Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, higher-speed rail service in America, will double its train service between Orlando and Miami, just two weeks after opening the highly anticipated route. Brightline will begin running 30 trains daily starting today, October 9, with 15 daily departures from both Orlando and Miami.
The new hourly schedule begins with the first train leaving Orlando at 4:38 a.m., arriving into Miami at 8:11 a.m. The final train leaves Orlando at 8:54 p.m. The first train leaves Miami for Orlando at 6:41 a.m., arriving at 10:19 a.m. with the last train leaving Miami for Orlando at 9:41 p.m. Additional early-morning and late-night trains will operate between Brightline’s five South Florida stations.
About Brightline
Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, higher-speed rail service in America. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Travel and included in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List for the best new ways to travel. Offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road, Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
OF ITALIAN AMERICAN-HERITAGE, CULTURE, AND FAMILY TRADITIONS
Friday, October 6, 2023 (Jupiter, Fla.)–The Galbani Feast of Little Italy returns to Abacoa in Jupiter for a three-day festival November 3-5, 2023. The cultural festival known for the Italian ambiance, national Italian-American entertainers, and authentic food will offer free admission, and this year’s theme is celebrating Italian-American Heritage and Culture.
Festival hours throughout the weekend are 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday. Parking is Free. Admission is Free.
Now in its 22nd year, the Galbani ‘Feast of Little Italy,’ the largest Italian festival in Florida, promises a weekend filled with entertainment, food, and fun, served up Italian style! The festival has expanded, and with more vendors than ever before, it will continue to be the largest Italian festival in the state. Each year, the ‘Feast of Little Italy’ draws three generations of families with a promise to offer something special for everyone to enjoy and remember as they create memorable moments together that last a lifetime.
“We are committed to celebrating our Italian cultures, values, and traditions that are built on the foundation of family. We are grateful for all who come out and celebrate and share in the love of our heritage said Jerry Somma, Co-Founder and Producer of the festival.”
Experience national and local chefs who come out to the Feast of Little Italy and demonstrate how to cook specialty Italian dishes. This year, The La Cucina Galbani® Cooking stage will feature nationally known chefs like most notable, Galbani Celebrity Chef Marco Sciortino from the hit TV show “Come Dine with Me,” and local favorites Anthony Acampa from “Fats Where the Flavors At,” Nina Tomasik from Nina’s Fresh Bakery, Chef Nick from Brick and Barrel, and Chef Stephen Asprinio from Top Chef and a local restaurateur will all be creating special Italian dishes right before your eyes! Do not miss a taste of the free Voga Wine seminars throughout the weekend by wine connoisseurs.
Cheers! Salute! Toast to your Italian-American heritage with a beer, prosecco, spritz, or cocktail. The Bar Italia, Aperol Spritz Piazza, or Voga Prosecco Lounge will be the places to be seen.
Spoil yourself and the entire family and relax in your own Private VIP Villa located near the stage for your enjoyment, including a large table, eight seats in your villa, and waiter/waitress service, or enjoy a reserved stage pod seating with four chairs, table and includes waiter/waitress service. Reservations are available at Eventbrite.com.
For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles will be on site with fun kids’ activities.
Entertainment:
The Feast is pleased to announce the return of its fabulous Master of Ceremonies – Virginia Sinicki, an on-air personality from the KVJ show on 979WRMF.
Friday-The party kicks off on the Beachside Golf Cars Stage with Maria DeCrescenzo, known for her unique mix and arrangements of favorites, at 6 p.m. and performing Italian music spinning by DJ Johnny. Then headliners Livin’ on a Prayer, a Bon Jovi Tribute performing hits from the New Jersey rock band spanning decades, at 8 p.m.
Saturday-Come witness Cory “CPez” Pesaturo, the Guinness World Record holder for longest performance by an accordion player, as he takes the main stage at 12:30 p.m. Making their festival debut, couple Vincent and Emily Ricciardi. Enjoy the smooth sounds of “The Voice of Romance” Franco Corso performing Italian classics from Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and many more at 3 p.m. Austin Giorgio is known for TV fame from NBC’s The Voice. His smooth sounds will seduce the audience with popular songs made famous by Sinatra, Dean Martin, and other classics at 4:30 p.m. The Vince Chiarelli Band is credited for their unique mix and arrangements of classic Italian favorites, intertwined with romantic Italian ballads, Italian-American favorites, and enticing bossa nova and flamenco rhythms. Audiences will be captivated by the band’s own self-described genre of “Flamenco Italiano,” which has revitalized the excitement of Italian music at 6 p.m. Then Saturday Night will explode with 70s hits, with Studio 54 performing the best of the 70s at 8 p.m.
