Space-Themed Photo Adventure Launches at The Gardens Mall
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (April 19, 2021)– Strap yourself in and get ready for liftoff atThe Gardens Mall. Out of This World is a pop-up photo adventure in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Launch into the fun on the lower level near Saks Fifth Avenue.
One small step into the interactive exhibit and you’ll discover space-themed photo activations and backdrops, including a mission to Mars, shooting stars, and a walk on the moon. Tour guides in space attire, and strategically placed QR codes throughout the display, provide guests with historical facts about space exploration. At the end of the journey, visitors have a chance to name a star in the solar system.
“Many families are eager to have hands-on learning experiences in a fun, safe environment,” said Whitney Pettis Jester, Director of Marketing and Merchant Relations at The Gardens Mall. “This activation provides awe-inspiring information for every age group, while helping to promote other tourism destinations in Florida like the Space Coast.”
Entrance to Out of This World is $15 per group and all proceeds will be donated to Give Kids the World Village. The Florida nonprofit provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to critically ill children, and their families, from around the world.
Fuel your quest for legendary photos at The Gardens Mall. Out of This World is open through May 16, Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday during all mall hours.
About The Gardens Mall
The Gardens Mall is located one mile east of I-95 on PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The luxurious, 1.4-million-square-foot, super-regional shopping center features more than 150 world-class retail specialty shops and restaurants. It is anchored by Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s. The Gardens Mall is owned and managed by The Forbes Company. For more information about The Gardens Mall, call (561) 775-7750 or visit the mall online at thegardensmall.com.
Wellington Art Society Presents “Vibrance” Awards Reception
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) will host a Virtual Awards Ceremony and Reception on Wednesday, April 28, 7:00-8:30 pm. Awards will be presented by distinguished judge, Chris Kling. The winning artists will have the opportunity to share about their works, inspiration and creative process at the Awards Reception. The public is invited to this free event. Please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Vibrance is a juried virtual art show running now until June 2, 2021 featuring works of art by WAS members. For more information about Vibrance, please visit: https://www.kunstmatrix.com/en/wellington-art-society.
AW: What are your plans for the Wellington Tennis Center? How would it look when it’s operating to its fullest capacity?
The Wellington Tennis Center should have something for everyone. I’d like to see a robust calendar of events, with a list of programs for kids of all levels. We will offer beginner programs, intermediate and a higher level for those who aspire to play high school or college tennis. We also will offer programs for people in our adaptive community. We currently offer “Love Serving Autism,” a great program for kids on the autism spectrum to come out and experience tennis. Tennis is a game for everyone. We really want everyone to feel included.
We also will offer programs for adults of all levels. This includes: ladies’ teams, men’s teams and programs for seniors. We want to offer a variety of programs for people with different time commitments. So, they can participate in a tennis ladder and arrange a once-a-week match on their own schedule, for example. Again, I want to make everyone feel welcome.
AW: Tell us about your tennis background, including your coaching background.
CG: I began teaching tennis in the summers. I played on a scholarship for a Division 2 school in college. I really enjoyed teaching tennis as I found out. After graduating college, I found myself choosing between getting an MBA or teaching tennis. Teaching tennis seemed to be the better opportunity, so I went to work for a management company and managed tennis resorts. I moved on from resorts to tennis clubs. Before this opportunity, I spent 25 years at the Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, as their Director of Sports – which included tennis, fitness, aquatics and spa. Meanwhile, we moved to Wellington 25 years ago. I love Wellington and everything it has to offer. Great recreation and activities for kids. I’m very excited about this being the place to finish off my career.
I grew up playing at a public park and on my high school courts. It’s only fitting that I end up at a public park. And I’m having a blast, focusing on tennis. I’ve also served as President of the USPTA (US Professional Tennis Association). I’ve also served on the Board of Directors for the Florida USTA and the USTA (US Tennis Association).
AW: What are the benefits to a person who plays tennis?
