Sunday, May 3, 2026
Home Blog Page 431

Heart & Soul Gala at the Breakers

admin
-
0
Heart & Soul Gala at the Breakers

Award-Winning Actress & Dancer Bebe Neuwirth

Will be Celebrity Host/Emcee of 10th Anniversary

Heart & Soul Gala at The Breakers on March 14

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.

Valentine’s at TooJay’s

admin
-
0
Valentine’s at TooJay’s

TooJay’s Deli Shares Lots of Love with

Valentine’s Dinner for “Too”

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 coupon before 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.

For more information about TooJay’s, visit TooJays.com. Follow TooJay’s at twitter.com/therealTooJays and instagram.com/toojaysdeli orvisit theFacebook fan page, which has over 91 thousand fans, and become a fan at facebook.com/TooJaysDeli.                      

Happy February, 2019!

admin
-
0
Happy February, 2019!

Here’s my Letter from the Editor for February. Check out all of our new articles by exploring AroundWellington.com.

Video by Stella Martinelli

Where Eastern and Western Medicine Meet

Angela Shaw
-
0
Where Eastern and Western Medicine Meet

An Interview with Caroline Blanke-Pena

By Angela Shaw, Photos by Jake Mazzone

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!

The Dangers of Fortnite

Melanie Lewis
-
0
The Dangers of Fortnite

A Battle over Battle Royale

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.

3 Reasons to Show Your Plumbing System Some Love

Jathy Garcia
-
0
3 Reasons to Show Your Plumbing System Some Love

By Jathy Garcia aka Your Plumber in a Skirt

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.

How to Cope with Stress

Jaiden Lagalo-Blinston
-
0
How to Cope with Stress

How to Cope with Stress

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.

Do You Know How Lucky We Are?

admin
-
0
Do You Know How Lucky We Are?

Do You Know How Lucky We Are?

By

Lori Hope Baumel

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.

Pet Safety: Leaving Your Dog or Cat Home Alone

admin
-
0
Pet Safety: Leaving Your Dog or Cat Home Alone

By Robin Meade

When we go to work or school and leave our pets for the day, many of us wonder just what we’ll come back home to. As soon as the front door closes, bored, stressed, nervous, young or curious pets start howling, chewing, peeing or clawing. If your cat or dog is untrained, it can mean destruction at home, trips to the vet, and plenty of frustration.

The saying “curiosity killed the cat” can, as many pet owners know, also apply to dogs. When they are left home alone, boredom or separation anxiety can kick in, and your pet might start to see shoes, rugs and furniture as something fun to play with. Other times, curiosity might take them exploring areas that could be dangerous, like a cabinet with cleaning products or a pantry with unhealthy foods. No to mention the potential mess of torn up clothing or trash. If you take precautions to make sure the house is safe and secure for your pet, you can be more confident that you’ll come home to few — if any — surprises.

If you find you must leave your pets alone, this guide gives you some important steps to take to help manage mischief and make he/she feel comfortable and safe.

Pet-Proofing 101

Your home doesn’t become a party pad once you leave. It’s the lack of supervision — whether you’re home or not — that sets the stage for destructive behavior. For your pets’ safety, you can dog-proof or cat-proof your home, anticipating areas and items that might become the focus of bored or destructive behavior and limiting their access. Since various kinds of animals are drawn to different things, we will break pet-proofing into three categories: dog, cat and both.

Dog-proofing:

  • Keep away foods that are toxic to dogs by storing them on a high shelf or closed pantry.
  • Make sure that none of your indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to your furry friends.
  • Keep kitchen trash in a lidded (latching for large dogs) bin.
  • Keep bathroom trash under the sink. You can find latches that keep curious creatures out of trash and any chemical containers you keep there.
  • Keep dirty laundry off the floor and in baskets or a closet so that they aren’t tempted to chew or pee on them.
  • Use baby gates to keep dogs from going up or down stairs, and close doors to rooms they shouldn’t be in without supervision.
  • Keep all food and dishes picked up off end tables and other low areas a dog can reach.
  • Put plastic covers over your stove and oven knobs if they are at a height where a dog’s front paws can reach when standing on their hind legs.

Cat-proofing:

  • Keep the litter box clean to prevent your cat from urinating somewhere else.
  • Drape blankets over furniture your cat likes to scratch, and place a scratching post nearby.
  • Don’t leave liquids on counters, shelves or tables above electrical plugs.
  • Purchase sturdy blinds that don’t bend easily, as well as window screens that are resistant to damage from cat claws.

House-proofing for dogs and cats:

  • Keep all cleaning products, pet food and medications in secured containers out of reach.
  • Organize all electrical cords, and keep them out of reach.
  • Pick up small objects from the floor so pets won’t accidentally chew on them and choke.
  • Make sure heavy objects, like televisions, are secured to the surfaces where they sit.

When you take the time to pet-proof your home, you can leave for the day with stronger peace of mind. However, even with all the boxes marked on your mile-long checklist, accidents can still happen. That’s why some pet parents prefer to take their pet-proofing a step further with pet security options.

