New Virtual Arts Series Viewers Can Enjoy from Home
Perfect for Housebound Arts Aficionados of All Ages
(Delray Beach, FL – April 1, 2020) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced that the nonprofit organization is launching From Our HeARTS to Your Homes, a new virtual series that arts fans can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The series will roll out over the next month, first to Arts Garage newsletter subscribers and then to the general public via Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
Matt Brown
From Our HeARTS to Your Homes will include live musical performances, arts education classes, poetry and comedy, featuring some amazing young performers, such as Matt Brown, Brandii Edwards, Indigo Dreams, and Valerie White. Viewers will also have access to exclusive interviews, blogs, and more.
“This new series is our response to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused many businesses and arts institutions to temporarily close their doors, including Arts Garage,” says Waldo. “But we refuse to let this virus stop the music and art, which can be truly transformative, giving us joy and hope and helping to heal all that is broken. If ever there has been a time for healing, it’s right now.
“Best of all—this series is FREE. No ticket purchase is necessary to enjoy it,” she adds. “Every artist has donated their time and talent working with Arts Garage to keep our patrons close and energized by the magic of the ARTs. This is our way to serve the community that has supported this venue for so long by connecting people to the world through the arts—even if it is from the comfort of their own couches—as Arts Garage brings them some of the biggest-heARTed performers ever.”
To enjoy this new virtual series, just subscribe to the Arts Garage newsletter
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33483). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
Wellington Supports Seniors & At-Risk Residents
during COVID-19 Epidemic
Wellington is working with local senior groups to help residents ages 60 and over, access important services and care, during these difficult times.
Village staff is coordinating with the Wellington Cares Foundation, The Wellington Community Foundation, the Wellington Senior Club, and Wellington Interfaith Council Inc. to notify Village seniors about services ranging from prescription and grocery delivery to transportation and free meals.
Services available for Wellington Senior Residents ONLY, Ages 60 +:
Pre-Paid Prescription Pickup and Delivery Local (Within Wellington Area)
Pre-Ordered and Paid Groceries Pickup and Delivery Local (Within Wellington Area)
Senior Transportation Program Expanded to Unlimited rides in Wellington (to the doctor’s office, grocery store or pharmacy only)
Wellington is also working collectively with the Interfaith Council to provide food bags (non-perishable items) ready for delivery to seniors who do not have access to the internet or are unable to order food on-line.
To learn more about these services, call:
Wellington’s Senior Call Center – 561-791-4796
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM -5:00 PM
Wellington’s Senior Services staff has reached out to more than 620 seniors by phone to offer Senior Call center information. They have also notified 612 seniors about the call center, through the Village’s Emergency Notification System, AlertWellington. Staff is sending daily email updates on senior-related COVID-19 issues.
They have also worked with the Village of Wellington Senior Club to send out an emergency Golden Banner to all 620 members notifying them about the senior call center.
For information, situation updates, and the latest news about Coronavirus, please refer to the CDC’s designated Coronavirus webpage.
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.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Go WILD! Palm Beach Zoo Virtually Bringing the Zoo to You
Zoo Launches PBZ-TV on Facebook and Instagram weekdays at 10 AM
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – March 27, 2020 – Since the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is temporarily closed to the public, the beloved West Palm Beach connection to wildlife is giving you a chance to stay in touch with your favorite fuzzy, feathered and scaly friends virtually. The Zoo is launching PBZ-TV, a weekday series of videos posted on its facebook and Instagram pages at 10 AM Monday through Friday, beginning March 30.
PBZ-TV viewers will see exclusive footage featuring some of the most colorful and animated characters at the Zoo, including Darla, the Southern ground hornbill, and Priscilla, the African crested porcupine. These curious creatures will be exploring the Zoo and checking on the other animals too. The Zoo will provide rare and engaging content throughout the week, including an episodic series that unfolds over several weeks.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this unique time. For many in our area, the Zoo is a connection to nature and wildlife in their own backyard, which is important in times like these,” said Margo McKnight, president and CEO of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. “As always, our zoologists are taking the very best care of the animals, and we know you miss seeing them, so we created a virtual way for you to check in on them until our gates are open.”
In addition to videos, supplemental materials and quizzes will be available on the Palm Beach Zoo website and linked to the social media posts.
PBZ-TV will air weekdays at 10AM starting Monday, March 30.
About Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
For more than 50 years, Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society has provided visitors with up-close and personal animal encounters that connect people to wildlife. Palm Beach Zoo guests explore a WILD ecosystem thriving on 23 lush, tropical acres while discovering hundreds of exotic animals. Visitors enjoy interactive animal experiences, nature and water play, a lakeside cafe and daily Zoologist-led educational programs. The Zoo offers camp, overnights, field trips, outreach to underserved communities and proudly hosts highly-attended annual events. Palm Beach Zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plan® programs, ensuring healthy animal populations for rare and endangered species. One dollar from every ticket purchased at the Zoo goes directly to support conservation initiatives. The impact of a visit to Palm Beach Zoo extends beyond the gates, inspiring people to take action and save wildlife in wild places. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
Takeout, catering, delivery and curbside pick-up available April 7-9
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (March 27, 2020) – While this year’s Passover observance might be a solo Seder instead of a big, traditional gathering of friends and family, there’s no reason to skip the customary Passover meal when TooJay’s Deli can prepare it for you.
TooJay’s is offering the options of convenient takeout, catering,delivery and new curbside pick-up at its restaurants throughout Florida. In-restaurant dining is currently prohibited by health and government authorities as part of COVID-19 precautions.
Ushering in the holiday, the first Seder is celebrated on the evening of Wednesday, April 8.Guests are encouraged to call their local TooJay’s in advance to place their orders, inquire about takeout, curbside pick-up, catering and delivery options for Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, and confirm the restaurant’s hours of operation. Curbside pick-up is available on pre-paid orders through the TooJay’s website or Delicious Rewards app. Delivery is also available through DoorDash or Delivery Dudes. To order online, visit toojays.com/order-now.
Matzo Ball Soup
TooJay’s special Passover menu features holiday favorites rich in culinary tradition, including light and fluffy matzo ball soup, lean and tender brisket of beef, and herb roasted half chicken. Classic matzah ball and chicken soups are available by the quart and an array of accompaniments are offered by the pound or unit, including mushroom gravy, mini potato pancakes, carrot tzimmes, chopped liver and gefilte fish.
Freshly baked, flourless Passover desserts from TooJay’s famous bakery include made-from-scratch almond cake and coconut or chocolate macaroons.
Founded in 1981, TooJay’s has grown to 30 restaurants and currently serves guests in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the Treasure Coast, the West Coast of Florida, the Orlando area and The Villages.
TooJay’s received three Palm Beach Post 2020 Best of Palm Beach County Awards for Best Sandwich, Best Dessert and Best Caterer; 2020 Best of Orlando Award for Deli; the 2019 South Florida Gay News Golden Spoon Award for Outstanding New Spot in Fort Lauderdale; and the 2019 Restaurant Neighbor Award as a State Winner from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for its work with Feeding Florida.
Interview with Palm Beach County Food Bank Executive Director on 4/1/20
Exec. Director of the Palm Beach County Food Bank Karen Errin is interviewed by Krista Martinelli, Editor of AroundWellington.com. This video took place on 4/1/2020, the day the stay-at-home order was announced for Florida due to COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.pbcfoodbank.org/
A Slice of Heaven: An interview with the phenomenal Americana Jones Band
By Denise Marsh
Definition Recognition:
If you Google “Americana music” it states that “it is the contemporary music that incorporates elements of various, mostly acoustic American roots, rock, folk, gospel and blue grass.” While the definition satisfies our background knowledge, it falls short of evoking the passion that goes with their “sound,” the sound of Americana Jones.
Nevertheless, as a HUGE fan of this band (which I have seen almost a dozen times), I was honored to have the chance to interview them.
Americana Jones on stage.
LEADERS OF THE PACK: The interview
I have seen Americana Jones many times at Village Music Café in Wellington, but this time I was going to a new location and venue. We met at a place called Brewhouse Gallery in Lake Park, Florida. Brewhouse is not only a place for live music but also home to many local artists. If you sit at the bar you can see an eclectic array of artwork ranging from sea turtles to Jimmy Hendrix. There is also a separate room called “the game room” and at the bar, they serve many special brews of beer. I was able to interview the band prior to their performance that night.
The band Americana Jones with writer Denise Marsh (in pink).
