When residents of the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club community in Wellington, Florida, resurrected Wycliffe Charities in 2007, then President, Marian Rubin made a promise to herself to increase their contribution to local charities in the Palm Beach Countyas each year progressed. Since its inception in 1993, Wycliffe Charities has donated over $750,000 to local Palm Beach County charitable organizations including: Hospice of Palm Beach County, Home Safe, Caridad Health Clinic, our local Fire Rescue Unit, Palm Beach Habilitation, Mental Health Association of PBC, Amara Transportation, Voices for Children, Hope Project, Quantum House and others.
On March 1, 2010, Wycliffe Charities will host its annual outing. In year’s past this event only included a Golf outing; however this year Tennis has been added.There are various levels of sponsorship, ranging from $100 to $5,000, for those who are looking to participate or just donate.The day will be full of fundraising events such as a shotgun best ball golf tournament, tennis round robin tournament, lunch, silent auction and raffle.The proceeds from this event will go to help local health and children’s organizations in Palm Beach County.
For more information on sponsorship or donation opportunities please contact Sue Webber of Wycliffe Charities at NSWebber@gmail.com.
WELLINGTON’S VINTAGES GALA CELEBRATES THE PAST, SUPPORTS A FUTURE FREE FROM DIABETES Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Research Institute
Upon their arrival at Wellington’s International Polo Club Palm Beach on Saturday, February 20, nearly 250 guests took a trip back in time while enjoying the premiere Vintages Gala. Celebrating many favorites from the past and creating an evening to remember in the future, Chairpersons Terri and Carmine Priore III and their hard-working committee successfully raised $160,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI.) Although the classic affair took guests back in time, its purpose was to help the DRI move closer to a cure in the near future.
“The Diabetes Research Institute has been at the forefront of diabetes cure-focused research for nearly 40 years. We’ve come a long way,” said DRI Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman. “We now have in excess of 200 scientists in a state-of-the-art facility, but while science is progressing, so are the costs of it. We need your help, and we’re thankful for your support tonight.”
Vintages Gala Chairpersons Terri and Carmine Priore III are thanked by Diabetes Research Institute Foundation President and CEO Robert A. Pearlman (right.) Photo: Gary Kane.
Sporting evening wear from across the decades, revelers sipped champagne as they followed a red carpet into the cocktail reception, enjoying the classical sounds of violin music played by Jed Maness. In the vintage piano lounge, renowned jazz pianist Copeland Davis offered special entertainment, as well. There, guests had the opportunity to purchase cigars and watch as they were hand-rolled. The highlight of the night for many was perusing the antique car show, featuring 12 vehicles that helped conjure up memories of days gone by. After the votes were tallied, a 1936 Ford 3 –
Window Coupe owned by Dr. Don Rubenstein, won “Best in Show.”While guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, big screens showcased silent black and white films, and Private Stock Entertainment played tunes from the 1920s through the present. An announcement revealed Mark and Courtney Lemasney as the winners of the 50/50 raffle, but seconds later, the crowd cheered as the generous couple donated the money to the DRI.
During the dinner program, the Priores expressed thanks to their committee and recognized generous sponsors: Florida Power & Light Company, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions, Inc., International Polo Club, The Rosen Group, Palms West Hospital, Zachry, Marie and Michael Bianchini, Carousel Development & Restoration, Inc., Concord Engineering, Inc., Allstate/Karen and Robert Cavanagh, Karen Hardin, Aaron’s Catering, Delaware North Companies, Dr. and Mrs.
Carmine Priore, Mapei Corporation, Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas, Inc., Rapid Rooter Plumbing & Drains, Waste Pro, Diamante Farms, Classic Controls and The BOMAR Foundation.
