Briar II News Volume 19, Number 9 Published by the Homeowners of Greenbriar II, Brick, N.J. January 2015 Nancy’s Dream Luncheon Story & Photos by Rose Marie Lodico Once again all the hard work that was put forth in organizing and preparing for Nancy’s Dream Luncheon really paid off. On Nov. 20, 2014 many of the honored guests arrived at the clubhouse with their caregivers, and others were transported by volunteers from the GBII community. Kudos to the four co-chairs, Jan Lavance, Karen McConnell, Anne Marie Willcox and Pat Vincelli, who saw to it that the event ran like a well-oiled machine. Cooked turkeys and hams were brought to the clubhouse at 10:00 AM so that the resident meat cutters could boneout and slice the meat. At 11:00 AM the rest of the cooked foods: stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, string beans, cranberry sauce and gravy were plated. All of these foods were donated and cooked with love by our wonderful and caring neighbors who chose to be part of Nancy’s Dream. The tables were set so elegantly, thanks to Jan Lavance and her committee. Lace table cloths, cloth napkins, plates and silverware adorned the tables. Many “oohs” and “ahhs” were heard as the guests entered the room. The beautiful centerpieces were donated by the Garden Club. A guest from each table took home the centerpiece if their birthday was closest to the Nov. 20th date. The drivers, servers, hosts, hostesses and of course those who remained to clean after the party, were all volunteers of our great community. As I observed the smiles on the faces of the guests at my table, I was so proud to be part of the event. Each invited guest was given a container of food to take home for another meal, plus cookie bags. After lunch we were entertained by “Mrs. Hughes” (Karen McConnell), singers John Fahey and Jack McGuigan, sax player Dave Whitaker, accordianist Joe DeSanctis and comedienne Evelyn Klappholz. Ice cream sundaes with all the trimmings were a delicious choice for dessert. During the holiday season it would be a wonderful gesture if everyone reached out to their friends and neighbors. It brings joy to their lives and absolutely enriches your life as well. Thanks again to everyone involved in Nancy’s Dream Luncheon for creating wonderful memories for our GBII community. More photos on pages 4 & 5 Briarmill Pharmacy “Caring For You Like Family” ads-847 732-840-1800 1820 Lanes Mill Rd - Brick - Next to Jersey Farms Asbury Park Press Readers’ Choice Winner “BEST PHARMACY IN OCEAN COUNTY” FREE PICK UP & DELIVERY EVERYDAY!! DO YOU WAIT HOURS FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTION? AT BRIARMILL, WE FILL IT NOW! WE ARE NOT A CHAIN DRUG STORE! 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Excludes, Prescriptions, Tobacco, Film products & Lottery BII Expires 1/31/15 BM W Greenbriar II Board Meeting Board of Trustees President - John Fahey 1st Vice President - Philip McConnell 2nd Vice President - Frank Jones Secretary - Rita Hahn Treasurer - Bill Philipson Wed., January 7 Also Wed., Jan. 21 in Auditorium Televised on Channel 97 at 10:00 a.m. Briar II News Staff Rosemary Sparandera, Colleen Tierney, Ren Relli, Rose Marie Lodico, Judy Muldoon, Pat Cerro, and Pat Vincelli Circulation Colleen Tierney, Judy Muldoon, Barbara DeRosa, Pat Vincelli, Elise Martell, Mary Ann Pecci, Annette Luccioni, Carmen Panfan, Vince Horsting, Richard & Betty Gerber, Janet Kain, Peg Jaeger, Val Hickey, Joe Zubrowski, Mary Kupka-Irski These are the substitutes: Dorothy Westpy, Rita Hahn, Bonnie Rosa, Connie Safran, Don Briden, Anne Marie Wurdarski and Marge Donovan Policy Contributions: We invite readers to send articles of interest to the GB II community, including photographs, drawings, and letters to the editor. Material must include the writer’s name and address, and preferably be less than 500 words for articles and 200 words for letters. We also solicit your opinions and your ideas for new articles. Classified Advertisements are accepted only from residents of GB II. They must not compete directly with regular advertisements contained in the paper. For Advertising Contact: Senior Publishing Company 1520 Washington Ave., Neptune, NJ 07753 888-637-3200 Deadline For All Advertising: Tenth day of the month for insertion in following month’s issue. Editing: All material is subject to approval by the editorial committee which reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject it. Material published does not necessarily represent the views of the editors nor of the GB II Community. The editorial committee does not endorse the services or items offered by advertisers. We accept no responsibility for any advertisements. If there are any complaints concerning an advertiser, please contact them directly. If you receive no satisfaction, you can contact your Better Business Bureau or the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. All residents are invited to attend! Deadlines Deadline for submission of articles for the February Issue of the Briar II News is January 5. Thank you for your cooperation. Editorial Staff We Thank You The Briar II News staff thanks the following people for their contribution to this edition of the paper: Evelyn Klappholz, Sissie Jones, Toni Forte, Marianna Bocchino, Marie Pausz, Mary Aimutis, Barbara Kochie, Marie Karpeles, Joe Rosendale, Richard Bartomioli, Mary Ann Pecci, Walter Pruiksma and Anne Leahy. Thank You To the residents of Greenbriar II, Thank you for supporting our Teddy Bear Tea. Fiftytwo beautifully-dressed bears were distributed to children by the Ocean County Head Start Program. Thank you to Rose Marie Lodico and Pat Vincelli for their help right from the start; to Anne Marie Willcox and Diane Mansfield for their gracious help in setting up for the Tea, and to Pete Flipse for transporting the bears to Aristicare in Manchester which manages the project. I am sure Astrid Doughty looked down on us with a GREAT BIG SMILE. She began the Teddy Bear Project in 1989. Thank you, Astrid, for all the smiles you put on children’s faces, as well as on the faces of the residents who dressed the bears. Liz Slane and I thank everyone who participated. It could not have been the success it was without the help of all. Sincerely, Marie Karpeles *** I’d like to thank the CareRing office staff and drivers for your time and dedication through the past year. CareRing provides an important service to the residents of the Greenbriar II community and with your help we can continue to offer our services. Please feel free to contact me anytime. The September luncheon will be held sometime in the Spring. Thank you for your patience. Anne Leahy God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through. - Author Unknown JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 3 Nancy’s Dream Luncheon 4 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Nancy’s Dream Luncheon JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 5 New Residents Submitted by Mary Ann Pecci Meet Nora McVicker, 49 Rainier Dr, retired Senior Secretary for the Diocese of Metuchen. Formerly a resident of both Woodbridge and Belmar, Nora munches popcorn during TV viewing. Her favorite pastime, though, is spending time with family and friends - she loves those frequent lunch dates! WELCOME, Nora! Louis and Ellen Dorse bid Scranton, PA, good-bye for their home at 17 Olympus Way. Ellen, a retired teacher from the Western Wayne School District, practices Tai Chi and is interested in needle crafts, cooking and her volunteer work. Lou also practices Tai Chi and his other interests include UFO phenomenon, chess and military history. Retired from the PA Dept. of Transportation, this former engineering technician and certified field investigator for MUFON, enjoys TV viewing with a bag of salted peanuts. WELCOME, Louis and Ellen! 