We live in a world where our society is the only thing getting in the way of getting things done. Earlier this year one of the most tragic events to happen in the state of Florida caused 17 students to lose their lives. I’m talking about Marjory Stoneman Douglas. My Civics teacher once told me that as a citizen of the United States it’s your job to be active in your community and to use your voice to stand up for others. As a student who goes to Wellington Community High School in Florida, this incident was a terrible time for public schools in Florida and this resulted in many changes. I know students that tell me how they don’t even want to attend school because of how unsafe they feel. Just a few issues to address include a lack of police aid, the effectiveness of lanyards and the issue with students feeling they have a say.
First, lanyards are a great start to solving school safety issues. In fact, according the National Center for Education Statistics “A greater percentage of high schools (16 percent) and middle schools (13 percent) than of primary schools (3 percent) required students to wear badges or picture IDs.” Imagine if we could increase that to 100% of all schools in the U.S. However, even though lanyards are a good first step in the right direction, we as a country still have a long way to go because students feel that lanyards are simply not enough. With the tragedy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas on the student’s minds this certainly doesn’t help the atmosphere of school.
Secondly, one of the concerns about what happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas was that there weren’t enough police officers on campus at the time. Recently, Wellington High School had a lockdown on and not once did I see a school resource officer on campus. It is absolutely crucial that every school in the U.S has the access to more resource officers. I interviewed a sophomore who attends Wellington High School, who expressed his feelings about the lockdown the other day “With our Code Red, I find it terrible how afraid we have to be with something like this.” I asked the student if he could change one thing about the school what would it be? He responded, “One thing the school could do is inform the students of what is going on security wise.” Many of the students that I’ve talked to agree with these statements.
Lastly, students feel they have the right to express their concerns and should be heard. Many students everywhere are trying to make a change for the better. It’s up to us to make a difference in our society. It doesn’t matter what your race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or religion because in the very end, we can’t stop someone from killing, but we can try to prevent it.
Canals lace through this Alpine town in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeast France, earning it the moniker as the “Venice of the Alps.” The stunningly pristine Lake Annecy reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Cobbled streets invite you to wander amid pastel-colored houses and shops at the edge of the canals. Standing watch over it all is the medieval Château d’Annecy, once home to the Counts of Geneva. An easy drive from Geneva, Switzerland, Annecy is storybook charming. Strolling: That’s how I spent my time in Annecy. It was difficult to go more than a few steps without stopping to snap a photo of yet another picturesque sight. If you’re seeking a destination for Instagram-worthy shots, Annecy should be in your travel plans.
Gate in the Castle Courtyard
Let’s Start With the Medieval Castle
Blending medieval defense architecture with the elegance of the French Renaissance, Château d’Annecy is a must for lovers of architecture and history. Its oldest section dates back to the 13th century with modifications adding the influence of 14th to 16th-century architecture. Serving as home to the Counts of Geneva for many years, the castle suffered several fires and was ultimately abandoned in the 17th century. During World War II, it served as military barracks for the French troops. Late, in the 1950s, it was repurposed by the city of Annecy as a museum.
Housed within its majestic walls are exhibits featuring medieval sculptures, 18th-century paintings and important regional heritage objects. Located within the castle’s tower, the Regional Alpine Lakes Observatory houses a collection of lake-themed artifacts, aquariums and archaeological relics.
Palais de l’Isle
More History at the Photogenic Palais de l’Isle
Situated on a triangular turn of the city’s Thiou Canal, Palais de l’Isle is one of Annecy’s most recognizable buildings. Dating back to the 12th century, it looks as if it was plucked from the pages of a fairytale. This fortified building has played many roles throughout its centuries of history. It’s been a courthouse, prison, mint, lord’s residence and now a museum. Exhibits cover local history from medieval coins to the region’s 19th-century industrial era. Art exhibits are also featured periodically. Even if you don’t enter the museum, you’ll want to get a photo—it’s irresistible.
Pont des Amours
Steal a Kiss on the Pont des Amours
The romantic Pont des Amours (Lovers Bridge) crosses over the Thiou River where it enters the city connecting the Jardin de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe) to the vast promenades of Le Paquier. Legend says that lovers who kiss in the middle of the bridge will be together forever. Of course, it is also said this was once a meeting point for prostitutes. I suppose that could be legendary too.
Jardin de L’ Europe
Picnic in Jardin de L’Europe
Situated on the cleanest lake in Europe with panoramic views of the snow-capped French Alps, Jardin de L’Europe is hard to beat for a picnic. Plotted in the 19th century by the city, this English garden is home to more than 600 deciduous trees planted around the statue of the pioneering chemist Claude-Louis Berthollet. Pick up a croissant and cheese, find a park bench at the edge of Lake Annecy and feast your eyes on the spectacular beauty surrounding you.
