75 Years of Memories

Guest Author this week is Ellen Valinski.

It's hard to believe that I celebrated my 75^nd Birthday this July. With that many years, I have memories that could fill a book. I thought I would put some of my most favorite memories to paper and share with everyone.

Starting my own Honey Feliceti's Dance Studio at 16 years of age was just the beginning of a long career in business. After school every day I went to my small studio on Front Street in Worcester, MA. I only had 27 students in my first year. My parents helped out, so I was able to pay rent and phone. I would Baby Sit at night on weekends to pay for advertising. I was involved in all my high school shows, which was also great advertising. Dancing in shows for many groups such as Jewish War Veterans, Sons of Italy, Local T.V., U.S.O., Army hospitals, orphanages and so many others.

I was 18years of age when I married my soul mate Andy, who just happen to be 7 years my senior. He helped me so much with my business. I had over 100 students by this time, making my life a little easier.  My studio was now the whole 4^th floor of the Front Street location over Paris Curtain Shop. Business just kept getting better and better each year. Also now being old enough to perform in the good old fashion nite clubs on weekends, I did not need any further financial help from my family.

Dancing in the nite clubs was so much fun. I was entertaining with people like Totie Fields, Vaughn Monroe, Smiling Jack Smith, Jack Carter, Jill Corey, Walter Fields, The Nadeau Sisters, Jerry Lucci, and so many great musicians.

Next great memory was the birth of my first son, Andy Jr. Now Mom and Dad were back as baby sitters, without them my business would not have continued to grow to over 250 students. 

As I continued teaching and dancing at nite clubs, along came son number 2, Brian and then my daughter, Andrea.  Andy and I moved into a custom built house, across from Mom and Dad, the perfect baby sitters. Business was good, I had 4 teachers including myself, two other studios in different towns and over 400 students. 

Early Urban Renewal meant my 4^th floor studio was to be demolished but the new studio was a great step toward continued success. The location was a former nite club with mirrors everywhere and full of great memories of past entertainers. My wonderful husband, Andy replaced the carpet with a  wonderful hard wood floor. I had over 600 students, a receptionist, 6 teachers and a great old piano player, Gert. What a gem she was.

I had Honey Felicitti's Dance Studio for 25 years before ending that part of my business career.  Just wait till I tell you about my next business...

Till then, Ms. Honey

National Parents Day

July 22, 2012 is a special day to honor your mother and father. It’s a time to celebrate the family structure and family values. The family unit is an important structure for the health of children, and the nation. That structure, and those values, are established and nurtured by your parents.  “Oh man, did I pull that out of a conservative hand book or what.”

Today is not a day of gift giving. That's for Mother's Day and Father's Day. The best way to mark this day is by spending time with your parents doing something fun. It’s also important that you let them how much they are loved and appreciated. In 1994, President William (Bill) Clinton proclaimed the fourth Sunday in July as National Parents Day. 

Of course, the definition of Family unit has changed over time and I believe that I should take the moment to acknowledge this fact.  What was considered the so called Normal family unit consisted of male/female parental unit.  In today’s society that definition is too limiting to what reality is when it comes to a parental and Family unit.

There are so many definitions of what constitutes a family unit in today’s world. Webster's Dictionary offers twenty-two definitions. The Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household". I personally say family consist of 2 or more individuals who care for the other and are there to ensure the well-being of the other.

As Family can be defined in so many ways, so can the Parental unit. The main thing to be a parental unit is to show love, understanding, encouragement and protectiveness in rearing a child. Whether it be female/male, female/female or male/male. Whether it be grandmother/grandfather, aunt/uncle or any combination. As long as the goal of that unit is to be nurturing parental unit to the child.

Okay, kids everywhere....... its National Parents Day. Go out and honor Mom and Dad, Dad and Dad, Mom and Mom, etc. etc. etc.  

I AM NOT YOUR "DARLING"!

I was taken back the other day when a lady I was speaking to on the phone blurted out that statement to me. I said excuse me, she then proceeded to read me the riot act that I had called her Darling and She was not MY Darling. How dare I trivialize her by calling her Darling? The rant went on for a few minutes and I let her vent, I feel everyone needs to vent at times. I explained that I had not even realized I had said "Thank you, darlin for your help". I apologized for my statement to her. I then explained that it was not meant as anything more than a courtesy to her. Where I was reared it was a common courtesy to use the words darling, honey, hon, and dear as a way of showing our respect to the person we may be speaking to at the time.

I told this lady that I was only trying show her some courtesy and if she took offense to actually having a gentleman be courtesy to her, then I truly apologize. Of course, this might have been a little over kill on my part but the lady just really took me by surprise that anyone man or woman would be upset for someone being a little courtesy and okay maybe little informal or too personal. Yet in today's society, I feel we strive way too much to be politically correct and become nothing more that automated beings.

