45th Anniversary Gala Event
Wellington Art Society Announces Art Scholarship Recipients
The Wellington Art Society is thrilled to present Art Scholarships to two deserving young artists at their May 11, 2022 meeting. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. They will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 pm, followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. The meeting will conclude with the presentation of scholarships to two very talented high school seniors. The public is invited to attend. COVID-19 protocols will be observed. For more information contact: Laura Jaffe, presidentofwas@gmail.com.
The students who will be receiving scholarships this year are Ashley Forkey of Saint Andrew’s School and Sofia Vega of Boca Raton Community High School. The scholarships will be presented by WAS Scholarship Chair, Liza Karsai. Each student will have the opportunity to share about their work and plans for the future.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) has been supporting the advancement of the arts in the Palm Beach County community since 1981 with the intent to encourage young artists to pursue careers in the fine arts, provide programming that expands art in public places, and make art accessible within the community daily.
The WAS Scholarship Program was established in 2001 to provide scholarships to talented young artists for art related College and University expenses and tuition costs. Over the past twenty-one years, WAS has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to some of the brightest and most creative students within our community. Past recipients of the WAS Scholarship have gone on to become educators, illustrators, authors, curators, artistic directors, professional artists and art advocates.
To support the Scholarship Program, the WAS relies solely upon money raised from donations, membership dues, monthly raffles, artist exhibitions, annual art shows, and commissions. To donate, please visit www.WellingtonArtSociety.org.
Teach Kids to Be Kind to All Living Creatures by Example and With Free Lessons During American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week® (May 1-7)
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Campaign offers free educational activities for children and simple lifestyle changes to build a more humane world for animals
PALM BEACH, FL — Building a better world for both people and animals begins with teaching our children the meaning of kindness. And what better time to start than during American Humane’s 107th Annual Be Kind to Animals Week®, on May 1-7, which is the oldest commemorative week in U.S. history.
To kick off the humane initiative, the Palm Beach-based nonprofit will provide complimentary education materials for parents, teachers, and children in both English and Spanish. The free online library features downloadable materials, which include lessons and teaching sheets for pre-K to Grade 5 students, “Be Kind to Animals” posters, and a plethora of ideas to celebrate and protect Earth’s creatures. For more information, visit americanhumane.org/BeKind.
To lead by example and make a difference in the lives of millions of animals, American Humane is asking animal lovers of all ages to pledge to make kindness a year-round lifestyle choice by doing four simple things:
- Buying humanely raised foods with the American Humane Certified™ seal to support the good treatment of farm animals
- Adopting from a shelter/rescue, and when choosing small, “nontraditional” animal companions (such as reptiles, small mammals, fish, and amphibians), finding them at American Humane Certified™ pet providers
- Watching movies and television shows that have earned the “No Animals Were Harmed®” end credit verifying the protection of animal actors
- Visiting American Humane Certified™ zoos, aquariums and conservation centers caring for the many endangered and disappearing species of the world
American Humane will also share humane messages throughout the week and encourage people to commit to kindness by sharing Be Kind to Animals Week® content using the hashtag #BeKindToAnimalsWeek. For a wealth of ideas, and to show us how you are being kind to animals, follow American Humane on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Additionally, teachers and children can find a historical retrospective featuring history, highlights and unusual facts from 107 years of “Be Kind to Animals Week,” as well as a sampling of famous supporters, from U.S. Presidents to Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, Betty White, Doris Day, and even Porky Pig.
“I hope every American will join us in celebrating ‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ and making a difference for all the creatures of the Earth,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “By teaching our children the value of our animal friends and adopting a humane lifestyle, we can build a better world – not just during these few days, but all year round.”
For more information on American Humane, visit americanhumane.org.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. Today, the four-star nonprofit saves, shelters, feeds and protects nearly one billion animals worldwide each year. For more information, please visit americanhumane.org.
Happy May and Don’t Forget Mother’s Day!
Hope you’re having a Happy May, everyone! In honor of Mother’s Day, we have a couple of timely articles for you. One is Briana D’Andrea’s top seven gift ideas for Mother’s Day in “Mommy Moments.” The second article is by Carly Cantor in “Teen Talk,” where she talks about the sacrifices that her mother has made and a few more ideas for showing appreciation on Mother’s Day.
Also see our “AW Spotlight” story this month, “Getting to Know Chip McKenney of the Gay Polo League.” Julie Khanna interviews McKenney about how he founded the GPL in 2006 and how it’s been growing ever since.
