A Summer of Enrichment
By Lori Hope Baumel
Is it just me or are the days, weeks and months flying by quickly? Didn’t the school year just begin? Why are there only 24 hours in a day? Why is it that we Homo sapiens actually have to sleep? Yes, I’ve posed way too many questions, and, at this point, my summer article is sounding rather silly. Let’s take a moment to think about it. Homo sapien is a Latin term for “wise, discerning and sensible man.” The term was coined in 1758 by the Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus. And of course, in 2019, we know better to include women in that category as well.
If you’re as curious as I am, perhaps you also experience an insatiable desire to learn and find that there is never enough time to satisfy that need. Lucky for you, information is everywhere. As the spring ends and summer begins, define your interests. Perhaps narrow them down to two or three. Then, take the time to expand your knowledge of your chosen subjects resources available to you online or at venues right here in Palm Beach County.
If you do the research, you’ll see that there are free courses (from legitimate sites) to learn just about anything. Harvard, MIT, Berkeley College and many more schools provide fascinating classes through the edx.org program. You can either go to edx.org or to find the Harvard classes see www.edx.org/school/harvardx. In addition, the website Udemy.com provides over 100,000 classes for a small fee. Personally, I’ve enjoyed courses via kadenze.com and khanacademy.org. As you probably know, YouTube provides a “how to” on just about anything and everything, but the videos vary in worthwhile content and include many ads.
Regardless of the learning method, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to be bored this summer. Take the opportunity to enrich your mind, body and soul. Let this be your summer of incredible growth. I’ve provided a nice list of local summer enrichment activities below. As the Nike ad states… Just do it!
Live… Go… Do!
Fun, Enriching Summer Events
- The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Presents
A Changing Economy in Palm Beach County
With Michelle Jacobs, Executive Director, Economics Council of Palm Beach County
Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 11 am to 1 pm
The luncheon will be held at the Atlantis Country Club, 190 South Atlantis Blvd.
Doors open at 11 am and lunch is served at 11:30. The cost to attend this thought-provoking event is $25 before June 12, and $35 afterwards. RSVPs are requested either online at www.lwvpbc.org or by calling Esther Friedman at 561-968-4123.
About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.
2. PalmBeach Photographic Centre Announces FOTOcamp for Kids 2019
Three Sessions Planned this Summer for Children & Teens, Ages 10 to 17
FOTOcamp for Kids – Ages 10-17
June 10-21: 9 am to 3 pm
July 8-19: 9 am to 3 pm
July 22-August 2: 9 am to 3 pm
Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world-renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), announced that this summer the nonprofit organization will be offering three age appropriate FOTOcamps for children and teens.
“FOTOcamp is for anyone between the ages of 10 and 17 that has an interest in photography and/or computers, and who are inquisitive and like adventure,” says NeJame. “It is the perfect opportunity for youngsters and teens to gain knowledge in all areas of photography, beginning with the basics of picture-taking using SLR digital cameras and progressing to state-of the-art digital imaging, at each participant’s own rate of speed.” For more information see: www.workshop.org
3. Building Paradise: Addison Mizner’s Legacy
Now through Saturday, June 29
Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
300 North Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Presented by Historical Society of Palm Beach County
This exhibition pays homage to Addison Mizner, who developed a completely new architectural style for Palm Beach that became the standard for Palm Beach County. The year 2018 marks the centennial of Mizner’s first major Florida commission, the Everglades Club in Palm Beach. In addition to his Palm Beach “society” mansions and commercial properties, Mizner is known for spreading his unique style to Boca Raton, which he dreamed of turning into “the world’s most architecturally beautiful playground.” Mizner’s legacy continues in the 21st century as new developments emulate his style and honor his name.
For the first time, the Johnson History Museum has invited a guest curator, Augustus Mayhew, to lend life to the exhibition. Mayhew has gathered artifacts from private collectors and treasures from the Historical Society of Palm Beach County’s collection that show the changes that Mizner introduced to the county, both architectural and in the business community.
When Addison Mizner began building Palm Beach mansions, suitable construction materials were scarce. He then hired craftsmen from Europe and organized a complex of businesses where his visions could be realized. Mizner Industries, Inc. was comprised of several companies. Las Manos Pottery produced roof and floor tiles and decorative pottery. La Puerta sold antiques and reproduction furniture, and the Mizner Ornamental Cut Cast Stone Plant manufactured ornamental building stone. Many businesses continue to produce these same materials for new construction.
Fledgling architects worked in Mizner’s drawing room, producing detailed renderings and construction drawings. Some of them eventually opened architectural firms and incorporated Mizner Industries materials in their own designs.
Building Paradise: Addison Mizner’s Legacy aims to inform and entertain residents and visitors as well as provide an educational platform for the county’s school students. Mizner’s story is told by the Historical Society’s extensive permanent collection of photographs, architectural plans, sketches, scrapbooks, and diaries, as well as decorative objects and furnishings produced by Mizner Industries, the county’s largest 1920 building-related company. For more information call: (561) 832-4164
Free Admission: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
4. Couples Ring Making Party
Saturday, June 15, 1:30 PM
Armory Art Center
811 Park Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Enjoy learning how to size, solder, texturize, and finish silver rings for each other! Everyone will understand the basics of how to use the torch to heat things up. No experience is necessary, and all materials are included. Please wear closed toed shoes. For any questions, call 561-832-1776
$100.00 per couple ($50.00 per person, per class).
5. Palm Beach County Band/ Percussion Camp
Monday, June 17 through Thursday, June 27
Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Presented by Palm Beach County Band Camp
501 South Sapodilla Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Camp runs Monday – Friday June 17 – 27. 9:00 – 3:00
The Palm Beach County Band Camp’s goal is to provide a summertime opportunity for students to continue to develop musically as well as promote their enjoyment and understanding of music through the participation in regular rehearsals, master classes, large and small ensembles, listening sessions, and music theory, ear training, optional private lessons with professional instructors. Band and Percussion run concurrently with specialized instructors for each camp.
This program is open to any student with one year of playing experience. The age recommendation: grades 6-12, including current year high school graduates. Younger students are welcome if they have been playing for at least one year (no strings). Aftercare is available for an additional cost. For information call 561-586-0336. Fee: $275-$300
6. Moonlight Guided Canoe Tour
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
10216 Lee Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33473
Saturday, June 15 at 7 PM
Meet at the Lee Road Boat Ramp to enjoy a guided moonlight canoe tour through a portion of the Refuge interior. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and bring a flashlight and bug spray. Canoe rental from Loxahatchee Canoeing is $35; you may not bring your own. (One canoe will seat 2 to 3 people.) RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – Call LOXAHATCHEE CANOEING at 561-733-0192. Entry fee is $5/vehicle.