NEWS FROM THE WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY
CONTACT: Adrianne Hetherington, President: 561-784-7561
Mag and David Frye, Publicity: 561-792-6185
www.wellingtonartsociety.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wellington honors elementary artists Village recognizes participants in Student Art Program Wellington, FL – June 9, 2009 At this week’s Village Council meeting, the Village of Wellington officially recognized 23 students from local elementary schools for their participation in the Student Art Program, which is coordinated by the Wellington Art Society. The artists were introduced at the meeting by program coordinator Susan Rose and presented with certificates of appreciation by W.A.S. President Adrianne Hetherington. The students’ work will be on display on the lower level of the Wellington Community Center, 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd, through September 16.
CAPTION FOR PHOTO: Young artists recognized by the Village of Wellington for participating in the Elementary School Student Art Program Exhibition include (from top, L-R) Marianna Flores, Grade 5; Sophia Upshaw, Grade 2; Lauren Webb, Grade 3; Alyssa Gates, Grade 5; Talia Fradkin, Grade 5; Jailine Cano, Grade 5; Carlie Shapiro, Grade 2; Julianne Dragunat, Grade 5; Tina Arena, Grade 1; Ashlee Maher, Grade 5; Morgan Geck, Grade 3; Christian Culp, Grade 1; Jean-Pierre Cuestas, Grade 4; Danae Rojas, Grade 1; and Eric Nguyen, Grade 2. Not pictured are Michael Arbocco, Grade 5; Gabrielle Berman, Grade 1; Rachel Berman, Grade 4; Martha Gutierrez, Grade 5; Joshua Rosner, Kindergarten; Kinsy Schorr, Grade 5; Ashley Stevens, Grade 5; and Nicholas Thompson, Grade 2. The students’ work will be on display on the lower level of the Wellington Community Center through September 16.
23 Student Artists Were Awarded
Since its inception in 2006, the program has presented three exhibits per year of exceptional artwork from students ranging in age from elementary through high school. The Wellington Art Society coordinates the program for the village as part of its educational mission. Any student who would like to participate in future exhibitions, or any parents or teachers who are interested in helping as volunteers, please contact the Wellington Art Society at 561-784-7561.
Founded in 1981, The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, its mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.
For more information on the Society, visit their website, www.wellingtonartsociety.org, or call W.A.S. President Adrianne Hetherington at 561-784-7561.
For those in the market for a new car, but have limited funds, the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and its non-profit arm, the Palms West Community Foundation, may have an opportunity to benefit both your wallet and the Chamber. Thanks to Royal Palm Automall, the Community Foundation will raffle the opportunity to receive the choice of a new Mazda, Nissan or Toyota. The winner of the 2009 Palms West Community Foundation Car Raffle will be able to select their choice of any of the three manufacturer’s vehicles valued up to $30,000 from the Royal Palm Automall. Tickets are currently on sale for a donation of $100 on the chamber’s website at www.palmswest.com. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold and the winner will be selected on December 13, 2009 at the 26th annual Wellington Holiday Parade.
All sales from the car raffle will be used to compete the building of the chamber’s new facility, which will include the Royal Palm Automall Community Center.
“This building would not be possible without friends such as Ira Greenbaum of Royal Palm Automall,” said Palms West Chamber of Commerce CEO Jaene Miranda.”With his gift we will be able to some much closer to completing our capital campaign.”
Greenbaum has agreed to a repeat of the car donation in 2010 and 2011. When the three raffles are completed, the Palms West Community Foundation hopes to have raised $300,000 to fund the new facility.
“We felt it was important to show our community support, especially to support an organization that is helping to promote the business community during this challenging economic period,” said Greenbaum. The Chamber’s new community center, which will be named after the Automall will provide programs intended to advance the educational, cultural and economic interests of the community.
“With the new building and additional space provided at the community center we will be able to provide new programs to help the public seek employment, sharpen their business skills and further the economic interests of the community,” said Miranda.
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce is a regional chamber serving the residents ofWellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres, the Acreage, Loxahatchee and Loxahatchee Groves. Visit the organization’s website at www.palmswest.com for the car raffle’s official rules or to purchase a ticket. For additional information, call (561) 790-6200.
Enter to Win a Brand New Car through the Palms West Chamber
Welcome to summer!I hope you and you’re families are having a happy month of June!And if this is your vacation time of the year, I hope you’re making the most of it. Don’t forget Father’s Day, coming up on 21st.
