Jeffery Nichols Promoted to Chief Financial Officer with Mission to Disrupt Educational Inequality
(West Palm Beach, FL)- The Center for Creative Education (CCE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffery Nichols as its new Chief Financial Officer. With more than 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, Nichols brings a diverse background that includes work in the credit union industry, labor union sector and the fine wine industry.
“Jeff’s extensive financial background and experience make him an excellent addition to our executive team,” said Robert Hamon, President and CEO of the Center for Creative Education. “We are elated to welcome him and look forward to working with him to advance our mission of enriching the lives of children through the arts.”
As CFO, Nichols will be responsible for managing CCE’s finances, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting. He will also oversee the organization’s investments and fundraising efforts.
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 and no one is turned away for inability to pay.
“I am thrilled to join the team at the Center for Creative Education and to help support the important work they are doing in our community,” said Nichols. “My favorite part of being involved with CCE is seeing students succeed in a learning environment filled with creativity and the arts. I look forward to working closely with the organization’s leadership team and board of directors to help ensure the Center’s continued success.”
Nichols attended Central Washington University where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to be a Certified Public Account. Prior to his promotion at CCE, Nichols was Senior Accountant. He has lived in Boca Raton for over 5 years.
To learn more about CCE programming or to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Center for Creative Education, a 501(c)(3), please call Vivianne Hall at 561.805.9927; extension 105.
Travel brings many interesting experiences to our lives. Sometimes those experiences come in the form of the places we sleep. I’m a pushover for quirky lodging, and I’ve seen plenty in my adventures over the years. These are some of my favorites.
Going Bananas in Hawai’i
Bananarama Cottage
While in Hawaii, my husband and I skipped the big resorts in favor of artist-inspired vacation rentals. Situated on a small banana farm in Pahoa on the island of Hawai’i, the Bananarama Cottage is adorable and yellow beyond belief.
Sleeping with bananas
Note the banana porch trim. The interior includes banana-inspired table legs, banana throw pillows and plenty of banana artwork. Our hosts left snacks for us including banana bread and a bunch of…you guessed it, bananas.
The 80s Called, They Want You To Spend the Night
Sleeping in the 80s
One retro night in Winston-Salem, North Carolina I stayed in an 80s-themed vacation rental. I’ll admit, it seemed as if I’d walked into one of my kid’s bedrooms from the big hair decade, Enhanced with extensive memorabilia from Smurfs to ET I felt as if I’d entered a time capsule.
Scott warmingi up his aracade games for us!
Downstairs, arcade game collector Scott Leftwich showcases 129 games he personally restored. An impressive display, it’s the largest privately owned collection in the USA. We played a few games and I quickly realized I’m just as bad at Pac-Man as I was in the 80s. But on a positive note, my hair’s not as big and I no longer wear shoulder pads.
Shacking Up Without Shacking Up
Biscuit at the Shack Up Inn
On a Northern Mississippi road trip, I made my way to the cradle of the blues, the Mississippi Delta. Just outside of Clarksdale, The Shack Up Inn might be one of the funkiest places I’ve ever stayed…says the woman who just owned up to sleeping in an 80s arcade. Located only three miles from the legendary Blues Crossroads, Highways 49 and 61, the Shack Up Inn offers equal parts history and fun. Here, restored sharecropper shacks turned guest cabins retain their original corrugated rooftops and sport fun names like Biscuits and Gravy. Interiors include modern-day amenities. While the cabins provide sufficient room for a couple of overnight guests, I cannot imagine what it must have been like for families who lived in these.
The Shack Up Inn
Walking around the grounds surrounding the original cotton gin – which now serves as the bar and lobby – you’ll find one of the first mechanized cotton pickers manufactured by International Harvester. And when you’re ready for live entertainment, head to the Juke Joint Chapel where signage advises you to “Be Prepared to Meet Thy God!”
