Synergy HomeCare Offers Tips to Help Seniors Thrive
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0 The saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” This idea never really goes away. As we age we rely on others for help and for guidance. “Elderly people, frequently, because of our culture, get left behind in their own homes,” says Synergy HomeCare General Manager Brad Rossman.There’s something family and friends can do to make sure this doesn’t happen – get involved. It doesn’t take much time or effort. Often, a simple phone call can make a world of difference. If you have time consider taking your aging friend or family member to the senior center. The center has a variety of activities and events to help the elderly stay engaged. “As a family member just to help elderly people get social stimulation and exercise outside of the home is very healthy,” explains Rossman.The internet is often considered the domain of the young. The stereotype is that older folks either don’t understand or don’t care. This simply isn’t true, at least when it comes to social media. People aged 55-64 are among the fastest growing demographic population on social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. “A lot of grandparents, if they can learn to use Facebook, can keep up with friends and family members,” says Rossman. Rossman thinks getting grandchildren to show grandma and grandpa the way would bridge the generational gap and encourage conversation.More information about Synergy can be found by going to the website or calling 360-338-0837.
Sarah Lane is a certified Home Care Aide and owner of FirstLight HomeCare — South Sound. To learn more about home care, respite care, dementia care, or any of the non-medical home care services offered by FirstLight HomeCare, give Sarah a call at 360-489-1621 or go to www.southsound.firstlighthomecare.com. Facebook23Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Sarah Lane for FirstLight HomeCareThe challenge of “family caregiving” – providing care for a spouse, parent, child or friend with a chronic, disabling or serious health condition – is becoming nearly universal. A report issued last year by the Public Policy Institute of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimated that there are now 40 million family caregivers in the United States who provide 37 billion hours of care to aging loved ones with limitations in daily activities.Serving as the primary caregiver for loved ones is a challenging new position for many. FirstLight Home Care’s online tools help support and guide those starting out in this important role.Being a family caregiver for a loved one takes time, effort and work, and is both rewarding and demanding. In fact, the AARP report observed that “family caregiving today is more complex, costly, stressful, and demanding than at any time in human history.” The biggest source of stress? “Millions of people who take on this caregiving role have no idea what to do, how to do it, or where to get help.”As a family caregiver, you will face many challenges and have many questions. And you may not always have the answers, know what to expect or how to react. That’s why FirstLight HomeCare – South Sound, the premiere provider of in-home care in Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties, is delighted to offer training and support resources for family caregivers, to help you better care for the needs of your loved one…and yourself.The FirstLight HomeCare Family Learning Center is free for family caregivers who provide home care for friends or loved ones who are homebound, suffer from a debilitating disease or who are simply aging and need companion care. Available online, the site includes over 50 training topics created just for family caregivers that cover everything from basic caregiver training to Alzheimer’s disease and memory care. You’ll find interactive and engaging courses, videos and tip sheets that will help you understand the multiple perspectives and challenges that go along with providing care.By taking caregivers step-by-step through a specific topic with engaging and interactive video, the courses are narrated, but can also be read onscreen, allowing caregivers to learn through the method most comfortable to them. Just some of the topics family caregivers can learn about in the Family Learning Center include:Becoming a CaregiverThe FirstLight HomeCare Family Learning Center is free for family caregivers who provide home care for friends or loved ones.Care PlanningChallenging BehaviorsDaily Care SkillsElimination and ToiletingNutrition and HydrationPromoting and Maintaining Good MobilitySigns and Symptoms of Alzheimer’sFamily Learning Center courses focus on multi-generational family caregiving and are designed to be immediately available to families who need help, but don’t always know where to turn for information or support. The Family Learning Center makes it easy for family caregivers to always have a caregiving resource to turn to whenever they need it because it’s available online 24/7, accessed directly from the FirstLight HomeCare – South Sound website.There aren’t a lot of resources available to family caregivers to make their challenges easier. We hope the Family Learning Center answers a lot of questions, provides some much-needed training and support and helps caregivers keep their loved ones more comfortable and remaining at home.Sarah Lane
