Humans have been aided by dogs for centuries. From retrieving to hunting to farming, many dogs have assisted their owners in many capacities. Still today, many dogs help their owners in different capacities. There are service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs. But at what capacity do these dogs help humans and what are the differences?
Service Dogs
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service dogs as dogs that are individually trained to perform specific tasks and to work with people with disabilities. According to the ADA, a disability can be “sensory, psychiatric, physical, intellectual, or other disability.”
Hearing dogs alert their owners to certain sounds like a car horn or a doorbell ringing.
Psychiatric dogs are trained to detect and reduce the effects of a psychiatric episode.
Guide dogs help blind people in their environment.
Certain service dogs also help their owners to become aware of an impending seizure. These dogs might stand over their owners while in the midst of a seizure or seek help.
Emotional Support Dogs
Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not considered to be a service dog according to the ADA. The difference between emotional support dogs and service dogs is an emotional support dog does not need to be trained with a specific duty to help someone with a disability. This however does not take away from the support these dogs do give their owners. They are considered to be more of a companion and help with issues like anxiety, loneliness, and depression. In order to label a dog as an emotional support dog, it must be prescribed by a mental health professional for someone who has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as depression and/or anxiety. Owners have limited legal rights with an emotional support dog vs a service dog. Additionally, as of January 2021, the FAA no longer allows emotional support dogs on planes.
Therapy Dogs
The term therapy dog has been questioned by many for its comparison to service dogs. According to the ADA, therapy dogs are not considered service dogs and do not have the same legal rights as service dogs do. Currently there are no national rules that regulate therapy dogs. So, what is a therapy dog? These dogs do not have to live with the person they are supporting. These dogs may visit mental health institutions, hospice, schools, and nursing homes to provide comfort to people. These dogs should have a kind temperament, be calm and relaxed, and be comfortable being handled by people.
How to spot a fake service dog
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between the different labels of these dogs, how can you spot a fake one? For years now, there has been much controversy regarding the legitimacy of those people who have dogs that claim they are the real deal. One of the first signs that a dog wearing a service dog vest is fake is to notice unruly behavior by the dog. If you notice the dog being aggressive or becomes destructive, this is a key sign that the service dog is not legitimate. If you understand what a real service dog is and what a real service dog does, it should not be difficult to spot a fake one.
Should you report a fake service dog?
What should you do if you feel you you’ve spotted a fake service dog? In my own personal opinion, I think those who take advantage of the benefits service dogs offer to those in need is not only unethical but it can cause issues for dog owners who have real service dogs. With that said, if you choose to, you can report a fake service dog on the American Disabilities Act website. People can get into a lot of trouble for having a fake service dog. In fact, many states have passed laws that make it illegal for people to have a fake service dog. Many of those will have to pay a fine for having a dog that is not a real service dog. Close to 36 states, including Florida, have made it illegal to have a fake service dog. Be aware that asking someone if their dog is a fake service dog can get you into trouble as you are only allowed to ask a few specifically worded questions to the owner of a (fake) service dog. They can actually report you.
Dogs are an incredible asset to those who have a disability. They can be a true companion to people that require emotional support and therapy. Therefore, it’s important that you know the differences between these dogs in order to make the best decision for your needs.
Boca Raton, Florida-On Sunday, December 12th, 3:00 P.M. The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra, the orchestra for everyone, will perform its first concert of this season after an 18 month hiatus, at O’Shea Hall on the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 22094 Lyons Road, Boca Raton 33428. Entitled “Home for the Holidays” the concert will feature music that will remind you of what it felt like to sit by the fire in snowy weather, or for native Floridians, to sit by a fire pit and avoid falling fronds and coconuts. We inspire the next generation of musicians and audiences in Florida and beyond with innovative educational concert programs for all ages.
Listen to favorites like “White Christmas,” and The Christmas Waltz and enjoy the sounds of the holiday season while also enjoying our award winning dance team led by Gabrielle Ugas and Claudia Concha.
And Elmar Oliveira,of Lynn Conservatory, one of the foremost violinists of our time will receive the Orchestra’s Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his work in developing young artists in their musical and career development for the future of music. Two of his students, Kayla Bryan, and Benjamin Kremer will perform the first movement of the Bach Double Concerto with the orchestra. This beautiful piece is a must for every classical music enthusiast.
