Classy fashion for the holidays Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
When you’re kissed under the mistletoe, what will you be wearing?
With these picks, you’ll be best-dressed at the holiday party—the belle of the ball.
Wear purple to be trendy or black to feel classy. Ice blues, teals, and reds are other shades that you’ll see this month.
A red Jessica McClintock at The Perfect Dress in Salisbury flatters every shape at every age.
“No matter the age, it’s a miracle dress,” said Sarah Dryden, owner of the boutique, “My mom who’s 58 bought it and I bought one for myself too.”
Both short and long dresses will be popular. It’s up to you whether you want the flirty feeling of a short, gold Jessica McClintock or the elegance of a purple floor-length Dessy Collection gown.
Taffeta is a forgiving fabric to consider when the dress isn’t accentuating what you’d like it to.
“Taffeta is very lightweight and concealing,” said Dryden, “It’s for everyone. No matter what size you are, you want to cover something up.”
And if the taffeta won’t do it, SPANX will. These high-waisted power panties shape your body from bust to thighs while fitting more like tights than a corset. You’ll look like you skipped Thanksgiving dinner completely. SPANX can be found at The Perfect Dress.
At Sharee’s in Rehoboth and Scher’s in Pocomoke, a LBD is always the answer.
A Cassandra Stone short black dress in Scher’s has a large flower on one shoulder which becomes the focus of the ensemble. At Sharee’s, the Clara Sun Woo black dresses are blank canvases.
“It’s our wedding, class-reunion, first-date, formal dinner, cruise, and unfortunately funeral dress,” said Sharee Sypinski, owner of Sharee’s.
But she has what you need to accessorize the dress for the holidays. Pashmina wool wraps in gold, green, or red add holiday flair while keeping your shoulders warm. Sharee’s crystal jewelry in a variety of colors sparkles in contrast to the black.
SOHO Fashions in Ocean City has Trend n Style Trading bags to complete your outfit. They’re surprisingly roomy for their convenient size.
“I thought they were very cute and different,” said Jennifer Woods, owner of the boutique, “They told me they were selling out every week in New York wholesale.”
You’ll be using this shiny, feminine bag long after Christmas. Es Mor bracelets are another unique find at SOHO. These chunky, fun bangles add color and pizzazz to any outfit.
If you have a love for celebrity styles on much less of a budget, Amber Nicole’s Bridal and Formal in Salisbury can help. When you bring in a picture of the Emmy dress of your dreams, the Amber Nicole couture company can create a close imitation that will cost you a fraction of what the original is worth.
Women aren’t letting the economy come between them and the dress of their choice. Sometimes it just takes a little innovation—like choosing a black and gold Clara Sun Woo tunic from Sharee’s that can be worn to the holiday party and on a date. Or maybe it’s choosing a color like purple that can be worn year round.
“Women are choosing trendy verses themed colors,” said Dryden, “They’ll buy a long dress to shorten it later.”
Embrace the holiday spirit with cookies Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Everyone loves Christmas cookies. Baking carries on the tradition of family recipes, creates a fun event with the kids, and satisfies that sweet tooth. Here are three unique recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. Make it unforgettable by inviting children, grandchildren, family, or friends into the baking process with these tips.
Rolled Sugar Cookies
By Jill Myslinski, owner of Acorn Market, next to The Country House in Salisbury
You’ll need: 1 ½ cups soft butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 eggs, 2 tsps. vanilla, 1 tsp. salt, 2 tsps. baking powder, 5 cups all-purpose flour
Cream butter and sugars at least 5 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla. Blend 3 minutes. Add salt, baking powder and flour. Mix gently-just to incorporate. Over mixing will create a ‘tough cookie’. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment. Spray with non-stick spray. Roll dough out partially on the sheet. Cover dough with another piece of sprayed parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough completely between the paper to the edges of the pan keeping the thickness uniform. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
Ready to cut! Dip your cookie cutter in flour before each cut. Carefully unmold each cookie to another un-greased, parchment lined pan. Bake cookies at 350 for 8 minutes – or just until golden. Remove from the oven and immediately flip each cookie over. The bottom is flatter than the top and will be easier to frost. Cool completely.
