‘There’s always time for tea’

Did you know — and I admit I didn’t — that there is Thai iced-tea pie, and even a small artisanal company in Brooklyn that sells Macha and Earl Grey teas ice cream? 

Here we take a brief tour of teas. Look no farther than our state for retail and cafe locations for sampling numerous types, some familiar and some perhaps not. Plus there is the nonprofit U.S. League of Tea Growers, at www.usteagrowers.com, where potential growers can ask questions, research tea growing, and connect with regional organizations. There is also American Yaupon (www.americanyaupon.org), based in Florida, which promotes a number of local shops.

It’s a new day for tea. It is soothing, warming, and refreshing with excellent varieties easily obtainable. The steady trend toward natural foods and herbal teas is well known, though you may not have spent much time thinking about the varied types until the pandemic descended upon us. Tea is an enjoyable beverage whatever the time of day or season. There are, of course, basic teas. 

One gardening expert of 30 years, Erica Jo Shaffer, confirms, for example, that herbal infusions are relaxing to the nerves and nourishing. She advises, “Tea is only ‘tea’ when it contains camellia sinensis, the plant that gives us white, green, black, and oolong tea.”

Sampling of organic herbal teas: You could try citrus mint with an infusion of peppermint and citrus; blueberry merlot with a taste of blueberries and a wisp of sage; chamomile citron with a blend of flower blossoms and a zest of citrus; and ginger lemongrass blended with citrusy herbs and a tingle of ginger. (There’s also a cocktail like the Sunday Tea, which some may know from having peach, moonshine, bourbon, sweet tea, and lemon, which might lull you into a generic dream of the South.)

And then there’s yaupon!

Yaupon tea: Pronounced “yoh-pon,” this is the only caffeinated plant native to North America — an antioxidant-laden drink that’s been consumed for thousands of years and known as yaupon holly. It’s a specific Southern tea type that can be found in loose-leaf form at premium shops around the country, and sometimes in shrub form at select nurseries to add as a border or hedge to your own landscaping to harvest, keep in a container on the patio, or plant in a community patch! 

Grown in the Southeast and traded by Native Americans for ceremonies and recreation, according to the Yaupon Brothers Tea Co. (formed in Florida in 2012), it does not need fertilizer or pesticides as it is native and requires very little water, and has less environmental impact on surrounding areas. During the Civil War, Southerners often drank yaupon in place of coffee and black tea, note historians. One fellow of the day noted, “Substitute for Tea — [yaupon] is excellent but let me say that the wild thorned leaf holly is the best that I have ever used. It would take the best of judges to tell it from the best of black tea. Fall is the time to gather the leaves. Make as black tea.”

 

Caffeine content: Unprocessed, the leaves of this evergreen holly with small green leaves on stiff branches contain between 65% and 85% caffeine compared to tea leaves with about 3.5% caffeine. (Black-tea caffeine content is labeled by one popular seller as “robust,” herbal infusions as “none,” green tea as “moderate,” and white tea as between “very low” and “low.”)

There is plenty of information on Yaupon and Dwarf Yaupon shrub propagating, pruning, light requirements, soil, and so on, at several informative websites; one is a University of Florida blog site, at blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lakeco/2021/01/21/grow-your-own-yaupon-tea.

For example, the “evergreen” Dwarf Yaupon Holly tolerates wind and the hot, humid Southern summers. New growth emerges with a light purple color and darkens to green. This small mounding shrub can get 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, and it can take full sun or partial shade.

  

Ryan Hinson, the “tea guy” at well-known Tin Roof Teas (www.tinroofteas.com), a high-quality loose teas and accessories business, knows his teas — and their shelf life. He told me, “Yaupon is best consumed in 8 to 10 months, but good up to 2 years. Would consider an herb, so you have 8 months for maximum potency — up to 8 months for flowers and leaves, and up to 2 years for seeds, roots, and barks.”

Fragrant premium tea shops abound if you prefer to visit rather than to order in supply (see two Florida brothers’ enterprise at www.yauponbrothersamericantea.com). Many shops are now open with COVID protocols in place.

 

And from the Louisiana State University Ag Center is an informative May 2019 article by horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard, who notes that the wiry shrub’s blooms appear in early to mid-spring (eaten by many bird species), with the red berries, also enjoyed by the birds, showing in late fall and winter. She writes much more about the yaupon, including its widespread use as home decor during the holidays. Check out the article too for excellent tips for your seasonal decorating.

So whether you grow your tea fresh from the garden (or patio container) or have it shipped to your door, get out those teapots and teacups (or mugs), and have a tea party. Pinkies up!

