Page 21 - PGA Community News - August '24

August 2024
August 2024 BW PGA C.A.N.!, Page 21
Professional Firefighters/Paramedics Of Palm Beach County

August 2024 Use extreme caution if you inadvertently drive into a We have been experiencing significant heat and humidity
flooded area. High levels of standing water can make it so far this summer. It is vitally important to keep well hydrated
As we move closer into the difficult to tell the difference between where the standing when doing any outdoor activities. Whether working or even
heart of hurricane season and water and pavement ends, and the canal or retention pond just enjoying some leisure time, dehydration can occur rapidly.
the months of strong afternoon begins. A car can sink very quickly and, if not witnessed, If you, or anyone you are with, start experiencing severe
thunderstorms, we all need to may not be seen until the water recedes. headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing or simply do not
be aware of the dangers local Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control reports that feel well, get into shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty
flooding can create. over half of all flood-related deaths occur when a vehicle is of rehydrating fluids. Do not hesitate to call for Fire Rescue if
Even relatively minor driven into hazardous flood water. It only takes 18 inches symptoms persist.
flooding or pooling of water on of water to carry away most vehicles, including SUVs. Please remember these tips to help keep you and your
our roadways can be deceiving in the depth of standing Pooling water in neighborhood swales can look very family safe and healthy.
water or the force of moving water. If you are walking inviting to children, and the first thought is to want to Steen Eriksson,
or driving in an area that you are not familiar with, you play in it. Please keep in mind, however, that the standing Community Relations,
may not be aware of the normal landscape and therefore water is typically full of contaminants from lawn fertilizer, Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County,
not know if there is typically water in that location. weed killer, pet feces and anything else that may have IAFF Local 2928
The best practice is to not walk into water if you are even been washed out of the neighbors’ yards. This can be a HOAN@iaff2928.com
slightly unsure about how deep it is. A mere six inches of significant health hazard if the water is ingested, splashed
fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult. in the eyes, or enters the ears, nose or an open cut or sore.
Palm Beach North Chamber Of Commerce

Unveils Remaining 2024 Events

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is delighted • Aug. 24, Loggerhead Triathlon – The longest- Celebrate the achievements of outstanding women in our
to announce its calendar of events for the remainder of 2024, standing triathlon in Palm Beach North. This prestigious community.
promising a series of dynamic and impactful gatherings. These event attracts athletes from across the country and is a • Nov. 20, Honoring Our Veterans – Tribute to our
events not only feature prominent special guests, including testament to our community’s dedication to health and brave veterans.
state senators, but also attract over 40,000 participants annually wellness. Noel Martinez, president and CEO of the Palm Beach
and have been recognized with numerous awards for their • Sept. 18, Mayor’s Breakfast – Updates and initiatives North Chamber of Commerce shares his enthusiasm for the
excellence in community engagement. from local mayors. upcoming events, “With each event, we strive to set new
Event Highlights • Oct. 20, Supervisor of Elections – Learn about voting standards of excellence. This year is no exception – we’re
• Aug. 7, Back to School Breakfast – Insights for a procedures and transparency. raising the bar and fostering meaningful connections.”
successful academic year with Superintendent Mike Burke. • Oct. 30, Women of the Year Award Luncheon – For more information, visit www.pbnchamber.com.

