Volume 3 Number 3 May/June 2010
Transcription
Volume 3 Number 3 May/June 2010
Volume 3 Number 3 May/June 2010 Our Business Is Helping Individuals & Families Preserve & Enhance Their Wealth “Serving Families and Businesses Since 1985” Certified Financial PlannerTM Professionals Member FINRA/SIPC Wealth Management Estate & Tax planning ira’s / Rollovers / 401(k)’s life, health & long term care insurance stocks • bonds • reit’s mutual funds • annuities mortgage services email: [email protected] • [email protected] website: www.lpl.com/jackson Complimentary Initial Consultation 732-833-4LPL (4575) 740 Bennetts Mills Road • Jackson, NJ 08527 2925 Coco Lakes Drive • Naples, FL 34105 2 River Pointe May/June 2010 Letter From the Editor River Pointe 2517 Ridgeway Boulevard • Manchester, NJ 08759 Telephone 732-657-3030 The content of all articles, reviews and other news contained herein is the product and the property of the contributors thereof. The River Pointe Homeowners Association, Inc. assumes and acknowledges no responsibility whatsoever for the accuracy thereof. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual contributors hereto and they do not represent the opinions or official pronouncements of the River Pointe Homeowners Association, Inc. The products and services offered herein by advertisers and others have not been tested, sanctioned or approved and they are not otherwise promulgated or endorsed by the River Pointe Homeowners Association, Inc., nor does the Association warrant that they are fit for their intended purposes. The procurers of such goods and services must determine for their own purposes if the goods and services fulfill their personal needs, under terms and conditions that are acceptable to them. The River Pointe Homeowners Association, Inc. reserves the unequivocal and unilateral right to revise, amend or reject outright any item, submission, photo, or advertisement that it deems inappropriate for publication. Should a prepaid advertisement be rejected pursuant hereto, the advertiser shall be entitled to a return in full of all collected fees paid to the Association in connection therewith, providing however that the material that precipitated the rejection shall not have been constructed by the advertiser for the sole purpose of negating an otherwise valid advertising contract. All material for publication must be submitted no later than the 15th day of any given month. Ad copy cancellations and changes must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to publication date. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to identify and communicate advertising errors and omissions. Staff Helen Bryce, Editor-in-Chief Lucille Rielly, Contributing Editor Marilyn Mays, Reporter Eileen Ebell, Columnist Linda Fraistat, Columnist Ralph Mondella, Columnist Lisa Murphy, Columnist Claire Young, Columnist Bill Ebell, Photographer Wayne Herrnkind, Photographer Newsletter Guidelines 1. A ll type-written, double-spaced copy from residents must be in our mailbox by the 10th of each month for the next month’s edition. 2. Please email all photos to Lucille Rielly at [email protected]. 3. All photos are welcome. They will be used at the discretion of the publisher and available space. 4. Please email all articles to Helen Bryce at [email protected]. 5. The staff reserves the right to edit any and all articles submitted. 6. Please limit articles to no more than 200 words. Articles of more than 200 words will be edited. I realize that in our very first newsletter two years ago, I promised that our articles and reports would always be uplifting and positive, but I’m afraid I must give myself permission to digress in just this issue. As many if not most of you know, since we moved here, my husband Joe has been engaged in a losing fight against 14 bouts of congestive heart failure and other related issues. Like me, you have watched him change from a vibrant, fun-loving man to a mere shell of himself. Joe lost his courageous battle on April 11th, but he lost it on his own terms – at home in River Pointe looking out on his pond, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, and in my arms. He even got to hear his good buddy, “Don” Dom, tell him good-bye and that he loved Joe. What more could any of us ask for? Although I am probably usurping my power as Editor-in-Chief by personalizing this letter, I think it will serve as a tribute to what “community” really means. Approximately 80 of you attended Joe’s wake among the almost 1000 people who did. Our sons told me, “At one point, we thought the same people just kept coming back through the line because it seemed that every other person told us they were your neighbors. For the first time, we really believed that you’d be OK, Mom.” Joe loved living here, but more than that, he knew that I would be safe and loved when I had to live here without him. Your outpouring of love, concern, and compassion makes me know that I will never be alone. We are more than a unique community; we are truly a family in the most important sense of the word. While we don’t have to care about one another; we choose to. So I guess this letter is quite uplifting and positive after all. God bless all of you for all you have done for and been to Joe and me. Helen M. Bryce P.S. Please read the article from the novel that appears later in the newsletter. I can just hear Joe saying it. May/June 2010 River Pointe 3 Contact Info Manager’s Message Administrative Office After hours Emergency number 866-433-2978 Community Manager Melissa Cuomo Office: 732-657-4300 Ext 1 Fax: 732-657-4770 [email protected] RIVER POINTE HOMEOWNER’S BULLETIN #1 SPRING IS HERE! Spring is upon us at our growing River Pointe Community. And as we all come out from the warmth of our beautiful new homes to enjoy the warming temperatures and begin outdoor activities, it seems like the perfect time to state or restate some of the Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines that are part of maintaining our “Community.” This Homeowner’s Bulletin was prepared by members of the Architectural and Grounds Committee and the Community Manager. It was reviewed and approved by the River Pointe HOA Board of Trustees. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Manager Melissa Cuomo at 732- 657-4300 or via email [email protected] Lifestyle Director Janine Rudd The Clubhouse Hours of Operation Phone: 732-657-4300 Fax: 732-657-4770 Sunday - Saturday 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Board Members President - Jim Mullen Vice-President - Ron Hankins Customer Relations 732-657-3524 Developer Issues Jennie Shannon [email protected] Sales Center 732-657-3030 Security Guardhouse 732-657-4356 PLANTING BEDS: • Per Article 4.03E of the Public Offering Statement (POS), “Owners are responsible for any planting beds directly adjacent to their homes on their lots.” • The planting of ANNUALS (flowers) in the planting beds adjacent to your homes only, does not require Board approval, but Homeowners are reminded that any ANNUALS planted must be watered and cared for to maintain their appearance. • The planting of anything other than annuals, e.g.shrubs, trees,etc., is prohibited without prior approval of the ADVERTISING POLICY The Newsletter Committee and the publisher of our newsletter have arranged a special advertising discount for residents of River Pointe. The policy is as follows: 1. R esident business cards are to be submitted no later than the 15th of each month. 2. The initial submission will be free of charge for the first month. 3. Thereafter, the fee will be $50.00 for six months. 4. Upon submission, please make check payable to R & K Publishing. The River Pointe Newsletter is published by Senior Community Media, a division of R&K Publishing Phone: (732) 240-6611 • Fax: (732) 240-6618 Email: [email protected] 4 River Pointe May/June 2010 Board. Any Homeowner who plants other than annuals without prior Board approval may be required to remove them. • Birdfeeders and birdbaths are NOT PERMITTED. Homeowners that have them on their property are kindly asked to remove them. • Artificial plants and flowers are NOT PERMITTED. • Figurines, garden ornamentation, wrought iron hanging plants stands, planting pots, and garden stones 6” or larger are permitted with certain limitations. • An overall number of six (6) figurines, garden ornamentations, or planting pots are permitted. • Figurines and ornamentation must not exceed 30 inches in height, which includes any base. • Planting pots must not exceed a maximum height of 18 inches. • A maximum of two (2) wrought iron hanging plant stands is permitted in the front planting beds. • Vegetable and fruit plants are NOT PERMITTED. • A maximum of two (2) wrought iron hanging plant stands is permitted in the rear of the home in planting beds or immediately adjacent to the patio so as to not interfere with lawn maintenance. • Homeowners are not permitted to place any figurines, ornamentation, decorative stones, benches, tables, chairs, planter pots, or any other items on lawn areas. • Rock gardens are NOT PERMITTED. • When dressing or replacing mulch., dark brown or black mulch consistent with original product is required. GENERAL: • All trash and recycling containers must be kept in your garage. • With the exception of a front door wreath or decoration. NO decoration, item, or device shall be placed on or affixed to the exterior of homes. • As stated in the “Public Offering Statement” (POS) Article 9.01.M “Each Homeowner shall keep his/ her home in a good state of preservation and cleanliness.” PETS: • In accordance with the “Public Offering Statement” (POS) Article 9.01.P (Pg. 38), no animal of any kind shall be raised, bred, or kept in any home or on any lot, except that household pets including dogs (other than trained attack or guard dogs) and cats may be kept in homes, provided, however, they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes, and housed within the home, and the owner having such pet abides by all applicable rules and regulations. • No outside pens, runs, or yards shall be permitted. (Continued on next page) OUTSIDE STORAGE: • Storage sheds, lockers, or boxes are NOT PERMITTED. • Patios, driveways, planting beds, and lawn areas are NOT PERMITTED to be used as storage areas. • With the exception of patio furniture and grills, all seasonal items not in use must be stored in garages. Seasonal items are deemed as, but not limited to be, empty planting pots, garden hose holders (after season), holiday decorations. Residents