November 2, 2023 Wellington, FL – The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), Palm Beach County’s official economic development organization, selected Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center to serve on the BDB Board of Directors. Effective on October 1, 2023, the Business Development Board announced these notable leaders who will assist with positioning Palm Beach County as the top business location during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
“It is a privilege to have a distinguished group of influential leaders who will be steering the economic development initiatives of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. Their strong dedication to nurturing business growth in our region makes them well-suited for their roles as members of the BDB Board of Directors. I look forward to collaborating with them in shaping the future of Palm Beach County,” said Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB).
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About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is located in Wellington, Florida. It is a 233-bed, acute care hospital.. Wellington Regional is proud to have provided high quality healthcare services to the residents of Palm Beach County since 1986. As a community hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, Wellington Regional prides itself on its continued commitment to remain on the forefront of advanced technologies and expand programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves.
About Business Development Board:
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. During the past five years, the BDB has assisted more than 140 companies that have created or retained more than 13,110 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $80,000, resulting in more than $1.12 billion in capital investment to Palm Beach County. The BDB’s highest level investor partners include Focus
Financial Partners, Carrier, Florida Power & Light, Good Greek Relocation Services, LRP Media Group, HSS, Moss Construction, Stiles Nicholson Foundation, Suffolk Construction, Tampa General Hospital, Tortoise Properties, TPA Group and Wexford Real Estate Investors (WREI). Additional information can be found at the BDB’s website, BDB.org.
Cost: $52.50 (Morikami Members $48.75). Advance Registration Required Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brush strokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject
Saturday, Dec 2
The Art of Kokedama (Workshop) Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm or 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Cost: $60. Advance Registration Required Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. It is wrapped with string and contains an ornamental plant growing inside. These beautiful and decorative plants, bring an organic and natural touch to planting orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants. Learn the mechanics of how to make kokedama, creating two regular sizes and one small one to decorate your home or to give away to a special person.
Saturdays, Dec 9 & 16 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Class) Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm Intermediate – 1pm-3pm
Cost: $105 (Morikami Members $100). Advance Registration Required
The Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 2 week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55). Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60). Advance Registration Required
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.
Wednesdays, Dec 6, 13, 20
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)
Time: Beginners – 10:30am –12:30pm
Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $67.50 (Morikami Members $60) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy.
Cost: $52.50 (Morikami Members $48.75) Advance Registration Required
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brush strokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
Saturday, Dec 9 Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration) Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.
Saturday, Dec 9
The Art of Japanese Gift Presentation (Workshop) Time: 10:30am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 3pm
Cost: $35 Advance Registration Required
Learn the customs and art of Japanese gift presentation in this hands-on workshop. Combining traditions with contemporary aesthetics, participants are introduced to the beauty of Japanese packaging and design, often times incorporating natural and unconventional materials. Learn to wrap with washi (Japanese traditional handmade paper), create uniquely designed boxes, and other techniques to give your gift an Asian-inspired elegance. Workshop tools and materials will be provided for the participants to use.
Sunday, Dec 10 Film Screening: Patema Inverted
Sponsored by The Rubens Family Foundation(98min., 2013, Rated PG, Animation)
Time: 11am (Dubbed in English) and 2pm (in Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $5 with paid museum admission (FREE for members as part of Member Appreciation Weekend. Children ages 3 and under free, limited tickets available)
From visionary director Yasuhiro Yoshiura (Time of Eve) comes a perspective-twisting sci-fi adventure about two kids separated by opposite gravities. Patema lives in an underground world of tunnels, the long-abandoned ruins of a giant industrial complex. Though she is a princess, she is held back by the rules imposed by the elders of her clan. One day when she is exploring in a forbidden zone, she is startled by a strange bat-like creature and tumbles headlong into a void – and out into the wide open world above the surface, a place with reversed physics, where if she let go she would “fall up” into the sky and be lost forever.
