course, which I tried to steer clear of, but she was so outstanding in every way, I just couldn’t help it. Years later, I learned that she was teaching high school math in a neighboring school district.
Three years later I was “blessed” with my largest class size of my teaching career; 29 kiddos, some of whom sought pleasure in being the class clown. One such student outshone the rest, and it affected his achievement. He had a well-above average IQ, but “was not living up to his potential,” as our building principal so eloquently put it. Years later, to my pleasant surprise, this lad graduated from Penn State University with honors.
There were some scary moments during my career at Ardsley. During a morning recess, one of my students was showing off his skills on a swing, twisting and turning like an acrobat, and it cost him dearly. On a down swing, he collided with a post and broke his thigh. There he was sitting on his swing, writhing in extreme pain and crying his eyes out. It was awful. My next-door fellow teacher and I lowered the lad to the pavement, and in doing so, the boy screamed louder than ever. I was getting sick to my stomach. Fortunately, an ambulance was on the scene in only a matter of minutes. It took several weeks for the lad to make a full recovery. How fortunate he was.
On a balmy day in late May, my nextdoor teacher and I had our classes out for a softball game. It was a close game, and with the bases loaded, coming to bat was the best girl athlete in the entire class. As she took a mighty swing, her bat slipped out of her hands and struck the catcher just below his nose. Blood was streaming freely from his upper lip. In just a few seconds, my neighbor teacher had her handkerchief pressing firmly against his lip, then proceeded to walk him straight to the nurse’s office. Fortunately, the lad didn’t lose any teeth, and the game ended in a tie.
Finally, during my last year at Ardsley, I bonded with another “pet.” She was an excellent student and very popular with
her classmates, and to put the “icing on the cake,” she was really cute. During a morning recess she and two other students remained in the classroom to help me with a class project. I was seated at a worktable facing the windows and wasn’t aware that she was sneaking up behind me. In a flash, she reached around and kissed me on my cheek. I was both thrilled and cautious, not reacting to this unexpected gesture, for if any teacher or my building principal had seen this sign of affection, who knows what the consequences may have been. The other girls giggled, and that was that.
P.S. On the last day of school, my “pet” walked up to me with outstretched arms, and this time I was ready for her. With my arms open as wide as I could, we embraced, tightly. It was heavenly. I knew I had a reason for entering the teaching profession.
TRIVIA CORNER
JACK NELSON, HERONS GLEN
1. What word is misspelled in this question?
2. What two bodies of water does the Suez Canal connect?
3. Who played drums in the famed Benny Goodman Quintet?
4. What is the square root of 169?
5. What were the dates of the Battle of Gettysburg?
FLYING OBJECTS?
FROM THE HG SSEP AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEES
No, we are not talking about objects like those pictured.
We mean those objects which are in your landscape or hanging on or in your lanai or loggia. These objects may easily become hazardous during a hurricane or other high-wind storm.
How do you assess what may become a hazard? The answer is, even the smallest object not secured (weighed down) may become hazardous when carried by high-force winds such as those we have during a hurricane.
Before a storm or before you leave for another place over the summer months, be sure your property is secured. Not only your home, but also your neighbors’ homes may become damaged by flying objects during hurricanes or other highwind events.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?
• Anchor with rope or cables to the ground or place indoors larger, heavier items (such as grills or furniture, even some pottery).
• Bring smaller decorative items or tools inside.
Remember, all items small or large left outside your home may become projectiles harming other property or even other people.
Not preparing before a storm may impact lives both during and after a storm. So, please heed this timely warning and protect everyone.
PORTABLE GENERATOR DOS AND DON’TS
FROM THE HG SSEP AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEES
Below is a list of essential practices to follow when using a portable generator during a power outage. Common mistakes in powering your home with a portable generator can create serious hazards to yourself and others as well as cause significant damage to your home. More information can be found at these links: How To Use a Portable Generator During a Power Outage? - Generators, Power Station, Tools & Outdoors and How to Use a Portable Generator Safely During an Emergency
1. Don’t Kill or Harm a Utility Worker: Before connecting the generator to the house, turn off the main breaker power switch plus all the circuit breakers! Use a generator interlock kit or transfer switch to prevent back-feeding. Consider having an electrician install the basic items for connecting the generator directly to the electric panel. This results in a very safe, effective and convenient method for utilizing a generator in an outage. Once safely connected, selectively turn on only those breakers for the circuits that you wish to power and that your generator can handle.
