A sincere Happy New Year to you and your families. We hope you enjoyed our festive lights and activities held around our Great Hometown throughout the holiday season. The beginning of the New Year is a perfect time for us to reflect on the previous one and to determine our resolutions for the upcoming year. 2020 will be long remembered as an unprecedented year of uncertainty and hardship, which tested our community’s strength. As we look ahead, let us focus not on trials but the triumphs of the past year. During this time of social distancing, our community has managed to come together in heart-warming ways. Whether through food distribution events, drive-by parades and birthday parties, and numerous virtual community celebrations. As we look ahead, let us focus on joy, happiness, hope, friends, and family.
This January we will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and pay tribute to his belief that a person’s worth should not be measured by the color of their skin, culture, or class, but rather by their commitment to creating a better life for all and dedication to servicing others.
I encourage everyone to help promote Dr. King’s legacy by searching for opportunities to help others in the community. Remember, no good deed or kind gesture is too large, or too small. To learn about volunteer opportunities in Wellington, visit Wellingtonfl.gov/Volunteer.
Wellington’s Parks and Recreation Department will offer several exciting and activities for the entire family this year. While our events may look a little different this month, as we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we look forward to getting our community back on track after a long year of social distancing. Visit our website Wellingtonfl.gov for a complete list of events and happenings around Wellington this month.
If one of your resolutions is to get outside, stay active, and have some fun, spending more time at our wonderful local parks will keep you on the right track. Nature lovers can enjoy seeing dozens of animal and plant species by exploring the trails at The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat (Section 24) located on Flying COW Road. Don’t forget to stop by the many learning centers at the Preserve, as well as the six-story observation tower.
Open Gym at Village Park is available to residents and non-residents. Make sure you register at Village Park (561-791-4000) to participate. There are also numerous athletic programs for our younger residents including basketball, softball, soccer, Taekwondo, and many more. You can find more information and register for many programs on the Village’s website.
On behalf of Council and staff, I wish everyone the best for 2021. There is so much to look forward to as we kick off this New Year; I encourage you to participate in our quality, fun, family-friendly events, and to stay active this year. It is an honor to serve and work with you, and I can’t wait to see everyone around the Village this year and at all our upcoming events.
As the Dalai Lama said, “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” I wholeheartedly agree, however, COVID continues to mess up my travel plans. While the recent vaccine release provides some hope, it’s likely to take a several months for the world to open up again. But all is not lost for those of us suffering from acute wanderlust. New travel trends emerged in 2020 that continue to entice anxious travelers as we move into 2021. Let’s take a look.
Staying Close to Home
Currently, experts tell us to stay at home—and we should listen. But as things begin to ease, staying close to home is an excellent way to dip your toes into travel again. You may be surprised at the unique experiences you discover in your own backyard.
Travelers who typically venture thousands of miles from home are booking stays at nearby resorts and luxury properties for a change of scenery. After sheltering at home for months, even a brief escape provides restoration. As a New York City resident, I’ve spent time exploring the Hudson River Valley. Stretching 150 miles north of the city to Albany, this bucolic region offers elegant country estates, farm-to-table dining, art galleries, fascinating historic sites and miles and miles of hiking trails. In fact, I lost count at the number of miles we hiked at about 150!
Nature Tourism
Speaking of hiking, convening with nature has become one of the hottest travel trends and for good reason. The mental and physical benefits are well-documented. Limited to domestic travel, Americans are rediscovering the beauty of our national parks. With sixty-two from which to choose, that’s plenty of nature to go around. Whether it’s the mist-shrouded Great Smoky Mountains, the brightly colored hoodoos of Bryce Canyon or the towering peaks of Mount Rainier, spending a few days exploring any of the national parks is not only healthy but therapeutic
Alternatively, consider a less-populated state park or our national monuments which often draw fewer visitors. At the Organ Pipe National Monument in Arizona, 500 square miles of stunning desert landscape displays an incredible variety of cacti. For more of the nature escapes I’ve discovered during COVID restrictions, check out my nature escape post here.