The Real Steel Magnolias
The Steel Magnolias House
Did you know Steel Magnolias was based on a true story? Julia Roberts’ character, Shelby, represents Susan Harling Robinson who lived in Natchitoches, LA. When she died and left behind a young son, her brother Bobby Harling wrote the screenplay in part to make sure her son remembered his mom. Filmed in Natchitoches, Steel Magnolias included several townspeople in the movie alongside the superstar cast. Among them was Lori Tate who played Jackson’s mom. Lori’s now 92 and joined us at the Steel Magnolias Bed and Breakfast to share her scrapbook and plenty of fun stories about her encounters with Dolly Parton and the other iconic cast members.
Steel Magnolias Living Room
The living room and kitchen of the house reflect the original styles seen in the film. And, of course, bedrooms are named for the movie’s characters. I chose the Claree room which is next door to her good buddy Ouiser. Jackson and Shelby’s rooms were nearby and Annelle’s was in the attic. There’s even a cottage outside that resembles Trudy’s place.
There Was An Old Woman Who Stayed in a Shoe
The Haines Shoe House
In 1949 Mahlon Haines decided to build a shoe house across the street from his residence in York County, Pennsylvania. As the owner of Haines Shoes, he welcomed employees to stay in the shoe house, especially for honeymoons. Over time, the Haines Shoe House became many different things including a museum and an ice cream shop. Today it garners plenty of attention as a vacation rental with art deco-themed decor. The living room sits at the toe of the boot while the kitchen is at the heel. Decorative shoe touches appear throughout. There’s even a shoe-shaped dog house outside. I must admit, after spending a couple of nights there, I have a new appreciation for footwear.
54 pairs of riders and horses took to the International Arena under bright, sunny skies for the $146,000 Adequan Challenge CSI5* competition.
Twelve went through the first round clear (within the time limit and no knockdowns).
During the jump off to determine the placings, six went through clear.
Daniel Bluman of Israel riding Gemma W had the second fastest time in the first round and was 1½ seconds faster than the second place competitor to finish first and collected a check for $48,180.
Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa aboard Major Tom finished second and went home with a check for $29,200 for his efforts.
Third place went to Bliss Heers of the USA riding Antidote De Mars who received $21,900.
In front of an almost full house in the most defense minded game of the season on March 26th, Scone and Pilot battled to the lowest scoring game of the season which had Scone come out on top 8-6.
The 2023 USPA Gold Cup winners were led by Poroto Cambiaso, MVP Tomas Panelo filling in for the injured Pelon Stirling, David Paradice and Cody Ellis.
Scone jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Pilot got on the board.
Both teams played a very tight defense which has most of the game being played in the center of the field.
Poroto Cambiaso led Scone with three goals while 10-goaler Facundo Pieres of Pilot had four goals.
The Pilot team, last year’s winners, was made up of Curtis Pilot, Facundo Pieres, Matias Gonzalez and Matias Torres Zavaleta.
Cost: $35 (Cost does not include museum admission) Advance Registration Required
Learn brush strokes using sumi ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper, you will create a final calligraphy on a shikishi board to take home. Just bring your curiosity!
Sundays, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7
The Art of Bonsai – Studio Session(Class) Time: 9am – 12pm, break, 12:30pm – 3:30pm (6-hour class) Cost: $200 (Morikami Members $190) Advance Registration Required Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. This is an advanced course for bonsai students with prior experience and must have instructor approval for registering. Prerequisite – Students must have taken ‘The Art of Bonsai’ Beginners class or prior approval by the instructor before registering for the course.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. .
Cost: $80 (Morikami Members $70) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.
Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)
Time: Beginners – 10:00am –12:00pm
Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*
Cost: $80 (Morikami Members $70) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.
Thursday, April 6
Mori Stories: The Tongue-Cut Sparrow Time: 1pm Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required
An old woman is jealous of the attention that her husband lavishes on a pet sparrow. Later he and his wife reap the consequences of their actions.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65) Advance Registration Required
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65) Advance Registration Required
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes.