Among approximately 215 silent auction prizes, everyone seemed to find a treasure to bid on
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whether it was a hot air balloon ride, a piece of vintage jewelry or a themed gift basket. But it was the live auction led by Ben Boynton that held the most excitement, especially for Margaret and Alan Boston, who won a Havanese Shih-Tzu puppy from Palm Beach Puppies. As guests departed, they picked up vintage cigar boxes filled with goodies and took home classic antique portraits to remember the evening by.The mission of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation is to provide the Diabetes Research Institute with the funding necessary to cure diabetes now. The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.
Visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 800-321-3437 for more information.
LOTS OF ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR PALMS WEST CHAMBER’S FIRST ANNUAL ROYAL PALM ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 20 AND 21 IN ROYAL PALM BEACH
In addition to enjoying the fabulous street painting, juried art, the talent of our very own home-grown musicians and school bands, and much more, there are many interactive events for both adults and children to enjoy at the first annual Royal Palm Art & Music Festival scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21.
“KING OF WINGS” COOK OFF
If you have the absolute best chicken wing recipe on the planet bar none then sign up for the Tree’s Wings & Ribs “King of Wings” contest beginning at noon on Saturday, March 20th.The winner will receive a check for $250.00 and be awarded a fabulous trophy to take home, along with bragging rights and recognition as the winner of the “Kings of Wings” contest for one year.The winning recipe will also be featured on Tree’s Wings & Ribs’ menu for the month of April!
KAYAK RENTAL AND RACING ON BEAUTIFUL LAKE CHALLENGER
If being on the water is your favorite pastime, families can rent kayaks for a turn on beautiful Lake Challenger, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 20th.And businesses are encouraged to sign up for the Corporate Kayak Relay Challenge scheduled for Sunday, March 21st from noon to 6:30 p.m.
KIDS’ EDIBLE ART KITCHEN
Sign up your kids for the Kid’s Edible Art Kitchen with Dianne Morin of Home Cooking for Kids, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.Whole Foods will supply the edible ingredients and your kids will supply the humor and imagination to create works of art they can eat!This is a free event with limited seating and children must be pre-registered.
PIRATES AND PRINCESSES CONTEST
Let your kids be the stars of the festival by participating in the Pirates & Princesses Contest on Sunday, March 21st at noon.Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in three age categories.Children from 3 to 14 are eligible and must be pre-registered.
To join in the fun and download all the applications for these events visit www.royalpalmbeachfestival.com. or call Anitra, Catherine or Jessica at Palms West Chamber of Commerce:561-790-6200.
2010 is an election year, and in this day and age, it is more important than ever to vote for our leaders to choose the right path. March 7th will be my 18th birthday, which is fortunate because our local elections are two days later. Still, a majority of today’s youth have little to no knowledge about politics today. In fact, only 18 percent of young people actually voted during the 2008 presidential elections.
As active citizens, voting is a responsibility. Our leaders are accountable for issues such as education and college tuition. However, due to the lack of young voters, these topics are considered by many politicians to be a low priority. If the youth were to participate in elections more often, I am almost certain that there would be more attention toward issues relating to teens.
I have noticed that the main reason most students do not vote is because either they do not know enough about the issues, or they do not simply care. Other than the mandatory government class, there is little to no exposure to current events. Also, students are far more concerned with schoolwork, clubs, and friends than they are with the world around them. They figure that since they can’t vote until they are 18, there is no need to follow politics. But even at a young age anyone can be involved in the political process.
That is why I am encouraging efforts to hold a voter’s registration drive at Wellington High School. A legal resident is able to pre-register to vote when he or she is only sixteen years old. There are over 500 seniors at WHS, most of them being legal residents of the United States. If the statistics are true, only 90 of them will actually vote in the near future. It is my hope that registering students directly (in a non-partisan manner) will encourage them to vote more frequently.
Students who are already interested in governmental affairs have already taken steps to break the tradition of youth apathy. Through bipartisan efforts, Wellington High School’s Young Democrats and Young Republicans have hosted meetings to educate the student populace via guest speakers. The most recent speaker was Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, who explained how elections are run and the various rules surrounding them.