2. Don’t Kill or Harm Yourself or Cause Damage:
• Never use a “Suicide Cord” which has two male plugs for connecting the generator.
• Never connect to a running generator first as that will electrify the plug at the other end of the cord which significantly increases the risk of accidental electrocution.
• Avoid plugging directly into a wall or dryer outlet to prevent overheating causing fire risks if the wiring is not rated for the generator’s output, as well as increases the risk of accidental electrocution from the suicide cord.
• Never Connect to nor Disconnect from a Running Generator: Avoid arcing by never disconnecting power cords that are supplying loads. Also, the best practice is to connect before starting the generator. Stop, then disconnect.
• Don’t touch a running generator with wet hands .
3. Do Run Generators Outdoors ONLY: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by positioning the generator at least 20 feet from all doors/windows/eaves – never run in a garage. Also, aim the exhaust away from the home and away from combustible materials. Consider installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
4. Do Keep Generators Dry: Operating generators in the rain can lead to electrical shock. Use some type of cover or canopy when using the generator while it’s raining or is threatening rain. However, it’s best
to wait for storms to pass and the return of drier conditions. Keep the generator and all connections dry.
5. Do Refuel the Generator Safely: Before refueling, turn off and cool down the generator for about 15 to 20 minutes. Also, avoid overfilling the gas tank.
6. Do Store Fuel Properly: Use approved containers stored away from living spaces in an area with good ventilation. Don’t overfill gasoline containers to allow room for expansion. Keep containers away from heat sources, including direct sunlight. If possible, propane tanks should be stored outdoors and secured in an upright position. Outside propane tank storage containers can be found online.
7. Do Check Your Equipment: Ensure that all items being used for your emergency power are in good working condition. That includes starting generators frequently plus inspecting all electrical cords/plugs for exposed wire or frays.
8. Don’t Overload the Generator: Match the wattage capacity of the generator to the appliances you wish to power. One method to avoid overloading is to cycle between appliances and not have them all running at the same time.
9. Do Take Precautions When Sharing Power with Neighbors: Use heavy-duty extension cords, dedicated outlets, or power distribution boxes when sharing a generator with neighbors. Avoid extension cords running across roadways unless they are covered by a protective shield
to avoid damage. Also, don’t use power strips. Rotating usage may be necessary depending on the generator’s capacity.
10. Do Read and Follow the Manufacturer’s Operating/ Maintenance Guidelines: THIS CAN’T BE STRESSED ENOUGH! Prevent shocks and carbon monoxide buildup by following the manufacture’s guidelines for safe operation and safe fuel storage. Ensure ventilation around and grounding of the generator.
HURRICANE HELP FROM THE SSEP COMMITTEE
FROM THE HG SSEP AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEES
You might know the Herons Glen SSEP (Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness) Committee as the volunteer group responsible for the Firewise Event, or the folks who help direct traffic for the Christmas Cart Parade. But the SSEP is also always on point to help before, during, and after a hurricane.
Once a hurricane has been forecasted but before it arrives, members of the SSEP Committee check
around the community to be sure any objects that are potential projectiles are secured. This includes anything left on a lanai or in a yard (furniture, pots, grills, decorative items, lawn ornaments, etc.). Any of these items can be picked up by hurricane winds and cause damage to people and property.
SSEP members may also notify residents who have neglected to install or close their hurricane shutters that it’s time to make arrangements to do so. And if you have a generator
and are having trouble starting it, a member of SSEP may be able to help.
In advance of a hurricane, the members of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Subcommittee are activated. These members have received specialized training and are deployed around Herons Glen with radios to help communicate the situation in different areas and coordinate any necessary interventions. These folks can also sometimes help start generators and notify residents of any unsafe conditions they observe, such as damaged trees, electrical problems, unsafe use of extension cords, etc.
SSEP and CERT volunteers also make sure that debris is cleared from storm drains to aid in efficient drainage around Herons Glen. After a recent hurricane when the guard station was vacant because employees were unable to get to Herons Glen, members of SSEP stepped in.