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Our “Living Green” writers Tripp and Carmen Eldridge write about how getting closer to nature through Ecotherapy can work wonders for your mental health.
Meanwhile, see “Cultural Corner” for some beautiful photos. The Wellington Art Society (WAS) recently presented two new art exhibitions: “Love 4 Art” and “Dazzle.” Stop by the Wellington Community Center and Village Hall to see the art in person.
In “Paws-itive Press,” Tricia Roberts gives us some interesting facts about cats, dogs and horses. Did you know, for example, that dogs sweat only through their paws? Neither did I.
Another interesting thing about May (this year) is that Palm Beach County schools get out early. Did you know that May 26th is the last day of school for students?
Check out our other articles, our photo galleries and our “News & Event” section too for more great content. Hope you have a beautiful month!
Sincerely,
Krista Martinelli
Editor
The Truth About Cats and Dogs… and Horses Too
By Tricia Roberts
If you’re reading this article, you most likely have a cat or a dog. You probably know a lot about your pet. You know when they’re hungry and what they like to eat. You know their sleep habits and which toy or stuffed animal they love the most. But even with how close you are to your pet and how well you know your furry family member, there are some interesting facts about cats and dogs that might surprise you. And since Wellington is the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World, we’ll cover a few fun horse facts too.
The truth about cats. We already know cats are independent and intelligent. They’re also affectionate and soothing to be around, especially when they sit in our laps and purr gently. Here are some interesting things about your loving fur ball you might not know.
- Cats are capable of jumping up to 6 times their height and running up to 30 miles per hour over short distances.
- Cats share over 95% of their genetic makeup with tigers – that’s where they get the prey-stalking and pouncing.
- Whiskers on cats aren’t just for looks. Their whiskers are embedded deep into their bodies and are connected to their muscular and nervous systems, so whiskers serve an important function in helping them navigate, especially in the dark.
- Cats have 32 muscles in each of their ears and can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
- If necessary, cats can drink seawater for survival (something humans can’t do) as their kidneys are able to filter salt out of water.
The truth about dogs. What we know is that dogs are loyal and faithful. Sometimes just looking at a dog can put a smile on your face. Petting a dog can actually lower your blood pressure. Did you know when you pet a dog, you can lower the dog’s blood pressure too? Here’s more about man’s (and woman’s) best friend.
- Dogs sweat only through their paws. Since this little surface area isn’t enough to cool them down, they ventilate and exchange heat through panting.
- Dogs aren’t colorblind – they can see blue and yellow.
- Puppies are born deaf, and hearing is the last of their senses to fully develop. When puppies are about three weeks old, their hearing kicks in. At that point, they can hear about four times better than most people.
- All dogs dream, but puppies and senior dogs dream more frequently than other adult dogs.
- Dogs don’t like hugs. They see a limb being thrown over them as a sign of dominance, so a hug can actually make them stressed or unhappy.
Let’s talk about horses. While a horse isn’t technically considered a pet, we can still love them just the same.
- Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up because of a locking system in their legs. They can only achieve REM sleep when lying down, though.
- Horses cannot breathe through their mouth, only through their nose.
- Horses’ teeth take up more space in their head than their brains.
- A horse’s brain weighs about half the weight of a human brain. Even so, they’re highly intelligent animals.
Thoughts on Mother’s Day
By Carly Cantor
Mother’s Day is, at least in my perspective, a little misunderstood. Sure, we celebrate it in schools and we buy gifts for our moms, but are we really contributing to the holiday in fullness? Few know the origin of Mother’s Day, or they refuse to look beyond the surface.
Mother’s Day is a result of the acts of Anna Jarvis, who was inspired by her own mother’s acts of strength and kindness. Anna’s mom had organized women’s groups in which promoted health and friendship.
Anna Jarvis concieved Mother’s Day to honor the sacrifices our moms make for us, but do people now truly live up to that? Growing up, I always thought that Mother’s Day simply appreciated my mom for being there. I wasn’t aware of any specific reasoning, nor did I care to research it. Though I would always work my hardest to impress my mom for her special day, I wish I would have known the exact things to talk about.
Speaking of Mother’s Day gifts, when I was younger I never really knew what to get my mom for Mother’s Day. I would struggle not only because I wanted it to be a surprise, but also because I didn’t want to disappoint her with something she wouldn’t like. Now, however, I know better than to think that way, and I know my mom will appreciate anything I do for her, but younger me would have only one go-to gift: a card.