CG: Tennis is one of the greatest sports you can play. It’s physical; there’s a lot of movement. Mentally, it requires that you’re engaged, focused, and it has an element of strategy. There’s also a strong element of socialization. On a team, you can play doubles. There’s a high social element to the sport. For kids, it’s one of the best sports you can play. It teaches you discipline, with a great emphasis on sportsmanship. Kids learn to call their own lines and compete fairly. And there’s the important sportsmanlike handshake after the match, win or lose. It’s no coincidence that tennis players often leave the court and become very successful in business. Tennis offers discipline, fairness, goal-setting.
AW: How do you know Katrina Adams, author, tennis pro and former CEO of the US Tennis Association?
CG: I met Katrina through tennis and got to know her when she was USTA President, and I was USPTA President. We met at several industry functions. She became a very good friend when I joined the board of the USTA. Katrina is certainly someone that I admire. She’s one of the brighter, more successful and more giving people in tennis. (See related story about Katrina Adams and her book signing at the Wellington Tennis Center).
Chuck Gill and Katrina Adams. Photo: AroundWellington.com.
AW: What do you love about the Village of Wellington?
CG: I love a lot of things about it. 1) I like that fact that it’s located in South Florida, but it has a small- town feel. There’s a friendliness about Wellington. You feel very welcome here. 2) There are unbelievable facilities for activities and things offered at the parks. You would be hard pressed to find a public tennis center as nice as this one, with 21 beautiful clay courts. It’s just extraordinary. Tennis is the common denominator here, bringing everyone together.
Wellington Tennis Center
AW: Tell us about the various tennis programs you offer currently.
CG: We have a robust junior program – for kids of all levels. We offer a great way for kids to learn to play. We offer one of Palm Beach County’s most active league programs, with all different levels. We just started doing more programs for men. We offer men’s tennis ladders in singles and doubles (on their own time). We offer a men’s senior league (for over 50). There are opportunities for everyone to play.
AW: Tell us about your family.
CG: My wife Amanda and I have been married for 25 years. She’s an executive in the technology business, working from home. I have three boys (Forrest, Jacob and Joshua), two of them were raised here in Wellington. They are now all finished with or attending college.
AW: What are strengths and weaknesses as a tennis player?
CG: My strengths are my serve, my backhand and my volley.
My weakness is my age. I like to say, “The older I get, the better I was.”
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For more information about the Wellington Tennis Center visit their website.
Or call (561) 791-4775.
(Did you know that the Wellington Tennis Center was designed by Venus Williams? See our video of the Grand Opening with Venus Williams).
On Sunday, April 11th, tennis champion and tennis executive Katrina M. Adams gave a talk at the Wellington Tennis Center, followed by a book signing for her new book “Own the Arena: Getting Ahead, Making a Difference and Succeeding as the Only One.” Presented by the Village of Wellington and by new Wellington Director of Tennis Chuck Gill, it was a lovely event, complete with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres.
In 1988, Katrina Adams and Zina Garrison were the Wimbledon semifinalists. The same year Adams reached her best Grand Slam singles result, losing to Chris Evert in the fourth round. She’s also the first black woman and the youngest person ever to hold the position of President, Chairman and CEO of the US Tennis Association. In her career after competing worldwide in tennis, she has become a familiar voice as a TV commentator for the Tennis Channel and CBS.
AW: Tell us as a world doubles champion, what doubles tennis has to offer people and what it can teach them.
KA: I love tennis, but I especially love playing doubles. It’s great to have a partner on your side – someone I can laugh with, high-five with and have a great overall experience with. In doubles, you socialize, strategize, and most importantly, have fun.
Wellington Tennis Director Chuck Gill and Tennis Star Katrina Adams at the book signing at the Wellington Tennis Center held on April 11, 2021
AW: What or who inspired you to rise to the top in tennis and become the President, Chairman and CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association?