Age is a student on this surface world, a totalitarian society whose compliant population has been brainwashed against the “sinners who fell into the sky.” When he spies Patema hanging upside-down from a tree, he pulls her down to safety, struggling with all his might to keep her earthbound as she grips on to him for dear life. Together their weights cancel each other out, and once they master the art of navigating competing gravitational forces, they set out to evade the leaders of Age’s world and discover the secret that keeps their worlds apart.
Thursday, Dec 14 Karensansui: Raking Demonstration (Demonstration) Time: 10:30am Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required
Karesansui or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using carefully composed rock arrangements and gravel or sand. A karesansui is carefully raked to represent characteristics of water such as currents and waves while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands. Learn about our Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation.
The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and create a set of special dinner napkins for your home.
Saturday, Dec. 16 Family Fun: Shimekazari Time: 12pm – 3pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission). No Reservation Required Come celebrate the end of the year by weaving your own shimekazari, a Japanese New Year’s wreath.
Saturday, Dec 16 – Friday, Dec 29 Family Fun: Nengajō: New Year’s Cards Time: 10am- 5pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission). No Reservation Required
Join us throughout the holiday season to create a nengajō, a Japanese New Year’s card, to share with friends and family.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
The recent death – on October 21 — of 86-year-old English soccer legend Bobby Charlton generated headlines around the world, as Charlton was widely regarded as one of world’s greatest soccer players, especially during the height of his playing career in the 1960s. During that decade, Charlton played for just one club (Manchester United) and made numerous international appearances for England. In fact, he earned 106 ‘caps’ (i.e. appearances) for England from 1958-1970. And, during Charlton’s 17-year career (1956-1973) with Manchester United, he played 758 games for the club, where he scored a then club-record 249 goals. The high point of Charlton’s career was his role as a key figure on England’s World Cup-winning team in 1966. And, in 1994, Charlton was knighted by then Queen Elizabeth II which made him Sir Bobby Charlton.
Charlton was so talented and popular that if he was playing today for Manchester United in England’s Premier League, thousands of his jerseys would be worn by soccer fans around the world, just as today’s soccer fans are wearing the jersey of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and the now famous pink jersey worn by Argentina’s Lionel Messi (now playing for Inter Miami FC).
Charlton’s recent passing has evoked strong memories of his playing days by two current Wellington residents – Jim Graham and Alan Tonks — who grew up playing soccer in England and watched Charlton showcase his skills for Manchester United and for England.
Graham was a young boy when England won the 1966 World Cup, beating West Germany 4-2 in the final.
“I was 11 and bet my dad ten ‘bob’ that we would beat the Germans,” recalled Graham. “My dad was a big fan of German football.”
After England’s championship win, which took place at London’s old Wembley Stadium, Graham’s dad paid his debt to this son.
“I never let him forget about it,” chuckled Graham.
Charlton played every minute of every one of England’s games in the 1966 World Cup. And, it was Charlton’s two goals against Portugal in the semi-final which gave England a 2-1 win and put England in the final.
Looking back, Graham firmly believes that Charlton is one of the greatest soccer players which England has ever produced. If there was a group of English soccer players who are amongst that country’s all-time best players, Charlton would be on that list, according to Graham.
“I, and I suspect most football fans of my generation, would put him on that (All-England) team,” said Graham. “Not only was Bobby a great player, but a true gentleman. I would rank Bobby Charlton as one of England’s top-five greatest footballers, alongside Stanley Matthews, Alan Ball, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Moore. While Bobby Charlton was a proven goal scorer, he was equally talented as a facilitator, being able to pass the ball well with either foot.”
Charlton was fortunate to have his older brother Jack Charlton as a teammate on many of those England teams in the 1960s. Years ago, Graham met Jack Charlton who had strong words of praise for his more talented, younger brother.
“I did get to meet Jack Charlton,” said Graham. “He was a guest speaker at a sportsman’s dinner we had at our (soccer) club (back in England). He spoke fondly of his brother and how much more of a better player Bobby was than him.”
Tonks, also, has vivid memories of seeing Charlton play soccer.