There will be many other favorites providing a compelling reason for all our fans and our new friends to “get yourself to the Church on time.”
There is a rumor going around that a special visitor from the North Pole may unexpectedly arrive.
This remarkable orchestra comprised of musicians spanning the ages of 15 to 90 has over the past 15 years delighted audiences. The gifted and award winning conductor, Lorraine Marks-Field, deftly blends the different abilities of the members of the orchestra. Florida Intergenerational Orchestra concerts are engaging and fun for the whole family; everyone leaves with a smile and has a great time.
Because of Covid 19 the orchestra could not hold live concerts for the past year and a half. To help raise funds the orchestra came up with the idea of creating painted violins using the many talents of some fantastic artists in the South Florida Community. Fiddlershop.com donated 10 violins and one viola to the orchestra and the arts community stepped up and created gorgeous violins that can be purchased or auctioned at a fundraiser. Come to the concert and see some of these marvelous and valuable works of art painted by Yaacov Heller, Duaiv, Larry Dinkin, Mary Lou Gladstone, Roger Spott, Sari Padorr, Daniel Konis, Vanesa Toboada , Yung McCollum, and Alissa Zemering. Any one of these painted violins would make a great addition to your living room or art collection.
There is always an exciting raffle with great prizes at the concerts, so in addition to bringing the family, bring some cash or a check to purchase raffle tickets.
Tickets are$15 for adults, children 12 and under are FREE. Tickets are available at the door—cash or check please. $25 VIP tickets, First two rows can be reserved in advance by calling 561-922-3134.
If you would like more information about the orchestra, please call Bob Field at
THE WRITERS’ ACADEMY AT THE KRAVIS CENTER: WHERE BLANK PAPER BECOMES ART
(West Palm Beach, FL.) – Calling all aspiring novelists! The Writers’ Academy at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has five courses available to attend for writers of all experience levels and genres to hone their skills. Conducted by Pulitzer Prize-nominated biographer, novelist, playwright and teacher, Julie Gilbert, The Writers’ Academy encourages, nurtures and develops creative writing skills in most genres of expression.
Julie Gilbert. Photo by Chris Salata/Capehart Photography Copyright 2016
“The writers I work with at the Kravis Center are a funny, wise, intelligent and sophisticated bunch,” says Gilbert. “But what has separated them from the myriad of writers I have worked with is that they are daring. After a while, trusting that a solid amount of technique and the discipline of writing steadily would be their safety net, they have ventured up on the high wire.”
Students who have participated in The Writers’ Academy classes have found their own literary acclaim as a result of Gilbert’s teachings. Local author Mary Simses went on to write the novel The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café, published by Little, Brown and Company. The Kravis Center has also published two books written by Writers’ Academy members: Driving Woodie: Tales From the Home Front During World War II by Martha McMullen and Verbal Snacks by Nancy Sims.
“The Writers Academy at the Kravis Center has allowed me to fulfill a life-long goal of becoming a writer in my retirement,” said Linda Kiess, a former Writers’ Academy student. “Julie not only provides tools so we can continue to improve, but also fosters a safe and welcoming space for us to try new things. Over the years, we’ve become a wonderfully supportive group with Julie’s leadership. I value the friendship and feedback I continue to receive from my fellow advanced writers.”
Gilbert was nominated for a National Book Critic’s Circle Award for Ferber: A Biography of Edna Ferber and Her Circle and a Pulitzer Prize nomination for Opposite Attraction: The Lives of Erich Maria Remarque and Paulette Goddard. She has taught fiction writing and playwriting at New York University and Florida Atlantic University as well as running The Writers’ Academy at the Kravis Center.
“I took my first class with Julie about four years ago , just as a fluke, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” said Lou Marotta, a current Writers’ Academy student. “I had no idea I had all this pent-up emotion that was just waiting to come out, to be told. The Writers’ Academy at the Kravis Center has changed my life for the better. The classes there have helped me tell my story.”
Classes with Gilbert are offered for every stage of writer, from beginner to advanced, starting January 4, 2022, at the Eunice and Julian Cohen Pavilion. The classes include Kickstart Your Writing Ability to Advanced Technique with the opportunity for selected writers to showcase and present their writing in April 2022.
