Tell someone you’re taking the kids or grandkids to Mardi Gras and you’ll likely raise a few eyebrows. Mardi Gras’ reputation as a season of decadence and debauchery may well be earned, but there are family-friendly options. In Lake Charles, Louisiana, events include a community gala where krewes showcase elaborate costumes. There are plenty of parades including one specifically for children and the Krewe of Krewes parade on Fat Tuesday. And there’s the Iowa Chicken Run—an event you have to experience to believe.
Meet Miss Doris
First You Have to Meet Miss Doris
“Are you ready?”, Miss Doris asks with an irresistible smile. “Ready?” I ask. “Are you ready for my gummy bears? They’re special.” Never having been a fan of gummy bears I wanted to decline, but I didn’t want to offend her hospitality. I hesitantly nodded my consent. Grinning widely, Miss Doris dipped a plastic spoon into a jar filled with tequila-soaked gummy bears. “Open wide,” she instructed. I opened wide, swallowed and grimaced at the burn that trailed all the way to my tummy. That, my friends, was my welcome to the Iowa Chicken Run.
For more than 40 years, the folks in the tiny township of Iowa (located just outside of Lake Charles) have been chasing chickens at the Iowa Chicken Run. It’s all about Mardi Gras, zydeco dancing and Louisiana gumbo. And apart from those tequila-soaked gummy bears, it’s all about families.
Rodney is Ready with the Chicken!
Time to Chase the Chicken
The Iowa Chicken Run starts as a hayride parade with everyone clambering for spots on homemade floats hitched to pickup trucks. Others follow along on ATVs and on horseback. The festive purple, gold and green shades of Mardi Gras are everywhere. A live Zydeco band has everyone dancing. And, local legend, Miss Doris, is also on hand passing out her tequila-soaked gummy bears to anyone who dares to imbibe.
The parade is led by a truck carrying a band playing zydeco music and Rodney—the chicken tossing man in charge. Chicken in hand, Rodney blows his whistle to signal a stop. Everyone jumps off the floats to do a few zydeco dance moves as Native American yells ring out. The whistle blows again as Rodney tosses the chicken. Kids (and some adults) scramble to chase after the bird—which, by the way, outsmarts everyone. Meanwhile, Rodney collects rice, beans, sausage, spices or whatever other ingredients the residents offer as a contribution to the township’s gumbo feast. It is every bit as crazy as it sounds.
When the parade concludes, the whole town along with guests sit down to indulge in the community gumbo. As for the chicken, he’s pardoned and can often be seen strutting his stuff around town for weeks to come.
Gumbo Gator Leads the Parade
Everyone Loves a Parade
Although Mardi Gras season begins in January, the main events in Lake Charles kick off on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday with a children’s parade. Decked out with a crown, mask and sequined cape, Gumbo Gator leads the parade. He’s got plenty of dance moves for a big ‘ole gator and he shows them off as he pumps up the crowd shouting “Happy Mardi Gras Y’all” to everyone he sees.
Local krewes follow Gumbo Gator’s lead riding on elaborately decorated floats. There’s plenty of food on hand—local favorites like “Hog on a Logue” and “Gator on a Stick” caught my eye but didn’t make it on my plate!
There’s plenty of lively music and an abundance of kids scrambling for gold, purple and green beads being tossed from the floats. I had the honor of riding on the float with Gumbo Gator and tossing the beads to the kids. It’s not as easy as you’d think. Fortunately, I only whacked three or four kids in the head before getting the hang of it.
On Fat Tuesday, the Krewe of Krewes parade takes to the streets. Even though it’s not designated as a children’s parade, it’s still family-friendly. Scream all you want for beads ladies but keep that shirt down—there’s no flashing allowed in Lake Charles. And there’s no inappropriate music. There’s even a designated non-smoking and alcohol-free kids’ zone.
Krewe Royalty at the Gala
Hob Nob with Royalty at the Royal Gala
Unlike galas at other Mardi Gras celebrations, Lake Charles’ is open to the entire community. Affordable for families, tickets sell for just $6 in advance and $7 at the door. Children age five and under are free.
More than 60 krewes’ royalty dressed in lavish costumes promenade around the Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum to the delight of spectators. The krewes are quite creative with their costumes. I had the opportunity to witness this extravaganza last year where I ran into KISS and the Strongman along with many other spectacularly clad royals.