We gathered at a round table to begin the process. The band’s members include: Al Johnson (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo and Harmonica), Cori Spring (Vocals), Ron Harbison (Lead Guitar and Vocals). Then there is Jerry Evans (Keyboards and Vocals), Mike Barker (Bass Guitar and Vocals), and last but DEFINITELY not least is their very humble and amazing drummer Leonard Townsend. It was extremely comfortable, sort of like sitting in your best friend’s living room. Cori and Jerry were interviewed later in the evening due to other commitments, yet I enjoyed my separate “mini interviews” with both of them.
As I interviewed them I didn’t just hear the “words” and their “comments” but I felt this intense feeling of love and admiration- a sense of pride they felt in each other. The band members would either talk over each other’s words (to compliment each other) or interrupt (in a gentle way) to build on each other’s stories. They had many, many, many stories to share. Someday maybe I will do another article sharing some of their stories. But, for now I will do my best not to be verbose…
AW: Who came up with the patriotic name for the band?
Americana Jones (‘AJ’): (Mike spoke for the band and stated:)
“We tossed around names. Ron asked for help from friends in Nashville. The ‘Jones’ part was a tribute to the late and great George Jones. I found out that he was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Jones’ most memorable song was ‘He stopped loving her today.’”
AW: How did you all meet?
AJ: (Mike explained that Lenny, Al, and Ron all have a legal background:) “When Al worked for Palm Beach Ethics committee, Ron happened to be one of the five commissioner that was hired to be on the Grand Jury Ethics Commission. There was a Bar Association Talent show in January of 2011 to support the Honorable Peter Evans, a 30 year judge. Al and Ron practiced for the show. They jammed together every Sunday and the band was born.”
AW: What makes your particular band stand out from the rest?
AJ: (Ron says jokingly)
“I am the troublemaker.” (Al added:) “There are absolutely no egos with us. We work as a team. We always laugh and continue to support each other.” (It was like watching an episode of Family Feud where everyone “chips in their 2 cents to get the correct answer or one that will fit the team perfectly) (Al piggybacked, adding:) “We love Cori. We tease her. We tell her that we are her ‘surrogate brothers’. We are very protective of her feelings. She has truly grown in confidence and has come into her own in an amazing way. We are very proud of her! We worked hard practicing vocals together and now she is flourishing. She takes on more and more risks every time that she performs.”
AW: Tell me about one of your songs that is very significant to you all.
AJ:(Ron jumped on the question eagerly:) “I wrote an original song called ‘Better Man’ about raising five sons. I have 16 grandchildren (he said with a smile as bright as a Christmas tree) ranging from ages 36-50. I wanted to tell people what it was like with emotions and also humor.”
AW: How do you choose your song list? Do you all choose or just a select few?
AJ: (Ron, Mike and Al all pretty much completed each other’s sentences:)
“We stick to a lot of songs that people can connect to and with. But, we also like to keep it fresh. We get great demos from Nashville. Plus, our kids write.” (Al speaks up proudly:) “My son wrote a very whimsical song with the lyrics, ‘what goes up, must stay up.’ We play that song a lot – the audience gets a kick out of it … it kind of sounds like a Viagra commercial! We try to keep a sense of variety by performing songs from classics, favorites and then throwing in some new songs. Sometimes, we get inspiration and challenge each other to sing a popular song or a song that we think we’d like to try. The audience seems to love ‘Wagon Wheel’ and also ‘When You Say Nothing at All.’ Ron is our ‘Professor of Musicology.’”
AW: What are your greatest strengths as a band?
AJ.: (All eyes are on each other, waiting to see who will speak up first. Al and Mike (almost simultaneously) chime in:) “I just know that whatever feeling is conveyed, it will be reciprocated by all of the members of the band.” “We all suck as agents” (Al and Mike say laughing) “We like to be in the moment, have great material, and a love for the music – we make sure that it shows when we play!”
The comfy Brewhouse Gallery in Lake Park, FL where the interview took place.
AW: Is this a side band a “side hustle” for the majority of you?
AJ: (Al speaks up vehemently:) “I would quite my day job and do music full time if I could. It would actually be a levitating experience.” (Al is currently Chief Assistant to State Attorney Dave Aronberg. Mike is a retired firefighter and was a paramedic for the Boca Fire Department. Ron is a retired Forensic C.P.A. He says:) “My job now is to have fun.”