To make “cookie pops,” simply push a wooden wand into the side of each cookie before it goes into the oven. Wands can be found at craft or grocery stores. The cookie pops can be dipped in chocolate for an easier topping. Kids will especially enjoy cookie pops and they also make great stocking stuffers for family and friends.
Royal Icing
You’ll need: ¾ cup warm water, 5 tblsps. meringue powder, 1 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 – 2 lb. box or bag of powdered sugar
In your mixing bowl, whisk the water and meringue powder until frothy – about 30 sec. Add Cream of Tartar and whisk again, 30 sec. more. Add sugar all at once and on lowest speed mix for 10 minutes. Separate into bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Keep icing covered as it will dry out.
To decorate the cookie, use a small round decorating tip and a bag filled with icing, outline each cookie. Immediately flood the inside with the same color, using a toothpick to move the icing into any bare spots. Dry overnight. Using additional colors, add icing decorations to the top of the cookies.
Older kids may enjoy the creativity involved in decorating the cookies. Working with icing is a little tricky–it’s best to use a very small decorating tip, to keep the design simple, and to work with a maximum of two colors. To create the snowflake design in the picture, Jill Myslinski offers a bit of advice.
“Be patient because you have to let the blue icing cool before you add the white. If you don’t, it’ll look like an ice-skating rink—smooth on top, but then it will crack,” said Myslinski.
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
By Roberta Ward at The Pink Box in Berlin
You’ll need: 1 1/2 cups butter, softened, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1 cup sifted flour or more,
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, strawberry or raspberry jam
Cream butter and sugar together. Add egg yolks, flour and vanilla; mix well. If dough is too soft to handle, work in little more flour. Roll dough into little balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Make a thumb print in the center of each. Fill thumbprint with your favorite jam. Bake a small first batch, and if the cookies in the first batch spreads too much, work a little more flour into the dough. Bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes, until light brown around edges.
Roberta Ward offers some advice “The recipe is pretty simple, but care should be taken to add enough flour so they don’t spread when baking. It’s always a good idea to test the batter by making one or two first and then add flour if need be.”
Small children may enjoy personalizing each cookie with their thumbprint. Being allowed to play with food is always a rare occasion.
Give a tin of jam thumbprint cookies to that person who’s hard to shop for.
“I have given these as gifts for 2 years now, and now I have specific requests for them. Everyone loves them!” said Ward.
Black & White Cookies/Half Moon Cookies/New York Deli Cookies
By Mark and Kelly Leishear of Bella’s Cookies in Milton
You’ll need: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¾ stick butter, softened ½ cup sugar, 1 large egg
For the icing you’ll need: 3 ¼ cups confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons brown rice syrup, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon vanilla, 4 to 6 tablespoons water, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 large baking sheets.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl – in separate cup, stir together buttermilk and vanilla.
Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer (medium-high) until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes), then add egg, beating until combined well. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture, and mixing just until smooth.
Spoon ¼ cups of batter about 2 inches apart onto baking sheets.
Bake, flipping sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed, edges are pale golden, and cookies spring back when touched, 15 – 17 minutes total.
Transfer to a rack to cool.
Dancing is ‘who I am’ Dec. 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Shaun Dize Updike has been dancing since she was 2 ½ years old. At a convention in elementary school, she heard the words “feet of fire.” She knew that if she ever opened her own academy—that’s what she would call it.
In 2006, Shaun’s dream became a reality when she opened Feet of Fire Dance Academy in Salisbury. The whole thing came about as fast as a jazz step. In three weeks, Shaun went from not having a studio to 95 kids enrolled in a small, one-room dance academy.