Road Trips
As American as apple pie and baseball, road trips have risen to the top of the travel trends. Whether you choose a route close to home or decide to tackle Route 66, great scenery comes as a guarantee. So, start loading up the car and hit the road.
If you want to stay close to home, head out on the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys. Stretching 124-miles, it connects Miami to infamous Key West. Straddling a vast expanse of turquoise sea, this iconic roadway leads to historic shipwrecks, quirky eateries and some of the best fishing holes in the country. Or check out some of the other Florida road trips in my previous column here.
On the opposite side of the US, California’s Pacific Coast Highway tops the list for scenic drives. Spanning almost the entire length of California’s coastline, the iconic PCH meanders along precipitous cliffs, over dramatic bridges and up and down snaky inclines hugging the Pacific as waves crash the rocks in the distance. Along the way, fertile farmland gives way to charming seaside villages much like a road trip sampler. Don’t miss Monterey’s 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach and Carmel and the iconic Bixby Bridge in Big Sur. Make the most of your adventure by renting a zippy convertible.
Make the Most of Whatever You Choose to Do
As someone who typically takes several international trips a year, I’ll admit these limitations haven’t been easy to swallow. Whether you’re an extensive traveler or just like the idea of being able to go wherever you want, it’s tough. But, despite the limitations currently in effect, there’s plenty to discover no matter where we wander. So, embrace your inner adventurer and start exploring. Remember, you can go somewhere you’ve never been before even if it’s not far from home.
Longtime Internal Medicine Specialist Will Now Offer Extended and Weekend Office Hours
West Palm Beach, FL – After practicing internal medicine locally for almost 20 years before working exclusively as a hospitalist, Ravi Pandey, MD, is back to brick-and-mortar offices and couldn’t be happier. Now he’ll be able to both treat his beloved patients with the personalized, accessible care and attention they deserve AND follow them to the hospital if they are admitted.
The board-certified internal medicine physician who has always practiced in the U.S. is also thrilled that he will now be able to offer extended and weekend hours to better serve his patients. This convenience is yet another unique way Dr. Pandey enhances patients’ continuum of care.
“The days of evaluating and then personally following patients throughout their entire plan of care are nearly over for primary care physicians. My practice is better than many because I am able to care for my patients in the office setting as well as in the hospital, so patients are not being treated by someone they only meet for the first time at hospitalization,” he says.
Dr. Pandey’s bedside manner makes his patients comfortable because he can explain their conditions and treatment plans in simple, non-medical terms. “Since I’ve also been involved in hospital medicine, I have a very good grasp of multiple medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, heart failure and pulmonary conditions, most of which I am adept at taking care of myself while utilizing the best specialists whenever the need arises,” he says.
Another essential characteristic that makes Dr. Pandey different as a physician is his ability to connect and relate emotionally to his patients. His gift for personal connection meets the high expectations patients have for their medical provider and helps them achieve their healthcare goals. His practice now accepts Prominence Health Plan, in addition to most other major health plans, and offers preventive care, annual wellness visits, physicals, and immunizations, including those just in time for flu season. He also offers tips to manage their chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, along with smoking cessation and weight loss tips.
Relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Pandey acknowledges that effective treatment strategies are present and that more are coming, but that we must all do our part in preventing further propagation of the virus. “Maintaining social distancing measures, wearing masks, and continuing practices like hand hygiene and sanitizing high-touch surfaces is essential,” he says.
Dr. Pandey says that right now, patients should be thinking about improving their physical health through preventive and screening measures. “It’s also critical to give your mental health equal importance in these stressful times. Do whatever things work for you, whether it is relaxation techniques, meditation, or prayer,” he says. And as there may be changes in health plans going forward in the next year, he says patients need to find the most suitable plan for their needs.