First I would like to tell you to watch the videos on our home page! You will be amazed at the talent coming from 10-year-old Emily and 8-year-old Alex, both taking music lessons at Boomer’s Music in Wellington. The song that Emily sings “One More Day” is beautiful and poignant, especially if you know the story behind it. See “AW Spotlight.”
A few months ago when it seemed like almost every other business around Wellington was shutting down or downsizing, I heard that Boomer’s Music was more than doubling the size of its facility and expanding its programs. It was interesting to see the transformation of the closed real estate office next door into a perfect place for practicing music. These former real estate offices have now been converted into eleven practice rooms for Boomer’s Rock School. I’m pleased to bring a little window into the rockin’ world of Boomer’s Music for this month’s AW Spotlight article.
Each month our columnists offer a little bit more from each of their areas of expertise. And there are also a handful of “AW Stories of the Month,” feature stories about things happening in our community.
This month we focus on the new “Solar Day,” which is set for June 21st; mark your calendars. We hear about the undefeated local champions of flag football, the Prep Seminoles. We get a sample of what’s going on in high school politics with a story and photos from a Wellington High School Young Democrats meeting. And we hear about an award-winning small business named Sprouts!, founded by Sharon Quercioli, an entrepreneur from the recycling industry. Her innovative greeting cards and other products come with embedded seeds, which can be planted.
As for our monthly columns, here’s a quick look at what’s new this month! A few of our regular writers are taking a break this month, but they will be back next month.
THANKS to all of you who sent in kids’ birthday photos this month! Keep it up!!I hear from dear readers when I’m out and about that people love the Birthday page. If you have kids’ birthdays coming up in July and August, please send in those photos!
And I can tell from just a bit of research that one of the most popular pages to click on is our Calendar page! THANKS for your interest in local events!!
THANKS to our terrific advertisers!You make this online publication possible and make our community a better place with your goods and services! Thanks to our readers for the great response to our contests!Don’t forget to enter to win in this month’s Contest (going on from June 1st to 10th). THANKS to the Palms West Chamber for providing those 10 tickets to the 12th Annual Taste of the West event for one of our recent contests! Don’t miss the Taste of the West & Chocolate Lover’s Festival, happening June 4th, by the way! A chance to be around a whole lot of chocolate…need I say more?
By the way, the July/August issue will be a “combined issue” in terms of the regular articles. However, we will still be updating the site with new photo galleries, new press releases, and new contests, so keep checking back!
The first annual SolarDay (www.solarday.com) will be held nationwide on the first day of Summer – Sunday, June 21, 2009 – to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy and local solar installations in their area.
SolarDay is the first statewide and national recognition on the importance of solar energy to provide a source of energy that will reduce the U.S. dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.This is an annual event held each year on the first day of Summer.
John Reed, Director of Elevator Communications, LLC – creator of SolarDay – explained the need for this new annual celebration of American energy independence through the adoption of solar energy installations and policies:
“While oil prices have recently declined, the party’s over for cheap fossil fuels, forever.Sooner or later we’ll be looking, again, at $4.50 a gallon gasoline and we need to focus on steps we can take, as individuals and businesses – to permanently reduce our need on fossil fuels and the environmental hazards of greenhouse gases.The new Obama administration provides us with a fresh start to dramatically grow the solar and green energy we need to meet our energy needs.
“The importance of solar energy has been recognized by the U.S. Congress, which included an 8-year extension of the 30% energy investment tax credit (ITC) in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, and removed the $2,000 cap which enables homeowners to fully use the 30% ITC.”
About SolarDay™, 2009
SolarDay™ 2009 is the first in an annual, state-by-state and national day of recognition for the growth of solar energy in the U.S. and a celebration of the growth in our energy independence.
SolarDay will be held on the first day of Summer each year.
Solarday.com is also the first consumer portal for information about solar energy and companies on a state-by-state basis so consumers can contact local solar installers to find out more about tax credits, costs and the benefits of energy independence. More information is available at: www.solarday.com.
Ten Ideas for SolarDay 2009 Local Community Events
Sunday, June 21 – the first day of summer
Do Your Own Thing
1 – SolarDay 2009, Run for the Sun:how about a nice, friendly 5K walk and run event on a pleasant Sunday, June 21 – with proceeds donated to a fine, local environmental cause in your hometown.A SolarDay Walk-A-Thon would also be great.
2 – SolarDay 2009, show Me Your Solar: How about a self-guided tour of local solar homes and businesses so people can see, firsthand, how solar works on a practical basis?