“It was kind of a whirlwind,” she said, “It took awhile to sink in that it was all mine.”
Now four years later, Feet of Fire is a 6000 sq. foot corner in the Twilley Center—the biggest dance facility on Delmarva. She now has 400 students, age 2 ½ and up, who travel from as far as Bridgeville and Hooper’s Island to attend class.
Shaun, 27, is a Shore native and lives in Queen Anne’s county with husband, Frank, and 6 ½ month old baby boy, Krue. She has a degree in Exercise Science/Nutrition from SU and she taught dance, drama, and health at Salisbury school.
She’s been in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop dancing for over 20 years. In middle and high school, she was a three-time national dance champion. She also danced with Krue for nine months.
“I danced until the morning before I gave birth and only waited two weeks after to dance again,” said Shaun, “I had two months to get in shape for a show.”
She’s a dedicated wife and mother who can’t forget she’s also a dancer.
“You have to find that balance. Family comes first but dance has been with me my whole life,” she said, “If you feel that strongly about something, you have to make time to fit it in somewhere.”
The academy has classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop for ages 2 ½ and up.
“It’s a great confidence builder for young kids who haven’t been in social situations with other kids,” Shaun said, “For most, it’s the one thing they do outside of home and school and they look forward to it every single week.”
The best awards that Shaun’s dancers have won are “Most Entertaining” and highest overall score in the mini and junior divisions. Feet of Fire dancers perform at the Salisbury fest, Chamber fest, March of Dimes, and Walk America.
Feet of Fire isn’t just for young girls. There are 12 boys in Shaun’s boys only hip-hop class and 40 adults in their own hip-hop class.
“Our philosophy is that we are for every kind of dancer,” she said, “Dancing is freeing—you can express yourself without worrying about what everyone else is saying or thinking. It’s being who you are.”
Shaun’s favorite part is creating choreography to the music.
“I hear music on the radio or TV. I pick anything that inspires me or sticks in my head,” she said.
She says she’ll let Krue decide if dancing is for him. But for Shaun, there’s never been any doubt.
“I will be dancing as long as my legs will carry me,” she said, “It’s a part of who I am. My mom says it’s in my blood.”
‘The Great Pumpkin’ becomes reality 10/6/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
MILLVILLE — Linus may have dreamt of “The Great Pumpkin,” but Millville is finally making it a reality.
The town’s first Great Pumpkin Festival — an autumn-themed event for all ages that puts the growing town on display — is scheduled to take place this weekend.
The festival was envisioned by Mayor Don Minyon, sponsored by the Millville Volunteer Fire Company, and organized by Councilman Jon Subity.
“It will be a good interaction between the community’s businesses and residents,” Subity said. “I’m looking forward to everyone having a good time. There are fun activities for everyone from toddlers to retirees.”
Activities include a pumpkin pie eating contest, a moon bounce, face painting, rock climbing and pumpkin decorating. The mayor will even take a turn in the dunking booth, Subity said.
In addition to arts and crafts and a variety of prizes and giveaways, the Millville VFC Ladies Auxiliary will be selling meatball subs, beverages and baked goods with a pumpkin theme. There will be subs and pizza, along with burgers and chicken from the Fat Tuna Grill.
Rose Albert, a member of the ladies auxiliary, is excited for the festival.
“It’s a good thing for the town,” she said. “The town is growing by leaps and bounds. It’s a nice place to live.”
Live entertainment will be provided by Mark Marvel, music director at Indian River High School, and his classic rock band “Over Time.” Ben Ables, the band’s horn player and IRHS choir director, will also be performing.
“Everyone knows that we have the beach in the summer, but we have a lot to offer in the off-season as well,” Subity said. “Millville is a great town that’s really come into its own the last couple of years.”
Subity is hoping for a good turnout.
“Take advantage of a beautiful fall day and come interact with other residents, he said. “We are trying to define our identity as a friendly, community-oriented town.”