As their name states, the SSEP Committee is concerned with safety, security, and appropriate conduct when emergencies occur. If you have any questions about SSEP or their assistance during hurricanes, feel free to contact Committee Chair Craig Woolley at cwoolley815@gmail.com or (610) 703-3955.
Herons Glen is fortunate to have this dedicated group of volunteers who can assist during hurricane season.
BEING PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SEASON!
LINDA LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
It’s not too late to prepare for the upcoming Florida hurricane season. The official season runs from June 1 through November 30.
But what does being prepared actually mean? Well, reading through this entire article is a step in the right direction as you start getting ready for whatever powerful summer weather comes our way.
Detailed Planning
One reliable source of detailed information that you can access at the HOA website is the Herons Glen Emergency Preparedness Plan issued by the Security, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness (SSEP) Committee. Here is the direct link: https://hggcc.com/hghoa/pdfs/ ssep/emergency_plan.pdf.
This HG Plan incorporates information from Lee County (also available at their website, http:/leegov.com/hurricane). Additional information is also available through the State of Florida in conjunction with the National Weather Service at their website, http://weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan.
Regardless of what information you consult and your degree of pre-planning, it is necessary to realize that being prepared will take time and energy on your part and really must be done BEFORE a hurricane strikes so you already know what you need to know and do.
Seasonal Residents
Prior to the arrival of a storm, it is the responsibility of all residents of Herons Glen to prepare and secure their own property. If you are a winter season resident, your house and yard need to be prepared for the possibility of a storm or hurricane before you leave. This includes assuring your yard and porches are free of any loose objects, such as grills and pottery, which could be blown about by high winds. Securing your windows with storm shutters before you depart is also highly recommended.
Year-Round Residents
For year-round/summer residents of Herons Glen, there are a few more steps in your hurricane preparation:
• Be sure to have a full tank of gas in your car.
• Put aside a gallon of drinking water per person per day of need.
• Assemble a first aid kit.
• Check to assure you have needed prescription drugs and any special medical equipment.
• Have a battery-operated radio and a flashlight available, both with spare batteries.
• Fully charge your cell phone and consider an additional battery pack or power bank.
• Provision canned and nonperishable food and drink items.
• Gather eating utensils, a manual can opener, sanitary care items (toilet paper, etc.), mosquito repellent, plastic bags and containers, and bleach.
• Compile copies of your homeowner’s insurance policies, other important papers (wills, checkbook, tax information, credit cards, etc.), and proof of residency (driver’s license with Herons Glen address, tax receipt, utility bills).
• Consider keeping some cash on hand.
Pet Owners
If you have a pet, securely fasten up-to-date identification on the pet’s collar, carry a photo for identification purposes, have a pet carrier (or leash or harness) to secure the pet if needed, pack food and water, and gather immunization records and medications. The HG SSEP Plan provides additional tips related to pets. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, Lee County will designate a cat and dogfriendly evacuation center.
Evacuation Orders
It is each individual’s responsibility to comply with voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders. Evacuation decisions are made by the local government based on the severity and characteristics of a storm. Notification is provided through numerous TV and radio stations.
Herons Glen lies in Lee County Evacuation Zone
D. It is a good idea to think through an evacuation route in advance, but you’ll need to consider the most current local information before heading out.
If you evacuate, be sure to let family or friends know where you are headed, as well as the HOA or HGRD or Security.
Information about when it is safe to return to Herons Glen will be provided via TV and radio.
HOA Communications
The Herons Glen HOA will also notify residents by email news bulletins, text messaging, community channel, and the official HOA Bulletin Board.
Local Shelters
For those unable to leave the area, Lee County provides shelter at the North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts (1856 Arts Way) and the North Fort Myers Recreation Center (2000 N. Recreation Park Way off Business 41, near the library).
While you can’t prevent a hurricane, you can avert or mitigate many of the problems that result from one. As Herons Glen residents who have sheltered through past hurricanes already know, being prepared, helping each other, and sharing information are the best ways to maximize everyone’s safety.
LIGHTNING PREDICTION SYSTEM
KARON BENNETT, HGRD ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Dear Herons Glen Residents and Golf Members,
Many of you may have heard the siren blasts from our Thor Guard lightning prediction system this summer. We’d like to take a moment to explain how the system works and what those alerts mean for you.