Sunday-The Feast continues with young Aviana Rossi performing at Noon. Known as “The Sicilian Tenor,” Elio Scaccio will be performing at 1 p.m. The return of Marco Turo with a new show, A Tribute to Tony Bennett, at 2:30 p.m. The Vince Chiarelli Band returns at 4 p.m. with Cory Pesaturo. Then do not miss a festival favorite, Angelo Venuto, at 6 p.m. performing Italian dance hits, traditional songs, and more!
The Food – Now that is Italian!
With every step you take in Abacoa, visitors will find food vendors serving up authentic Italian dishes-from fresh pasta, sausage, and peppers, arancini, braciole, and many more classic dishes. Then, enjoy a not-to-be-missed Italian dessert with homemade zeppoles with powdered sugar, sfogliatella, and cannoli. Joseph’s Classic Market will be on site for all to enjoy many of their specialty items. If Italian food is what you crave, then the Feast is the place to be.
About Little Smiles – The Feast of Little Italy’s official Charity:
The Feast is committed each year to supporting Little Smiles and the Little Smiles toy drive kicking off at the festival. The nonprofit organization works tirelessly to bring smiles to the faces of children by giving kids the chance to be kids during difficult times. The nonprofit provides gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness, or tragedy. To learn more, visit www.littlesmilesfl.org.
About the Feast of Little Italy:
It began 22 years ago with a dream and a vision to create an experience rich in Italian culture to share. With family tradition and values at the core of its mission, the Feast continues to serve as the signature event that brings together generations in a celebration of marked contributions by great Italians. Through food, music, art, and history, over the three-day festival, we remain steadfast in encouraging the importance of bringing together the community, rooted in the importance of family. We remain dedicated to staying mindful of the hardships that our ancestors endured in migration to this great country and proud of our Italian-American heritage.
The 22nd Galbani Annual Feast of Little Italy– Nov. 3-5, 2023 (Friday 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Abacoa in Jupiter. The celebrated three-day family Italian street festival will have national entertainment, authentic food, festival rides and games, free cooking demonstrations, and more. Admission and parking are free. VIP Reserved Pods and Private Villas are available through Eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.feastoflittleitaly.com.
Mind, Music and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders
WHO: Mind, Music and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders
WHAT: Lunch & Learn Fall Series
October 12, 2023: Brain Donation: Think About It
Christina Romani Piersol, University of Miami (Brain Endowment Bank), manages the business operations donor services at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She will speak about Parkinson’s disease and healthy brain aging and explain the benefits of brain donation.Visit https://www.m3f.org/event-details/brain-donation-think-about-it for more information.
November 15, 2023: DBS or focused ultrasound? What will work best and when?
Dr. Arif Dalvi, Director of the Comprehensive Movement Disorders Program at Palm Beach Neuroscience Institute, will compare the steps and benefits of DBS surgery and focused ultrasound surgery. Attendees will understand the steps of DBS surgery and focused ultrasound surgery as well as the benefits and risks of each method. Evaluate the outcomes based on clinical research. Visit https://www.m3f.org/event-details/dbs-or-focused-ultrasound-what-will-work-best-and-when for more information.
December 14, 2023: The Well-Prepared Spouse
Anne B. Sternlicht, Managing Director of JP Morgan Private Bank, will lead an educational discussion of financial, investment and trust planning basics. In a world of too much information, how do we know what is important to help our families prepare for the unexpected? Visit https://www.m3f.org/event-details/the-well-prepared-spouse to RSVP.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. on October 12, November 15 and December 14
WHERE: Tropical Sands Christian Church – 2726 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
ADMISSION: Lunch & Learn events are open to the public and RSVPs are required. Tickets include one lunch meal and are $20 per person. To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit www.m3f.org/events.
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum’s Thresholds is a collection of African artifacts and artwork that mark the milestones of a life journey. The show features pieces from the Spady Museum Collection and special artifacts from the Kay Crawford Collection and the Dr. Cecil Jonas Collection. Thresholds is co-curated by Joanne Hamsptead and Khaulah Naima Nuruddin. In the exhibit, each carefully curated artifact tells a tale of a “threshold” – such as a birth, initiation, marriage or death – that a person crosses with the assistance and guidance of unique ceremonies, rituals, and artistic expressions.
For example, several cultures throughout Africa practice passage ceremonies for their young people. A component of the rite is represented in the exhibit with pieces of beaded jewelry from the Nigerian Yoruba tribe. The intricately designed jewelry, which are worn by men and women around their waistlines, indicates their crossing of the spiritual threshold into adulthood.