Mardi Gras Museum
Mardi Gras Museum
While you’re in town, don’t miss the Mardi Gras Museum. Located in the Central School Arts & Humanities Center, the museum houses the largest collection of costumes in the South. Stroll through the museum’s six rooms to learn about the history of Mardi Gras, the costume design process and the history of king cakes. Prepare to be amazed because these costumes are fabulous.
My mind lives this fabulous life; it’s full of achievement, love and being a great person to all. My pants still fit and my smile is perfect and I still need to carry a comb. Then the sun crests over the horizon and my day starts. My mind is filled with the daily duties of the day, which of course my body must follow. Lately there is a problem with this system between body and mind. The mind is not getting its message to the body which I have ridden like an old work horse. This mind seems to think that my body is still a young stallion. But not everything is working exactly right and in unison with body and mind. This body has stood the test of time! At sunset it becomes clear to me that a body can’t be forced to live the life of a mind. I must now think to myself, am I a body or am I a mind riding a horse named Body?
***
John Rifenberg is co-chairman of the writing group of Royal Palm Beach. He has just finished his newest book “The Alphabet Out of Order,” which is an assortment of stories and poems, including his award winning short stories.
Benefit for Career
Transition For Dancers, A Program of The Actors Fund, will Honor Palm Beach
Cultural Philanthropist Anka Palitz, and American Ballet Theatre’s Ethan
Stiefel and Gillian Murphy
(Palm Beach, FL – January 28, 2019) The
Actors Fund, a national human services organization that has served all
professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry since 1882,
today announced that Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe
Neuwirth will serve as Celebrity Host/Emcee at the 10th
anniversary Heart & Soul Gala that will be held on Thursday, March
14, at 7 pm, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
A benefit for Career Transition For Dancers,
a program of The Actors Fund, the glamorous Heart & Soul Gala will
honor Palm Beach cultural philanthropist Anka Palitz, along with Ethan
Stiefel, principal guest instructor at American Ballet Theatre, and ABT
principal dancer Gillian Murphy. Not only was Ethan Stiefel the first
individual dancer supported by Mrs. Palitz, he and fellow honoree Gillian
Murphy are married and expecting their first child.
As Vice Chair of The Actors Fund Board of Trustees, Bebe Neuwirth is the founder of The Dancers’ Resource, a program of The Actors Fund that addresses the unique challenges of dancers’ physical and emotional health. Ms. Neuwirth is a two-time Tony Award winner (Sweet Charity in 1986, Chicago in 1997) and won two Emmys for her role as Lilith in Cheers. Additional Broadway credits include A Chorus Line, Dancin’, Little Me, Damn Yankees, Fosse and The Addams Family; and she has appeared in such major motion pictures as Say Anything, Bugsy, Malice, Jumanji and Tadpole. Her TV career includes roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Blue Bloods, Frasier, Law & Order: Trial By Jury, The Good Wife and 71 episodes of Madam Secretary.
The 10th anniversary Heart &
Soul Gala in Palm Beach will include celebratory cocktails, gourmet dinner,
a live auction by Neil Saffer, and extraordinary performances by Ballet
Palm Beach, Boca
Ballet Theatre, and Dance Town USA. Music will be provided by the
incredible Alex Donner Orchestra.
Tickets are $650 per person and sponsorship
opportunities are available. To RSVP or for more information, please call
561.502.3486.
Heart &
Soul Gala Honorees 2019
Anka Palitz
Palm Beach cultural patron Anka
K. Palitz has been a generous and tireless supporter of dancers for
decades, both during and after their dance careers. After a successful life in the fashion and
cosmetics industry, Mrs. Palitz has dedicated her life to helping dance
companies and professional dancers. A Board member of American Ballet Theatre
for more than 25 years, she also helped to formulate and served as a Board
Member of Career Transition For Dancers (CTFD). As a program of The
Fund, CTFD continues to enable dancers to define career possibilities and hone
the skills necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines, thus supporting them
in developing rewarding post-performance careers. Mrs. Palitz serves as
National Ambassador Vice-Chair of The Actors Fund.