I know many struggle with the same issue I had as a kid, so here are a few ideas for this Mother’s Day!
- Bake something. It could really be anything, cookies, cake, or brownies. It is a small act, but baking requires effort and love. A simple batch of cookies could mean the world to someone, or it could just be cute. Either way, it’s an easy but effective way to make anybody happy.
- Make a card. Making cards was my go-to method for Mother’s Day as a kid. Words can convey the most beautiful of messages, whether they’re simple or complex. Reading true feelings and emotions of love and warmth truly feels so nice, so I’m absolutely sure a mom is somebody who would appreciate it most.
- Buy a Gift. Material things may not appeal to everybody, but if it’s meaningful then a store-bought gift can be just as good as a home-made one. A cute mug or even new oven mitts can be thoughtful gifts, it really all depends on your mom’s interests and hobbies, so pay close attention!
- Create a Memory Book. Memory books have many names, like journals or scrapbooks, maybe even a photo album. Whichever version you choose to make isn’t the important part, it’s the choosing of the memories, photos, and the precise wording you’ll use to sum it up.
Though gifts are nice and of course the thought is always appreciated, the one thing to be made known is the love you have for your mom and how thankful you are to her sacrifices. This Mother’s Day, take time to reflect and think about what your mom has sacrificed or done for you, and thank her, she’ll appreciate it more than you know.
3 Ecotherapy Practices That Can Improve Your Mental Health
By Carmen and Tripp Eldridge, Farm Directors at Arden
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Every year throughout this month, organizations across the United States take the time to spread knowledge and fight stigmas surrounding mental health. While Tripp and I aren’t medical experts, we do know that nature has a wealth of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional wellness. So, today, we wanted to highlight the topic of ecotherapy.
Ecotherapy is based on the idea that people are connected to and impacted by the environment. Research has shown the advantages of connecting with nature. A study published in the National Library of Medicine has shown that ecotherapy is effective in lifting depression, relieving stress and anxiety, improving sleep, and lessening post-traumatic stress, among a host of other positive effects.
Whether you enjoy taking long walks on local trails or planting gardens in your backyard, ecotherapy might be the perfect way to get outside and make progress on your mental health journey. If you’re ready to give it a try, here are three common ecotherapy activities that could be a good place to start:
Nature Meditation
Nature meditation is exactly what it sounds like – meditating in a natural setting. You can practice it in a local park or near a lake. The goal is to focus on the sounds, smells, or sights of your surroundings while purging all other thoughts from your mind.
If you live in an urban area where the sounds of nature get drowned out by city noise, you can substitute them with life-like sounds in your headphones, courtesy of the Internet. For example, naturesounds.tv can be a helpful resource. This free site offers a variety of nature sounds across different platforms.
Nature meditation can be practiced alone or in groups. Just remember that it should calm, ground and connect you not only with the world around you, but with your inner sense of self as well.
Horticulture Therapy
If you enjoy growing fresh fruits and vegetables, are interested in starting your own backyard garden, or even looking at joining a community plot, horticulture therapy might be for you.
Horticulture therapy is the use of plants and plant-based activities to facilitate human rehabilitation and healing. This practice has roots that trace back to the 19th century. But even current research from the University of Florida has shown the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of gardens. Today, horticulture therapy is often used in physical rehabilitation and has proven to be effective at improving people’s memory, cognitive abilities, coordination, balance, and endurance.
The sensation of feeling the soil in your hands, the fresh smells exuded by plants, and the time spent outside in the fresh air – all can have a therapeutic effect on a person’s nervous system and provide relief from the stress of everyday life.
Outdoor Exercise
Many ecotherapy practices are supposed to get you out of the house and moving in the fresh air. If you already work out at home or at a gym, try moving your workout outside. Physical exercise in any outdoor setting can be incredibly therapeutic and foster increased awareness of the world around you. Taking a run to reduce stress, going on a peaceful walk to ease anxiety, cycling around your block for some fresh air, or even doing yoga in the park to focus on your breathing can cultivate and strengthen your connection with the environment and give you a healthy dose of fresh air and “happy hormones,” such as endorphins and serotonin. This is also a great way to explore your surroundings and visit some beautiful sites in your area.