KA: I was initially inspired in tennis just by having the opportunity to play. I had many coaches who inspired me and offered tennis coaching either for free or relatively inexpensively for my family. My parents didn’t play tennis; they didn’t force me to play tennis. I competed because I wanted to compete. Through that journey (I played at every level), and I started to understand what the sport offered. Later on, I had the opportunity to give back and focus on the next generation for the sport.
Above: Katrina M. Adams begins her talk about her book “Own the Arena” at the Wellington Tennis Center on April 11th, 2011.
AW: How are women getting to a point of gender equality in the sport of tennis? And how are African Americans rising to the top in tennis?
KA: Tennis is an equal opportunity sport. From a competitive standpoint, I think the quality is definitely there when you compare men’s and women’s tennis. The International Tennis Federation says that 6 million plus girls and 6 million plus boys enter the sport each year. So, it’s important that we are engaging our women in the leadership of tennis. I believe we have only 21% of tennis coaches as female coaches. We need female coaches as role models. And we need more women tennis directors. It provides more diversity of thought at the leadership level, a different approach to the business perspective. We also need more women in leadership in these positions to share their experiences and their thought processes, embracing all. I believe that women in leadership tend to be more inclusive, which ultimately allows people to engage more.
On the women’s side, black women are rising to the top in tennis. Look at the achievements of Serena and Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and Naomi Osaka, for example. And 13 out of 20 main draw competitors at the 2020 US Open were women of color.
We’re still behind on the men’s side. Donald Young is still out there. Nicholas Monroe plays primarily doubles and is approaching 40, still playing very competitively. And our young American guys on the ATP Tour are Frances Tiafoe, Michael Mmoh and Chris Eubanks. We need more African American men in tennis.
Serena Williams and Katrina Adams.
AW: What do you mean by “Own the Arena,” the title of your book? And what’s the best way to “Own the Arena” in one’s daily life?
KA: The arena can be any space that you’re in – your office, your home, the board room. It’s a sports-related play on words. I was always told, ‘Kat – wherever you go, you own the room.’ I interpret this to mean that my presence is powerful. Your arena can be wherever you want it to be, but it’s going into that arena with confidence, with courage, with a voice that makes a difference. I talk about succeeding as the “only one” – how to succeed as the only woman in an arena, or as the only person of color in the room. When I’m in an arena, it’s my responsibility to own my voice, representing a culture of people in that moment. These are lessons I hope that people will take away from the book.
AW: What are some obstacles that you’re proud to have overcome?
KA: I encounter obstacles every day – I find that almost every day I’m fighting to be heard as the only woman in the room. I serve on several boards as the only woman. Being in a room with 8 other men, I can make a comment and another (male) board member, says “Hmmm, thank you for sharing your wisdom. I never thought of it that way.” I explain it to him, “Because you’re not a woman.” Something my male readers will understand when reading my book is why it’s important to have diversity of thought.
Photo: Getty Images
AW: Any advice for young tennis players?
KA: I work with juniors every day. It’s all about working hard and having fun. You have to strive to be the best that you can be. If you worry about expectations from others, it puts a lot of pressure on you to always do more. We want our players to stay with tennis for a lifetime, not just for a season. If approached properly in the first place, we can be there, playing tennis for a lifetime.
AW: Who are your favorite female tennis players today? And male tennis players?
KA: Of course, Serena is the greatest of all time. And Naomi Osaki. Ashleigh Barty from Australia, currently world number one. As for young players, I like to watch Caty McNally. I love her game, style and energy. Jen Brady is definitely a bright light and Coca Gauff (who comes from Delray Beach, FL) – she’s definitely a champion of the future.
On the men’s side, obviously Roger Federer. I love his demeanor, his professionalism, his craft, his whole approach. I admire the game styles of Djokovic and Nadal. And the grit of Rublev.
I’m also impressed with Felix Auger-Aliassime, a young black man from Canada. He’s very crafty around the court. As for the younger players to watch, there’s Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, both American players.
