Heather Cass was recently named the 2013 Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.

Heather, pictured at left in an Erie Times-News file photo, is the founder and race director of the Her Times 5K. She is the former editor of Her Times and a current blogger of Runner’s Notes for the Erie Times-News.

Heather is much more than a runner. She has shared interviews, advice, parenting tales and award-winning stories of all kinds with readers of Her Times and the Erie Times-News.

She has also tested out fitness ideas, diets and other healthy living topics and shared them with readers.

In the Her Times 5K race’s 7-year history, Heather has steadily increased the attendance and participation at the event. The race and walk annually welcome hundreds of women. Heather also added a shorter race for children.

In addition to founding the race, Heather has inspired, mentored and coached countless women to get involved in running and all types of fitness. She has helped many novice runners achieve their dreams of not only running 5Ks but marathons, as well.

Heather, wife of Dan, and mom to two daughters, is the publications/design coordinator at Penn State Erie, the Behrend College. Follow her blog at http://www.goerieblogs.com/sports/runnersnotes/

The Her Times 5K race takes place on October 5, 2013 at Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Check Heather’s blog for details on how to enter.

The Girl Scout luncheon that honors Heather takes place Aug. 8, at the Bayfront Convention Center. For more information – -click here or contact Allison Burns, Girls Scouts Western Pennsylvania, 412-594-2210 or aburns@gswpa.org.

It is with great pride that we congratulate Heather Cass.

I hate cleaning windows. I love the way they look when they are clean, but I hate cleaning them. I don’t care who knows it. And that includes the windows. My husband has purchased gadgets and gizmos to do the exteriors, but we still have screens and interiors to clean. I have neighbors who love to clean windows, so my windows have cleaning envy.

My window washing disdain dates back to my old house. Built in 1928, it had massive wood windows that required hauling the storms off the window frames, storing them and then cleaning the interiors. The windows were heavy and so were the screens. And they were almost as tall as me. The first floor alone had 19 windows. Gradually, I replaced the old house’s dinosaurs with newer models and/or lighter weight storm/screen combinations, but my disdain for window cleaning remains.

This house is twice as big and has 13 first-floor windows, but they have removable muntins. I love the look of muntins until I have to pull them out and reinsert them in the same holes — one is right in the lock. Who does that? Right now, I have three windows done. I have tried paying the kids to do them, but repairs are too costly.

My boys were better at breaking windows than cleaning them. Howie broke more than one window in our old sunporch just fooling around with my tennis racket. He also is the one who, while outside, threw a snowball at his brother, who was inside — breaking both the storm and interior windows. The basement windows were broken so many times by soccer balls that I installed glass block.

I admit I broke a few windows myself. I killed a bug with my wallet one time, and smashed the kitchen window — must have been full of pennies.

I know all the tricks: Vinegar, newspaper, squeegees, add a teaspoon of dish soap. I’m a Windex girl myself. Sometime before Sunday, I plan to get at least those other three windows on the front of the first floor done. And then we will be in for a storm of biblical proportions. And after that, I must clean out the closets. Every time a kid moves out, I take over a closet. I now have spring, summer, winter and fall closets. Oh and a closet of stuff I don’t know what to do with.  My husband is not amused, but I will remind him how lovely the windows look.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three and stepmom to three.

From left, Howie Eckert, Laura Alexis, Kelly Eckert, Nick Carmosino, Ryan Eckert, Pam Parker and Kim Parker at Waterman’s Surfside Grille in Virginia Beach.

What a difference a year makes.

Last year my oldest graduated as a doctor of physical therapy after seven long years of studying. This year, we spent a long weekend in his new hometown of Virginia Beach.

We shared love, laughter and libations on this trip and made memories.  Some of the memorable moments:

My youngest, who recently turned 21, told us frequently, “I’m a grown man.” He also selected the fave meal of the week —  the Waterman burger – a burger topped with a lump crabcake and  cheese. It was incredible.

Our view above Rudee’s Inlet near the beach included a marina. Captain Jack and the Lost Pearl, a pirate ship, regularly cruised by larger boats with loudspeaker blaring, “Give me all your treasure.” The boat tours the inlet and includes a bar.

We had an air show on Friday courtesy of the Naval Air Station in nearby Oceana. It is home to the F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets.

Everyone in Virginia Beach must be working for the Chamber of Commerce. The police officer directing traffic near a construction site outside our rented condo talked to us on a break and shared all the pertinent stats of the area. He also offered tips on shopping, eating and traveling. He moved there in the 1980s from New Jersey.

It’s a great place to visit, and we will be back. It’s also not far from the Outer Banks.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three and stepmom to three.

