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Recycling Guidelines in Palm Beach County

Bryan Hayes
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Recycling Guidelines in Palm Beach County

Recycling Guidelines in Palm Beach County

By Bryan Hayes

It is business as usual in Palm Beach County!

Recycle away.   

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) is collecting, sorting, and selling blue and yellow bin recyclables from Palm County residents through brokers and factories, that use the recyclables as raw materials.  

 

What makes the SWA recycling program unique is the two-bin system with the yellow bin used for paper and cardboard and the blue bin used for plastic, glass and metal food containers smaller than two gallons.  The benefit of the two-bin system is less contamination, which equates to a more desirable product for buyers.  

 

Each year, the SWA processes more than 90,000 tons of blue and yellow bin recyclables.

By recycling, natural resources are able to be reclaimed that would otherwise be wasted.  Recycling an aluminum can is much more efficient than creating a new can from bauxite ore.  Recycling also diverts waste from the landfill. In Palm Beach County, most of the household waste is burned to generate electricity, and the ashes are landfilled.  By recycling, we are extending the life of the landfill. Additionally, it’s good for the economy, because it provides revenue to Palm Beach County cities. When the SWA sells recyclables to recyclers, SWA is able to recover processing costs and then split the money with each city within the county.  

 

The biggest issue for the SWA two-bin recycling system is plastic bags and plastic film wrappers.  Plastic bags should never go into either of the blue or yellow recycling bins as they can do damage to the recycling equipment, which ultimately costs taxpayers.  In 2014 alone, it is estimated that 14 million plastic bags and film went through the SWA’s recycling facility.  

 

For proper recycling, please keep all bags including garbage bags, sandwich bags, and shipping bags out of the recycling bins.  Other alternatives include reusing the bags or taking them back to the grocer so it may be recycled through their program.  

 

The entire SWA recycling program hinges on Palm Beach County residents recycling correctly.  Putting the wrong items into the recycling bins can cause havoc at the SWA’s recycling center.  Not only is equipment damaged by plastic bags, but also cords, Christmas lights, and hoses. Also of note, greasy cardboard and food-stained paper plates contaminate clean paper both at the SWA’s facility as well as the pulp processor, making it harder to recycle.  Chemical containers and batteries can also start fires in the facility.

 

While it may feel like doing the right thing, if there is doubt – throw it out!  It does more damage than good putting non-recyclable items into either of the bins.  

 

SWA also has more than 250 community cardboard dumpsters throughout Palm Beach County for residents to take their oversized cardboard to for recycling.  

 

Be mindful to not only recycle, but also to recycle right.  For more information, and details on what can – and just as importantly, what cannot be recycled, please visit:

 

https://swa.org/RecycleRight.

 

Hall of Heroes

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Hall of Heroes

GUESTS MARVEL AT SUPERHEROES AT THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM!

“Hall of Heroes” Now Open through April 2020

 

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Superheroes are strengthening young minds at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium (SFSCA) with this fall’s Blockbuster exhibit, Hall of Heroes.  Now open through April 19, 2020, the exhibit celebrates and explores the history and science behind America’s fascination with favorite characters and their impact on popular culture throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Students Jaily Bravo Soto, left, and Lorena Salazar from Palmetto Elementary School in West Palm Beach try out being super hero comic book characters during the opening of the Hall of Heroes exhibit at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Sept. 20. The exhibit, which runs through April 19, 2020, features life-sized characters from comics and films alongside interactive science displays allowing guests to discover their own “superpowers” through tests of grip strength, agility, coordination and the powers of the mind. The exhibit is included with general admission to the Science Center. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. (Photo courtesy South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.)

During the opening day September 20, VIPs, local school children and guests toured the event, exploring the Hall of Heroes with childlike wonder.

 

“In our mission to open every mind to science, we strive through our exhibits to make sure learning is fun,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “Hall of Heroes is the perfect way to get kids to find out more about the physics and chemistry behind superpowers like thermodynamics and X-ray vision as well as the history behind the heroes. Science and imagination go together to help us advance and shape our future.”

 

The original Batmobile from the 1969 TV show – the first one to fly! – is welcoming travelers at the Palm Beach International Airport while stars like Wonder Woman, Iron Man and the Hulk greet Science Center guests.