AW: What was your most challenging tennis match or match that you’re most proud of?
KA: I’ve had the fortune of playing Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Jennifer Capriati and many other number one players. I really enjoyed playing Graf, even though I lost two times against her. And my loss against Chris Evert was a turning point in my career, helping me to understand what I needed to do to be a better professional. You learn from your losses, more than your wins.
Beating the number one combination of Martina Navratilova/Pam Shriver was a definite highlight in doubles.
Photo: Getty Images
AW: What do you try to bring to your audience as a commentator on the Tennis Channel?
KA: I try to bring knowledge about the player, about their tactics, about their strategy. I try to bring in experiences I might have had. I want to be informative and not overbearing. I like to be jovial (but not sarcastic) in many instances. Also, you have to keep it simple in that some people might be watching tennis for the very first time.
AW: Tell us about your family.
KA: My parents were both teachers who truly sacrificed to provide me with the opportunities I had in the sport. I have three older brothers. One was the owner of McDonald’s restaurants in the Indianapolis area. The other two are in Las Vegas – one is a Jack of all trades, while the other is in the mortuary services business.
AW: You said, “A badass woman unapologetically voices her opinion for change,” she says. “She leads others behind her — then pulls them forward too.” (In Style Magazine). Who are some badass women that you consider your heroes/sheroes?
KA: Billie Jean King is the biggest badass that we all know. She’s a great friend, a mentor and a leader. She is about actions, not just words. I’m hoping to duplicate that in many ways going forward. Stacey Allaster, former CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and currently the USTA Chief of Professional Tennis is another badass, the first female US Open tournament director. “She really walks the talk.”
Beyond tennis, Madame Vice President Kamala Harris is the biggest badass right now. She’s phenomenal, inspiring, motivating. I’m hoping to exemplify these qualities in my field.
Katrina M. Adams talking about her book “Own the Arena” at the Wellington Tennis Center.
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For a copy of “Own the Arena” by Katrina M. Adams, visit Amazon. Copies are also available at the Wellington Tennis Center.
It’s Brutus or Bust! Finding Pet-Friendly Senior Housing
By James Hall
Photo: Pixabay
When seniors are in the market for assisted living, the thought of giving up a pet can be devastating. Our fluffy friends are so loyal and dedicated, and giving them up feels like a significant betrayal of their trust. Luckily, many supported living environments are now open to animal companions, which is good for pets and people alike.
Whether you love dogs or prefer cat companionship, the benefits of having a pet are indisputable. At Around Wellington, you can learn about pet care with columns like Paws-itive Press, see adorable photos, and catch up on other news and events. Seniors transitioning to a new home can find good advice on Around Wellington to help reduce anxiety in animals, as moving can be stressful for everyone.
Reducing Stress While Packing and Preparing to Move
Moving can be such a hassle. For seniors and their pets, it can be stressful and exhausting. As you begin the process of packing up and preparing to move, it is important to keep stress under control. Ask for help. Trying to tackle the packing and moving process on your own is a huge undertaking; do not try to do it alone.
Often when seniors move, it means sorting through a lot of belongings and getting rid of unnecessary items. Enlist the help of a trusted friend and start long before it is time to move. Starting early will also reduce the stress on your pet, who will become accustomed to the additional people in the home and the presence of moving boxes. If you are stressed about finding the right living environment, explore the varying options in your region.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Place
The demand for senior housing that accommodates pets has increased. Assisted living facilities and senior housing complexes have responded accordingly and many offer the option to bring your pets along, to the relief of seniors across the country. To find such housing, start with a general online search. Be sure to include the desired location into your search using your zip code to indicate the catchment area.
Senior advocacy and support agencies are terrific connections when looking for housing. They can often help you identify housing complexes that have availability and will know which ones allow pets. As you find pet-friendly facilities, schedule a time for a walk-through tour. If you see residents out and about during your tour, ask what they think about the place.
