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‘TIS THE SEASON TO “SQUASH” YOUR WORKOUT! UKRAVE FITNESS INTRODUCES PUMPKIN EXERCISES FOR HOME ROUTINES

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‘TIS THE SEASON TO “SQUASH” YOUR WORKOUT! UKRAVE FITNESS INTRODUCES PUMPKIN EXERCISES FOR HOME ROUTINES

Photos by One Line Productions

Lake Worth, FL.­­–“Gourd” your loins! Ms. Randa Alami, NASM certified personal trainer and U-KRAVE fitness studio owner elevates seasonal exercise to “gourd-geous” new heights. In light of the recent pandemic, free weights have been scarce; store shelves and online shops have been depleted of inventory. The past six months have inspired fitness enthusiasts to get creative with weighty items in their homes to continue virtual work outs.  Autumn has arrived and aside from jack-o-lantern duties, carvings and decorations, this season’s favorite mottled, marbled, lumpy or bumpy pumpkins are ready for action. Like a traditional 10-pound medicine ball, a pumpkin between 8-12 pounds (based on personal strength and fitness level) is ideal to PUMP-kin up the at-home work out and get in the holiday spirit. Exercises are based on three to five rounds, 12-15 repetitions per each movement with one minute rest between rounds:

 

Squash Squats:

Grip the pumpkin firmly on both sides and place against your chest and below your chin.  Lower down into a “squash squat” by displacing your weight in your heels.  Push through the floor and rise back to starting position.

 

Shoulder PUMP-kins:

Grab the pumpkin firmly on both sides while attaining an athletic starting stance (feet shoulder width apart, slight knee bend, core tight, chest lifted).  Begin with the pumpkin under the chin and thrust it firmly and with control above the head.  Try to line arms up next to the ears at the top of the lift.  Slowly lower back down and repeat

 

 

 

Trick-TOE-Treats:

Place pumpkin on the ground in front of you. Tap your toes one at a time to the top of the pumpkin.  Advancers can add a hop to their step; beginners can start by simply tapping one foot at a time atop the pumpkin.

 

BOO-ty Lifts:

Begin by gripping the pumpkin on both sides. Attain an athletic stance, (feet shoulder width apart, slight knee bend, core tight, chest lifted), and begin to hinge from the hips. Be sure to maintain a flat back and neutral spine. Rise back to standing position by driving through the heels and engaging core. Squeeze the glutes at the top.

 

Mummy Climbers:

Place your pumpkin on the ground in front of you.  Assume a plank position by placing both hands atop of your pumpkin.  Keeping shoulders and elbows aligned, as well as shoulders and hips, begin to tap your toes one by one just behind the pumpkin and under your chest.  Maintain a planked position and avoid sagging or rocking hips.

 

Walking ‘Dead’ Lunges:

Hold your pumpkin firmly in front of your chest.  Begin by stepping one foot forward into a lunge position. Continue to alternate legs.

 

Go big or gourd home! Not only are pumpkins a super work-out partner, but they are a superfood, rich in vitamin A, C,  and antioxidants. When the Halloween themed drills are wrapped up in early November, sweet and savory pumpkin treats can be served up to fully nourish the muscles and spirit. At a time when creativity and innovation are peaking like fall leaves, this autumnal-centric training provides  a much needed sugar and spice vibe to basic movements. Pumpkin Spice Lattes with almond milk still welcome, but gear up for multiple squash squats!

 

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About Randa Alami

Ms. Randa Alami, is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist and Personal Fitness Trainer.  In addition, she is certified to teach Bootcamp/Body Sculpt/Cardio /HIIT/Spin/Kickboxing classes. Incorporating all muscle groups, core, back strength and safety, cardio/heart health and emphasizing the importance of flexibility are the crux of her fitness philosophy. Located at 5905 C State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449, U-Krave Fitness is a boutique fitness studio owned and operated by Ms. Randa Alami. Classes and personal training are scheduled Monday through Thursday, Saturday.  For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/ukrave/ or www.ukravefitness.com or call (561) 713-5519.