Oct. 11: “Crossing Overtown” screening at Cornell Museum, in partnership with Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
6 p.m.
Cornell Museum at Old School Square, 51 Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL
In a first-time collaboration, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) welcome audiences to learn more about the compelling origins of Overtown, a Miami city that encapsulates the indomitable spirit of the African American metropolis. In their one-hour documentary, “Crossing Overtown,” Jewish filmmakers Scott Barnett and Johanna Vega delve into the unique role that Overtown plays in the national civil rights movement and its influence on other predominantly Black cities.
Oct. 28: Sip and See With Spady, featuring The Florida Highwaymen
This program was born out of the need to continue the enriching conversations sparked by tours of the Spady Museum’s exhibits. The history of the Black citizens of Delray Beach, Palm Beach County and the State of Florida and how that history connects to the wider narrative of American history are broad topics that can require more time than a museum tour will allow. Sip and See at Spady is a monthly, 2-hour, social gathering that provides additional time to continue discussion of selected topics supplemented by scholars, documentaries, live presentations, publications and other source material.
Nov. 28: “Thresholds” Exhibit Curator and Collector Talk
Dec. 26: “Thresholds” Exhibit Public Workshop, as part of Kwanzaa Celebration
Dec. 26: Kwanzaa Celebration
2:30-5:30 p.m.
170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Kwanzaa Celebration will welcome families to celebrate the holidays by making their own gifts and enjoying live music, art activities, storytelling for children, and food. The celebration will be held outside on the museum grounds. Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday designed to strengthen and celebrate the best of African culture and heritage. Five community-minded organizations come together to infuse the Kwanzaa celebration with all of the seven principles for a rich and memorable experience. Unity, a concept that was kept away from African Americans during the founding of our country, is an important principle to learn, adopt and practice. (Learn more about Kwanzaa here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/seven-principles-kwanzaa). The Spady Museum will condense the week-long celebration into an afternoon of community observation. The Kwanzaa Celebration is hosted by Spady Museum in collaboration with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Sankofa Study Group, Pyramid Books, Kwanzaa 365 Live.
January 15, 2024: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch
10 a.m.-noon
Indian Spring Country Club, 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach, FL
A signature community event, which is often sold-out, the Spady Museum’s “I Have A Dream” Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast has swelled to welcome more than 300 people from Palm Beach and Broward counties. The Breakfast features guest speakers, musical entertainment, and a full breakfast buffet. Tickets are available at www.spadymuseum.com. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or email [email protected]
Jan. 16: Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour
The Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour takes riders on a journey through the city’s Colored Town historic district. Riders will tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and other locations; disembarking at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. To book this tour for groups of 10-28, please contact the museum at (561) 279-8883 or email us at [email protected]
Jan. 20: Cook, Chat and Chew
Jan. 26: “Solo Exhibition of Kandy G. Lopez” Exhibit Opening
Employing a wide variety of artistic expressions, Kandy G. Lopez examines the notion of in-betweenness, as it refers to navigating cultures, experiences, and adverse environments by individuals or communities that have been marginalized or forcibly displaced. In the Nahuatl language, Nepantla relates to the resistance practices formed in response to living in oppressive conditions. People develop strategies for survival that can include cultural preservation, maintaining traditions, or creating new forms of identity to withstand the pressures of assimilation or conquest. Curated by Tayina Deravile, (in)visible: Nepantla magnifies the people who cross boundaries and facilitate passage between worlds.
Jan. 30: “Solo Exhibition of Kandy G. Lopez” Exhibit Artist Talk
Feb. (TBD): Spady Museum is participating in “Reimagining Palm Beach County” exhibit at Cornell Museum; exhibit opens at a date to be announced. A painting of Mr. Solomon D. Spady will be included in this exhibit.
Feb. 16: Historic Districts of Delray Beach Bus Tour
The Historic Districts of Delray Beach Bus Tour takes riders on a journey through the city’s living and preserved history. Riders will tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and other locations; disembarking at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. To book this tour for groups of 10-28, please contact the museum at (561) 279-8883 or email us at [email protected]
Feb. 16: Youth Art Awareness Festival
4-8p.m.
170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444.
The energy of the first Black Youth Awareness Art Festival spilled out into the streets of West Settlers’ Historic District, as the Spady Museum and Milagro Center welcomed more than 300 new and old friends to the Black History Month event. In 2023, the Spady Museum plans for a repeat performance, this time in partnership with CAPE Universal. At the festival, young people took to the stage with music, poetry/spoken word and dance, while youth chatted with customers. Artwork created by local youth lined the outdoor venue, which provided a lively backdrop for young, small business owners selling their wares. Delray Beach Police officers handed out ice cream and Digital Vibes kept the music in the air. About 50 audience members joined a giant drum circle led by Anthony Bacchus of CAPE Universal.