6 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Here are Sebastian and Trudy Ferrantell. Previously from Dumont, N.J., the couple now resides at 6 Andes Court. Sebastian is an excellent tailor. The couple enjoys watching TV, particularly Fox Network. WELCOME, Sebastian and Trudy! From Wall Township, Gerry and Marty Metzgar are the new residents of 28 Rainier Drive. Marty currently continues to pursue his full-time profession. Exercise is a favorite hobby of this couple, who enjoy munching on apples and pretzels when watching a favorite TV show. Unfortunately, Gerry had fractured both knees and although one is completely healed, the other continues to be troublesome. WELCOME, Gerry and Marty! Romantic Comedy By Pat Cerro As you can imagine, most of the action takes place between Carmichael and Craddock as their careers and relationship evolves. Crawford and McLaughlin appear really perfect in their parts. He displays his world-weary and sarcastic self, and she is always positively happy and extremely motivated. Their swift and witty conversations remain, through their unrequited love interest in each other over the 9 years they are together, until some resolution finally emerges. I know the title includes the word “Comedy”. It definitely has some very witty and cleverly funny lines, but it was not your typical laugh-out-loud, as you roll down the aisles comedy. Romantic Comedy leaned more to real life, a mixture of love and relationships, difficulties, challenges, successes and failures, sprinkled with good times and laughter. It was a play that drew you in and made you experience true empathy and understanding for the characters. Two and a half hours of wonderful entertainment simply flew by in no time. I say, “Kudos” to The Guild Theatreworks for another terrific production. PORCH ENCLOSURES & WINDOW REPLACEMENTS •E •P •D •A •W FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 25 YEARS FREE ESTIMATES • FULLY INSURED • LICENSED License #13VH04524600 ALL WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED PORCH ENCLOSURES SCREENROOMS & WINDOWS FA ads-1067C Romantic Comedy was not the usual type of production seen at The Robert Anstett Cultural Arts Center presented by The Guild Theatreworks, but in my opinion, absolutely one of the best. This was actually a tricky little sex comedy. It felt a bit like watching a play written by the famous Neil Simon. The play developed its main characters with their many imperfections. For example, Phoebe Craddock is a woman who worships and wishes for the man. The man is Jason Carmichael, self-absorbed and arrogant who wishes everything for himself. They are like two ships passing in the night. The play opens with the successful co-author of Broadway plays, Jason Carmichael, played by the extremely talented Corey Crawford, very upset about losing his collaborator, and in minutes is about to marry society belle, Allison St.James. (By the way, I must note that Corey Crawford was not only the lead in the show, but also directed this amazing production.) On that very same day novice playwright, Phoebe Craddock, played by Linda McLaughlin, walks in to interview with Carmichael as his new collaborator (she showed up a week earlier than her actual interview date). The supporting cast includes Blanche Daily, cleverly played by my girl Gail Sheehan. I’ve watched Gail’s acting craft develop since her very first production. Blanche is a self-assured agent who was a former showgirl. She appears to have an endless supply of wigs and gorgeous dresses. A newcomer, and a definite plus to The Guild Theatreworks, Danielle Simanek, plays Allison St. James, Carmichael’s wife and does double duty as Kate Mallory, the star used to getting her own way. Leo Janowitz, was believably played by Steven Lerner. Janowitz comes to interview the now successful Broadway theatre writing duo and winds up eventually falling in love and marrying Phoebe. 732-687-6254 CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATE FR PAGMAN ENTERPRISES INC. www.AlumcoPorches.com JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 1/4 Bulletin 7 AL COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME 2 Convenient Locations 2170 Hwy. 88 East Brick 732-899-9090 John A. Cutaio, Manager NJ License No. 2763 1045 Sally Ike Road Herbertsville 732-458-4900 John A. Cutaio, Manager NJ License No. 2763 Family Ownership and Operated Since 1966 Come visit us on the web at www.colonialfuneralgroup.com gb2-058b 8 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Garden Club Column The Care of Christmas Cacti By Barbara Kochie On October 30th the Master Gardeners of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Center in Toms River held an open house. One of the speakers talked about the care of the typical Christmas plants many of us buy or receive as gifts. The Christmas cactus is one holiday plant many people use as decorations in their homes and it survives well from year to year. There are actually three different blooming times for “Christmas Cacti”. Cacti with serrated leaves bloom around Thanksgiving; cacti with soft, scalloped leaves bloom around Christmas and those with thicker, longer leaves bloom around Easter. None of these cacti like to be in direct sunlight and their leaves will turn red to show their displeasure with the sunny location. Being cacti they want very little water. Only when the ground in the pot is very dry should they be watered. Cacti do like cactus fertilizer. They also love cool temperatures of 55-60 degrees by day and 40-50 degrees at night at this time of year. They are the perfect winter plant for anyone with a three-season sunroom at the shore. Once the sunroom starts to heat up in the spring the Christmas Cactus will need to be brought into the cooler house. Getting the “Christmas Cactus” to flower requires it to have a good amount of darkness. A room that you do not go into at all in the evening is best. Once buds form, the cactus requires more water and does not want to be moved or even rotated. Christmas Cacti are beautiful plants to grow from one Christmas season to the next and require only minimal care. On Monday, January 19th, 2015, the Greenbriar II Garden Club will hold its reorganization meeting in the Arts and Crafts room at 10 am. Committees will be forming for the coming events planned by the club in 2015. All residents are invited to attend and join with seasoned and rookie gardeners as they share and learn new gardening techniques from each other and invited speakers. Don’t Be Fooled! By Colleen Tierney Although it’s winter, don’t assume that the rabies virus is not a threat. If you don’t read or follow local news, you probably did not know that on November 15, 2014, a raccoon was picked up in Brick and it tested POSITIVE for rabies! Once again, people have been warned NOT TO FEED feral cats, of which there are numerous such animals that roam throughout the township. They