“I never met Bobby Charlton but saw him play a few times when United came to Villa Park (to play Aston Villa FC) or St. Andrews (to play Birmingham City FC),” said Tonks.
Tonks admired Charlton’s ability to dictate the flow of every match, just like a great point guard does in a basketball game.
“He had special skills, especially ball control,” said Tonks. “He mastered the art of shifting his body one way and dribbling the ball the other way.”
According to Tonks, Charlton was both a talented player on the soccer pitch and a tremendous soccer ambassador away from the action.
“I think his fame was enhanced by the way he conducted himself on and off the pitch,” said Tonks. “He was a very conservative guy, a gentleman, and a class act.”
The numerous video highlights of Charlton’s career on YouTube confirm why his play on the field generated as many headlines then as his death has generated now.
Outside Manchester United’s home stadium, known as Old Trafford, there’s a statue of three of United’s greatest players from the late 1960s, Northern Ireland’s George Best, Scotland’s Denis Law, and Bobby Charlton.
Walk raises awareness and funds for heart disease research
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.,(November 2, 2023) – The 2023 Palm Beach County Heart Walk on November 11 at the Meyer Amphitheatre will draw attention to heart health while celebrating survivors of heart disease and stroke. It will also feature a variety of activities, including hands-only CPR demonstrations, meeting therapy dogs, writing thank you cards for veterans and yard games. This year’s Heart Walk is chaired by TBC’s Scott Hurd.
“As a proud veteran of Desert Storm, the Heart Walk on Veterans Day is meaningful to me, and I encourage other veterans to register and come and join us,” Hurd says. “This event is a perfect pairing of two causes I am passionate about: recognizing those who have valiantly served our country and raising awareness about CPR training.”
Only an estimated 1 in 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. However, when CPR is performed, that person’s chance of survival can double or even triple.
“Cardiac arrest occurs in more than 350,000 people every year,” Hurd says. “Raising awareness about the need for CPR training aligns with TBC’s core values of leaving everything better in our community and helping us all live, longer, healthier lives.”
Heart disease and stroke are largely preventable and how you eat, move and manage stress impacts your well-being. The Palm Beach County Heart Walk provides resources, tools and activities to support both mental and physical well-being for employers and employees.
“If we can send attendees home with just one piece of information to help them lead a healthier life – learn CPR, replace salt with spices, get 30 minutes of exercise a day, aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night – we can make a massive impact in improving the health of this community,” says Kayla Fox, executive director of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County.
Funds raised through this campaign go to research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health in support of the Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal, reducing barriers to health care access and quality.
Sponsors of the Palm Beach County Heart Walk include Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, TBC Corporation, Mount Sinai New York, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Florida Power & Light Corporation, HCA Florida Healthcare supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation and Sailun Tire. Media sponsors are Hubbard Radio South Florida, WPTV News Channel 5, and Florida Weekly.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Wellington, FL – November 01, 2023 — Wellington Regional Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound as the result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury or other medical problems.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards, following a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.
The ACR, founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care. The College serves more than 37,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.
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About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is located in Wellington, Florida. It is a 233-bed, acute care hospital.. Wellington Regional is proud to have provided high quality healthcare services to the residents of Palm Beach County since 1986. As a community hospital, accredited by The Joint Commission, Wellington Regional prides itself on its continued commitment to remain on the forefront of advanced technologies and expand programs and services to meet the needs of the growing community it serves.
Jupiter, FL (November 1, 2023) — Ines Ferrari Garcia, a local Palm Beach Gardens resident and well-known interior designer, celebrates her award-winning debut novel, “Saving Marina.” A free public book launch and signing event will be held on Wednesday, November 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida. The event features a conversation led by a media personality about the book’s inspiration and creative process. Light bites and refreshments will be served and a portion of the book proceeds will benefit the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.
“I had always wanted to write a novel. After the renovation of our house in El Cid was completed and my daughter went away to college, I decided it was time,” said Garcia. “I wrote about the house, the neighborhood, and the rich history of West Palm Beach. I wanted to write of hope and healing and my belief that everyone is worthy of love, especially self-love and that prayer does change things. Every book I’ve ever read has taught me something about life, and I hope this story portrays that message to someone who needs it.”
