WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2023) – The South Florida Fair John Picano, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, June 9, at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club, 9697 Mayacoo Club Drive. All proceeds will benefit the South Florida Fair Scholarship and Educational Fund. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. Gifts, prizes and an awards luncheon will round out the day.
The golf tournament is named in honor of the late John Picano, Jr., who served as the South Florida Fair’s public relations director for almost two decades. A respected community leader, he was an avid golfer and instrumental in the fair golf tournament’s growth and success. His memory lives on through this tournament, which provides scholarships to area students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.
“Our golf tournament is perfect for those who like to golf and help a good cause at the same time,” said Vicki Chouris, president & CEO of the South Florida Fair.
Since 1981, the South Florida Fair Scholarship Golf Classic has raised more than $800,000 in college scholarships for local youth.
The cost of a foursome is $1,200 and a single player is $275. A Fairway Package is $100, which includes 25 raffle tickets, two mulligans and an entry to the poker pot. A
Tee Ambassador (business display) is $350 and a Tee Sign is $150. Contributions to the educational fund are gratefully accepted for those who can’t attend.
The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2024 South Florida Fair will kick off with its Ride-A-Thon at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11 and the full fair will be held January 12–28, 2024. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.
On your next family vacation, consider a trip just north of the Florida border to Georgia. A great final destination is the Stone Mountain State Park, located just east of Atlanta. Simply put, Stone Mountain State Park is family friendly and fun place to visit at any time of the year.
Upon arrival, set aside time to jump aboard Summit Skyride. This high-speed Swiss cable car transports guests more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and the Appalachian Mountains, and more up to 60 miles away. You can also walk to the top of Stone Mountain.
On your way to the top, you can see the famous Stone Mountain Memorial Carving. It features the head shots of three Confederate Civil War heroes — General Robert E. Lee, General Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, and former Confederate President Jefferson Davis – engraved into the mountain, which is the largest free-standing granite creation in the world.
At the Stone Mountain State Park, families will enjoy riding the Scenic Railroad, discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial Hall, visiting Geyser Towers, playing at Dinotorium, walking through Dinosaur Explore, and much more.
You’ll also hear the music generated by the Carillon, the 732-bell ‘musical machine,’ which sits across Stone Mountain Lake and was a gift to the park from Coca Cola following the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.
This park has many festivals throughout the year such as Spring Fun Break, Summer at the Rock, Pumpkin Festival, Highland Games, and Stone Mountain Christmas, among others.
Golfers in the family will be interested in the Stone Mountain Golf Club which features two championship 18-hole golf courses. They are Lakemont and Stonemont, both of which are part of the Georgia Golf Trail.
Above: Trevor May golfing at the Lakemont Course with Stone Mountain in the distance
After golf, eat at The Commons Restaurant, which is nestled alongside Stone Mountain Lake with views of nearby Stone Mountain. The menu provides many delicious Southern cuisine favorites.
Fried Green Tomatoes, served at the Commons Restaurant
As for overnight accommodations, there are three great options inside Stone Mountain State Park: Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort, The Inn at Stone Mountain Park, or the Campgound.
The Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort has luxurious accommodations and spacious suites, plus indoor and outdoor heated pools.
The Inn at Stone Mountain Park features over-sized guest rooms, spacious verandas and an outdoor courtyard swimming pool. Many of the rooms have views of Stone Mountain Lake.
Perched alongside Stone Mountain Lake, the Campground has room for RVs, pop-up tents and safari tents.
Hemorrhoids are soft fleshy lumps filled with blood vessels, similar to varicose veins, found at the end of the rectum or around the anus area. Also known as piles, they are found inside the rectum (internal) or outside (external). Although common, hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and an area of self-consciousness, but in some cases, they can prove dangerous.
Nearly three out of four American men and women will experience hemorrhoids throughout their lifetime. According to the National Institute of Health, that number increases to almost 50% over the age of 50. Although they are unlikely to pose a significant health risk, hemorrhoids are known to be unsightly, itchy, painful, uncomfortable, and can cause hygienic risks.
Luckily, advances in research and treatment offer effective options as simple as lifestyle changes and home treatments to more permanent solutions as minimal as same-day in-office procedures.
Causes
The main cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the lower rectum caused by straining during bowel movements, lifting heavy objects (including weights), childbirth, obesity, and long periods on the toilet. Other causes include anal intercourse, low-fiber diets, chronic diarrhea or constipation, and normal aging due to the weakening and stretching of the tissues that support the veins in your rectum.
The likelihood of being affected by dilated veins, or hemorrhoids, in a lifetime is high, so knowing the signs and symptoms is imperative.
Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes the first sign of a hemorrhoid is simply palpation, meaning the person finds it incidentally while showering or touching near the anus. Other symptoms include itching, irritation, pain, discomfort, or swelling. However, it’s the most common sign that may have the most significant need for further evaluation.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the most widely recognized sign is bright red blood in your stool, on your toilet paper, or in your toilet. This symptom can also be associated with colon cancer.