3 – SolarDay 2009, My Town Eco-Tour: Most towns have cool eco-elements many people don’t know about.Why not an Eco-Tour on SolarDay 2009 to check out the people and places that are living and working eco-friendly in your town?
4 – SolarDay 2009, Going Green – Ten Steps To Sustainability: Need an expert for SolarDay?Your local solar energy company can help, as can the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil and local organizations that would be happy to discuss steps everyone can take to live better, greener lives.
5 – SolarDay 2009, Save Energy: Again, your local solar company can give plenty of advice on saving energy in the home and workplace.There are also experts from your local utility available to talk to SolarDay 2009 participants about saving energy – everything from turning back the thermostat to long-lasting, energy-efficient lightbulbs to natural lighting to . . . it’s a long list of practical, inexpensive ideas that can help reduce the costs of energy in our daily lives.
6 – SolarDay 2009, Eco-Home, Eco-Business:We can start improving the quality of our homes and workplaces with low VOC paints, recycled carpets, natural glues and adhesives, natural cleaning products, recycled products, eco-friendly flooring and natural bamboo, FSC-certified wood products – this is a great place to start with an expert speaker about simple tips to improve the eco-quality of our homes and businesses.
7 – SolarDay 2009, Start Your Organic Garden – you can’t grow one without the sun.Why not have an organic gardening expert at SolarDay 2009 to talk about chemical-free foods, natural and organic and biodynamic gardening.All good.
8 – SolarDay 2009, Solar Oven Competition: Speaking of food, why not have a solar-oven competition?These are easy to build (just Google solar ovens), lots of different designs, you can actually cook food at SolarDay 2009, outside in the sun and offer those delectables to participants at your local event.Rather cool – and hot enough to cook with.
9 – SolarDay 2009, Green Getaway Silent Auction: Speaking of green, your organization can create a list of cool green destinations as a vacation getaway to the lucky bidder.We’ve all obtained sponsors for silent auctions for our schools and organizations, why not a green getaway weekend package with a green hotel, local organic restaurant, maybe a natural winery – you get the idea. A little creativity and a little work will go a long way toward creating a fun, green getaway package.
10 – SolarDay 2009, Green Photo Contest: Invite your community to post their green photos on your organization’s website to share what folks are doing, in your town, to live green.
Prep Seminoles roll through playoffs and championship to finish the WCFL’s first-ever flag season undefeated
Florida State outscores opponents 368-18 to finish a perfect 14-0
By Scott Tolley
The message from the Hall-of-Famer was simple, better yet, simply perfect: Create history, but more important, create some memories to last a lifetime.
The Prep Seminoles did both.
The Florida State Seminoles finished off the Western Communities Football League’s first flag football season as the league’s only undefeated team, rolling through the playoffs and championship game as they had all season. The Seminoles’ perfect season was underlined with a 26-6 win over Tennessee in Saturday’s championship contest at Village Park in Wellington.
Earlier Saturday on May 9th, the Seminoles shut out Auburn 19-0 in the semifinals. It was their 11th shutout in 14 games and their second in the playoffs.
The Seminoles played inspired football in the playoffs. Letter perfect you might say.
Prior to Saturday’s semifinal matchup with Auburn, a letter was read to the team that was sent from Nick Buoniconti, the Hall-of-Fame linebacker and one of the prominent members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, which became the first—and remain the only—team in NFL history to go undefeated the entire season.
Now the WCFL has its own perfect team. Florida State, under the guidance of coaches Chris Fratalia, Dwight McDonald and Tim Winn, finished the Prep Division (grades 3-5) regular season at 11-0. When you combine the regular and postseason, the Seminoles outscored opponents 368-18 and never gave up more than six points in any one game.
“I am so proud of this team,” Coach Fratalia said. “They played all season long with the aura of an undefeated season lurking over them all, and everyone handled the pressure extremely well.”
The Seminoles opened the playoffs last Thursday with a 33-0 victory over Penn State, a performance that came without two-way star Derek McDonald but turned into a total team effort. The win was punctuated by a 10-yard touchdown catch on fourth down from Emily Anderson and an interception returned for a score on the game’s final play by Robert Lamelas, who had opened the playoff contest by catching a pair of Kyle Cartales passes for touchdowns. Max Fratalia added a touchdown catch before halftime, as seven different Seminoles—the others being Lamelas, Anderson, Miles Forbes, Casey Ohman, Dylan Tolley, Tyler Winn—caught at least one pass in the victory.
