February 20th, 2013
I was so happy to attend a very special evening with Chicks for Charity Southern Delaware. The charity picked for February’s dinner at Fish On in Lewes, Delaware, was Delmarva Puppy Raisers. It was such a neat evening with so many community residents in attendance, along with a couple of canines.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited guide school, providing greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity. It is a leading, nonprofit 501(3) guide school. Since 1954 they have provided thousands of blind and visually impaired people with specially bred and trained dogs that grant them greater independence. Their headquarters are located at 611 Granite Springs Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Tel. 1-866-GEB-LABS. Website? http://www.guidingeyes.org.
I met Barbara and Randy. They have raised several puppies and have been involved with the company for quite some time. I believe Babara is the Director of the Delmarva Puppy Raisers. They meet in Milford, Delaware, a couple of times a month. Randy had Jagger with him last night. He was gorgeous and very well behaved 1 year old.
 
I was so curious to find out how they could give the dog up after spending 1 to 1 1/2 years with him or her. They said it is hard, but at the same time you know the person that receives the dog gets a special gift; a life changing gift. And, then, another puppy comes along and the process starts all over again. Puppy raisers have first choice on adopting a dog they have raised if the dog is retired or for whatever reasons the dog is not going into the program. Barbara and Randy have 2 of those dogs that in the past they have raised.
These dogs are so special. It costs over $45,000 to breed, raise, train, and match each Guiding Eyes dog with its visually impaired handler. These services are provided absolutely free of charge!! Each Guiding Eyes puppy is specially bred for superior health and temperament. They are born at their Canine Development Center in Patterson, N.Y. Immediately, after birth their training starts somewhat. Randy told me that when they get the puppies at 8 weeks, they already have basic commands down pat.
I asked Randy if they let him get on the bed….oh no. Not on the bed or sofa or eating human food. That simple.
And then I met Diamond. This little girl was only 10 weeks old and adorable. She is going to be great. Alert, fun, and very well behaved too.
 
I was asking Randy if he follows the dog once they give him or her back. He said that it is up to the person that receives the dog. Some do keep in touch and others, don’t.
If you are interested in becoming a puppy raiser, the first thing to do is complete the application at http://www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer. A Guiding Eyes representative will contact you to discuss the next steps, which will be to attend pre-placement classes, meet your puppy, classes..etc. etc.
After puppy raising, the puppy will return to Guiding Eyes for evaluation by their professional staff. Most dogs will continue on to formal guide dog training.
In 2007, Guiding Eyes for The Blind launched Heeling Autism, which is a service dog program in which they train select Guiding Eyes dogs to provide safety for children with autism. The puppy you raised might be one of those.
If you want to talk to Barbara Byle, please call her at 302-422-3522. There are Puppy Raising regions in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina.
I was so amazed and pleased to hear that in December there were about 50 of those puppies being raised by Delmarva Puppy Raisers.
Have a good one!!
Note: Information for this post was taken from their brochures.
February 17th, 2013
 Kari Ainsworth and Marcie Urgo The first Chicks for Charity Dinner was celebrated in July of 2010. Since that time, a monthly charity dinner has been taking place at Fish On! located at The Villages of Five Points in Lewes, Delaware. Started by two friends, Marcie Urgo and Kari Ainsworth, the group is dedicated to assisting those less fortunate. The majority of the organizations they have helped are essential community resource agencies that aid kids, families, the elderly, abandoned animals and those that are underserved and in need. The donations are changing people’s lives….and the funds raised stay in Sussex County!! Website? http://www.chicksforcharity.us.
For those of us that live in Sussex County (Southern Delaware) is a chance to get together. And, for the new residents in the area, it is a great opportunity to meet new people, and at the same time help raise funds for those are are deeply in need in our area.
As I mentioned, the dinners are held at Fish On!, 17300 North Village Main Blvd., in The Villages of Five Points in Lewes. Website? http://www.fishon.bz. The February dinner will be on Tuesday, 2/19, at 6:30 p.m. Two delicious entrees to choose from along with appetizer and dessert for $25/person. Cash or check payable to Fish On! It includes gratuity. Cash Bar available. You can email gals4thegood@aol.com to reserve your spot. Please, do not contact the restaurant.