Advanced Technique – January 4 through March 15, 2022; by invitation
This course of six sessions of 2 hours each is by invitation only. It is for dedicated writers who have worked with Gilbert in establishing voice, technique, style, work habits, projects and durability. This is for the writer who has decided upon the ‘writing life.’
Kickstart Your Writing Ability – January 6, 2022 at 1:30 p.m.; tickets $30
An experience for the curious and adventurous, Kickstart is for those about to take the exciting leap into writing. Learn how to release the writer within and how to unlock your very own muse with Julie Gilbert.
Writers’ Launch – January 10 through February 14, 2022; tickets $325
Writers’ Launch is just that – a pad from which to raise written expression. Within every person there are unspoken thoughts and memories, there is buried treasure. This course is designed to alchemize this unexpressed bounty into a discipline of form, content, technique and style resulting in a story. The focus and goal of this is toward a fictional story.
Evolving Technique – February 28 through April 4, 2022; tickets $325
This is a course for all writers who are honing their craft, working toward a substantial project, starting a first draft or beginning a rewrite. There is diagnostic, ongoing study of the writer in relationship to self as well as to the critique of others.
Showcase the Writing – April 1, 2022 at 7 p.m.; tickets $10
Showcase the Writing is open to the public and will showcase talented new writers . Selected members of The Writers’ Academy will present all genres of work.
“We are grateful to have been awarded a very generous grant from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation for the Kravis Center’s arts education program and to its Writers’ Academy, which helps the Center provide these programs to the community,” said Diane Bergner, Senior Director of Development at the Kravis Center.
The Kravis Center remains committed to the health and safety of our artists, staff, audience, volunteers and guests. Like many other performing arts centers throughout the country, we have implemented new health and safety protocols to ensure the comfort and enjoyment for everyone visiting the Center. To learn more about our current health and safety protocols visit kravis.org/healthsafety.
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 – serving nearly 3 million students since its inception; 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 more information about The Writers’ Academy and to register for the different courses, please visit www.kravis.org/performance-calendar/writersacademy.
By Krista Martinelli, with Photos and Video by Monica Kallas
If you’re looking for some perfectly baked sweets this holiday season, you can support a 14-year-old entrepreneur in Wellington Abby Kitlas. At 5-years-old, Abby was fond of making the slice and bake cookies with her mother Caitlin. After that, the baking progressed to box recipes. And soon after that, Abby started finding new recipes on her phone. At just 13, she expanded and started Abby’s Sweet Treats. “My mom inspired me to start baking,” says Abby, who enjoys baking even more than cooking.
Annie and Abby Kitlas, sisters.
What is it about baking that she loves? She sums it up with two reasons. “I honestly really like eating the finished product,” she laughs. Also, Abby points out that baking is a science. “You follow exact steps and make sure that you have everything measured correctly.” Now that she has added some festive packaging to her Hot Cocoa Bombs, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels and other confections, she’s learned to not add too much, as everything needs to fit perfectly.
Hot Cocoa Bombs from Abby’s Sweet Treats
As someone who’s not always been lucky with melting chocolate, I asked her what her technique is. She either microwaves the chocolate (Ghirardelli) in 30 second increments, mixing it vigorously or melts it in a Wilton Candy Melting Pot.
As for her customers’ comments about the baked treats, “they love ‘em,” says Abby. “I have a lot of repeat buyers, who enjoy them or give them as gifts.” She’s happy to report no bad reviews to date.
Abby gives approximately 10% of her proceeds to the Palm Beach School for Autism, where her 16-year-old sister Annie goes to school. “Amazingly, they were able to help my sister enjoy school.” In previous years, Annie used to cry when she arrived at school. Now she comes home from school happy and packs a lunch for the next day. Annie feels loved and safe at school. Additionally, the curriculum is more challenging and more engaging for her.
Annie and Abby
Annie is non-verbal, while being very expressive in her actions and expressions. “I have a very close bond with her,” says Abby. She helps Annie with a lot more things than many sisters do – like taking a bath. “We’re attached to each other,” says Annie, who says they play a lot and watch videos together.
Instead of seeing differences, Abby points out that people on the autism spectrum “are not that different from everyone else.” It’s a fact that she wishes other people would realize. Even though her sister Annie is non-verbal, she plays tricks on Abby and sometimes blames her for everything – with some humor involved. “I wouldn’t trade her to have a different sister,” says Abby.