Ethan
Stiefel
Currently the Principal Guest Instructor at American Ballet
Theatre. Ethan Stiefel is an internationally renowned dancer, coach, director
and choreographer who previously served as Artistic Director of the Royal New
Zealand Ballet and, earlier, Dean of the School of Dance at the University of
North Carolina School of Arts. He began his career at age 16 with the New York
City Ballet where he quickly rose to the rank of Principal Dancer, the same
position he later held with the Zürich Ballet and ABT. Stiefel performed
leading roles in all of the full-length classics and danced in works created by
major choreographers, with guest appearances with leading companies worldwide.
He starred in the feature film Center Stage and its sequels, and has
worked as a choreographer and guest teacher for many institutions including the
Paris Opera Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Dance Theatre of Harlem,
ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, The School of American Ballet, and
more.
Gillian
Murphy
Currently a Principal Dancer with American Ballet
Theatre, Gillian Murphy has dance lead roles in all of ABT’s current
full-length classics and in shorter works by George
Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Jiri Kylian, Antony Tudor, William Forsythe, Martha
Graham, Lar Lubovitch, Paul Taylor, Frederick Ashton and Agnes de Mille. She
has danced as a guest artist throughout the world, performing with the
Mariinsky Ballet, the Royal Swedish Ballet, the Staatsballett Berlin, the Kiev
Ballet, the Australian Ballet, as a ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera, and
in numerous other international engagements and galas. Murphy also has taught
master classes in Tokyo, Indianapolis, Winston-Salem, and San Diego as well as
classes in New York City for Dance Theatre of Harlem, ABT’s Studio Company, and
dancers of the Metropolitan Opera. In 2009, she was the recipient of a Princess
Grace Statue Award, the organization’s highest honor.
The Chairs for the upcoming Heart & Soul
Gala are Lois Pope, a patron of numerous medical, cultural,
environmental and public service endeavors, and Theodora Aspegren, a
real estate investor who serves on the West Palm Beach Historic Planning Board
and recently joined the board of directors of Ballet Palm Beach.
About The Actors Fund:
The Actors Fund is a national human
services organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a
safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their
lifespan. Through offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Fund serves
everyone in film, television, music, opera, radio and dance with programs
including social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and
insurance counseling, housing, and secondary employment and training services.
Visit www.actorsfund.org.
About Career Transition For Dancers, a Program
of The Actors Fund:
Career Transition For Dancers is a program of The Actors Fund that
enables dancers to define their career possibilities and develop the skills
necessary to excel in a variety of disciplines outside of dance. The program
offers career counseling and guidance, scholarships and grants, individual and
group counseling services, referrals for health care and health insurance and,
where eligible, access to emergency financial assistance. Visit www.actorsfund.org/CTFD.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (January 30, 2019) – There’s love in the air at TooJay’s Deli. From Monday, February 4 to Sunday, February 17, guests can enjoy a $25.99 Sweetheart Dinner for Too at the restaurant known for its generous servings of homemade New York deli favorites.
The sweetheart
deal surrounding Valentine’s Day includes a choice of two soups or salads, two entrées from TooJay’s Dinner for Too menu, two
non-alcoholic beverages and a choice of a dessert to share. Guests can upgrade
to wine or beer for an additional $3 each. Guests must present this couponbefore ordering. See
coupon or below for further details*.
Also available for the event is TooJay’s made-from-scratch Red Velvet Cake. It is sure to win over guests’ hearts with a delicious combination of rich cocoa flavored cake frosted with cream cheese icing.
Founded in
1981, TooJay’s has grown to 27 restaurants throughout Florida and currently
serves guests in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the Treasure Coast, the West
Coast of Florida, the Orlando area and The Villages. Three new restaurants are
expected to open in Naples, Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach during the first
half of 2019.
TooJay’s
received the 2018 and 2017 Dining Award for Best Deli from Orlando Magazine,
two Foodie Awards for Best Deli and Best Take-Out from the Orlando Sentinel,
the 2016 Best of South Florida Award for Best Deli from the Sun Sentinel and
ranked eighth in the country for Family Dining by Consumer Reports.
*Available February
4-17, 2019, the deal is for dine-in only and is not valid with any other offer.