Herons Glen Recreation District uses the Thor Guard system to detect and predict lightning by measuring static electricity and monitoring shifts in atmospheric conditions. It is designed to forecast lightning strikes within a 10-mile
radius—Thor Guard’s recommended safety zone.
HOW IT WORKS
• Warning Alert: One continuous 15-second horn blast will sound, and strobe lights throughout the community will activate. This indicates that lightning is predicted nearby, and you should seek shelter immediately.
• All Clear: When conditions are determined safe, three 5-second horn blasts (two seconds apart) will sound, and the strobe lights will turn off.
PLEASE NOTE
• Horn alerts only sound between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• If lightning remains a threat after hours, strobe lights will stay on until 10 p.m.
HGRD employees cannot manually alter the system. Everyone should be aware that even if weather conditions look safe, the system won’t give an “all clear” signal until it is warranted.
For real-time updates from any location, visit our Thor Guard webpage at https://360.thormobile.net/ heronsglencc/tv/. We encourage you to bookmark the link on your mobile device or desktop for easy access. It’s also available through our Herons Glen mobile app.
Stay safe and weather-aware!
RESTROOM MURALS
KATHY LYNCH, HERONS GLEN
BONNIE BICKEL
Have you ever visited the restrooms at hole No. 5 and hole No. 17? Well, at each of those restrooms you will find beautiful hand-painted murals. In the women’s restroom, there are paintings of Florida flora. In the men’s restroom, there are
whimsical golfing paintings. The murals were sponsored by the Ladies’ Golf Association. At that time, Patti Cummings was president of the Herons Glen Artist Group and a member of the LGA. The Ladies’ Golf Association paid for the paint and members of the Artist Group designed and painted the murals. Gary Olson, Madelyn Moffat, Ron Marius, Patti Cummings, Joan White and several other artists were involved.
MEN’S RESTROOMS
According to the HGRD, the restrooms at holes No. 5 and No. 17 are due to be renovated. That means that the murals will be painted over. So, when you’re out for your “senior stroll” stop by and see the murals before they become a memory.
The Herons Glen Artist Group is an active group of artists who meet on the third Monday of the month from October through
April. In the meantime, if you would like to get in touch with your creative side, artists meet on Tuesday and Friday for open painting from 9 a.m. to noon in Activities Room A during the summer. Stop by to check it out. Also, look for announcements in the HGRD newsletter for upcoming events. For more information contact Kathy Lynch at klynch30@gmail.com .
WOMEN’S RESTROOMS
PREVENTING PROBLEMS WITH PALM RATS
MIKE STROPES, HERONS GLEN
(WITH HELP FROM AI)
Palm rats, also known as roof rats, are a common pest in Florida. They are expert climbers and often nest in high places, such as palm trees and attics, which is how they get their name. Preventing an infestation requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on exclusion, sanitation, and landscape management.
Based on information culled from the Internet (references follow), here are the basic steps for a Florida homeowner to prevent palm rat infestation:
1. Remove Food and Water Sources. Palm rats are attracted to easy meals. To deter them, store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Promptly clean up any fallen fruit from trees and secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
2. Seal Your Home’s Entry Points. Palm rats can squeeze through very small openings. Inspect your home’s exterior for any cracks or gaps and seal them with durable materials like steel wool or wire mesh. Trim tree branches and shrubs to at least 3 feet away from your roof to prevent rats from using them as a bridge to your house.
3. Manage Your Landscape. Palm rats use vegetation for nesting and traveling. Keep your yard clean by removing piles of debris and keeping your grass and shrubs trimmed. For palm trees trim the fronds to eliminate potential nesting sites.
References:
UF/IFAS Extension: Rat and Mouse Control
Native Pest Management: Palm Rats in Florida: Identification & Control
Nozzle Nolen: The Ultimate Florida Rat Guide
KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE WHEN IT’S HOT!
LINDA LYNCH, HERONS
GLEN
There are many things cat and dog owners can do to assure the safety of their pets, and in hot weather, there are even more reasons to be mindful of pet safety. By perusing several pet safety websites, we have uncovered many suggestions for maintaining the general and hot-weather health of our four-legged friends. Here are some tips, in no particular order.