At left — that’s me with Mishol Randolph. We were at the Dress for Success Purse and Pearls luncheon yesterday, and Mishol, of Erie, spoke to a sellout crowd that hung on every word.

At 25. Mishol recounted addictions to drugs and alcohol that started before she was a teenager and progressed to heroin. She cleaned up when she became pregnant, but returned to drugs within weeks of giving birth. She landed in prison, but she credits that experience for realizing she would lose her daughter.

Today, Mishol is a sales executive for the Erie Bayhawks, and she is happily raising her daughter Baelyn, 7.

Hers is a story of help from an entire Erie community that supports women. Kudos to the Erie County Treatment Court, a treatment-oriented program associated with the Mental Health Association of Northwestern Pennsylvania; Turning Point, a chemical dependency treatment facility in Franklin;

Mercy Center for Women, Dress for Success and the Erie Bayhawks.

To read more of her story, click here. Mishol also spoke at the 2013 Dress for Success “Something to Share” Gala in New York City in April.

Congratulations to Mishol and all the women who have turned their lives around with the help of Erie organizations.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom to three and step grandmom to one.

Young people are tanning too much, and Erie’s Doreen Buckel wants to spread the word.

Her 28-year-old daughter, Jennifer, lost a battle with melanoma — the potentially deadly skin cancer. Jennifer, like a lot of young women, spent time in the sun and in tanning beds. Doreen Buckel, her friends and family members lined Peach Street to raise awareness of skin cancer during Melanoma Awareness Month.
See the WJET-TV video here of her efforts. Click here to see a WJET-TV interview with Doreen.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common of all cancers with more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed each year in the United States — more than all other cancers combined. The incidence of diagnosis has increased over the past few decades.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and tanning beds.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom to three and step grandmom to one.

Last year, my team and I tracked and interviewed countless murder suspects, got the dirt on wealthy families that shaped Erie history and had a rip-roaring good time at the Watson-Curtze Mansion.

I felt like I was at Downton Abbey. And you can too!

It’s a real life game of Clue where actors portray the suspects — and they are stationed in various rooms of the four-story mansion and neighboring Planetarium. Everyone has a story, but you can’t always believe it — because one of them is a murderer!

Is it the doctor? The gardener? The lawyer? The spurned ex-wife? The mistress? The nanny? The long lost son or the guy who pretended to be the long lost son? Clues, clues — you must find all the clues! 

Join us — dress in your best 1920s fashions, enjoy the cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. And find the murderer!

Saturday, June 15 at  6 p.m. The after party begins at 8 p.m.

Teams of six can register for $250 before May 24. After, teams are $300. The Erie County Historical Society will match individuals and couples with a group if you do not have a team.

If you can’t make the game … join the Roaring 20s themed after party at the mansion. Tickets sold separately at only $20.

Hurry — this event sells out every year! Call 814-454-1813 x24

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three and stepmom of three.

In today’s New York Times that hit homes hours ago, Angelina Jolie wrote an opinion piece that announced a medical choice that many women have chosen — a preventative mastectomy — that reduced her 87 percent chance of contracting breast cancer to less than 5 percent. The video at left is from CNN.

Her mother died at age 56 of breast cancer.

Click here to read Jolie’s op-ed.

Here’s the very informative Huffington Post article.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom of three and step grandmom of one.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I am reposting The Pennsylvania Conference for Women‘s e-mail message that quotes what women have said about their moms as role models — like the one at left. The Pennsylvania Conference for Women is the largest women’s conference in the state.  It is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 in Philadelphia. Here are quotes from the website:

How was/is your mother a role model for your career?

My mom’s mantra was “make yourself indispensable” (i.e. do whatever’s needed, not just what you think you should be doing).

My mom always told us to do what makes us happy.

My mom had her own alteration business in 1948 before (and after) she got married. She taught me to be independent and not to settle – whip up a dress and a fabulous meal too.

My mom was a stay-at-home mom but also sold Tupperware and Avon. She had such a beautiful light about her, and people were drawn to her smile. I realized having positive energy and a good smile goes a long way.

Funny you should ask. I am a communications trainer and I reference her years in the banking industry all the time. I learned so much from her about how to treat people, how to be a true professional, and how to be a working mom. I am indebted to her entire generation of women who blazed a path for me and the women of my generation. I hope to do the same for my girls.

My mom didn’t have a high school diploma; she worked in sewing factories, long, hard hours for low wages, also waitressing. She inspired me to get an education so that I could earn a better life. I am grateful.

She told me to invent a product, I did, and millions of sales later I have her to thank!