Saving Marina has received accolades from American Bookfest and Kirkus Reviews who said “Over the course of this novel, Garcia truly excels at conveying rich themes of family, trauma, womanhood, and finding one’s sense of purpose on every page. The plot proceeds at an even pace, and each scene feels thoughtfully developed and often captivating.” The book was also honored as a 2023 American Fiction Awards Finalist.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Garcia sought the sun of South Florida and moved to the Ft. Lauderdale area at the age of twenty-one. Her path led her into the world of interior design, where she and her architect husband have successfully operated a business for over twenty-five years. Their life journey took an exciting turn when, as empty nesters, they embarked on the renovation of a historic home in the El Cid neighborhood of West Palm Beach, Florida.
The renovation, along with her life experiences, inspired Ines to write her first book, “Saving Marina.” A heartfelt story, “Saving Marina” centers on a middle-aged mother who grapples with the unearthing of repressed past traumas while renovating a historic home in El Cid.
For more information about Ines Ferrari Garcia and “Saving Marina,” or to schedule a book signing event email Jennifer Sardone-Shiner at jssmarketingpr@gmail.com.
About Ines Ferrari Garcia:
Ines Ferrari Garcia is an award-winning author, accomplished interior designer, and avid adventurer. From an early age, Ines Ferrari Garcia desired to be a writer but knew that to be a captivating storyteller, she needed to gain some life experiences. Her literary debut, “Saving Marina,” is inspired by her life experiences and passion for storytelling. Ines was born and raised in New Jersey but sought the sun of South Florida and moved to the Ft. Lauderdale area at the age of twenty-one. Her path led her into the world of interior design, where she and her architect husband have successfully operated a business for over twenty-five years. Their life journey took an exciting turn when, as empty nesters, they embarked on the renovation of a historic home in the El Cid neighborhood of West Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, visit www.ines-ferrari-garcia.com.
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Calendar Listing:
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 pm – Ines Ferrari Garcia, a local Palm Beach Gardens resident and well-known interior designer, celebrates her award-winning debut novel, “Saving Marina.” A free public book launch and signing event will be held at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Jupiter, Florida. The event features a conversation led by a media personality about the book’s inspiration and creative process. A portion of the book proceeds will benefit the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. For more information, visit ines-ferrari-garcia.com.
AW: Tell us the ways that WRMC serves its patients. What would you say Wellington Regional is best- known for?
PT: We serve our community and our partners in this area. Best known for Women’s Services (as a leader for many years), our Emergency Department (with high visibility since it’s based on 441 & Forest Hill, Palm Beach County’s biggest intersection), and our neuroscientists. Also, we are happy to say we have physicians who have been here for 15 years or more, amazing nurses, we are the only facility to assist comprehensive stroke patients and we offer great cardio services.
AW: How many hospital beds do you have? What are some of the newest parts of the hospital? What are some recent advancements you can tell us about?
PT: 235 beds. There are a lot of new advancements in technology. Dr. Andrew Shapiro has successfully completed an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 surgical procedures utilizing the cutting-edge da Vinci® Robot, cementing his status as a leader in minimally invasive surgical techniques in this region. In addition, there have been many new advancements in technology, including advanced procedures, MRIs, biopsies, gastro procedures and Post partum procedures. Also, for our maternity families, we now have a queen size bed for mom and a man cave on other side of the room.
AW: What was the biggest challenge in getting through the COVID years?
PT: Our community has been and was very supportive throughout. The situation caused a lot of labor challenges, in terms of staffing. We worked through it, as our goal is to be as consumer friendly as possible.
AW: What steps do you take to ensure quality care? Good bedside manner among your staff?