It is my hope that more students will become a part of the electoral process, since our future is being directed by officials chosen by the people. There have been many elections where the winner won due to the support of young voters. We have the opportunity to make a better future by supporting candidates who promise to support the children of this county. To quote Susan Bucher herself, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.”
Evan Baumel is a senior at Wellington High School. He’s involved in Debate, National Honor Society, Key Club, politics and writes for the school newspaper.
By now, everyone either has an iPhone or knows someone who does. This ‘smartphone’ has revolutionized the way we see cell phones and how we use them.
Shortly after it was introduced, a license was released to let companies develop all kinds of applications that could be used with the iPhone. So now, thousands of ‘apps’ have been invented that let you make all kinds of gadgets out of the phone.
iPhones can now serve as anything from flashlights, pocket planetariums, game consoles and diet aids to desk clocks, music radios and car navigators. So of course, being that it has become a phone of science fiction, the iPhone should definitely have some good sci-fi apps (and games) as well.
Here are a few worth considering: (These can be obtained in the App Store through your iPhone)
Sentinel 2: Earth Defense
This is a sci-fi game that expands on the Sentinel: Mars Defense. In this new game the aliens are now after Earth, and you, the player, have to save the planet from them. The graphics are really well rendered and the game has many layers. It has been called one of the best games on the App Store.
Rating: ????1/2 – Price: $2.99
SCI FI Wire Reader
This is an app that delivers news about movies, games, TV programs, books, celebrities and much more.All types of hot news on the science fiction realm are delivered daily along with videos, trailers, top ten lists, Q & A, and sneak peeks into upcoming sci-fi show seasons.
Rating: ???? – Price: Free
Sci-Fi Bundle Pack: AmbiScience Productivity Aid
This app is from the Ambiscience series of Brainwave applications, it can be used with or without headphones. The app consists of a list of ambient sci-fi music that helps in staying focused and being productive. The tracks contained in this pack all have a sci-fi theme and make you feel as you are indeed floating through space. The tracks can also help you sleep and relax with their Brainwave Entrainment. This is a bundle pack that contains multiple applications.
Rating: ?????– Price: $1.99
Mass Effect: Redemption issue 1 of 4
This app is based on the popular Xbox game, and it is a comic tale that tells the story of what happened after Commander Shepard disappears. This comic is a must read for followers of the game and it is an integral part of the Mass Effect Universe. The graphics quality of the comic are awesome and the story will leave you anxiously waiting for the next installment.
Rating: ?????1/2 – Price: $0.99
Sci Fi Quiz 201
A fun game of sci-fi trivia that will keep you entertained with multiple questions. Play on your own or against friends. You can even get assistance on questions you don’t know by emailing a friend directly from the quiz. A good way to pass the time while bored, or waiting for an appointment.
Rating: ???? – Price: $0.99
100 SciFi Stories
This app is just what it says, 100 science fiction stories; and there are more on the way. The stories include novelettes, full length novels and short stories, all in the sci-fi genre. The reader has adjusting text size, 2 scrolling modes and bookmarks for each separate story. Updates with new stories are free with initial purchase.
Rating: ????? – Price: $0.99
Sky events this month, March of 2010:
The Last Quarter Moon happens on Sunday the7th, the New Moon will be on Monday the 15th. The Last Quarter Moon will be occurring on Tuesday the 23rd we will have a Full Moon on Monday the 29th.
Saturn will be reaching opposition on March 21st and its rings will slowly start to tilt sideways so that we’ll be able to see them again as the year moves on. During March, Saturn rises near sunset and as the month progresses it comes up a little earlier each day.
At mid-month as twilight starts fading, Saturn will be well above the eastern horizon and in a good position to view with a telescope.