 

Visitors can discover their own superpowers through tests of grip strength, agility, coordination and the powers of the mind. Visitors are sorted into one of the four disciplines that are the basis for all superpowers. Powers of the Body analyzes strength, sight, flight and speed. Powers of Mastery explores tactical analysis. The Gadgets section will show how modern scientists and inventors are developing specialized tools. The Elements deals with the manipulation of water, electricity, earth and fire.

 

The rich history of heroes is broken down into the Golden, Silver, Bronze and Modern Ages of comics., ranging from the late 1930s to present day. Those who visit the exhibit develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and explore new concepts through discovery.

 

In addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor SFSCA venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world.

 

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Hall of Heroes is included in general admission to the SFSCA, at $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.

 

For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.

 

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Expansion of Senior Programs in Wellington

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Expansion of Senior Programs in Wellington

Wellington’s Community Services Announces
Expansion of Senior Programs


Wellington’s Community Services Department continues to expand its senior programming. Programs offered range from health and wellness to recreational activities and are offered at either the Wellington Community Center (located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd) or Village Park (located at 11700 Pierson Road).  Classes take place Monday through Friday; hours may vary.

We would like to thank our program sponsors, Baptist Health South Florida and Florida Blue, who have made it possible for the Village to offer a wide variety of complimentary programs for our Wellington Seniors.

For class times and registration information, please visit Wellington’s website at wellingtonfl.gov/seniors or pick up a flyer at the Senior Lounge (located in the Community Center). Preregistration is required to attend all programs. To register for a class or inquire about program sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jenifer Brito at 561-791-4796.

 

Complimentary Programs Programs with a Fee
Work of Art Bingo
Ki-Waza AARP Smart Driving
Diabetes Self-Management Watercolor
Feel Good Fridays Zumba Gold
Senior Symposium Lunch & Learns Zumba Gold Chair
Senior Health Fair Senior Aerobics
Technology Class  
AARP Smart DriverTEK  
Powerful Tools for Caregiving  

 

Wellington thanks its Healthy Partners: Wellington Regional Medical Center, Palms West Hospital, and Humana for sponsoring the Village’s Senior events and programs.

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.

Inaugural fine art show debuts november 2-3 at palm beach county convention center

Colton Kersey
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Inaugural fine art show debuts november 2-3 at palm beach county convention center

Inaugural Fine Art Show Debuts November 2-3 at Palm Beach County Convention Center 

Charity partners are Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, Armory Art Center,

and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

In 2018, Ingrid Robinson launched Artists & Charities Hand in Hand with a small art exhibition and sale as a way to help raise funds for the Constance & David Blacher Children’s Special Needs Program. The show was a success, so Robinson took it a step further and organized a second show at the Lighthouse Point Yacht and Racquet Club, this time benefitting the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. The two events were so successful that for her third charitable art show, Robinson has decided to triple the size, triple the impact, and triple the number of beneficiaries, as the organization debuts its inaugural fine art event.

Artists & Charities

Artists & Charities

Palm Beach County Convention Center

November 2-3

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Our mission is to partner worthwhile charities with talented artists to collectively share the joy of art and culture with as many people as we can,” said Robinson. “Let’s face it – a lot of artists struggle to earn a living even though they have such incredible talent; and so many nonprofits are in need of important funds to continue their mission in the community. So, if this event can help both groups achieve some of those goals, I’d say it’s a grand slam home run.” – Ingrid Robinson

The weekend art show and fundraiser has now confirmed nearly 100 fine artists from across the U.S. showcasing their works in photography, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and more. In addition, Manuel Oliver, father of slain Parkland student Joaquin Oliver, will be on hand to do a live demonstration of his passionate painting during Saturday’s exhibition hours.

Best of all, 20% of all art sales will be donated to the participating charities, all based in West Palm Beach: Armory Art Center, Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Though admission is free, a suggested contribution of $10 per person for admission will also be distributed evenly among the three beneficiaries. Those who can contribute will receive a special swag bag.

For more information, please contact Founder and Curator Ingrid Robinson at (415) 419-4292 or visit artistsandcharities.com.

Palm Beach County Convention Center is located at 650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.

