Sunday, September 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 141

A Month of Recognition

By Jason Miller

Life is short and while nothing is ever guaranteed, there are somethings that remain consistent. Family, specifically mothers play a large role in defining one’s character during youth. It’s important to appreciate mothers and all of their responsibilities that they take alongside the burdens, helping everyone. Taking a moment to live in somebody else’s shoes and be more open minded about life is one aspect of the holiday celebrating mothers. 

The current version of Mother’s Day that is widely acknowledged originated in Philadelphia by Anna Jarvis whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health and on May 12, 1907 she held a memorial service for her late mother. It was traditionally a day of honor but this evolved into something that was out of her control through mass marketing of the event. So in honor of her original wishes, this is dedicated to what she envisioned as a simple recognition of the women who had done so much and sacrificed what they had for their families and their communities. 

The hyper focus on commercialization of the holiday takes away from the inherent value. While for many of us in the current day have access to technology we should use this advancement for furthering prosperity. Back in the day when the holiday first originated in the 1900s there was a large emphasis on writing letters and more physical means since that’s all they had at the time but nowadays it can be as easy as posting pictures of your mothers, aunts or even grandmothers. Any attempt of reaching out and giving attention to those who had served you is an indication of respect which is the foundation for the holiday. 

Being somebody that is on the younger side, it’s always nice to hear stories from my mother and learn of things that I am not always knowledgeable of. Spending time just talking about the past or how to do things and approach situations that I’ve never encountered before – it’s simple things that make all the difference. Asking others about themselves is an easy way to connect and show genuineness. 

Well for Mother’s Day in the spirit of celebration there are a variety of ways that you can implement ineffective methodology to celebrate with your loved ones with some examples being the following…

  1. A family gathering. Being surrounded with those you were raised with allows for a day of nostalgia
  2. Partake in favorite hobbies. Allowing one’s mother to choose the event
  3. Spas. Unwinding and getting away from the mundane tasks in life allows for some reflection

You don’t have to be a mother to acknowledge all of the hard work that they have done. This day is dedicated to respecting and honoring mothers but not just them- any significant female figure in one’s life since that was the core of the foundation of the holiday back in the 1900s. Understanding others allows you to have a better notion of the world in general and therefore will benefit everyone.

What’s the Scoop?

By Tricia Roberts

Choosing the best cat litter for your furry friend can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits, it’s a challenge to know what brand or type of litter is best.

There are several things to consider when selecting cat litter. For cat owners, odor control, clumping ability and cost are usually major factors. But there are also features that matter to your cat like dust control and texture. Cats with respiratory issues require a dust-free cat litter. Cats with sensitive noses might prefer an unscented option over something that smells like flowers. Some cats are even picky about texture and actually care if litter fine or coarse.

So how do you choose? Here are some of the best litters on the market, according to customer reviews, and what makes them stand out.

  1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter

Made from natural clay and 99.9% dust free, this clumping cat litter is a great choice for cats with respiratory problems. It forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop and maintain cleanliness. It is unscented and hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for cats with sensitive noses or allergies.


2. World’s Best Cat Litter

This litter, made from corn, is a great option for cat owners looking for an eco-friendly option. This dust-free litter forms tight clumps when wet and is flushable, making it disposal simple. Another excellent choice for cats with respiratory issues, it’s available in scented and unscented varieties.

3. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter

Designed to be used with the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze litter box, these anti-tracking pellets are made from paper. Solid waste is collected in a separate tray under the litter box. As mentioned in the name, this low-dust system is made to make cleaning the litter box a breeze.

4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter

This clumping litter claims to eliminate odors for up to seven days. The litter is 100% dust -free and forms tight clumps when wet which makes scooping easy. This is the way to go for cat owners who want a long-lasting and odor-eliminating option.

5. Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Cat Litter

From one of the most recognized brands in cat litter, this affordable option is made to eliminate odors for up to ten days. Another great option for cats with respiratory problems, it’s easy to scoop and made from natural clay.

Much of the process to determine the best cat litter for you and your pet will probably be trial and error, but hopefully this gives you a good place to start. As far as what your cat prefers, you’ll have to ask her.

4 Benefits of Switching to Farm-To-Table Living

By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director at Arden

Are you tired of eating processed food that’s been sitting on grocery store shelves for days or even weeks? Do you want to make a positive impact on the environment and your health? If so, it may be time to consider switching to a farm-to-table lifestyle.

Farm-to-table living involves sourcing your food directly from local farmers and producers, rather than relying on big chain grocery stores and packaged food that takes weeks to reach your home.

There are so many benefits to transitioning to a farm-to-table lifestyle. Here are four that I hope will help you make the switch:

  1. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint and Preserving the Planet

Eating farm-to-table is great for the environment and for reducing your carbon footprint. The average food item can travel close to 1,500 miles before being consumed. Between the trucks and trains shipping your food cross-country to your drive home from the grocery store, the produce you eat has a much larger negative environmental impact than you might think. Locally grown produce has a much smaller carbon footprint. By purchasing directly from the farmer, you are also helping to protect their farmland and keeping rural areas alive for growing seasons to come.