Three other planets are also visible during March. Venus is in the western horizon at sunset and rises high in the sky for about an hour before going back down. Mercury is also on the western horizon at sunset, but it is below Venus, lower in the sky. Mars is still bright, but will be dimming steadily as the month progresses. The red planet can be seen high overhead in the evenings and into the night.
Looking towards the southeastern sky at the Orion constellation, you can spot the star Betelgeuse. It is bright orange and lies to the top right hand corner of Orion. Then, moving on to the left hand lower corner you will find bright and bluish-white Rigel.
Then looking a few degrees below Betelgeuse, you will easily spot Sirius, brightly twinkling and still dominating the late winter skies.
Don’t forget to turn the clocks forward an hour on March 14th as daylight savings time begins. Also, remember that the spring will be arriving on March the 20th for the northern hemisphere.
Look on up and smile!
For more sky events log on to: and
You can read other articles and tips by Anna on these websites:
Anna Sanclement writes from home and has recently started to write articles for various Internet sites. She has also finished a novel and has written many stories and a movie script, just for fun.
Dear Frances: I have a five-month-old mutt, and am pretty sure he is German shepherd/golden retriever. I have noticed that he has one or two black spots, about the size of a pea, way in the back of his tongue, and one pinkish/brown one on the underside of it.
I am wondering if this means he has some Chow in him? Like a lot of people, I have always heard bad things about Chows and am a little worried. He doesn’t really look like one, and his size and shape do not resemble a Chow in the least.
But still, the black spots make me wonder. Sincerely, R.R.
Dear R.R.: It is not unusual for purebred golden retrievers and their mixes to have black spots on their tongue. Black spots do not necessarily mean Chow-Chow.
I have known purebred Dachshunds, Pomeranians, as well as many mixes that have them.
Of course, a tongue that is totally or predominantly black, gray or purplish would indicate Chow breed or mix.
Chows do have a reputation for being “cross” and some are potentially dangerous. But, generally, when they are mixed with another breed, the unreliable temperament seems to stabilize in the offspring.
Chow mixes can make wonderful pets and are often beautiful in appearance. As with most dogs, the big issue regarding behavior and temperament is how they are treated, trained and socialized by their humans!
As for your puppy, here are some thoughts about golden retrievers and German shepherds:
Goldens, labs and other retrievers mature slowly. They have a long “puppyhood.” Around age two they mature and finally begin to act like a lovely dog instead of a wild puppy.
Shepherds mature at about one and-a-half years.
So be patient with your new pet, who is still a puppy in his mind. I hope you’ll do some training in which you go through the classes together and he gets the benefit of socialization.
Be sure the teacher uses positive reinforcements, and no rough techniques. But don’t expect “treats only” and no corrections to accomplish training.
Dogs naturally want to please us. Our job is to let them know what is and is not acceptable by using the appropriate tone of voice and body language to communicate our rules to them.
A frown and a sharp “no” for unacceptable behavior; soft praise for acceptable behavior, and consistency on the part of the human can work wonders!
Wise dog obedience teachers understand this reality-based balance — and can help owners accomplishthis balance as well.
Best wishes to you both!
Frances Goodman is a professional dog trainer and pet care writer who lives in Royal Palm Beach. Got a question? Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. Or click her ad below to visit her website, www.mypetnews.com.
David Plumb’s recent book is, Poetry on Strings with marionette maker, Pablo Cano.Writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Miami Herald, New College Review, Homeless Not Helpless Anthology, St. Martin’s Anthology, Monde James Dean, 100 Poets Against the War, Salt Press, UK and his weekly blog, Notes from a Wavering Planet Will Rogers said, “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.” David Plumb says, “It depends on the parrot.”
Editor’s Note: Also see the article in “Cultural Corner” this month about the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, which David Plumb participated in.
That’s Dancing: Bringing Excellence in Dance to our Community
That’s Dancing co-owners Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh answered our questions for this “AW Spotlight” piece to give us a glimpse into what makes their dance studio so successful.
What’s the best thing about That’s Dancing?