There will be raffle items and a 50/50 too!! I was in Bethany Beach and decided to stop by at TKO. Alice Klein is the owner and designer of this very popular jewelry store and one of my favorites. I asked Alice if she could give a piece of jewelry for Tuesday’s dinner. And she did! The earrings are beautiful and the perfect accessory for spring!! Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com So, they will be there, along with other great items donated by many in the communities of Sussex County.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind-Delmarva Region of Puppy Raisers…Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited, nonprofit, guide dog school with a 50 plus year legacy, providing the blind and visually impaired with superior Guiding Eyes dogs, training, and lifetime support services. Raising a puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a real gift of love. A puppy is not born a guide dog, but created through the dedication and commitment of an entire team of individuals. Puppy raisers are the heart and soul of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Without their hard work, Guiding Eyes would not be able to fulfill their mission to better the lives of blind and visually impaired people.
Their network of individuals are couples, families with children, young adults and senior citizens. The relationship and bond between the raiser and pup will become the foundation for all the life lessons a guide dog needs to master. Raisers provide hours of patient teaching and numerous socialization journeys over a 12 to 16 month period, before they return a well-socialized young adult dog to Guiding Eyes training staff. All of the raiser’s hard work culminates when a blind person receives their priceless gift – a guide dog providing independence, companionship, and mobility.
To know more, please visit http://www.guidingeyes.org. The Delmarva Region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind is located in Milford, Delaware.
Hope to see you there!! Gentlemen, you are also invited!!
February 12th, 2013
I guess I had to have that last hamburger before heading back home to Delaware. I arrived at Ft. Lauderdale Airport with plenty of time, so I relaxed and kicked back at Chili’s Too at Terminal 3, just next to Air Tran.
I had taken out my Kindle when my food arrived. I just had a plain hamburger, cheese and fries. I finished, paid and went on to walk around for some time. Never even thought about the Kindle.
Arriving home I was checking my bag when I suddenly realized the Kindle was not there. In my household they said; forget it…gone!! How could I have done that?
Two emails arrived. They were in the computer for a few hours already. One was from Jessica, who was the Customer Service Representative at the Lost and Found Office. They believed they had an item that belonged to me. To contact them at 954-359-2247. It was late in the evening so I sent an email telling that they did have an item that belonged to me.
I also got an email from Amazon, as well.
You see, when you think there is no honesty and goodness in this world, someone does the right thing.
If this ever happen to you at the Ft. Lauderdale Airport, the Lost and Found is located in Terminal 1 of the airport on the Arrivals Level. If they contact you by e-mail they will give you an item number. They only hold items for 30 days.
There are a few options for retrieval:
1. Self Pick-up.
2. Friend/Relative Pick-up. They will need a letter from you granting them permission to release your item to another individual other than yourself. You can send them an e-mail to airportlf@broward.org, or fax them the information at 954-359-6290. Use your item number as the subject. Photo identification and the item number are required for pick up.
3. UPS: This is what I chose. You must arrange shipping on your own, at your expense. The phone number for the UPS store that will go to the airport to collect the item is 954-923-9004. UPS will require the item number in order to retrieve your item. Keep this number because it is for the only UPS store that will go to the Ft. Lauderdale airport to pick up your item.
4. Regular Mail: Send them a self addressed prepaid package. The package must be large enough for the item and a metered stamp must be used for any items weighing more than 4 ounces. You can address the item as follows:
ATTN: Lost & Found, 2200 SW 45 Street, Suite 101, Dania Beach, FL 33312
The Lost and Found office is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until noon. Then, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. They are closed on Broward County holidays.
Again, thanks so much for your consideration. And, to Chili’s Too, my sincere thanks, as well.
Have a good one!!
February 4th, 2013
Visiting Delray Beach? Watch out because while visiting this Village by The Sea….well, you might want to stick around.
Making the visit for guests a little more enjoyable is something Delray is accomplishing in a big way.
WiFi is free to the public on East Atlantic Avenue. Enjoy!!
Delray Beach also has free shuttle service called the Downtown Roundabout, providing park and ride transportation throughout Downtown Delray Beach. There are a few routes available.
One route is available 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. It originates at the Tri Rail Station running north on Congress Avenue to West Atlantic Avenue, continuing east on Atlantic Avenue to the Marriott Hotel on the Beach at Ocean Blvd. (A1A).
From the beach, the shuttle bus returns to the Tri Rail Station traveling west on Atlantic Ave. to Congress Ave. and running south on Congress.
Another Rt. is a split route. Originating also at the Tri Rail Station from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The other route originates at the Delray Beach Public Library on Atlantic Ave. from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Week-end service is Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Please remember that only service dogs are allowed on the shuttle.
More info? Call 561-243-7322, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call after these hours to Delray Beach Action Center at 561-243-7012 or the Shuttle Dispatch Center at 954-791-2505.
You can also visit http://www.mydelraybeach.com/news/2012/03/07/downtown-roundabout. In this site you can also find info. on where to park in Downtown Delray Beach.
The Beach!!
At the center of it all, is the beach in Delray. This beach is unobstructed; you can sit there all day long. Bring your own chairs, or rent the lounges.
At the end of the day it does look quiet, but not so during the South Florida hot days.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later.
January 18th, 2013
Blogs are considered diaries in many respects. With that in mind, I took my “rescued” Heinz 57, Addy, for a much needed day of grooming. I have posted plenty of times about Doggies At the Beach, located at on Rt. 24 at the Family Dollar Plaza, off of Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway). Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com.
Doggies At the Beach is the premier dog boarding facility in Rehoboth Beach. Climate control, playing time and plenty of attention for that pooch in your life. This is the only place I have left Addy. The dogs have a great time. I had to laugh because when I took these pictures, the Bassett Hound, would not get up. He just wagged his tail. Finally, he came out, hoping no other dog would take his spot.
The new grooming facility is so nice. It is not just for dogs; cats are also able to come for some grooming, as well. Bright colors!! That’s where I met Teri. She is letting the public know what’s going on at Doggies At The Beach. Nice chatting with you Teri. And, thanks for the tour.
The actual groom room is also full of pinks and purples. There is even a ramp for easy climbing for larger dogs.
On Saturday, January 19th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m there will be a Discount Vaccination Day. Doggies At The Beach holds monthly vaccination clinics. The difference, this time, is that it will 100% benefit the Georgetown SPCA. Vaccinations are administered by a licensed Vet. It will be held at Doggies At The Beach located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24 for both dogs and kitties. Please have your kitties in a crate. First come; first serve.
New training classes by their new training partner; a certified professional trainer. Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten, Good Manners 101. You need to register and pay to hold a spot. The class size is restricted to 5 only, so your intense training will be a great value. More info? Please call 302-644-8200.
The 2013 Week-End Festival of the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, which takes place on February 1 through the 3rd will bring new Plungers into the scene. It is the first time the festival will be holding the Pooch Plunge on February 2nd from 11 a.m. until Noon, starting on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Avenue. All for Special Olympics Delaware!! Doggies At The Beach is participating in this event!!
Registration Fee is $25. Pooch receives: Event bandanna, imprinted portable water bowl, and post event refreshments!! But, if you donate $250, your pooch would get an embroidered SoggyDog Towel. Please register at http://www.plungede.org.
I brought Addy home, she got comfortable in her new Doggie Lounger. If you have not met her, here she is.
Have a great day!
December 29th, 2012
Fractured Prune opens at 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during the winter. I thought about them because when I looked at the house next door…..relatives visiting. Lots of them for this holiday week-end. When you have so many guests, and everyone gets up at different times of the morning….I guess brewing coffee and a box of donuts could calm them until the next meal.
I forgot to tell you that it is cold and rainy. A long day.
Fractured Prune started in Ocean City, Maryland around 1976. The one in Rehoboth Beach is owned by Jody and Diane Smith. It is located on 20214 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). Tel. 302-227-0747. Website? http://www.fracturedprune.com. You will not miss this location. Purple and bright green colors!! You can also find them on Facebook.
Besides donuts, they also have bagels and breakfast sandwiches all day long.
The donuts are hot-hand dipped donuts. They are made to order. They are also the perfect size.
They offer specialty donuts, but, you can also create your own using a variety of glazes, toppings and sugars.
You can check their menu by visiting http://www.fracturedprune.com/menu_rehoboth.php.
Still in the Holiday mood, I chose Rainbow Sprinkles and Coffee Cake donuts.
The only problems with these warm delicious donuts is that they can become an addiction!
Have a great week-end….talk to you later.
November 9th, 2012
It is so good to be able to say thank you and mean it. I want to thank those companies advertising on AboutMyBeaches. Some of them I bugged a lot; explaining why they should be on my website. I really do appreciate it.
AboutMyBeaches started back on July of 2009. It was one of those ideas. I am a frustrated concierge. First it was going to be just a website. When my webmaster, Ed Timmons, met with me, I kept talking and talking. He probably thought I was more of a blogger. So, really, it was his suggestion. Here I am. I consider myself to be in the business of Word of Mouth.
Since my advertisers are on my website, which is written in a blog style, you can access them directly. Just look at them on the right hand side of AboutMyBeaches, http://www.aboutmybeaches.com, and you will be able to find out what these companies are all about. They are all different. Their owners are very nice, and easy to talk to.