with items stored on their property outside of garage areas are kindly asked to store them properly or remove them from their property. • The storage of loose garden hoses anywhere on your property is NOT PERMITTED. Garden hoses left outside your garage must be in a proper container. May/June 2010 River Pointe 5 the addition or replacement of shutters, installation of garden hose reels and etc. • Pet owners are reminded that your pet must be curbed and that YOU are responsible for cleaning up after • The replacement or addition of exterior lighting is NOT PERMITTED without Board approval. your pet. (Continued from previous page) SATELLITE DISHES: • Satellite Dishes are permitted with certain limitations: They can be no larger than 1 meter. As long as an acceptable quality signal is possible, they must be placed on the roof to the rear of the home with wiring/cable adequately concealed where possible. Any damage to Common Property or adjacent homes will be the responsibility of the homeowner having the Satellite Dish installed. Any questions regarding Satellite Dish installation should be addressed with the Community Manager prior to installation. MODIFICATIONS: • Homeowners are NOT PERMITTED to make ANY modifications to the exterior of their homes or lots without prior Board approval. • Modifications are deemed to be, but not limited to, patio extensions, deck or porch construction, color changes to the doors, garage door, siding, or shutters, GPS News Are your visitors and delivery people having trouble finding you because we don’t “exist” on GPS?? Have them put in 2517 Ridgeway Boulevard and they’ll be led to our main entrance! Welcome To River Pointe We are happy to welcome the following new homeowners who have recently closed on their homes: Susan Greenstein Maryann Thran Robert and Margaret (Peggy) Lapinski Robert and Margaret Seelogy We all look forward to meeting you! Ocean County Health Department Dedicated to providing consistent quality health care in our community one home at a time. • Skilled Registered Nurses • Occupational Therapists • Wound Care Specialists • Speech Language Pathologists • Registered Dieticians • Certified Home Health Aides • Pediatric Therapists • Social Workers • Physical Therapists NJ State licensed 6 732-341-9700 ext. 7300 River Pointe May/June 2010 www.ochd.org Medicare & Medicaid certified River Pointe Book Club Chinese New Year The Book Club meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30. Please note, however, that because of the municipal meetings in Manchester which have been scheduled for the fourth Thursday, we are temporarily holding Book Club on the third Thursday. April’s book selection was Open House by Elizabeth Berg. It is the story of a woman trying to reconstruct life for herself and her eleven-year-old son after her husband leaves her. Her eccentric mother tries to help by fixing her up with dates, but her more pressing problem is money. To meet her mortgage payments, Samantha decides to take in boarders. While her boarders attempt, in their own awkward ways, to offer advice and comfort, Samantha knows she alone must remember and reclaim the person she used to be before she became someone else in an effort to save her marriage. In the coming months, we will be reading Sara’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay, The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry, Julie & Romeo by Jeanne Ray, and Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark. Please feel free to join us at any time. If you have any questions, you can call Lisa Murphy or Barbara Gallo. February is an excellent month to have a celebration, especially when winter is being exceptionally cruel. Forty-three River Pointers took the opportunity to party at the Retreat on Saturday, February 20th, in honor of the Chinese New Year and to welcome in the Year of the Tiger. Tang Dynasty catered the excellent dinner that included General Tso’s chicken, chicken with vegetables, beef with broccoli, pepper steak, pork with vegetables, various rice dishes, vegetable lo mein, and boneless spareribs. The dessert offerings were jello, ice cream, and tea cakes. A very entertaining and truly classic Charlie Chan movie was viewed and enjoyed in all its campiness, and Doris LaPointe emerged victorious in the game of “pass the take-out carton.” Introducing Janine Rudd River Pointe would like to welcome our new Lifestyle Director, Janine Rudd. Janine is a graduate of The Grace Institute in New York where she studied secretarial science. After graduating, she accepted a job at ABC TV/Disney in New York City. She was in the Video Sales division and supplied promotional materials to foreign and domestic clients who were interested in purchasing ABC owned and licensed products. Janine lives in Toms River with her husband, Dennis, a Fire Captain. Janine and Dennis have three children, Daniel who is 16; Rebecca ,14; and Jenna, 12. They have resided in Toms River for 14 years. In her spare time, Janine is an active volunteer at St. Luke’s in Toms River in their CCD program. When we asked Janine what she liked most about working at River Pointe, she mentioned how welcoming the people have been to her since she started as a temporary back in February. She looks forward to working with the committees and clubs to make River Pointe a place they will continue to love to live. Janine would like to thank all the residents she has met already for their warm welcome and looks forward to meeting the residents whom she has not yet had a chance to meet. Janine is looking forward to a bright future here at River Pointe. (Claire Young) May/June 2010 River Pointe 7 Searchlight ATTENTION ALL RIVER POINTE VETERANS! In our November/December issue, we’d like to salute all of our veterans by printing photos of you in uniform during your military service. In addition to the photos, please include your name, the branch of the military, and the years of your service. Because this photo collage will take some time to assemble, please get your photo and information to Helen Bryce at 43 Chalfont Ln. as soon as possible. We want to do right by you! (Manchester Township is also asking that all World War II veterans living in the township register with them at 1 Colonial Dr., Manchester, so that those vets will receive an invitation to the dedication of the “World War II Veterans Memorial Park” later this year. Most of you are too young to have served in that war, but you may know someone who did. Registration forms are available at the front desk in the Retreat. You may also call the Manchester Dept. of Public Works at 732-657-8121 to register.) The organizational meeting for Bocce will be held on Tuesday, May 11th, at 7P.M., in the ballroom. All players who registered by April 25th will receive their schedules and a copy of the rules. We’ll officially “roll out” our 3rd annual Bocce Season on Tuesday, May 18th.e! SAVE THESE DATES: • Come and have “Coffee and…” with your friends and neighbors on Sundays May 16th, and June 13th from 10:00AM to 11:30. The cost is $2.50 per person. • May 31st: Memorial Day Celebration Check the event folders in the kiosk at the Retreat for more information. Look for upcoming e-blasts for specific details. From the Desk of Clark Fitness Training, LLC Cholesterol Increases with Menopause Women’s increased risk of heart disease post- Those risk factors demonstrated a much more steady menopause has been fairly well documented over increase with each passing year, suggesting they were the last decade. The medical profession has thought more tied in with age and not a hormone response the root cause of this increase was related to such as was observed with LDL cholesterol the hormonal changes that take place after and menopause. More research needs to be menopause, the natural aging process, or conducted in this area, especially with regard some combination of both. The results of to the longer-term effects of this spike in a study recently published in the Journal of LDL cholesterol : how does it affect the rate the American College of Cardiology shows of heart attacks, heart disease development, unequivocally that the hormonal changes and ultimately, mortality? Women should related to menopause result in a dramatic consult their physician on a regular basis increase in cholesterol levels, specifically and pay particular attention to maintaining a LDL (bad cholesterol). This may help explain healthy weight, not smoking, and regularly why the incidence of heart disease rises drastically participating in exercise so that cholesterol levels will post- menopause. As women approach menopause, remain in the healthy range. Women should participate cholesterol levels increase; this in turn increases the in a routine of aerobic training for improvements in risk for later heart disease. Other risk factors such blood lipid profile, along with resistance training for as insulin and systolic blood pressure increased in reduced risk of osteoporosis. (Journal of American the 2 year period around the final menstrual cycle. College of Cardiology, 2009) 8 River Pointe May/June 2010 Karate Club News Claire and Jack Young have been practicing karate here at River Pointe since the inception of the program over two years ago. They have both attained the rank of purple belt and are currently working toward their brown belts. Below is an interview with them regarding their thoughts about karate training. What attracted you to the practice of karate? Jack: I thought it would be a good exercise program and very different from my normal workout. Claire: I had been working out in the gym using the equipment there and one day noticed Rob Rielly practicing karate in the aerobic room. It looked as though it would be a nice variation from my regular routine. Had you ever practiced a martial art in the past? Jack: I had done some boxing years ago, but karate is very different. Claire: No, I had never practiced before. Were you previously involved in other athletic activities? Jack: I was a runner and ran the Jersey Shore Marathon in 1982. After I retired, I walked every day but did little more than that. Claire: After Jack retired, we walked at least an hour every day, rain or shine. How is karate different from other training you have done? Jack: In my opinion, karate takes more concentration than other types of exercise. Claire: Each karate move has to be done in a very specific way. You have to practice the moves until you learn the correct way and build muscle memory. Was it difficult to