There are so many great things about the studio. Some things that we think make it great are the amazing faculty and staff that are committed to our students. With such an outstanding faculty, we are able to offer a large variety of classes for all types of dancers. We take pride in educating our pre-school aged students, elementary, middle and high school aged boys and girls, as well as adults. Our studio is operational 6 days a week and classes are offered at convenient times for all skill levels.
What’s unique about what you do? What makes you stand apart from others who do the same type of business, in your opinion?
Co-owners of That's Dancing Andrea LaMaina and Michele Walsh
As owners and artistic directors that both have come from college level dance degreed programs, we understand that students learn in a variety of ways. Our philosophy has always been to maintain a studio that gives individual attention and proper technique training in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Describe the scope of classes & training that you provide.
We teach ages 3 though adult in Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Lyrical / Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. We offer a Young Dancer Program for our students ages 3 – 6 that prepares them with the skills and vocabulary needed to have a successful transition into the upper level technique classes. We also offer an in house audition only dance company for more serious students. Our Fusion Force Dance Company performs for local benefits and well as competing regionally and nationally.
How long have you been doing this? How did you get started?
It is hard to believe that we are in our 12th season of That’s Dancing! We got started in our driveway! We would choreograph routines in our driveway to perform for friends, family and neighbors! It was a childhood dream for both of us and we couldn’t imagine not having each other or another job!
What’s the most challenging thing about this business?
The most challenging thing about our business is probably the same thing that challenges all working women. It is the constant struggle of balancing evening and weekend hours and family life.
What do you think your students appreciate most? What do you think the parents appreciate most?
Fusion Force Dance Team, That's Dancing students who audition for this high-powered dance group
We would have to say that our students definitely value the individual attention and support that our faculty offers. It is evident and very satisfying when current students write you little love notes or give you hugs and extremely rewarding when students that have graduated and moved on continue to stay in contact. Prior students still come back to help out during recital or just sometimes to stop in and say hello. They really seem to value the relationships that they built when they were students of That’s Dancing and make it clear that they want to give back for all that they have received. The parents feel good to leave their children in a positive environment and around role models that encourage learning.
What’s the male to female ratio of students? How do you incorporate male students into the choreography when, for example, there’s just one or two boys?
There are definitely a larger percentage of girls than boys. We range between 24 to 30 boys during a dance season. Obviously, boys become a focal point in choreography when they are surrounded by girls. We try to choose music and choreograph movements that accentuate their athleticism.
How has the “big show” at the end of the year evolved over the years?
The show is definitely longer these days! In year 1, we had 1 show that lasted about an hour. Today, we hold 5 shows that are 2 acts long each. The preparation and planning needed has also increased. Technology has also evolved during the 12 years. Our show is run completely by computer! Twelve years ago all of the lighting and music cues had to be run and called manually. This change has definitely led us to a much smoother and professional looking show. The most rewarding evolution would definitely have to be the technique level of our students. We put on a great show that sells out yearly.
What are some of the best honors or results you’ve seen, in terms of your past & current students?
2009 That's Dancing Performance, Photo: Gary Coronado, The Palm Beach Post
Many of our students successfully audition for dance major programs at both BAK Middle and Dreyfoos High School. Students continue to earn spots in prestigious summer dance intensives. We have also had many graduates successfully auditioned for college level dance programs. One of our very first students completed her dance degree at New World School of The Arts in Miami and has returned to That’s Dancing this past season as a full time faculty member.
Numerous students have earned dance titles in regional and national competition. Our groups have received special awards for choreography and entertainment as well as technique. We have even had a student travel to Germany for an International Dance Competition placing 4th in the world! As a studio, we were recognized in South Florida Parenting Magazine as the Silver Crown winner for Best Arts Class. We have also been recognized as Best of Palm Beach and Treasure Coast for the past 2 seasons and are hoping to earn that spot again for the 2010 polling.
Tell us about your families.