In the winter, Abby’s most popular treat is the Hot Cocoa Bombs. You simply drop one of these Hot Cocoa chocolate ornaments into some warm milk and voila! The flavors blend and the marshmallows rise to the top. They come decorated with ribbons and are a perfect gift for Christmas or Hanukkah. Some of the flavors are: Peppermint, Peppermint Mocha, English Toffee, Salted Caramel Mocha, Candy Cane, Peppermint Patty, Chocolate Candy Cane and White Chocolate Candy Cane.
Peanut Butter Bites
What’s next for Abby’s Sweet Treats? She’s not ready to expand to a warehouse space yet, but Abby would like to add some new treats to her offerings. She recently added Rice Krispy Treats. “I’d like to add cake pops and a few other things,” says Abby. She’s careful not to add new items too fast though because she wants to keep up the quality and “not become sloppy.”
White Chocolate Dipped Oreos
In addition to baking, Abby loves dancing. She used to compete and continues to do Hip Hop and Jazz at a studio called “Feet on Fire.” In high school, she plans to try out for the Dance Team and dance at football games. She also loves to read, particularly horror books.
Abby goes to Polo Park Middle School and will go on to Wellington High School. “I want to be a lawyer, particularly a prosecutor for murder trials,” she says. Abby’s father is a lawyer, working remotely for the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Her whole family is supportive of her business. “My Mom keeps me focused and is a big help,” says Abby. She explains that her grandmother makes the peanut butter for the peanut butter cups. “And my sister is both Quantity and Quality Control,” Abby says with a smile. “She eats a little of everything. She particularly loves the chocolate pretzels with sprinkles.”
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
Two years ago, the Kitlas family moved from Maryland to Wellington. “I love the weather here and it’s nice to know that you’re near the beach. We’re really close to everything. I love our friends and neighbors. But I do miss the snow in Maryland,” says Abby.
She’s also getting an education in the business side of things, keeping track of the profits, re-investing in more ingredients and tools, and keeping track of customers. Abby explains that a lot of time goes into creating each sweet treat; however, she really enjoys doing it.
Jack Nicklaus Helps Reopen Golf Course at Bear Lakes Country Club
Jack Nicklaus Cuts Ribbon at Bear Lakes Country Club. Photo: Tracey Benson Photography.
West Palm Beach, Fla. (November 29, 2021) – The Lakes Course atBear Lakes Country Club has a new look with new challenges. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus helped design the original 18-hole golf course when the club opened in 1984. On Friday, November 19, the first couple of golf cut the yellow ribbon to reopen the renovated course.
The Lakes Course will display a plaque recognizing The Golden Bear for his influence on Bear Lakes Country Club, which features two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. Bear Lakes Country Club also honored Jack and Barbara Nicklaus with a donation to support the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, which helps to provide world-class pediatric care to children locally and globally.
About Bear Lakes Country Club
At Bear Lakes Country Club, everything is within reach. Nestled in the heart of West Palm Beach, you’ll discover two, world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses, a dynamic tennis program, exquisite culinary experiences, and a state-of-the-art clubhouse. Bear Lakes provides all the benefits of an exclusive private club membership with the flexibility that fits your lifestyle.
Wellington’s Annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive returns in partnership with Wellington Interfaith Council. The Toy Drive follows up on the recent Hometown Holiday Food Drive.
The Village asks residents to help ensure no child goes without a gift this holiday season. Toy donations will be accepted starting Monday, November 29th through Tuesday, December 14th.
Residents interested in donating may drop off new, unwrapped toys by December 14th at Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Boulevard), Village Park (11700 Pierson Road), the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Rd), Lake Wellington Professional Centre (12133 Ken Adams Way).
Village residents needing assistance may call Community Services at 561-791-4796 to register. Registration ends on Tuesday, December 14th at 5:00 PM.
Special thanks to Wellington’s community partners. Partnership opportunities are still available. If you are interested in partnering with the Village for this event, contact Ian Williams, Community Services Supervisor at (561) 868-8624 for more information.
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.