Guests must present coupon before ordering to receive discount. The entrée must
be from the Dinner for Too entrée list and the salad must be a House or Caesar
salad. Drink choices include iced tea, coffee or fountain soda and excludes
canned soda and alcohol. The upgrade for beer and wine is $3 per drink.
Dessert options include a slice of cake, cheesecake or key lime pie and
excludes the combo dessert. There is an additional charge for some soups.
It’s commonly thought that
holistic medicine and traditional western medicine are opposing
practices. Likewise, plant therapy and pharmaceuticals are often considered
incompatible. But not so for Caroline Blanke-Pena. As a nationally
double-board-certified acupuncturist, Mrs. Blanke-Pena administers her vitamin
and homeopathic injection therapy, herbology and acupuncture alongside the
office of a medical doctor. She and Dr. Shekhar Sharma, MD, of Palm
Beach Primary Care Associates share the same waiting room and work area.
They refer to each other depending on the individual medical needs of their
patients—a feature that sets her apart from most practitioners.
Mrs. Blanke-Pena, in fact, is living her dream of bringing two of the trains of medical thought into one space. While many proponents of holistic treatments have been opposed to traditional medicine, Caroline is not. She is careful not to speak against western medicine. Nor does she advise patients to decline their medications. However, when the holistic treatments work, patients often stop taking their meds on their own, under the careful watch of their medical doctor. Although she first prescribes a natural remedy, when necessary, she can conveniently refer her patients to a western medical professional who works across the hall.
It was Mrs. Blanke-Pena’s
personal experience that compelled her to pursue a career in holistic
medicine. As a sufferer of severe female endocrine issues
for over 10 years at the time, she received a gamut of pharmaceutical
treatments resulting in a myriad of side effects, with no good long-term
results. Someone suggested acupuncture. After three sessions, Mrs.
Blanke-Pena’s issues were healed, and she experienced—for the first time in
years—a menses by natural means. Soon after, she conceived the first of
two children, something that would not have been
possible while undergoing pharmaceutical therapy. After that she
dove into the field because of her own success with the holistic approach. Her
degree of Bachelor of Science from Ohio State University set the foundation to
embark upon natural medicine whole-heartedly. Her long-held interest in herbs,
plants and natural medicine could now be realized.
Mrs. Blanke-Pena attended Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, a nationally board-certified and accredited school, and achieve two additional college degrees, a second Bachelor if Health and Science and a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Post-graduation, the licensing was rigorous and demanded the passing of four National Board Exams—one being in Chinese Herbal Medicine, which is presented in Pinyin, rather than English. This meant she learned hundreds of individual herbs and formulas in their Chinese name. Her double board certifications gave Caroline Blanke-Pena a professional edge due to extensive hours and training. Soon after this training, she opened her own practice.
Mrs.
Blanke-Pena cares for patients suffering from chronic and acute pain, high
blood pressure, severe skin issues, PTSD, depression and anxiety, to name a
few. Her top treatment is Injection Therapy. She uses homeopathic, FDA
regulated formulas. These products have been utilized for 50 years in France
and Germany and have finally been approved in the US. Her technique has
excelled in reversing chronic radiating pain and skin conditions. Arnica,
a plant derivative, is administered for sciatica, pain and bruising,
substituting traditional steroid based pain treatments. Hence,
the deteriorating side effect of steroids is avoided. In fact, there are no
known side-effects from this homeopathic protocol, with the exception
of minimal pain from injection.
The second treatment Mrs.
Blanke-Pena specializes in is Herbology. She looks at the whole body, not just
the isolated symptom. The tongue and pulse are the first areas to examine. A
good read of what is going on in the whole body can be deduced from these
areas—diagnosis that has been used for thousands of years. Deeper issues
may require blood tests for micronutrient or food allergy testing, which are
offered in-office.
The third treatment is Acupuncture, which is used for PTSD,
anxiety, skin issues, pain, depression and insomnia. Depression, she
says, can be a result of digestive and liver issues. When a treatment renders
ineffective, such as in more serious conditions like high-blood pressure, she
is quick to refer her patients to the medical doctor residing in the
office.
Mrs. Blanke-Pena’s goal is to get her patients “out of care,” rather than have them return for repeated visits. She wants to see them as happy, vibrant and energetic as they can be. Clients often compliment Mrs. Blanke-Pena on how she intentionally educates them. Her thorough explanations of procedures allow her patients to buy in through better understanding, which results in positive outcomes. The more she educates, the easier it is to convince doubters. They learn that natural medicine is not hocus-pocus, but based on empirical evidence and science.