Joan Wenner, J.D., is a widely published, longtime freelance writer who writes historical, maritime, and general interest stories. She resides in eastern coastal North Carolina, although she lived many years in Florida where she hopes to soon return. Comments are welcomed at joan_writer@yahoo.com.

The Youth Vote

It was March and we were in Minnesota. My son played on the Stoneman Douglas hockey team and they earned a spot in the High School National Championships. Plymouth, a suburb of the Twin Cities, was the host city. That weekend the March For Our Lives rallies were taking place around the country with the big one happening in D.C. The youth of our society responding vigorously to unimaginable tragedy, banding together, organizing, and very much being heard. Our group of players, students, and parents were invited to the rally in St. Paul, a march of a couple miles, which was to finish on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol.

We were out there early on that Saturday morning and the air was frigid. But the great crowd of Minnesotans was warm. They invited the Douglas students to begin the march, and so our group from Parkland – and the students in particular – walked with purpose at the forefront of what we quickly came to see was a magnificent demonstration of solidarity. A spirited parade of young inspired citizens moving down streets lined with energetic supporters. It was the most authentic and concrete display of democracy in action I’d personally ever witnessed. When 18,000 or so people gather in one place to pull together for something, the power is undeniable.

I kept noticing the signs. Signs held up everywhere, clever ones, simple ones, some fancy, some plain, large and small, some with messages as biting as the cold. After we arrived onto the steps of the Capitol and were facing back towards the crowd, with the speeches getting underway, I noticed a woman among the spectators standing below who was holding a sign we have all seen many times. A sign bearing one of the common slogans connected with political events, a phrase so mundane it’s easy to not notice it at all. But on that wintry spring morning, standing amid those many thousands, hearing the speakers talk of the changes sure to come, and the youthful crowd chanting and enthused, it occurred to me that this woman’s familiar sign was most important one of all. It wasn’t witty or clever. All it said was “Register to Vote.”

Getting the word out with marches, protests, signs, and speeches is important. But for all the energy spent on rallies and gatherings, debates on TV, articles in the news, the real impact depends on votes being cast on Election Day.

In recent history, youth voter turnout has been well below the average, especially during midterm elections. Data reported by Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement shows that while voter turnout in recent presidential elections for citizens aged 18 to 29 has been in the 50 percent range, in the past several midterms, the turnout for the same group has fallen into the low to mid 20 percent range. The same data shows that turnout for citizens 30 years and older is typically 20 percentage points higher than those rates. And isolating the guys’ numbers, CIRCLE figures demonstrating recent historical turnout by gender through 2010 show that since about the 1990s, young men consistently show up to the voting booth in lower percentages than young women.

According to the Florida Department of State website, the last day to register to vote in Florida for the November 6, 2018 general election is October 9, 2018. It will be interesting to see if the turnout of young voters in this election falls in line with historical patterns. Maybe this time something changes. Maybe this is the election that sets a new standard. Maybe this is a moment in time when the younger generation of the day demonstrates the full scope of its force. Not only the walking and the talking, but also the casting of the ballot. Maybe this is the day when the young lead us – like they led the nation on that Saturday in March – and we advance toward the fundamental goal of never again.

Richard Walker, Candidate District 2 Commission Seat

In a nonpartisan race, Richard Walker faces Diego Pfeiffer for the Parkland District 2 commission seat. It will become vacant once commissioner Grace Solomon’s term expires in November. Election day falls on Nov. 6.

Each candidate was asked questions pertaining to issues facing Parkland, the candidate’s reasons for running, and how he would address top issues facing the city.

Walker said his experience as a family man and businessman qualifies him for the seat. He decided to run because he and his family are “fully invested in the city. I want to do my part to ensure the city that my wife and I chose for our children continues to be a special place.” He added: “I believe my experience and family make-up, having five children at each level of our school system and their various activities throughout the city give me a unique perspective on the commission.”

Walker added, “My extensive experience in the business world gives me a big picture understanding to ensure every decision is made in a fiscally responsible manner. Having been involved as a board member in soccer and Little League and as involved in the school system as we are, I believe I have a sound understanding of the needs and desires of residents.”

Walker hasn’t held a position in government. However, “I have been involved in many levels as a coach and recreational league board member.” As he sees them, the top issues are parks and recreation, growth and infrastructure, as well as safety and security.

“As our city grows, we need to ensure we can keep our city and all of our residents safe,” Parker said. “We need to improve communication with our Parks and Recreation department to ensure our Recreational programs and residents have the best access and as we grow all their needs are met to have successful program and events,” Walker said.