Saturday, April 8
Block Printing (Workshop) Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $50 Advance Registration Required Japan has a long, rich history of woodblock printing, called mokuhanga, dating back to the 11th century. The ukiyo-e genre of block prints flourished in Japan from the 17th through 19th centuries. The Morikami is offering a workshop with a modern twist on this ancient art form, carving and printing linoleum blocks to create unique and exciting imagery. Instructor Brian Reedy has been teaching this method for over 20 years, and offers an approach that is easily accessible for beginners, yet challenging for seasoned artists.
Saturdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29, and Sunday, May 7 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto(Class) Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm Intermediate – 1pm-3pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
Saturday, April 8
The Haibun Journey: A Narrative of Insight and Discovery(Workshop) Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Cost: $35 Advance Registration Required
Originated in 17th-century travel journals, the haibun is a traditional Japanese literary form that combines prose and haiku. Today, the form can be an ideal way to capture epiphanies and discoveries regardless of circumstance, ordinary or extraordinary. In this workshop, participants will learn about the traditional and contemporary use of the form, through reading of various examples, and learn various techniques for writing successful haibun.
Saturday, April 15 Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration) Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission. Observe Japanesesadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.
The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn new shibori techniques building off from the Shibori Napkins I workshop and create a new set of special dinner napkins for your home.
Friday, April 21 Film Screening: Wife of a Spy by Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Underwritten by Michael Sonnenreich
Time: 7pm, museum doors open at 6pm
(116 mins., 2020, Non-Rated, Drama – In Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $7 (Morikami Members $5) Advance Ticket Purchase Required Master filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Pulse, Cure, Tokyo Sonata) won the Silver Lion (Best Director) at the Venice Film Festival for this riveting, gorgeously crafted, old-school Hitchockian thriller shot in stunning 8K. The year is 1940 in Kobe, on the eve of the outbreak of World War II. Local merchant and amateur filmmaker Yusaku (Issey Takahashi, Kill Bill) senses that things are headed in an unsettling direction. Following a trip to Manchuria, he becomes determined to bring to light the things he witnessed there, and secretly filmed. Meanwhile, his wife Satoko (Japan Society’s 2021 Honoree Yû Aoi) receives a visit from her childhood friend, now a military policeman. He warns her about Yusaku’s seditious ways and reveals that a woman her husband brought back from his trip has died. Satoko confronts Yusaku, but when she discovers his true intentions, she is torn between loyalty to her husband, the life they have built, and the country they call home.
Saturdays, April 22 and 29
The Joy of Carving – Chirirenge Ramen Spoon Edition (Workshop) Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Chirirenge in Japanese is the name of the soup spoons from Asia and used as ramen spoons in Japan. Unlike the western spoon, it has a flat bottom and is deep to hold more soup. The handle is curved upwards and the shape mimics a fallen petal of the lotus flower called renge in Japanese. The word chiri means “to fall off.”The Joy of Carving workshop is a craft experience designed to help participants slow down for the sake of spoon carving and learn about this culturally unique utensil. Participants focus on the tactile exploration of wood as a creative medium, learning carving techniques to shape one’s work into functional art. This workshop covers everything from wood selection, the ramen spoon design, finishing oils, along with knife, blade, and carving techniques so participants can experience the joy of creating their own hand-carved kitchen tool.
Saturday, April 22 Family Fun: Kasa: Japanese Umbrellas Time: Virtual Program Cost: FREE
Keep the April showers away with your very own origami umbrella.
Sunday, April 23
The Way of Taiko – The Heartbeat of Japan (Workshop) Time: 11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm
Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required
This workshop introduces participants to the history and practice of taiko drumming. Participants are taught how to understand sounds and movements, i.e., how to connect nature and the meaning of body movement. They will become familiar with the way of taiko and its drumming techniques. Top performers from South Florida’s Fushu Daiko will conduct the workshop. The group is recognized by Seiichi Tanaka, the master of San Francisco Taiko Dojo, who brought taiko to the United States and who trained senior members of the Fushu Daiko group.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
It is officially April, which means people around the world are gearing up to celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd. The holiday is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues, advocating for sustainability and eco-friendly practices, and taking action to restore our planet.
As temperatures are getting warmer more consistently, Earth Day presents an opportunity for you to get some fresh air and connect with the planet. If you are interested in lending a green thumb and a helping hand this year, here are some easy ways to seed some change.