Also, check out online reviews and ask locals about the reputation of the facility. This investigative work may save you a lot of stress down the road and help you make a decision about which facility to choose. If you are stressed about paying for your new place, there are several ways to go about it.
Develop a Plan
Now that you have found your ideal place, take time to plan for your big move. The first order of business is probably going to be determining how to pay for it. Some seniors may be selling a home to move into assisted living. You can sell a home as-is or increase the value of your home by making some improvements and repairs, such as fixing cracked windows or leaky pipes. You are more likely to keep the interest of buyers if your home is in good condition.
Another way to pay for senior housing is to apply for reduced rent. Government programs can be helpful resources for housing funds, so be sure to check federal and state websites to find out more. Case managers are often a priceless resource for seniors looking for housing, as they can assist with paperwork, support you with making calls, and a variety of other services.
During the move, be sure to ask a friend to pet-sit, since the chaos of moving will likely cause a lot of stress for your pet. Consider hiring a moving team to help, this may cut back on your post-move aches and pains. When you have your boxes and furniture moved in, bring your animal in and let them investigate the smells and varying areas of the home. Before long you and your pet will be settled into your new place and the stress will be over.
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James Hall is a retired nursing home administrator. Following his retirement, he wanted to find a way to continue helping seniors and to make the most of his own golden years. He created Senior Care Fitness where he regularly shares his knowledge and resources to help seniors not only overcome the downsides of aging, such as chronic pain and other health issues, but to thrive throughout this “golden” time.
Alpert JFS Clinical Director To Speak At “Get Your Green On” Kick-off For May Mental Health Awareness And Trauma-Informed Care Month
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – April 15, 2021 – Palm Beach County’s annual “Get Your Green On” Campaign to promote mental health awareness will kick-off virtually on April 30, 2021, from 9-11 a.m., with Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service Clinical Director Dr. Elaine Rotenberg speaking on “Pausing to Look Forward” at close of the two-hour event.
Photo of Dr. Elaine Rotenberg
May is Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-informed Care Month, “whereas mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, everyone experiences times of stress and struggle in their lives, and promoting mental health and wellness leads to higher overall productivity, better educational outcomes, lower crime rate, stronger economies, lower health care costs, improved family life, improved quality of life, and increased life span,” as proclaimed by the Board of county Commissioners of Palm Beach County.
“Many people with mental illness are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn, while their friends and family members struggle to know when and how to help,” said Dr. Rotenberg. “As the county’s leader in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and dedicated coordinator of our multi-agency county coalition, Alpert JFS is committed to raising awareness about mental health issues, promoting good mental health practices, and encouraging people to support others around them. We are proud to be part of the Get Your Green On Kick-off event.”
Community members are being encouraged to take a photo of themselves wearing lime green, the national color for mental health awareness, on May 20, 2021, and tag the photo with #GETYOURGREENON and @GYGO2021.
“We are working to destigmatize mental illness and save lives every day,” said Director of Outreach/Mental Health First Aid Cindy Wides. “The Alpert JFS team will be wearing green on May 20, and encouraging others to do the same as a show of support.”
Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service is a nationally accredited service provider for children, adults, Holocaust survivors and people with disabilities. The non-profit, non-sectarian organization is a trusted leader, with a team of nearly 200 highly skilled professionals. For more information, visit www.AlpertJFS.org or phone 561-684-1991.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL — April 15, 2021 — As COVID vaccines become more readily available across the country, TBC Corporation, a leader in the tire and automotive service industry with several trusted well-known brands, including retail brands Tire Kingdom Service Centers and NTB Tire & Service Centers, and franchise brands Big O Tires and Midas, has launched a new initiative for its associates.
When completed COVID-19 vaccination cards are submitted by TBC Associates to Human Resources, a donation will be made to Helping Hands, the company’s associate-funded 501(c)(3) organization that financially supports TBC associates who experience catastrophic and life-altering events through no fault of their own. For every 100 cards submitted, TBC Corporation will donate $5,000 to the company’s 501 (c)(3).