Pet Security 101

No matter how long you’re gone or how far you go, making home security a priority puts many pet owners’ minds at ease. You can install smart home systems to keep your finger on the pulse of your home. You can even just make connections with a reliable neighbor who will check on your pets once or twice a day, or hire a pet sitter or a dog walker.

Indoor Cameras:

When it comes to making sure your pets — and your house — are safe, you can’t beat the assurance of an indoor security camera. Not only will indoor cameras give you a bird’s eye view of your pet while you’re away, it is also one of the most useful ways to protect your home.

What if a fire started, and for some reason, your alarm didn’t go off? What if burglars kicked in the door and then harmed your pets? When you install security cameras, your fears are calmed and pets protected. No matter where you are, you can head home to check on your pets, call a neighbor to help, or dial 9-1-1.

Security Systems:

Many home security systems now boast apps for Android and iOS devices, so you can keep an eye on your pets and your home right on your phone.

Many security systems are “smart,” meaning they are connected through the internet. You’ll get updates sent directly to your phone when the system detects smoke, carbon monoxide or a break-in. Many of these high-tech options will also alert 9-1-1, helping get rescuers to your home in minutes.

Some homeowners feel at ease with their dogs using a pet door. Not only can a pet door let dogs use the bathroom outside during the time you’re gone, but it can also give your pets a way to escape during a fire or home invasion. However, you’ll need to install a home security system that has the right sensors for a pet door, so the alarm isn’t triggered when they go in and out.

Neighbors, Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers:

If you have a responsible and trustworthy neighbor who is retired or works from home, you can ask them to help protect your dogs and cats by checking in for regular feedings, potty breaks, and maybe some playtime.

Run through your pet’s routine, feeding instructions, and other concerns. If the sitter can keep them on their regular schedule, it may help them to remain calm and prevent them from damaging your belongings. Cats are especially keen on a steady routine.

If your pet is too young, is too old, or has separation anxiety when you are away, hiring a pet sitter or dog walker can give you a peace of mind, as well as your pet some comfort and company during the day. Be sure to leave special instructions and vet contact information if your furry loved one has health concerns.

Stress-Free 101

If you’re leaving a dog home alone for any length of time, providing your dog with a stress-free zone is a fantastic way to give them a place to go to feel safe and secure when you’re away.

Like people, dogs find contentment in soft, comfortable areas, so don’t rely on your couch cushions to do the trick. Put a soft, plush dog bed in a room in the house you know they feel safe in — a place they go on their own for comfort, like a bedroom, bathroom or guest room.

Memory foam dog beds are great for older dogs, especially those with hip and joint issues. If you’ve crate trained your dog, then put the bed in their crate with some of their favorite toys. Regardless of where you put the bed, consider placing a shirt or blanket that smells like you in with the bed so that they can be comforted by your scent.

Cats, like dogs, also need a safe space to call their own. Cats like to hide in hard-to-reach, dark places, like the back of a closet or under a bed. Others may prefer a safe place to sunbathe while you’re away. Consider putting polyester blankets in places you think he/she will gravitate towards. This can both give them a warm bed and protect underlying things from accumulating fur. Rest assured the cat will find a comfortable place to curl up and will likely go to the same place often.

If your dog or cat is very high-stress, try purchasing a Thundershirt, which wraps tightly around their chest, creating a calming effect any time.

No matter how much you love them and want to be around them, you will have to leave your animals home alone at some point. It’s inevitable. Taking measures to keep them safe will also keep you sane.

Dogs and cats simply cannot tell us what they want. But when we pay attention, look ahead and make their comfort a priority, we’re almost certainly giving them what they need.

This article is posted, courtesy of

Pet Safety: Leaving Your Dog or Cat Home Alone

https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/pet-safety-leaving-dog-cat-home-alone

***

Robin grew up in a home with a LOT of pets. She currently works at a doggy day care and has three cats at home. Robin created SafetyForPets.com with the hope of educating humans in ways to keep their pets safe. 

Magical East Indian Desserts

admin
-
0
Magical East Indian Desserts

MAGICAL East Indian Desserts Wake-up Westerners!

The Sweethearts (Frannie and Dani) were blown away by the exotic floral flavors of Rasmalai and Gulab Jamun at lovely INDUS Restaurant in West Palm Beach.

INDUS:

Address: 1649 Forum Pl, Ste 6-7, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone: (561) 249-0123

IndusDine.com

***

We are pleased to have Real-Life married sweethearts Frannie and Dani, who are also Dessert Critics appropriately called ‘The Sweethearts’, add a little sweetness to Around Wellington with their playful, yummy weekly 3-5 minute dessert video reviews.  

Their online dessert critiques have been transformed into a Reality Food Show/Sitcom called ‘SWEETHEARTS’, now in development with 2-A-Listers attached. More info viewable at https://www.franniesheridan.com/  Frannie and Dani can currently be seen in several TV commercials in which they play themselves as Dessert Critics for Aztil air conditioning.

1...430431432...1,096Page 431 of 1,096

Around Wellington® is your resource for interesting stories, monthly columns on many areas of expertise, fun contests (with gift cards or tickets to events as the prizes), links to terrific local businesses, a monthly calendar and detailed community information. Learn more.

Quick Links

Get Social with AW!

© 2019 AroundWellington.com | Website design by WebGumption.com