Caroline
Blanke-Pena is a lifetime learner and has sought out the best in her field to
continue to sharpen her skills. One such mentor was
Dr. Donese Worden. After determined inquiry, Mrs. Blanke-Pena was
able to spend a weekend observing Dr. Wordon in her busy Arizona
practice. Besides discovering that she was doing a good job with her own injection
therapy, Mrs. Blanke-Pena received one-on-one training in treating facial skin
conditions using a very specialized injection technique called
French Nappage and Mesotherapy, creating what is known as
the MesoGlow, as well as other useful techniques to treat pain. After one
application of this therapy on a patient with severe skin problems, in her
Wellington, Florida practice, the patient’s skin was 70% cleared up.
Mrs. Blanke-Pena’s weekend with Dr. Worden was one of the most
inspirational and informative sessions of her professional life.
I asked Mrs. Blanke-Pena what she might say to a student
debating an occupation in holistic medicine. “I think there can’t be enough
good holistic physicians,” she says. “If you have a holistic passion, there’s a
wide scope of modalities under the Licensed
Acupuncturist umbrella to choose from as a career.”
Mrs. Blanke-Pena would like to advance her area of influence by
taking speaking engagements to further educate groups and communities on the
benefits of holistic medicine. Visit her website, www.plantscript.com for more information.
Holistic
Health Palm Beach is located in Wellington (3347 State Road 7 Suite #200
Wellington, FL 33449) Call 561-601 0999 to make an appointment!
My friend might have been on to something when her kids were
still babies. She said she would put
them to bed and tell them to go to sleep. If they woke up, she’d check them and
put them right back to sleep. I thought
I had to get up to feed and cuddle and rock them to sleep. I sang songs and
stayed with them until they slept, sometimes hours. As they grew she worked full-time and
eventually sent them off to boarding school for high school. Ingenious! I was too exhausted to consider any outside
job. I am tired and burnt out from watching every move, lecturing, talking, playing
idiotic board games, and taking them to jump around at the park. I’m taking a break.
They are now both preteens and can handle basic needs
themselves. On the other hand, they seem
to be handicapped by excessive amounts of mothering. They can’t figure out which classes to take
in school, keep track of deadlines, not self-motivated to do their volunteer
activities and can’t figure out how to keep track of their belongings. I believe I overdid it and in turn failed
them. They are spoiled, overindulged, suburban brats. It really came to a head as we went to a
Superbowl rally. They were excited to
go, mostly because they wouldn’t have to do chores. There were a lot of activities; Blue Man
Group performing, goodies to eat, football icons and music. But half way through the rally, they started
to whine that it was boring and they wanted to go home TO PLAY FORTNITE. I said I want to stay for the entire rally. The people sitting around us turned and
looked. Even they were exasperated. I
held my ground, but said we could move so that we were closer to the exit ready
to go when it was over. The whining
resumed. They noticed cake being served and we went over to get some. In the
meantime, they launched fireworks that we couldn’t see from inside the
pavilion. By the time we had our cake, the event was over and it was time to
get in the car. I was really angry. I said they owed me all the chores they
left undone. Once home I showed them what
they needed to do and it still took at least three reminders to get dirty
clothes into the hamper, and the dishes never got done. In fact, the breakfast
dishes are still on the table FROM THIS MORNING as I write. They don’t care. To them, I’m their slave. So,
I’m taking away their fun. No more computers or Battle Royale.
If you’re even considering purchasing a Wii, Nintendo or
gaming device, DO NOT BUY ONE!!! It rots kids’ brains. It’s to the point my son
registered for a study hall so that he would have more time at home to play
computer games. This is a kid that previously wanted to do coding and computer
programming. It’s as if he had been on
pot or heroin. No interest except for when he can get his next hit, his next
kill, or his next score. We had already installed parental controls limiting
time to 1 hour a day. It was too late, they are already hooked from excessive
time. We thought they would get tired of
it and it would fade like Minecraft came and went. It did not. If they had spent the same amount of time
practicing piano they could be at Carnegie Hall.