Facebook256Tweet0Pin2Submitted by Wesport WineryWestport Winery will celebrate its tenth anniversary on Saturday, March 31, with several significant events happening at their headquarters located halfway between Aberdeen and Westport on the Washington Coast.Westport Winery’s 10th anniversary celebration will take place on March 31 at their headquarters. Photo courtesy: Westport WineryAll the members of their wine club are invited to an aerial fireworks’ show high above the winery’s 20-acre destination garden resort. Blain Roberts, co-founder of the venture said, “We are working with some close friends who put on the fireworks show for the Statue of Liberty’s 100-year celebration. They guarantee this show will blow your socks off!” (In fact, they asked if the Roberts wanted the show to be seen from Aberdeen, Ocean Shores and Westport for those who are not in the wine club.) The celebration for wine club members will begin at 8:30 p.m. Members are encouraged to share transportation and arrive early as parking is limited.Carrie Roberts, now a co-owner of the winery with her parents and brother, said, “Our most popular wine in recent years is an incredible Bordeaux blend called Smoky Nor’wester and it has been sold out for months. We thought our anniversary would be the perfect time to release the latest vintage to our wine club members. We even designed a beautiful commemorative bottle that we’re super excited to reveal that evening.” The frosted and decorated bottle is designed to be recycled for use with the winery’s extensive selection of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.Her brother and head winemaker Dana Roberts also has a special new feature to share with his fans. “I’ve been working for years building my own ‘barrel program’ for aging our red wines. I’ve finally acquired enough oak barrels that we created a room just to house them that will reflect the true romance of wine-making.” This new space will be revealed that evening to ten-year club members and will become the final stop on his Backstage Winemaker’s Tour offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. The tour is free for wine club members and their guests and is $5 for those who do not belong to the club.Kim Roberts, the family matriarch said, “We are also hosting a private party for those wine club members who have been with us the entire decade. They deserve our unflinching gratitude for investing in this unlikely venture from the very beginning. At this point many are dear friends and feel like a part of our family.” Ten-year club members need to bring their invitations with them for entrance to this private celebration.Since its inception in 2008, the winery has garnered numerous accolades including over 500 medals in national and international wine competitions. Winemaker Dana Roberts began his career producing wine for his family’s business with his first harvest at age twenty-two marking him as one of the youngest winemakers in the state at that time. He said, “I’m not sure what my parents were thinking when they invested their entire life’s savings–and a lot of borrowed money–in the notion that I could learn to make world class wine, but I’m so appreciative that they did.”His sister Carrie, now the company’s general manager said, “I don’t know what Dana and I would have done if the folks hadn’t decided to build this winery. Although we had our degrees, neither one of us had a particular passion that would have lead us to anything close to this opportunity.”The family credits former county extension agent Don Tapio with suggesting they, “Plant a vineyard and build a winery. It will be historic.” The original 12-acres of grapes, which were never able to produce ripe fruit, has evolved into 20-acres of display gardens including 55 outdoor sculptures commissioned by the family and crafted by local artists. The gardens and art have been Kim’s creative outlet. “I always tell people this land is my canvas and I want to paint on it for the rest of my life.” They hope someday that this destination will be the Butchart Gardens of Washington State.The entire family, including Dana’s wife Rikki (and a plethora of critters between the various family homes) all live on the property. Blain said, “For us, the greatest blessing is working every day with our kids, being their neighbors, and having the chance to really get to know them as adults. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to share this property and the business with the people I love most.”On top of all this, during the winery’s first decade, the Roberts’ family has contributed a portion of the proceeds from each of their wines to forty local charities with contributions totaling over $400,000. The family agrees that this has been their greatest achievement.In 2017, Westport Winery was named Greater Grays Harbor Business of the Year. The Sea Glass Grill at Westport Winery Garden Resort was voted #2 winery restaurant in the nation by USA Today. The business has been voted Best Winery by King 5 Evening Magazine seven times.In 2016 Westport Winery was honored as one of the top twenty most-admired wineries in North America by Winery & Vineyard Management Magazine. The business earned Best Winery, Best Wine Shop, and Best Boutique Winery for 2016 by South Sound Magazine. They received the Grays Harbor Environmental Stewardship Award in 2015. They were named the Best Washington Family Business Silver Medal winners in 2012 by Seattle Business Magazine. And in 2011 they garnered Washington Winery to Watch by Wine Press Northwest.Westport Winery’s new location at 810 Broadway in Seaside is open daily from 11am to 6pm and until 8pm on Friday and Saturday. Family-friendly Westport Winery Garden Resort, is located on the corner of Highway 105 and South Arbor Road, halfway between Aberdeen and Westport. The Sea Glass Grill at the resort is open daily or breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information or reservations call 360-648-2224.
