Remembering Elizabeth Ann Blake

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality."

~ Emily Dickinson

On May 11th, thorntonpowell lost a dear co-worker and friend to brain cancer. An account manager of the commercial department for nine years, Liz approached everyday with optimism and a sense of humor even while fighting a long and aggressive battle with cancer.

On top of being our employee, Liz was also a wife, a sister, an aunt but perhaps most importantly, a mother. Family was everything to Liz. If she was not bragging about her son's athletic ability, or baffled that her little girl was now graduating high school, she was giggling while reading jokes emailed from her sister. Everyone gravitated towards Liz because of her caring and honest nature. She was a shoulder to lean on, an ear to confide in and could make anyone smile with her laugh.

Liz touched the lives of many and while we may not understand why she was taken so soon, we take comfort in knowing her memory will live on through friends and family. Our deepest condolenses go out to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Relay For Life Update

June 24th is fast approaching and Team TP is on our way to meeting our fundraising goal of $1,500. While each individual team member had to commit to raising at least $100, many have greatly surpassed this with the help of generous donations from customers, friends and family. With over 50% of our on-line team goal met and additional off-line donations being made, we are excited to present this money to the American Cancer Society.

If you would like to make a donation to our team or your favorite thorntonpowell employee, please visit Support Team TP. Come out to Oak Forest High School on June 24th, 2011 and experience Relay For Life. Hope to see you there!

**Riddle Answer: Ton**

Get Your Feet Wet: tips to getting off the dock this summer

An insider's guide to boat buying

(ARA) - It's that time of year - when sunshine and warm weather motivate us to turn off the computer and get outside. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, 75 million Americans chose boating as a way to enjoy the outdoors last year. It may come as a surprise to learn it doesn't have to cost a fortune or require years of boating experience to get out on the water on a boat.
Whether you're interested in fishing, wakeboarding, sailing or cruising, there are boats for every activity, budget and body of water. And, getting to the water is easy, since 90 percent of Americans live within an hour's drive of a body of water.

"Many of us find ourselves looking for ways to spend more quality time with our family and friends despite today's busy schedules - that's where boating offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the stress on land, get outdoors and reconnect with loved ones on the water," says Carl Blackwell, chief marketing officer for Discover Boating, a nonprofit awareness program on behalf of the recreational boating industry. "We often get asked how someone can get started in boating and what kind of boat is best, so we've put together a simple step-by-step guide to help make those boating dreams a reality."
Discover Boating has tips to make finding your dream boat a breeze:

* Ask the right questions. When thinking about what is the best boat for you and your family, start by asking yourself: "What do I want to do on my boat?" "Who's coming with me?" and "Where do I want to go?" The answers will help identify the right types of boats for your budget and interests.

* Build a budget. Did you know 75 percent of boat owners have a household income under $100,000? There are brands and price points to fit individual needs. Determine how much you want to spend before actively looking, so a dealer can recommend models in your price range.

* Find the one. Discovering the perfect boat is like finding a new best friend. To find the perfect match, do your homework and scope out your options. Boat shows offer all types of watercraft in one spot or you can stroll around a local marina or dealership to see a variety of boats, brands and models that are popular in your area. Make sure the boats are NMMA Certified to ensure they meet strict product-quality standards.

* Get your feet wet. You wouldn't buy a pair of pants before trying them on or buy a car without getting behind the wheel. Buying a boat is no different. There are many ways to test the waters. Consider renting or chartering, join a boating club or look into fractional ownership opportunities. All offer affordable and accessible options to experience the allure of the boating lifestyle and determine what you want out of your boating experience.

A helpful place to start is DiscoverBoating.com where boating novices and experienced captains can find all the nautical know-how to get you ready to set sail.

June Recipes

It is that time of the year to uncover our trustee grills and refill the propane tanks! Here are some delicious grilling recipes to start the season off right and we can not forget the side dishes that accompany the main meals. Yum!

Remember, we are always looking for FEEDback, so if you have a delicious family recipe that you would like to share, we would love to give it a taste!

Turkey Burger with a twist

Santa Fe Chicken in Foil

The Ultimate Twisted Pasta Salad

Baby Bell Peppers