PT: We have many ways of ensuring quality care – one thing we are focused on is service excellence. We have a helpful class that is mandatory this year. We go through a coaching process. There’s a strong focus on positive reinforcement and coaching regarding bedside manner. Our hospital is focused on nurse communications team and doctor communications. We are constantly working on communications between doctors and nurses and highly focused on bedside manner. We are always examining re-admission, mortality, safety of care, effectiveness of care and the patient experience. Our mantra: patient safety and quality are paramount to everything we do.
AW: In what ways does WRMC give back to our community?
PT: Wellington Regional is very active in this area, especially when it comes to healthcare issues and our greater business community. We actively try to take a seat at the table in many Wellington community initiatives. I serve as the chair of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Table. We are very involved with the American Heart Association, the March of Dimes and other good causes.
AW: How long have you been CEO? Tell us about your background.
PT: It’s been 8 ½ years at Wellington Regional Medical Center. For the past 4 ½ years, I have served as CEO. I’ve been working in Hospital Administration for over 20 years. I got my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cornell and did a residency in Hospital Administration. It’s something I love and am passionate about. It’s personal, it’s a mission, and it’s wanting to do the right thing for others. I want to improve the health of our community and be proud of what I do.
AW: What plans do you have for future enhancements or expansion?
We are building another hospital in Palm Beach Gardens. We have an Emergency unit in West Lake and are expanding that campus. As always, we are planning on keeping up with state-of-the-art technology. We will invest inside Wellington. Wellington is our flagship – we love it here. There are many more advancements in our future.
AW: Tell us about your relationship with the Wellington (and beyond) community.
As we look to our future, we want to improve the overall healthcare and the perception of health care in our community. Our focus is on the highest quality, most ethical healthcare. We welcome the community to give us feedback. Being inclusive of the community is important to us. We have the best staff, and we love what we do. I wake up happy every day. Our patients’ appreciation means a lot to us.
AW: What’s one of the best things you’ve heard a patient say about WRMC?
“The team at Wellington Regional Saved my life when I had a stroke. They are angels. I would not be here without them.”
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Wellington Regional Medical Center has gained the following awards and accreditations in recent years.
Did you know that the average American consumes more than 12 pounds of lettuce every year? Whether it’s crisp and bright like romaine or iceberg, or dark and leafy like kale and arugula, lettuce is a staple in every household. In Florida, lettuce production contributes to 3% of the national total, with most of the crop cultivated across approximately 11,000 acres within South Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA).
South Florida’s sunny climate and subtropical vibes make it an ideal location for gardening vegetables, like lettuce. However, when it comes to growing this cool-weather crop in the heat and humidity of the region, some special attention is required to ensure a successful harvest. Here are some tips to guide you through successfully cultivating fresh and crispy lettuce directly from your backyard:
Select a Heat-Tolerant Lettuce Variety
Consider planting heat-tolerant lettuce varieties like Romaine, Butterhead, and Summer Crisp. Romaine and Summer Crisp are relatively heat tolerant, while Butterhead is moderately heat tolerant. Romaine can withstand moderately warm temperatures but can bolt, which means it may produce flowers that may develop a bitter taste when exposed to high or prolonged heat. Summer Crisp can also withstand higher temperatures without bolting or becoming bitter as quickly as some other lettuce types. Butterhead is known for being among the most heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant of all the lettuce types. When buying seeds, check the information and look for the label to say “heat resistant” or “heat tolerant” to ensure that your lettuce can thrive.
Prepare Your Garden
Select a partially shady location to shield the lettuce from too much sun. The ideal soil pH range for lettuce is 6.5 and 7.0, but since the soil pH in South Florida ranges from 7.0 to 8.5, as such you need to change your soil pH by bringing in topsoil or a soil mix or by simply applying organic materials to the soil like dried stalks or leaves, compost, and cover crops. Then, wait for three to six weeks before planting. This waiting period will allow pH levels to stabilize. To check your soil pH, you can contact your local county UF/IFAS Extension office for soil sample bags, shipping boxes, and sample submission forms free of charge. You may also send your soil sample to a lab using a soil testing kit and get accurate results quickly.