I attempt to keep my Midwestern form of courtesy to a lady out of my daily business conversations. Of course, this incident shows that I will never be 100% politically or business correct.  I was reared to respect a woman and that included using these words of endearment as a way of showing respect.  Heck, I was reared to show respect to all beings and I know I might slip at times; my true nature is to be respectful and courtesy.  Just ask the 20 plus women I work with on daily basis, they get called honey, darling and sweetheart all the time, of course, they usually know I am trying to butter them up to take on more work. But hey at least I try to soften the burden with some good ole southern gentleman ways.

In today's world courtesy is not seen very much in everyday life. I try to ensure I keep my manners and am as courteous as possible. I still use the words Please and Thank you. I have heard so many times of late when someone holds a door open for someone else and the person says Thank you, the response back is No problem.  What happen to Your Welcome!   No problem, well I took that for granted that it was no problem you are the one that stopped and held the door. 

As you know if you have been following my blog, that although I am a big supporter of all things technological, I am also first to agree that technology has hurt our interpersonal communication skills and common courtesies.

In today's hectic pace of life, the common social courtesies have been left behind. Be it in the checkout line of a store, on the highway, on the phone and in person, most of the time individuals are too involved in themselves to show any type of courtesy to the world around them. I am sure you all can put scenarios to the areas I just mentioned. 

Would the world not be a better place is everyone showed a little courtesy to the each other? Cultures may be different, how we were reared by be different, the common factor is we are all human and on the same planet.

So I guess I can only say the one thing. "Thank you, Darling for reading my blog this week."

 Till next time LB.

Go Bob’s Angels!!

Okay, I know those that have known me for years will be hard press to believe this next statement. Paul and I have become avid Softball fans this summer.  Sister Cindy aka “The Kid” plays on two different teams and is also an Umpire here in Clarksville. You now find us at the ball park several times a week to either cheer the teams or to simply support and yes harass the Umpire.

Bob’s Angels is the Women’s team that she is currently the pitcher. These ladies have really pulling together as a team and their small support group is there to keep the encouragement going strong. It was very exciting the last game because “The Kid” and Chris “hit the Dirt Girl” both hit home runs. We have really enjoyed seeing this team play and develop over the season to date.

Paul and I are getting to know all the different teams during the week, between the Church League teams (Men and Women) to the Men’s League. We are actually becoming quite knowledgeable at Softball.  I had believed what I had been told that Softball was derived from baseball. So I did some researching to be more knowledgeable in front of “the Kid”.

The sport’s first game actually came about because of a football game. The history of softball dates back to Thanksgiving Day of 1887.   Several alumni sat in the Chicago, IL Farragut Boat Club anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Yale vs. Harvard football game. When Yale was announced as winner, a Yale alumnus playfully threw a boxing glove at a Harvard supporter. The Harvard fan swung at the balled-up glove with a stick, and the rest of the group looked on with interest. George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade, jokingly called out “Play ball!” and the first softball game commenced with the football fans using the boxing glove as a ball and a broom handle in place of a bat.

The Farragut Boat Club decided to officially devise their own set of rules, and the game quickly leaked to outsiders in Chicago and, eventually, throughout the rest of the Midwestern U.S. As the history of softball shaped itself over the next decade, the game went under the guise of “indoor baseball,” “kitten baseball,” “diamond ball,” “mush ball,” and “pumpkin ball.” In 1926, Walter Hakanson coined the term “softball” while representing the YMCA at a National Recreation Congress meeting, and by 1930 the term stuck as the sport’s official name.

Today, softball is one of the most popular sports in the country and an estimated 40 million Americans engage in at least one softball game each year. Because it can be played on either a field or an indoor arena, softball games are played year round, and involve teams with players as young as 8 years old and some players over 60 years in age. Softball is sometimes played by co-recreational leagues where both women and men play on the same teams, but the rules are generally modified to reduce physical inequalities between the sexes.  So there you see, you can teach an old Missouri Mule something new and sports related. Can you believe it…?

Go Angels!! Swing it Low, Swing it High, Hit that ball, Go! Go! Go!

4th of July, A Day of Celebration for many reasons

This will be the first 4^th that I will spend with my sister since we were kids in Rural Southeast Missouri. For the past 20 years, I have spent the 4^th holiday with my Florida Family.

As families gather together across the country for their 4^th of July events, we will be doing the same.  Paul and I will be joining my sister and her Women’s Softball teammates and spouses. We will be having the typical gathering of food, drinks and watching fireworks.  It will be a great time I am sure but the best part is spending time with my sister.  Although Paul and I will miss our Florida Family, just being with Family is what is most important.