March 1: “Solo Exhibition of Kandy G. Lopez” Artist-Led Workshop
April 5: “Ain’t No Limits” Exhibit Opening Presented by Rubber Bands
Ten artists collaborate in a new exhibit, created with an intention for Black women and women of color to claim limitless freedom, rest, and joy for themselves, while advocating for others to do the same. The artists are anonymously paired, one visual and one literary, to create original work that disrupts the status quo, reclaims identity, and empowers Black women/women of color to individually and collectively push back against boundaries and limitations that stifle and oppress their attempts to fully self-actualize.
April 27: “Ain’t No Limits” Exhibit Public Art and Poetry Workshop
May 16: “Ain’t No Limits” Exhibit Artist Talk
May 19: Historic Districts of Delray Beach Bus Tour
The Historic Districts of Delray Beach Bus Tour takes riders on a journey through the city’s living and preserved history. Riders will tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and other locations; disembarking at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. To book this tour for groups of 10-28, please contact the museum at (561) 279-8883 or email us at [email protected]
May 19: A Delray Beach Family Affair
4-8 p.m.170 NW Fifth Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33437
Celebrate the communion of family – whether it’s your biological, communal, or cultural family – at this FREE event in the backyard of the Spady Museum. Family members can have their photos taken together, while children splash around in water play, and elders and Spady staff share the stories behind the many historical displays. Consider it a Family Reunion for all!
June 19 (Federally recognized Juneteenth): Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour
The Traditional “Colored Town” Bus Tour takes riders on a journey through the city’s Colored Town historic district. Riders will tour the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum and other locations; disembarking at select historic sites for a closer look at the fascinating history of Delray Beach. To book this tour for groups of 10-28, please contact the museum at (561) 279-8883 or email us at [email protected]
June 20: “Ain’t No Limits” Exhibit Artist Talk
June 21: Juneteenth Concert
July 27: “Ain’t No Limits” Exhibit Closing Reception
ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:
Opened in 2001, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only cultural center of its kind in Palm Beach County. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, it is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of African-, Caribbean- and Bahamian-Americans to Florida and the U.S. Programs include exhibitions, museum tours, and community events. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Mondays by appointment. Closed Sundays. Admission: $20; Members are free. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com
Medicare is a cornerstone of healthcare for millions of Americans. Each year, the Medicare Open Enrollment period gives beneficiaries a chance to evaluate their coverage options and make necessary changes. As we approach the Open Enrollment period for 2024, it’s crucial to be informed and prepared to make the best decisions for your health and financial well-being.
1. Key Dates for Medicare Open Enrollment 2024:
October 15, 2023 – The Open Enrollment period begins. From this date, current Medicare beneficiaries can review their plan, compare options, and decide if they want to switch, enroll, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan.
December 7, 2023 – The Open Enrollment period concludes. All changes or enrollments must be made by this date to take effect in 2024.
January 1, 2024 – The new coverage for those who enrolled or made changes during the Open Enrollment starts on this day.
2. What Can You Do During Open Enrollment?
During the Open Enrollment period, beneficiaries can:
Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa.
Enroll, drop, or change a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Switch between different Medicare Advantage plans.
3. Tips for Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment 2024:
Evaluate Your Current Plan: Before the Open Enrollment period starts, take a moment to assess your current coverage. Consider if your health needs have changed, if your current plan still covers your medications, or if there are any other concerns that might warrant a switch.
For a free assessment of your medicare needs call MedigapRX at 1800-235-1757
West Palm Beach, Fla – Since women everywhere are making an impact in sports, business, and community, the sixth annual RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl’s Women Changing the Game Presented by FPL inspired, supported, and celebrated the power of women mentorship.Held at the Hilton West Palm Beach, the evening drew a cross-section of 175 women leaders and their mentees in a variety of industries for a night filled with women-empowering insights, great networking, food and drink, pop-up shops, gifting and more.
A traditional high point of the annual event is its panel discussion by successful executive women sharing their career experiences and advice. This year, the protege-cultivating panel discussion was moderated by Keli Ferguson, the Emmy Award-winning Sports and Anchor for ESPN 106.3 on WPTV and FOX 29.
Above: Keli Ferguson, Amanda Gifford, Angela Adams Suggs, Amber Wilson
Featured ESPN and Florida executive panelists who shared their mentor/mentee experiences were:
Angela Adams Suggs, president and chief executive officer of the Florida Sports Foundation, is a highly accomplished professional in the sports industry with decades of experience in the field. She leads the organization’s efforts to advocate for Florida’s sports industry that generates over $70 billion in economic impact annually; assists communities with securing, hosting, and retaining sporting events and sports-related business through the Foundation’s grant programs; provides participation opportunities in the Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games; and assists national and state governing bodies to promote amateur sport development.