BASKETBALL’S PAST IS FOREVER ENSHRINED & ON DISPLAY
By Mike May
Honoring, preserving, and promoting the heritage of Indiana high school basketball. That’s the best way to summarize what’s showcased at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame – located at One Hall of Fame Court in New Castle, Indiana. When you walk in the doors of this well-lit, modernized, spacious, two-story, 14,000-square foot complex, get ready for a glimpse back at the yesteryear of basketball in the state of Indiana. While this facility does honor many of the great college and professional basketball players in Indiana, the main focus at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is on the ‘bread & butter’ of basketball in the Hoosier state: boys and girls high school basketball. Here, you’ll see the memorabilia and memories from the past that have been preserved with pictures, newspaper stories, medals, basketballs, banners, pennants, nets, license plates, pom poms, shoes, and jerseys that symbolize the championship moments in Indiana basketball dating back to the 1890s. Once you walk into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, it won’t take long to realize that high school basketball in Indiana is the real deal – always has been and always will be.
“In 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana,” said Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Executive Director Chris May. “The most special thing about the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is that every person who walks through the doors really wants to be here. Whether it’s a school field trip, a group tour, old teammates reminiscing about their regional run, or a basketball fan who saw one of our billboards while traveling, everyone seems to share the same common interest and passion for basketball.”
If you work at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, it helps to have played high school basketball in the Hoosier state.
“I can vouch first-hand that there is no better feeling as a high school athlete than running out of the gymnasium tunnel to the band playing and a full crowd cheering at an Indiana high school basketball game,” said Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Assistant Executive Director Kayla Kessler, who played in the 3A state basketball final in 2010 for Rushville High School. “I’m very fortunate to continue being surrounded by the sport that makes Indiana so special while working at the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.”
Before you enter this building, take time to examine the state of Indiana formation on the outdoor courtyard. The Indiana creation is made of nearly 7,000 red bricks, each one with the name of a team, coach, player, administrator, sportswriter, or broadcaster who has been a part of “Indiana’s Game.” Also, the flags flying near the entrance to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame are symbolic of the high schools which have had recent state championship success in Indiana.
Upon entering the Hall of Fame, you must watch the 17-minute video presentation in the Danielson Theater that summarizes the significance, importance, and long-term impact of high school basketball on life in Indiana. There are soundbites from Indiana basketball legends such as Oscar Robertson, George McGinnis, Scott Skiles, Larry Bird, Steve Alford, Bobby Plump, Judi Warren, Damon Bailey, and Stephanie White.
“They (the days spent playing high school basketball in Indiana) were the happiest days of my life,” revealed Robertson, as he recalled life back in the 1950s when he lived in Indianapolis and attended Crispus Attucks High School, where he played high school basketball. As a high school student at Crispus Attucks, Robertson – later, nicknamed The Big O – led his high school team to back-to-back state championships in 1955 and 1956. While at Crispus Attucks, Robertson’s team went 62-1 during his junior and senior years. Robertson averaged 20.8 points per game in his junior year and 24.8 points per game as a senior. FYI: Robertson, of course, later enjoyed hall of fame careers in college at the University of Cincinnati and in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Bird’s childhood memories of playing basketball in Indiana were rather humble and austere. The future Indiana State and Boston Celtic hall of famer remembers playing with a rubber basketball and shooting into tin cans in his hometown of French Lick, Indiana. There is a section of the Hall of Fame where Bird’s career as a member of the Springs Valley High School Blackhawks in French Lick and the Indiana State University Sycamores in Terre Haute is on display. FYI: Bird’s number in high school was the same as it was at Indiana State and with the Boston Celtics, 33.
And, in that 17-minute video, you will see highlights of the playing career of Bedford North-Lawrence High School Stars legend Damon Bailey who scored an Indiana high school state record 3,134 points while playing for the Stars. FYI: Bailey later starred in basketball at Indiana University in the early 1990s, leading them to one Final Four appearance in his four years as a Hoosier.
After the video, venture onto the main floor of the Hall of Fame. There, you will see a multitude of banners hanging from the ceiling which honor many state championship squads such as the Muncie Central Bearcats in 1928, the Fort Wayne Central Tigers in 1943, and the East Chicago Roosevelt Rough Riders in 1970, among others.
The letterman’s jacket worn by Sandy Herre, the 1988 Mini Miss Basketball recipient and the IHSAA’s State Finals Mental Attitude award winner, is worth seeing as it’s decorated with more artwork reflecting her basketball accolades than the panel of an Indianapolis 500 racing car. FYI: Sandy wore #44 and played at Benton Central High School and later at the University of Indianapolis.