Choose Your Timing
The best time to plant lettuce in South Florida is during the cool season, which is September through January. When planting, barely cover the seed with soil about ¼-inch deep because lettuce seeds require light to germinate. Water the seeds after planting, and make sure to keep the soil moist. Lettuce plants have shallow roots, so they need frequent watering (at least once daily). As the seeds germinate, thin out the plants 4-inches apart for leaf lettuce like Summer Crisp, and 6-8-inches apart for Romaine and Butterhead. This means you’ll need to remove or transplant some of the plants to ensure that there is enough space between each plant. Proper spacing will give plants enough room to grow and more quickly access resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. Apply fertilizer every 3 to 4 weeks, and regularly inspect for signs of pests and decline, such as yellowing leaves or holes. If this is spotted, remove the plant from your garden as soon as possible to prevent spreading.
Routinely Harvest Lettuce
Lettuce plants grow quickly and mature in 30 days, but you can decide when to harvest as soon as they reach the size you want. To harvest, cut the leaves from the plant and leave the base of the plant intact. This will allow the plant to continue growing and producing leaves so that you have a non-stop, abundant supply of fresh greens.
Growing lettuce in South Florida may have its unique challenges, but the rewards of enjoying fresh, homegrown, lettuce make it all worthwhile. With careful attention and the right practices, you can successfully cultivate a thriving lettuce garden in your own backyard!
You’re expecting a Thanksgiving post, aren’t you? Sigh. Am I that predictable? Yes, it’s November. A month for gratitude. To say the past few months have been difficult is an understatement. My family and I have been seriously tried by life. Are we strong? Absolutely, but do I need to prove it over and over again? Dear God, I know you are in control. I know everything happens for a reason but dang it, can you cut me some slack!?!? All kidding aside, things have been hard and you know what, I’m grateful. I know you’re thinking “Girl, have you lost your mind?” And if you know me, you know the answer to that. Let me explain the reason for my gratitude while being knee deep in life’s quagmire of crap.
The first and most obvious reason is that life’s difficulties DO make us stronger. I think I’m pretty strong but maybe I need to be stronger.
I also know that you can’t make eggs without cracking an egg. Do I know the reason for this difficult time? No. But in life I’ve been shown time and time again that everything happens for a reason. So there must be a bigger plan… something wonderful that’s coming in the future.
Fifty is the year people start listening to themselves and double-downing on self care. We stop neglecting our needs. What does that mean? It’s different for everyone. Give yourself permission to make the necessary changes in your everyday life that nurture you. Tired? Nap. Cranky? Do something that brings you joy. And here’s the really cool part… it doesn’t have to make sense to anyone but you. Buy yourself flowers. Whatever. I’m grateful for this time because I have learned how to make those things a priority. My self care is no longer secondary to everything else – a wonderful lesson. So this November, I challenge you. It’s easy to be grateful when everything is going well but can you sift through the ashes of unfortunate events to find the diamonds? Good things can be gleaned from all situations and I’m grateful for them. You can be too.
In general health and wellness there has been a great debate at large in the 20th century. Each side has its staunch advocates who are unwavering, with cardio enthusiasts swearing by the heart-pumping benefits of running, cycling, and swimming, and strength training fanatics praising the virtues of lifting weights and building muscle. The reality, however, is that both cardiovascular exercise and strength training offer unique advantages, and the key to optimal health and fitness lies in integrating these seemingly opposite approaches. So, let’s uncover the silver lining of both cardio and strength training, bust the myths, and ultimately demonstrate the undeniable benefits of finding harmony between the two.
Let’s break down this great debate. The cardio vs. strength training debate can be traced back to the late 20th century when these two exercise modalities became increasingly popular. Cardiovascular exercise, often referred to as “aerobic” exercise, includes activities that elevate your heart rate, such as running, biking, or swimming. Strength training, on the other hand, focuses on resistance exercises like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance bands.
These two approaches seem to be at odds with each other, and it’s common to find people who exclusively commit to one or the other, based on their fitness goals or personal preferences. However, the argument isn’t about one being superior to the other; it’s about recognizing that they complement each other beautifully and in harmony.