start practicing karate? Jack: To an extent, karate is a very different discipline and requires a lot of awareness of your body. Claire: It wasn’t physically harder than other exercise, but you need to concentrate on every move that you make so that it’s done as correctly as you can within your own ability. You also use all of your muscles, so in the beginning you can experience some muscle tenderness, but that’s true of all types of exercising. After a while it does get easier. Are there any health benefits? Jack: Karate training provides improved overall physical well-being. Claire: I think that since it’s a good cardio workout, it is beneficial to my overall health. Since you both started practicing karate after the age of 60, are some things difficult to accomplish? Jack: Yes, high kicks, jumps, etc., but the longer I train, the easier it gets. And we aren’t expected to perform at the level of younger practitioners. We do the best we can, given our individual conditions. Claire: In the beginning some of the moves seemed harder, and after a workout it became obvious that muscles were being used that hadn’t been used for a long time. But if you keep practicing, it does get easier. If a move is difficult, I just make adjustments and do the best I can. Everyone in the class is over 50 so we all have our limitations. We’re not expected to train like 20 year-olds; we all adapt our training to our own physical limitations, if needed. For any resident interested in joining the club, new members are welcome at any time. There is no charge to train, and loose clothing suitable for working out is acceptable. Call Rob Rielly at 732-657-4908 to express interest or to ask questions. May/June 2010 River Pointe 9 The Clubhouse Corner As I write this, one thing is obvious – spring is here! Gone is the winter which came in with record snowfalls and went out with record winds and rains. The evidence remains in our swollen, bloated ponds and shrubbery damaged from the weight of the snow. Not much time has elapsed since the last article and therefore many things that I wrote about last time have yet to be accomplished. So before we forget, I’d like to take this time to get you better acquainted with one of the bright spots of this past winter, our Community Manager, Melissa Cuomo. Melissa is one of the first individuals many of us had the opportunity to deal with upon moving to River Pointe, so everyone knows her. I just figured I’d write this and score a few brownie points. As most of you are aware, Melissa is the Community Manager for both River Pointe and Waters Edge. On behalf of the River Pointe residents, she should be commended for the outstanding job done during the highest snowfall totals EVER for the month of February. Not only were our properties cleared of snow in a timely manner, but the job was also done within budget. Ms. Cuomo’s experience, roughly 15 years in the business, paid off handsomely when she decided not to clear the common walkways and areas, thereby saving the budget anywhere from $19,000 to $49,000. Some of the responsibilities associated with the Community Manager are maintaining all common areas including landscaping, irrigation, guardhouses and ponds. She acts as a liaison between the residents and the Board of Directors, guides and assists various committees, and maintains a list of Sub-Contractors/ Vendors authorized to provide services to the Association. As Community Manager she is also required to make decisions concerning the adoption and enforcement of all community rules and regulations. Once again, these responsibilities are carried for BOTH communities (River Pointe and Waters Edge). In light of that fact, understand that if your complaint or question is not an emergency, then please be patient as she may be tending to other matters. Melissa has asked that the following points be stressed in this article: 10 River Pointe May/June 2010 • She needs one person to serve on the Architectural Committee (which mostly deals with the modification on the exterior of each unit). • She needs one person to serve on the Grounds Committee (which deals with irrigation and landscape issues for common grounds). • Complaints regarding irrigation or landscaping MUST be in writing (NO VERBALS), so she can track the work being done. Forms can be found in the clubhouse. Fill them out and return them to Melissa’s office or mailbox. • Please do not make ANY modifications on the exterior of your house (e.g,.decks, shrubbery, bed extensions, etc.) without PRIOR approval from the Architectural Committee. Now on to spring/ summer issues. The bocce courts have been rolled, the wind screen for the tennis courts will be installed, and the outdoor pool will be opened by the end of May. All the outdoor furniture will be cleaned and placed around the pool and the outdoor veranda. Please have your badges updated on one of the three days that follow: Wednesday, April 28 (10 am – 3 pm), Saturday, May 8, and Saturday, May 22 (10am – 3pm). (Ralph Mondella) Way To Go River Pointe! River Pointe has received one of the New Jersey Builders Association’s highest honors during the 23rd annual Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards Gala. Held at the Borgata Casino and Spa in Atlantic City on April 13th, the SAM Award for Community of the Year for an Adult Community under $300,000 was given to our own River Pointe. Paul Schneier, president of Pulte Homes’ Metro NY/NJ Division, expressed his pleasure on having received this prestigious award. “It’s a testament to the high-quality homes and unparalleled customer service that makes River Pointe by Del Webb such a sought-after place to live.” (Not to mention the high-quality of the people who live in them!) (Helen Bryce) From September From September, by Rosamunde Pilcher (I can really hear Joe saying these words. HB) Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just ‘round the corner. All is well. I love you. Wedding Anniversaries While most (but not all) of us have already surpassed the majority of hallmark anniversaries listed below, we do have children, perhaps even grandchildren for those of us who are very blessed, who will be marking these milestones. First Anniversary: Paper Second: Cotton Third: Leather Fourth: Books, fruit, flowers Fifth: Wood, clocks Sixth: Iron, candy (??) Seventh: Copper, brass, wool Eighth: Bronze, electrical appliances Ninth: Pottery, willow Tenth: Tin, aluminum Eleventh: Steel Twelfth: Silk or linen Thirteenth: Lace Fourteenth: Ivory Fifteenth: Crystal Twentieth: China Twenty-fifth: Silver Thirtieth: Pearl Thirty-fifth: Coral, jade Fortieth: Ruby Forty-fifth: Sapphire Fiftieth: Gold Fifty-fifth: Emerald Sixtieth: Diamond Sixty-fifth: Diamond Seventieth: Diamond Seventy-fifth: Diamond (Some editorial comments: Notice that we have to get beyond eleven years to get anything we might really want? And the diamonds don’t come until after sixty years? And if we make it anywhere beyond sixty years, we keep getting diamonds? Who needs them then? We needed/wanted them during our paper, cotton, leather, electrical appliances years!!! Who made up these lists anyway? Men???) May/June 2010 River Pointe 11 How Does Your Garden Grow? Container Gardening Tips The Container: New pots, hanging baskets, antiques/collectables, and even leftovers from construction are among the endless choices. The more unique the container, the more fun you have and the more personal statement you make. Herbs such as rosemary, oregano, mint, basil, and parsley are right at home in cinder blocks near your back door. (And speaking of parsley, if you grow it, please do not kill or move any beautiful caterpillars that boast black, green, and yellow segments.*) An antique metal watering can from a flea market is charming on a stop, planted with geraniums and some trailing ivy. Be as creative as you want; just keep in mind that proper drainage encourages healthy plants. You may need to drill holes in your newfound treasure container. Another idea is to use your container to hold smaller pots and empty out any water that collects in the bottom. If you place a plastic nursery pot inside a more attractive container, tuck a little sphagnum moss around the top to hide the plastic rim. Planting: Using regular garden soil is not a good idea. Plants in containers need quick-draining, fluffy, light soil. When you buy potting soil already mixed, it may come with or without fertilizer. If not, you can add some yourself with time release pellets. The mix should consist of peat moss, compost, a little sand, with small amounts of puffy white perlite or flaky vermiculite added to lighten the soil and add drainage. Spread a layer of pebbles or pot shards over the drain holes of the container to keep the soil in, while letting excess water drain out. You can also add a little bit of gel into the potting mix to help retain moisture (be careful – not too much). Then add the soil until the pot is ¾ full. Shake or rock the pot gently to help settle the soil, and place the root balls of your plants in position. Continue filling soil around the plants until the soil reaches 1 inch from the pot rim. Feeding Container Plants: The roots of container plants cannot wander far and wide in search of nutrients, so it is up to you to supply them. Even if you start with potting soil that contains fertilizer, those nutrients will be gone in a few weeks. Apply liquid fertilizer full strength according to package directions, usually every 10-14 days. Some gardeners prefer to use the fertilizer at half strength but twice 12 River Pointe May/June 2010 as often. Container plants will tell when they are not getting enough nutrients; slow growth, yellow leaves, and poor flowering are signs. Be careful not to overdo or your plants may develop browned leaf edges from fertilizer burn. Watering Strategies: As plants increase in size, their need for water increases. A perforated watering head reduces water pressure while providing a gentle flow that soaks into the soil without dislodging delicate plants. But after the root system becomes extensive, water may run over the top of the soil and down between soil and pot. The first remedy is to water with warm water, which soaks into the dry soil faster than cold. Continue to water slowly until you see moisture run out the bottom. Pinching and Grooming: With annual flowers, pinching or clipping off old blossoms is crucial to prolonging their flowers. And, when entire stems appear to have borne their last bud, clipping them off will often force out a new