“I feel the main key to our offensive success of 368 combined points in 14 games (FSU averaged 26.3 points per game) was the fact that we didn’t key on any one receiver,” Fratalia said. “We spread the ball around to everyone, so when you have to match up against us defensively, nobody on the opposition knew who to cover. We threw the ball 95 percent of the time to eight different receivers. It was fun to hear the opposing coaches argue with each other as to how to defend us. There is truly no cure for diversification on the football field. Our offense was lethal.”
The defense, led by coaches McDonald and Winn, made its own season-long statement. Against Penn State, every player took a defensive snap. The shutout was led by Kai Rosado’s multiple flag pulls and relentless pressure from the line, including rusher Tanner Winn.
The Penn State win set up the semifinal Saturday against Auburn and a message from Buoniconti.
Buoniconti congratulated the team, but also challenged them to finish what they started. He warned them about the complacency that often comes with success, and encouraged them to play as a team, and to push each other to higher levels. Most important, he asked them to have fun.
“You will always remember this year and this team,” the letter said. “My fellow Dolphins from 1972 are among the closest and most cherished friends in my life. Like we did more than 36 years ago, you have an opportunity to finish off something special and remember it for the rest of your life….So go finish it!”
The Seminoles wasted no time in doing so, as quarterback Kyle Cartales rushed for three touchdowns, including a 35-yard scamper down the right sideline on the game’s opening possession. Cartales, keeping cool under game-time temperatures of 90 degrees, then avoided a sack on third down deep in Auburn territory, slipped outside and raced in for another score. Mixing in passes to Lamelas, Fratalia and Anderson, Cartales continued to drive the Seminoles in the second half. Then, in the final seconds, Cartales took a quarterback sneak from the Auburn 38 and raced in for the final score and a 19-0 victory.
In the Championship game against Tennessee, the Seminoles’ high-powered offense sent a message on its opening drive, as Cartales scrambled in from 29 yards for the first score. Fratalia caught a quick slant across the middle for a 7-0 lead.
Completions of 30 yards to Robert Lamelas and 20 yards to Tyler Winn—the latter coming on a double pass from Fratalia—set up Cartales’ 10-yard touchdown run for a 13-0 advantage.
A completion to Miles Forbes, followed by a long run down the left sideline from Lamelas, led to a 17-yard scramble and touchdown by Cartales for a 19-0 margin. The Seminoles then gave up their only score of the postseason on a 46-yard touchdown pass late in the first half, but they responded in the closing half with a 15-yard touchdown on a diving catch in the left end zone by Casey Ohman—his first touchdown of the season. Fittingly, Cartales raced in on a quarterback keeper to the left side for the point-after and the 26-6 final.
Samuel Alba, Board Member/Membership Committee Co-Chair
Sharon Willcox, Club Sponsor
The officers recited the preamble to their new constitution and were installed. All attendees signed the Wellington Community High School Young Democrats Club Constitution which was signed and witnessed by distinguished guests including: Village Council Representative Matt Willhite, PB County Board of Education’s Paulette Burdick, Wellington Precinct Captain Nancy Pena-Brink, Assistant to State representative Joseph Abruzzo, Justin Waldron and Assistant to US representative Alcee Hastings, Dan Liftman.All were given a commemorative pen for the occasion.
Matt Willhite, our Village Council Representative said a few inspiring words of congratulations and mentioned the importance of young people taking an interest in their government and political awareness. Paulette Burdick, A member of the PB County Board of Education, presented Evan Baumel with a copy of the US Constitution and a Florida Senate handbook for the group to use as resources.In addition, she thanked Mrs. Sharon Willcox, Wellington High School English teacher, for sponsoring the club. Nancy Pena-Brink, Wellington Precinct Captain reviewed how to read our League of Women Voters Palm Beach County Voters Digest.She informed the students as to whom our representatives are. This information was particularly important because many legislators will be speaking to the club during the 2009-2010 school year. Also, she reminded the students of the importance of registering to vote and informed the group that anyone over the age of 18 can apply to become a precinct captain.
Dan Liftman, assistant to Alcee Hastings, offered his congratulations and discussed that the democratic party has worked hard to support President Obama’s efforts in restoring the US economy and US representative Hastings is doing all he can to be supportive of his constituents.He mentioned that perhaps Mr. Hastings would be able to speak to the group next year. Evan Baumel showed a variety of headlines of interest.They included:The seat belt law (named for Dori Slosberg), FCAT updates and Arlen Spector’s switch to the Democratic party (which will mostly like give the democratic party their 60th vote in the senate).In addition, Evan invited Joseph Abruzzo’s assistant, Justin Waldren, to speak about the new helmet law for equestrians.