Let’s meet them:
Tidewater Realty – This company is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt.1) at the Starboard Center in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Bethany is considered one of the Quiet Resorts of the Delaware Beaches. I know it well. For many years I lived there. It is a small coastal community, with great beaches, and quaint little restaurants. Tel. 302-539-7500. Toll free 900-888-7501.
 Bethany Beach Tidewater Realty is a boutique size real estate company. Broker of Record? John Merryman, III. This company has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. It is known for its personal and professional attention. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Please remember that Delaware has low property taxes and tax free shopping!!
Coastal Chem-Dry – This company is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery industry. Green certified, with innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. Website? http://www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. It dries quickly, so you don’t have to wait hours and even days for this to happen.
A Fall Special!! 3 rooms for $119.95 up to 350 sq.ft. Stairs not included.
Please contact them at: New Castle County and Kent County 302-234-0200. Sussex County 302-645-2800.
Check the website for more specials and information.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, Delaware 19967. Millville is located a few miles west of Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-537-4444. Cell 302-381-0773. Website? http://www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the Founder and CEO of this company. I have known him for so many years. Our sons played Little League together. Besides being a friend, I have also been a customer.
Miken Builders is a commercial and residential construction company. It is very well respected for his construction work and for his involvement in our communities. No job is too small or too big for them.
Last summer they worked on my house. A whole new entry way, which by the way, I have enjoyed and was very much needed. Also, there was some remodeling in my bathroom.
Betterliving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva. This company is under the umbrella of Miken Builders. Location? 32442 Royal Blvd., Unit 1, Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-251-0000. Toll Free 877-251-0080. Website? http://www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. They are the exclusive provider of Betterliving 3-Season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach is a boarding and day care facility for your pooches. It is located at 18806 John J. Williams Highway (Rt. 24), Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com. It is my dog, Addy’s, home away from home. I have total confidence in Jim and his staff and when I leave her there. I feel she is in the best of care.
Doggies at the Beach has 4 master groomers for dogs and cats, working 7 days a week; mornings, afternoons, and evenings. All you have to do is call for an appointment. The facility is great with 24/7 human care. It is also climate controlled. Dog training is also available.
Two new web-cams are being installed. One will be located in the new puppy room, the other in the new building called Bayside.
Doggies at the Beach is very much involved in the community. Don’t be surprised to see them in parades, holding events, and having a good old time!!
SoDel Concepts, founded and owned by Restauranteur & Philanthropist, Matt Haley. Website? http://www.sodelconcepts.com. A total of 6 restaurants at the moment, with its newest one, Papa Grande, opening in 2013 in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Stay tuned for updates. Busy does not even begin to describe this company. I have written posts, with pictures, on most of them, except Blue Coast Seafood Grill….soon, though. Just put their name on the search of AboutMyBeaches to see some delicious dishes.
In Lewes, Delaware you will find Fish On! – http://www.fishon.bz
In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware you will find Lupo di Mare – http://www.lupodimarerehoboth.com
In North Bethany Beach, Delaware you will also find Matt’s Fish Camp – http://www.mattsfishcamp.com
Also, in North Bethany you will find Blue Coast Seafood Grill – http://www.bluecoastseafoodgrill.com
In Ocean View, Delaware you will find NorthEast Seafood Kitchen – http://www.northeastseafoodkitchen.com
In Fenwick Island, Delaware, that’s where you will find Catch 54 – http://www.catch54.com.
In each of them I have found a favorite dish. If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches, try them. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
Plate Catering – This is a catering company owned by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts. A dinner for many, or just for a few. An intimate affair, perhaps? A special occasion, I am sure. They can handle it. Please give them a call at 302-644-1200. Website? http://www.plate-catering.com
The Global Delaware Fund. This is a non-profit organization founded by Matt Haley, owner of SoDel Concepts and Plate Catering. It provides goods and services to children at risk in distressed situations. It has been lending a hand here, in Delaware, and abroad. Please visit http://www.theglobaldelawarefund.com.
Butter Shades is a sun glass company from Philadelphia that sells affordable sunglasses without sacrificing pure, manufactured quality. This company has a passion and compassion…they are giving back to the community, as well. Please check the sunglasses at http://www.buttershades.com
TKO – In Bethany Beach you will find Alice H. Klein, Jeweler and Designer. She is the owner and founder of TKO Designs, Inc. In the business for 32 years, Alice has a unique way of presenting a beautiful stone in its best light. She works with plastics and resins, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls, gold, gold filled, silver and Swaroski crystals. She can give a lift to a tired setting giving it that wow factor.