About Ingrid Robinson, Founder and Curator, Artists & Charities Hand in Hand

When Ingrid Robinson heard the news of the sudden death of her only child, Michelle, she fell into a terrible depression. During this dark and mournful period, Ingrid fell victim to a financial fraud, which ultimately caused her to lose her home of 40 years and nearly everything she had. In search of a new life, Ingrid left California and moved to Florida with not much more than her two little dogs. Her tiny apartment in Florida happened to be a part of a community which had an art room in the clubhouse.

At the tender age of 71, Ingrid started painting to fight through her severe depression. Her charming oil paintings gained popularity and it wasn’t long until she was commissioned to create 20 works for a gallery in Delray Beach.

In 2018, Ingrid launched Artists and Charities as a way to help artists showcase and sell their work in a professional fine art show setting, partnering with nonprofits in the community in support of their important work. The organization was founded with her daughter in mind, as Ingrid wanted to ‘shine a light’ on the many positive ways art can help people truly heal.

In November 2019, Artists and Charities will debut its inaugural Hand in Hand Fine Art Show at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, with 100 artists participating from around the nation.

About Armory Art Center

Housed in a historic art deco building at 811 Park Place in West Palm Beach, the Armory provides art classes for students of all ages, exhibitions, art salons, lectures, and special events. Nearly 100 courses held in 12 state-of-the-art studios are offered including ceramics, digital arts, drawing, glass fusing, jewelry, painting, printmaking, fibers, sculpture, and 12 exhibitions are hosted annually in four galleries. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art. The Armory’s vision is to be the leading visual arts education and exhibition center of the Palm Beaches. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit armoryart.org.

Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation, Inc. 

Founded in 1993, the mission of the School of the Arts Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) organization, is to enhance the art and academic programs at the internationally recognized Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Funds raised by the Foundation provide for curriculum enhancements that cannot be funded through the School District. The Dreyfoos School of the Arts is able to provide its advanced level of academics and unique artistic opportunities only by supplementing the school’s budget with private funds. These funds come from individuals, foundations and community business leaders who realize that sound financial investments should be made in public schools such as the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where high returns are generated for Palm Beach County as a whole.

About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

The mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Incorporated is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals. The nonprofit organization’s vision is to create a community where 100 percent of the adoptable animals find loving homes and no animals will be euthanized because of pet overpopulation. Located at 3100/3200 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, the League can be contacted at (561) 686-3663 or peggyadams.org.

 

November fun at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

Colton Kersey
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November fun at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

 November fun at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS:

New Anime Architecture Exhibit, Mini Kotatsu-Making, and Koto Music Classes at

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

 

November workshops, classes, and demonstrations:

 

Fridays, November 1, 8, 15, 22

Sumi-e Ink Painting (Class)
Time: Floral – 10:30am – 12:30pm

Landscape – 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required

Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

Saturday, November 2

Shibori Indigo (Workshop)

Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $50 Advance Registration Required

The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and get a chance to make a set of special dinner napkins for your home. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

Saturday, November 2

Tea Ceremony (Workshop)
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $40 Advance Registration Required

The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea – necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadō and to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a bowl of tea, and serve it.  To register, visit morikami.org.

 

Tuesdays, November 5, 12, 19

Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Ikenobo School (Class)
Time: Beginners – 11am – 1pm

Intermediate – 1pm – 3pm*

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $52.50) Advance Registration Required
*Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.

Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

Wednesdays, November 6, 13, 20

Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $52.50) Advance Registration Required
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

Thursdays, November 7, 14, 21

Sumi-e Ink Painting (Floral style for Beginners) (Class)
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm

Cost: $45 (Morikami Members $41) Advance Registration Required

Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject. For required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

New Exhibition!

Anime Architecture 

On view November 9, 2019 – April 3, 2020

Anime Architecture traces the architectural world-building process of Japan’s most influential animated science fiction films. In order to highlight the artists, designers, and directors of the meticulous backdrops that bring to life the futuristic urban environments of anime, curator Stefan Riekeles of Berlin spent years compiling these works. The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is the only U.S. venue hosting this special exhibition. From location photographs and concept sketches as detailed pencil drawings, through to final expressions as cells in full color, Anime Architecture reveals some of the intricacies of the creative processes behind Japan’s ultramodern animated films. More than 100 works on exhibit include clips of Patlabor: The Movie, Tezuka Osamu’s Metropolis, Ghost in the Shell, and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. Among the beautiful hand-illustrations are works by famous animators: Ogura Hiromasa, Watabe Takashi, Higami Haruhiko, Oshii Mamoru and Takeuchi Atsushi. All of these artists worked during the peak of the use of hand-drawn techniques in animation; this has become a fading art form as artists today construct most films digitally from conception to completion. Presented in association with Les Jardins des Pilotes für Kunst und Kultur.

 

Dates vary

Sado: Tea Ceremony (Class)
Time: Beginners – November 7, 21 or November 10, 17, 10:15am – 12:15pm
Intermediate – November 10, 17, 1pm – 4pm

Cost: $55 (Morikami Members $50) Advance Registration Required

Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. To register, visit morikami.org.

 

Sundays, November 10, 17, 24, December 8, 15

The Art of Bonsai (Class)
Time: Beginners – 1pm – 4pm

Intermediate – 9am – 12pm
Cost: $91 (Morikami Members $81) Advance Registration Required
Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container. For a list of required materials or to register, visit morikami.org.

 

Wednesdays, November 13, 20; December 4, 11, 18
Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Intermediate) (Class)
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required

The Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class. This class is for students with experience in koto. To register, visit morikami.org.

 

Saturday, November 16
Family Fun: Mini Kotatsu
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required

Come make your own miniature kotatsu, a heated table used during cold months in Japan. Personalize one and cozy up your space.

 

Saturday, November 16
Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration)
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required

Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life. No reservations necessary unless for a group of 10 or more – to reserve, please call 561-233-1367.

 

Saturday, November 16

Block Printing Workshop (Worskhop)
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm

Cost: $50 Advance Registration Required

Japan has a long, rich history of woodblock printing, called mokuhanga, dating back to the 11th century. The ukiyo-e genre of block prints flourished in Japan from the 17th through 19th centuries.  The Morikami is offering a workshop with a modern twist on this ancient art form, carving and printing linoleum blocks to create unique and exciting imagery. Instructor Brian Reedy has been teaching this method for over 20 years, and offers an approach that is easily accessible for beginners, yet challenging for seasoned artists. For more information or to register, visit www.morikami.org.

 

 

 

 

 

Saturdays, November 23, December 7, 14, 21, January 4
Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Beginner) (Class)
Time: Beginner Level I – 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Beginner Level II – 10:30am – 12:30pm

Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required

The Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class. To register, visit morikami.org.

 

About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2017, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida since opening in 1977. Morikami invites guests to discover its South Florida’s history, connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens, each inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Visitors experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through engaging exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, a world-class bonsai display, Pan-Asian cuisine, and a distinctive museum store. The Morikami Museum is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

 

4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 | 561.495.0233 | morikami.org

facebook.com/morikami | twitter @morikamimuseum | instagram @morikamimuseum

 

 

Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc. to Host TROPICAL FRUIT & PLANT SALE at the South Florida Fairgrounds – October 12

Colton Kersey
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Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc. to Host TROPICAL FRUIT & PLANT SALE at the South Florida Fairgrounds – October 12

Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc. to Host TROPICAL FRUIT & PLANT SALE at the South Florida Fairgrounds – October 12

Both Admission & Parking are FREE;

Enter at Gate 8 on Fairgrounds Road;

Visitors are Encouraged to Bring a Plant Wagon

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 1, 2019) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promotion, cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and around the world, is hosting its Fall Tropical Fruit & Plant Sale on Saturday, October 12. The popular event will be held from 9 am to 2 pm in Concourse Buildings 6-10 on the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.

At this year’s Tropical Fruit & Plant Sale, vendors from all over the state will offer a wide variety of delightfully delicious fruit trees, including Avocado, Banana, Barbados Cherry, Black Sapote, Canistel Citrus, Dragon Fruit, Fig, Guava, Grumichama, Jackfruit, Jaboticaba, Longan, Lychee, Macadamia, Mamey Sapote, Mango, Miracle Fruit, Mulberry, Papaya, Peach, Persimmon, Soursop, Sugar Apple, Star Apple, Tamarind, herbs and spices, plus specially formulated fertilizer, and more.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a wagon to help carry purchased plants. In addition, there will be educational information on the planting and growing of fruit trees, along with knowledgeable volunteers and vendors to answer any questions.