Amanda Gifford, vice president of production for ESPN, who oversees the company’s industry-leading college football event productions, as well as the XFL. A 19-year ESPN veteran, Gifford has continuously expanded her role over two decades, contributing to a variety of areas, including ESPN Audio, SportsCenter and other studio and digital shows, the ESPN Talent Office, and, most recently, event productions.
Amber Wilson, host of ESPN Radio’s national, weekday show Joe & Amber, alongside Joe Fortenbaugh. She regularly appears across ESPN’s platforms and studio show coverage. Outside of ESPN, Wilson is a trial attorney practicing business and family law, licensed in both Florida and Georgia. Prior to ESPN, Wilson was the co-host of the Zaslow, Roms and Amber Morning Show on 790 The Ticket in Miami, the highest-rated morning show for four years.
“Women Changing the Game’ has become a highlight on our annual Bowl calendar, each year growing in popularity, engagement and stature,” shared RoofClaim Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley. “This football season we focused on women empowerment through mentorship, and our panel’s experiences and expertise highly resonated with those in attendance.”
Sponsors for Women Changing the Game included Presenting Sponsor FPL, Hilton West Palm Beach, Trustbridge, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Deep Eddy Vodka and the Gardens Mall. Guests enjoyed pop-up shops from Palm Harbor Boutique and a variety of shops from the Gardens Mall, including Aveda and This Place Blows; as well as VIP Gifting Bags and a chance to win a $500 gift certificate for shopping at the Gardens Mall. Adding to the fun, Nothing Bundt Cakes gifted of a chance to win “bags of Bundt” cake yum and gift certificate books.
ABOUT THE ROOFCLAIM.COM BOCA RATON BOWL The Roofclaim.com Boca Raton Bowl is one of 17 bowl games owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN. The RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl debuted in 2014 with Marshall University claiming the bowl’s first championship trophy. Through the years, six conference champions and another three conference division champions have played in the game and counted among the Bowl’s alumni. They are New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (BYU, 2020 and No. 2 pick in the NFL draft), Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary (FAU, 2017) and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (Temple, 2015), who helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. For more information about the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl visit RoofClaimBocaRatonBowl.com or follow through social media on Facebook (Facebook.com/BocaBowl), Twitter (@BocaBowl), and Instagram (@BocaBowl).
ABOUT ESPN EVENTS
ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of collegiate sporting events nationwide. In 2023, the 32-event schedule includes four early-season college football kickoff games, 17 college bowl games, 10 college basketball events, and a college softball event, in addition to a new college gymnastics event coming in 2024. Collectively, these events account for over 400 hours of live programming on ESPN platforms, while reaching 60 million viewers and attracting more than 650,000 annual attendees. Each year, the portfolio of events feature more than 20 Division I conferences and hosts over 4,000 participating student-athletes. With satellite offices in more than 10 cities across the country, ESPN Events builds relationships with conferences, schools, and local communities, as well as providing unique experiences for teams and fans. For more information, visit the official website, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube pages.
A Review of “Open Spaces” Dance Performance at the Norton Museum of Art
By Denise Marsh
My love for dance continues to grow, and so the opportunity to see a live performance and review it was more of a “gift” than an “assignment”. Here is my review.
Behind The Scenes
My friend and I had no idea what to expect. I enjoy “good” surprises, so I chose to research less and anticipate more. As we were waiting in the blistering heat to go into the Norton, we saw a small crowd forming in the entrance way. As serendipity would have it, a middle-aged woman came up to me and asked me: “Is your daughter in the performance?” I explained how I didn’t have a daughter but was there to review the show. The woman, “Sarah” pointed to her daughter and her daughter’s friend and proudly mentioned how they were dancers in one of the performances we would be viewing. I asked if I could feature them in this review and the mom happily acquiesced, the teenage girls were friendly and informative:
“We started dancing at a different venue but it wasn’t available anymore so we were looking elsewhere. As we were venturing out into this experience, we found Branndi Lewis, Choreographer and Dancer who introduced us to Interpretive dance through her choreography in a program called “Grounded”. Both girls explained how they were part of modern, interpretative, structured and improvisation dance. – Natalia Celestin and Sophia Larsen
The two girls were definitely “fast friends”, and both smiled as they talked about dance and how this particular program taught them so much, especially meeting people from all walks of life, including teenagers 13 to 18 years of age.