  • Farm-To-Table Living is Healthy Living

If you’re going to make the switch to farm-to-table eating, do it for you! Locally sourced food is often more nutritious than produce you find in your neighborhood grocery store. To prevent produce from going bad in transit to grocery stores, fruits and vegetables are picked before they are completely ripe and nutrient rich, so that they can be ripe and fresh for consumers all year long. When you buy directly from farmers and producers, you are getting the freshest version of that food with the most nutrients to keep your body fueled and healthy. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce chronic fatigue and keep your energy levels high all day.

  • Supporting Local Businesses in South Florida

The farm-to-table movement is a great way to support local businesses in South Florida, especially local farms, farmers markets, and shops. Palm Beach County has plenty of options to get locally sourced produce and now is the best time to find your favorite place to frequent this summer. It will also give you a chance to meet local farmers and learn how they grow your food. Check out this blog for a list of farmer’s markets in the Wellington area.

  • Creating More Variety In Your Diet

If you think that farm-to-table eating restricts your menu, think again! Seasonal varieties of fruits and vegetables keeps your plate interesting year-round. Out-of-season produce increases your carbon footprint, but sticking to in-season fruits and vegetables is not only a great lesson in how to expand your palette, but also in learning how to make the most of the freshest ingredients in your growing zone.

Farm-to-table living is a great and accessible way to make an impact in your community and in your own life. This summer is the perfect time to get started and see the difference!

For the Love of Figaro

By Heidi Hess

No. 

Nope. 

Not happening. 

My stance was open, polite but guarded. Conversation with my neighbors isn’t usually like this but they were trying to sell me on a cat they found. “He’s so cute. You should see him…” I love cats (dogs too) but now was not the time. 

My daughter’s cat Figaro Newton Hess passed away in January. He was a good boy. We all still tear up when we think about losing him. Losing your pets is like losing a piece of you. They wiggle their way into our lives and when they are gone, there’s an emptiness, a vacancy.

 

Figaro

Our other cat, Buddy, seemed alright but I suspect he was feeling lonely. Deep down, I knew we would get another cat but not now, right? I mean if we got another cat it would be for him and certainly wouldn’t have anything to do with the sadness we all were feeling, right? 

We went to meet this little rascal. Our neighbor found him in a median off of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd in the middle of the day. He put him in his car and the little bugger proceeded to climb up under the dashboard. Ha. 

And now there he was, curled up in the corner of a pet carrier. He was smaller than I expected, just a tiny fuzzy little dot with the most precious mug. 

Lately, if I’m being honest, things have been hard. The kids are under an intense amount of pressure and let’s face it – high school is no picnic, but we cope. We have just been getting through things. 

And it’s wasn’t until I saw my daughter cradling this kitten and the huge smile on her face that reminded me of how hard things have been for all of us. This was the first time in awhile that I saw her light up. It warmed my heart and at the same time I felt terrible. Isn’t it my job to make life great for my kids? 

A part of me wanted to take him home right then but then doubt kicked in. He’s a kitten, it’s going to be a lot of work, what if he turns out to be a psycho cat. We had to have a family meeting. 

Everyone chimed in. “He was so cute…”, “I don’t think this is a good idea”, “I don’t care either way”, “What’s the worst that could happen?” 

Out of all of our comments came something I think we all were thinking but my daughter was brave enough to put it to words “But what about Figaro? I still love him.” It was an honest reaction. Which got me thinking… is the space in our hearts limited sacred real estate? No. It goes on and on.. an infinite amount of space and an infinite supply of love. Do we love Figaro less because we are thinking of bringing this little guy into our home? No. It turned into a beautiful heartfelt conversation about love and grief and how pets and people curl up in our hearts and stay there forever. 

And yet… there I was, sitting in my recliner at 11:32pm, glasses slid down the bridge of my nose staring at the precious little face of this kitten that needed a home. 

Sigh. Okay, okay…

I’m happy to tell you that the precious floof is home with us. Now if I could just tell if it’s a boy or a girl AND what are we going to name them. All I know is that we will love him like Figaro. That’s what Figaro would want.

Floof

Looking For Me

By Denise Marsh

I’m not searching anymore.

I’ve looked for you in profiles

Broke my heart giving to people

Who wasted my time

And depleted my energy.

Searching for treasures and affirmations.

Not looking

For you.

I’m looking

For me.

Arts Garage Presents Yvette Norwood-Tiger

MAY 6, 2023 – 8-10 p.m.
Arts Garage – Delray Beach, FL

Jazz vocalist, recording artist, songwriter, and Grammy voting member, Yvette Norwood-Tiger is celebrating ten years of survival and recovery from a major health crisis. She will continue her tour, which began in Europe in 2022, at Arts Garage by performing jazz compositions that will inspire, encourage, entertain, and soothe the listening audience.