Growing up, my sister and I witnessed my mother (a single parent) struggle and work long hours as a waitress. After many years she had enough and decided to better herself and her family by going back to school for nursing. While going to school full-time and working (and being a single parent was an even harder struggle), she graduated and has been a nurse for well over 10 years now. I am extremely proud of her hard work and dedication. Her persistence has taught me to succeed in everything I do. I would not be where I am in my career today if it were not for my mother.

My mom modeled communication, she took us to campaign, community, church…taught us to prioritize a balanced life…our God, our family, our community.

My mother started “take your daughter to work day” with two other women. She has paved the way for so many women scientists and inspired me to be a business owner. She’s my hero.

My mother owned a public relations company in the ’60s. She was very successful and always told me I had to find a career that I loved so that I would never have to depend on anyone else.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom of three and step grandmom of one.

Yes, it is May 8.

As the Poinsettia Blooms — sounds kind of like a soap opera name, doesn’t it? I like it. I am outside admiring the 13 pots of flowers we planted, but it’s my inside garden that is impressive. Here’s how the funny fauna family fares at Chez Parker:

My November poinsettia is still blooming — even has new red bracts  – it is sure to croak after I write this. Here’s a link to care and feeding of a poinsettia.  I have done none of the things on that website. I think I just got a hardy plant. It’s looking scraggly compared to its former holiday splendor, but it still lights up the living room with color that no other indoor plant delivers.

Over the years of countless poinsettia purchases, I tried only once to do the total darkness thing. My plant bloomed the following Easter … and then croaked.  Advice from the Dept. of Horticulture in Michigan (I chose that site because it had great month-by-month pictures) on the year-round care and feeding of a poinsettia) is this: “You must keep the plant in complete darkness between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. daily from the end of September until color shows in the bracts (early to mid-December).” I have seen variations on this theme, but it sounds like we would need a poinsettia sitter to handle that.

My indoor February shamrock is also flourishing, but that’s nothing new. I had one last year that I re-potted several times because it got so big. I set that one outside where it looked like a small shrub with a perfect shaped mound of green leaves and bundles of delicate white flowers … and then it died.

This one is very different — huge, dark green, leaves and delicate white flowers. We’ll see if it makes it to the outdoors where I am a geranium kind of girl. Geraniums are hardy and  never let me down in color and impact. The ground at this house is unforgiving to most plants — hence the 13 pots. I’ve kept geraniums alive year-round many times. When I was pregnant with my youngest, I had indoor blooms on five plants straight through the winter and into the spring when I moved the plants back outside. They liked the window seat better, but they were a beautiful addition to my old dining room.

Geraniums also keep bees away, I hear. I veered away from them for a few years in favor of some showy pots of colorful pansies and petunias, but I did not fare well with those beauties. They looked great in the spring and again in October. I couldn’t keep up with their needs, and neither could the waterboys — my two sons who were here last year and handled lawn and garden maintenance.

This year, I hope the geraniums are as hardy as the plants I had 21 years ago that moved indoors and kept my family smiling while we awaited the arrival of Ryan, my youngest.  If they don’t, maybe the poinsettia and shamrock will continue to bloom.

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom of three and step grandmom of one.

Decades ago, I discovered a battered old Hoosier in my 1920s house. In the basement. In a corner. Covered with green paint.

The Hoosier is a 1920s cabinet that pretty much served as the kitchen in old homes. Many of the units had coffee grinders, flour sacks, pie safes and bread drawers.

I didn’t know what a gem it was until I went into the former Haupt’s Meat Market on West Eighth Street by Villa Maria Academy. The owner had a black and white Hoosier. I told him about mine, and he told me it was a venerable antique.

I called the guys from the Back Porch in Erie, and they completely restored it – even the insides of every door and drawer.  I retained the old drawer pulls and bought it a new logo sign — Sellers Indiana — where a lot of Hoosiers were made. My Hoosier sat in the front hall of my old home for more than a decade. It held art supplies for every project my kids did — and notebooks, card games, cameras and other oddities that I recently cleaned out of it.

When we moved into our new home a decade ago, it didn’t fit into the decor on the first floor, but it became an attractive  storage unit in the basement rec room. This past weekend, my stepson and a friend moved it upstairs into the living room for us, and it was like seeing an old friend. My husband and I fussed over what to put on it and how to position it.

I think it looks pretty nice, but it still needs something. We are enjoying looking at all the websites that show off Hoosier cabinetry. If you have one, enjoy it — it has some great history.

Chick here for an interesting tale of where the word Hoosier comes from, thanks to the Indiana Historical Society.

Click here for a link that explains the history of Hoosier cabinetry — and here’s another link to more history.

Pam Parker has written about real estate, home improvement and remodeling for 25 years. She is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three and stepmom to three.