Studies have shown there is some influence on development
when kids play violent games. Changes affect
brain function and social development. That’s the gist I gathered from reading
various online sources. I had the “it
won’t happen to me” syndrome. Well, maybe some kids can cope. The odds aren’t
working in my favor. At the very least it has disrupted the calm flow of
activity and created disagreements and disputes. The Battle must end and I’ll be the “Bad Mom”
and take away the keyboard and confiscate phones so that we can get on with
real life. Be bored kids, you blew it with your whining and brain zapping
Fortnite. Meanwhile I’m going to take back my life; going to my exercise class,
taking a shower, making MY favorite lentil soup, and finding a different job. Boom,
Battle Royale.
As Valentine’s Day approaches and many of our homes smell
of fresh flower bouquets and mysteriously completed check lists, let’s not
forget another love that many times is forgotten: Your plumbing system! While
you’ve been worried about filling your tummy with delicious chocolates and strawberries
or maybe reaching your New Years goals, there is another system
waiting patiently for your attention. Both you and your Valentine can show love
to your pipes and drains by keeping it as clean and healthy as they can be! You
may ask how can I show my plumbing some love:
All year round your plumbing has
your back, it doesn’t complain or whine at you. It works 24 hours 7 days a week
to keep the water flowing and drains moving on its way to its proper place.
Often times we forget how valuable good ole fashioned indoor plumbing really is
to daily life.
So why should you show
some love to your plumbing system?
1-
Showing love means better
dependability
Nobody ever expects something to
break in their home, especially the plumbing, and for many people these
breakdowns just never seem to come at an ideal time. Regrettably many of these
issues could have been prevented by simply paying attention to various systems
and treating the issue before it turns into a major problem. Your plumbing is
no exception. For example: when was the last time you checked your water heater?
Did you know the manufacturers recommend you to drain down the heater to keep
it working at peak efficiency?
2- Showing Love means lower costs
Spending a little bit to prevent
a serious problem can go a long way towards preventing you from having to spend
a whole lot of cash. A major plumbing repair can not only cost you in downtime,
but it can make a hefty hole in your pocket if it becomes a critical emergency.
For example: when was the last time you checked your home faucets, hose bibs or
spigots around your home for any drips or leaks? Leaking pipes and faucets also
cost you a lot in wasted water, so a quick fix could actually save you hundreds
over the course of the year.
3- Showing Love means No Sudden Emergencies
Maintaining your plumbing not
only increases your reliability, but it dramatically decreases the chances that
something devastating will go wrong when you least expect it to. Rusted, corroded
pipes under pressure can burst, a water heater can create pressure and start to
leak, and tree roots in a sewer line can cause your entire home to back up. But
taking a few extra preventative steps and having a trained eye to survey and inspect your property can do wonders for
preventing these issues from ever emerging to an emergency.
Remember to show your plumbing
some love this year, by lowering your costs with preventive measures, avoiding
emergencies and it may even save you a pretty penny!
Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air are considered the experts when it comes to plumbing and air conditioning service. They are a licensed and insured service company that has been serving residential and commercial customers throughout Palm Beach County for almost 20 years.
Teens have a lot of stress when it comes down to school, work, or social life. But sometimes teens can have a hard time coping with this stress. In fact, according to an article done by The Atlantic, “they found that 49 percent of students reported feeling “a great deal of stress” on a daily basis. Half reported doing three or more hours of homework per night, and 26 percent noted that they had been diagnosed with depression—over four times the national average of 6 percent”. I personally have had a lot of stress in my life and over the years I have found out about many effective ways to cope and get rid of my anxiety.
Here are some techniques you can use on a daily basis:
Visualization in music: Listening to music for 10-15 minutes can reduce stress and anxiety almost immediately. Just sitting back and visualizing a happy place can solve any worry that may come to mind.
Breathing exercises: When stressed, we often forget to take deep breaths or start hyperventilating. Try taking a deep breath while clenching your fists and count to five and then release and breathe out for five seconds. Making some tea afterwards is also a good idea, like chamomile.
Get active: Getting involved in sports or going to a gym can release stress and any bottled-up emotions. For example, running and swimming are good ways to get your mind off of things (and not to mention good cardio). Being active will not only help with stress but encourage a good well-being. I think it’s important to have an outlet and it doesn’t necessarily have to be physical. An example of a non-physical outlet (although it’s quite a workout to perform in heels) is debate class. It’s a good way to be distracted and focus your energy on a more competitive level.