“Rectal bleeding in the absence of an obvious external lump near the anus or rectal bleeding accompanied with a change in bowel habits, change in stool, unintended weight loss, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, or any new unexplained symptoms need further evaluation,” said fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon Dr. Kyle Eldredge who has a practice in Wellington. “Hemorrhoids do not cause colon cancer, but they share some symptoms, and there have been cases where diagnoses have been prolonged because symptoms were mistakenly dismissed as hemorrhoids.”
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options ranging from prevention to surgical removal of hemorrhoids, called hemorrhoidectomies. The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is by keeping your stools soft. This can be accomplished with high-fiber foods, plenty of fluids, fiber supplements when indicated, relieving your bowels as soon as you feel the urge, weight management, and avoiding long periods of sitting (especially on the toilet).
Seeing your doctor is helpful for learning which invasive and non-invasive treatments are an option.
“I think most people assume we will recommend a surgical procedure as the first solution, and that’s not typically the case. We consider the severity of the hemorrhoid(s) and how much it interrupts the quality of life. Most of the time, we can help with an over-the-counter medication combined with education on lifestyle changes or a non-surgical option,” adds Dr. Eldredge, who routinely treats hemorrhoids. “Some people qualify for a small office-based procedure using the CRH O’Regan System, which allows us to use gentle suction for a painless, permanent solution that takes minutes and does not require anesthesia. We really have so many newer options, including a hemorrhoidectomy when needed.”
Enlisting Help
Despite most hemorrhoids being a non-threat, there are many reasons that many people want to address them. For starters, they can get worse or bigger. In addition to sharing some symptoms with more serious diagnoses, rare but severe cases of hemorrhoids can cause anemia, strangulated hemorrhoids, and blood clots can form in thrombosed hemorrhoids, all of which can cause immense pain. Visiting an expert is the safe next step, especially if symptoms don’t improve after a week with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes. Learn more about Advanced Surgical Care in Wellington, Florida, by visiting www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians or calling (561) 333-1335. —
We delved into Denise Marsh’s new book “Emotional Morse Code” and talked about this cathartic style of writing. Join Denise on June 8th at 6:30pm for a book reading/ signing at Village Music in Wellington, followed by live jazz. Denise would like to thank Big Ink Graphics for providing her banner for the event. To order the book “Emotional Morse Code” ahead of time, visit Amazon.com.
To read one of Denise’s poems from the book, go to “Poem of the Month” on our site.
Proms aren’t just for teenagers anymore! Senior citizens in Palm Beach County’s western communities looking for a fun-filled night out are invited to the Third Annual Glades Tri-Cities Senior Citizens Prom on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at Rosenwald Elementary School in South Bay, FL. The theme is “A Night Out in Hollywood” and KTM and the prom committee are promising a night of glitz and glamour, including a red-carpet entrance, a delicious dinner catered by Sam King, music by DJ Clean, and entertainment by comedian Cynedra Blake. The Mayors of Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay will help in selecting the prom kings and queens for their cities and retired county commissioner/founder of Glades Lives Matter, Janet B.Taylor, will select the king and queen for Clewiston.
The event is free, thanks to funding from Healthier Glades and Palm Health Foundation, who are supporting the event as a way to benefit the mental health of senior citizens by bringing them together for social engagement. Seniors may register at any senior program in the Tri-Cities or find registration forms at City Hall in Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. Residents of Clewiston may contact Mrs. Barbara Henry at 863-228-6958.
What: Tri-City Senior Citizens Prom
Where: Rosenwald Elementary School, 1321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bay, FL 33493
When: Saturday, June 3, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Cost/Registration: Free. Register at any senior program in the Tri-Cities or find registration forms at City Hall in Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. Residents of Clewiston may contact Mrs. Barbara Henry at 863-228-6958.
Photo: Mr. Roosevelt Jones & Mrs. Annie Pearl Hill, former prom king and queen of Belle Glade.
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About Healthier Glades
Healthier Glades launched in the fall of 2017 in the historically underserved rural area of Palm Beach County with rich culture and agricultural assets. “The Glades” is the collective of four communities—Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay, and the unincorporated community of Canal Point—located in the western section of the county along Lake Okeechobee. Healthier Glades’ focus is behavioral health, with the goal for residents to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
These three brands use 100% recycled paper, with 50% or over post-consumer material and bleach the paper with oxygen instead of chlorine. Some package TP rolls with paper instead of plastic.
Other alternatives include products that are bamboo-based or made from materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). But the recycled and post-consumer components of the “A” grade brands make them the most environmentally friendly.
During the great TP shortage of 2020, we realized how we take for granted the most mundane things. Our environment is another thing we take for granted. We often don’t make the connection between our consumption habits and our impact.