flowering stem. When Winter Comes: The first few autumn frosts spell the end for annuals. Empty the containers, potting soil and all. Then give the empty pots a good scrubbing with a solution of soapy water and household bleach and let them dry before storing for winter. If you leave them outside, clay pots will crack. If you do not clean them for next year, it is possible to carry over disease. Always begin with a clean pot. Self-Cleaning Plants: Flowers that shed their old, faded blossoms cleanly, without needing to be pinched constantly, are invaluable in the container gardens. Some of these are fan flowers, impatiens, petunia (wave) portulaca, Swan River daisy, and wax begonia. Combinations for Containers: It is usually best to begin by combining only 2 or 3 varieties. With only 2 plants, pair a tall or upright plant in the back, with a smaller one that has a mounding or cascading growth habit in the middle. The plants shoud agree on sun or shade. Combining three or more plants in a container is a bit like flower arranging. Begin with a tall, upright plant to structure the design, add a second plant to fill out, and a cascading plant to gently spill over the edges. Some suggestions are: Uprights: caladium, calla lily, cannas, cosmos, salvia, snapdragon, and yucca. Fillers: ageratum, Artemisia, begonia, browallia, coleus, dusty miller, lantana, and verbena. Cascading Plants: candytuft, dead nettle, English ivy, licorice plant, lobelia, petunia, sweet potato vine, and vinca. Container Creativity: Much of the fun in creating container bouquets is letting your imagination run wild. But on the other hand, a few simple guidelines will help. A harmonious design is to use plants with the same or similar colors. Or you can go for a bold contrast, combining frosty blue flowers with fiery yellow ones. Remember that “hot” colors appear to advance, while “cool” colors recede. So you can place orange, red, and yellow toward the back, and blue, purple, and green in front to balance the arrangement. Here is where gardening and art hold hands. Care-Free Secrets: Using neutral colors – Use plants with soft, neutral colors, such as gray-leaved dusty miller, white-flowered sweet alyssum, or vinca (vinca major), to tame fierycolored companions, such as red geraniums, or bright yellow marigolds. Neutral plants also add a light-reflecting twinkle to patio containers that are intended to be viewed in the evening. * Butterflies undergo a change known as “complete metamorphosis” during their four stages of development, changing from one form to a completely different creature by the time they are fully developed. These stages are the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly. The swallowtail butterfly will eat parsley, fennel and dill. So grow extra in case a swallowtail mom-to-be shows up!!! Disclaimer: While writing for this community newsletter, Eileen does not represent Rutgers Master Gardener Program and does not imply their approval of what is written here. The Greening of River Pointe This is our second offering of this column. Do you like it? I want to hear from you with your ideas and suggestions. You can email me at littleflowereileen@ comcast.net or leave them in the newsletter box at the Retreat. Remember: “What we do to the earth today may never be undone!” Lucille Rielly and Helen Bryce write: “Don’t throw out printer copy paper that has been used on only one side. Rob (Rielly) gives all of his drafts to Helen, who uses the other sides to run off newsletter research and articles.” Claire Young never leaves the water running when she brushes her teeth. Other Newsletter Staff members contribute: • In the home: Use vinegar to clean glass; baking soda to banish stinky smells; three percent hydrogen peroxide to kill mildew; isopropyl alcohol to erase fingerprints from chrome and stainless steel; salt to clean cutting boards, glass baking dishes, and pet bowls. Reuse items such as mugs, lunch containers, and grocery bags. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). • Around the yard – Grow a green thumb! ♦ Plants clean the air, whether inside or outside. ♦ Pull weeds by hand instead of using pesticides. (Keep your use of pesticides to a minimum. Runoff pesticides can harm waterways like Barnegat Bay.) ♦ Plant native plants, which do not need as much water or fertilizer as introduced species. ♦ Spread used coffee grounds over the beds of acidcraving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons. (My mini-roses love them, too.) • In the car: Walter Wynkoop, M.D., of Ocean Medical Center, shares tips. According to the EPA, air pollution causes more than 60,000 deaths from heart and lung problems. You can help reduce those health problems by “driving less, buying more fuel-efficient vehicles, and supporting clean energy.” • Accelerate slowly, get regular tune-ups, and resist “topping off” your gas tank to avoid gasoline spillage. Slow down: driving 10mph over 60 adds 50 cents to the cost of a gallon of gas. Get pumped: once a month, check the pressure of each of the tires to improve your mileage by 3%. Air out: replace filters often; a new oxygen sensor can improve mileage by 15%. Eileen Ebell May/June 2010 River Pointe 13 Can You Guess Who These Lovebirds Are? 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 River Pointe May/June 2010 17 18 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 See page 30 for answers May/June 2010 River Pointe 15 Some Things to Ponder in 2010 Manchester: A Great Place to Live (Each issue this year will include 10 helpful, wonderful hints to improve your quality of life. During May and June, let’s ponder about improving our role in society.) 1. Call your family members often. 2. Each day, give something good to others. 3. Forgive everyone for everything. (Well, almost everything!) 4. Spend more time with people over 70 and under 6. 5. Try to make at least three people smile every day. 6. What other people think of you is none of your business. 7. You don’t have to win every argument; agree to disagree. 8. Realize that life is a school, and you are here to learn. 9. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and then fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 10.SMILE AND LAUGH MORE!!! (Marilyn Mays) According to New Jersey Monthly magazine, Manchester Township ranks #70 on the list of the “100 Best Places to Live” in the state. The publication used criteria such as community services, schools, taxes, quality of life, and the crime rate. Manchester reportedly offers the best senior citizen services in the state. It also has fabulous parks and recreation programs, as well as a stable tax base. (Somehow, the magazine failed to mention that Manchester Township has been greatly enriched by River Pointe!) (Submitted by Joanne Wright) 16 River Pointe May/June 2010 Murphy’s Law Sunshine Column The signs of spring are everywhere. Welcome the spring garden colors into your home to freshen, brighten, and update. Here are some great quick tips and projects for you to use throughout your home. • Let in the light! Wash the windows and screens and change your heavy drapes for lighter sheers or semisheers. Remember to clean reflective surfaces in the house (TV screens, mirrors, appliances). • Put away your fleece throws and blankets for the season. Create throw pillow covers in lighter, brighter colors and patterns. (Think flat sheets at spring white sales as a cost effective way to coordinate the room.) • Update bedrooms with summer linens. A bright white duvet cover can lighten up a room and it’s less expensive than a new comforter. • Cut flowers from your garden and bring them indoors. You can use traditional vases or glass pitchers, bowls or mugs. Try to use pastel colors. • Don’t forget spring cleaning and doing away with clutter to help brighten the house. • Paint is a great and inexpensive way to change the look of your room without spending a fortune. Try painting one wall in an accent tone, perhaps the wall behind your sofa or headboard, or the entry foyer. • Try updating some of your picture frames from dark woods to shiny metals or pastels. • Purchase or make a spring wreath to hang on your door. • Small pots of inexpensive annuals provide great color and life in a room. Set them out in groups of three or more on your windowsills. • Don’t forget the outdoor space. Re-cover patio cushions in bright prints or florals. Pick up inexpensive melamine dishes in bright colors to use for outdoor dining. (Lisa Murphy) Please Support Our Advertisers! Their support makes this publication possible. Lorraine and Art Ross and Phyllis and Wayne Grossman recently returned from a trip to New Orleans and a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Hard to agree on the best highlight, since everything was just great: the ship, the sight-seeing in New Orleans, and the wonderful Creole food. Beverly and Jerry Altomare celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary on March 31st. They renewed their vows at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken on Sunday, the 28th, followed by a celebration with their family and friends at the Landmark. Congratulations to Jennifer Butch, daughter of Jim and Donna, who will be graduating from Seton Hall Law School at the end of May. Linda and Norman Fraistat celebrated 45 years of marriage on April 4th. Speedy recoveries and good wishes go out to Joanne Wright and Wayne Herrnkind after their recent surgeries. Continued good thoughts and prayers for Norm Fraistat, Rich Gallo, and Jerry Altomare who have all been fighting long battles to restore good health. We hope we will see you out and among us as soon as possible. Condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to our Editor-in-Chief Helen Bryce on the loss of her husband Joe; Carol and Lou Pelligrino on the death of Lou’s brother Jerry; Howie and Judy Sjursen on the passing of Judy’s dad Sigmund Serafin; and Dolores and Dom Mauro who recently lost their beloved sister-in-law, Joan. Let’s all look forward to spring, good health, and sunshine. Remember, “It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” Laura Ingalls Wilder (Reported by Marilyn Mays) May/June 2010 River Pointe 17 Origin of Marriage Customs Many modern traditions surrounding engagements and weddings can be traced back hundreds of years, some even to ancient times. Some out-dated practices resurface in symbolic form, blending the old and the new. Five of them will be featured in this article; more to come next year. 1. The engagement ring: Throughout history, rings have been used to seal sacred agreements. The diamond is the most popular engagement stone because of the superstition that its brightness comes from the “sparkles of love.” The other so-called “lucky” stones include sapphires, emeralds, and rubies. Pearls should be avoided because they symbolize tears; likewise, opal engagement rings should be worn only by women born in October. 