(Al continues to define everyone’s positions:) “Lenny still practices law and works in real estate.” (Lenny was extremely quiet and reflective during the interview. He didn’t want a lot of attention on him, but spoke highly of his great respect and admiration for the band. I took his “cue” to interview the other band members. He mostly served as a liaison and a great communicator if I needed to get any facts straight for this article.) “Cori, one of our lead singers, is a Bartender at Banana Boat in West Palm Beach. She is also a single mom of a 17 year old. Jerry, the keyboard player, is semi-retired and works for the School District of Palm Beach County. He works for food services and is passionate about his job.”
AW: Where do you all find inspiration for your songs?
AJ: (Mike responds promptly:) “We have different places. Our children actually provide good material. We also draw from personal experiences.” (Ron adds:) “I read a lot about Blues and Jazz and the poetry of lyrics – it all helps.”
AW: What does the future look like for Americana Jones?
AJ: (Ron and Mike speak almost simultaneously:)
“We have a momentum going on. We have a following” (he winks at me, acknowledging that I am a huge groupie!) “We have had an incredible time performing at The Brewhouse’s ‘Writers in the Round’ as well as Wellington’s Village Music. It has been an extremely rewarding experience, supporting local businesses and their efforts to promote live music. We would like to do more outdoor concerts and expand our audience.”
AW: What is the message you want to evoke to your audience?
A.J: (Al, Ron, and Mike gave their response with a “team effort”:)
“It is about moving people and having them reacquaint with things that they love. And to include different decades – everything from Tom Petty to Smokey Robinson. Our goals include the following:
To have fun
Play for BIG crowds
Play music that people don’t often hear about
To stick together. The longer we are together the stronger we become.”
Part 2 of the Interview
Jerry Evans and Cori Spring arrived at the end of the interview due to other commitments. Both members of the band managed to add a very special “touch” to our earlier interview.
Jerry Evans is the band’s charismatic Keyboard player. I was able to pull him aside prior to his performance that night and speak to him briefly before he went to play with the band.
AW: What is your favorite part about playing with the band?
AJ: “It is nothing but fun, even when we make mistakes…I am one of the newest guys in the band, and everyone has been so friendly! Basically, (smiling proudly) you get to a certain maturity where you can stop feeling pressured about the outcome and you just learn to have fun. We all get along very well and so that takes the pressure off all situations. I was welcomed from the very beginning.”
AW: Tell me something else unique and special to the band.
AJ: “We have started to pass around an ‘Americana Jones placemat’ for the people at our venues to sign. It gets circulated throughout the venue. The placemat helps our fans ‘take in a part of the experience’. We keep these placemats to commemorate special memories. Our audiences always find new ways to connect with us and that is the special part of playing for the public.”
An Americana Jones placemat.
Cori Spring on vocals was able to give me a few minutes of her time as well.
AW: Tell me about your background in singing.
AJ: “This is the only band that I know. I did musical theater growing up. I worked with a band called the Samantha Russell Band because they needed help. Then I ended up helping with practice singing in Ron’s living room and never left.”
AW: What is your favorite song to sing?
AJ: “Definitely ‘Into the Mystic’ by Van Morrison. I found my voice and my confidence with this band. I take more risks now. I feel stronger with each performance and the band members helped me do that – they fueled my self-confidence.” (she continues:)
“We are like family. I love that we have no drama. We all respect each other. Our band has come a long way musically. The male member of the band are like my ‘surrogate brothers’. We have learned to do a variety of songs and are still constantly bringing new songs to the band. Some songs take longer than others. But, we give a song a try to see if it will fit our style.”
It’s never really over until you’ve had your own “slice of heaven.”
If you have the opportunity to see Americana Jones perform, jump on it! You will be moved and transported by their generous spirit and amazing sound. I have become a groupie, as well as a few of my friends. Simply put, this band makes you feel good inside and you will be coming back for seconds again and again. For more information, see their website or follow them on Facebook.
We are all experiencing a challenging, unpredictable, and anxious moment in our history, both locally and nationally. The news and updates are coming faster than we can keep up with them, and every one of us is affected in some way. As we navigate this challenge, we, as a community, can lean on our strength: working together. Let’s continue doing our part to support one another, to stay safe, and to save lives.