 
TKO Designs is located at 100 Garfield Pkwy., Stores 6 & 7, Bethany Beach, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-6992. Website? http://www.alicehklein-tko.com. I have known the company for so long and I am a consummate fan of her work. Her niece JoAnne works at her store, as well.
Florida – I do have a few advertisers in Florida. You might want to know them. Whether you are a snowflake or a snowbird these 2 companies provide great services. I also know them, personally, and can recommend them fully.
Tauriello & Co. is a real estate company located in the heart of Delray Beach, Florida. This coastal town is also known as the Village by the Sea. You can find it at 900 E. Atlantic Avenue. Tel. 561-278-5570. Toll Free 877-509-8300. Website? http://www.tauriello.com.
Brokers of Record are Daniel & Sue Tauriello. They have been in Delray Beach for so many years and are very well respected in the Village by the Sea. I have known them since 2003 and they have given me personal and professional service. Please call Cheran or Sue if you want to find that special place to hang your beach chair.
Beach House Management, LLC – This is a property management company in Delray Beach. Michael Keegan is at the helm of the company and along with his staff, you home will be in good hands. Totally professional and caring. I have used Michael since 2003 and have no regrets at all. Some might think that a property management company is a luxury; in reality, it is a necessity when you are not there. For more information, please visit http://www.mybeachhouses.com. Tel. 561-376-4329.
Again, I do appreciate your business….Interested advertising on AboutMyBeaches? I think it is a very good deal. $500 for one year. Your banner on AboutMyBeaches. My personal attention, as well. Check the website and see if you like it. Nothing better than word of mouth.
Have a good one!!
November 2nd, 2012
I joined my fellow Crawlers, Jody and Jade, as we helped raise funds for the local charities of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The Rehoboth Beach Cocoa Crawler was celebrating its second year and for the looks of it….I think people were loving and enjoying every minute of it.
There was a definite chill in Rehoboth Beach. We needed to get our wristbands. They were only $10. The proceeds going to the charities.
The welcoming committee was Maggio Shields Real Estate. They were in charge of selling the bands. They were a happy bunch.
From the Maggio Cafe, at First Street Station, and next to Maggio Shields Real Estate, we were offered tomato bisque. It was warm and delicious.
Grotto Pizza was also part of the welcoming committee…an institution in Rehoboth Beach.
The sun was beginning to set quickly…it is that time of the year. So pretty and crisp. Rehoboth Beach was crowded and hardly any parking available.
Jody, Jade and I decided to stop for dinner at Lily Thai on North 1st St.
They had the Pad Thai, which was very good
I had the Crispy Eggplant in a Chili Sauce with Shrimp…delicious. I do love this dish.
Now that our energies were recharged, we continued to crawl. Our next stop was going to be a shop on Baltimore Avenue that has been there for about 30 years. Crysti. There is a post in the making, but, in the meantime, meet Joyce and Crysti.
The best local restaurants were inside participating stores. At Crysti, Dog Fish Head was serving…beer, of course. But, check the dessert they had available; the bacon chocolate cheesecake. It is available at the restaurant in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Outside people were chatting and having a great time. Drinks on hand everyone was crawling through the streets.
By this time, another fellow crawler, joined our group. He is right there on the picture with Jade. His name? Michael from Stephan & Co. Salon & Spa. Jade also works at the salon. I have to write a post on them soon.
Our next stop was Browseabout Books, where we found Cake Break. They were serving mini cupcakes. Perfect because they just popped in your mouth. Not too much guilt, either. Cake Break can now ship gluten free cupcakes and other gluten free baked goods.
Crawling away, we continued….and we found only one dog doing his crawling while wearing his sweater.
We continue on a crawling mode and stopped to see a sign that rain, shine or hurricane…it is always there, reminding us that salt water taffy is still so good.
At Carltons on Rehoboth Avenue we found Lupo di Mare.
They were serving “pot de creme”.
Crawling back to First Street Station, we noticed that there were still people shopping at the Penny Lane Mall.
At First Street Station, Paul Cullen was entertaining the crowds and serving his wines. A future post in the making.
 
And, then, the crawlers gathered. There was going to be a drawing. You had to be there to win. Well, we did not win, but Danielle did. That was the end of a perfect evening, spending it with friends. Priceless, don’t you think?
So, it was time to go home….a total success it was….
 
|
Comments Off on Delmarva Puppy Raisers, Guiding Eyes for The Blind, Free of Charge, Personal Freedon, Independence, Freedom, Dignity, Raising a Guide Dog Puppy is…A Lesson in Life