Our mom and dad are the reason that this studio exists! They have been our support system throughout. We are so blessed that they have been able to help us realize our dream and watch us make it a reality. In the past 12 years they have been there for us through good and bad times. We have been able to bless them with 4 grandchildren as well! All of our children now dance at the studio and it feels amazing to be able to share this with them!
What’s coming up in the future at That’s Dancing?
We are excited to announce our 2010 summer dance program. Our six-week program will run from June 14th to July 24th, 2010. The six-week program consists of evening and Saturday classes. We have also increased our popular intensive camp from 2 to 3 weeks. Camp meets from 9am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. We will offer a variety of exciting classes, master teachers and an informal Friday performance each week. Camp weeks are June 14th – 18th, June 20th – 25th and July 26th – 30th.
Did you know that a caterpillar can turn itself into a butterfly? This process is called metamorphosis. The caterpillar feeds on tasty leaves until it is time to make its cocoon, where it will stay while slowly becoming a butterfly.
Create a caterpillar on a leaf.
Caterpillar Craft (Image 4)
What you need
• 3 chenille stems
• Pencil
• 9-by-2-inch green construction paper
• Hole punch
• Marking pen
• Scissors
What you do
1. Make a bundle for the caterpillar’s head by wrapping a bit more than half of a chenille stem around a pencil, leaving the rest of the stem straight free. Then remove the pencil.
2. Make a coil for the caterpillar’s body by holding two chenille stems next to each other and then wrapping them together around a pencil. Then remove the pencil. (See Image 2.)
3. Slide the body coil on to the straight part of the stem with the caterpillar’s head. Bend the end slightly to hold the body coil in place. (See Image 3.)
4. Draw a large leaf on the construction paper, and cut it out.
6. Draw small butterfly eggs on the leaf, and punch some holes in the leaf (to show where the caterpillar has been eating).
7. Place or glue your caterpillar on the leaf. (See Image 4.)
I fell in love with poetry when I was a little girl.I would sit for hours at a time and read poems out loud, to myself.I’d devour as many books of poetry as possible, based upon the limit of books I could check out every week from the library.Luckily, I had a mother who recognized my love for the spoken word and soon I had my very own library card.I felt like I’d won the golden ticket.
But the real golden ticket lies in the Palm Beach Poetry Festival.
L to R: David Plumb, Chauncey Mabe and Rachel Mabe. Photo: Marla E. Schwartz.
What’s that you say – you’ve never heard of it?Well, the Sixth Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival took place this past January at the Crest Theatreat the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center in Delray Beach.It was nothing short of ingenious, and the reason you need to know about it now – is because you want to clear your calendar so you’ll be able to attend the Seventh Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival, January 17-22, 2011.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I wasn’t able to attend every event this little jewel has to offer.But I did attend the very informative “CRAFT TALK” with headlining poets Kevin Young & Stephen Dobyns; the “KICKOFF READING” with Mary Cornish and Thomas Lux moderated by poet and Sarah Lawrence College professor Laure-Anne Bosselaar; the “GALA READING” with Kevin Young and Stephen Dobyns, moderated by the illustrious journalist and literary critic Chauncey Mabe, and the “PANEL DISCUSSION: BELOVED & INFLUENTIAL POEMS” moderated by the distinguished MacArthurFellowship (nicknamed the Genius Award) recipient (among others) and Miami poet who has published six books of poetry and is a Professor of Creative Writing at Florida International University, Campbell McGrath.
The panel discussion offered attendees a rare opportunity to observe all the resident poets at this years festival, Mary Cornish, Stephen Dobyns, Carolyn Forchè, Marie Howe, Ilya Kaminsky, Thomas Lux, David Wojahn and Kevin Young read aloud their favorite poems written by other poets.It was a mesmerizing and enlightening experience.
The festival is much more than a group of celebrated poets getting together and reading poems and talking about poetry (which honestly – would be enough) but it includes a series of private workshops with the poets in residence for the duration of the festival.Additionally, Dr. Blaise Allen is the Community Outreach Director and plans yearlong poetry events throughout the community.For more information, don’t hesitate to contact her at:drblaiseallen@aol.com.
L to R: Campbell McGrath and Miles Coon. Photo: Marla E. Schwartz.
The festival began in January 2005 and was founded by Miles Coon.The first weekend of workshops and readings took place at Lynn University and today the beautiful Crest Theatre is packed with audience members, some of whom have been attending the event since its inception, and others who are new to the festival.
Miles Coon answered a few questions about the festival for us:
AW:What was your impression of this year’s Palm Beach Poetry Festival?
MC:It was a huge success. Our online surveys of workshop participants, faculty members and audience members indicated that just about everyone thought the festival was excellent.
AW:Why did you decide to start the festival in the first place?
MC:After graduating from Sarah Lawrence’s MFA program, I really missed the community of poets there and the structure of workshops that kept my writing going forward. The closest site for great workshops was Key West, a five-hour drive from Palm Beach where I live. It just seemed to me that having a great writers’ conference/festival in the heart of Palm Beach County would make sense. Presenting a “poetry only” event in the winter created a “niche” for us, as there are few such festivals offered; and of course the weather is a huge draw.
AW:A few local people were asking around as to whether you were going to begin a monthly poetry reading series allowing them to present their writing to other people in the group.
MC:There are a number of organizations in South Florida that provide opportunities for local poets to share their work at monthly meetings. These are membership organizations. They do good work but this is not really how the festival envisions its future growth.
AW:Do you think any poets from this year’s festival will return next year?
MC:As for the featured poets, we cannot say until we have booked all the poets who will teach at the Seventh Annual Palm Beach Poetry Festival, January 17-22, 2011. I do know that many of our workshop participants will return as over 90% of them have said it is very likely, or most likely that they will apply again for workshops.
AW:When did your love of poetry begin?
MC:To quote, (from “September Song“) … “when I was a young man courtin’ a girl.” Poetry helped me a great deal as a young man trying to connect with women. I found that lines from Yeats worked far better than my own.
AW:What poet who has not attended the festival would you like to attend next year or in any year to come?
MC:There are so many… Seamus Heaney; Adrienne Rich; Mary Oliver; Philip Levine; Charles Simic; Charles Wright, to name a few.
AW:Please feel free to add anything else.
MC:One of our goals is to prove to the public that poetry is not an elitist art form. Our featured poets do not use antiquated words; nor do they create poems that are riddles leaving the audience confused. Many Americans don’t like poetry because of the way it was taught: the teacher would read a poem aloud (from the 17th or 18th century) and then ask, “What does this mean?”
Many students came away from this first experience of poetry feeling too dumb or too insensitive to “get it.” Well, at the festival, our readers seek to communicate with the audience in every day speech. The poems are powerful and moving… often amusing. Hearing a great American poet reading his own work is a unique experience. We just want folks to give poetry a try. They won’t be disappointed.
Thanks again for your kind attention to our festival.
A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of Kent State, Marla E. Schwartz has been a professional journalist since her teenage years and is a Senior Writer for Miami Living Magazine, and a freelance writer for CRAVINGS South Florida in Aventura, as well as Around Wellington Magazine and Lighthouse Point Magazine. An avid photographer, her images have appeared in numerous Ohio publications, as well as in Miami Living, The Miami Herald, The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and The Palm Beach Post. She has had numerous plays published and produced around the country. Her short play, America’s Working? was originally read at First Stage in Los Angeles and in the same city produced at the Lone Star Ensemble. It was then produced at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL and then taken to an Off-Broadway playhouse by its producers Adam and Carrie Simpson. Her piece, The Lunch Time Café, was a finalist for the Heideman Award, Actors Theatre of Louisville. Feel free to contact her at: meschwartz1@hotmail.com.
A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of