Pet owners should visit their vet regularly to get a checkup for their pets and to receive needed
vaccinations and tests for common diseases and conditions. In fact, Lee County requires a regularly administered rabies vaccine for all dogs and cats.
All pets should have identification attached to their collars and/ or they should be microchipped so they can be returned to their owners if lost.
Pets need plenty of fresh clean water, especially in hot or humid weather. In fact, if you go out during extremely hot weather, consider leaving two bowls of water for your pet in case one is knocked over.
Be sure rubber bands and strings are kept away from pets. These are particularly dangerous for cats and, if ingested, may need to be removed surgically. If a cat or dog swallows string but some is still visible, contact your vet to have it removed; don’t try to pull it out yourself.
Indoor and outdoor plants should be chosen carefully to avoid those that are toxic. If cats or dogs chew on poisonous plants, they will get sick. Similarly, rodent poisons as well as lawn and garden insecticides and pesticides are noxious for pets, so always keep them out of reach and don’t allow pets to play on lawns that have been treated.
Food and drink commonly found at barbeques and parties can also be dangerous for pets if ingested, so keep pets away from these items. Alcohol is particularly harmful, as is chocolate (primarily for dogs). Also be sure to keep cigar and cigarette butts away from pets as chewing on them can cause nicotine poisoning.
Many dogs love riding in a car with the windows open. Just be sure to keep your pet’s head and paws inside the car and make certain your pet is properly restrained.
In hot weather, all these suggestions, especially the one calling for plenty of water, continue to apply, but there are also some additional suggestions for safeguarding your pets.
Never, ever leave your pet in a hot car. It takes only minutes – MINUTES – for a pet to develop heatstroke and/or suffocate in a car.
Pets should not get too much exercise in extremely hot weather, and many should be kept indoors for much of the day. Being outdoors should be confined to the cooler hours of the day. And don’t forget that surfaces like asphalt or metal can get hot and burn your pet’s paws.
If your pet has a thick coat, consider a summer haircut. But keep the hair at least an inch long to avoid sunburn. Yes, pets can get sunburn!
Your pets should not be unsupervised around a pool. Not all are good swimmers and drinking pool water with its chlorine and other chemicals isn’t a good idea.
Most importantly, always pay attention to your dog and cat, but particularly in hot weather. Most pets show signs of discomfort or pain, so if you notice something seems different, you will be able to seek treatment from your vet in a timely fashion.
One final aspect of pet safety that is sometimes overlooked is the use of a leash when outside. Keeping a dog (or cat) on a leash is not just good common sense to assure the welfare of your pet, but it is often what the law requires. In Herons Glen, our Covenants state that: “No pets are permitted to run free. If the owner fails to honor such rule, the pet may be removed or a fine or other penalty may be imposed by the Board of Directors … Household pets shall at all times whenever they are outside a Unit be confined on a leash held by a responsible person.”
And it isn’t just Herons Glen that mandates a leash for dogs. Under the statutes enacted by Lee County, all dog owners are prohibited from allowing the dog in their control from becoming stray or roaming at large on public streets, sidewalks, school grounds or in the vicinity of school vehicles, beaches, parks, or the private
property of others without the property owner’s consent. For a dog to be considered under direct control, it must be within immediate and continuous physical control of its owner at all times, and statutes dictate that any leash, cord, or chain used to control the dog must not exceed 8 feet and must be of sufficient strength to restrain the pet.
Pet owners generally want to keep our furry friends safe from harm in the summer and all year long. By following these tips, you can maximize your pet’s safety.
I LIVE HERE TOO CINDY BROWN, HERONS GLEN
My name is Piper Grace, and I am a 2½-yearold border collie and poodle mix. I was born in Florida on the east coast and came to live with my mom and dad, Keith and Cindy Brown, on December 29, 2022. I live here all year round except when I get to visit our family in Ohio.
You may have seen me when my mom takes me for a walk around the Glen. We try to take two walks a day and play catch in our backyard. I’m always happy to see my friends Cooper, Casey, Bridget and Georgie when we’re out.
Because I’m part border collie I like to ride in our golf cart and sometimes I like to try to catch the carts that whiz past our house on Palo Duro. I haven’t caught one yet, but I keep trying.