Ecopsychology is still an emerging field with new research conducted every day. But many therapists have already begun incorporating ecotherapy principles and techniques into their treatment practices. The best part is that most of the ecotherapy practices are available at little or no cost. So, whether you’re looking for new ways to cope with stress or just want to connect with nature, this Mental Health Awareness Month is the time to start!
May, 2022 – AW in Pictures
Lemon Chicken Piccata
This lovely lemon chicken piccata recipe is exquisite and easy to prepare. The light and luscious lemon sauce really pops without being too acidic; it is simply divine. And the capers really pack a flavorful punch. Serve with herb-roasted potatoes or rice pilaf.
Ingredients
Yields 4 servings
Ingredient Checklist
- 3 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into 1/2-inch medallions
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or as needed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons minced Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
Directions
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Place a serving platter into the oven to warm.
- Step 2
Season the chicken breast pieces with salt and pepper and dredge them in flour. Shake off excess flour. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet; pan-fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Work in batches and do not crowd skillet, adding oil as needed . Place the chicken pieces onto the warmed platter in the oven. When finished with all the chicken, drain most of the oil from the skillet, leaving a thin coating on the surface of the pan.
- Step 3
Cook and stir the minced garlic in the skillet until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth. Scrape and dissolve any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the lemon slices and bring the mixture to a boil. Let cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces to about 2/3 cup, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the lemon juice and capers; simmer until the sauce is reduced and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes more. Drop the butter into the skillet and swirl it into the sauce by tilting the skillet until the butter is melted and incorporated. Add the parsley; remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4
Arrange the chicken medallions on serving plates and spoon sauce over each portion to serve.
Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation and YMCA of the Palm Beaches Partner to Develop New Facilities, Amenities to Lake Lytal Park
West Palm Beach, FL – YMCA of the Palm Beaches (YMCA) has finalized an agreement with the Palm Beach County (PBC) Board of County Commissioners that authorizes the YMCA to lease approximately five acres in Lake Lytal Park from the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks) for 50 years with one 50-year extension option. The partnership will bring new facilities, amenities, and improvements to Lake Lytal Park, located at 3645 Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach.
The new YMCA of the Palm Beaches / PBC Parks & Recreation facilities will include:
·State-of-the-art health & fitness facilities with expanded equipment offerings
·A new Aquatics Center with a competition pool, a dive well, and other water-based recreational activities
·Expansive community gathering place for wellness-focused classes and programs
·An Olympic-style skate park and training facility
·High-tech Teen Center with a STEM Lab, music recording & arts studio, mentoring & job training, teaching kitchen, and a child care center
The anticipated timeline will be:
·Phases l & II: Aquatics, Skate Park, Community Center, and Health & Fitness Facilities –2024
·Phase II: Indoor Gymnasium and Child-Care Center –2025
The agreement ensures that both PBC Parks and the YMCA construct facilities and infrastructure improvements at their own expense. YMCA is currently lining up major donors who might want their namesake attached to this essential community center, located along the busiest east-west corridor (Southern Blvd.) in Palm Beach County, leaving a legacy for years to come.
“Public-private partnerships between YMCAs and municipal Parks and Recreation Departments are thriving throughout the country. We look forward to this cooperative project at Lake Lytal Park being a shining example of how these types of collaborative relationships can greatly benefit the community,” said Tim Coffield, CEO and President of YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “We are grateful for the leadership of County staff, the support of our County Commissioners, and we are excited to bring our collective vision to fruition.”
“The possibility to partner with the YMCA of the Palm Beaches to develop and collocate world class recreation facilities at Lake Lytal Park is a distinctive and timely opportunity that will benefit the residents of Palm Beach County for years to come,” said Eric Call, Director of Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
In addition, within two years of the county’s completion of the aquatic facility inside Lake Lytal Park, the YMCA will take over staffing, programming, and operational management of the facility, which is projected to significantly reduce PBC Parks’ operational expenses.
About Lake Lytal Park
Lake Lytal Park is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located at 3645 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management operates more than 110 parks and recreational facilities and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit pbcparks.com for more information.
About YMCA of the Palm Beaches
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. As the YMCA embarks on its next chapter, its partnership with Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation at Lake Lytle Park will vastly enhance its ability to offer these services and more to a much larger population within our community. The Y’s mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of the ability to pay. For information on how you can help support the Y’s capital project, including naming opportunities, contact Jim Barnes at (561) 968- 9622 x 226. For general information, visit ymcapalmbeaches.org.