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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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 – 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” 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.
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
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.”
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
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
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,ortwitter.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.
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).
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
Her name is Mary Marder, and there’s a noticeable spring in her step. She’s clearly happy to be a representative for My Daily Choice, a multi-faceted company that sells hemp oil/CBD products. She’s a retired special education teacher with 32 years of teaching experience. And now she’s onto the next chapter of her life.
Mary Marder of My Daily Choice with her rescue dog Miss Independence
“I am a better version of myself since I joined this network marketing company. Their sole purpose is not sales…it’s personal growth and development,” says Marder. My Daily Choice offers free weekly trainings for an hour each week. Some of their trainers / speakers include: Bob Proctor (known for the Law of Attraction, author Eric Worre and founders Josh and Jenna Zwagil. “Last weekend we had our virtual convention, and the title was ‘Manifest 2020’ – last year’s focus was on mindset,” says Marder excitedly. “Next year’s title is ‘The Awakening.’”
“If it weren’t for My Daily Choice, I could be in tears right now,” says Marder, who experienced a lot of back soreness after a traumatic injury. “My spiritual development has
expanded, and now I willingly give and graciously receive.” My Daily Choice offers pure CBD oil; in fact, the FDA says My Daily Choice “has set the gold standard.”
I asked Mary Marder about the benefits of using hemp oil/ CBD oil. She explained that it allows the body to repair whatever system needs to be repaired: whether it’s neurological, cardio, reproductive or another system. When hemp oil/CBD oil is used consistently over time, the bodily system will start functioning at homeostasis, the optimal level of functioning. She explains, “Hemp and CBD help to restore, not just repair. Big Pharma just tries to alleviate our discomfort, while hemp and CBD restores them.”
Of course, there are a lot of misconceptions about using hemp/CBD oil. “A lot of people think it’s the same thing as THC,” says Marder. Actually, industrial hemp has less than .3% THC. Marder explains, “It’s just enough THC to create the entourage effect.” THC provides relief from symptoms only. With hemp and CBD (combined with a little THC) not only the symptoms will be relieved, but the body will start repairing itself.
My Daily Choice is a “house of different brands,” says Marder. Their first brand they introduced is called “My Daily Sprays,” oral sprays. These are all natural, containing no CBD and no THC. Their best seller now is called Trim 365 – which allows you to lose weight without being on a diet and without exercise. One of their new sprays, which definitely addresses this challenging time, is a combination of Vitamin C and Zinc spray. “One of my favorite sprays is the Shield, which has everything to build your immune system. I’ve been going for two years using the Shield plus taking CBD oil, with not even a sniffle,” says Marder.
Another brand that My Daily Choice offers is Mantra Essential Oils, therapeutic grade oils. You can apply them to your skin, in addition to diffusing them. Instead of applying directly to your skin, you would mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Essential oils include: lavender, Clary sage, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, frankincense. My Daily Choice also offers a private travel club, with a 24/7 concierge. You can join with a monthly or yearly membership. You can book trips around the world, including flights, rental cars and activities. There’s a travel referral program – High Life Travel Club. With each referral, they put money in your credit wallet for future travel. More recently, My Daily Choice just added another area – Crypto currency, bit coins, etc. CEO Josh Zwagil, partnered with Akashx, a very well regarded brand in the cryptocurrency world.
“Of course, our best-selling and fastest selling brand is HempWorx. It’s number one in the cannabis industry worldwide,” says Marder. On April 20th, which is known as National Pot Day, My Daily Choice’s HempWorx sold more than 5 million dollars’ worth of CBD oil.
Progress through HempWorx
In her 32 years as a special ed teacher, Marder worked closely with students who were on the autism spectrum. One 13-year old, autistic boy, who doesn’t usually speak and is easily agitated found that taking CBD oil can calm him and help him get along better in his family life. While Marder explains that the best way to take CBD oil is by putting drops under the tongue, this boy couldn’t do that. “We made a game of it,” she says. “I told his mother to put the drops in his belly button (2 or 3 times a day).” In fact, there’s a rich bundle of nerve endings at the belly button, only second in number to those outside of the brain. She got a phone call from the boy’s mother one evening. The mother was overjoyed, saying, “We just all sat for dinner.” In 13 years, he never sat for dinner until then. His mother reports that he’s doing well, his behavior is better, and his grades have improved.
Another customer had a horse who sustained an injury, after a nail went into the hoof the wrong way. A vet took the nail out. Even so, the horse could barely put his leg down. Marder gave her friend 750 mg of CBD oil with peppermint. “I told her to scrape the area, put a full dropper right in, and then wrap up the hoof. Also, I told her to put drops rubbed into his gums. And to do this three times per day.” The horse’s hoof healed quite quickly.