2. The wedding ring: The first wedding rings were probably worn by the ancient Egyptians, to whom their circular shape represented mutual love and eternity. Placing the ring on the third finger of the left hand dates back to the Anglo/Saxon superstition that this finger is directly connected to the heart by the vena amoris, the “vein of love.” 3. The wedding gown: Wedding gowns were not always white, although as far back as ancient Rome, white symbolized innocence and purity. Conflicting sources state that Queen Victoria started the tradition in 1840, but as a symbol of wealth and power, not of virtue. Because white dresses/gowns were so difficult to clean, a bride was unlikely to be able to wear it again. (Many not-so-rich wives dyed their white gowns a darker color after the wedding.) Another source cites the Empress Eugenie of France as the one to introduce the white wedding gown when she married Napoleon III. But it was Coco Chanel who officially sealed white as the preferred colors for brides when, in the 1920s, unveiled (no pun intended) the very first short wedding dress – in white. 4. Best Man, Groomsmen, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids: In primitive cultures, “marriage by capture” was routine. Tribes who were hostile to one another would pillage rival villages to capture a desirable woman. The would-be “groom” (from the Old English word for “male child”) would bring along his “best” warrior/man to assist him in abducting his “bride” (from the Old English word for “cook.”) [Ed.’s Note: Some things never change!] If the tribes were on fairly good terms 18 River Pointe May/June 2010 and the bride really wanted to be “captured,” her maid of honor and her bridesmaids helped her to escape from her family and her tribe so that the groom she wanted could “abduct” her. 5. The honeymoon: Now considered a happy ending to the wedding ceremony, the word “honeymoon” has a far less blissful origin in the Norse word hjunottsmanathr, a throwback to the tradition of marriage by capture. Back then, the husband/captor had to hide his bride from her tribe. The term itself is probably a combination of the custom of having newlyweds drinking a daily cup of honeyed wine (mead) for the first month of their marriage and the fact that by the end of the bride’s moon//menstrual cycle, she might be pregnant and her family wouldn’t want her back. (Well, I guess I have sufficiently de-romanticized weddings by now. Tune in Next May/June for more! Helen Bryce) Jewish Wedding Customs Jewish weddings are full of traditions and deeper meanings. As with all weddings, the ceremony is beautiful and filled with joy. Understanding these deeper meanings, however, may allow the guest to be more cognizant of the full meaning of the wedding ceremony. The bride wears a veil that is lowered over her face by the groom prior to the processional. This tradition is a throwback to Biblical times when Rebecca “took her veil and covered herself” just before her marriage to Isaac. There are several meanings attached to this act: the veil signifies modesty, dignity, and chastity, as well as the belief that the soul and character are paramount., that he loves her for more than her outer beauty. The groom also sees that the woman he is about to marry is indeed his bride and not a substitute, as when Jacob married Leah instead of Rachel. The procession begins with the rabbi leading. He is then followed by the groom and his parents, the grandparents, the attendants (who are symbolic of the angels who “attended” the wedding of Adam and Eve), and finally the bride and her parents. Families stand under a canopy (chuppah) with the bride and groom (kallah and choson) signifying that no one lives in isolation, and that family and friends bring strength to a marriage. The chuppah, symbolizing G-d’s presence and protection, represents the couple’s new home which will always be open to guests. It is usually made of satin or velvet and is supported by four poles At the beginning of the ceremony, two betrothal blessings are recited over a cup of wine which is then sipped by the groom and bride. Rings are then exchanged as an exchange of value. The marriage contract (Ketubah), summarizing the groom’s responsibilities, is read in the original Aramaic and is handed to the bride. The ceremony then continues as seven blessings are chanted over another glass of wine, which is again sipped by the groom and bride.. Seven blessings are used because that is the number of times “and when a man takes a wife” is written in the Bible. At the end of the ceremony a glass wrapped in a napkin is placed on the floor. It is the groom’s task to stomp on the glass, shattering it. This is a reminder of the destruction of the Ancient Temple and the imperfection of our world. It is a also a reminder that we should all participate in Tikkun Olam, the mending of the world. Cries of “Mazel Tov” then ring out and the ceremony is complete. (By Linda Fraistat) Landscape You Home Now...And Save! COMPLETE DESIGN & INSTALLATION SERVICES Pavers Decorative Stone Sod Grading Seeding Retaining Walls New Plantings Sprinkler Systems Lawn Care Services & More 100 OFF $ Any Sprinkler System of $2000 or More Only On New Contracts. Not On Pre-signed Agreements. SCM 200 OFF $ Any Paver Installation of $2000 or More Only On New Contracts. Not On Pre-signed Agreements. SCM 300 OFF $ Any Landscape Planting of $3500 or More Only On New Contracts. Not On Pre-signed Agreements. SCM Visit Our Nursery & Garden Center Country Gardens In Whiting Find us online at - www.gardenplace.com/generals May/June 2010 River Pointe 19 Geography Facts OHIO: There are no natural lakes in this state; they are all man-made. PITCAIRN ISLAND: The smallest island with country status is Pitcairn in Polynesia, at just 1.75 sq. miles. ROME: This was the first city to reach a population of 1 million people, in 133 B.C. There is a city called Rome on every continent. RUSSIA: The deepest hole ever drilled by man is the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia. It reached a depth of about 7.62 miles. Drilled for scientific research, it gave up some unexpected discoveries, one of which was a huge deposit of hydrogen – so massive that the mud coming from the hole was boiling with it. SAHARA DESERT: In the Sahara Desert, there is a town named Tidikelt, Algeria, which did not receive a single drop of rain for ten years. Technically, though, the driest place on earth is in the valleys of the Antarctic near Ross Island. There has been no rainfall there for two million years! retractable awnings Laurel Heights Plaza 1941 Highway 88 • Bricktown, NJ 732-840-5601 Guaranteed Best Prices, Quality And Service - Special - 25% OFF SIBERIA: Siberia contains more than 25% of the world’s forests. S.M.O.M.: The actual smallest sovereign entity in the world is the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.). It is located in the city of Rome, Italy, has an area of two tennis courts, and has a population of 80, 20 fewer people than the Vatican. It is a sovereign entity under international law, just as the Vatican is. SPAIN: “Spain” literally means “the land of rabbits.” ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: This city was originally called Pig’s Eye after a man named Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant, who set up the first business there. UNITED STATES: The Eisenhower Insterstate system requires that one mile in every five must be straight to be usable as airstrips in times of war and other emergencies. WATERFALLS: The water of Angel Falls (the world’s highest) in Venezuela drops 3,212 feet. They are 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. (Joe Goldstein) Custom Drapery Designs We wish to extend to you, an opportunity to invite Ron Cantalupo, our custom drapery design expert into your home. Ron will personally sketch cutting edge drapery designs to suit the most discriminating buyer. Experience his vision, creativity and expertise, totally customized to your taste and lifestyle. Any purchase plus FREE INSTALLATION (Manual & Motorized Units Available) Expires 5/31/10 Proudly Serving Monmouth and Ocean County Since 1985 www.interiorviews.hdwfg.com 20 River Pointe May/June 2010 Laurel Heights Plaza 1941 Highway 88 | Bricktown 732-840-5601 www.interiorviews.hdwfg.com The Great American Baseball Quiz 1. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in the National League in 1947. Who was the first African-American to play in the American League eleven weeks later? a) Satchel Paige b) Larry Doby c) Elston Howard d) Luke Easter 2. In 1995, when Cal Ripken, Jr. broke Lou Gehrig’s record by playing in 2131 consecutive games, which of Gehrig’s former teammates was on hand to congratulate him? a) Phil Rizzuto b) Yogi Berra c) Joe DiMaggio d) Wally Pipp 3. How many World Championships have the New York Yankees won? a) 22 b) 24 c) 18 d) 26 4. Who is the only player to win the Rookie of the Year, MVP, and Cy Young awards? a) Nolan Ryan b) Bob Gibson c) Bob Feller d) Don Newcombe 5. After the US, which country has produced the most Major League baseball players? a) Canada b) Dominican Republic c) Mexico d) Japan 6. Who holds the record for hitting home runs in the most consecutive games? (Hint: The record is eight games.) a) Ken Griffey, Jr. of the 1993 Seattle Mariners b) Don Mattingly of the 1987 New York Yankees c) Dale Long of the 1996 Pittsburgh Pirates d) All of the above 7. Who was the first player to earn a million dollars in one season? a) Nolan Ryan b) Johnny Bench c) Mike Schmidt d) George Brett 8. What Baseball Hall of Famer did Ronald Reagan play in the 1952 movie “The Winning Team”? a) Ty Cobb b) Grover Cleveland Alexander c) Eddie Collins d) Rodgers Hornsby 9. This franchise played the first game of the season at home nearly every year from 1882 through 2008. a) Boston Red Sox b) Chicago Cubs c) Cincinnati Reds d) Baltimore Orioles 10. Who was the first player to have his signature branded into a Louisville Slugger bat, in 1905? a) Babe Ruth b) Frank “Home Run” Baker c) John McGraw d) Honus Wagner (This quiz originally appeared in the June 7, 2009, issue of Parade Magazine. Answers appear near the end of the newsletter.) (Paul Dickson) Solemn & Silly Celebrations Each month, we are made aware of important issues by designating it as “…Month.” But some other less solemn – and sometimes downright silly – events are celebrated during that month! MAY is designated as Mental Health Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and National High Blood Pressure Education Month. It is, however, the month in which we (or some others) celebrate: • “National Homebrew Day” • “National Play Your Ukulele Day” • “Respect for Chickens Day” • “Eat What You Want Day” (Good news or bad for chickens???) • “Root Canal Appreciation Day” (Oh, yeah. Like that’s gonna happen!) • “Great American Grump-Out Day” JUNE is National Scleroderma Awareness Month and Clean Air Month. On the lighter side, the following celebrations also take place in June: • “National Go Barefoot Day” • “Upsy Daisy Day” • “Donald Duck Day” • “Corn on the Cob Day” • “Yell ‘Fudge!’ at the Cobras in North America Day” (Uh, no clue!) • “World Juggling Day” • “Take Your Dog To Work Day” • “Please Take My Children To Work Day” (Marilyn Mays) May/June 2010 River Pointe 21 What’s Cookin’ at River Pointe? GREEN FOODS Food Editor, Claire Young COOKING WITH THE KIDS! No Bake Peanut Butter Balls, www.amazingmoms.com ½ cup peanut butter ½ cup honey 1 cup crushed corn flakes cereal 2 tablespoons powdered milk 2 eggs, beaten dash of vanilla Combine eggs and granola in a bowl. Spread into an 8 inch square pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cut into bars. Serve with peanut butter, honey, jam, or banana slices with honey. Sugar and Spice Twists, Just for Kids Collection Mix the peanut butter, honey, and powdered milk together until blended. Roll into balls. Roll the balls 1 tablespoon sugar into the crushed corn flakes until covered. Refrigerate ¼ teaspoon cinnamon the leftovers. 1 package (6) refrigerated bread sticks Lunch-Box Mac ‘n’ Cheese Muffins Just for Kids Collection 4 large eggs 1 cup Orange Puree (see below) 2 cups cooked macaroni 2 cups shredded low-fat colby or cheddar cheese, divided Salt and freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet. Stir together sugar and cinnamon and place on plate. Open the package of breadsticks and divide dough into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a 12 inch rope and roll into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Twist into a pretzel shape and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper liners; spray with oil. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and puree. Mix in macaroni, 1 ½ cups cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Divide evenly among the muffin cups; top with remaining cheese. Bake 20 to 22 minutes, or until lightly brown and bubbly on top. Cinnamon Apple “Pies” From the kitchen of Lisa Murphy Orange Puree (For carotene and vitamin C & E) 1 medium sweet potato or yam, peeled, chopped, & boiled soft 3 medium to large carrots, peeled, sliced, & boiled soft. Mix into mac & cheese, pasta, pizza sauces, tomato soup, and other red or orange foods. Preheat broiler. Lightly toast cinnamon bread. Place toasted bread on a baking sheet and spread equal amounts of apple pie filling on each slice of bread. Top each slice with 2 tablespoons of cheddar cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Makes 6 “pies.” Easy Breakfast Bars, www.amazingmoms.com 2 cups granola 22 River Pointe May/June 2010 6 slices of cinnamon raisin bread 1 can (21 oz.) apple pie filling, drained ¾ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese PB & J Cookie Sandwiches, Just for Kids Collection ½ cup butter or margarine, softened ½ cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup vegetable shortening 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup mini candy coated chocolate pieces ½ cup finely chopped peanuts ½ cup grape or strawberry jam Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl cream butter, peanut butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla. In medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder; blend into creamed mixture. Stir in the candy pieces an d nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack for cooling. Just before serving, spread ½ teaspoon of jam on bottom of one cookie; top with second cookie. Store in tightly covered container. Makes about 2 dozen sandwich cookies. Helpful Hints: 1. Keep a small tube of regular, white toothpaste inthe kitchen If you get a minor burn, just put on enough toothpaste to cover the burn. I’ve used it many times; you won’t scar and the pain goes away immediately. Of course, this should not be used if the burn is severe. 2. While cooking around children, always turn pot handles towards the back of the cooktop. We’re Your Neighbor!! You always get that friendly hometown service when you shop at Seaside Furniture. Being family owned and operated for 56 years makes a DIFFERENCE!!! Come in and see! Great L ooks. Great Prices. Great S er vice. Special O rders Are O ur Specialty! 3. To prevent serious injuries to children, be sure to clean up any spills on the floor immediately. For the upcoming newsletter, we‘re requesting “ veggies on the grill” recipes. Please e-mail your favorite recipes to me at [email protected] or leave them in my mailbox at 47 Chalfont Lane. Since 1953 “The Comfortable Place To Shop” Main Store 3301 Rt. 37 East • Toms River 732-929-8000 Clearance Center 1501 Rt. 37 West • Toms River May/June 2010 732-281-1014 River Pointe 23 Yogi-isms Lawrence Peter (Yogi) Berra was born on May 12, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri. He got his nickname from a friend and teammate named Bobby Hofman, who said Berra looked like a yogi (Hindu holy man) when he sat with his legs and arms crossed waiting for his turn at bat. Through the years, Yogi’s malapropisms have become legendary. In fact, he has eight entries in the most recent Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, more than any living US President! Yogi now makes his home in Montclair, NJ. YOGI-ISMS ABOUT BASEBALL • All pitchers are liars or cry-babies. • Baseball is 90% mental; the other half is physical. • I knew the record would stand until it was broken. • He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious. • How can you think and hit at the same time? • If people don’t want to come to the ball park, nobody’s gonna stop them. • A home opener is always exciting, no matter if it’s home or on the road. • You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you. • Little League baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the kids out of the house and the parents off the streets. • Slump? I ain’t in no slump…I just ain’t hitting. • The other teams could make trouble for us if they win. CLASSIC YOGI-ISMS • Always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise, they won’t go to yours. • A nickel ain’t worth a dime any more. • Even Napoleon had his Watergate. • Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true. • I just want to thank everyone who made this day necessary. • I’m not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did. • If the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be. • If you ask me anything I don’t know, I’m not going to answer. • If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him. • Never answer an anonymous letter. • We’re lost, but we’re making good time. (Ladies, your husbands won’t know why this is funny!) 24 River Pointe May/June 2010 • (During the streaking craze) I don’t know if they were men or women (fans running across the field). They had bags over their heads. • If you come to a fork in the road, take it. • If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else. • It gets late early out there. • It ain’t the heat, it’s the humility. • It’s like déjà-vu, all over again. • Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded. • You better cut the pizza into four pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat six. • The towels (in that hotel) were so thick I could hardly close my suitcase. • I didn’t really say everything I said. (My favorite!) And, finally, one might ask. Will there be any more Yogi-isms? I’ll let Yogi answer that one: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future!” (Helen Bryce) The Hindenburgh Disaster May 6th, 2010, marks the seventy-third anniversary of the Hindenburg disaster which occurred right across from the road where River Pointe now stands. Named for the late Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, who also served as President of Germany from 1925-34, this 804 ft. zeppelin was to have been the penultimate achievement of transatlantic travel. Its demise ended that dream forever. The largest zeppelin in the world, the Hindenburg was 804’ long and had sixteen gas bags containing a total of 7,200,000 cu. ft. of explosive hydrogen gas. Although the airship was designed to use non-explosive helium, at that time helium was available only in the United States and would have cost approximately $600,000. Besides the financial factor, political tension was increasing between Germany and the US in 1937. The decision was made to use hydrogen which was deemed to be perfectly safe in the hands of experts like the Germans. To this day, the actual cause of the Hindenburg disaster is unknown. The “official” cause, given largely to diffuse the possibility of sabotage which was decried by both the American and German governments, was St. Elmo’s fire, a bright blue or violet glow that appears like fire on tall, sharply pointed structures, but nowhere is there a recorded incident of St. Elmo’s fire’s having ever caused an explosion. Other theories that were explored and then discredited included mechanical failure, lightning, the use of inflammable “dope” on the outer skin of the ship, and even the possibility that the Hindenburg was shot down from the sky. What is known about the last flight of the Hindenburg? Let’s backtrack a little to create a fuller picture. The airship first flew on March 4th of 1936. It had sleeping compartments with baths for fifty passengers and a crew of thirty. At the time of its explosion it had flown ten uneventful round-trips between Germany and the US. The cost of a trans-Atlantic round-trip was $720; one-way, $400. The average traveling time from the United States to Germany was fifty-two hours, while the westbound trip took sixty-one hours. According to official records, the ill-fated trip had experienced a delay of some 10 hours, including a local delay of more than an hour near Lakehurst because of winds, rain, and lightning. Reportedly, the Hindenburg also seemed to be attempting a mooring at too fast a speed and too high an altitude. On-theground eyewitnesses observed a blue glow atop the dirigible preceding the explosion; hence, the reference to St. Elmo’s fire. And even those of us who were born after 1937 are familiar with radio announcer Herb Morrison’s horrifying words: “It’s bursts into flames… Get out of the way, please, oh my, this is terrible…Oh, the humanity, and all the passengers!” In all, thirteen passengers, one on-the-ground linehandler, and twenty-two crewmen (including “Little Captain” Ernst Lehmann) were killed. Another casualty, however, was the dream of lighter-than-air craft as the ultimate means of modern travel. Our own Pete Murphy, who is part of the group that is restoring the remains of the Hindenburg, reports the following: “A mock-up of the Hindenburg’s control car, used in the movie ‘Hindenburg,’ is presently under restoration in Hangar One at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station, now part of the ‘Joint Base McGuire-DixLakehurst’ complex. The Navy Lakehurst Historical Society is hoping to have the restoration completed within the next two years. The control car (gondola) is viewed as part of the tours run by the Historical Society.” There will be a ceremony held at the crash site memorial on the evening of May 6th to commemorate the seventy-third anniversary of the disaster.” (Researched by Helen Bryce) May/June 2010 River Pointe 25 The History Of Bocce As our third season of bocce here at River Pointe begins, I thought it was a fitting time to find out where this game we’ve grown to love came from. According to multiple Internet sources, the Egyptians played a form of the game with polished rocks as far back as 5200B.C. (This is based on a painting of two boys that was found in an ancient Egyptian tomb.) The game then slowly made its way to Greece in around 800 B.C. The Romans, who learned the game from the Greeks, then introduced it throughout their empire. In fact, it was the Romans who gave the game its present name; “bocce” is derived from the Latin word bottia, meaning “boss.” (Ask the Karate Kids about that!) In early times, coconuts brought back from Africa were used. Later, olive wood was used to make bocce balls. Despite the fact that the popularity of bocce flourished throughout Europe, many of the heads of state condemned and prohibited the game based on claims that playing the game distracted men from military exercises. The Republic of Venice punished participants with fines and even imprisonment, while the Catholic Church instructed its believers that bocce was considered the sin of gambling. (Hey! Gambling is a sin??? Uh-oh!) 26 River Pointe May/June 2010 Despite all of this, bocce continued to thrive during that time, especially in Great Britain where Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Francis Drake were its biggest fans. One legend states that Drake refused to set out to battle the infamous Spanish Armada until his bocce game ended. “First,” he declared, “we finish the game, then we have time for the Invincible Armada!” (I hope no River Pointer takes the game that seriously! Well… maybe a few?) George Washington himself had bocce courts built at Mt. Vernon. The first modern bocce courts appeared in Italy in 1947, including 15 teams in and around Rivoli. The annual Bocce World Championship also started that year. Italian immigrants to the United States have continued to perpetuate the many versions of the game as their local villages played it. And so, to our returning and new River Pointe bocce players, I say enjoy the world’s earliest sport, one known to revive the body and the mind, and, next to soccer, the most popular game in the world. In the US alone, there are 25,000,000 participants in bocce, a sport now included in the Special Olympics and proposed to be in future Olympic Games. (Thanks to Marilyn Mays for the initial email which inspired this article. Helen Bryce) History Of Memorial Day While we are all accustomed to observing Memorial Day on the last Monday in May,that was not always the case. Originally called “Decoration Day,” it was conceived as a day to memorialize the 620,000 Americans who lost their lives on both sides of the Civil War. (The name, “Decoration Day,” was derived from the practice of largely women’s groups decorating the graves and tombs of the Union and Confederate dead with flags and flowers.) Although more than two dozen cities and towns claim to have held the first celebration of the holiday, in May of 1996 President Lyndon Baines Johnson officially named Waterloo, NY, as its birthplace. It seems that, in 1865, a Waterloo druggist named Henry C. Welles mentioned the idea for such a holiday to General John B. Murray, a Civil War hero. Together, they organized the first such event which was held on May 5, of the next year. Two years later, on the same date, General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed May 30th as “Decoration Day.” (Note the change from the previous May 5th observances of Decoration Day from May 5th to the 30th. One unsupported theory is that the new date was suggested by a French emigree who organized a Decoration Day event in Virginia in 1866. She felt that May 30th was more appropriate because, in France, that date marks the “Day of Ashes” when Napoleon’s ashes were brought home from St. Helena.) New York state, in 1873, was the first to officially recognize and observe the day, and within 17 years, all of the states in the North followed suit. Southern states, however, refused to do so until after World War I when, in 1882, the holiday evolved from honoring only the Civil War dead to including the Americans who died in any war our country was involved in. (To this day, however, nine Southern states also observe some variation of the holiday to honor only the fallen Confederate soldiers.) Finally, in 1971, President Richard Nixon and the Congress passed a law that officially coined the name “Memorial Day,” and marked the last Monday in May for its observance. Let us never forget that freedom isn’t free; countless patriots have paid the price – and we thank them. President Benjamin Harrison said it best: “I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.” (Researched by Helen Bryce) “LET OUR FAMILY MOVE YOUR FAMILY” FREE ESTIMATES MURRY & SONS MOVING SENIOR DISCOUNTS LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE MOVING “Family Owned & Operated Over 30 Years” Honest, Reliable Service • Large or Small Jobs Expert Packing & Crating • Discounted Rates NO HIDDEN COSTS • STORAGE AVAILABLE 732-477-1818 1 Havenwood Ct. • Suite 4 • Lakewood • May/June 2010 ICC-MC 259851 • PC #00508 River Pointe 27 Our Crazy English Language Words of Inspiration HOW TO PLANT YOUR GARDEN Springtime is a time for new beginnings. The world Why is it that: is turning colorful after the whites and grays of winter. • There is no egg in eggplant or ham in a hamburger? So why not think about planting a garden? I know that • Nor is there any apple or pine in pineapple? • English muffins weren’t invented in England, or vegetable gardens are not supposed to be a part of River Pointe, but bear with me. I believe that we can plant French fries in France? • Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which this garden and watch it grow.. Follow these directions and enjoy the fruits of your garden! aren’t sweet, are meats? • Quicksand works slowly? First, you come to the garden alone, • Boxing rings are square? While the dew is still on the roses… • Guinea pigs are neither pigs nor from Guinea? For the garden of your daily living, • If the plural of “tooth” is “teeth,” why isn’t the plural PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS: of “booth”, “beeth”? • One goose, two geese; one moose, two meese? 1. Peace of mind • If teachers taught, why didn’t preachers praught? 2. Peace of heart • If a vegetarian eats vegetable, what does a 3. Peace of soul humanitarian eat??? PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH: • Why do noses run and feet smell? And, if these aren’t enough…Let’s look at the 1. Squash gossip following pairs of words that are spelled the same, but 2. Squash indifference have different pronunciations and meanings. (Ed.’s 3. Squash grumbling Note: Words like these are called homographs; that is, 4. Squash selfishness “written the same.”) 1. The bandage was wound around the wound. PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE: 2. The farm was used to produce produce. 1. Lettuce be faithful 3. The dump was so full that it had to refuse 2. Lettuce be kind more refuse. 3. Lettuce be patient 4. We must polish the Polish lamps. 4. Lettuce really love one another 5. He could lead if he would get the lead out. 6. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. 7. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. 8. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 9. When it was shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. 10.I did not object to the placement of the object. 11.The insurance was invalid for the invalid. 12.The oarsmen had a row about how to row. 13.They were too close to close the door. 14.The buck does funny things when he’s around does. 15.A seamstress and a sewer fell into a flooded sewer. 16.In a desperate attempt to help with the planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow! 17.The wind was too strong to wind the sail. 18.Upon seeing the tear in my dress, I shed a tear. 19.I had to subject the subject to a series of tests. 