About Ravi Pandey, MD
Dr. Ravi Pandey is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine Specialist who has practiced in South Florida since 1997. With diverse experience in private practice, outpatient, and hospital settings, Dr. Pandey is on staff at Palms West Hospital, JFK Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital, and Wellington Regional Medical Center. Dr. Pandey is fluent in both English and Hindi. He completed his education at Grant Medical College of the University of Bombay and performed his residency and fellowship at Jersey Shore Medical Center. Call 561.867.0000 today to schedule your visit at either of his new offices at 2326 S Congress Ave, Suite 1A, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 or 11000 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite 206, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
Palm Beach Photographic Centre & Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Issue ‘Call for Photographers’ Seeking Images of Life In Palm Beach County
Deadline for Submissions is January 17 for Exhibition at Cultural Council, Feb 27—March 27, 2021
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 4, 2021) The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and the Palm Beach Photographic Centre announce an open call to Palm Beach County photographers to submit an image of life in Palm Beach County to be considered for an exhibition at the Cultural Council in Lake Worth Beach, running February 27 through March 27, 2021.
“We are very excited about collaborating with the Cultural Council to celebrate both local photographers and the beauty around us,” says Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world famous Photo Centre, located in downtown West Palm Beach.
“This is a great opportunity for the Cultural Council to collaborate with the Photo Center, particularly during FOTOfusion, while also spotlighting some very talented photographers,” agrees Jessica Ransom, artist services coordinator at the Cultural Council.
“We are seeking professional artists who live or work in Palm Beach County to submit an image that epitomizes some aspect of life in the Palm Beaches. The Call is open to all residents who live or work in Palm Beach County,” Ransom adds. “Each artist may submit one to five images, but the final selection will be limited to one image per artist. Judging will be based upon overall quality, creativity and vision of each work.”
Criteria for the Call are as follows:
+ Photographers who are eligible to apply must live or work in Palm Beach County.
+ Work must have been created within the past two years, with the theme of life in Palm Beach County.
+ The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is looking to feature artists that have not exhibited at the Cultural Council previously.
+ All images must include artist name, title, date, medium, print size.
+ Images submitted must be at least 2400 pixels but no more than 3000 pixels on the longest side.
Deadline for Entries:
Images must be submitted by January 17, 2021. A maximum of five images may be entered for consideration by the judge and possible inclusion in the exhibit.
Chosen photographs will be featured at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County from February 27 – March 27, 2021.
About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County:
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the only organization solely dedicated to supporting arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. In its sustaining effort to foster growth of the cultural sector, the Council provides support services to cultural organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for cultural funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism.
The Council serves as a venue highlighting works by Palm Beach County visual and performing artists at its headquarters in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach. The building is also home to the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store featuring items by local artisans; the Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center; and the outdoor Project Space, offering the best view of the building’s iconic Martin Luther King Jr. mural by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra.
The Cultural Council’s galleries are now open to the public with reduced days/hours (Tuesday-Fridays, noon-5 pm) and limited capacity, but is closed for the holidays through December 28.
About the Palm Beach Photographic Centre:
The Photo Centre is located at the downtown City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm. Monday through Saturday. For more information, please call 561.253.2600 or visit www.workshop.org or www.fotofusion.org.
The Palm Beach Photographic Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching life through the photographic arts. All donations are greatly appreciated at www.workshop.org/contrib.
Anna Preston has been dancing almost her entire life.
Highpoints of her career include having danced with a professional modern company that received the industry-acclaimed Bessie nomination, and represented the state of Florida, with concert dance in France. She took her own company to Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, when it was chosen to perform at the Festival for Modern Dance and was showcased in-residence across the state.
Her experience in dance, is diverse and remarkable, with commercial dance, performance and choreography work for a host of musical theatres, churches, and community events. At Walt Disneyworld, Preston worked as a staging specialist and performer. She holds advanced level education certifications and has enjoyed teaching at Palm Beach State and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Her accolades span years, and are many, but for Preston, artistry is more about giving than receiving. Her company, Preston Contemporary Dance Theatre, based in Stuart, offers students of every level and ability from beginner to professional, a Resident professional contemporary company and pre-school to professional training in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Modern, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tumbling, and Aerial Arts. At the core is Preston’s leadership and innovative approach to events that exemplify the company’s tagline: Connecting passion to purpose.