While roaming around the hall, watch the video dedicated to the Miracle of Milan. This Miracle took place on March 20, 1954 when tiny Milan High School, a small school in southeast Indiana, with an enrollment of just 160 students, upset Muncie Central in the state championship finale, 32-30. In that game, which was held at historic Butler Fieldhouse, Milan’s Bobby Plump hit a jump shot from the right elbow of the free throw line with seconds to go to claim the victory. Many basketball fans would be fascinated to discover that Milan’s key to success in winning that game was implementing the “Cat & Mouse” offense, which is a mirror image of today’s “Four Corners” offense. FYI: That championship game in 1954 later provided the foundation for the 1986 movie, Hoosiers.
Make a point of finding the rectangular image of the press row at the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s championship basketball game in 1951 at Butler Fieldhouse. The media attendance for that game – and probably every championship game in those days — was staggering. Again, only in Indiana!
And, while walking around the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, you must pay a visit to the enshrinement hall where each of the inductees into the Hall of Fame are permanently honored and recognized. You might find the name of an inductee that you know or knew. I did!
And, if you really love basketball, set aside some time to check out the Jordan Library where you can research the basketball history of more than 1,000 high schools in Indiana. Some of those high schools are no longer in existence, but they are remembered and preserved in Indiana, if they played basketball. Videos, featuring game footage from archived games, are also available upon request in the Jordan Library.
Naturally, conclude your visit to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame with a visit to the gift shop where you can find a souvenir or memento of your trip to the ‘historical archives of Hoosier hysteria.’
For more details on the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, check out www.hoopshall.com, call 765-529-1891, or send an email to info@hoopshall.com. The Hall is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday–Saturday. It’s open on Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm from March through November. It’s closed on Sundays from December through February. Parking is free and can accommodate buses and large trucks. The admission charge is $5 for adults and teenagers. The fee for children aged 5 to 12 is $3. This facility if completely handicap accessible and wheelchairs are available, if necessary.
So, if you want to see how Indiana high school basketball is honored, preserved, and promoted, then you must make the journey to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, Indiana. This destination awaits your arrival. Remember, in 49 other states, it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana. Understood! Can you feel that Hoosier Hysteria running through your body? I can!!
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Note about the author: Mike May — who can be reached through www.mikemaymarketing.com — grew up in Seymour, Indiana where he was a loyal fan of the local high school basketball team, the Seymour Owls. As a young boy, he has vivid memories of two of Seymour’s greatest teams. The 1969-70 team (25-1) lost its only game of the season in the final of the Evansville Semi-State to the Loogoottee Lions on March 14, 1970, 80-78. At the time, the heavily favored Owls were ranked #2 in the Indiana state high school basketball poll. One of the newspaper headlines the following day said “Loogoo-Who? Ends Owls Dreams 80-78.” The 1970-71 Owls lost a heartbreaker in the final of the Seymour Regional in March of 1971 to the Floyd Central Highlanders. In that game, which was temporarily postponed at the beginning of the fourth quarter because of a bomb scare call/alert into the Seymour Fieldhouse, the Owls led by 17 points with 6:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. But, the Highlanders scored a then-state record 41 points in the fourth quarter to prevail, 93-86. By the way, no bomb was ever found in the Seymour Fieldhouse on that Saturday night. The building remains standing to this day. Mike remains a passionate basketball fan, has coached girls high school basketball in Florida, and continues to play the game of basketball at every opportunity.
The fan for my laptop kicked on. This is my cue to take a break. She’s tired. I’m tired. But there is still so much to do. I was knee deep in researching all of the things happening in and around Wellington in December. I wanted to present the good readers of Around Wellington with a fun list of Must-Do’s for the holiday season. It’s December in Florida and making the holiday season merry and bright doesn’t just happen. It takes effort! Is Sandy the Christmas Tree making an appearance in downtown West Palm? What about Hoffman’s Holiday Lights? We have gone every year for, well, years. It’s one of our family holiday traditions. Then there’s the tree lighting at the Flagler Museum and the Holiday Parade in Wellington. There’s a lot going on. Which weekends are we going to fit all of these things in?