So go ahead – switch to more sustainable TP as a consumer and help prevent deforestation and cancer. You can make a difference!
Natural Movers Foundation announced that the nonprofit will present its inaugural Natural Movers Dance Concert in the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
This year, the concert will reflect themes of connectivity, dreams, hope, reality and liberation. This mixed bill will feature new and premiered contemporary works by local and national dance artists, including:
“Discotheque” by Libby Faber (Libby Faber in collaboration with friends, Libby shown above)
“In the Mirror” by Christopher Huggins (Ballet Palm Beach)
“Whisper” by Jacqueline Lopez (independent artist)
“Moving Layers” by Ericka Squire (Ericka Squire//The Dance Company)
“The Optimist” by Kristen Vencel (Demetrius Klein Dance Company)
“We can’t wait to present the Natural Movers Dance Concert this summer,” said Ericka Squire, Natural Movers Foundation artistic director & founder. “This performance will unite tradition and innovation, giving attendees the chance to see a world-class performance in an intimate space. By presenting a concert that pairs accomplished dance artists with transformative choreography, we further our mission to enrich the cultural landscape and artistic progression of Palm Beach County.”
Tickets are $20* and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s official website kravis.org or call 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471.
If You Go:
Who: Natural Movers Foundation
What: Natural Movers Dance Concert
When: Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33401)
This performance was partially funded and made possible by the State of Florida, Division of Art and Culture.
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About Natural Movers Foundation:
Natural Movers Foundation is the only organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape and artistic progression of Palm Beach County through dance. We offer masterclasses to dance enthusiasts & professionals and transformative dance events & performances for the community to enjoy. We also put artists to work by connecting local choreographers and teaching artists to performance and teaching opportunities. Natural Movers offers free arts education programs throughout Palm Beach County. For more information about upcoming events, visit naturalmovers.org.
About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For information, please visit kravis.org.
*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Visit kravis.org for up-to-date information.
(West Palm Beach, FL.) – On Friday, May 19, 2023, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) proudly celebrated the Commencement Ceremony for 10 graduates of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches. The event occurred at the Turner Building on the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach.
Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a public charter school of The School District of Palm Beach County and is managed by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, the Career Academy provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence, serving students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who have deferred their diplomas.
“The Commencement Ceremony of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our students,” said GGI President and CEO Keith Kennedy. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness their continued growth as they embark on meaningful careers in our community. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, and this ceremony exemplifies the transformative impact of education and training.”
Graduates will be joining teams at an Embassy Suites in West Palm Beach, a Publix in Boynton Beach and Goodwill stores in Royal Palm Beach and Boynton Beach. Others are being considered for employment at Gulfstream Goodwill’s newest microenterprise Good Grub, Ken’s Krew at Home Depot and All Tag Securities, Inc.
The Knights of St. Andrew Color Guard were in attendance at the event to honor the graduates with their signature “Presentation of Colors and Arch of Steel.” Graduates were inspired by distinguished guest speaker and Palm Beach Vocational Coordinator for Ken’s Krew, Ilana Soloman.
The Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and become active members of the South Florida community. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading provider of health and human services in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties for over 50 years. The organization continues to make a difference by offering employment, training, and housing opportunities while assisting individuals in overcoming employment barriers and improving their lives.
For more information about Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, please visit www.goggi.org.
May 23, 2023 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center has begun restoringthe historic Old Armory building. Over the next few months, portions of the Art Deco building will be closed to the public as repairs move throughout the building. The brief interruptions will not impact summer classes.
Before it was put to use by an arts organization, the Old Armory building served as a training center for soldiers and National Guardsmen. The building was designed by William Manley King and built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) under Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The building served as an Armory until the 1980s and doubled as a community-focused hall for high school dances and other public events. Over the years, notables such as opera star Luciano Pavarotti and actor Burt Reynolds used the building for art exhibitions and fundraisers.
In the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair before local activists saved it from demolition in 1987. The founding members of the Armory Art Center restored the building for use as an art center. The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1992.
“The Armory Art Center has a longstanding history right here in Palm Beach County,” said John Suau, CEO. “By investing in this iconic building with support from the Florida Department of State Division of Historic Resources and the Armory Art Center’s board of directors, we’re investing in the next chapter of our rich legacy.”
The building’s exterior, which is being restored by West Palm Beach-based architect Rick Gonzalez (REG Architects), is the focus of the initial phase of the project.
Phase one of the exterior restoration will include a new roof, windows, and doors. Following the exterior restoration, the Armory Art Center will renovate interior spaces with updates to the administrative offices, the jewelry and metalworking studios, the galleries, and a new Armory Art Center Shop. There will be brief interruptions to access the facilities during the year-long process, but the project will not impact classes.
For more updates on the restoration, visit armoryart.org.
This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida. (Architectural rendering below)
### About the Armory Art Center:
Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory Art Center’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from preschool to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public.
The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.
For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.