This is Cheese Country
The Rhône-Alpes region of France is famous for its delicious cheeses. When you’re ready to indulge, one of the most decadent options is the Swiss dish, raclette. Whatever you do, don’t leave Annecy without trying this ultimate comfort food. Actually, eat it every chance you get. If you’re unfamiliar, raclette is made from a round cow’s milk cheese melted in front of an open fire. As it melts, it’s scraped onto your plate and typically eaten with dried meats, roasted potatoes, gherkins and pickled onions. For cheese lovers, there’s really nothing better on the planet.
Have you experienced the charms and cheese of Annecy?
Tickets to Palm Beach Opera’s 2018-2019 Season, Including Exciting New Concert, Available for Purchase
A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies. – Dec. 18, 2018
Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata– Jan. 25-27, 2019
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni– Feb. 22-24, 2019
Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus– Mar. 22-24, 2019
A Night of Rising Stars and Classic Melodies
(West Palm Beach, FL – Aug. 31, 2018) Tickets to Palm Beach Opera’s 2018-2019 mainstage season will be available to the public for purchase on Sept. 5. The company’s season of opera opens with new a concert, A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies, and includes performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus. All of Palm Beach Opera’s productions will be performed in the Dreyfoos Concert Hall at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.
A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies. – Dec. 18
The 2018-2019 season opens on Tuesday, Dec. 18, with the company’s new concert, A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies. The talented singers of Palm Beach Opera’s rigorous Benenson Young Artist and Apprentice Artist programs will perform opera’s greatest hits and Broadway favorites. This one-night only event will also feature a special guest appearance by world-renowned opera star Stephanie Blythe.
With more than 600 applicants in a single season, Palm Beach Opera’s growing training programs continue to be a launching pad for emerging artists. A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies will showcase the next generation of opera singers, and will also feature the Palm Beach Opera orchestra.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Stephanie Blythe to the Palm Beach Opera stage, and to have her join us as we celebrate the exceptional singers of our Benenson Young Artist and Apprentice Artist programs in this exciting new concert,” said Managing Director David Walker. “This will be a unique opportunity for audiences to enjoy rising stars on the brink of international stardom, and the vocal powerhouse of one of the world’s most beloved opera stars.”
Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata– Jan. 25-27
The first opera of the 2018-2019 season is Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata, the heartbreaking story of a Parisian courtesan’s impossible choice between love and moral obligation. Sopranos Kristina Mkhitaryan, who will make her Metropolitan Opera debut this season, and Jacqueline Echols (Jan. 26), praised for her “dynamic range and vocal acrobatics” by Classical Voice, will sing the shared role of Violetta in debut performances. Returning to Palm Beach Opera as Alfredo Germont is tenor Alexey Tatarintsev, who recently appeared in the company’s production of Rigoletto, and former Palm Beach Opera Benenson Young Artist Derrek Stark (Jan. 26). Appearing on the Palm Beach Opera stage for the first time, Baritone Massimo Cavalletti, who recently debuted with the Paris Opera, will play Giorgio Germont.
Palm Beach Opera’s 2018-2019 Benenson Young Artist Natalie Rose Havens will sing the role of Flora Bervoix, and former Benenson Young Artist Brian Wallin, who is returning to the program for another season, will sing Gastone. The cast and orchestra will be led by Verdi specialist Maestro Antonello Allemandi, who previously conducted the company’s internationally acclaimed production of Rigoletto. Director Fabio Ceresa, who won the 2016 International Opera Award for Young Director, will also make his Palm Beach Opera debut. Lighting Designer Stuart Duke, who debuted with Palm Beach Opera in the recent production of Tosca, will return to design the lighting of La traviata.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni– Feb. 22-24
Palm Beach Opera will present a film noir-inspired production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni, a tale of a libertine’s arrogance, corruption, and unrepentance. Palm Beach Opera’s Chief Conductor Maestro David Stern will lead the cast and orchestra for this production, marking another successful season with the company. Director Kristine McIntyre, who has directed more than 80 operas across the country, will make her Palm Beach Opera debut. In two Palm Beach Opera debuts, the title role of Don Giovanni will be performed by Baritones Andrei Bondarenko, who sang the same role for a Sony Classics recording of the opera, and Edward Nelson (Feb. 23), hailed as “an exciting protagonist” by Opera News. Bass Joshua Bloom, who has been praised by The Independent for his “thunderous sound,” will play the role of Leporello in his first performance with the company. Sopranos Caitlin Lynch and Sarah-Jane Brandon (Feb. 23), who both sang in Palm Beach Opera’s Le nozze di Figaro earlier this year, will sing the shared role of Donna Anna.