Then there’s Christmas shopping and decorating. Ryan (my son) wants to construct a winter wonderland in the front yard. Michaels and Home Depot are frequently on our shopping rotation this time of year. Green and red ribbon – check! Extension cords, green and white duct tape – check! Large candy canes the size a four-year-old will light up and line the drive way giving Santa a lit run way to land his sleigh on Christmas Eve. I can’t help it… as we place the last strand of lights, the last candy cane and plug everything in, the kid in me screams “Santa! Over here!! I’m here! “
Starting the day after Halloween, it’s usually a fast and furious ride to January 2nd. It’s the season…the kids and I call it Hallgivingmas. I have also come to know it as BlurFest because everything, quite honestly, is a blur. So I sit here, coffee in hand staring down the proverbial barrel of what looks to be one of the busiest times of the year. And according to Hallmark cards and Publix commercials “the most wonderful time of year to be shared with family and friends… making memories that will last a lifetime.” It makes me wonder – what will my kids remember about the holidays? Will they remember everything that we do? Will they remember the rush to get the car parked so we can get inside and see.. .whatever it is we are supposed to do or see? This thought gives me pause…and I hope it makes you pause too.
I could give you a list of fun things to do but instead let me give you a real list. Things that will help us slow down and create those real memories that will stay with our kids. Make cookies, don’t freak out over the mess it makes and give everyone a spatula to eat raw cookie dough. Get Frosties and ride around your neighborhood looking at Christmas lights blaring holiday music. Make a note to remember the kids favorite Christmas songs. Take your kids for a walk in the park during a really good cold snap. Hold their hand and make a note to remember how their little warm hand felt in yours. During the week, take the kids to see Santa without being dressed up. Watch their little faces light up…take the time to absorb it all.
If I could give you one thing this holiday season, it would be to slow down. Set your priorities. Figure out what is really important and pour all of your time and love into those people. Life is short and time with our kids is shorter. Time is a gift and that’s why it’s called the present. And that is my wish for you. That you are aware that this time, the present, is the actual present. But if Santa wanted to leave a little blue box under the Christmas tree, I guess that would be OK too. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!
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Super Mom by day, feisty writer by night. Heidi Hess, a 40+ year resident of Palm Beach County, considers herself a native. In her spare time, she dabbles in writing, painting and loves to travel.
Trend Tea Brews Up Kindness for Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Boca Raton FL – November 19, 2021 – Trend Tea, located in the Wyndham Boca Raton, had a spooktacular event during Halloween weekend to benefit the Unicorn Children’s Foundation. They served up a Witches Brew, fun new drinks, yummy local goodies, and so much more! Trend Tea donated 15% of sales to Unicorn Children’s Foundation, totaling $176 for kids and young adults with developmental differences!
Unicorn Children’s Foundation has recently debuted the Special Percs Café, a warm and sensory-friendly environment where guests receive specialty beverages made and served by industry-standard certified baristas with developmental differences. Trend Tea has generously welcomed the baristas into their café, and has personally trained them for their careers with real-world experience.
Owner of Trend Tea, Nata Mason shares, “We really enjoyed hosting this event. We really love what Unicorn Children’s Foundation does to help children. It’s very important to us to be able to give back to our community. We have seen all the amazing work done at the Unicorn Connection Center and we love being able to help anyway we can. Looking forward to hosting many more fun events with Unicorn Children’s Foundation.”
Please follow Unicorn Children’s Foundation on social media and sign up for our newsletter for timely information, scheduled programs, and events. We continue to expand our virtual and hybrid program offerings at the Unicorn Connection Center to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society have opportunities to find meaning and purpose as engaged members of the community. Visit the www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org or call 561.620.9377 for more information and to learn how you can get involved.
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About the Unicorn Children’s Foundation
Unicorn Children’s Foundation is a 26-year-old non-profit organization that is dedicated to building communities of acceptance, support, and opportunity for kids and young adults who are challenged by special needs and neurodiversity by supporting or developing its cradle to career pathways. Our initiatives connect families to community resources, advocate for inclusive opportunities, respect differences, empower individuals, and support success. With 1 in 6 children being diagnosed with a developmental or learning disorder, we believe it is our responsibility to create a world where all children’s potential can flourish. To learn more about the Unicorn Children’s Foundation visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org. Also available on Facebook and Twitter.