Tree and plant fans should enter the South Florida Fairgrounds through Gate 8 on Fair Grounds Road. Both admission and parking are FREE.

About The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc.:

Established in 1970, the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council (RFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting, furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in south Florida and throughout the world. The organization includes several hundred members interested in learning about, growing and enjoying tropical fruits and vegetables.

Monthly meetings are the second Friday of each month at 7:30 pm in the auditorium at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, directly across from the west side of Palm Beach International Airport. Each meeting has an educational lecture by a speaker in the field of fruit science or related field, a fruit tree auction, a seed & plant exchange, and the chapter’s famous “tasting table” – a chance to taste various tropical fruits grown by members.

Membership is $25 yearly, and benefits include:

+  Monthly newsletter – filled with informative articles about growing rare fruits and related topics.

+ Propagation classes – members learn how to graft & air-layer tropical fruit trees.

+ Annual Ice Cream Social – for members and their guests only; the ice cream is handmade with fruits grown by members.

+ Plant Sales – members can bring fruit trees and edible plants to sell to the general public.

+ Organized field trips to regional fruit tree collections and plantings.

+ Periodic field trips to member yards and local orchards.

+ Volunteer opportunities for many interesting & exciting committees and events.

In addition, specially formulated fertilizer and pruning/grafting tools are offered at a discount for RFC members.

 

For more information about the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., please visit www.pbrarefruitcouncil.org.

 

Registration Open for Girls Softball Fundamentals in Wellington

Colton Kersey
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Registration Open for Girls Softball Fundamentals in Wellington

Registration Open for Girls Softball Fundamentals in Wellington

Girls looking to expand their softball skills have another opportunity in October. Registration is now open for Girls Softball Fundamentals for ages 5 to 18.

 

Coached by BC Softball, this program teaches softball skills development, hitting, fielding, base running, team concepts, and much more. Practices will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM beginning on Wednesday, October 9th and continuing through Saturday, November 9th. Practices will be held at the Tiger Shark Cove Park (13800 Greenbriar Boulevard) softball fields.

 

Registration is $125 for residents and non-residents.

 

For more information, and details on how to register, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Athletics, or call Village Park at (561) 791-4005, extension 0.

 

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.

registration is now open for Girls Softball Fundamentals for ages 5 to 18.

 

Coached by BC Softball, this program teaches softball skills development, hitting, fielding, base running, team concepts, and much more. Practices will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM beginning on Wednesday, October 9th and continuing through Saturday, November 9th. Practices will be held at the Tiger Shark Cove Park (13800 Greenbriar Boulevard) softball fields.

 

Registration is $125 for residents and non-residents.

 

For more information, and details on how to register, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Athletics, or call Village Park at (561) 791-4005, extension 0.

 

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.

Four Halloween Experiences to Make Your Skin Crawl

Terri Marshall
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Four Halloween Experiences to Make Your Skin Crawl

‘Tis the season for spooky ghosts and goblins, creepy clowns, haunted houses with shadowy corners and all manner of other things to make your skin crawl. If you’re ready to get your thrills and chills for the season, these four Halloween experiences should do the trick.

Halloween experiences on AroundWellinton with Travel with Terri
Old City Jail Courtesy of Bulldog Tours

Walk with the Ghosts of Charleston

Built on top of gravesites, Charleston, South Carolina is believed to be one of the most haunted cities in the South. Reports of ghosts are commonplace in this genteel city and there are plenty of tours that showcase Charleston’s dark side. One of my favorites, the Cemetery and Dungeon experience with Bulldog Tours leads you through the historic streets, cemeteries, back alleys and churches. Chilling stories of sightings, haunted houses, voodoo and Low Country superstitions are shared along the way. The tour concludes with a creepy visit to the Provost Dungeon in the Old Exchange Building, which housed hundreds of prisoners during the Revolutionary War. Jailed for either treason or sedition, many of them spent their final days there—let’s hope you don’t.