Find the root of the problem and speak up: We often avoid problems and situations relating to the past because we don’t want to deal with or recreate that stress in our heads, so we block it out. When finding the root to the problem we often act out in a negative way. It is also important to talk it out and communicate with our loved ones.
School and work feels like they just get tougher every year, but at the end of the day we all deal with the monster called anxiety. It may seem hard to overcome at first, but just know that only you can control it and anxiety is just a feeling in your mind. The next time you feel stressed, follow these techniques and don’t be afraid to live your life to its fullest.
The Expanded Norton Museum Returns with Fanfare and Events.
I have been anticipating this
grand reopening for nearly two years. From what I have seen and heard – it will
be spectacular. How lucky we are to have this newly expanded institution right
in our own backyard! After five years of
planning and construction, the long-awaited completion of the project will see
the Norton transformed into a spacious and more engaging “museum in a garden.”
The enlarged building will have 35 percent more gallery space for exhibitions,
major new facilities for education and public programs, a new entrance with a
dramatic 43-foot-high canopy, and a public garden—the first ever designed for a
museum by architecture firm Foster + Partners, under the direction of Pritzker
Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster. The project reorients the Norton’s
entrance to the main thoroughfare of South Dixie Highway, restoring the
symmetry of the museum’s original 1941 design.
The South Florida community
is fortunate to have the transformed Norton Museum of Art reopen to the public
on Saturday, February 9, 2019. There
will be free festivities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will start with a parade
around the building led by Florida Atlantic University’s Parliament Sound Pep
Band and will feature dozens of giant collaged puppets and ornaments made by
members of the community.
The fun continues with a
10:30 a.m. ribbon cutting and a free open house. Museum visitors are invited to view eight
special exhibitions, new galleries, new acquisitions, and, of course, see some
of their old favorite works. What a wonderful opportunity to learn about the
new programs coming up as this new chapter in the Norton’s history begins! On
opening day, you can experience live music throughout the campus, shop in the
new museum store, and dine in the fabulous new restaurant. Bring the family or
peruse the new venue on your own. The Norton has several outstanding programs
coming up in February and will continue throughout the year. I look forward to
sharing this experience with all of our Around Wellington readers!
To see an informative video about the museum’s expansion, go to:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pDPbow9reE&feature=youtu.be
Live… Go… Do!
“Top 5” events in store for us at the
Norton in February
1) Live! At the Norton Series Kick-off Concert
Sunday, February 10th at 3 p.m.
David Lang Photo: Courtesy of Norton Museum
This annual concert series returns for its 17th season Sunday,
February 10, with the Music of David Lang. One of America’s most acclaimed
composers, Lang’s opera, orchestra, chamber, and solo works have been performed
around the world by ensembles such as the BBC Symphony, The New York
Philharmonic, Santa Fe Opera, the Kronos Quartet, and others. Lang will
introduce the concert, which features an array of musicians performing his
work. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for Members. Visit
www.Norton.org for tickets and more information.
2) Art After Dark Returns on February 15
And continues on Fridays
from 5 to 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Hilton Als, Pulitzer Prize winner, theatre critic for The New Yorker, and author of “White Girls,” at Ciccio in downtown Manhattan. Photograph by Ali Smith
The Norton’s popular weekly Art After Dark – Where Culture and Entertainment Meet – has an
exciting new vibe! The series moves to Fridays, expands by an hour to 10 p.m.,
and includes the debut of programs such as POP sessions – where during the last
Friday of each month the evening’s offerings are “louder and looser” and…
Norton Cinema,
which will present screenings of independent and rarely seen films and
documentaries. An eclectic array of activities changes every week. These types
of events emulate the types of programs experienced at Museum of Modern Art and
the Whitney Museum in New York.
February 15:
The resumption of Art
After Dark features Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Hilton Als in
conversation with Norton Director Hope Alswang, and a performance by New
York-based singer-songwriter Sirintip and her quartet, playing a blend of pop,
R&B, electronic, and jazz.
February 22:
This edition of Art After Dark features photo-based artist Adam Fuss who will discusses his camera-less photography practice with Tim B. Wride, William and Sarah Ross Soter Curator of Photography. In addition, Ellen E. Roberts, Harold and Anne Berkley Smith Curator of American Art, discusses her new book about the museum’s namesake, Ralph Norton and His Museum. Popular, homegrown ‘90s acoustic pop-rock band INHOUSE presents a “One-Night-Only” 20th- anniversary reunion concert with its original lineup.
90’s Acoustic Pop-Rock Band INHOUSE, Photo Courtesy of Norton Museum
3) Chinese New Year Celebration
Ring in the “Year of
the Boar”
February 16 – Noon to 8 p.m. Admission: FREE
Chinese New Year, Photo Courtesy of the Norton Museum
To showcase its world-class collection of Chinese art, the
festivities commence with dragon and lion dances performed by the Lee Koon Hung
Kung Fu Chinese Martial Arts Association. The dances are followed by an array
of programs and activities in celebration of Chinese culture and the Norton’s
exceptional collection of Chinese art, including a concert by the acclaimed
ensemble Music From China, and culminating with fireworks over the Intracoastal
Waterway.
4) Black History Family Day
February 23 – 10 a.m.
to 7 p.m.
The Norton’s second annual Black History Family Day
celebrates the museum’s collection of work by artists of African descent with
specialized tours, family workshops, talks, and a teen art studio for all to
explore. Through film, photography, and performance, Black History Family Day
will illuminate the communities that call Florida home. Highlights include a performance
by the Olujimi Dance Theatre, directed by Michelle Grant-Murray; and a tribute
in music and poetry to Florida native James Weldon Johnson on the centennial of
the iconic song, Lift Every Voice and
Sing (also known as The Negro
National Anthem), for which he wrote the lyrics.
5) See the Norton’s Large-Scale Tapestry by Artist Pae White
Woven at a workshop in Belgium, American artist Pae White’s 40-foot-long, 15-foot-tall tapestry, titled Eikón, will be the inaugural centerpiece of the new Norton’s architectural heart, the Ruth and Carl Shapiro Great Hall. The 3,600-square-foot, sky-lit gathering space features a 300-square-foot, rectangular window that looks out directly onto one of the marvels of the museum’s landscape—an 80-year-old, 65-foot-tall banyan tree. Like Lord Norman Foster, who was inspired by the banyan tree and incorporated it as a crucial part of the expansion’s design, White was also enthralled by the tree and designed the work to play with ideas of reflection and illusion. The work weaves in hints of green to reference the magical presence of the tree. Pae White has created a work of art that is as dynamic and entrancing as the new Great Hall created by Lord Foster.
The Chihuly Glass exhibit has been restored.
About the Norton Museum:
Founded in 1941, the Norton Museum of Art is recognized for its distinguished holdings in American, European, and Chinese art, and a continually expanding presence for photography and contemporary art. Its masterpieces of 19th century and 20th century European painting and sculpture include works by Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse, and Picasso, and American works by Stuart Davis, Hopper, O’Keeffe, Pollock, and Sheeler. The Norton presents special exhibitions, lectures, tours, and programs for adults and children throughout the year. In 2011, the Norton launched RAW (Recognition of Art by Women), featuring the work of a living female painter or sculptor and funded by the Leonard and Sophie Davis Fund/MLDauray Arts Initiative. In 2012, the Norton established the biennial, international Rudin Prize for Emerging Photographers in partnership with Beth Rudin DeWoody, named in honor of her late father, Lewis Rudin.
The Norton Museum
1450
S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on
Friday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on
Sunday.
Closed on Wednesdays
and major holidays.
Admission prices:
Members: Free
General: $18
Seniors: (60+): $15
Students: $5 with valid school ID,
Children: Free for ages 12 and under
Teachers: Free with valid school ID
Active Military (and immediate family) free with valid
military ID.
Fridays and Saturdays: FREE
The admission is free to the
public on Fridays and Saturdays thanks to the generosity of The Lunder
Foundation – Peter and Paula Lunder Family. Free Saturdays are made possible by
the generosity of the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation and Damon and
Katherine
Mezzacappa.
Free parking is
available across the street at 1501 S. Dixie Highway.
For additional
information, please call (561) 832-5196, or visit www.norton.org.