“It’s exciting to be in a place where I can now be someone who is building and mentoring in the community,” said Preston, who has lived in the Treasure Coast area since 2004.
A staple in carrying out her mission, involves collaborating with members of the artist-community from the Downtown Fort Pierce corridor, Port St. Lucie, and Stuart to host events that for example ask patrons to bring food donations, in lieu of an admission charge.
“I try to create events that show how diverse and rich our art community is and can be,” she said. “People can be part of the art landscape in a way that it should be. It’s not about competitions…it’s a conversation with your audience when you are putting out artistic work.”
More area events with Preston’s ideas at work, have included bringing her company to perform at the Causes Event Festival, in the Faerie Forrest Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. Inspiring participation was Greg Hold’s wire faerie sculptures and Mark Barnes’ musical composition that set the ambience.
“When we hear about projects that we find interesting, we reach out, network and apply to see how we can contribute, be a part,” she said.
“Points in my career that I most proud of are the collaboration’s that have provided outreach to the community either in terms of awareness, or critical needs.”
One example includes participating in the Dance for Food Event with Terry Barber – internationally acclaimed Countertenor, and founder of the nonprofit organization – Artists for a Cause.
Preston is proud that her company represents dance educators, people who have chosen to work, live and contribute to this community. It’s one of the reasons she joined the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance.
“When you bring artists together, great things happen!”
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: [email protected] or call 772-462-2783
To learn more about the Preston Contemporary Dance Theatre, visit: www.pcdancetheatre.org
This mom wants laughter, thriving children, a busy house and a prize. This is a fantastic and perhaps lofty list for 2021. However, it is a new year, new day and new possibilities. It reminds me of the kids getting ready for camp in the summer. They look forward to seeing their cabin mates, the fun trips, activities, challenges and obstacles overcome. It seems like an appropriate metaphor after having hunkered down without social connections outside of the virtual world. If you braved the world as an essential worker providing meals, healthcare or groceries, we are forever in your debt.
Mom wants the heaviness to lift, not just the scale variety. Irma Bombeck would say something like that. She nailed the wit and humor of a family. She said,” If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it.” Moms need to listen and try to capture them. It’s like trying to catch a butterfly. At dinner I was telling everyone that I drove by the Christmas tree lot that day. There were only a few scraggly short trees and a couple of the really tall trees that are usually very expensive. All I had to do was say the expensive trees and my youngest said, ”The $500 ones?” Yes. I laughed and that was the greatest gift of the day and I thanked him for the smile.
The kids are doing well in their classes. I however get the feeling that we parents are holding our collective breath. We are waiting for the end of COVID. However, we are on a continuum and need to live every day, albeit in a different mode. This is where my kids have outperformed me. They are going about their days with zoom classes, home science experiments and homework without skipping a beat. It’s true that the young are more resilient than we think. . I use the medium most familiar to them. Texting. I love sending them funny memes, Youtube dash cam videos to teach the hazards of bad driving, song clips and funny photos I take while out and about. Today there was this license plate, “& beyond”, on an Infinity.
With everyone on the computer in their respective corners, the house is lackluster. Libraries are filled with more verve. The cat sleeps all day except to occasionally meow for a treat. I am busy with cleaning, shopping and cooking with an occasional Reliv supplement inquiry or attending to someone’s dog. And it’s all gotten to be dull work, except for the dogcare, bit! I’d rather be headed to the mall for sightshopping, or drinking coffee at Starbucks for a reading date with the kids.
No mothering prizes have been awarded – I may get a pat on the head from my towering teens. And I don’t see any taking place outside the house. Since I have done all I can to make it better, I better laugh about it today and try again tomorrow. “When humor goes, there goes civilization.” ― Erma Bombeck
Hands up if you have ever chosen organic raspberries over regular raspberries? What about organic milk? Chocolate? Apples?