Facebook175Tweet0Pin0The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is committed to bringing forth the most beneficial resources, partnerships, and skills to help support the region’s businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.For the first time in nearly 20 years Saint Martin’s University has unveiled a new logo. Photo credit: Saint Martin’s UniversityFrom the first day that COVID-19 began affecting Thurston County’s small businesses, the EDC started brainstorming on how best to assist business owners during this incredibly trying time. One of the main avenues that proved to be the most effective way to push out resources was by creating a robust COVID-19 Resource Page. This page is continually updated so that readers can stay informed on how the pandemic is progressing and obtain concise and easy to follow guidelines on how to request assistance.The key component that the EDC is asking every small business to fill out is the Economic Injury Form. The form presents various questions including a brief explanation of what adverse economic effects the disaster had on your business, estimated dollar loss, and the number of employees prior to the disaster. Once completed, the form should be emailed to office@thurstonedc.com. “We are requesting that businesses fill out this form on a monthly basis so that we can track the impact that COVID-19 is having,” states Kaylee Purcell, director of the center for business and innovation. These forms are of the utmost importance as they’re directly used when EDC employees head out to request funding from local state and government agencies. “If we can paint a picture of the local impact that this pandemic is having,” continues Purcell, “then it’s that much easier to request the funding that our local businesses so need. We hope that business owners can make filling out the forms a monthly habit for as long as we’re feeling the impacts of this pandemic.”Another important feature on the EDC’s website is the latest information from on the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Founded in 1952, the SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s main go-to resource and voice for small businesses. Various resources from the SBA include their Economic Injury Disaster Loan that’s available to those who qualify from both nonprofits and for-profit businesses. This loan has a low interest rate with a max rate of 4 percent.As Executive Director, Michael Cade is responsible for the overall direction and management of the organization and has worked diligently alongside his employees to quickly disperse information surrounding COVID-19. Photo courtesy: Thurston Economic Development CouncilThe SBA’s latest information surrounding COVID-19 is especially important for the Thurston County community as there are currently three SBA programs under one roof at the EDC, including the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This SBA-funded program has existed for more than 40 years and is here to help by offering programs free of charge. Locally in Thurston County, there are two advisors and many more across the state that are offering one-on-one online and phone sessions as well as many group webinars. The EDC also links to helpful pages such as the SBDC’s Disaster Planning and Recovery page as well as their Business Resiliency Toolkit.Another SBA-funded program under the EDC’s roof is SCORE. For over 50 years, SCORE has served as America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. Currently, they are offering online and phone sessions with their many mentors across the country. Other SCORE tools that can be found on the EDC’s website include: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help, Crisis Communications Planning Checklist and more.The third SBA-funded program at the EDC is the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCWB). With a mission to empower entrepreneurs to succeed in business by providing coaching, training, and technical assistance on a wide variety of topics, the WCWB is a key resource during these unprecedented times. Offering assistance in both English and Spanish, the EDC recommends signing up for their various webinars and making an appointment with a knowledgeable advisor.Other resources that can be found on the continually updated COVID-19 Resource Page are a comprehensive list of actions that businesses can take, vendor supply chains, unemployment benefits, the