Programming Vice-President, Victoria Davy, announced the speakers secured for the 2009- 2010 school year: Rep. Abruzzo, Sen. Aronberg, Tara Laxer, assistant to Ted Deutsch, and many more. All faculty and students will be invited to attend lectures. Guest lectures will begin in September. There are still a few officer positions available for next year.Students interested in joining should see Mrs. Willcox in room 2-121 or call the school at 561-795-4900 and leave a message at the main office.
Wellington Community High School Young Democrats Club… newly installed officers & guests:
Back row left to right:
Assistant to Representative Joseph Abruzzo: Justin Waldron Village Council Representative: Matt Willhite Vice-President/Interclub Council Representative:Jesus Hernandez
Co-Secretary: Kodie-Ann Walcott
Treasurer: Alyson Davy
Palm Beach County Board of Education Member: Paulette Burdick Assistant to US Representative Alcee Hastings: Dan Liftman Wellington Precinct Captain: Nancy E. Pena-Brink School Sponsor: Sharon Willcox
Jesus Hernandez and Sharonda Hagen sign the Constitution.
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Wellington Village Council member Matt Willhite officially witnessed and signed the club’s Constitution. He also offered congratulatory remarks to the new club.
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Dan Liftman, assistant to Alcee Hastings, signed the document and offered his congratulations. He discussed that the Democratic party has worked hard to support President Obama’s efforts in restoring the US economy and US representative Hastings is doing all he can to be supportive of his constituents.
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Justin Waldron, Assistant to Representative Joseph Abruzzo signed the document. He also spoke about Mr. Abruzzo’s current success in the passage of important legislation, especially the helmet law for equestrians.
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Palm Beach County School Board Member Paulette Burdick presents the club with a copy of the US Constitution and the Florida Senate Handbook. Ms.Burdick signed and witnessed the club Constitution as well.
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Nancy Pena-Brink, Wellington Precinct Captain reviewed how to read our League of Women Voters Palm Beach County Voters Digest. She informed the students as to whom our representatives are. This information was particularly important because many legislators will be speaking to the club during the 2009-2010 school year. Also, she reminded the students of the importance of registering to vote and informed the group that anyone over the age of 18 can apply to become a precinct captain.
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Evan Baumel, President, discusses the latest in current events.
SPROUTS! WINS NORTHERN PALM BEACH COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Eco Conscious Company Manufactures Recycled Seeded Paper Products That Grow Flowers
by Glenn R. Swift
Sprouts! offers greeting cards that grow from seeds.
Founded five years ago by Sharon Quercioli, a lifelong entrepreneur with over twenty years in the recycle industry, Sprouts products include greeting cards, bookmarks, Blooming Boxes™ and a host of custom marketing pieces − all of which grow flowers when planted. Sprouts products can be purchased directly from the company’s Web site (www.sproutem.com) or custom printed to accommodate various volumes, sizes and print specifications. Instead of being discarded and contributing to landfill waste, Sprouts paper can be planted in the earth…and a beautiful garden will grow.
Quercioli believes it is her duty to give back to the community as well as the planet. Since its inception five years ago, Sprouts has assisted and partnered with a number of charitable organizations to help raise funds and awareness. These organizations include: The Office Depot Foundation, ArtiGras, ArtFest, Hospice of Palm Beach County, African Rain Forest Conservancy, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, The American Lung Association, Palm Beach Community College, Race for the Cure, Wheel Chairs for Kids, Quantum House, Florida Resource Center for Women and Children, Resource Depot and Healing Touch Buddies. In addition to these efforts, Quercioli serves on the Board of Directors for Healing Touch Buddies and the Steering Committee for the Northern Palm Beach County Women in Business Council. She also serves on the Small Business Council for the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and facilitates its CEO Connection program.
In 2008, Sprouts jumped onto the national stage after launching its “Bee Kind” campaign with the creation of a paper embedded with 100% pollinator-friendly flower seeds. Haagen-Dazs utilized this paper for a marketing piece that was inserted into Newsweek magazine. Recently, a number of large corporations (Publix, Samsung, Virgin Mobile and the Oprah Winfrey Network) have also turned to Sprouts! in a search for high-impact marketing pieces.
Sprouts is blooming in today’s highly competitive and environmentally- conscious world despite the recent economic slowdown, and its corporate clients are reaping wow-factor benefits through significantly increased return on investment. Quercioli attributes her company’s success to “hard work, uncompromising customer service and the ability to create a truly unique product in step with today’s growing eco conscious world.”