Tickets/Info: https://artsgarage.org/event/yvette-norwood-tiger-celebration-of-life-in-jazz-tour/

CCE’s Summer Academy at The Foundations School

*** CALENDAR LISTING***
Center for Creative Education
CCE’s Summer Academy at The Foundations School
June 12 – July 28, 2023

● WHO: CCE’s Summer Academy at The Foundations School is for children in grades K-5, who thrive in an inspiring learning environment that drives academic growth and engages in creative and artistic practice. Students who are considering enrolling in The Foundations School are especially encouraged to register.
● WHAT: CCE’s Summer Academy at The Foundations School
○ Throughout the summer, students will participate in hands-on learning activities. This student-centered, creative and arts-integrated approach to teaching and learning helps keep students engaged. Educators will personalize student learning, weave the arts into core content, and improve reading proficiency. Parents can keep their child stimulated in the arts over the summer break, while the students are learning and having fun at the same time!

● WHEN: June 12 – July 28, 2023; Camp from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

● WHERE: The Foundations School; 2400 Metrocentre Blvd.; West Palm Beach, FL 33407

● WHY: CCE’s mission is to transform teaching and learning through creativity and the arts. In addition to providing extended learning opportunities across Palm Beach County, CCE also operates The Foundations School, a K-5 independent school that focuses on improving literacy and breaking the barriers of traditional education through the arts for students from underserved communities. The school uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. Those who cannot afford to pay the full tuition will not be turned away.

● HOW MUCH: Honoring the financial model of The Foundations School, CCE’s Summer Academy also uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. Those who cannot afford to pay the full tuition will not be turned away. Early Learning Coalition awards will be applied to full time care.

● CONTACT: To register, email Jerry Crank at jerryc@cceflorida.org.
###

Finals of USPA Open Championship

0

Story and Photos by Alan Fabricant,  Alfabphoto.com

The final event of a very successful 2023 polo season was held over two days due to rain

On Sunday, in front of a packed audience on the USPA Stadium Field two undefeated teams, Valiente and Park Place went head to head the determine the champion.

At half time Valiente was ahead 6-5.   

Toward the end of the half time festivities the skies opened up.

45 minutes later, with rain still coming down and no letup in sight the game was halted for the safety of the riders and horses.

The next day the Isla Carroll East field had dried out sufficiently to have the second half of the game proceed.

During this back and forth battle between the teams the rains came again, but this time not as heavy.

Park Place tied the game up immediately at 6-6.

Valiente took the lead at 10-8 only to have Park Place come back to tie the score at 11.

With only 40 seconds remaining in the game Hilario Ulloa, 10 goaler and team captain for Park Place, scored the winning goal to give Park Place their first US Open victory.

Ulloa not only scored 10 goals, but was recognized as the Most Valuable Player while riding Latia Kavaska, who won two awards as the Best Playing Pony.

The Park Place team was made up of Patron, Andrey Borodin,  Hilario Ulloa, Juan Britos and Jason Wates, the first Jamaican born player the play in the US Open.

Valiente played with a makeshift lineup due to an injury suffered to Lucas Criado, Jr. in the semi-final match. His replacement, Agustin Nero was one goal lower so Patron, Bob Jornayvaz stepped aside to let Rufino Merlos, one goal higher 

play so that both teams were playing to an equal handicap.

As the rain was coming down both teams accepted their awards.

All of the supporting staff and family members joined the winners on the stage to share in this long awaited victory celebration.

Wellington Amphitheater Grand Reopening 2023

The Village of Wellington is excited to announce a 4-day grand reopening event in May to celebrate the completion of the Town Center Phase 2 Capital Improvement Project and the much-anticipated reopening of the Wellington Amphitheater.
 
Amphitheater Grand Reopening Event
The Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting event will be held Memorial Day Weekend at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard), Thursday, May 25th through Sunday, May 28th. A Ribbon Cutting with Wellington’s Council will take place on Thursday, May 25th beginning at 6:15 p.m.
 
Wellington invites the community to come enjoy live music tributes to bands such as the Eagles, Journey, Steely Dan, and Billy Joel, in addition to food trucks, live entertainment, bounce houses, vendors, games, and activities for the entire family. To find more information on the event, along with each day’s schedule, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/AmphitheaterReopening.
 
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Cultural Programs and Facilities Manager, Jenifer Brito, at jbrito@wellingtonfl.gov or 561-753-2476 for more information.
 
Town Center Phase 2 Project
The Town Center Phase 2 Project, underway since April 2022, builds off the success of the lakefront promenade and docks (Phase 1), providing greater use of the amphitheater by expanding the overall grass and seating area for events. Additional improvements to the site include: 

  • Designated food truck parking area
  • Gateway Plaza with seating, sun sails, and brick pavers
  • Holiday display area
  • Improved parking near the existing Wellington Community Center
  • Picnic pavilions
  • Portable restroom area

Town Center Drive was also relocated to minimize pedestrian crossing and prioritize pedestrian safety.
 
Find more family-friendly events coming up in Wellington at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events
 
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter