America is a country that loves its tomatoes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, not only do we produce around $2 billion worth of tomatoes per year, making us the second largest tomato producing country in the world, but tomatoes are also the 4th most popularly eaten produced vegetable in the country (although technically it’s a fruit). There are a lot of health and taste reasons to use tomatoes; it’s just a matter of knowing which ones to use, and when.

“Tomatoes are the first major garden item to ripen,” explains Chef Scott Jenkins, the chef of Arlington-based Extra Virgin restaurant. “Tomatoes are so versatile and flavorful, the possibilities seem endless. It is truly the work horse of an Italian kitchen, from soups and salads to sauces and main entree features.”

The following information was sent to us by Mel Tansill:

Renaissance Gardens, the extended care neighborhood of Riderwood retirement community, will hold May events  to honor staff, residents, families and friends for helping the facility  attain the maximum 5-Star rating from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) each year for the past 5 years.  

The trees are budding and blooming, weeds are sprouting and bugs are emerging, including insects that affect our pets such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes that can transmit heartworm.

One of the advantages of a cold winter is that insects that affect our pets die off in great numbers in frigid temperatures. The warm weather coupled with high moisture has created an early season for bugs, and as they multiply over the coming weeks and months pet owners should take heed and take advantage of preventative measures to keep their pets healthy. Many veterinarians are recommending that these preventatives be started as soon as possible, if you do not use them year round.