I love squeaky toys and balls, rope tuggies and belly rubs. I went to agility classes with mom, but she doesn’t like to run so now I’m learning how to find scent boxes that she hides around the house. If I find them quickly, I get a special cheese treat. I’m also good at sitting and shaking a paw.
My parents think they’re the bosses but really, I rule the roost. I am a very lucky dog to live in Herons Glen.
IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE WINE TRIVIA 101 PART 7 CANDACE HUETTEMAN, HERONS GLEN
I have really enjoyed writing articles about wine these last seven months. I hope I haven’t left you with more questions than answers when writing about the history, characteristics, fermentation, and origins of various wines. What I haven’t tried to write about is wine pairings (what type of wines goes with what foods). That would be a monumental task. Ask any wine expert and they will tell you that for every rule about what wine to drink with what food, there is probably an exception. But basically, white wines complement lighter foods such as fish, chicken and green vegetable dishes, and red wines go better with heavier foods such as red meat and pasta. And what about ethnic dishes and spicy dishes? What should I drink? Sparkling wine pairs with a wide variety of foods because it acts as a palate cleanser. In pairings, the finest qualities of both the wine and the food should be appreciated. They should bring out the best in each other. But, if you want to eat a big greasy cheeseburger with Chardonnay or a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon with fish, and both the food and the wine taste good to you when eaten together, go for it. Rules are meant to be broken, and as I have said, there are endless exceptions to the rules. I’ve just given you the suggested ways to pair your wine with your favorite dishes.
Red and white wines have distinctive characteristics, but what we notice even before we open the bottle is that one is red and one is white. Why? After grapes are picked and head to the cellar for winemaking, different processes are used to make red wine verses to make white wine. One of the most significant differences is that red wines are fermented with the grape skins and seeds and white wines are not. This is because the color of red wines comes from the skins and seeds of the grapes.
Red wines are loved for their soft, rich and velvety flavor, while white wines are loved for their zesty acidity, floral aromas, and pure fruit notes (taste). To achieve these results in red and white wines, winemakers use different methods of winemaking. The most significant difference between the methods of producing red and white wines is the level of oxidation introduced. Oxidation causes wine to lose its floral notes in exchange for rich, nutty flavors and more smoothness as found in red wine. To increase oxygen, winemakers age red wine in oak barrels because they breathe and allow the wine to take in more oxygen. To reduce exposure to oxygen, white wine is aged in stainless steel tanks, which ensures that they will retain the fruitiness and flower flavors. But just like there are exceptions to every rule, such is true when aging both red and white wines. Some red wines are aged in stainless vats to preserve the floral flavors in the wine. An example is Beaujolais Nouveau (drop that named wine to impress your friends). And some white wines use white grapes and are aged in oak barrels to oxidize the wine and give it a nutty, creamy, oaky flavor. An
example of this is my favorite, Chardonnay.
Red and white wines each have different chemical compounds, so which is better for you? Well since all the health benefits associated with wine are found in the skins and seeds of the wine grape, the red wines are commonly considered better for you.
Probably most of you reading this article have had a glass of wine and cheese and crackers while visiting somewhere with a friend at five o’clock. It’s not as daunting a task to suggest some cheese and wine pairings for those afternoons.
Cabernet Sauvignon/Aged Cheddar
Chardonnay/Brie
Malbec/Spanish Manchego
Merlot/Aged Gouda
Moscato/Pepper Jack
Pinot Grigio/Creamy Havarti
Pinot Noir/Camembert
Riesling/Swiss or Gruyère
Rose/Gouda
Sangiovese/Asiago
Sauvignon Blanc/Chèvre
Sparkling/Mozzarella
Syrah or Shiraz/Bacon Smoked Gouda
Zinfandel/Port Wine Cheddar
If you haven’t tried some of these wines or cheeses, be adventurous! Give your taste buds a treat. Remember, these are just suggestions from wine experts of which I am not. But I do enjoy writing for The Heron , and I hope you have enjoyed this
series of articles. So, until I decide what to write about next, “Cheers.” And remember, It’s always “Five O’Clock Somewhere.”
TRIVIA CORNER
Trivia Answers
1. None. All words are spelled correctly
2. The Mediterranean and Red Seas
3. Gene Krupa
4. 13
5. July 1 to 3, 1863