If you want to get goosebumps, join the behind the scenes tour of The Old City Jail. In operation from 1802 until 1939, most of the original structure remains intact including the cells and warden’s quarters. The Haunted Jail Tour takes you through the cells and hallways and into the places where Charleston’s most infamous criminals lived and died. The faint of heart may want to skip this tour and opt for the Haunted Pub Crawl – at least the liquid spirits will help you ward off the supernatural ones.

Former Cell of James Earl Ray on AroundWellington
Former Cell of James Earl Ray at Missouri State Penitentiary

Search for Evil Spirits at the Missouri State Penitentiary

Speaking of prisons, a hundred years older than Alcatraz and infinitely creepier, the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City has seen some of the most notorious criminals in US history. Its claim to fame for the ultimate bad guys includes Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassin, James Earl Ray. Strange and unusual events have occurred within these formidable walls and the entertaining tour guides have all the spine-tingling scoop.

Wander through the cells of Housing Unit 1, A-Hall where you’ll find art drawn by former inmates still lingering on the walls. Tours also include a visit to the Dungeon Cells used for solitary confinement and a visit to the Gas Chamber where 40 inmates took their last breaths. Go ahead, have a seat. It’ll be all the chills you need for the Halloween season.

If ghost hunting is on your must-do list, join one of the paranormal tours where you’ll learn how to use paranormal equipment and recognize paranormal activity. To check out all the prison cells you’ll need to be able to climb several floors of uneven stairs. And, if you’re taking one of the nighttime tours, bring a flashlight to help illuminate dark corners where anything or anyone could be lurking.

Sleepy Hollow's Headless Horseman on AroundWellington in Travel with Terri
Headless Horseman in Sleepy Hollow, New York Photo by Jennifer Mitchell

Hang Out with the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow

Let’s face it, the legend of Sleepy Hollow’s headless horseman ranks near the top of the harrowing scale. In October, the famous legend reaches its darkest extremes in the otherwise lovely village of Sleepy Hollow. Vampires, witches, ghouls, ghosts, undead soldiers and the Headless Horseman himself take command of the more than 300-year-old Philipsburg Manor. Follow a haunted trail through the town driven mad by the Headless Horseman as creatures lurk in the shadows.

Join an evening lantern tour of the final resting place of author Washington Irving in the famous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Enter the crypt of vampire Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows fame. Wander the winding roads past centuries old monuments surrounded by the shadows of the night. A Revolutionary War militia captain, a notorious counterfeiter, a noted spiritualist, industrialists Andrew Carnegie and William Rockefeller are among the dead (or possibly undead) residing here. For more spooky inspiration, literary events through the month of October feature the work of Edgar Allan Poe and ghost stories by Washington Irving.

Universal MOnsters on AroundWellington
Universal Monsters Photo: ©2018-Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved

Face Your Worst Nightmares at Halloween Horror Nights

Entering its 29th year, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights brings all the monsters, zombies, clowns and other creatures from your nightmares to life. Halloween Horror Nights doesn’t just terrorize you—it assigns the terror by zone…five of them. In Rob Zombie Hellbilly Deluxe you’ll encounter heavy metal horror with other-worldly creatures and pulsing music. Avenue of the Stars has succumbed to the neon slashers from the 80s in Anarch-cade where “Game Over” translates to really bad news for you. There’s more terror at Vanity Ball where knife-wielding artists await the opportunity to carve subjects into living works of horrific art. Meanwhile, in Central Park, bloodlust is alive and well as undead Vikings carry out a ruthless siege. Should you wander into Zombieland, don’t forget to double-tap.

More nightmares await in the park’s 10 haunted houses. Choose your demons from Universal Monsters; Depths of Fear; Yeti: Terror of the Yukon; Graveyard Games; Killer Klowns from Outer Space; House of 1,000 Corpses; Ghostbusters; US and Stranger Things. I’ll take my chances with Ghostbusters, what about you?

Carl, the Head Waiter

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Carl, the Head Waiter

 Carl, the Head Waiter

Don Conway

Authors note: This is one of a series of stories called Movie Minor Characters in which I try to develop a fictional history of some minor character in a popular movie. Carl the headwaiter is such a person in the Movie Casablanca.

          Carl the headwaiter was born Carl Schuetz in 1881 in the Austro-Hungarian city of Karlsbad,. His father, Heinrich, was the chief Brewmeister at a local brewery. His mother Annemae, typical of most women in the region, was a housewife and mother to the five children of the family. Carl was the youngest child.