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus/COVID-19 has changed our way of life in ways that we have never experienced before. Wellington Emergency Officials have been monitoring the outbreak and its progression very closely. We will continue taking all necessary measures and precautions to protect the health and well-being of our residents as we navigate through this extraordinary situation. Things have moved quickly, and the pandemic is affecting our community in unprecedented ways.
Although this is a very serious matter, there is no cause for panic. If we all continue to follow federal and local health recommendations, this too shall pass.
During this challenging and unprecedented time, your community is here for you. Despite recent changes in operations, like the closure of all Village parks and facilities, Village staff continue working to provide essential services. They will continue to work behind the scenes, serving you online at wellingtonfl.gov and via phone at 561-791-4000.
Do your part to slow the spread of the Coronavirus. Even if you are young, or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others. Please help our community lead by example. Don’t leave your home unless you absolutely have to. Wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face. If you have any flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor and the Florida Department of Health.
We are lucky that we have the internet as a means to stay informed and connected to each other. Use it to reach out to friends and family. Staying home now can help us save lives. We all need to work together to flatten the curve. Continue to stay informed by watching the news.
If you haven’t done so already, visit the Village’s Coronavirus Update & Information web page at wellingtonfl.gov/Coronavirus. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Sign up for Nextdoor.
These are tough times for neighbors everywhere. We’re working from home, home-schooling children, sharing cramped living spaces, caring for a sick family member, or all of the above. And many people are experiencing much more difficult situations than this. Treat your neighbors with compassion. Remember that we are all in this together—now more than ever. Our community is strong and our best asset is our people. We will all get through this together.
She accomplished many great things on her own and had three significant love stories with some of Hollywood’s greats. She was briefly married to Al Jolson’s son, then to TV producer David Levy and then had a long-term relationship with comic Red Buttons. As a former Rockette, classically trained singer and model, Victoria Jolson is happy to be out of the limelight now and living in South Florida. She wrote an autobiography, titled “Beneath the Laughter.”
“Beneath the Laughter,” Victoria Jolson’s book, available on Amazon
“The title of the book just came to me, like a lightning bolt,” says Jolson. “It began as a book really focused on the comedians – Red Buttons, Phyllis Diller, Milton Berle, thus the laughter.” One of Victoria’s best friends was Phyllis Diller and another great friend was Milton Berle.
She took a break from college at the University of Alabama in 1965 to become one of the Rockettes in NYC. “But you’re never just a Rockette for one year. I had my first dance lesson at 3 years old, performed up until my teens, and had performed many years of dance leading up to it.” Jolson was the youngest in the dance troupe and the only one from the South. “I became the mascot Rockette,” she writes, thanking the older girls for taking her under their wings.
Jolson was an accomplished singer. She sang at Carnegie Hall. She sang for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. At the pinnacle of her singing career, she sang at the National Theatre in London. Founded by Laurence Olivier, the National Theatre is “where everything great debuted,” says Jolson. President Jimmy Carter sent her a bouquet of flowers that evening. What was notable was that Jolson was the only American to ever perform there. “And Albert Finney drove me home,” recalls Jolson.
I asked Jolson during which period she was the happiest whether it was with Al Jolson Junior, with TV producer David Levy or later with Red Buttons. “Every one of them was happy in different way,” she says. She had her daughter Kate with Al. She then raised Kate with David and they worked to get her to ballet, tennis and piano lessons. David Levy was the Creator of The Addams Family, the President of Programming at NBC, and Executive Director of the Caucus for Producers, Writers’ and Directors and held many more roles throughout the years.
She continues, “With Red, it was very glamorous – it was glamour on steroids. Plus it was very funny!” Red and Victoria sort of “lived his life,” according to Victoria. They never married, and they were best friends. They had previously run together as a foursome, with Red’s wife Alicia and Victoria’s husband David. Both spouses passed away within months of each other. Not knowing what else to do, Victoria brought a cake over to Red. He had let his hair go white, which Victoria reacted to instantly, pleading with him to fix it. They had been friends for 25 years. “Red had many different groups of friends – everyone would invite him. I was in awe,” she says. Thanks to Red, Victoria hobnobbed with Bill Clinton, Milton Berle, Liza Minelli and many others. It was old Hollywood, and every moment of it was exciting.
Jolson comes across as a genuinely happy person. I asked her about how she faces the more challenging times in life. “You’ll find difficult times are in everything you do. I like to say, ‘The higher you go, the lower you have to go.’ You find it in everything – just like you find joy in everything.”
