If you are having a problem viewing this email in its intended format

please click below.

View as Webpage

Vero Beach, Fl - Ed. 05.26.2022

HELLO FLASHERS

It's quite a solemn end to our week during a time that should be filled with excitement and celebration for families with young children anticipating the last day of school tomorrow.  

Our hearts break for those families touched by such a horrific act and the community as a whole in Uvalde, Texas!  I sit and wish I could turn back the hands of time to my childhood when such an act was unthinkable and life seemed more innocent.

Summer is a day away! We can ALL enter its gates with a true sense of awareness for what is important in life!  I believe that includes a profound sense of security and connections. Those two things are a necessity at any age! We all want to be safe and we all want to belong. Hug and cherish your families. Be inclusive and reach out to others. Be involved in the world around you. Each and every one of us has the ability to improve the life of another. Desire that passion and make it a priority!  I have always told my children that where you spend your time...your heart will follow! Spend that time wisely!  Create traditions that include unselfish acts of kindness towards others. Traditions that include respect and honor for those who have given much to our country.  That can begin this Memorial Day weekend.

Get yourselves over to Veterans Memorial Island for the Memorial Day ceremony that is set to begin sharply at 9:00am this coming Monday. Want to feel a sense of community?...There's no way you can't be moved by this Memorial Day Service.  If you have never been; you need to! Then on Tuesday plan to participate in the Drive-By birthday celebration for Bill Keegan a WWII vet who is turning 98. I don't personally know him..But I will be there to honor and celebrate him! (see the post below for details)

Then go plan for a fun summer.  If you know of a family who is struggling to juggle 'life'...reach out and help! Of course plan time with your family as well. I believe a child learns invaluable life lessons from summer camp experiences, free days without the demands of school, interacting and negotiating with friends, trips.... basically life! Life is wonderful!  And though we cannot undo the ringing of a bell...We can strive to be better, to do better and to make contributions of time that will have an incredibly powerful ripple effect!  If you need to begin making that impact with your own family...there is no better time.  If you feel your family's in pretty good shape and you can reach out.. Do it. There is a community and a world out there that needs your love, compassion, time and talents.  Share yourself! You will emerge the grand winner; I promise! That gift of sharing yourself is perhaps the most valuable lesson you can teach your children. It gives them a sense of power, accomplishment, worth and belonging. What better gift could one possibly give than those qualities? Gift away FLASHERS! :)

Starting in June FLASH will go to a bi-weekly newsletter throughout summer. The FLASH family takes this time to reorganize and plan for the coming busier months. If you have suggestions on how we can make FLASH better...PLEASE send them our way. We love your input!

Enjoy your Summer FLASHERS! 

Valerie Watkins

Publisher

HEY FLASHERS

KEEP SHARING FLASH

Please forward our email

to those you think will enjoy FLASH.

THANKS

“Music can change the world

because it can change people.” ― Bono

Music Angels Education Fund founder, Linda Sposato, was once asked what led her to create a non-profit that provides music lessons to children. Ms. Sposato said, “I know how much music enriched my life. I have been very fortunate, so I wanted to give back, especially to under-privileged children. Children of struggling families often don’t have the opportunity to develop their talent,” said Ms. Sposato. “Music is so empowering; it carries through all aspects of your life.”

10-year-old Michael was Music Angels’s first scholarship recipient. Michael was being raised by his grandmother and yearned to play the

guitar. With help from Music Angels, Michael learned to play classical guitar under the tutelage of classical guitarist Miguel Bonachea. Here he is performing “Malaguena” at Christ by the Sea Church.

For more information about our program or to apply for a Music Angels scholarship for your child, contact Linda Sposato at: 484-885-7492. 

We are a GuideStar Silver Level non-profit member. To hear one of our success stores and lend your support, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/change-kids-hearts-minds-lives-through-music

 A SPECIAL MAN

   I remember reading several years ago that there are two kinds of people in the world… problem creators and problem solvers. My uncle GIff (Gifford Bunnell) was a problem solver. I have told my readers before about my beautiful Aunt Glady who was Giff’s wife. Their only child was my cousin Lynn who has always been like a sister to me. Giff passed away several years ago and Lynn asked me if I would give the eulogy at his memorial service. Of course I agreed because I had always been especially fond of him. Recently, in going through my files, I came across the eulogy I had written and it reminded me of what a special person he was.