His early childhood days were happy and carefree. The Schuetz family, while not wealthy, was on firm financial ground. Like most boys of his day, Carl was given a solid primary school education but movement to the upper-level gymnasium school was limited, for financial reasons, to his two older brothers. It was decided that Carl would be apprenticed to his father as a potential brewmeister. He started work in the brewery in 1895 at the age of fourteen.

In 1900 Carl, now twenty, took over as the Brewmeister at the brewery upon his father’s death. In 1904 he met a local Jewish girl, Edda, his future wife.  They were married in 1906. Their only child, a girl, died at childbirth. Saddened but unbowed, Carl and his wife settled down to a contented life surrounded by both his, and his wife’s families. Their lives would probably have been uneventful from this time onward except for the outbreak of WWI in 1914.

At age thirty-three Carl was too old to be conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian/German army but given his general knowledge of food handling and preservation he was required to become a food broker and supplier to the German army in the Karlsbad region of the Sudeten mountains in North Eastern Austro-Hungary.

With the German defeat in WWI, the Austro-Hungarian empire was dismantled by the Treaty of Versailles. The new republic of Czechoslovakia was declared with Karlsbad and the region around the Sudeten mountains incorporated into it as the Sudetenland. Carl, his Jewish wife, and both his and her families found themselves as citizens of Czechoslovakia.

The interim years between WWl and the rise of Nazi Germany were politically tumultuous. The Sudetenland was home to 3.5 million German-speaking people who were being forced to speak Czech and to integrate into the mostly Slavic cultures, of eastern Czechoslovakia.

By 1937, Adolf Hitler began making speeches about the alleged persecution and discrimination against the Sudeten Germans. On October 1st, 1938 he invaded the Sudetenland and declared it an annexed territory of Germany. In celebration of the annexation, the German army staged a massive military parade in Wenceslas Square in Prague. With this clear indication of the German takeover of all of Czechoslovakia. Carl and his wife became aware, and fearful of, the danger to his Jewish wife. They fled the Sudetenland in January 1939. Their Czechoslovakian passports did not show their religious affiliations and they were allowed to travel into Germany as German citizens.

Their ultimate goal was to get to America. Their route took them to Stuttgart, Germany then to Strasbourg on the German-French border and eventually into Paris in March, of 1939. By this time they had exhausted their finances and were forced to take work in Paris. They found a small hotel/restaurant owned by a fellow Sudetenland refugee. Edda worked as a housekeeper and Carl as the head waiter in the restaurant.

In the Spring of 1939 an unusual couple, an American named Rick Blaine and a Czech woman named Ilsa Lund began to frequent the restaurant. They, and the good-natured Carl, soon became friends. One afternoon, while waiting for Rick to arrive at the restaurant, Ilsa revealed to Carl that she was the widow of the famous Victor Laszlo the leader of the Czech resistance movement. Fearful of what this information might do to her relationship with Rick Blaine she swore Carl to secrecy about her former marriage.

Frances’ war against Germany went badly. As the middle of 1940 approached Rick and Ilsa began to make plans to leave Paris. Rick said he was going to go to Morocco and open some sort of restaurant. Carl begged Rick to lend him enough money so that he and Edda could leave Paris with Rick and his friend Sam. Carl promised to go to Morocco and work for Rick without pay as reimbursement for the loan. Out of friendship for Carl, and aware that he might have need of a good waiter in Morocco. Rick agreed.

The French army collapsed and on June 14, 1940, German troops marched down the Champs Elysees This was also the day that Rick, Carl and Edda, and Sam, Rick’s African American friend, were to meet at the Gare Montparnasse to take the train for Spain, their entry point to Morocco. The night before this departure date Ilsa had been informed that her husband, Victor Laszlo, whom she had presumed to be dead, was, in fact, alive. Conscience-stricken, Ilsa decided to abandon Rick and stay in Paris so she could rejoin her husband.

The following year, when Ilsa and her husband came to Morocco, Carl led Victor to the French Resistance fighters in Casablanca.

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Don Conway is an award-winning Architect and Writer (two golds and a silver medal from a national writing competition) also a Loeb Fellow at Harvard University. Says he is working hard on book number four.