Employment Security Department’s shared work program and more. “We’re really trying to keep the website updated with as much real-time information as possible to help our community,” states Purcell.The Thurston Economic Development Council’s mission is to create a dynamic and sustainable economy that supports the values of the people who live and work in Thurston County. Photo courtesy: Thurston Economic Development CouncilAnother avenue that the EDC has taken to help those in need is by creating a 501(c)(3) charitable fund that is distributed to small businesses with less than five employees. “Individuals can donate to this Fund now,” says Purcell, “and we are working with different partnerships throughout the region to secure larger funds.” The SBA’s Economic Injury Form will be part of application process to be eligible to receive these funds, which is another reason that the EDC recommends filling out that form now to be ahead of the game.The EDC also would like individuals to be aware of the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and United Way of Thurston County’s newly established Thurston County COVID-19 Response Fund. This Fund is designed to complement the work of public health officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible by assisting the most disproportionately impacted individuals and families, as well as certain organizations in our community who are serving those populations.Additionally, the EDC has implemented a weekly call with their resource partners to discuss updates on what resources are currently available, new closures, and other important updates. These calls take place each Friday, please contact the EDC if you would like to learn more about these calls.To stay up-to-date on all aspects surrounding the rapidly changing COVID-19, follow the EDC on Facebook and Twitter as well as the WCWB Facebook. Feel free to contact the EDC at 360-754-6320 or office@thurstonedc.com with any questions.
Facebook16Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Thurston Community MediaThurston Community Television (TCMedia) was honored with two 2020 Hometown Media Awards from the Alliance for Community Media Foundation during a virtual Hometown Media Awards celebration on Thursday, July 9, 2020. The awards program was established to honor and promote community media and local cable programs that are distributed on Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels.In the Children’s Programming student division, the honor went to “Weirder Stuff.” This program was produced by 8 to 11 year-olds in TCMedia’s 2019 Young Producers Network summer camp, under the leadership of TCMedia staff, Dan Bennett.TCMedia staff person, Ker Malkin Gesulga, produced the winning “About Us: Welcome to Thurston Community Media,” a short promotional video about TCMedia. It was honored in the About Access & Empowerment professional division.“To have our programming rise to the top from among all that were entered is thrilling,” said Deborah Vinsel, CEO. “We’re deeply honored to have our youth program and our talented staff recognized by our peers from around the country. I’m very proud of our staff and the kids from last summer’s camp.”Each year, a panel of judges evaluates more than thousand entries based on several factors including subject, experience and budget. Awards are then presented to the most creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats and move viewers to experience television in a different way. Proceeds from the awards program are used exclusively for facilitating, preserving and promoting education in community media.“The Hometown Media Awards celebrate both the excellence of work and the diversity of media that appears on community channels being produced around the country. The ACM Foundation is proud of their achievement and of how they represent their communities in their work,” said Mike Wassenaar, president & CEO, Alliance for Community Media.
By Kathy MieleI was poking around in the garage when I noticed an old wooden box tucked in the back of a shelf almost hidden by one of the boy’s old baseball bags. As I pulled it out I couldn’t help but call out to my husband, “Steven, you’ve got to see what I just found!”Steven came out into the garage. “What?” he asked.I was holding up the wooden box. “It’s Dad’s old gardening box!” I looked inside and began pulling out the old and rusted gardening tools. “Well, these have seen better days,” I sighed.