  Giff died in a small nursing home where I visited him several times.

On one occasion, I remember saying, “Giff, I know it’s frustrating when your body won’t do what your mind tells it to.”

   “Suzanne, it’s frustrating as…” and he used language that I had never heard from him before. It’s so sad when someone who has always been so brilliant, but physically can't accomplish what he would like to do. I would like to share with you some of the reasons why I call Giff a problem solver and what he did accomplish.

Click here to read on...

HELP WANTED

5 hrs/ per week - ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Michelle Woodson Howell, MCC, owner and operator of MH Signature Journeys Travel Advisor

is looking for an administrative assistant. Pay range depends on administrative experience and computer skills. Range ($15 - $18 hr)

Michelle will train applicant in the travel industry. Great administrative skills a must and travel experience would be a plus. Please call Michelle if you are interested. 302.442.0225 or email

michelle@mhsignaturejourneys.com

Jif Recalls Multiple Peanut Butter Products Over Salmonella Concerns

The J.M. Smucker company is voluntarily recalling certain products that were distributed nationwide. The J.M. Smucker Company has announced a voluntary recall of a number of its Jif-brand peanut butter products due to the potential presence of Salmonella bacteria. The list of potentially affected products includes both crunchy and creamy peanut butter, natural peanut butter, no-sugar-added peanut butter, and squeeze packs of peanut butter.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the recalled products will have lot codes between 1274425 and 2140425. The first seven digits of any potentially affected product will end with 425, denoting that the peanut butter was manufactured in Lexington, Kentucky. (The lot codes are located on the label, near the Best If Used By date.) 

THE VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART IS A 2022 BLUE STAR MUSEUM

VBMA to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer

The Vero Beach Museum of Art announced it will join museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2022 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, 2022, and end on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2022. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

"Disaster Preparedness" Tax Holiday

Saturday, May 28 - Friday, June 10

click here

The ceremony will start promptly at 9:00 am and will include full military honors, with the Parade of the Colors. Ample parking is available at Riverside Park. Please remember to bring your lawn chair to enjoy this ceremony.

​The Veterans Council of Indian River County is honored to have Brig. General Randall C. “Arlo” Guthrie, USAF (Ret) as this year’s keynote speaker.

Click Here for detailed program information

COMEDY ZONE AND LIVE IN THE LOOP ARE BACK

LAST WEEKEND  -  GET YOR TICKETS 

treasurecoastchorale.org  •   (772) 231-3498

Click Here for tickets.

CREATING HEALTHY ROUTINES

Work, paying bills, cleaning, cooking, shopping, exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking care of children are just some of the things millions of Americans do each and every day and it is easy to be overwhelmed. It can feel impossible to get everything done , let alone take care of yourself. By creating routines, we organize our days in such a way that taking care of tasks and ourselves becomes a pattern that makes it easy to get things done. Click here for tips on how to create a healthy routine.

Make sure you drink responsibly!

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend let's make sure to drink responsibly. If by chance you over indulge... PLEASE do not get behind the wheel! AAA and Budweiser have paired up and offer a Tow to Go service. This service is confidential and offers a ride within a 10 mile radius to a safe location. It is free and available to both AAA members and non members. The AAA tow truck takes the vehicle and the driver home. For the Memorial Day, this service is provided 6:00PM Friday 05/27/2022 TO 6:00AM Tuesday 05/31/2022. Please share this site with anyone that you think might be in need of this service. Click here for more information. The number to call for service is (855) 286-9246. Stay safe FLASHERS!

Spot The Big 5 In Africa ... And Alaska!

A popular bucket-list item is seeing Africa, but did you know there is also a Big 5 in Alaska? Read on to learn how you can check these off your list.

In Africa, you can go on a safari to meet the "Big Five" animals, which are:

Lion - Leopard - Rhinoceros - Elephant - Cape buffalo

There are so many different native animals in addition to the big five, that your camera will need a few extra SD cards.