Participate in an Environmental Clean Up
Whether you live near the beach or even just a public park, environmental beautification efforts can have a major impact in your community and the world around you. If you’re looking to take direct action this Earth Day, consider organizing a neighborhood clean-up, or volunteering with local environmental groups at parks and nature preserves to keep our community looking clean and beautiful.
To further support the local ecosystem, help plant some trees. Community Greening, a regional non-profit is working with residents and organizations throughout Southeast Florida to improve the environment and transform urban green spaces. Their online calendar at www.CommunityGreening.org lists many free ways that one can get involved.
There are many organizations that support environmental and wildlife conservation in Wellington. Take advantage of your Saturday by visiting one of the many nature preserves in the area. The Wellington Environmental Preserve offers unique trails through a rainwater storage area; Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country, spanning more than 145,000 acres; and the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is a bird lover’s dream with its 1,500 feet of elevated boardwalks.
Organize an E-Waste Recycling Drive
If you have any old electronic devices, an e-waste recycling drive should be a stop on your Earth Day itinerary. These drives help collect and recycle electronic waste, like old computers, broken cell phones, TVs and other electronics that you no longer use, which may contain materials that are hazardous to the environment if not disposed of properly. The waste is collected and taken to a specialized facility to be broken down and repurposed.
If you can’t find a drive near you, you can organize your own collection site and encourage your community to responsibly dispose of their own electronics. Partner with local electronics stores and recycling centers to make sure the items are properly recycled.
Earth Day is an opportunity to bring awareness to the many ways we can keep our planet healthy, but protecting the environment and promoting sustainability is something we can and should do every day. Pick a place to start, enlist a few friends, and keep it going. Little efforts made consistently over time add up and are sure to create a greener, more beautiful, local landscape.
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Charmaine Peters is the Farm Director at Arden, South Florida’s award-winning Agrihood community.
There are differing opinions on whether or not crate-training is a good thing for a puppy. I’m not here to tell you what is right for you and your pet, but I do want to share my own experience.
We got Oliver about a year and a half ago when he was 9 weeks old. We were very fortunate as he was already potty-trained and familiar with a crate when he came to us.
From day one, we used the crate as something positive rather than a form of punishment. We kept the door open while we were home so he could come and go to his safe space as he pleased. At night, Oliver was kept in his crate. If he needed a potty break in the middle of the night (as most puppies do), he let us know with a whimper, and we let him outside right away. As soon as the alarm to wake up went off in the morning, his crate door was opened for the day. He quickly learned that he wasn’t going to be trapped for long periods of time, and before long, he was sleeping soundly through the night.
Anytime we left the house, Oliver was led to his crate. It amazed me that he didn’t delay or whine when he was asked to walk in. We didn’t have an issue of accidents in the crate while we were gone because he learned that it was his personal space, and he didn’t want to soil it.
We’re now on our third and final crate as Oliver has reached his adult size. Originally we had planned to not use the crate indefinitely, especially overnight, but our plan (at last for the time being) has changed. Here’s why.
Not long ago, Oliver was neutered and had to wear a cone for an extended period of time. We thought it would be nice if he didn’t have to go in his crate with a big cone hitting the sides and getting in the way. When given the option to sleep outside of the crate, he declined. In fact he whined when he couldn’t access his crate. He actually preferred sleeping in his crate, even while wearing a cone.
During the day while I’m working from home, Oliver is able to roam the entire house as he pleases. We have 3 dog beds scattered around the house and plenty of carpeted areas where he can nap. Surprisingly, he chooses to spend most of his time napping in his open crate. In fact, that’s where he is now as I write this.
We have started to leave Oliver free to roam while we leave for short periods of time. When we come back home, Oliver runs to greet us…from his crate.
So what do I think about crate training? I think if it’s done properly and not seen as a negative space, it’s wonderful. Oliver has a place of his own that he loves while we’ve had a smooth 18 months knowing he wouldn’t get into trouble while we were gone.