20.How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend? (Submitted by Eileen Ebell) 28 River Pointe May/June 2010 NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS: 1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN, WE MUST HAVE THYME: 1. Thyme for each other 2. Thyme for family 3. Thyme for friends WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. (Linda Fraistat) Totally Useless Information About Animals • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • A cockroach will live nine days without its head before it starves to death. Speaking of heads, the male praying mantis cannot copulate with its head attached to its body. Therefore, the female initiates mating by ripping the male’s head off. (Ladies, this fact is NOT totally useless. Repeat it again and again to your husbands!) Fleas can jump 350 times their body length. It’s like a human being jumping the length of a football field. A catfish has over 27,000 taste buds. (One might wonder what is so tasty at the bottom of the pond?) Some lions mate 50 times a day. (NO COMMENT!) The original name for butterflies was flutterbies. Butterflies taste with their feet. (Butterflies have feet???) Elephants are the only animals that can’t jump. (Thank the good Lord!) A cat’s urine glows under a black light. (Wonder who figured that out???) A snail can sleep for three years. (Is that a problem?) The only domestic animal NOT mentioned in the Bible is the cat. The house fly hums in the middle octave key of F. A rat can live longer without water than a camel. Bats always turn left when they exit a cave. It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs. (Uh…are there that many “upstairs cows”?) A pig’s orgasm lasts 30 minutes. (Do you remember the song lyrics, “Or would you rather be a pig”?) Armadillos can be housebroken. The world’s most common animal is the rat, found on every continent, including Antarctica. Lateral Puzzles Lateral puzzles present situations which require an explanation. While the newsletter format does not allow for the traditional dialogue between the quizmaster and the solvers, by not printing the answers for the five lateral puzzles until the next newsletter, that kind of dialogue can occur among ourselves. 1. The Deadly Party A man went to a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone else at the party who drank the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die? 2. The Blind Beggar A blind beggar had a brother who died. What relation was the blind beggar to the brother who died? (Brother is not the answer.) 3. The Elder Twin One day, Kerry celebrated her birthday. Two days later, her older twin brother Terry celebrated his birthday. How is that possible? 4. The Man on the Twelfth Floor A man lives on the twelfth floor of an apartment building. Every morning he takes the elevator down to the lobby and leaves the building. In the evening, he gets into the elevator; if there is someone else in the elevator – or if was raining that day – he goes directly back to his floor. If not, he goes to the tenth floor and walks up two flights of stairs to his apartment. Why? 5. Husband Murdered by Sister A woman has incontrovertible proof in court that her husband was murdered by her sister. The judge declares, “This is the strangest case I’ve ever seen. Though it’s a cut-and-dried case, this woman cannot be punished.” Why not? Answers to the March/April Lateral Puzzles: 1. The Coal, the Carrot, and the Scarf These are left after a snowman melts. 2. Trouble with Sons They were two of a set of triplets, quadruplets, etc. 3. Push That Car The man was playing Monopoly 4. Friday The man’s horse was named “Friday.” 5. Manhole Covers A square manhole cover can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole. A round cover cannot be dropped down the manhole. Therefore, for safety and practicality, all manhole covers should be round. (Carolyn Morrison) May/June 2010 River Pointe 29 Laughter: The Best Medicine There’s Something about Marriage! • My husband and I divorced over religious differences: he thought he was God and I didn’t. • Marriage is a three-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffering. • For Sale: Wedding dress, size 8. Worn once by mistake. • There are two times when a man doesn’t understand a woman: before marriage and after marriage. • The woman applying for a job in a Florida lemon grove didn’t seem qualified for the job. “Look, miss,” said the foreman, “have you had any actual experience in picking lemons?” “Well, as a matter of fact, yes!” she replied. “I’ve been divorced three times!” • An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he’s been living with for the last 40 years. The Wizard says, “Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you.” Without hesitation, the old man says, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” • A man tells his psychiatrist, “Doc, my wife is unfaithful to me. Every evening, she goes to Larry’s Bar and picks up men. In fact, she sleeps with any guy who asks her! I’m going crazy – what do you think I should do?” “Relax,” says the doctor, “take a deep breath and calm down. Now, tell me, exactly where IS Larry’s Bar?” We know that none of us who are happily married can relate to any of these jokes! (Lucille Rielly) HOW TO BE GRACIOUS Jennifer’s wedding day was rapidly approaching. Not even her parents’ nasty divorce could dampen her excitement. Her mother had even found the PERFECT dress to wear and was confident that she would be the best-dressed “Mother of the Bride” ever. A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father’s new, young wife had bought the exact same dress as Jen’s mother! Jennifer asked her young “step-monster” to exchange the dress, but she replied, “Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in that dress and I’m wearing it!” Jennifer broke the news to her mother who graciously said, “Never mind, sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.” The next day, they went shopping and found an equally beautiful dress for her mother. At lunch, Jennifer asked her mother if she was 30 River Pointe May/June 2010 going to return the first dress. Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course not, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding!” (Helen Bryce) Those who are or who have been teachers will love this one: At Penn State University, there were four sophomores taking chemistry, all having an “A” average. They were so confident about their grades that, the weekend before finals, they decided to visit some friends and have a big party. After all the hearty partying, however, they slept all day Sunday and didn’t make it back to Penn State until early Monday morning. Rather than taking the final exam unprepared, they decided they would later explain to their professor why they missed it. They told him that, on their way back from visiting friends, they had a flat tire. The professor agreed that they could make up the exam the next day. They studied all that night for the final. The next day, the professor placed them in four separate rooms and gave them each a test booklet. They all quickly answered the first question which was worth 5 points. “Cool,” they thought. “This is a breeze!” Then they turned the page. On this page was written: “95 points – which tire?” (Lucille Rielly) Answers to our Love Birds 1. Apuzzo 2. Beaton 3. Bergen 4. Bryce 5. Bussanich 6. Butch 7. Casella 8. Castka 9. Ebell 10. Fein 11.Fraistat 12. Gelman 13.Holbritter 14. Hyle 15.Kline 16. Knapp 17.Mauro 18. Mays 19.Mondella 20. Morin 21.Morrison 22. Moschetta 23.Muller 24. Nackanechy 25.Pellegrino 26. Politto 27.Principato 28. Purfield 29.Rielly 30. Ross 31.Simpson 32. Teague 33.Vonah 34. Wright 35.Young Answers to The Great American Baseball Quiz: 1.B 2. C 3. D 4. D 5. B 6. D 7. A 8. B 9. C 10. D ANDY ROONEY SAYS: As I grow older, I value women over 50 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: • A woman over 50 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, “What are you thinking?” She doesn’t care what you think. • If a woman over 50 doesn’t want to watch the game, she doesn’t sit around whining about it. She does what she wants to do, and the game is even more interesting. • Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won’t hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. • Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 50. • Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. • Older women are forthright and honest. They tell you right off if you are a jerk, if you are acting like one. You don’t ever have to wonder where you stand with them. • Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it’s not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 50, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22 year-old waitress. (Submitted by Sandra Chapman) NINE EXPRESSIONS WOMEN LOVE TO USE (A heads-up for men!) 1.“FINE!” This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. 2.“FIVE MINUTES”: If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five minutes only really means five minutes if she has just given you five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house. 3.“NOTHING!” This is the calm before the storm. This means “Something” and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with “Nothing!” usually end in “Fine!” 4.“GO AHEAD”: This is a dare, not permission. DON’T DO IT!!! A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing there and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of “Nothing!”) 6.“THAT’S OKAY”: This is one of the most dangerous statements women can make to a man. “That’s okay” means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your latest mistake. 7.“THANKS”: If a woman is thanking you, don’t faint or question her. Just say, “You’re welcome.” (We need to add a clause here: If she says, “Thanks a lot!” – that is pure sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT SAY, “You’re welcome.” That will bring on a “Whatever!”) 8.“WHATEVER!” This is a woman’s way of saying, “Forget it; I don’t have any more time to waste on you!” 9.“DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT; I GOT IT”: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing herself. This will later result in a man asking, “What’s wrong?” For the woman’s response, refer to #3. (Submitted by Linda Fraistat) THE MAGIC ELEVATOR An Amish man and his son went into a mall for the very first time. Although they were amazed by almost everything, they were especially awed by two shiny silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again. The boy asked, “What is that, Father?” Never having seen such a thing, the father admitted he didn’t know. While the pair was watching, an old, decrepit woman with most of her teeth missing crept up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and she disappeared behind them into a small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular numbers above them light up sequentially, then descend in the reverse order. Finally, the silver walls opened again and a gorgeous, statuesque blond in a tight mini-skirt stepped out. “Quick,” shouted the father. “Go get your mother!” (Submitted by Helen Bryce) 5.(LOUD SIGH): This is actually a word, but it is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. May/June 2010 River Pointe 31 32 River Pointe May/June 2010