If you’d like more information about Sprouts!, please call Glenn R. Swift at (772) 323-6925 or e-mail [email protected].
The countdown is on. It’s now the beginning of June. Almost half of 2009 is in the past. Believe it or not, those autumn and winter holidays will be upon us with the blink of an eye. Well, at least the retail industry will be promoting picnic goods, vacations, religious holiday events, dining out and of course the “Holiday Season” specials for Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza. I have always been an advocate of local shopping as a way for us to keep those important dollars in the community. It helps us maintain that quality of life we expect to have. We all know how quickly businesses can disappear in these trying times. Save on fuel and time! Stay local when you can.
Now, here’s something I think is great for our local business owners as a vehicle to attract new and return customers. We all know how costly it can be to get customers to call in an order or even to walk through your doors. Well, how about an affordable and effective way to let new businesses and importantly- new residents, know about you at a ridiculously inexpensive cost? There is a new service in the Wellington area known as ‘Welcome Home.” It is sort of a combination of Welcome Wagon and a contact database that automatically can help you schedule follow up communication with those newbies to the area. Instead of spending thousands to hire additional employee to labor this task, for a low monthly fee, Welcome Home gets your information out and helps you stay in touch and connect with your new customer.
I won’t go into all the details, but I recommend this concept as an add-on to your advertising budget. Customers look at print. Customers look at online advertising, now more than ever before, including this online magazine and other web sites including W4CY Radio’s web site. People are simply spending more of their time at their computers. The Welcome Home concept will be another major force in the local area for attracting consumers to the businesses involved. If you have the curiosity and the desire to stay afloat, contact me and I can pass along the information on who to contact. I can be reached at [email protected] or at 561—827-4223.
So summer is here. Vacations are aplenty. The beach is always a favorite of mine when staying in town. Let’s take care of each other. Enjoy shopping in the Wellington area for your needs. Remember the Mall at Wellington Green is right here. Don’t forget all those little strip centers with some great stores. We have just about everything you need for recreation and our daily lives. I will be shopping in the area and I hope to see you somewhere “Around Wellington” this summer.
Peter Wein, a business professional who is very active in the Western Communities, is also the managing member of the B Network. To contact Peter, email: [email protected] or call him at (561) 827-4223. Tune into Peter’s Livingroom radio show on W4CY radio, www.w4cy.com or visit his network at www.mybnetwork.com.
Alexander Nevsky – Reuniting the Eagle and the Bear
Star and producer of soon-to-be-released action film “Treasure Raiders” using the power of motion pictures to build Russian/American friendship
Named after a 13th century warrior who routinely knocked the teeth out of his Teutonic Knight opponents, Russian film star Alexander Nevsky, 35, grew up a book nerd studying history, philosophy, science, mathematics, economics, art, music and literature. Of course, like most young people in the former Soviet Union, Nevsky also learned his share of Marxism, too. As for athletics, there was little time for such trivial activity in such an academically focused home. After all, he was the son of an economist and an engineer. Then again, the skinny young Alex was barely more than a sack of bones − not exactly suited for that kind of thing anyway.
Alexander Nevsky, Film Star and Producer
But at age 13, something happened that would forever change Nevsky’s life and the lives of countless others.
“It was 1986 and things were really starting to open up under Mikhail Gorbachev and perestroika. All of a sudden we were being exposed to things from the West in ways that had never been possible. Well, that year my mother bought some tickets to the Moscow International Film Festival, and I saw Arnold Schwarzenegger on the screen for the first time. I was blown away and thought to myself, ‘If he can do it, so can I.’”
The skinny book nerd began weight lifting and learning everything he could about physical fitness and nutrition. He also began intense training in the martial arts and kick boxing. Seven years after his first Schwarzenegger movie, Nevsky was named Mr. Russia. Two years after that, at the ripe old age of 22, he was crowned Mr. World.
Despite his amazing accomplishments as an athlete, Nevsky’s thirst for academia never abated.
“In 1997 I wrote a book, How to Become a Schwarzenegger in Russia, and it became a best seller,“ said Nevsky, who now has five best sellers to his credit in his native land. Nevsky, who is as comfortable discussing Dostoevsky and Solzhenitsyn as he is filmmaking or health and fitness, has recently earned a Ph.D. in economics.
“My doctorate has helped me a great deal in understanding the business end of producing movies,” quipped Nevsky.