A “moving” experience
This was not your typical” sit- in- an- auditorium and -get up -only- during -intermission- type” experience. On the contrary, the performances were separated into three different ones in different spaces inside and outside the Museum. The crowd was vast, but the organization was impeccable: museum members, choreographers, volunteers, and staff collaborated by splitting up the audience using colored wristbands. Each group would view one part of the show at a specific time and in a specific location and each show would rotate to a new group of people Hence, we got a show and exercise to boot.
Prelude
The first part of the show was an introduction and glimpse into interpretative dance through a short lecture and a series of films courtesy of “Fat Bassett” film festival. Glenn Tomlinson, the William Randolph Hearst Chief Officer of Learning and Community Engagement, spoke briefly about the Norton’s mission to bring forth ALL OF THE ARTS; not just the visual arts but to find a way to bridge it all together and make it a learning hub for the participants and visitors. He then turned it over to the Founder of Natural Movers Foundation Ericka Squire who is also a dancer and choreographer. Squire spoke of how the project took three years to pitch and how her dream came to fruition. She spoke of how “active artists in Palm Beach County, actors, musicians and choreographers had collaborated to make this project possible”. Squire also paid homage to Aliya Rajnic, Natural Movers Foundation intern and Open Spaces Stage Manager.
“As the curator of Open Spaces, I wanted to be sure each choreographic work—and the intentions behind them—was showcased in such a way to inspire, delight, and get audiences to think deeper. Aliya did a great job serving as my right hand in this production,” said Ericka Squire, founder & CEO of Natural Movers Foundation. “From works communicating joy to those calling out social injustices, the 2023 performance provides space for meaningful dialogue and shifts in perspective.”
The premise behind the show as a whole would be the dancers emulating works of art that they chose that were already in the museum.
There were four short films on interpretive dance, each subjective for the viewers. My favorite of the four was a story done through actions and no words about a couple growing older in their relationship together. I don’t remember the name of the song they used but it was melancholy yet poignant. There were a few scenes that flowed showing the couple soaking up sunshine, just enjoying each other’s company with simple, everyday experiences. The couple held hands, embraced, put their heads together as if to form “one bond”. At the end the man sat alone on the bench sad, but still wrapped up in good memories of the woman he was in a relationship with. I found myself wondering if the woman had died or if it was metaphoric and maybe she had dementia. The audience was definitely moved, some to tears.
Performance 1- Heyman Plaza
The first performance took place outside the museum where chairs were lined up in rows adjacent to the pond/fountain area at entrance to the Norton. The two dances performed were: “Walk With Me” by Larry Albright, Soloist and “On the Outside” by Branndi Lewis, composer and dancer for Grounded, West Palm Beach.
Larry Albright performs at “Open Spaces”
I give credit to the performers because it was very humid outside, and Larry Albright was still able to woo us with his “moon walk” in his interpretive dance on racial tension. It was also exciting to revisit with the “behind the scenes” celebrities pre-show in the second dance. The Grounded dance “troupe” was brilliant in their modern, contemporary and interpretative type dance where they literally flowed together. There was a point where they literally danced in front of us round the narrow path of the fountain pond.
Art and Dance Fusion/Korman Room
One of the highlights here was entitled, “THE SPACE BETWEEN THE WHITE KNUCKLED GRIP AND SLIPPING INTO THE INEVITABLE”. Olivia Capasso did a duet with Daisia Pulz emulating visual artist Rashid Johnson for the Bruise Painting, “There I go”. The Composer was Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Emptyset. I was mesmerized by the synchronicity and the depth of this particular performance.
Olivia Capasso and Daisia Pulz’ dance duet
Another performance entitled “The Discussion” had Shanna Woods as the Soloist/Visual artist/Betye Saar and the piece: “Lest We Forget, The Strength of Tears, The Fragility of Smiles, The Fierceness of Love/Composer: Masters at Work and Nuyorican Soul featuring Jocelyn Brown was equally riveting, especially the music chosen for the piece.
Great Hall/ Last Performances/ Finale and Question and Answer session with the Choreographers.
The next performances were all chosen to emulate a particular work of art that was present in the museum with a song chosen by each dancer. The first performance was Ms. GreenE by Clarence Brooks depicting his vision of his favorite painting: “Ruby Green Singing” by James Chopi and the musical composer was Maggie Rogers – and it was quite a passionate piece. The second was lovely, and the energy infectious in “Dancer looking at the sole of her right foot” emulating Edgar Degas (an artist that I truly love) also with composer Maggie Rogers. Later during the Question-and-Answer segment, the dancer Sarah Claire Smith explained how she was a Trauma therapist and how she helped her patients heal through dance. Smith also confided in us that during covid she was “afraid she would lose touch that she actually had a body” and so she continued to dance each day, finding therapeutic qualities in the dances she practiced.