Pretty much most of us will have raised our hand to this question. Let’s face it all of us will probably have made this choice at one time or another. But what are we actually paying the extra for? Is the product healthier because it is labeled organic? And what about that higher price tag, is it worth it?
Sorry to say as with most things in life …….It depends.
What Does Organic Actually Mean?
By definition, organic means that there has been an approved method of farming and production of a food or food product. Companies that label their products as organic cannot use synthetic additives or preservatives in production, nor can they use antibiotics or hormones.
It is the USDA who actually approves the above mentioned methods; and if 95 percent or more of the product is organically made, then it is worthy of the USDA Certified Organic Seal.
Research is inconsistent in it’s results with regard to the nutrient density of organic foods to conventional foods. There have actually been no conclusive long-term studies on the subject so the truth is, we don’t really know if organic food is healthier than conventional, non-organic food.
So have we actually all fallen into a clever marketing ploy by believing organic food is healthier than non-organic food?
I have always found it interesting when I study the nutritional facts on a box of organic chocolate chip cookies. I must admit I have noticed that they are just as high, if not higher, in saturated fat, added sugar and calories than conventional cookies. Not only is this against what I would have expected to find because of my belief that the word organic should mean it is better for me, but I am often paying twice as much for less cookies!
My other thought on the matter is that a cookie is a cookie no matter how it is dressed up. They really are not healthy no matter whether they are organic or not.
So whilst the jury seems to be still out on this matter, it’s up to you I guess but one thing is for sure: eating whole foods is the way to go. Limiting as much processed food from your diet as you can and consuming whole foods is the path to overall good nutrition and superior health in general.
Acknowledging the fact that 2020 has come to a close and the beginning of a new year is upon us seems almost undoable. It’s difficult to admit that so much time has gone by and with that time has been lost. I lost my first day of senior year, my last musical production with my theatre troupe, and my graduation is still among the plethora of things that may or may not happen. The end of 2020 is hard to fathom because with that I am also saying that I have lost things.
Parting with a year that has been associated with so much sadness and loss can be refreshing. It is an opportunity to adapt my goals and plan ahead, to further understand the turn that my own life has taken and to try making it as liveable as I can. I don’t typically participate in new years resolutions because maintaining them doesn’t go past the first couple months of the year, but I’m trying to view the new year as a way of appreciating life even within the current instability.
So with that slight reflection I am going to share my three new year’s resolutions for 2021. I liked the idea of basing this edition around my goals for the next twelve months, especially since having it on a platform that other people can view requires me to hold myself accountable in doing what I say I’m going to.
My first resolution for the new year is to read at least one book every month. As a child reading was my absolute favorite thing to do and my love for buying new books with my grandma seemed to make most other things incomparable. Though as I’ve gotten older and busier, it’s something that I have made little to no time for, which is definitely hypocritical. When I’m not doing school work or writing articles for Around Wellington I often go on my phone for hours. It’s a habit I’ve been trying to break for years and I don’t think that there’s a better way to put an end to my excessive phone usage than to replace it with something that I was once very immersed in.
My second resolution for the new year is to get my first job. This one is actually a failed resolution from the year prior, but I don’t really have the option of pushing this towards the back of my mind. In 2021, I’m moving to Orlando to begin my freshman year of college at the University of Central Florida. While I’m incredibly grateful for having been admitted, my family is not rich by any means. Going to college provides me with the opportunity to begin to really pull my own weight and to not depend entirely on my mom for that sense of financial security. I’m hoping to make this transition easier on someone who has already done so much for me throughout my childhood while also acquiring some new and much needed life skills in the process.
The previous resolution is a smooth segway into my final one, and that is to have a successful first semester of college. Being the last and the most important, I hope that the new year allows me the strength and the persistence to work hard academically. Taking my senior year courses online has unfortunately resulted in the slow decline of my grades due to lack of motivation. Though I am trying to see the new year as an opportunity to change some of my self sabotaging habits that have contributed to this newfound struggle. The idea of college and beginning a rather large transition next year will hopefully give me the drive to see it through. I want to get better at working towards my goals and maintaining the aspirations that I commit myself to.