Regarding growth and infrastructure Walker said, “we need to ensure we have the plans in place to have the infrastructure to facilitate our incoming growth. We need to be mindful of the exceptional services our residents expect and that we can continue them at the highest levels.”

The candidate said he is looking forward to working with city officials to “ensure our residents have the best of everything.”

What attracted Walker to Parkland was the small town feel. “I can go anywhere in the city and see people I know and when I meet someone new I am greeted with a warm reception.”

Walker has owned Bergen Sign Company for 22 years and is originally from New Jersey. After the company opened its second office in Pompano Beach, Walker commuted back and forth. That is, until he and his family moved to Parkland four years ago. “I could not think of a better place to raise our children,” he said.

Editor’s note: Despite repeated attempts to reach Diego Pfeiffer by phone and emails he did not respond. Pfeiffer, 18, is a recent graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Project 1841 Brings Smiles to Foster Care Teens

The year was 2007, and Robin Miller sat in a living room watching TV. It was December, a time for family and friends, but the teenage girl sat in a chair isolated and alone, wondering what her life would be like without the safety net of foster care. The 18-year-old had aged out of the system, and admitted to being both “excited and scared.” The look of uncertainty on her face was captured by photographer Mike Stocker for a story written by Mike Mayo of the Sun-Sentinel. It was titled, “Her Independence Day.”

After reading the story, Weston high school freshman Alexandra “Alex” Rubin contacted ChildNet, Broward County’s foster care agency, to see how she could help. The answer was unexpected, but poignant. She was told teens aging out of foster care needed luggage or duffle bags so they could leave with dignity, and not resort to putting their belongings in trash bags.

She called three freshman friends, Ilana Wolpert, Alli Weiss, and Alexandra Kaplan. Each attended a different school, but all shared the same caring spirit. Out of their bond Project 1841 was created. The “18” was for 18 year-olds, “4” recognized the group’s four female members, and the “1” stood for one cause—to help foster teens transition into independence. As seniors, the founder received three Miami Herald Silver Knights Awards for community service.

After months of fundraising to buy essentials, members of 1841 delivered its first set of duffle bags to ChildNet in April 2008. Each was packed with a bed pillow and pillowcase, a towel, washcloth, toiletries, household items, snack bags, and a personalized birthday card wishing each teen a bright and successful future.

Kaydion Watson, the aftercare supervisor at ChildNet, called Project 1841 a “phenomenal source of support” and said the duffle bags tagged and delivered to the agency are extremely important. “It’s more than a goodwill gesture because it enhances their self-worth during a very difficult time of transition,” he said. “As trivial as a duffle bag may seem to some, it’s likely the first tangible, practical item they’ve ever owned.”

“We are a non-profit resource arm of ChildNet, and work in conjunction with the agency’s Independent Living Department,” said Dori Kaplan, mother of co-founder Alexandra, and program advisor. “I’m proud that in some small way we’ve been able to help, but I’m even prouder that 1841 is still going strong 10 year after it was founded.”

When members leave the group after four years, others wait in the wings. “This was such a great cause that when the original members left we didn’t want to see the program end,” Kaplan said. The torch was then passed to Kaplan’s daughter, Caroline and three of her friends formed the second generation of Project 1841. When it was their time, Kaplan’s niece, Amanda Richard and three of her friends ushered in the third generation. The fourth generation of Lexis Ofstein, Andrea Hengber, Sami Ofstein, and Julia Glacer are all students at Stoneman Douglas High School—the first time all four members have been from the same school.

Lexi, now a senior will have her spot filled by her younger sister. “I’m excited she’s getting involved because this is a terrific program,” Ofstein said. “It taught me to see the world with a different point of view, and not take the little things for granted.” She recently attended graduation ceremonies for many of the foster care teens she and her group had helped. “The smiles on their faces were genuine appreciation,” she said. “It really made me realize that small bags of basic necessities can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

All the donated items are stored at the Kaplan home and once a month Project 1841 members gather to prepare the bags. The group is provided the first names of those that are to age out the following month. “We appreciate the generous donations that make these purchases possible,” Kaplan said. “Without the community’s support this program would not be what it is today.”

At any given time, about 600 youths between 18 and 23 will have exited foster care in Broward County, and another 120 are getting prepared to transition out on their own. Kaplan said that members of Project 1841 prepared more than 1,000 bags since the program began. “With the starter kits, there’s also a lot of hugs, words of encouragement, and best wishes for the next chapter of their lives,” Kaplan added. “We hope to inspire others from different counties or even other states to find out how they can help foster teens who age out in their communities.”

In a world of daily news cycles that are filled with anxiety, stories of good people doing great things are refreshing. Four generations of Project 1841 is a shining example.