Over 25 years ago, Academy Award nominated director Baz Luhrmann released Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) – a spoken word single which offered advice to the class of 1999.
The advice ranged from remembering the compliments and forgetting the insults, getting enough calcium and keeping old love letters.
However, the most important advice dispensed in this song was, “Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists…Trust me on the sunscreen.”
It is advice echoed by Dr. Saulis Banionis, a Wellington resident and board-certified physician who has trained extensively in aesthetic and regenerative medicine.
“The daily usage of sunscreen is one of the best and easiest ways to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, prevent signs of aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer,” Dr. Banionis said. “No matter what skin type you have, there is a product available to protect you.”
“If you have oily skin, you want to choose a sunscreen that is oil-free, lightweight and won’t clog your pores. Pick something that says, “Non-Comedogenic” on the label,” he said.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46: This popular sunscreen is oil-free, non-comedogenic and contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which help to soothe and hydrate oily skin.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: Clear and weightless, this sunscreen is perfect for oily skin because it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients to protect your skin from environmental damage.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60: This sunscreen has a matte finish that helps control oil and shine throughout the day. It also contains antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and help further protect your skin from damage.
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 55: This oil-free sunscreen is designed specifically for acne-prone skin. The lightweight, non-greasy formula won’t clog your pores which could lead to breakouts.
“Since we live in South Florida, I would recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours – especially if you’re going to be outside for an extended period or enjoying time on the water,” Dr. Banionis said.
South Floridians with dry skin need a moisturizing product containing complex lipids like ceramides, lipid-soluble antioxidants like vitamin e and moisture-retaining humectants like hyaluronic acid which won’t further dry out the skin.
EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help hydrate and protect dry skin. It’s also lightweight and won’t leave a greasy residue.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50: This moisturizing sunscreen is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and protect the skin. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30: This two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen is formulated with ceramides and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe dry skin. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30: This sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump the skin. It’s also oil-free and won’t clog pores.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: This lightweight, gel-based sunscreen is formulated with meadowfoam seed oil to help hydrate and soften the skin. It also goes on clear and won’t leave a white cast.
Research shows that 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, having five or more sunburns doubles your rate for melanoma and that with early detection, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
“Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest things you can do to protect yourself and your family,” Dr. Banionis said. “Everyone – regardless of age, gender, skin tone and skin type – can benefit from making sunscreen application a part of their morning routine along with washing their face and brushing their teeth.”
For people with sensitive skin, Dr. Banionis recommends a gentle product which won’t cause irritation and is free from ingredients like fragrances and parabens which might cause an allergic reaction.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: This sunscreen is designed for acne-prone and sensitive skin. It contains zinc oxide and niacinamide, which can help soothe irritated skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 60: This lightweight sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin, is free from fragrances and parabens and offers broad-spectrum protection.
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+: Fragrance-free and oil-free, this sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection.
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50: This mineral sunscreen contains 100% zinc oxide and is free from fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and provides broad-spectrum protection.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+: This mineral sunscreen is free from fragrances and parabens and contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
With over 20 years of experience in medicine, Dr. Banionis believes that wellness is more than just the absence of illness or disease and advocates for a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“Exercise regularly, eat a varied and nutritious diet, make sure you get enough sleep, manage your stress and cultivate positive relationships in your professional and personal lives,” he said. “But above all, trust me on the sunscreen.”
With the limited time remaining in school for students and the slow realization that summer’s arrival is just around the corner, people’s attention quickly turns to leisure at a beach or any number of far off locations. The perception of April is one of a transition from that heavy focus on work and school into one of a more relaxing atmosphere. In simply brushing aside the month in the desire for the future, this robs people from living life in the present and enjoying what is currently available. Most major holidays such as Christmas and Halloween are renowned alongside their time of month but there are smaller and lesser known holidays that are just as important and promote quality values. They allow for everyone to take a break from their busy lives and stop looking to the future and start focusing on what’s right in front of us. A great example of this is the holiday of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26th with this being something that celebrates those close, that being immediate family. Having a deeper appreciation for those around you exemplifies a higher quality of living, embracing what is instead of what is to be. It allows for the establishment of a mindset that is productive and focuses on attaining more immediate results that can be applied to everyday life. There are various different ways in which to capitalize on the present and maximize one’s time enjoying simple things provided below are examples.