WHAT. Great Pumpkin Festival
WHERE. Millville Volunteer Fire Company, Route 26
WHEN. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 10; rain date is Oct. 11
COST. Free
CALL. 443-497-6244
Greyhounds, owners trot into Dewey 10/7/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
DEWEY BEACH — It’s the 14th year for Greyhounds Reach the Beach, an annual event that attracts greyhounds and the owners who love them.
Traditionally, the event was held from Friday to Sunday on Columbus Day weekend, but greyhound enthusiasts have slowly been arriving earlier in the week and leaving later.
“It’s a wonderful gathering because we share our appreciation of these dogs — what their pasts held and what their futures will be,” said Michael McCann, president of The Greyhound Project, the organization that previously coordinated the event.
Because there is no available venue this year, the event is much less structured than in years past. The simplicity is taking it back to its roots. What started as a casual get-together between three friends and their dogs in 1995 has morphed into an event that now attracts more than 3,000 dogs.
“The event was bound to change,” said McCann of Boston. “We are a little disappointed that it won’t be as it was, but no matter how the event changes, we will still come.”
This year, there is no registration, formal schedule, or brunch. However, other groups will be organizing events including The Greyhounds in Art Show and silent auction at Grotto Pizza and The American Greyhound Council’s seminars at the Bottle and Cork.
There will also be 100 vendors in various hotels and 20 vendors in Rehoboth’s fire hall selling everything related to greyhounds.
After reading the event’s message boards, McCann said he doesn’t foresee a drop in attendance. This year, he is bringing his four greyhounds — Cavan, Whisper, Mr. Britt, and Santos.
He’s just one proud dog owner who plans to attend the event. Owners travel to Dewey with man’s best friend from all over the U.S., Spain, England, Ireland, and Canada.
And that’s good news for area business owners who say they look forward to the annual gathering.
“We really are dog lovers, so it’s always nice to see the greyhounds,” said Susan McAnelly, manager of Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue.
She said the business starts planning for the event early, ordering books and calendars for the special breed.
And if the weather isn’t perfect, it won’t put a damper on the event, she said.
“It’s extra fun when it rains,” she said. “People dress up their dogs in little raincoats and boots.”
According to McCann, greyhounds are friendly, good-natured and just as social as their owners. That’s what makes them the perfect companion, he said.
“Greyhounds are like potato chips,” he said. “You can’t have just one.”
WHAT. Greyhounds Reach the Beach 2009
WHEN. Oct. 9-11
WHERE. Dewey and Rehoboth beaches
COST. Free
WEB. www.adopt-a-greyhound.
org/Dewey/
Lynne Lockhart’s work shows ‘footprints of where I’ve been’ Oct 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
Lynne Lockhart saw a golden retriever sniff a pug nosed puppy’s face. She didn’t wait for inspiration to strike. She took a picture to capture the moment and she followed where it lead her. It became a work of art.
And that oil painting led to a second one, but then something in that second one jumpstarted a third. That’s usually how it happens for Lockhart. She averages 6 to 7 paintings a month and she works on them all at the same time.
“Sometimes they go into ‘time out’ when I’m not sure of the next step—for a week, or a year,” she said.
Either way, she goes with the flow.
Lockhart, 48, has always lived in various locations throughout Dorcester and Worcester counties. Now she resides in Berlin and has been partnered with fellow painter, Kirk McBride, for 12 years. She’s been drawing and painting since she was a little girl.
“All kids are artists. Some people just keep doing it,” she said, “Others find something they like better.”
Lockhart never did find anything she liked better, although she considered being a vet for awhile. She was pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biology at Salisbury University when she found out she had enough credits to double major. Of course her second major became art. It seemed meant to be.
She then studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Corcoran School of Art. Lockhart began painting part-time in 1984 and now she has been a full-time artist for about 19 years. She loves horses, and in the beginning of her career, they were all she painted.
“Now it may not be so much subject matter, it could be ‘look at the way the light strikes this and that,’” she said.
She and McBride enjoy a lot of traveling—they frequently go to both Colorado and Maine and have been to Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, and California.
Lockhart likes the change of scenery, although her paintings are very influenced by the Shore’s waters, landscapes, people, animals, and still-life.
“Everything that’s here except for the chicken houses. They don’t do much for me,” she said.
She has also been influenced by many of her favorite artists including Edward Potthast, William Robinson Leigh, and Jane Peters.
“No matter how hard I model after them, my paintings still end up looking like Lynne Lockharts,” she said jokingly.
Her paintings, “Draft Team” and “Late Winter Light,” were accepted into the American Academy of Equine Artists show at the Kentucky Derby Museum. She has one person exhibits at the Troika Gallery in Easton, Main Street Gallery in Annapolis, and Salisbury University. Her paintings can also be found at Bishops Stock in Berlin. She and McBride had a two person show at the Parker Gallery in Georgia last month. This month, Lockhart and Terri Amig are having a two person exhibit at the SOMA Gallery in Cape May, New Jersey.
No matter how hectic life gets, she has a calm and peaceful way about her.
“I practice yoga, and painting itself becomes a mediation,” she said, “It’s a challenge to keep a quiet mind so that awareness and attention to the paint is all there is.”
Lockhart tries not to let the business side of art affect what or how she paints.
“My job is to be a painter,” she said, “I try not to focus on the market. The art world is kind of crazy but it’s wonderful.”
Her sense of humor is crazy too. She’s hilarious. It’s expressed in a few of her paintings. One dog, in particular, appears to be cringing while among a background of vacuum cleaners, threatening to turn on at any moment. In another, a dog grimaces among a background of hoses, dreading his upcoming bath.
Throughout her life, her paintings have changed right along with her. And she plans to paint as long as she can.
“The paintings are a diary of sorts,” she said. “I imagine them to be footprints of where I’ve been.”
At consignment boutiques, someone else’s designer castoff can be your treasure Oct 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
The best kept shopping secrets on the Shore are about to be revealed– the locations where you can find better brands and lower prices without the mall crowds. They’re upscale consignment boutiques, and they’ve become even more popular with today’s economy.
“A lot of women are saying ‘Hey, why am I going to Lauren Taylor and paying full price when I can come here for a gently worn article for half price?” said Karey Sperbeck, owner of Déjà Vu consignment boutique in Ocean View.
It’s the thrill of the hunt at consignment shops—you never know what treasure you’ll find. Déjà Vu’s extensive shoe collection includes Boots by Paolo and Via Spiga of Italy and heels by BCBG and Rampage. They have rare styles of Vera Bradley and Juicy Couture purses along with hundreds of beads to pick and choose from.
Consignments are also the perfect option for babies who seem to be growing like weeds.
“Anything that you buy for a child like clothing or shoes is a temporary purchase,” said Whitney Carmean, owner of Peapods in Salisbury. “You’ll be lucky to get one season.”
At Peapods, great finds include an Expedition LX jogging stroller, a Maclaren stroller, an Eddie Bauer car seat, a Fisher Price “Jumparoo,” and a JC Penney dresser. There are also racks of brand name clothes to browse through.
A question to ask yourself is why you insist on holding onto that sweater you don’t wear or the highchair your baby has outgrown. Being on the selling end of consignments is exciting too. Déjà Vu and Peapods in Salisbury give 50% and Benjamin’s gives 40% of the selling price back to you. Their selling price is based on the name brand, what it originally sold for, and what condition it’s in. You’re recycling the clothes and accessories you don’t use and buying things that you will.
“Women always want to shop and coming to our store takes the guilt out of shopping” said Nancy Benjamin, owner of Benjamin’s Wear it Again in Salisbury.
At Benjamin’s, designer finds include Tiffany rings and handbags by Dooney and Bourke, BCBG, Vera Bradley, Claudia Firenze, and Bally. They also have freshwater pearls and other unique costume jewelry.
It’s also worry-free shopping because all three shops only take brand name clothes and accessories that are in tip-top shape.
“You don’t have to wonder ‘where’s the tear? Where’s the spot?’” said Sperbeck.
Used carseats at Peapods are safe for baby because Carmean doesn’t sell them if they’re over three years old. She also makes sure that every product offered to her hasn’t been recalled by its company before she puts it on consignment.
“If I wouldn’t put it on my own children, I wouldn’t sell it in my store” said Carmean, mother of 5-year old twins.
Each woman had different reasons for opening her shop. For Carmean, she had just had her twin girls and found herself with two of everything. Then she went on the Oprah show, which was a baby accessory giveaway day, and found herself having three of everything. Carmean began giving some of her children’s things to her aunt, who owns Sherri Lynn’s Just for Kids, a consignment shop in Delmar.
“My friend Whitney came up to me one day and said ‘I had a dream that you opened a children’s consignment shop called Peapods,’” Carmean said, “That’s what I call my girls. I started laughing and said ‘Well, it’s not impossible.’”
She opened in April 2005.
For Sperbeck, consignments were always a part of her life.
“I was a consignment shopper forever. Going through college I couldn’t afford new clothes,” she said, “I ended up working at a consignment shop and then I knew it was what I wanted to do.”
Déjà Vu has been in business for 40 years.
For Benjamin, she saw a need for a place where women could buy dresses at a fraction of retail, back when there were more fancy parties.
“A dress that only danced once could be worn again,” she said, “Over the years, it’s evolved into many different things. Now we have more luxury brands and unique fashions of clothing and accessories.”
The store is in its 18th year.
Consignment chic is smart– economically and environmentally. The deals are refreshing and never knowing what you might find is exciting.
“Those who have never shopped consignments should give it a try,” Carmean said, “My customers don’t necessarily need to buy second-hand but they’re savvy shoppers and they can spend that extra money on vacations or things that are more important in the long-term.”
Your fitness goals are her priority Oct 2009
By Nicole Ciarapica
It’s 7:45 AM. You’re on your mat in World Gym’s power yoga class, your body in “tree pose,” swaying a little back and forth. Eyes are closed and ears are listening to personal trainer, Lisa Velasco. She’s energetic and she’s encouraging you to focus on your core to help you find your balance. Then she begins one of her stories.
“When I teach, I tell stories and you get to know me through them. I try to entertain,” Velasco said.
Maybe she’s sharing an adventure from her September biking trip to Slovinia, Austria, and Italy that she just went on with about 10 of her closest friends. Or maybe she’s telling you what she whipped up for breakfast this morning using one of her healthy recipes.
Originally from Annapolis, Velasco, 45, began working for World Gym in April 2008 when she moved to Bethany Beach to live in her vacation condo year-round with her boyfriend, two cats, and a parakeet. Velasco has been a fitness professional since 1995, being a certified personal trainer is one of her achievements.
As the manager of personal training and program development, Velasco divides her time between the World Gyms in Bethany, Ocean City, and Salisbury.
“As my boss Pete puts it ‘I was brought on board to take World Gym to the next level,’” Velasco said.
It’s easy to see that she has. Part of Velasco’s job is to develop programs like power yoga and cycling to bring a sense of community to the gym. The other half is being a matchmaker between clients and trainers.
“We have 1000 plus clients in each of our gyms,” Velasco said, “I hire trainers with all different personalities. I don’t want my trainers to be a replica of me.”
Once she makes the match, the trainer listens to the client’s goals in order to develop an individualized plan so those goals will be reached. The trainer works with the client twice a week for an hour each and then creates homework assignments to further the progress.
The program has been working for Clif and Peggy Toomey, both 62, clients of Velasco’s at the Bethany location. Before joining the gym in July 2008, Clif was having balance problems. For Peggy, it was mobility. Velasco set up a plan so they would have more energy for their grandchildren. She showed them the right way to use the equipment and weights according to their needs. After 8 week sessions on and off for over a year, the results are incredible.