“That’s for sure.”Steven reached in and picked up the old gardening glove, caked with dirt, its mate long gone. “I don’t think there’s a thing worth saving in this whole box,” he said as he tossed the old glove back in.“It’s not the things inside the box that I want,” I said. “It’s the box itself.”I held it close to my chest. “Dad was such a wonderful gardener maybe just using this will bring me luck with my own gardening.”Steven looked out the window and pointed at my cherry tomato plant sadly sitting in its patio pot, leaning awkwardly to one side. “I’m pretty sure what you need are a few tomato stakes and some twine to get that one back on track.”I ignored his suggestion for the moment, too busy in my own thoughts. I dumped the contents of Dad’s gardening box in the trash before placing it on the counter. Then I grabbed my car keys and headed out the door. “I’ll be back in about a half-hour,” I called.Steven sighed as he watched me go.A half-hour later I burst through the door calling out to him, “I’m back!”Steven came out to the kitchen just in time to see me drop my overflowing shopping bag onto the kitchen counter. “I’ve got some stuff for my gardening box,” I said as I held up a three-pronged hand tool. “I got a new digger thing.”“You mean a cultivator?” Steven asked.“Whatever you call it.” I dropped it in the box and pulled my next purchase out of the shopping bag. “My own pair of gardening gloves.” I held up the denim-colored cotton gloves with small white flowers printed on them. “Aren’t these adorable?” I asked.“That’s what you’re looking for when you work in dirt – adorable,” he said.He watched as I reached into the bag and pulled out a half-dozen additional new hand tools. “I’m not sure what any of these are called but I’m pretty sure I need all of them.” I smiled as I dropped them in the gardening box.“Did you happen to get some gardening stakes and some twine?” he asked as he pointed to my tomato plant on the patio.“Even better,” I said reaching into another bag. “I stopped by the fabric shop and picked this up.” I showed him the light green grosgrain ribbon. “This will look prettier in the garden than twine.”Steven shrugged as he looked at the ribbon. “I guess that will work, too.”I smiled as I picked up the newly filled gardening box and headed out the backdoor. “I’m telling you Steven, now that I have Dad’s lucky gardening box this backyard is going to look gorgeous in just a few weeks!”Steven didn’t say a word, but really, he didn’t have to.
Shoppers can look for the Have a Heart poster on participating business windows and will usually find a bin for donations. Lunch Break served more than 4,500 free hot meals each month in 2012, a 68 percent increase since 2008. The number includes meals delivered to homebound seniors. The pantry also provides groceries to those who need help and more than 500 children receive Christmas gifts. Social, medical and legal services are available onsite and clothing in good repair is handed out once each month.“As a business community we see such special projects as our way of ‘paying it forward,’ ” Saybolt said. “Even in turned-down economies we recognize the opportunities that we have been given and the necessity to share our time and talents with others.”Actively seeking new members, the LSBPA hopes to promote the advantages of shopping in a smaller borough as opposed to larger retail facilities and more congested “downtown” surroundings. By synchronizing event calendars with the town, offering a website and networking among members, the LSBPA is living by its mission to, “unite our fellow businesses in Little Silver and augment our investment in the community through business growth and volunteerism.”For more information on the Have a Heart Food Drive or to find out more about the LSBPA, contact Saybolt at Lori5775@comcast.net or visit online at www.LittleSilverBusiness.com. Gloria Nilson Realtors Real Living, 600 Broad St., ShrewsburyWells Fargo Home Mortgage, 230 Half Mile Road, Red BankEdward Jones, 841 W. Park Ave., Ocean LITTLE SILVER – The Little Silver Business and Professional Association (LSBPA) has announced its third annual community service project benefitting Lunch Break in Red Bank.The Have a Heart Food Drive, named for the campaign’s proximity to Valentine’s Day, begins Feb. 1 and will continue throughout the month with drop-off locations at businesses all over the Little Silver downtown community.Last year’s community effort resulted in more than 350 pounds of food being donated to Lunch Break. This year, LSBPA Co-President Lori Saybolt said the business partnership has a goal of collecting 500 pounds of food.