In the Finale, Ericka Squire and dance company danced to “Untitled to Janie Lee two. It was hauntingly beautiful, depicting how the hands of time change but are still drawn together by a magnetic force. The dancers had a wonderful grace to their form, cresting a cascading flow of emotion in their movements.
Question and Answer Session
During the Q and A, the Choreographers (also dancers) sat on a panel answering questions from the audience. One of the guests asked how the choreographers had selected their particular paintings and background music; did they pick randomly or was there something that ‘drew them in”. Many of the choreographers said that the music “chose them” and how it was in “alignment” with their dreams and their visions from the Trauma Therapist to the choreographers who wanted to let the audience know that “not everyone with a smile wears that smile all of the time”. The performance was lively and impressive, and the dancers had a wonderful range in their very diverse selections.
The performances were all wonderful and well-executed. If you are a fan of contemporary and interpretative dance, this show will be a memorable and “moving experience”. I found a new perspective and a greater appreciation for this genre of dance. Thank you to the Norton for its second year of hosting this event and to Aliya Rajnic for her hard work and dedication as the Open Spaces Stage Manager. Going forward, my hopes are that it will continue to fill up a packed house as this show certainly did. Bravo to all of those who made it possible. Encore!
When autumn arrives each year, road trips land at the top of my must-do list. To me, there’s nothing quite like driving along a road flanked by trees showcasing brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange. This year, my autumn road trip led me to a destination far from home – Alberta, Canada. Widely known as one of the most scenic ski destinations, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park also happen to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to experience the joys of autumn.
In this wondrous place, the Canadian Rockies set the stage for jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. As you drive into the stunning landscapes, it’s as if you’ve entered a masterpiece painting. In autumn, the yellow larch trees turn the mountains gold as they blend with evergreens, towering snow-capped peaks and mesmerizing turquoise lakes. Making your way north from Banff to Jasper, the Columbia icefield unveils ancient glaciers hanging precariously within the mountain peaks. If you’ve never been, put it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it!
Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We based ourselves in Canmore – a small town just east of Banff filled with locally owned eateries and enticing shops. We rented an Airbnb with a view of the Rocky Mountains which made waking up an absolute pleasure.
A 15-mile drive along the Trans Canadian Highway brought us to the entrance of Banff National Park. Along the way, a detour to Tunnel Mountain led to a short trail overlooking hoodoos formed on the mountain from sedentary rock and shaped into a variety of unique towers. The view from above is captivating and well worth the stop. Also, Tunnel Mountain was originally named the Sleeping Buffalo by the First Nations people of Canada and when you look closely you can see why. A light drizzle of rain occurred as we drove back down the mountain to resume or journey into the park. And a rainbow adorned the middle of the mountain – a positive omen for certain!
Taking in the Views from the Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint
Within the park there are numerous hiking trails to explore. As time is always limited, we chose to park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. From there we rode the ski lift up to the top of the mountain for a hike up the Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint. A one-mile round trip, the hike was relatively short but steep. And, at an elevation of 8,650 feet there was some heavy breathing involved. But, the views at the top are worth every gasp of breath! From there we could see the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the glaciers suspended above it.
The mountain top also includes a hike down to the interpretive center where wildlife displays provide insight into the mountain’s permanent residents. It’s important to remember that this is bear country and that includes black bears and grizzlies, so carrying bear spray is a must. And always be bear aware!
Herbert Lake Hiking Trail
We continued our adventures with a hike around Herbert Lake. This lesser-known trail encircles the pristine lake as you hike through the forest. Apart from a few people standing near the trailhead, we were the only ones on the trail. Realizing running into a grizzly was a real possibility, we made sure to keep talking and to keep our bear spray close at hand. Although we didn’t encounter any wildlife, I had the strangest sensation that we were definitely being watched!
An Alberta, Canada Highlight – Lake Louise
As one of the most well-known and popular places in Banff National Park, Lake Louise attracts throngs of visitors each day. To avoid the crowds, we chose to visit at sunset. There were still plenty of people, but parking was available and the walkway around the lake was less crowded. This turquoise glacier-fed lake is a stunner and seeing the clouds reflected in its crystal-clear water added even more beauty.
Jasper National Park and the Columbia Icefield
The drive north from Banff Park to Jasper National Park spans approximately 111 miles – every inch of it breathtaking. Along the way, the Canadian Rockies showcase their grandeur as more turquoise lakes dot the landscape. When you reach the Columbia Icefield, the already unbelievable landscape adds ancient glaciers into the mix.