The book and the weightlifting titles led to Nevsky’s quick rise to fame as a television and movie star in Russia. In fact, Nevsky not only became Russia’s leading film star, but his weekly television show began drawing over 50 million viewers.
Still, there was a chapter in the star’s life that had yet to be written.
“From that moment as a 13-year-old seeing Arnold, I wanted to come to and live in America.”
Finally, in 1998 Nevsky began living out that dream – the American Dream.
“Almost as soon as I got off the plane, I felt right at home. The American people are great people and I love them.”
Shortly after his arrival in the United States, Nevsky headed to Southern California. But the Russian action hero and world weightlifting champion was not content merely to live the good life. Intent on honing his acting skills, he quickly enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in Los Angeles. It didn’t take long for Nevsky to make a statement in Hollywood as word spread quickly among directors and producers alike about Nevsky’s brute strength, extraordinary athletic ability and captivating screen presence.
He also began perfecting his English skills with the help of UCLA’s renowned Extension Lifelong Learning program. Although he retains a modest Russian accent, Nevsky has definitely mastered his new language.
These days, Nevsky has settled in comfortably to the Southern California lifestyle. He holds a “green card” and lives in Los Angeles 8-10 months out of the year. Nevertheless, he remains steadfastly loyal to his Motherland.
“I love Russia and am very proud to be a Russian. I’ve been asked many times to bash my country and my leaders to gain publicity for my films, but I want no part of that. What I do want to do is to bring our two countries together. We have differences, but we are two great nations. We need to stand together as an example to the world.”
Nevsky isn’t just blowing smoke. Twice the star has turned down potentially lucrative roles offered by big time Hollywood producers out of his unwillingness to play the “Russian bad guy.”
“There are stereotypes that Russians and Americans have of each other that are rooted in years of distrust. Unfortunately, the media and many moviemakers seek to exploit these myths. In America the Russian is usually the bad guy, and in Russia the American typically plays that same role. In my movies, I will always show Russians and Americans standing together to fight evil. That’s how we defeated the Nazis, and that’s how we will defeat the next great enemy.”
With regard to World War II and his country’s role in the destruction of the Third Reich, Nevsky speaks passionately about the incalculable sacrifice of his parent’s and grandparent’s generations during what Russians proudly refer to as “The Great Patriotic War.”
“Russia is changing every day for the better, but none of it would have been possible if it had not been for the sacrifice of over 20 million of my countrymen.”
Nevsky’s determination to be the best he can be is a tribute to those who have gone before him. And like the highly-paid action hero he aspires to be, he is keen to show that he really is the good guy – and a Russian good guy at that. In keeping with his “White Knight” role, whenever provided the opportunity Nevsky unabashedly assails the taking of steroids and adamantly professes the merits of education.
“Brains are every bit as important as muscles,” said Nevsky.
As for his source of inspiration in going forward, the action hero need look no further than his beautiful Russian wife, Katya, who also appears in his soon-to-be-released film, Treasure Raiders.
“I am so proud to have Katya in the film,” said Nevsky. “Now my mother and mother-in-law can be proud together,” Nevsky laughed.
With regard to the new film, Treasure Raiders features Nevsky as a Russian street racing star who is challenged by a sly American racer. As they both rival for control on the streets of Moscow, they are compelled to put aside their differences and band together to search for a lost Templar treasure. With time, police, and the mafia against them, the dynamic duo is cast into a life or death struggle to find the treasure. Directed by Brent Huff, the action thriller combines heart-stopping special effects and top-shelf acting with the help of co-stars David Carradine, Steven Brand, Sherilyn Fenn and Olga Rodionova. Distributed by Maverick Entertainment Group, Inc. (www.maverickentertainment.cc), the film won critical acclaim at the recent Delray Beach Film Festival (www.dbff.us), and its scheduled release date is Tuesday, June 2.
As for the future, Nevsky is not at all ready to sit back and relax. In fact, he is already putting together his next project. His next film will once again feature Russians and Americans standing together in a noble cause by focusing upon the historic meeting of the U.S. and Red Armies at the Elbe River in the closing days of World War II.
In the meantime, if you’re walking down Rodeo Drive or Wilshire Blvd. and happen to run into Alexander Nevsky, don’t be afraid to ask him his opinion about Obama’s economic recovery strategy or the future of Russian-American relations. You see… It’s a funny thing. Not only is he a heck of a nice guy, but when confronted with sophisticated questions about politics and economics…unlike so many of his Hollywood contemporaries…Alexander Nevsky has something meaningful to say.