WELLINGTON’S TAYLOR GRIFFITHS HEADS TO D.C., BUT NOT TO CONGRESS

Mike May
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WELLINGTON’S TAYLOR GRIFFITHS HEADS TO D.C., BUT NOT TO CONGRESS

WELLINGTON’S TAYLOR GRIFFITHS HEADS TO D.C., BUT NOT TO CONGRESS

 

By Mike May

Wellington resident Taylor Griffiths is off to Washington — with her horse, Mac-One III.  That’s one way to summarize what 17-year-old Taylor Griffiths will be doing in late October with her 10-year-old equestrian companion.  When she and Mac-One III arrive in our nation’s capital, they will be competing in the 2019 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), which runs October 22-27 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

 

Fortunately, Griffiths’ trip to this competition is being underwritten, as she is one of three recipients of the 2019 Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Washington International Horse Show Equitation Scholarship.  The other two scholarship recipients are Avery Glynn, 14, of Petaluma, California and Emma Fletcher, 17, of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.  This scholarship recognizes the talent, dedication, and hard work of junior riders who compete throughout the year in the hopes of qualifying to participate in the WIHS Equitation Finals.

 

The Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Washington International Horse Show Equitation Scholarship will cover expenses such as travel and lodging for the rider and a parent, the show’s entry and application fees, equine transportation and stall fees, and special VIP hospitality access. 

 

All three recipients of this scholarship are promising young junior riders who have demonstrated hard work, determination, and talent.

“The future of our sport depends on young riders like Avery, Emma, and Taylor, who have continually displayed their dedication to our sport, animal welfare, and their local communities,” said Lindsay Maxwell, founder of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund.  “It is a pleasure to recognize the incredible riders who have both applied for and received the WIHS Equitation Scholarship. Last year, we expanded the number of scholarship recipients and this year we will continue that growth by honoring three recipients.  The selection committee was impressed by the caliber of applicants this year, and we are thrilled to honor these three young women at the WIHS Equitation Finals.”

“In the third year of the LMCF WIHS Equitation Finals Scholarship program, the WIHS team is beyond impressed by the quality of the applications and the remarkable talent and commitment of these three young competitors,” said WIHS President Victoria Lowell. “We are ever grateful for the increasing generosity and expanded commitment of the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund to this special, one-of-a-kind program.”

Now in its 28th year, the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund Equitation Finals is a rigorous three-phase competition held over two days. A panel of three judges will test and evaluate the riders in hunter, jumper, and work-off rounds to determine the winner.

 

This D.C. experience won’t be the first one for Griffiths, as she competed in this same event last year – again, with her current horse, Mac-One III.  Griffiths admits that last year was a learning experience for both herself and her four-legged companion.  This year, she hopes to improve on last year’s finish.

 

“Last year, my horse was a little spooked by the indoor arena because most equitation competitions are outdoors,” added Griffiths.  “And, my horse was new to equitation last year.  It was a good experience for both of us.”

 

When Griffiths is not aboard Mac-One III, she will not be visiting D.C.’s many museums and tourist attractions.  Instead, she will be pampering him.

 

“As I prepare for my next ride, I will taking care of my horse, feeding him, and hand walking him,” added Griffiths.  “He’s very spoiled.”

 

Griffiths will be accompanied to Washington, D.C. by her parents, Jennifer and Frank Madden, both of whom work in the horse industry as equestrian trainers.

 

Griffith’s parents are thrilled that their daughter’s talents are being recognized and rewarded.  But Griffith’s mother, Jennifer Madden, knows it’s not easy working in the equestrian industry while playing the role of ‘mom’ in the grandstands.

 

To get to Washington, D.C., Griffiths reports that she and Mac-One III will be traveling along I-95.  She will be in a car that will travel right behind the trailer that will be housing Mac-One III.  It’s roughly a 15-hour journey, plus stops, for each leg of the trip.

 

Looking forward, this competition in D.C. is just the next step for Griffiths before she eventually turns pro, but before she embarks on an equestrian career, she wants to earn a college degree, probably in business, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she will attending on a full riding scholarship, beginning in the fall of next year.  With a budding career in the equestrian industry, which will be complemented by an eventual degree from SMU, Griffiths will truly be forever a Mustang!

 

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