In addition to selling CBD oil, Marder considers herself a CBD oil coach. She checks up on her customers often. She reminds everyone to “always check with your doctor or your vet – to see if at least trying CBD oil will help you.” The HempWorx CBD oil is pure and has no added preservatives, she adds.
Marder finishes every message, whether it’s an email, a social media post, a live video with her main mantra, “Take Care of You.” It comes from her training with My Daily Choice. She always thinks about, “How do I want to leave this person?” And “what’s my overall message?”
She started out with no knowledge of business and admittedly knew nothing about CBD oil or hemp just as recently as two years ago. She’s been a special education teacher, a school administrator and a public servant, far removed from the business world. Marder was having sinus issues. “My friend Vicki called me and said to try this CBD oil. She told me to put a drop in each nostril.” And voila! Marder timed it, and 29 minutes later, she had no postnasal drip and could breathe through both nostrils. Due to a traumatic injury, she had not had a good night’s sleep in eight years. “I put a half of a dropper under my tongue and then slept for six hours, the most sleep she’d had in eight years. The next morning, she thought, “I’m in.” She also thought, “I need to pay it forward. I’m so blessed to have this relief mentally and physically.” By the 3rd day, she had control of her left arm and hand. “My left arm and hand were useless to me for 8 years, now I can use it again.”
Mary Marder is proud of her two adult sons, Frank (40) and John (37). Frank is an entrepreneur. After Hurricane Michael, a mega church sought out Frank to help build housing for the homeless. Frank buys used portable classrooms and offices; his team re-models and builds them out to be fully functional housing for the homeless. Her son John moved to Dallas two years ago. “He’s very well known in off road desert trophy truck racing. He’s raced the Baja 1000 many times, as well as the Las Vegas Mint. After co-driving with an owner of a Jeep dealership (who has high performance Jeeps, his friend created a whole department for John to manage – Starwood Motors High Performance. He also served his country as a Marine and with the Color Guard during GW Bush’s years.
“I have two beautiful granddaughters – Francesca (6) and Francina (1 ½).” Her dog Miss Independence takes CBD oil. She had extreme anxiety – after suffering from bad abuse. She takes CBD oil, half a drop every day. With every vet visit she’s getting better and calmer. “The vet is very pleased with her progress.”
Marder loves being a CBD coach. “I will initially send the customer a serving size chart. I will continue to talk with the customer until they find their sweet spot. It’s important to use the CBD oil correctly. You need to shake the bottle really well. Put the drops under your tongue. Call me when you need me.” She adds, “When you order a product, ‘You’re getting me too.’” And Marder is thrilled with how many new friends she’s made this way.
Mary enjoys giving back to the community. On a rotating basis she tithes funds to the Palm Beach County Special Olympics, Poplar Creek Cemetery in Athens, AL (as a member of their Board of Directors) and the Farmworkers Council of Palm Beach County.
About a year ago, Dr. Oz sent his investigative team out to check on five CBD oil companies. His conclusion? “Be sure you know and trust who you’re buying your CBD products from because it’s the Wild, Wild West out there.” Read the disclosure statements on Marder’s website (as listed below). And as Mary Marder would say, “Take care of you!”
Swank Farm Weekly Farmers Market Kicks off Saturday, October 3rd
Farm fresh lettuces, vegetables and wildflower bouquets, plus live music
and 25 local vendors every Saturday from 10am – 1pm
Celebrating Florida’s diverse agriculture out in the countryside, Swank Specialty Produce is kicking off their weekly Farmers Market on Saturday, October 3rd. The event will take place every Saturday in season from 10am – 1pm featuring farm fresh lettuces, vegetables, herbs and wildflower bouquets from Swank Farm, along with live music and fantasitc goods from 25 local vendors. Guests can enjoy socially distanced shopping under Swank Farm’s 8500-sq ft open-air pole barn rain or shine.
The diverse vendors will offer something for everyone including fresh fish and seafood, organic meats and eggs, gourmet cheeses, homemade pasta, decadent baked goods and breads, delicious prepared foods, imported oils and vinegars, teas, ice cream, flavored honey, jellies and jams, an assortment of plants, succulents and orchids, and much more.
The Swanks of Swank Farm
The Swank Farm Market is family friendly and service dogs are welcome. Masks are required, and the Swanks request that everyone please respect social distancing while shopping. Onsite parking is free and convenient.
Swank Specialty Produce: Founded by Jodi and Darrin Swank, Swank Specialty Produce is a hydroponic farm that has become regionally famous for their 350 varieties of impeccable pesticide-free vegetables, edible flowers and micro-greens. The 20-acre farm also features an expansive pole barn and stage where they host a free weekly farmers market with 25 local vendors, as well as all-inclusive ticketed dining experiences showcasing chefs from around the country. The farm is also available for private events and weddings.