Columbia Icefield
Straddling Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield glaciers are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. During the summer and autumn months, you can travel onto the Athabasca Glacier in a large snow explorer. This wildly popular excursion can be booked in advance for your desired time. We chose to book last minute for the final ride of the day, which meant fewer crowds and standing on the glacier as the sun began to set. It was magical! The excursion also includes a visit to the Glacier Skywalk Experience. The glass-floored observation platform spans out 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. Interpretive signs along the walkway share the story of the glaciers and surrounding landscape.
Jasper Sky Tram
While in Jasper National Park, we booked a ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper Sky Tram. From there a steep trail leads to the mountain summit at an elevation of 8,140 feet. It won’t be the elevation that takes your breath away here – it will be the views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies and the rivers and lakes below.
Athabasca Falls
If you only have time for one waterfall visit, be sure you go to Athabasca Falls. Among the most breathtaking and powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Falls is located about 18 miles from the town of Jasper. Situated in the glacial-fed waters of the Athabasca River, the power of this waterfall is captivating. Note, you’ll likely encounter tour bus groups all trying to take photos from the same viewpoint. Instead of waiting in line for a photo there, venture along some of the other pathways to explore the canyons formed by the powerful water. When the tourists are gone, you’ll have the waterfall viewpoints all to yourself!
Author’s Note
I wrote about this area for a Google research project several years ago but had never been until this trip. I don’t know what took me so long to get there, but as I said to my husband, I’ve been to some incredibly beautiful places in my life, but this might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Add it to your bucket list – you won’t regret it!
CAFCI (Caribbean Americans for Community Involvement’s) 32nd Annual Friendship Ball was held on Saturday, Sept 16, at the WPB Marriott. The theme was Roaring through the 2020s. The event included recognition of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, remarks from area dignitaries and dancing all evening long. For more information about CAFCI contact them at 561-790-4002 or check out their website at www.cafcipbc.org.
Halloween is the spookiest time of the year when people of all ages can enjoy dressing up in scary costumes, decorating with jack-o’-lanterns, and trick or treating! It’s fun, but the amount of waste produced after the holiday is rather scary.
Here are some ways to reduce the environmental impact caused by this holiday and turn it into a Green Halloween:
Make Your Own Eco-friendly Costume
Making an eco-friendly DIY Halloween costume is a sustainable and creative way to maximize what you already have. Use old clothes, like worn T-shirts, pants, or shorts. Add some red water-based paint for a bloody look. Tear some parts for a ragged effect or sew on patches to transform into a spooky walking zombie. If you like mixing and matching, piece together old clothes to craft a pirate costume. Don’t forget the classic oversized white shirt, which can easily be turned into ghostly attire. Kids will relish the fun of creating their own unique Halloween look while reducing the expense and waste that comes with a store-bought costume.
Upcycle Halloween Decorations
Why spend money on plastic Halloween decorations when you can make them by upcycling instead? Unleash your creativity by repurposing everyday household items, like bottles, milk cartons, leftover paper towels, tin cans, and more. Paint the leftover paper towel rolls and transform them into candles with electric tealights. Paint a sheet of newspaper with white paint, cut it into long strips, then attach these to a can and add a ghost’s face. Hang it, and now you have a ghost floating in your house. If there’s a nice breeze, consider hanging it on the outside of a window for a bit of movement. You could also turn your cereal boxes into tombstones and your bottles into potions! You’ll be surprised at all the spooky decorations you can make with everyday items if you start to look at things a little differently.
Reuse Trick-or-Treat Bags
Instead of a plastic pumpkin with a likely-to-break handle, make a reusable trick or treat bag for kids to take from house to house. A tote bag would be great as it is eco-friendly and can hold more weight. Use fabric markers to personalize each bag with vampires, bats, pumpkins, and other Halloween imagery, or even just their name initials so they can reuse the bag over and over again – and stay safe by not revealing their full names to strangers. This reusable bag is now set for this year, and many Halloweens to follow.
Give Out Environmentally Friendly Halloween Treats
Candy is a staple at Halloween, but these treats can have a scary impact on the environment – and on children’s teeth. While we need to keep treats individually wrapped for safety, that doesn’t mean you can’t hand out eco-friendly treats to trick-or-treaters that stop by your door. Look for companies that package candy in mini boxes, as opposed to plastic wrapping, that are easily recyclable once they’re empty.
Celebrating a Green Halloween helps protect our planet and fosters a sense of responsibility and creativity in all of us. By making conscious choices in our costumes, decorations, and treats, we can turn a holiday known to be associated with waste into an opportunity to enjoy the spooky season without leaving such a scary mark on our planet.