“In initially organizing the Have a Heart Food Drive, we set out to give back to those in need during exceedingly difficult times,” Saybolt said. “What happened as a result of our humanitarian effort was an ensuing strength and bond among the business community of Little Silver that prompted us to organize more community service projects throughout the year.”Now with the need being greater than ever from Super Storm Sandy, the organization’s members are hopeful that everyone who can give will donate.The group is seeking nonperishable donations such as canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna, rice, beans, soups and other staples to fill the pantry shelves of Lunch Break, a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that provides hot meals and other critical assistance such as clothing and services, to those in need. Other drop off locations in the area include: Businesses in Little Silver serving as designated drop-off locations include: The Woman’s Exchange, 32 Church St.Valley National Bank, 140 Markham PlaceMcCue Captains Agency, 680 Branch Ave.Family Pharmacy, 10 Church St.New Jersey Laser Dentistry, 200 White Road, Suite 203Ye Olde Pie Shoppe, 74 Oceanport Ave.Central Jersey Bank, 700 Branch Ave.Pet’s General, 32 Prospect PlazaWells Fargo Bank, 480 Prospect Ave.Skin and Bones Day Spa, 31 Church St.Jill Ryan Interiors, 160 White Road, Suite 103
Yes, you heard that right! Barriers on the Oceanic Bridge connecting Rumson and Middletown will be lifted Saturday night through 6 a.m. Monday, as work to repair bearings shifts from the north side to the south side.The bridge has been closed to traffic since Tuesday, and was not expected to re-open until June 12. The county posted a notice on its website Friday about the opening.Harms Construction Co. Inc. of Howell will resume work at 6 a.m. Monday on the south side of the structure that spans the Navesink River. Round-the-clock work will continue to have the work completed by June 12.
HIGHLANDS – Plan an exciting weekend getaway, a romantic date night on the water, or an interesting, inexpensive adventure this summer. Seastreak, a ferry and catamaran service, offers affordable year-round events and cruises for people of all ages. The boats afford full-cash bars, flat screen TVs, various shows, impeccable views, and more.Catch a New York Yankee or Mets game without the hassle of traffic. Seastreak travels to Yankee stadium – a 75-minute ride – or Citi Field – 90 minutes – in plenty of time to catch the pre-game on- or off-board. The walk to the entrances of either stadium is short, and the ferry departs 30 minutes after the last out.Everyone could use a weekend getaway, especially to scenic Martha’s Vineyard. The catamaran departs from the Highlands and Manhattan on Fridays and from Martha’s Vineyard on Sundays without connecting stops. Within the quick five-hour ride, guests are able to see views of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island, the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, Long Island Sound, Block Island and more from the ferry’s three decks with 360-degree views. Another weekend getaway available is to Nantucket from Fridays-Sundays throughout June, one way or round-trip. A New Bedford Sunset Cruise, live entertainment, and a view of the sunset over the water. Also departing from New Bedford is another cruise to Martha’s Vineyard, running daily throughout the summer.A convenient way to view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on the East River is from a Seastreak ferry. The Seastreak catamarans leave from the Highlands and Manhattan and station in the perfect spot so guests can enjoy the scenery from indoors or outdoors.For a day in the city, board the NY Sightseeing Cruise on a weekday or during the weekend, choosing a convenient time. The round-trip is two-and-a-half hours, leaving from both New Jersey (Highlands and Atlantic Highlands) and Manhattan. Sights include Battery Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Governor’s Island, South Street Seaport, Statue of Liberty, Romer Shoal Lighthouse, Sandy Hook Lighthouse and more.For more information visit www.seastreak.com. Ways to the WavesBy Joey Dominguez Fishing & Party CruisesBy Capt. Robby Barradale With summer well on its way, Two River locals are already dreaming about the various ways to the Jersey Shore waters. Here are just a few activities.Kayaking is an