become more numerous in neighborhoods where well-meaning citizens who feel sorry for them, especially during winter months, keep feeding them. Cats frequently have run-ins with wildlife, namely raccoons, skunks, opossums and bats. If you allow your pet cat outdoors, make absolutely certain that its rabies vaccination is current. Better yet, if you think that a cat “needs” to be outside to be “happy”, you are seriously misinformed. Of course dog owners should also make sure that their dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. ***** Another, and often repeated news story which is appearing locally is the warning about telephone scams. It seems that Brick residents are falling for these despite the warnings. The IRS and all other legitimate agencies DO NOT make phone calls to tell people that they owe money. They send notices through the mail. If you subscribe to Caller ID, and especially if you also have an answering machine and/or subscribe to Voicemail, do not even answer a call that comes up as “anonymous”, “unknown name”, a town’s name/state without a phone number, etc. Let the call go to your answering machine or voicemail. If it’s legitimate, the caller will leave a message and you can decide whether to respond. Most of these calls leave no message, therefore they are not important and are likely a scam. Keep in mind that when you answer a call, it verifies that your phone number is a working number, even if you hang up. Learn to IGNORE these calls!!! They are most often what’s referred to as a “robocall” - a computer is dialing numbers at random and when no one “picks up” after two rings it moves on to the next number. If you pick up, you have verified your phone number is working - be prepared to receive even more calls in the future. Woodchuck’s BBQ By Rosemary Sparandera Being big fans of barbeque, Don and I had wanted to try Woodchuck’s on Route 88, in Point Pleasant. Since I have been working very hard packing, getting ready for my move from GBII, Don decided I needed a night off from cooking, and off we went. We were pleasantly surprised with the wonderful menu, and found it difficult to decide what we wanted to try. The entrees are varied, and reasonably priced. We decided to try different food so that we could share. I ordered the Baby Backs Pulled Meats Platter. The ribs are half a slab. I chose the Ribs and Beef Brisket. Don decided on the Ribs and Pulled Chicken. My sides were homemade four cheese Mac ‘n’ cheese and Woody’s baked beans which were delicious. Don had side salad and sweet potato fries, also very tasty. The entrees include a choice of two sides and cornbread. The prices range from $15 to $ 20 for these meals. When our food was served, we could not believe the size of our plates. Needless to say, we had food to take home. You can order your ribs Wet, Dry Rubbed, Spicy or Naked. We both chose the Spicy. They were delicious, and the meat was falling off the bones. My brisket did not require a knife, it was so very tender. Don enjoyed his pulled chicken as did I, when we tasted each other’s meals. The menu consists of many appetizers, wings, salads, a good variety of sides and sandwiches. They also have specialty burgers and gourmet grilled cheese. Another item on the menu is Woodchuck’s Family Feast Deals. They have catering, take out, or take advantage of their Free Delivery. Don and I heartily agreed that this place was a great find, and plan on going back in the future. They are located on Route 88 next to Rita’s Ices. From GBII, go left on Burnt Tavern Road to Route 88, make a left on 88, and drive east for about a mile. You will see the restaurant on the left. Their telephone # is 732-714-1400. I hope you enjoy this place as much as Don and I did. By the way, it is also a BYOB. JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 9 Texas Hold’em Tournament Story & photo by Rose Marie Lodico It was a casino-like atmosphere as the participants and on-lookers arrived for the Texas Hold’em Tournament. There were 40 players that were ready to play the elimination game until the bitter end. Men and women alike remained poker-faced as they bluffed or strategized through the game to reign as the tournament winner. Prizes were at stake, but most important were the bragging rights of the victors. As the night progressed, the players had one chance to buy back into the game within a certain time limit. The tournament began with five tables of eight players, plus one dealer. Players who went all-in were eliminated as soon as they lost their chips. Tables were condensed until there was one table of eight players. Nina Zamarra, and Ray Hohman from Greenbriar l, split the prizes for first and second place. Before the game, we had sandwiches, coffee and dessert. The winner Joe Marsella was third, and a friend of Joe of the 50/50 drawing was Karen McConnell. Thanks again to the R&A Mignone’s came in fourth. and committee for all their hard work. Briar II News OnLine If you are celebrating your 50th, 60th Anniversary, etc, in 2015, the Briar II News would like to photograph and interview the happy couple for the newspaper. Please Call Rose Marie Lodico at 840-9546 To view the Briar II News via the internet simply open Senior Publishing’s web site, which is www. seniorpublishing.net. Attention Mah Jong Mavens If you are interested in learning to play Mah Jong or getting into a weekly game, please attend a meeting in the library on Jan. 7, 2015 at 11 am ANY ORDER THROUGH 1/31/15* 10 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Please contact Dee Vickers if you are interested in coming to the meeting! ads-3358B JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 11 Guaranteed Savings Plan Natural Gas & Electricity S SAVING TEE GUARAN Customers are GUARANTEED an annual savings of at least 3% under what he incumbent utility would have charged for the same period, or they receive a check for the difference. 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The next thing was the cast: Five women, mostly large. These were supposed to be swimmers. The play itself is a classic. Five southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. Sherry, the spunky team captain, desperately tries to maintain a “perfect” life, and continues to be the group’s leader. Dinah, the wisecracking overachiever, her victories in the courtroom are in stark contrast to the frustrations of her personal life. Lexie, pampered and outspoken, is determined to hold on to her looks and youth as long as possible. She enjoys being married - over and over and over again. The self-deprecating Vernadette, acutely aware of the dark cloud that hovers over her life, has decided to give up. And then, sweet, eager-to-please Jeri Neal experiences a late entry into motherhood that takes them all by surprise. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and rowdy humor to get through the challenges that life flings at them. When fate throws a wrench into one of their lives in the second act, these friends, proving the enduring power of teamwork, rally ‘round their own with the strength and OTTONE CHIROPRACTIC CENTER DR. PETER A. OTTONE • Participating Medicare Provider • Safe, Gentle Techniques • Activator Advanced Proficiency Rated • Serving Seniors of Ocean County for 15 years • Board Certified • Member of American Chiropractic Association Pro-Med Building 1140 Burnt Tavern Rd., Unit 1C ads-4135 732-840-8400 love that takes this comedy in a moving and surprising direction. The Dixie Swim Club is the story of these five unforgettable women - a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever... In many ways, this play is similar to Steel Magnolias. This all-female production celebrates the best of women’s relationships and the best aspects of southern culture, in particular, a disarmingly self-deprecating humor delivered with a sweet feel. Steel Magnolias has a personal tragedy at the core of its story, and Dixie Swim Club does, too, when late in the play one of the group is the first to move on to that great swim meet in the sky. Breaking down the set later in the week, we kept most of the walls up for the next production, a Christmas show. By tradition, anyone who shows up for auditions is in the show. I’ll be there for sure. Hopefully in the light booth. PLEASE PATRONIZE OUR ADVERTISERS Lic # 9677 GARON T. 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Adolph Hitler knew that he was through, When our brave warriors said, “We’re coming for you.” Please keep in mind, the families those brave soldiers left behind. They knew the sacrifices they had to make, So that the enemy could never take over our people or our beloved land. Boy, wouldn’t that have been just grand. It seems that peace on earth is a thing of the past, All these crazy terrorists won’t let peace last. Why are they all fighting us, I just can’t tell, I just wish they would all go straight to hell. The crime and shame of our wonderful VA, Just letting our veteran’s pass away. Yes, they kept false records to make more dough, I’d like to show them all where to go. All these Vets went through hell to save our land And these bums didn’t even give them a helping hand. That is really not the American way, And that’s about all I have to say. Except right from my heart May God always bless the U.S.A. And may God Bless you all. Amen 14 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 My First Poem Touches on the American Revolution! By Richard Bartomioli Today when you see a flag draped coffin, And lately that seems to be pretty often, The soldier who takes the flag off to fold, Is following tradition that’s really old. The 13 folds each have a special meaning, To show the way our country was leaning. When the folding is done, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat. Worn by all the brave men who fought against England, just like that. Under General George Washington and Captain John Paul Jones. And they did it all without making bones, About the hardship and suffering they had to endure. Because they knew that their mission was pure. To get away from England was their one desire, And they did it all with hearts afire, To preserve the rights, priviledges and freedom we all enjoy today. Is there any more that I can say? Oh yes! The 21 gun salute to honor the fallen is the sum total of 1776, Another one of our founding fathers’ cute little tricks. God Bless America $$ CONTENTS PURCHASED $$ NEW JERSEY ESTATE LIQUIDATORS Antiques • Fine Art • Used Furniture Ads-4079 Complete Estate Services Greg Hawriluk 732-701-3906 www.NewJerseyEstateLiquidators.com JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 15 Canine Column By Colleen Tierney Frequently I’ve written about how canine and human health issues are so similar, often identical. These articles are based on actual medical/scientific research findings, NOT from some questionable internet source, but from newsletters of veterinary colleges in American universities, such as Cornell, U. of Pennsylvania, Tufts, etc. Here are some more recent findings. It has long been known that in dogs which lack pigment, in other words, truly white dogs, deafness is often the concern. Before getting to the “meat of the matter”, Dalmatians and Harlequin Great Danes do have colored spots, they are often deaf because their skin lacks pigment (you might know that Dalmatians are born white and spots appear as their adult coat grows). That aside, the medical explanation for deafness is that pigment cells on top of the head are supposed to migrate to the inner ear at a particular time during development of the fetus. Instead of providing color, these pigment cells allow sound transmission within the ear. Just as this occurs in dogs, it also occurs in humans. In humans whose pigment cells fail to migrate into the inner ear, it is called Waardenburg Syndrome. Because the genetic make-up of purebred dogs is much easier to trace 16 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 DNA material, scientists can locate the problem genes, then find a solution to induce the formation of pigment at the right time in utero in order to prevent deafness in dogs, as well as people. Geneticists are also using this method to locate the genes responsible for heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, narcolepsy and a host of other health problems. A major point which is being made is that by having developed pure breeds of dogs, breeders have unknowingly begun a process which will make it possible to create therapies and even cures for the diseases that affect both dogs and humans. A condition recognized so often today, especially among our returning veterans, is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It’s another situation humans share with canines. As with people, some dogs present with PTSD for a period of time and eventually are able to recover. Approximately 20% of dogs which exhibit PTSD are unable to “get over it”, and coincidentally about 20% of humans who experience PTSD symptoms are likewise unable to recover fully. What seems to prevent PTSD from becoming a chronic condition in dogs is the administration of propranolol, a beta blocker, before or within a short time of a traumatic event. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, who is heading this research, is hopeful that if soldiers are given this beta blocker within hours of witnessing an horrific event, they might be able to avoid PTSD. Finally, a significant fact: All humans and all dogs share the ability to digest starch. It is believed that this factor allowed dogs to become one of the first animals to be domesticated. Even the apes, such as chimpanzees, are unable to digest nutrients found in starch, yet dogs can. Surprisingly, wolves cannot break down nutrients in starch nearly as efficiently as dogs. Researchers from Harvard, MIT, Uppsala University in Sweden refer to this similarity between humans and canines as “parallel evolution”. Bottom line: Don’t be fooled by the commercials touting how important it is to feed your pet dog a diet rich in meat because of his wolf ancestry. ADS-766 M&M Auto Service 3215 BRIDGE AVE POINT PLEASANT, NJ 08742 PHONE: 7 32-892-3500 7 32-899-5533 FA X: 7 32-899-0709 [email protected] WE ARE M&M AUTO SERVICE, A FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR SHOP. WE HAVE BEEN SERVING YOUR ADULT COMMUNITY SINCE 1991. TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS 10% OFF ANY REPAIR WITH THIS COUPON. CALL US TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE JANUARY 2015 Ad #3305 BRIAR II NEWS 17 HALF BULLETIN REPAIRS DONE RIGHT! The Best Service, Parts, and WarrantyThat’s The Guardian Advantage Service • Repair • Sales • Installation Winter Special Get Your NEW Insulated