“As an essential business, our locations have remained open throughout the pandemic serving our customers and delivering on our mission to enable people to live, work, and play – safely and easily,” said Brian Maciak, Executive Vice President & General Counsel for TBC Corporation, whose team also oversees Helping Hands initiatives. “Our associates’ perseverance fueled by their commitment to one another and the community has been the driving force behind our success for 65 years, and especially throughout this last year, and what better way to recognize the efforts and dedication of our team members than to support initiatives that are design to lend a hand to associates during times of need.”
Helping Hands provides TBC associates an opportunity to make a difference at a time when a fellow team member needs it most and reinforces the company’s Core Values and ongoing support of one another. By simply submitting a completed vaccination card for an action many already have planned, associates will make a difference by lending a Helping Hand.
ABOUT TBC CORPORATION For 65 years, TBC Corporation (TBC), one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through a multi-channel strategy, has been a tire company ahead of the curve. Through worldwide operations spanning wholesale, retail, and franchise, TBC provides customers top tier brands and automotive maintenance and repair services with the underlying mission to exceed customer expectations. TBC serves wholesale customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico through TBC Brands, National Tire Wholesale (NTW),TBC International, and TBC de Mexico. Additionally, TBC responds to the needs of consumers in search of total car care at more than 600 company-operated tire and automotive service centers under the brands Tire Kingdom® Service Centers and NTB® Tire & Service Centers. TBC, through a subsidiary, also owns the Big O Tires® and Midas® franchise systems.
Join us for an afternoon of golf benefiting the mission of Palm Beach Symphony. Rates are $250 per player and $900 per foursome. Special foursome pricing available until April 30.
Register today by contacting Felix Rivera at frivera@palmbeachsymphony.org or 561.281.0145.
The West Palm Beach GreenMarket is in its 26th season! This season’s theme is “Lettuce Shop Safely.” The GreenMarket features more than 90 vendors selling various fresh fruits and vegetables, sweet treats, teas, coffees, plants, flowers, and more. The GreenMarket is located at the Great Lawn in downtown West Palm Beach at 100 N. Clematis Street.
Due to the pandemic, there are several changes this year for the safety of GreenMarket customers, vendors, and staff, who are expected to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida Department of Health, State of Florida, and Palm Beach County COVID-19 recommendations. Included in the changes are the suspension of activities for kids, additional café seating, live music, and bottomless mimosas. $4 single mimosas are available for purchase at the event entrance. Merchant tents are placed 10 feet apart. Attendees must wear masks to enter, will need to follow a pre-determined path, and are encouraged to shop efficiently. There are hand sanitizing and handwashing stations throughout the market.
Upcoming April dates are: • Saturday, April 17 • Saturday, April 24 LAST GreenMarket of the 2020 – 2021 season; This is a BONUS market (the original end date was Saturday, April 17) o Final GreenMarket day promotion: Annual “Make Like a Tree and Leave” – the Office of Sustainability will be hosting an onsite tree giveaway for West Palm Beach residents and businesses.
League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County To Host Online Orientation on Zoom for Potential New Members – May 15 at 10:30 am
(West Palm Beach, FL – April 14, 2021) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited anyone interested in joining to a special Online Orientation via Zoom on Saturday, May 15, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. LWVPBC is the largest local League in the United States.
via lwvfl.org
“This is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in joining the League or getting more involved in some of today’s leading civic and social issues,” says Darlene Kostrub, LWVPBC Membership Chair. “Attending will be 10 of the League’s Issue Group Leaders focused on such critical issues as the environment, civic education, voting rights, voting services, gun safety, education, advocacy and the national popular vote.”
In addition, there will also be a presentation on one of the League’s hottest current issues: Voter Suppression.
To register or for more information, please contact Kostrub at 561.852.0496 or dkostrub@aol.com.
About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.