We hear so many opinions in the world today as to what constitutes a Family.  I have read that originally the word family meant a band of slaves. That even after the word came to apply to people affiliated by blood and marriage, for centuries the notion of family referred to authority relations rather than love ones. (Stephanie Coontz, The Way We Never Were, pp. 43-44)

Webster's Dictionary offers twenty-two definitions. The Census Bureau defines a family as "two or more persons related by birth, marriage or adoption who reside in the same household". There are cultural differences all around the world that defines a family. There are political, economic, legal, sociological and religious interest bound up with the definition of family.  Pet owners and their pet owning friends may view Dixie and Pixie as "family"--and Dixie and Pixie have been known to inherit the bulk of their deceased owners' estates.

My question is what difference does it make how "family" is defined? 

My definition for family will be as different as the person reading this entry. What person, government or religion has the right to say my definition or your definition is the correct one or the only one.

The most important thing in my life is my family. My family is those here with me as much as the ones that are elsewhere in this great country. Family are those in your life that you protect, you encourage, you support, you love.

So as usual this July 4^th I will being doing what I have done so many times before, celebrate the birth of this great nation with MY FAMILY.  It should be a day of celebration for a country where we have the freedom to celebrate whatever we, each define as family.

So have a fantastic 4^th of July with your family and show your pride and support for this great country, The United States of America.

National Catfish Day

It's a day to enjoy some tasty, fried catfish. Or, enjoy catfish cooked to your favorite recipe......yummy.

You should have no doubt what to do today. Enjoy a plateful of catfish, cooked anyway you want. Chances are, you will eat farm raised catfish, which supplies the vast majority of catfish to the U.S. market. But, wouldn't it be much more fun to fish in the morning, and catch the catfish you will eat?

There was nothing like fresh Catfish on the weekends for the family cookouts. As a teenager, Catfish Farms became very popular and it was a fun weekend activity to sit along the pond banks and catching your limit. For me there is nothing like catfish when it comes to a fish dinner.

My Mom and I could sit down and eat nothing but fish till we were both so stuffed, it hurt to move. The first time Paul saw Mom and me sit down to eat Catfish, I think we scared him. He was amazed at how we ate no side dishes but kept asking for more fish to be delivered to us both.

The Origin of National Catfish Day: Yes, today is truely a National day!

On June 25, 1987, President Ronald Reagan began a presidential proclamation with the words "More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy — farm-raised catfish."

Proclamation 5672 -- National Catfish Day, 1987

June 25, 1987

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

More and more Americans are discovering a uniquely American food delicacy -- farm-raised catfish. In 1986, catfish comprised the third highest volume of finned fish consumed in the United States. Ninety-nine percent of all these catfish were farm-raised. Between 1975 and 1985, production of farm-raised catfish increased by 1200 percent. Most observers expect that production will continue to increase in 1987. Production costs of catfish farming, which have averaged only 65 cents per pound over the past 8 years, have resulted in a stable income for growers and an economical food product for consumers. The accompanying growth of the catfish processing industry also has created thousands of permanent jobs.

Farm-raised catfish have come a long way from their bottom-feeding ancestors. The catfish that are available today, fresh or frozen in markets nationwide, are products of state-of-the-art methods of aquaculture. They thrive in clean freshwater ponds on many American farms, where they are surface-fed soybean meal, corn, fish meal, vitamins, and minerals. Farm-raised catfish not only furnish American consumers with a tasty delicacy but also provide a nutritious, low-calorie source of protein that is also low in cholesterol.

In recognition of the value of farm-raised catfish, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 178, has designated June 25, 1987, as ``National Catfish Day'' and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 25, 1987, as National Catfish Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:13 p.m., June 25, 1987]

Peanutochocoholic Cake

If you are like me, Chocolate and Peanut Butter are two of my favorite pig out foods. It came to me while having a secret meeting with my favorite candy Reese's Peanut Butter cups.  Why not create a dessert that combines my two favorites.  I originally created this recipe over a year ago as a treat for my own birthday. I recently tried it again but made a few changes to the recipe. After Paul and Cindy both agreed it was delicious and a winner. I received lots of request just from my picture of the final cake on face book for the recipe. Here is the final recipe.  Enjoy.

Take any Chocolate Cake mixes that you prefer. I recommend one with the pudding already in the mix.

Follow the cake recipe on the box but add ¾ bag miniature Reese's Peanut Butter cups chopped to the mix... two 8 inch cake pans prepared as cake box recommends.

Bake the cake as recommend and set aside to cool

Peanut Butter cream cheese filling

1/2 cup Powder Sugar

8 oz. of cream cheese soften to room temp

1/2-3/4 cup of Peanut Butter

Whip till nice and creamy

Fold in 1 cup of cool whip

Put this filling in between the two cakes

Cake icing

8 oz. cream cheese room temp

3/4 cup Powder Sugar

½-3/4 cup chocolate syrup(you can also melt chocolate chips)

Whip till creamy

Fold in 1 cup of cool whip

Blend the powdered sugar, cream cheese, syrup and cool whip till creamy, I recommend taste test to adjust to your level of sweetness.