Door Today Senior Discount (Excludes Sale Items) SERVICING ALL BRANDS OF GARAGE DOORS & OPENERS Broken Springs Replaced • Rollers & Cables Replaced Transmitters & Receivers ONLY $649 Insulated Installed regularly $849 SALE DOOR 8x7 NJ Cert #13VH01882000 NO SUBCONTRACTORS spc-882c Fast, Professional Service “Family Owned and Operated” 732-269-9667 • 609-693-8040 www.GuardianGarageDoors.com • Fully Insured It’s your time to... ...be recognized ...be supported ...look amazing ...have fun! ...change your life Offering a Free Ultimate Facial in your home or mine. Also at Valdamier’s Salon located at 807 Main Street, Belmar on Wednesday’s between 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Just call me for an appointment, you won’t regret it! No high pressure sales, just want to help you look and feel your best…. Clare Freda District Manager Independent Consultant, Arbonne International [email protected] • www.detoxyourlife.myarbonne.com 732-904-0866 18 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 when it rains... Yesterday! Yesterday! Yesterday! By Colleen Tierney .... IT POURS. That’s a rather common expression and By Evelyn Klappholz no doubt all of us have experienced it, whether for good I swear that I went to bed one night middle aged and or bad fortune. woke up old. I suddenly could no longer dive into a car. I If you’re familiar with computers you know that iMac now had to back into the seat, making sure that it was as desktops don’t need those space wasting “towers”, the far back as it could go. Once I was seated, I had to swing CPU, or “brains” of the machine. Everything is contained my legs in. Oh, how I wish that I was 35. within the desktop, like a flat screen tv. On the side is a slot I long ago could jump up from any chair of any height for a cd. Beneath that is a small slot for a digital camera’s that did or did not have arms. I needed no help, thank you. Sandisk, so when you slip in the disc the iMac immediately When I got up from the chair I did not have to flex my “reads” your photos. My only concern was to be careful not legs and hold onto something until I was steady. Oh, how to put a Sandisk into the cd slot, but I’ve done it without I wish that I was 45. incident for so many years that I could do it blindfolded. Years ago, each morning at dawn regardless of weather You First Personal and Health Coach - Vicky Farrell Yeah, right. Last spring I accidentally did theTraining unthinkable (excluding icy conditions) I would walk three miles at a NASM certifiinto ed Personal and my camera’s disc disappeared the cd slot.Trainer Not to and Fitness Nutrition Specialist brisk pace. When I finished my breakfast I would clean worry. A purchase of a USB card reader for under $10 was (732) 610-6486 the house and/or do the gardening, or wash the car. Then an easy fix. I rarely used the cd slot anyway since I prefer I was ready to do more things in the afternoon. Now just Email: [email protected] flash drives for storing and backing up material. preparing and eating breakfast is a whole day’s activity. Website: youfirstpersonaltrainer.vpweb.com First problem this past October was my printer, which Oh, how I wish I was 55, was about seven years oldConsultation and decided that didn’toff al-your first multi session purchase. Free plusit 10% I always used to look forward to doing food shopping. ways want to print. A decent printer purchased We offer onecan on be one training,forsmallIt group, and group was a pleasant time training. to socialize, and to taste new foods. slightly more than $100 and usually less on sale. Therefore I loved walking up and in down the aisles. I have not been Benefi a personal training include an increase balance, I realized that it was time tsforofa new one. However - I program had in a supermarket a year. The bending and the reaching coordination, strength, cardiovascular endurance, controllingfor weight, managing forgotten about the “lost” disc caught in the cd slot. It was for the cane, and standingcognitive in line at the appetizer counter or reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, promoting a rare occasion that I would insert a cd, but this began the well-being and boosting energy. is too much. How I wish that I was 65. second problem. The cd was “grabbed” by the computer Riding the bus was an adventure. It was also a way to Checkout totrying see what and pulled inside, and now themy cd website drive was hardthe to Personal Training Program Features see others and to get a good grip on the association’s news. either “read” the blank cd or eject it, but could do neither. Well, now I can’t get on the bus - the step is too high up. Not wanting to destroy my Mac, the only thing to do was Oh, how I wish I was 75. shut it down. Now the dilemma - I’d thought about getting Seems to me that I used to have more patience and was a MacBookPro so I could work anywhere in the house, usually pleasant. I am now a complaining old lady and very because my iPad simply isn’t a computer. Looked like I cranky. I also do not want to hear the complaints of others. needed not only a printer, but might have to spring for the I have enough of my own. Oh, how I wish that I was 85. laptop as well. Why not simply get the Sandisk and cd P.S. You know, I might have been crabby before I was removed from the iMac? The only place who would do it 85. was the Apple Store in Freehold Mall. No way can I lug the desktop (it’s a 27” model, heavy and not convenient to carry) from the mall parking lot and to the Apple Store, wherever that might be since I don’t like shopping malls and only was in Freehold Mall once - over 10 years ago. It was enough effort carrying it into the house four years ago when I purchased it. Here it is, late November. My desktop sits idle, unYou First Personal Training and Health Coach - Vicky Farrell NASM certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist plugged, out of service until I get the ambition to take it (732) 610-6486 to Freehold. At least the new printer works and I really do Email: [email protected] enjoy the laptop. In fact, the convenience of using it anyWebsite: youfirstpersonaltrainer.vpweb.com where, and being able to carry it easily made the “raining Free Consultation plus 10% off your first multi session purchase. and pouring” to be not such a terrible misfortune. We offer one on one training, small group, and group training. Benefits of a personal training program include an increase in balance, coordination, strength, cardiovascular endurance, controlling weight, managing or reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, promoting cognitive well-being and boosting energy. Checkout my website to see what the Personal Training Program Features JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 19 2014 Teddy Bear Tea By Patricia Vincelli, Photos by Judy Muldoon and Marie Karpeles On November 16th we celebrated a wonderful tribute to Astrid Doughty who originated the first Teddy Bear Tea in 1989. Thank you to over 60 residents who came and admired the 52 bears that were dressed in so many imaginative outfits. Every year they get better and better. We had a Ninja turtle, sports figures, camouflage, bathing beauties complete with sun glasses and so many more-one nicer than the next. Many of them were handmade and very beautiful. Bill Clark has donated the bears for many years and we are very grateful for his generosity in memory of his aunt, who was a former Greenbriar II resident. When Astrid was in the hospital she asked Marie Karpeles to take over, which she did with Liz Slane, Rose Marie Lodico and Patricia Vincelli. Thank you, Marie, for your hard work in doing this and making it such a great success. Marie and Liz wanted to have a special tribute to Astrid. They set up her photo and did a beautiful angel bear, and had a special tea cup in her honor. In Astrid’s memory, the angel bear and the camouflage bear are being given to her son and daughter. A special thank you to Peter Flipse who transported the bears to the Arista Care Nursing Home in Manchester, and then onto the Ocean County Head Start Program where they will be distributed to needy children. Thank you to the R&A Committee who provided the refreshments for everyone. 