Clif has lost 100 pounds since he joined the gym, 45 of those due to Velasco’s training.
“I was on 62 units of insulin a day. I was able to get off of that completely.” Clif said.
Peggy has lost 65 pounds since July of last year. Both of them feel 20 years younger.
“She set the time clock back.” Clif said.
Velasco never stops motivating them.
“This morning, I had done 5 leg lifts and I said ‘I can’t do anymore’ Peggy said. “And Lisa told me ‘Do two more. I know you can give me two more.”
Velasco is just as excited as Clif and Peggy.
“I have them each standing on one leg throwing a 6 pound medicine ball back and forth!” Velasco said.
She can relate to her clients and their goals because she had a similar one herself while enrolled at the University of Delaware.
“After my first year of college, I gained a lot of weight,” Velasco said. “I got into fitness while trying to get it off… back when leotards and legwarmers were in.”
She lost the weight and she’s kept it off by cycling, cardio activity 6 days a week, and weight training three times a week for the last 15 years. And she doesn’t count the classes she teaches as a part of her own workout. Velasco makes her personal fitness a priority. For a lot of women, throwing exercise time into the juggling act of career and family seems like too much to balance.
“I tell them they just need to mark it on their calendars like an appointment,” Velasco says, “You deserve that time to yourself. If you can’t give to yourself you’re not going to be here to give to your family.”
Women, in particular, need to be concerned about their risk of osteoporosis. Doing weight bearing activity, such as lifting weights or walking, is good prevention.
Every year, the holidays are an obstacle for some clients’ and their fitness goals. Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas cookies can sabotage the progress made all year. Velasco gives a few tips for how you can stay fit while still enjoying the holidays: make healthy choices, focus on portion control, and be careful with empty calories like alcohol and sodas. Also, don’t let your Christmas gift to yourself be less gym time.
“Our ultimate goal as trainers here is to move people to a better place in their lives,” she said, “My coworkers say that I’m persistent. I’m always pushing fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and getting them to try new things. I call it stepping out of the box.”
Velasco pushes herself to the limit. She loves adventure travel—she’s been to Chile and Utah for hiking and to Croatia and Italy for biking. She encourages others to try new things too, like when she convinced her sister to run a half-marathon in Philadelphia for her 40th birthday.
After a 45 minute treadmill class, a man who attended came up to Velasco and said “You know, you have the ability to get stuff out of people that they don’t think they can do.”
That’s one of the best compliments she’s ever received.
The Starboard celebrates 50 years 9/30/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
DEWEY BEACH — The 50th anniversary of The Starboard Restaurant will be celebrated in style as more than 400 people descend on the Route 1 establishment for a black-tie, red-carpet event.
The night of fun, which will be catered by Big Fish Grille of Rehoboth Beach, aims to commemorate half a century of memories for the Dewey Beach hot spot.
According to Steve “Monty” Montgomery, the third and current owner, The Starboard is known as the “heart of Dewey Beach” because of its nationwide popularity with local roots.
“Dewey is quiet all winter long. On St. Patty’s Day weekend, when we open up, it’s the driving force of the economy in Dewey,” Montgomery said. “Hotels stay open until our closing for the season.”
Montgomery said the theme for the party is generational. The Starboard was a piano bar for the first 20 years, so the party will kick off with an early cocktail hour with Doug James tickling the ivories.
John Hardy, the house disc jockey for 28 years, will also entertain the crowd before Laura Lea & Tripp Fabulous, one of the restaurant’s most popular acts, takes the stage.
In 1987, Montgomery started as a doorman for the restaurant and eventually became a bartender. As owner, he added to the vision of the previous management to transform the restaurant into a worldwide tourist attraction.
Montgomery attributes the restaurant’s success to customer service.
“The bartenders are like mini-rock stars,” he said.