Pop-Up Patch for Philanthropy

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The Pop-Up Patch for Philanthropy benefitting the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope will be held at The Royal Poinciana Plaza daily beginning Saturday, October 10, through Sunday, October 18, in the East Courtyard from 10am – 6pm. You can enjoy a selection from 1,000-plus pumpkins including heirloom, miniatures and classic of a variety of shapes and sizes. By suggested donation, while supplies last. Pre-registration will be required here.

Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Inc. is a Palm Beach County not-for-profit organization which eases the burden of qualified local cancer patients by paying a portion of their non-medical bills, supplementing basic needs, and providing support and information resources. 100% of the funds will be used to help local cancer patients.

If you prefer to pick up your pumpkins without leaving your car, it’s safe and easy with the Pick Up Quick program. This convenient offering makes curbside pick-up quick and seamless. Simply call 561.215.7360 to schedule a pickup during Patch hours. Assorted pumpkin boxes (suggested donation of $20 each) are available through the Pick Up Quick service.

Fall “Creepy Crawl” Drive-Thru Experience

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Fall “Creepy Crawl” Drive-Thru Experience
to Bring Chills and Thrills to Wellington


The year 2020 may feel like all tricks, but this October Wellington is offering a special treat. Enjoy a FREE Fall “Creepy Crawl” Drive-Thru experience at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Saturday, October 17th, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Witches and graveyards and monsters, oh my! Navigate your way through more than 8 different “scare zones” filled with all of your Halloween favorites. From classic horror characters to zombies and creepy clowns, there is a fright to delight every member of the family.

Pathway options through the park include routes for scare zones rated G through PG, appropriate for those with younger ghouls and goblins onboard, and routes rated PG-13, for those seeking a more chilling experience. Please follow event signage for the appropriate choice for your family.

One-way Traffic — All attendees are directed to enter the park through the west entrance, on 120th Avenue South. Traffic will move through the park from the 120th entrance and exit out onto Pierson Road. Visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the drive-thru experience. Passengers may roll down their windows but must wear a mask if doing so.

This event is made possible thanks in part to our generous community sponsors.

  • Baptist Health South Florida
  • Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation
  • Florida Blue Medicare
  • Humana
  • Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center

For more information about this event, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/CreepyCrawl.
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.

Scenes from the Great Smoky Mountains

Trading urban life for nature continues to be my COVID coping strategy. As a result, my husband and I have hiked roughly 200 miles since April. Based in New York City, we often venture upstate to the Catskills, east to Connecticut and west to the Delaware Gap discovering new trails along the way. Recently, we drove down to my original home state of Tennessee for a few days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Autumn brought brilliant blue skies, crisp cool air and a touch of color to enhance the experience. If you’re itching to escape, maybe it’s time to road trip up to the Smokies!

Tennessee's Foothills Parkway on Travel with Terri

Road Tripping on the Foothills Parkway

Driving north from Chattanooga, we made our way to U.S. 129 beside the Little Tennessee River to pick up the Foothills Parkway. Meandering along the two-lane road, we were treated to mesmerizing views of the Smoky Mountains living up to their name with an ever-present circle of clouds hugging the mountain tops.

Bud Ogle Farmstead in the Great Smoky Mountains NP
Human History at the Noah “Bud” Ogle Farmstead

Day 1 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We started our Great Smoky Mountains NP explorations on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Our adventure began with a stop at the old homestead of Noah “Bud” Ogle where we embarked on a self-guided walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead. From there, we moved on to tackle the moderately strenuous hike to Rainbow Falls. The 5.4-mile round trip challenged me as we gained about 1,500 feet in elevation en route to the falls. Of course, it was worth every huff and puff when we reached the 80-foot-high cascading waterfall named for the rainbow that often appears in the mist.

Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains NP on Travel with Terri
Rainbow Falls

Day 2 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Our second day in the park began with a short hike and a drive along the Newfound Gap which bisects the park taking visitors from Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina. From there we traveled to Fontana Lake for a boat cruise and hike with Jason of The Sunny Day Adventure Company. Formed by the Fontana Dam, this mountain lake serves as the southern border of the North Carolina side of the park. Few park visitors venture here which made it all the more alluring. From adorable houseboats floating in the lake to a hike in the remote forest and a stunning sunset, the entire cruise was fabulous. Afterward, we drove back through the park at night and listened in the darkness to the bugling of the elks as the males worked to attract the females. Welcome to mating season elk style!

Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains NP on Travel with Terri
Abrams Falls

Day 3 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Our final day in the park brought more sunshine as we explored the park’s human history at Cades Cove. Once home to a thriving Appalachian community, this popular park attraction provides a nod to the past with well-preserved period buildings scattered along the 11-mile loop road. We stopped about halfway at the trailhead for the Abrams Falls trail. This gorgeous hike follows the creek as it meanders through a tranquil old-growth forest. We scrambled over a few boulders along the way but the stunning sight of the thundering falls validated every step of the 5.5-mile hike. As we drove along the loop trail to conclude our tour of Cades Cove, we met one of the furry residents nonchalantly gobbling up berries beside the road.

Bear in Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains NP on Travel with Terri
Smoky the Bear!

With 522,427 acres split between East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, our three days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park barely scratched the surface. We’ll be back to tackle new trails and meet more of the local wildlife—hopefully from a distance!

Explore Hadassah’s Children At-Risk Youth Villages in Israel

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Explore Hadassah’s Children At-Risk Youth Villages in Israel – Virtual Tour on Thursday, October 15 at 11:00am. Hadassah continues to serve at-risk Sabras (native-born Israelis) and young immigrants who are dealing with abuse, neglect and extreme poverty. Listen to the student’s stories as they share their personal journeys. Hear our featured Speakers including former National President – Marcie Natan.

Purchase a virtual tour admission ticket at $18.00 per person.

Visit http://www.hadassah.org/events/youthvillages to register. Upon registration, you will receive an emailed confirmation with the link to the virtual tour. Questions – please call: 877-949-1818. To learn more about Hadassah visit: www.hadassah.org.

FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON “FINDING MEANINGFUL AND GAINFUL  FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT”

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FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON “FINDING MEANINGFUL AND GAINFUL  FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT” FROM MELVIN J. & CLAIRE LEVINE LIFEPLANNINGTM PROGRAM ON OCTOBER 14

                                                                                                                                    

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – September 21, 2020 – Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) invites community members to attend a virtual workshop about the meaningful and gainful employment opportunities that are available for persons with disabilities on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The free Zoom presentation is sponsored by Alpert JFS’ Melvin J. & Claire Levine LifePlanningTM program.

 

A representative from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), the agency that helps eligible individuals with physical or mental disabilities find, get, or keep a better job, will be featured.

 

Register for “Finding Meaningful and Gainful Employment” at https://www.alpertjfs.org/events/vr/ by Monday, October 12, 2020.

 

Phone 561-713-1917 or email [email protected] with questions, for more information, or to request reasonable accommodation for a disability at least five (5) days prior to the Zoom session.

 

Visit www.Alpertjfs.org/LifePlanning/ to learn about the education, advocacy, confidential consultation, and emotional support offered to people of all faiths and ethnicities who are caring for a loved one with a disability. Free workshops encourage and assist with planning for the future, providing information on education, recreation, building independence skills and vocational opportunities.

 

Established in 1974, Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service is a nationally accredited service provider for children, adults, seniors, and Holocaust survivors. The non-profit, non-sectarian organization is a trusted leader, with a team of nearly 200 highly skilled professionals delivering high-quality care to community members. Alpert JFS works to ensure the well-being of children and families, independence of older adults and quality-of-life for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.AlpertJFS.org or phone 561-684-1991.

FERD & GLADYS ALPERT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS TO PRESENT AT PALM HEALTH FOUNDATION’S VIRTUAL “TRAIN THE BRAIN” COMMUNITY HEALTH CAMPAIGN

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FERD & GLADYS ALPERT JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE PROFESSIONALS TO PRESENT AT PALM HEALTH FOUNDATION’S VIRTUAL “TRAIN THE BRAIN” COMMUNITY HEALTH CAMPAIGN

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – September 29, 2020 – “Resilience & Self-Care in the Face of Adversity” is the theme of the fourth annual Train the Brain community health campaign from Palm Health Foundation designed to empower residents to take charge of their brain health, and partner agency Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) will present two programs: “Coping With Our New Reality: Social Distancing Without Social Isolation” and “Who Am I Now? A Look at Job Loss and Identity”.

 

“Coping With Our New Reality: Social Distancing Without Social Isolation,” an educational opportunity for those struggling with how to manage and cope with the barrage of changes and realities impacting their lives, and the lives of their children, will meet online at 7:00 p.m. October 15 and October 29, 2020.

 

“This unprecedented pandemic has challenged us to explore new ways to connect with others and avoid isolation,” said Elaine Rotenberg, Ph. D., Alpert JFS Clinical Director, who facilitates the discussion/support group with Licensed Psychologist Iris Kiner, and has a Hubbard radio interview on the topic scheduled for October 8, 2020. “We each have natural abilities to cope and find our own resiliency in the face of challenging times.  Often, we just need some tips about how to take those next steps in the healthiest ways possible.  Sharing experiences with others can be so helpful in highlighting the importance of coping skills we use every day.”

 

“Who Am I Now? A Look at Job Loss and Identity,” a workshop from Alpert JFS’ Jewish Community Career Services (JCCS), will teach participants how to separate their identities from their job titles, discover a new sense of self, and rewrite their stories, will be held on October 22, 2020 from
12:30-1:30 p.m.

 

“Losing a job ranks high on the list of life’s most stressful moments,” said Director of Jewish Community Career Services Whitney Cherner, LCSW, who will facilitate the workshop. “While there is the loss of livelihood and financial impact that job loss can have on individuals and families, there is also an emotional impact, which this workshop will address.”

 

“2020 has been unlike any other time in recent history, where everyone’s behavioral health is challenged on a daily basis,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “Train the Brain has never had a more important role than this year in offering ways for our residents to take care of their brain health, and build resilience with cope with adversity.”

 

Please visit www.TraintheBrainPBC.org for a full event calendar. For questions or more information about Train the Brain, please email [email protected]. You can also watch a recent WPTV interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJnBYbboPEk.

 

To schedule your own exclusive “Coping With our New Reality: Social Distancing Without Social Isolation” program, phone Alpert JFS Director of Volunteer Leadership Belinda Lasky at 561-713-1893.

 

Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $83 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.

 

Jewish Community Career Services offers free career services to those unemployed and underemployed in the Greater Palm Beaches. Individuals can work with a Career Strategist to develop a career roadmap, and engage in workshops and weekly coffee Talk meetings. JCCS is a program of Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service, made possible through the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.

 

Established in 1974, Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service (Alpert JFS) is a nationally accredited service provider for children, adults, seniors, and Holocaust survivors. The non-profit, non-sectarian organization is a trusted leader, with a team of nearly 200 highly skilled professionals delivering high-quality care to community members. Alpert JFS works to ensure the well-being of children and families, independence of older adults, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.AlpertJFS.org/ or phone 561-684-1991.

The Junior League of Boca Raton is Offering Free Trainings for Nonprofits

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The Junior League of Boca Raton is Offering Free Trainings for Nonprofits

BOCA RATON, FL, September 30, 2020 – The Junior League of Boca Raton is partnering with Nonprofits First to provide free, virtual nonprofit training sessions from October 2020 through May, 2021.

“We are committed to supporting nonprofits in our area by providing a wide range of trainings with experts in the field to area nonprofits,” said Cristy Stewart-Harfmann, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton.

Upcoming workshops include:

October 10, 2020
Marketing, Social Media and Digital Marketing Zoom

November 18, 2020
Non-Profit Governance and Board Development

In person workshops will commence in January, if possible, at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s headquarters, the Vegso Community Resource Center, 261 NW 13th Street, Boca Raton, FL.

January 20, 2021
Strategic Planning, Running Your Non-Profit Like a Business

February 17, 2021
Diversity and Equality

April 14, 2021
Networking and Engagement in a Competitive Environment

May 19, 2021
Planning for the Future, A roundtable Discussion

To register for any of the free workshops, please visit https://www.jlbr.org/nonprofit-assistance/

About the Junior League of Boca Raton

Throughout the year, JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s mission of training volunteers, developing the potential of women and improving the South Florida community. To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at 561-620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org.Connect on facebook.com/JuniorLeagueBocaRaton,or twitter.com/JLBocaRaton

About Nonprofits First

For more than 14 years, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of success.

FoundCare Continues Free COVID-19 Testing

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As Palm Beach County moves into phase 2 of reopening during this pandemic, FoundCare, a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, continues to offer free COVID-19 testing. According to FoundCare’s Chief Medical Officer, now is not the time to let our guard down in Palm Beach County.

“Especially after people were traveling and being social after the Labor Day holiday, we want to encourage people to get tested for the COVID-19 virus,” said Dr. Oneka Marriott, Chief Medical Officer at FoundCare. “It’s so easy to make an appointment, and FoundCare is providing a safe testing spot to keep the community protected. As flu season approaches, we want people to be vigilant. We are not out of the woods yet, so we want to stress that people take precautions, including getting a test.”

Prior to being tested, prospective patients must call 561-967-0365 to schedule an appointment and get a patient code. Walk-up appointments will be available for those without transportation. Patients must arrive wearing a face mask or cloth covering. FoundCare staff will safely store the patient’s information, collect the specimen using a test kit, and send the specimen to a qualified lab. The patient will be instructed to self-quarantine at home while waiting for the test results, which can take from 48-72 hours. FoundCare staff will contact the patient with the results as soon as they are available.

FoundCare was the first entity in Palm Beach County to offer drive-through testing on Monday, March 16. Partnering with organizations like Quantum Foundation, Lost Tree Charitable Foundation, and Community Foundation, FoundCare staff conducted mobile pop-up testing to underserved communities throughout Palm Beach County. Since the onset, FoundCare has provided 5,474 tests.

“People have always looked to FoundCare to meet their healthcare needs” said Dr. Rik Pavlescak, Chief Operating Officer of FoundCare. “Throughout this unprecedented health crisis, FoundCare continues to be committed to its patients and the community-at-large. FoundCare will continue to provide access to care, both during the good times and during the most difficult times.”

FoundCare continues to offer both telehealth and in person visits. Appointments for new and existing patients can be scheduled by calling 561-432-5849.

FoundCare, Inc., celebrating 35 years in the community, uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. With several locations throughout Palm Beach County, FoundCare’s services include pediatric and adult primary care, women’s health services, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory services, and x-rays. FoundCare’s mission is to fulfill unmet health care and social service needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County.

For more information about FoundCare visit www.foundcare.org or call 561-HEALTHY (432-5849).

Are you making smart business energy usage and saving decisions during the pandemic? Get tips, resources and a chance to win a $15,000 energy makeover from FPL

WHAT: Every industry has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to some capacity. Businesses in the office and retail space have been among the hardest hit.
Join Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) Director of Major & Governmental Accounts Andy Marin as he discusses ways to increase your “Energy IQ,” how to save on your next energy bill; understanding smart energy usage during the pandemic; and FPL’s free resources, solutions and more.


One lucky webinar attendee will win a $15,000 Business Energy Makeover courtesy of FPL.
WHO: FPL Director of Major & Governmental Accounts Andy Marin
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
COST: Free
WHERE: Register at https://www.bisnow.com/webinar/south-florida/florida-business-energy-update-making-smart-energy-usage-decisions-during-the-pandemic-6081
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristine Janata, [email protected], 305-448-7535