Book Review

The Book Of Charlie: Wisdom of longevity, and always ideal. In his final years he was interviewed many
Charlie was married more than once. Life was not
Charlie was always
From The Remarkable Life scrupulously honest: times by the media and asked about his philosophy of life.
Of A 109-Year-Old Man there’s no secret, just “I haven’t given it much thought,” he would reply, except
luck. But if he knew
to add that his mother’s advice to “Do the right thing”
no secrets to a long covers a lot of situations. But among the items Charlie’s
By Nils A. Shapiro life, he knew plenty family found when he was gone was a single sheet of
David Von Drehle was about a happy life. notepaper on which he had written a list of 15 definitive
already a noted writer—a Through tragedy and rules that serve perfectly as a guide to a successful life.
columnist and editor at the loss, poverty and I will list only five here and urge you to read this book
Washington Post and author setbacks, missteps to get the full terrific story … and the other 10 secrets
of four earlier successful and blown chances, you will want to know of Charlie’s well-lived life:
books—when he decided to he mai nt ai ne d Savor special moments.
move with his wife and four a steadiness, an Cry when you need to.
young children to Kansas evenness, and a self- Feel deeply.
City, Mo. But he had no reliance that today Take a chance.
idea when he first met the might be called Enjoy wonder.
elderly neighbor who lived resilience. He had a
in the house across the street, who said he was “washing gift for seizing joy, grabbing opportunities, and holding
his girlfriend’s car,” that it was a moment that would on to things that matter. And he had an unusual knack for
change his life forever. an even more difficult task: letting go of all the rest.”
For that man was Charlie White, already 102 years There were many highs and lows in a life as long
of age—a retired physician who had been born before as this. And witnessing them over more than a century
the invention of radio and lived long enough to use a through Charlie’s eyes is a remarkable experience,
smartphone; a man born soon after the first flight of the especially in the words of such a gifted writer. As just a
Wright Brothers who later watched man’s landing on the few of many, many examples:
moon, and whose own medical practice began before the Dr. Charlie White’s medical career began in the depths
discovery of penicillin, was limited to comforting the of the Great Depression of the early 1930s, when making
patient so that the body could heal itself … and continued house calls was a typical way to treat patients. The
through the discovery of antibiotics and today’s latest situation sometimes called for the emergency removal of
pharmaceutical and surgical advances. a child’s tonsils. At such and similar occasions, parents HANDY-MAN
But from the friendship that developed between these who literally could not afford a nickel in payment instead
two men, and which prompted this bestselling book, was invited the doctor for dinner or offered anything he would
the author’s evolving awareness of the extraordinary like to take from their cupboard. HOME SERVICES
wisdom and positive philosophy that had enabled Charlie Charlie had a tough childhood. His father, whom
to survive all that life had placed in his path those many he loved dearly, was a pastor. One day, when the man
years. He had taken to heart the lesson his mother had was entering the elevator in an office building the NO JOB TOO SMALL
taught him from an early age: Do the right thing. inexperienced operator of the elevator accidentally raised
For Von Drehle, this became an opportunity to pass it and Charlie’s father slipped and fell many floors into
along to his own children the kinds of lessons he had the empty chute and was killed. Charlie’s mother was left u Water Stains u Screen Repair
always hoped he could provide for them. with five children and no source of income. u Painting u Leak Repair
The following excerpt makes it clear that everyone One of Charlie’s high school buddies owned a u Caulking u Misc. Repair
fortunate enough to read this wonderful book can derive 1917 Model T Ford touring car with bicycle fenders,
that same benefit: Chesterfield seats and a fold-up canopy. Several of u Interior/Exterior
“Charlie was a man of science. As a physician, he the guys decided to set out for California after their ... and much more!
knew how the human body goes—and how it stops. He graduation in May 1922, taking on farm work to pay their
was the first to say that his extraordinary life span was a way cross country. The description of that trip includes Housesitting Available • References Available
fluke of genetics and fortune. Still, as I’ve reflected on this instructions on how to drive that Model T.
remarkable friend, I’ve come to see that he was more than Charlie volunteered and served in the U.S. Army Air (Serving Palm Beach County since 1980)
a living history lesson, and more than just the winner of a Force. When anesthesia was discovered as a way to ease
genetic Powerball. He was a case study in how to thrive— patients’ suffering, he was trained in its application and Call Rubin
not just survive but thrive—through any span of years, became one of the military’s leading anesthesiologists, Licensed & Insured 561-346-2467
short or long. People often asked him about the secret training many others under his command.