Let’s dive in and debunk a few myths. Cardio burns more calories so it’s better for weight loss. While it’s true that cardio burns a substantial number of calories during activity, it’s not the only factor to consider in weight management. Strength training, although it may not burn as many calories during a workout, promotes muscle growth. Muscles require more energy at rest than fat. Therefore, strength training helps you burn calories even while your body is at rest. Strength training makes you bulky. The reality is that building a bulky physique through strength training is a result of specific, targeted training and diet. Most individuals, lack the hormonal profile required to develop massive muscles. Strength training primarily helps with lean muscle development, which can lead to a more toned and sculpted appearance. Cardio is boring, and strength training is tedious. Some people shy away from exercise altogether because they find either cardio or strength training boring or tedious. In truth, there’s a wide range of activities within both categories. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, or playing a sport for cardio, or bodyweight exercises, TRX training, or resistance bands for strength, the options are diverse and exciting.
On the flip side, the benefits of cardio are vast. Cardiovascular exercise offers a multitude of health and fitness benefits: heart health. Cardio exercise elevates your heart rate, strengthening the heart muscle and enhancing its efficiency. Over time, this can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Another benefit is improved endurance. Regular cardio workouts improve endurance, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. You can climb stairs without feeling winded or enjoy longer hikes. Mood and mental health is another benefit. Cardio workouts trigger the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety. The mental clarity and stress relief associated with cardio exercise are well-documented. Weight management. Cardio workouts burn calories and can assist in weight management when combined with a healthy diet. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio has shown promise in fat loss.
Strength training also boasts a range of incredible benefits: Increased lean muscle tissue, being the primary in my opinion. Strength training promotes muscle growth and definition, enhancing your overall physique and physical performance. Strength training boosts your metabolism. As mentioned earlier, muscle is metabolically active and requires more energy at rest than fat. Strength training boosts your resting metabolic rate, helping with weight management. Strength training is great for your bone health and is invaluable. It increases bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially important as we age. Strength training boosts your everyday functional capabilities. Building strength translates into improved functionality in daily life. You’ll find it easier to lift heavy objects, perform household tasks, and engage in recreational activities.
So, how can we find harmony between cardio and strength training? Here’s the key, combine both modalities. A balanced fitness routine often includes both cardio and strength training. Depending on your goals, you can allocate specific days for each, or even incorporate them into the same workout session. For example, you can do strength training followed by a cardio session, or vice versa. Vary Your Workouts: Variety is the spice of life, and it applies to fitness as well. Switch up your routines to keep things interesting and challenge your body in different ways. This approach prevents plateaus and ensures you continuously reap the benefits of both modalities.
Pay attention to your body’s signals. If you’re fatigued or feeling sore, it’s okay to take a rest day or opt for a gentler workout. Rest and recovery are crucial components of a well-rounded fitness routine.
Understand your fitness objectives. If you want to build more muscle, allocate more time to strength training. If you’re aiming for improved endurance, focus on cardio. Your goals will determine the balance between the two.
The cardio vs. strength training debate doesn’t need to be a battleground but rather a celebration of the diverse ways we can enhance our health and well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that both approaches offer distinct advantages and integrating them into your fitness routine can lead to a holistic and balanced path to a healthier, more fit, and happier you. By combining the heart-pumping benefits of cardio with the muscle-building prowess of strength training, you’re not only optimizing your physical health but also nurturing your mental well-being, unlocking your full potential, and living your best life, and becoming the best version of yourself. That’s how you go from existing to excelling.
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The common theme of Akai Jackson’s career has always been helping people grow into the best version of themselves through fitness and mindset shifts. The longtime entrepreneur’s dynamic approach to health and wealth wellness is the byproduct of formal education, life experience as a decorated college athlete, and his own personal journey with mindfulness and growth. He founded I.X.L TODAY, a personal & professional development agency that curates transformational health and wealth programs that take their clients from existing to excelling in their physical, mental, emotional health.