*  Experience the sunrise drive to see the wildlife wake from their slumber and dine inside 

   their habitat

* Enjoy lodging accommodations from traditional tents to luxurious glamping.

* Taste cultural cuisine prepared by locals .

* Stargaze into the darkest night sky.

* Retreat to virgin land and find the lion within

Did you know that there is another not-so-famous Big Five? They live in a little bit of a colder climate than their African cousins. The Big Five of Alaska is also something to experience. Visit Alaska (popular months are from May - September) to catch a glimpse at Alaska Big Five:

                            Grizzly Bears - Moose - Caribou - Wolf - Dall sheep

* Go north and explore Denali National Park and Preserve and stay at a lodge to 

  experience the great outdoors:

* Discover Denali's hidden treasures by plane, zip line or railroad.

* Throw your line in the Alaskan waters and enjoy the challenge of catching one of the 

  hundreds of species of fish

* Alaska is an ADA-compliant destination making it friendly to travelers of all mobility 

  ranges

* Meet the Iditarod team and cuddle the puppies in training.

Alaska offers something for everyone no matter the age. Alaska is truly the Last Frontier

1- If you pass these three tests without problem then your brain is in pretty good shape! Can you find the N? MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

I am a very big girl with a lot of love and loyalty to give if you take the time to get

to know me. A gentle giant, but will get possessive and am not the best at sharing. I am solitary and will do best in a quiet home. I also have proven to do well with other dogs but in the home will take charge so need to be the only dog. Octavia's adoption fee is $0 - Sponsored by an Angel! Set up a meet & greet soon! This gorgeous girl is ready and waiting

for you!!

Click Here to visit our website.

This darling little princess is as sweet as can be! Not to mention soft, friendly, and a total lovebug! Mikasa has a little bit of wobble to her walk that only adds to her adorable factor. She has what is commonly called "CH", a neurological

condition that causes cats to be a bit unsteady with a wonky head bob or walk. She manages quite well and just needs to have a safe environment to prevent any falls from heights. Come in and meet her soon - you're going to love her! Her adoption fee is $0 - Sponsored by Brad &

Brandi Voltz

Now is the perfect time to start a new tradition with your children. These crafts are a great way to spend precious time with your kids while instilling a sense of patriotism that they will hold close and dear as they grow and mature.  Teah them the true meaning of Memorial Day. It's so much more than backyard BBQs and beach days. Click Here for craft tutorials.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend! The official start of summer is here. It’s a time for gathering with friends and family for outdoor fun and remembering lost veterans. Whether you are planning to travel, grill, host a picnic, have fun in the sun or spend time outdoors, remember these safety tips for a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

Travel Safety: If you are traveling this weekend, keep in mind many people are on the road with many things other than driving on their mind. 

• Prepare your car for road trips by checking the tire pressure, filling up your gas tank and making sure emergency essentials are packed. 
• Plan your drive ahead of time to choose direct routes on safe roads and keep an eye on weather conditions.
• If taking a long trip, make sure the driver has plenty of sleep the night before the trip each way. Frequent stops may help battle any fatigue, but a good night’s sleep keeps everyone in the car safe.
• Always wear those seatbelts and make sure car seats are properly installed!

Grilling safety: Grills and smokers have great potential for danger. 

• Never leave a lit or hot grill unattended.
• Keep the grill at least two feet away from objects that can catch fire such as siding of the house or deck walls, low hanging branches and any outdoor equipment such as pool toys.
• Designate a “grillmaster” to control flames and to keep children and pets away. 
• Keep an extinguisher nearby and be prepared to cut off fuel lines if using propane. Read the instructions in advance since there will not be time to do so in the event of an emergency.

Picnic Safety:

• Proper food safety can help avoid tummy troubles that may dampen your fun. 
• Make sure to keep food at safe temperatures. Cold foods should be kept on ice or refrigerated and left out no longer than an hour. Warm foods should be kept heated until served.
• Cover outdoor buffet dishes to prevent insects from adding germs as an ingredient to your delicious recipe. 