easy, fun activity that gets locals of all ages off of their couches and into the water. The Red Bank Marina rents kayaks and canoes hourly and by the day. They provide mandatory personal flotation device as well as all other necessary safety equipment.The Oceanic Marina in Rumson also provides both single and double kayak rentals with access to Sandy Hook Bay. You can rent a kayak for a minimum two hours or for a full day. They also provide skiff and pontoon rentals with the appropriate boating license.Paddleboarding, a water activity that involves kneeling or standing on a board while using your arms or an oar to propel you forward, originated in the waters of Polynesia and has since become a popular choice for local beachgoers. Navesink River Paddle Excursions in Fair Haven offers both private and semi-private lessons, board and paddle rentals and tours in both the morning and evening hours.A derivative of paddleboarding, stand up paddling (SUP) is available in various locations. And for more of a chal- lenge, Ohanala offers SUP yoga – yoga practiced on Stand Up Paddle boards secured by tether to a floating dock.If physically manning a boat seems daunting, you can enjoy a day on the water by letting a captain take the wheel on an eco cruise with NY/NJ Baykeeper. A Lighthouse Eco Cruise sails past the lighthouses of Coney Island and Sandy Hook and a Boats and Bridges Eco Cruise will offer a waterview that includes a boat graveyard. Both cruises launch from the Keyport waterfront and will provide light refreshments. In the land of the Two Rivers we are fortunate to have so many great marinas and some of them host the best all-around party and charter boats in New Jersey.Party boats – primarily out of Atlantic Highlands – sail daily and charge by the individual passenger. They are also known as “head boats” because they charge “by the head.” Vessels such as the Sea Tiger run half day trips, normally 8 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. and then again from 1:30 to 6 p.m. I highly recommend this type of trip if you go with kids. It’s just long enough to keep them busy without getting bored. Others such as the Fishermen offer 3/4 day runs from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and also a night trip from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. (Please check with your captains for possible schedule changes.)Charter boats are reserved for a group that is essentially leas- ing the boat for a specific time frame. For fishing purposes you can opt for a smaller boat like Obsessive Behavior for personalized two-person fly or light tackle trips. Moving up, out of Highlands, we have a number of six-passenger boats such as Long Shot or Fisher Price IV, both captained by serious fisher- men who will “put you on the meat.” Our next step – more like a leap – would be the larger charters like the MiJo II that can handle up to 95 people. To be honest, 95 folks on a boat is a lot for fishing, 15 to 40 is a much more comfortable number.It doesn’t have to be a fishing trip. Some people enjoy the more laid back atmosphere of a sunset cruise or maybe a Statue of Liberty run, or even a three-hour party/booze cruise. Both the MiJo II and the Mariner can customize this type of event for you. A nice striper on Obsessive Behavior with Joe Hagen. Photo: Robert BarradaleDay and Weekend CruisesBy Samantha Caramela Happy Boating!Capt. Robby writes the Fish or Cut Bait column for the Two River Times
Crisipin was runner up in the open division while Lynne Foster of Nelson finished second in the Senior Ladies category.Jeri Santarossa of Trail won the 18-hole tourney edging Carole Waters of Kokanee Springs.The Granite Pointe foursome of Kathy Tencza, Sue Moisey, Audrey Arcuri and Sherry McIvor won the team title.The B.C. Senior Ladies tournament is June 18-20 at the Highland Pacific Golf Club in Victoria.The women will be back on the course Saturday at Granite Pointe for the annual Tournament of Roses event.The 18-hole tourney begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start. Cherie Baker of Creston stole the show at the Kootenay Women’s Zone Golf Championships held recently at the Granite Pointe at Nelson course.Baker edged Mackenzie Field of Christina Lake in the 36-hole tournament. Baker now earns a spot in the upcoming B.C. Amateur Women’s Championships, which is being played at the Christina Lake course in July 3-6.Baker also took home the Senior Ladies crown over Balfour’s Roma Crispin.Sue Moisey of Nelson captured both low net awards.