1- Walks with those close to you. As the holiday encapsulates with its theme spending time with loved ones as a whole brings about a more content atmosphere
2- Nostalgic review. Looking back on photos or videos with family or friends either alone or together allows for a moment of reflection and inspiration
3- Reunions. Creating an event in which those close to you are invited at a desirable location whether it be a cookout or a beach day
4- Traveling. Experiencing new areas and cultures can be a good way to establish new roots and find a place to cherish by either staying or just visiting occasionally with these experiences lasting a lifetime
To summarize, life is short and the best way to go about it is with a positive mentality, appreciating even the small things that normally are taken for granted. To take action and direct of one’s life in a way that they desire is a defining aspect of enlightenment. With regards to the month of April, it allows for a deeper bond with those around us and embracing life together.
By Heidi Hess, Photos thanks to The Nature Conservancy
The shoreline was dotted with rocks just ahead that ended with a cliff and a jump that quite possibly could be dangerous… but what choice did I have? This was my only way out, I closed my eyes, jumped, and landed in the soft sand below. The Atlantic Ocean lapped at my heels and as pleasant and beautiful as it was, I had to find somewhere to hide.
My hair was damp and thick with salt water. It stuck to my face as the unrelenting wind came in from the east. A band of rogue pirates was hot on my trail. I had to escape. If I was captured surely I would be tortured.
I ran along the beach until I found an alcove within the rocks that I could hide away in. Surely the bandits would not find me here. I kept quiet as I gazed out at the cerulean blue. The spot that I had found was a tropical paradise, hidden in plain sight, and yet the noise of my pursuers grew louder.
I huddled closer, tighter to the craggy rocks, making friends with the limestone walls. It scraped my skin but I pulled myself against it, closed my eyes, and wished these rogues away. They were getting closer… even closer now. There was nothing I could do. The voices became loud. They found me. The booming voice of the one in charge said “Mom, when are we eating lunch?”
O.k. so I’m not a pirate but I sure did feel like one while we were visiting Blowing Rocks Preserve on Jupiter Island. The Nature Conservancy has worked hard on protecting the Anastasia Limestone shoreline (the largest on the east coast). What exactly does that mean? Listen, I’m not here to give you a science lesson, the Vistors Center does it better. I’m here to tell you about the cool things you need to do with your kids and you need to do this!
After you park your car, follow the path to the stairs. Even when you are standing on the shore, it doesn’t look like much but follow the shoreline south. It’s not a long walk and you’ll be glad you did.
During low tide, gentle-sloping rocks start things off. Make sure you have on water shoes because the gentle rocks turn into rough limestone caves and alcoves full of hidden spots. Some are completely secluded and have natural benches to sit on and watch the ocean. Others have “skylights”- openings in the top that you can look through and see the sky.
You thought you were in Florida. Not here. This place with have you and your kids mesmerized. Your kids will have a field day. And because of this special place’s ability to have us lose track of time, I can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen, water shoes, water to drink (maybe bring lunch), and timing your visit when it’s low tide.
Exploring is lots of fun but this is still the ocean, so keep an eye on little ones. If by chance you visit when it isn’t low tide, no worries. If it’s a rough or windy day stay on the beach and walk south. Remember those skylights I told you about? Yeah, the water can shoot up to fifty feet coming out of them. It’s a spectacular sight.
Also, make sure you take a hike through the Sea Grape tunnel, visit the Visitors Center and check out the Indian River Lagoon. They are open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. They are closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Parking is limited but free. Admission is $2.00/per person and kids under 12 are free.
And most of all, have fun. Our time with our kids is precious and fleeting. Play out the pirate thing, hide treasure, chase your kids around… what’s the worst that can happen? A skinned need and sore muscles? I’ll take that. Just so long as they call me Pirate Mom.