Water Safety: 

• Designate a “pool-watcher” when children are swimming. When many gather together adults may think someone else is watching, but having one person that’s in charge can increase safety.
• Know in advance which children are able to swim and those that cannot. All children need to be supervised; however, as no child or adult is “drown-proof.”
• If boating, always have kids wear life-jackets and have one available for each adult. Life-jackets also need to be appropriately fitted.

Sun safety:

• For young children, schedule activities in early morning hours or evening hours when possible, as temperatures will be lower in these hours. 
• Always use sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially if swimming or sweating. Use sunscreen with minimum of SPF 15 with both UVA and UVB protection. 
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Protect your eyes too! Wear a hat and sunglasses.

Outdoors: Be prepared for bug bites and more!

• Keep a first aid kit ready and well stocked so you’re prepared for insect bites (As well as cuts and bruises from that outside summer fun kids love to have)!
• Be prepared for insects that can pose hazards. If anyone is allergic to bees or other pests, it is vital to have medicine available. Checking for ticks may be relevant as well. 
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in the kit that includes phone numbers for: doctors, dentists, poison control, and emergency contacts. 

Now, let’s enjoy the time off and fun in the sun. You deserve it! Share these Memorial Day safety tips with friends and family, and have a safe and happy holiday!

as seen on https://www.medicalwesthospital.org/summer-safety.php

Word of the Week - Jingoist - adjective -having or showing excessive favoritism towards one's own country.

 --- A jingoist speech that just stopped short of calling for a declaration of war

Noun - one who urges or attempts to cause a war

--- Jingoists applauding the appointment of a hard-line foreign minister

• Where Did That Phrase Come From -  Chow Down - The phrase 'chow down' originated in the U.S. military around WWII. A chow is a breed of Chinese dog. The reputation that poor Chinese had for eating dogs has led to chow being thought of as a slang term for food

CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK

Memorial Day...respectful joke.

A small boy was staring at the names on the wall of an old church

when the pastor noticed him.

"What are you looking at?" asked the clergyman.

"All those names. Who are they?" the boy asked.

The pastor nodded, and said, "They are the reason we have Memorial Day. They are those who died in the service."

The little boy considered that, then asked quietly, "The 9 o'clock service or the 11 o'clock?"

WE LOVE OUR FLASHERS WHO DON'T KEEP US A SECRET! PLEASE SHARE US WITH EVERYONE!

FISH CALENDAR & TIDE CHART

The darker the fish...The better the fishing!

(click here for tide chart)

FLASH VIDEO OF THE WEEK

I thought we could all use a smile after the horrific news this week that came out of Texas.  Smile FLASHERS and share that sign of friendship and connection with your family, kids, friends and all those you come into contact. It's so simple and has a grand impact that can trickle down and effect a life in a very positive way! This store in Denmark requires a smile from everyone who wanted to enter.

Click Here to watch video..

A Memorial Day Hot-Dog Bar

What could be better than a grilled hot dog with all of your favorite toppings? Hmmm... I just don't know! A hot dog bar provides the perfect main dish for your Memorial Day picnic. Let your creativity loose on this one and think outside the box. In addition to the classic ketchup, mustard and onions...How about: roasted red peppers, sliced cucumber, bacon bits, sauerkraut, fig chutney and goat cheese crumbles, banana peppers, coleslaw, chili, etc. Isn't it fun just thinking of the possibilities... Now, go party and make some amazing memories! ENJOY! 

Chase Your Tail Raised Over $16,000

On Saturday, April 23rd, the morning was filled with lots of excitement, laughter, sunshine, and so many dogs! Volunteers helped greet participants, coordinated onsite registration, passed out water on the race trail, cheered on participants during the race, and helped make sure this race was a success! We were so happy to see familiar faces from last year, as well as lots of new ones joining us for the first time.  We had 358 participants this year and raised $16,752.60! The funds from the race will be going towards the purchase of a digital X-Ray machine. This is much-needed equipment to monitor pregnancies, check for bladder stones, broken bones, intestinal blockages, and more! Your participation and support helps provide exceptional care to homeless pets while they wait for forever homes. On behalf of all of us at H.A.L.O. and most importantly the animals, thank you to everyone who participated, donated, sponsored, and volunteered at our 5th Annual Chase Your Tail 5K!

Click Here to visit calendar