She is truly a Southern girl with her roots in Alabama. “I believe that being from the South is a mindset. There’s a gentility and an elegance about the South, which matched up very well with my time in London,” says Jolson. She had three strong women role models in Anniston, Alabama – the first was Zenobia King Hill, her dance instructor, who was President of Dance Masters of America. It was Zenobia who arranged for Jolson to privately audition for the Rockettes. She was a strong positive force in Jolson’s life. The second was Macy Harwell, head of the modeling in Anniston, Alabama. “I got signed because of her. I got to do lots of commercials. So much fun! The pay was amazing.” My mother was the third strong role model. “She was one of the only women I knew who actually worked in the 50’s by choice. She was a great mother to my sister and me.”
Being a fan of these three comedians, I wanted to know what they were really like. I asked Victoria about Phyllis Diller, Milton Berle and Red Buttons. “Phyllis was one of my closest friends. She was a devoted mother, loved her children. Also, she was a concert level pianist, a brilliant pianist. She performed with the Symphony of the Americas. She performed with Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese, who has been putting on performances at the Broward Center for 30 years. Phyllis was a serious woman with a very, very funny side.”
And Milton Berle? “He was wonderful. He loved his wife and when she died, I felt so sorry for him. I fixed him up with my mother. He took one look at her and said, ‘Hello mama, come to Papa.’ He was so funny and a terrific friend. “
And Red Buttons? “At home, Red was as serious as the next person. He had insomnia from being in show business all those years – with vaudeville, Broadway, burlesque. He would be energized from doing a show and stay up all night afterwards. Due to the insomnia, he became an avid reader of very serious books, substantial books. He was also a great actor. He won an academy award for Sayonara.” Jolson writes about how Red would write his comic material on notecards on the way to events, not speaking a word on the way. Then he was able to transform and bring the whole house down with laughter.
Daughter Kate Jolson and grandchildren Aaron and Stephanie.
Another area that Jolson was thrown into was the world of professional tennis. Jolson’s daughter Kate was on the Beverly Hills High School tennis team. She was getting noticed for her excellent form and competitiveness. “Any mother of a top athlete will tell you that these kids really work. She would finish school and she would be on the court as many as 8 hours a day. She loved it – she was never miserable. It was her favorite thing to do.” Kate earned a top university scholarship to the school of her choice, UCLA. She was also offered scholarships to about 40 of the top schools in the country. Princeton, Columbia, U. of Alabama, Vanderbilt and others. “My job was to book the coaches. I booked the tournaments.” There was a lot of coordinating to do. Kate’s best friend was Maria Sharapova. Maria was 10 years old when Kate, a few years older, met her. They practiced together under “the greatest coach in the history of tennis Robert Lansdorp,” according to Jolson. Kate and Maria hit together for a long time, up until Maria won Wimbledon.
Victoria and Kate Jolson. Photo: Sun-Sentinel.
Since then, Kate was a reporter for Fox 17 News Nashville. Although she loved it, she gave up the stressful world of news reporting and became a devoted mother of two. Today she’s a tennis coach at San Diego Jewish Academy, coaching men’s and women’s teams.
While Kate lives in San Diego, Victoria lives in South Florida. Originally, Victoria left Beverly Hills and came to Florida when her daughter Kate got a job here. Red had passed away. But the real reason Victoria stayed in Florida was Burt Reynolds. “I was in Burt Reynolds’ Master Class – we met every Friday night, approximately ten of us. It was the most wonderful time. Everybody had been on Broadway or been in show business.” As an aside, Jolson says that Burt Reynolds read her book twice and loved it.
Today the break-neck pace of life has slowed down a bit for Jolson. But she’s still very active and very happy to have two grandchildren (in San Diego) Stephanie and Aaron. She’s working on a second book.
Jolson explains that her family are the only ones left to carry on the Jolson name. So they decided to create the Al Jolson Humanitarian Award in 2014 to keep his name alive. The winners have been: Connie Francis, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, Burt Reynolds and Quincy Jones. https://jolson.org/man/left/memorials/humanitarian/award.html There’s an Al Jolson Society, also working to keep his legacy alive. “We visited Al Jolson’s tomb, and it’s the largest tomb you’ll ever see. Bigger than Grant’s tomb.” Recently a street in front of Winter Garden Park in NYC was re-named Al Jolson Way. Another way he is commemorated – Jolson has his own stamp. “Jolson made people happy,” says Victoria Jolson. “In a way that no one else could.”