Over the years, the customers have kept coming back for more.
“The Starboard truly has a cult following — such loyal customers,” Montgomery said. “It’s everybody’s home base when they come to town.”
Montgomery thinks customers return to the restaurant because it’s a great place to hang out, regardless of their age.
“Everyone feels welcome. Whether 22 or 60 years old, people have fun,” he said. “It’s the party spot all day long.”
Two main attractions are the Bloody Mary smorgasbord and the entertainment.
For the first 25 years, The Starboard was famous for meatballs, but breakfast is now the favorite.
“Our Eggs Delmarva outsells everything,” Montgomery said. “It’s a twist off Eggs Benedict. It’s an English muffin with crabmeat, eggs, and hollandaise sauce.”
Because the event is being catered, the kitchen staff can join the party. Many previous employees are coming to town to help celebrate the restaurant’s longevity.
“It’s a place where everyone has walked in and had breakfast or lunch and ended up staying for six hours,” Montgomery said.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT. The Starboard Restaurant’s 50th Anniversary Party
WHERE. The Starboard Restaurant, Route 1, Dewey Beach
WHEN. 5 p.m., Oct. 3
COST. $100 per person
CALL. 302-227-4600
WEB. www.thestarboard.com
Relaxed resort laws begin 9/29/09
By Nicole Ciarapica
BETHANY BEACH–There’s a distinct difference in the beach towns before and after Labor Day. Children are no longer packed into the arcades, finding a place to sit on the beach isn’t so much of a chore, and there’s little noise wafting through the air.
In Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Ocean City, relaxed beach rules begin Sept. 30. That means vacationers can play a game of Frisbee on the beach without being flagged by lifeguards, bicycles can once again hit the boards and dog lovers can let their furry friends breathe in the salt air.
And while many are looking forward to the coming week for that reason, some who aren’t in favor of the changes say the towns’ law enforcement officials are already turning a blind eye.
Pam Carbaugh of Pennsylvania has been visiting Ocean City three times a year for 30 years. Last week, she said it was clear that some rules were no longer being enforced.
“Today on the Boardwalk, if I had stepped two steps over, I would’ve been hit by a bike,” she said, noting that she believes dogs and bikes should be prohibited on the Boardwalk year-round. “You have to look behind you before you make any moves.”
According to Carbaugh, she also witnessed a dog nearly swipe an ice cream cone out of a little girl’s hand. The dog’s owner yanked the leash and pulled the hungry canine back just in time, she said.
But Ralph Mitchell, director of public safety for Bethany, said the rules are being enforced, there are just fewer feet on the street.
“It’s the seasonal officers who walk the Boardwalk and patrol that area,” he said. “When they leave, it puts the workload back to the full-time (officers).”
Mitchell said the town’s police officers are still in the vicinity of the Boardwalk, but the focus is no longer directed to that area as it is no longer the busiest part of town.
Sue Whitney of Pennsylvan-ia said she appreciates the relaxed rules. While she’s never taken her dog to the Boardwalk, she said she understands why others like to do so.
“You have to watch for everybody’s safety, but it’s nice to have a little leeway if it’s not crowded,” she said.
That drop in population does bring some people by bike and with their pets, said Kevin McCabe, part owner of D.B.’s Fries on Garfield Parkway.
“You do see more bikes and more people with dogs now,” he said. “I don’t know if they come because they can do that now, but they’re just about the only people out here.”
In the summertime, bicycles are not permitted on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk from 6 a.m. to noon. Starting this week, resident Phil Boesch will be able to cycle whenever he wants.
“I like to ride my bicycle on the boardwalk,” he said. “I don’t ride as often as I used to because I can’t see (the ocean), but I try to get out.”
Starting Sept. 30, Bethany and Ocean City officials will allow bikes on the boardwalk and pets on the beach. Pets will also be allowed on the beach in Fenwick Island.
– Alex Ruoff contributed to this report.