While my resolutions are rather simple this year, I’m looking forward to the change that each of them will bring. I’m trying to see 2021 as an opportunity to stay consistent in the things that I have been working towards while also pursuing them in better ways. To be more focused, more disciplined, and more involved in the life that I hope to have created for myself within the next year. I am looking forward to have something that is completely mine and to start making it easier on those who have worked so hard for me. I wish all of you nothing but love and good fortune in the new year!
A cut above the rest and in a category unto itself. That may be the best way to accurately describe the experience of visiting and enjoying what’s on the menu at Kovener’s Korner, an ice cream shop in Seymour, Indiana.
For more than 70 years, residents of Seymour and visitors passing through this south, central Indiana community — which is also the hometown of rock star John Mellencamp — have enjoyed stopping by Kovener’s Korner to satisfy any and all summer-time ice cream cravings.
While homes, churches, restaurants, and factories are frequently designated as historic places of interest, rarely are small, square-shaped, red-brick structures with a green roof and yellow-striped awning, which serve ice cream for only five months a year, given the same historic recognition and special status. But, that’s the case for Kovener’s Korner (www.kovenerskorner.com; 812-522-9259), a locally owned and operated ice cream shop in the south, central section of the Hoosier state.
Kovener’s Korner was founded in 1949 by its original owners, Bill and Lena Faye Kovener. Bill and Lena converted an old Standard Oil gas station into Kovener’s Korner. Today, it’s still operated by members of the Kovener family and the chocolate malt ice cream, made from the still-secret family recipe, remains as popular now as it was back when it all started.
Simply put, if you like ice cream, especially chocolate malt ice cream, you must make the trek to Kovener’s Korner – at least once in your lifetime. There’s no doubt that it’s a ‘bucket list’-destination for ice cream aficionados and anybody with a sweet tooth. Why? Because the people who visit Kovener’s Korner always make it a point of returning time and time again, especially the local clientele.
Customers line up outside Kovener’s Korner Ice Cream Shop
“Kovener’s Korner was a very special place in my childhood,” recalls former Seymour resident Trish Whitcomb, whose father, Ed Whitcomb, was Indiana’s 43rd governor. “My visits to Kovener’s Korner started with Jill Steinberger (Wood) and her parents when I would spend the night at their house on Lee Boulevard. I’d never seen a creamy soft-serve and that was amazing. Jill and I also liked a treat called an “iceberger.” It consisted of lime sherbet and 7-Up — sort of a limey kind of float. Kovener’s Korner also served a form of ice cream called a custard. It was extra rich and flavorful, but the newness of the soft-serve made it more attractive at the time. Even when I visited Seymour after college, I’d go there because going there would bring back such fond memories.”
“I certainly have very fond memories of Kovener’s Korner,” says former Seymour resident Kurt Wieneke, who now resides in Indianapolis. “My favorite is and was the chocolate malt soft-serve cone. Kovener’s Korner is a can’t-miss stop for all who grew up in Seymour.”
“Kovener’s Korner wasn’t just a custard shop, it was part of the community,” adds ex-Seymour resident Cathy Barkes Bowie, currently living in Indianapolis. “Visiting Kovener’s Korner is an experience and a place where friends and family gather. And, the custard was, and still is, amazing!”
The ice cream at Kovener’s Korner is served in many different ways – cups, cones, shakes, floats, icebergers, and sundaes. It’s always delicious – every way the ice cream is served.
Kovener’s Korner which was once a 1920’s Standard Oil Filling Station
“We offer a wide selection of regular hard-serve ice cream flavors plus a special flavor of the week each week during the summer,” says Nick Kovener, CEO/President, Kovener’s Korner. “Chocolate malt is what we are best known for, as it’s the same recipe my grandmother made when the store opened over 70 years ago. Hot fudge cones, milkshakes, and floats are a few of our best selling items. Our most popular item is the twist ice cream cone.”