Glenn R. Swift is a freelance writer and editor living in Jensen Beach. Winner of the Florida Magazine Association’s 1999 Bronze Award for Writing Excellence, Swift is one of the most acclaimed entertainment writers in South Florida. He is the Editor and Co-Founder of , the definitive Arts & Entertainment website for Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.www.OnStagePalmBeach.com
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If you were drawn to reading this article, then you are more than likely to be one of the 31 million Americans today suffering with back, neck and shoulder pain.You have probably had to miss work at least once as a result of the pain and you are a regular visitor to the doctor, chiropractor or therapist.You are also contributing to the staggering $50 billion that is spent each year on back pain – and that is just for the more easily identified costs.You are also probably taking some form of pain relief and you know you should be exercising but the lack of mobility and pain make it almost impossible to take part in a regular program.
How about this statistic though?
Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic, meaning they are not caused by conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
So what is the number one cause of so much pain?
SHORT, TIGHT MUSCLES – the majority of people’s back problems are a direct result of poor postural alignment.
It is that simple – the fact is that when muscles become short and tight they draw bones closer together resulting in poor joint mobility, pain and discomfort.Tight muscles will literally hold your body in a restricted position.When a joint is immobile it loses much of its natural lubrication (synovial fluid) that is produced as a result of movement.
Tight muscles = poor mobility = pain and discomfort.
Pain and discomfort = poor mobility = even tighter muscles.
It really is a vicious circle!
Today’s lifestyle, for the majority of us, means that we sit for hours each day, week after week, month after month and year after year.This position will eventually force the body out of alignment, leading to lower and upper back problems, lack of energy, a collapsed ribcage, loss of waistline, loss of abdominal support, shoulders rolling forward and the head sitting in an incorrect position – Phew!
Let me give you an example:-
We have a muscle called iliopsoas, it is our hip flexor muscle and is responsible for hip flexion i.e. lifting the leg to climb stairs.Sitting for long periods will shorten this muscle.Our muscles are attached to bone and originate in one area (the origin) and insert into another area (insertion).Iliopsoas originates at the vertebrae in our lumbar (lower) region of our spine, it threads through our pelvis and attaches to our femur bone on the front of our leg.Now when this muscle is short and tight it will draw the pelvis into a posterior tilt i.e. your bottom will tilt backwards and the lower curve of your spine will deepen forcing your abdominals out.When your pelvis is being held in this restricted position day in day out the vertebrae in your lower back will be compressed causing the surrounding muscles to tighten causing pain and poor mobility in this area.Over time the gel within the discs will start to bulge causing herniation/slipped discs. Now you really are in pain!
If you regularly stretch iliopsoas, once released, the muscle will allow the pelvis to sit in a more neutral position. You will regain mobility within your pelvis, the gel within the discs will be massaged evenly around the disc and your abdominals will pull in.So not only will you be pain free you will have a flatter abdomen!
You should introduce a pure stretch program that focuses on lengthening and elongating the muscles that affect postural alignment.As a result you will return to a more neutral position and you will regain functional flexibility and mobility.A body that is able to move as it was intended – a body free from pain!
Remember your muscles have a memory and regular stretching will teach the muscles a new length resulting in a new position for your bones.It is just as easy to teach the body correct postural alignment as it is to teach it incorrect alignment.
Before you begin a stretch program you should:-
·Check with your Doctor or therapist. Is it safe for you to stretch?
·Find a reputable flexibility specialist.Not all trainers have gained certification in a specific flexibility program.
·Warm up first.Cold muscles will increase your risk of injury.Take a short brisk walk and mobilize your joints first or stretch after your work-out.
·Hold stretches for at least one minute.It takes time to lengthen tissues safely, also time must be allowed for correct alignment.Continually assess body alignment and learn to explore the muscle by changing leg arm or upper body position and weight applied.
·Don’t bounce.Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle.These tears leave scar tissue as the muscle heals which tightens the muscle even further – making you less flexible and more prone to pain.
·Focus on a pain-free stretch.Expect to feel tension while you are stretching but not pain.You should take the stretch to the point where you feel tension and then hold it, the feeling should go away after approximately 20 seconds, however, if the limb starts to shake back off and start the process again but more slowly this time.
·Relax and breathe freely.Do not hold your breath while you are stretching results will be far greater if you increase the stretch towards the end of the out-breath.
Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment.Her 26 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Education International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Her program has been accredited with The National Association of Sports Medicine, The American Council of Exercise and The National Strength and Conditioning Association.For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.