20 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 2014 Teddy Bear Tea JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 21 How to Be a Good Neighbor Sudoku By Joe Rosendale Here are some ideas we’ve found to be helpful: 1. Leave your phone number with your neighbor’s close relatives. In an emergency, they can call you to check to see if everything is okay. 2. Take their mail in, and pick up the monthly bulletin from the clubhouse for them. 3. Keep an eye on their house if they will be away for a time. Open and close blinds and put a timer on for them. 4. If there’s a light snow, sweep or shovel driveway or walk for them. 5. Take their garbage out and in for them. We don’t do these things for thanks, but have received kind notes from family members who appreciate these little things. For Advertising Contact Senior Publishing Company at 1-888-637-3200 22 Briar 2 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Answers on page 37 January Happenings By Patricia Vincelli Thursday, January 1 - Maintenance Fees due, $145 Thursday, January 1 - Office closed, no bus, no activities; New Year’s Day Brunch, 11:00 am-2 pm Sunday, January 4 - GB II Movie (to be picked) 2:00 pm Monday, January 5 - All activities resume this first week. No Serenaders for the month of January Monday, January 5 - 10:00 am-Noon, Ticket Sales for Italian Festival on January 25 (Details to follow) Tuesday, January 6 - 10:00 am-Noon, Ticket Sales for Italian Festival on January 25 Wednesday, January 7 - 5:30-7:00 pm, Ticket Sales for Italian Festival on January 25 Wednesday, January 7 - Board Meeting, 10:00 am, Conference Room Thursday, January 8 - R&A Meeting, 9:30 am Monday, January 12 - Ceramics resumes, 10:00 am Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Clubhouse office open. GB II Bus, 12:30 pm Brick Plaza. No mail/No recycling Monday, January 19 - Garden Club, 10:00 am Tuesday, January 20 - Recycling Wednesday, January 21 - Board Meeting, 10:00 am, Auditorium, Televised on Channel 97 Wednesday, January 21 - No Garbage Thursday, January 22 - Garbage Day Thursday, January 22 - Library Committee Meeting, 9:30 am Thursday, January 22 - Women’s Club, 1:00 pm Friday, January 23 - TV/Audio Meeting, 10:00 am Sunday, January 25 - Italian Festival (details to follow) Friday, January 30 - Bazaar Workshops Begin!! 10:30 am GBII BUS SCHEDULE Wednesday, January 7 - Monmouth Mall, 9:30 am Wednesday, January 14 - Freehold Mall/Wegman’s, 9:30 am Wednesday, January 21 - Ocean County Mall, 9:30 am Wednesday, January 28 - Delicious Orchards, 11:00 am Friday, January 30 - AC Moore/Burlington Coat/Stop & Shop/Top Tomato, 9:00 am ALL INSECTS ALL ANIMALS ALL RODENTS 1-888-313-7188 1-732-489-9513 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL BEAT ALL WRITTEN ESTIMATES! $50 Termite Inspection $65 Quarterly Pest Control + Quarterly Pest Control Termite Contracts ads-2704B $65 +tax +tax per year WITH NO CURRENT TERMITE PROBLEMS ALL INSECTS COVERED GROUND BEETLES CENTIPEDES • MILLIPEDES EARWIGS • SPIDERS BEDBUGS • ANTS SILVERFISH • CRICKETS BEES • RATS • MICE **WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS NOT INCLUDED ** Business Lic. #97622A Lic. # 25801A www.rztermite.com JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 23 “Butt Lane” By Walter N. Pruiksma A “BUTT” IS THE UNBURNED END OF A SMOKED CIGARETTE As a teenager I developed into a pretty good softball pitcher. The summer between my junior and senior year of high school, Forstmann Woolen Company hired me to pitch for their men’s softball team. I worked the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. There was a smoking area in the mill. It was an eight-foot by eight-foot area painted dark green. You could see that the green was long gone and was now covered with brown nicotine. There was also a bucket filled with sand where the smokers would put their “butts”. In the army the men were told to break open the “butt” and scatter the tobacco on the ground. The fact is that wherever humans work, play and travel you will find “butts”. A few months ago, I walked into an area store to purchase coffee. I observed a clerk filling up the cigarette shelf. The store manager happened to be there so I asked him what was the average monthly sale of cigarettes. He said, “$30,000”. One store - $30,000! There have to be plenty of “butts” somewhere. In Brick I found an area I call “Butt Lane”. It’s located at the entrance of Quest Diagnostics where people go for blood tests. Every time Claire and I go for a blood test, we find people smoking. Can you guess what they leave behind? At the age of 91 I can happily say that I never smoked cigarettes, because I believe it is a waste of money and a dirty and unhealthy habit. Can anyone tell me one good thing that comes from cigarette smoking? 24 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Philosophy of Ambiguity For those who love the philosophy of ambiguity, as well as the idiosyncrasies of the English language. • If the police arrest a mute, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? • Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines? • How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs? • What was the best thing before sliced bread? • One nice thing about egotists: They don’t talk about other people. • Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra? (This one took me a minute) • How is it possible to have a Civil War? • If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown too? • If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry? • If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? • Whose cruel idea was it for the word ‘Lisp’ to have ‘s’ in it? • Why are hemorrhoids called “hemorrhoids” instead of “assteroids?” • Why is it called tourist season if we can’t shoot at them? • Why is there an expiration date on sour cream? • If you spin an Oriental man in a circle three times, does he become disoriented? • Can an Atheist get insurance against acts of God? Briar II Snoop By Judy Muldoon “When weather conditions force you to stay indoors, how do you enjoy passing the time?” PHIL McCONNELL Phil says he has no hobbies, but likes to read! HELEN RZESZOTARSKI Helen said she likes to embroider, watch television (she likes westerns), and used to do puzzles. She also likes to bake. MARY ANN CRAIG Mary Ann reads and plays games. MARIE KARPELES Marie likes to snuggle under a blanket on the couch and either read or watch a chick flick. JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 25 26 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Fungus Grows Amungus Story and photo by Colleen Tierney My phone rings. I answer, “Hello, my gorgeous, wonderful, terrific next-door neighbor.” Marie Ferrara replies, “Hello, most beautiful, fantastic, stupendous neighbor.” Yes, this is how Marie, Ernie and I greet each other, often using other adjectives to address ourselves. Marie: “Put your coat on and come out back. I want you to see this.” Me: “I just took it off, but okay, give me a second.” I’d no idea what I was supposed to look at, but could see Ernie standing behind his house. He told me to look at the area behind the sunroom, where a dead tree had been removed. Marie also came out, and we stood looking at huge clusters of mushrooms encircling the spot where there used to be the tree. I’ve taken numerous photos of mushrooms, different colors, sizes and types, but this was an enormous grouping of fungi. After my initial “Wow!”, the next thought to enter my mind was, “This would make a good article for our world renowned Briar II News!” and “I’ll get my camera!” After taking several shots from different angles, Marie asked if I’d e-mail them to her so she could forward them to her family, which of course I would (and did). This enormous mass of mushrooms which seemed to have “sprouted” overnight, despite the bitterly cold weather we had mid-November, was quite interesting. JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 27 Where Did These Expressions Come From? A SHOT OF WHISKEY In the old west a .45 cartridge for a six-gun cost 12 cents, so did a glass of whiskey. If a cowhand was low on cash he would often give the bartender a cartridge in exchange for a drink. This became known as a shot of whiskey. THE WHOLE NINE YARDS American fighter planes in WW2 had machine guns that were fed by a belt of cartridges. The average plane held belts that were 27 feet (9 yards) long. If the pilot used all his ammo he was said to have given it the whole nine yards. BUYING THE FARM This is synonymous with dying. During WW1 soldiers were given life insurance policies worth $5,000. This was about the price of an average farm so if you died you “bought the farm” for your survivors. IRON CLAD CONTRACT This came about from the ironclad ships of the Civil War. It meant something so strong it could not be broken. PASSING THE BUCK /THE BUCK STOPS HERE Most men in the early west carried a jack knife made by the Buck Knife Company. When playing poker it was common to place one of these Buck knives in front of the dealer so that everyone knew who he was. When it was time for a new dealer the deck of cards and the knife were given to the new dealer. If this person didn’t want to deal he would “pass the buck” to the next player. If that player accepted, then “the buck stopped there”. RIFF RAFF The Mississippi River was the main way of traveling from north to south. Riverboats carried passengers and freight but they were expensive, so most people used rafts. Everything had the right of way over rafts which were considered cheap. The steering oar on the rafts was called a “riff’ and this transposed into riff-raft, meaning low class. COBWEB The Old English word for “spider” was “cob”. SHIP STATE ROOMS Traveling by steamboat was considered the height of comfort. Passenger cabins on the boats were not numbered. Instead they were named after states. To this day cabins on ships are called staterooms. SLEEP TIGHT Early beds were made with a wooden frame. Ropes were tied across the frame in a criss-cross pattern. A straw mattress was then put on top of the ropes. Over time the ropes stretched, causing the bed to sag.The owner would then tighten the ropes to get a better night’s sleep. SHOWBOAT These were floating theaters built on a barge that was pushed by a steamboat. These played small towns along the Mississippi River. Unlike the boat shown in the movie “Showboat” these did not have an engine. They were gaudy and attention grabbing which is why we say someone who is being the life of the party is “showboating”. QUILTING Kathi McCann ads-1728 Quality Workmanship Fourteen Day Service Available Edge to Edge Quilting 732-849-5892 28 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Trips & Tours Travel & Cruise Center ! ! r a e Y h t 6 2 r u O g in t a r Celeb BOOK YOUR 2015 SUMMER CRUISE SPECIALS NOW! Royal Caribbean “Liberty of the Seas” 9 Night Bermuda and Caribbean Cruise July 2, 2015 Starting from $1439.00 per person Celebrity Cruises “Celebrity Summit” 7 Night Bermuda Cruise June 7, 2015 Starting from $624.00 per person Royal Caribbean “Liberty of the Seas” 5 Night Bermuda Cruise June 27, 2015 Starting from $775.00 per person Ships Depart & Return from Bayonne (Cape Liberty) N.J. ALL RATES ARE BASED ON INSIDE CABINS, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, TAXES AND GOVERNMENT FEES NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE CALL FOR OUTSIDE, BALCONY AND TRIPLE AND QUAD OCCUPANCY RATES. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL BOOKED AND DEPOSITED. Voted Best of the Best Travel Agency 2007 Through 2013 by Readers of Asbury Park Press Business Hours Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm • Saturday & Evenings By Appointment Call Toll Free: 877-758-0235 JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS ads-3696a 304 Union Ave / Hwy 71 Brielle 732-223-5565 29 30 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Little Poem, So True It Hurts! Submitted by Toni Forte and Sissie Jones Another year has passed And we’re all a little older. Last summer felt hotter And winter seems much colder. There was a time not long ago When life was quite a blast Now I fully understand About ‘Living in the Past’ We used to go to weddings, Football games and lunches. Now we go to funeral homes And after-funeral brunches. We used to have hangovers, From parties that were gay. Now we suffer body aches And whine the night away. We used to go out dining, And couldn’t get our fill. Now we ask for doggie bags, Come home and take a pill. We used to often travel To places near and far. Now we get sore asses From riding in the car. Expires 12/31/14 We can help you with your home cleanout! • We are willing to come and take away your heavy furniture for free! • Call us before you spend tons of money on your heavy furniture cleanouts! • You can also drop off items everyday from 9-3 pm except Sunday, Monday, and Friday. • Proceeds from Destiny Thrift Shop support our Community Food Pantry right next door to our location. Visit us today! All furniture is subject to inspection prior to pickup. Thrift Store Hours: Sunday: Closed, Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9-7, Wednesday: 9-6, Saturday: 9-5 Furniture Store Hours: Sunday: Closed, Monday-Saturday: 9-5 Destiny Community Thrift Shop & Furniture Store 236, 242 Brick Blvd., Brick, N.J. 08723 732-451-0779 ext 211 & 207 ads-4481 Bulletin Size We used to go to nightclubs And drink a little booze. Now we stay home at night And watch the evening news. That, my friend is how life is, And now my tale is told. So, enjoy each day and live it up... Before you’re too damned old! JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 31 WOW! Beautiful Costa Rica By Pat Cerro Yep, “Wow! Beautiful!” was the expression that most people used as their comment to pictures I posted on Facebook of my recent trip