Kovener’s Korner truly deserves such special distinction. Open from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm every day from April through Labor Day, Kovener’s Korner provides that ice cream fix for anybody and everybody.
“As an outdoor dining establishment serving cold treats, we try to be open as long as it’s warm out,” adds Kovener.
The menu hasn’t changed much over the years and neither has the outward appearance of the small brick hut, which has been at 712 West 2nd Street in Seymour since it first opened back in 1949. Fortunately, the prices remain reasonable and the value of the level of satisfaction continues to be priceless.
As a way of reinforcing its local ties, Kovener’s Korner buys its pure vanilla from Marion-Kay Spices in nearby Brownstown. Also, the ownership of Kovener’s Korner reinforces its commitment to the local community by providing monetary support, as well as donation items, to a variety of clubs and organizations in the greater Seymour area. Kovener’s Korner also supports a youth baseball team and a girls softball team in town.
“Whether it’s a win or a loss, we love to support organizations that provide activities for kids to have fun and be active,” adds Kovener.
In keeping with tradition, the most commonly ordered items remain milkshakes and ice cream cones. The ice cream is either soft-serve or hard-serve. The soft serve flavors are chocolate malt, vanilla, and chocolate/vanilla twist. There are eight main flavors of hard-serve. They are superman, mint chocolate chip, butter pecan, rocky road, cookies & cream, orange pineapple, strawberry, and a flavor of the week. They also carry three hard-serve sherbets — lime, orange, and rainbow – and one sorbet which is lemon. Believe it or not, but superman is the most popular hard-serve flavor by a wide margin.
Besides the standard types of hard-serve ice cream, other popular flavors on the menu, from time to time, include birthday cake, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate fudge brownie. Not surprisingly, those flavors often sell out rather quickly.
It’s worth noting that Kovener’s Korner has 18 toppings, which include chocolate syrup, hot fudge, peanuts, butter scotch, marshmallow, strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, caramel, Reese’s Cup, Oreo, Snickers, M & M, Butterfinger, cookie dough, Gummi Bears, peanut butter, and rainbow sprinkles.
The cones are traditional ice cream cones, but waffle cones are available for a small surcharge.
At Kovener’s Korner, the list of specialty items on the menu includes hot fudge cones, floats, dreamshakes, Jack & Jill shakes, avalanches, icebergers, and sundaes.
One of the special days at Kovener’s Korner takes place on the third Tuesday of May, June, July and August. Those are Dog Days, where you are encouraged to bring your dog with you to Kovener’s Korner to enjoy a tasty treat. When you spend $4 or more, your canine companion will receive a complimentary small cup of vanilla ice cream.
If you are employed as a first responder, a member of the U.S. military or a veteran, Kovener’s Korner shows its appreciation by giving you a 50 percent discount on your purchase. It’s a way for Kovener’s Korner to show its appreciation for the dedication and years of service to the U.S. by its military men and women.
Each year on National Ice Cream Day, which is the third Sunday of July, Kovener’s Korner offers product specials, stages an ice cream eating contest, or offers raffle prizes.
While Kovener’s Korner is steeped in tradition, the current ownership has a steady presence on social media so you can follow what happens on both Facebook and Instagram.
Are you ready to enjoy an ice cream experience which is a cut above the rest and in a category unto itself? I certainly am. I look forward to seeing you soon in Seymour, Indiana at Kovener’s Korner, under the yellow-striped awning.
Dr. Randall Laurich discusses his plans for 2021 which includes introducing more Wellington, Florida businesses in the health and wellness industry on his videos to share what they are doing to keep our community healthy. He is asking these practitioners to contact him at 561.333.5351 or call Monica Kallas of SharpShooter Marketing Group at 561.762.1713 to join in. @milehighchiro #healthandwellness#communityhealth#wellington#videos#practitioners