Some people just love the benefit of working out from home whilst others couldn’t think of anything worse. So what type of gym is best for you to achieve your personal fitness goals?
Your decision literally depends on many personal factors – your personality, convenience, cost, efficiency, value, time and motivation.
Below are a few factors to maybe take into consideration to find out what might be best for you.
Convenience
It is believed that if you have to travel more than 4 miles to get to the gym then you will probably only make it once a month. So if there is not one on your doorstep it might not be worth the investment. Lousy weather, gym hours or closures can also be a factor in dissuading you from going as regularly as you should. A home based gym cuts out all of those road blocks, as you pretty much can train whenever and for as long as you want.
Cost
Obviously the cost of a membership will vary depending on the type of gym you choose. You can also be tied up to a yearly or quarterly commitment and prices will often increase yearly. The investment needed for a home gym can initially be expensive but as time goes on value for money improves, especially if you invest in high-quality equipment. The fact that home equipment it not being used by multiple users will also ensure longevity.
Motivation
One of the major benefits of a gym membership is the motivation and accountability it offers. Working out along side like-minded people and with professional instructors is invaluable when it comes to achieving your goals. It is obviously no secret that the majority of people find it extremely hard to workout alone. Fortunately though, there are training plans, apps and family members that could help fill that gap.
Social Aspect
A group setting definitely boosts motivation, improves performance and can often reduce the chance of injuries. It is also a great place to meet people and build lasting friendships. Working out alone at home can be lonely and for beginners injuries may be higher due to poor knowledge of technique and form. Today’s digital training systems can track progress and include you in a virtual class as well as giving you the benefit of correct instructions with regard to technique.
Space
Of course most commercial gyms are not at a shortage for space. Not only will they provide a large amount of cardio and weight training equipment but they will often have a studio for group fitness classes, a cycling studio and even a small boxing ring. Many clubs also boast a sauna or steam room, massage rooms, child care and even a pool. Home gyms are obviously limited on space and therefore this inhibits the variety of equipment on offer for your workouts. Space-savers such as wall-mounted equipment is a must for a home gym.
So lots of pros and cons for both, taking into account all of the above means at least you can make an informed decision and choose the right path for your personality and fitness goals. There is no wrong path; except not choosing either!
Palm Health Foundation Extends Let’s Move Campaign to Promote Physical Activity During COVID-19
West Palm Beach, Fla.– Palm Health Foundation has extended its month-long Let’s Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge beyond its original end date of March 31, 2020. Emphasizing the importance of exercise for good physical and mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak, the foundation is continuing the campaign through May 31, 2020.
The foundation encourages Palm Beach County residents to set a goal of at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day,every day and to log minutes on the Let’s Move website at www.letsmovepbc.org. With gym closures and restrictions on group activities due to COVID-19, the foundation and its partners are sharing exercise tips and creating virtual opportunities for residents to keep moving on its facebook page at www.facebook.com/PalmHealthFoundation.
Staying active during a time of anxiety is important for physical and mental health. Research shows that exercise supports immune systems lowering risk for infection. It can also benefit mental health by lifting moods, reducing stress and improving sleep. Finding the motivation for exercise in a time of crisis can be challenging, but there are many ways people can incorporate movement into their new daily routines:
Schedule a time each day for 30 minutes of exercise. Put a reminder on your phone to alert you when it’s time to get moving.
Find free online workouts. Many fitness apps are offering free classes during COVID-19. FitOn is one example for a variety of workouts for every level.
Incorporate movement into other activities. Walk during conference calls or exercise while watching TV.
Connect with a friend through ZOOM or Facetime and work out together.
Take walks or bike rides, keeping a safe distance from others in public places.
Ask family members and friends to join you in committing to Let’s Move and motivate each other. Create competitions for most minutes or most consecutive days exercising.
“Staying active now is more important than ever to boost our mental health and strengthen our physical health,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “We’re all feeling the stress of COVID-19 and the challenge it has brought to our daily lives. Let’s Move is a way to keep our community connected and committed to staying healthy.”
Let’s Move sponsors include Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Valley Bank and Wisehaupt, Bray Asset Management.
About Palm Health Foundation 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.