to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a country in Central America, two degrees north of the equator. Its average temperature is 81 degrees all year round. While we were enjoying sun, fun and temperatures in the 80’s, Brick was in a freeze and much of the U.S. was getting snow. I must admit, by luck we had chosen the best week for our trip. I never expected to ever visit Costa Rica, but am very glad that I had the opportunity to do so. It is a beautifully scenic country, complete with many beaches surrounded by hills and mountains offering wonderful views. We stayed on the Pacific Ocean side, in the Guanacaste region. To be more specific, we stayed at the Pacifico (a luxury resort community) in Playas del Coco (Coco Beach) in Guanacaste. We were surrounded by the Guanacaste Mountain Range. If you are the adventurous type there is so much for you to do. There are hiking trails and horseback riding, which are another great way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and make memorable adventures. Other activities include tubing, mountain biking and waterfall swimming. We could Dedicated to your skin, hair & nails. Immediate Appointments Available Professional, Courteous Staff Medicare and Most Insurances Accepted Board Certified • Specializing in Skin Cancer Treatment • Nail Fungus • Mohs Surgery • Spider Veins • Removal of Moles, Growths, Age Spots & Brown Spots • Injectables: Botox and other fillers... • Specializing in cosmetic procedures for antiaging Rosacea Dry Itchy Skin Recent Success Stories... 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Visiting the lovely beaches, walking in the Pacific Ocean at its edge, and getting a massage right on the beach was about as adventuresome as I got. At Father Rooster, a restaurant on Playa Ocotal Beach, I would not even order the red snapper meal that everyone else ordered because it came complete with head, eyes and opened mouth. The Pacifico Private Beach Club was more my style. During the day I lounged in the oversized chaise lounges in the lovely cabanas, offering me a safe haven from the sun. The Beach Club also featured two pools that extend forever; it seemed into the far recesses of the Pacific Ocean. In the evening there was time for sipping Margaritas poolside while we were entertained by Spanish music consisting of men playing bongos and keyboard, including a pretty female singer. There was floor dancing and chair dancing to the tuneful music, but the main event was yet to come. My favorite thing is to take pictures of sunsets wherever I go. Each place is different, but always offers excitement and beauty. Costa Rica did not disappoint me. I headed for the coco-sand beach, which is positioned in the middle of the bay’s crescent-shaped beach and surrounded by the glorious rainforest mountains for which the country is so well known. I snapped away as the sun began to descend behind the mountains. The golden color in the sky was magnificent as the sun set, leaving mountains and palm trees silhouetted in black. I cannot say enough about Costa Rica. You will just have to visit and learn for yourself. Probably any week is the best week to make that trip. WOW! Beautiful Costa Rica JANUARY 2015 BRIAR II NEWS 33 The cold weather makes it hard to get motivated to go outdoors and shoot, but there are some great photo opportunities to be had in winter. Make certain you dress for the cold and watch for ice! Even when there is no snow, icy pond make great subjects. Look for ducks, geese, or sea gulls standing on the ice. Ice also makes for great reflection images. Many normal scenes take on a new meaning in the cold of winter After a snowfall there are great shots everywhere. The challenge with snow shots is getting the proper exposure. A very bright snowy scene tricks you camera into thinking there is too much light, so the camera will cut back on exposure. This makes the snow in your images look gray. If you know how to set your exposure compensation, increase the exposure by 1 stop to brighten the snow. If your camera has “scene” modes, use the one for snow or beach. The bare leafless trees make nice silhouette shots and are very good for black and white photography. They are especially effective with a sunrise or sunset behind them. That’s it for this month. As always you can email [email protected] with any photographic questions. Visit my web site at www.KirmsPhotography.com if you’d like to see more of my images. Remember to keep shooting and trying to improve your images, but most importantly, have fun with your camera. 34 BRIAR II NEWS JANUARY 2015 Snowy Images January Recipes Broccoli Casserole Submitted by Marie Pausz 2 pkgs. frozen broccoli or 2 bunches fresh broccoli 1 can golden mushroom soup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1 medium onion 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 cup packaged stuffing mix salt - pepper 1. Par cook broccoli and drain. 2. Slice and saute onion. 3. Combine onion, soup, mayonnaise, eggs, salt & pepper. 4. Mix with broccoli. 5. Place in ovenproof casserole dish 6. Sprinkle stuffing on top -cover with melted butter. 7. Top with cheese. 8. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Makes 8 servings. Asian Coleslaw Submitted by Mary Aimutis serves 4 to 6 4 cups Chinese cabbage 1/2 cup finely sliced onion 1/2 cup finely sliced carrot juice of 1/2 lime 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1/8 tsp salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, onion and carrot. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper. 2. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well. Seven Layer Salad Submitted by Sissie Jones 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded 1 green pepper - diced 1 cup celery - chopped 1 large onion - chopped 1 box frozen peas 2 cups mayonnaise 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese - shredded 1/2 cup bacon bits Prepare salad in a large bowl. Add ingredients one at a time as given, in a separate layer. Do not toss. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Serve in bowl, making sure each guest digs down deep to get a portion of each layer. You may also prepare in individual salad bowls, again making seven layers. This salad will keep one or two days if necessary. Makes 8 generous servmgs. Be sure to layer according to recipe for flavors to blend properly. Italian Wedding Soup Submitted by Marianna Bocchino 8 cups homemade chicken broth 2 tsp. dried basil 3/4 lb. ground beef 1 tsp. dried parsley 3/4 lb. ground pork 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, (plus 1 cup reserved) 3 eggs (plus 5 eggs reserved) 2 medium heads escarole, cleaned and chopped 1 cup dry breadcrumbs In a separate pot over medium heat, bring the broth to boil. In a separate large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, 3 eggs, bread crumbs, basil, parsley and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix well and form into bite size balls. Drop the balls into the broth. Add escarole into broth When meatballs rise to the top, they are cooked (about 6 to 7 minutes). When escarole wilts it is done In a separate bowl combine the remaining 5 eggs with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Pour this mixture into the soup stirring continuously, until the egg is cooked. 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