Danielle Pastin, a soprano who has been praised by Opera News for her “lovely demeanor and irresistibly creamy timbre,” and Felicia Moore (Feb. 23) will sing the role of Donna Elvira. Former Benenson Young Artist Danielle MacMillan, who also appeared in Le nozze di Figaro, will perform as Zerlina. Tenor Bogdan Volkov, who won second prize in the 2016 Operalia competition, will sing the role of Don Ottavio in a debut performance. South Florida resident and baritone Neil Nelson, who continues to headline the company’s new Summer Opera Nights series, will return to sing on the mainstage as Masetto. Bass Mikhail Koleishvili will perform as Commendatore and Marcus Dillard will design the lighting for Don Giovanni, marking his Palm Beach Opera debut.
Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus– March 22-24
Palm Beach Opera’s 2018-2019 season will close with Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus, a comedic series of mischief, intrigue, and revenge set at a lavish Viennese ball on New Year’s Eve. Palm Beach Opera Chief Conductor Maestro David Stern will also conduct this high-spirited comedy, and Artistic Director of Opera at Manhattan School of Music Dona D. Vaughn will serve as the Director. Keri Alkema, who captivated audiences in Palm Beach Opera’s recent production of Tosca, returns for another season with the company in role of Rosalinde. In addition to her upcoming appearance in the company’s A night of… Rising Stars & Classic Melodies concert, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe will return to sing the role of Orlofsky. Soprano Anna Christy, who has been celebrated by The New York Times as “nimble of voice, body and spirit,” will make her company debut in the role of Adele. Another company debut, tenor Zachary Borichevsky will perform as Eisensetin, a role the artist has performed at Cincinnati Opera. 2018 Richard Tucker Career Grant Winner Jack Swanson will debut as Alfred, and Tobias Greenhalgh, a former Palm Beach Opera Benenson Young Artist, will sing the role of Dr. Falke.
The company’s annual Children’s Performance will be a one-hour abridged version of Die Fledermaus(The Revenge of the Bat) for children and families, starring members of the Benenson Young Artist and Apprentice Artist programs and conducted by Associate Conductor and Chorus Master Greg Ritchey.
“The 2018-2019 season presents a delightful mix of classic favorites and an intoxicating comedy that will appeal to broad audiences,” said General Director Daniel Biaggi. “We are thrilled to showcase so many internationally-celebrated performers in such magnetic productions. As our subscriber family continues to grow, and as our expanding programs and community engagement efforts continue to reach new audiences, we are anticipating another extraordinary and successful season.”
How to Get Tickets to Palm Beach Opera’s 2018-2019 Season:
Subscriptions are available for purchase now on the Palm Beach Opera website at www.pbopera.org. As an additional benefit, subscribers have early access to single tickets before they are available to the public for purchase on Sept. 5. To be notified as soon as single tickets are available for purchase, sign up at www.pbopera.org/notifyme. For questions about tickets, or to make a purchase over the phone, contact the Palm Beach Opera box office at 561-833-7888.
About Palm Beach Opera:
Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. For more information, please visit pbopera.org.
Wellington is proud to congratulate its Geographic Information System (GIS) team for winning “Best in Show” for the 25th Annual South Florida GIS Expo’s poster presentation. The team also placed third in the “Best Project Presentation” category, highlighting Esri’s Story Map applications.
Congratulations to Nicole McPherson, GIS Manager, and her team, including Christian Nakotey, GIS Analyst, and Josh Lambert, GIS Technician for their outstanding accomplishments. A special thanks to David Feliciano, Communications Manager, for the creative design of this year’s poster.
The South Florida GIS Expo is an annual conference sponsored by the Palm Beach Countywide GIS Forum. The conference serves as a way to foster collaboration, GIS coordination, networking, education and training for the rapidly expanding professional GIS Community in the South Florida region.
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/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
If you are looking for an unforgettable way to spend a morning or afternoon, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, located across the street from the beach in Boca Raton, is a great destination for all ages. Named for the native Gumbo Limbo trees which are found all over the property, the nature center was founded in 1984 by Gordon Gilbert, a former high school science teacher. Gumbo Limbo’s mission is to Increase stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems and it remains an undiscovered gem in busy and bustling Boca Raton.
Photos: City of Boca Raton.
A self-led exploration of the property generally lasts about 1.5 -3 hours, and here are just some of the ways you can spend your day:
Enjoy a walk on the newly reconstructed boardwalk which travels 1/4 mile through the coastal forest and connects to Red Reef Park West.
Stroll through the butterfly garden, where many species of wild butterflies and birds can be seen year-round.
Walk the Ashley Trail and relax in the authentic Chiki overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
Climb on and take photos with the life-sized sea turtle sculptures in the sea turtle sculpture garden.
Observe a variety of native fish and other marine animals in the four large outdoor aquariums, and attend the daily 12:30 feeding presentation.
Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility to learn about the patients at the daily 2:00 turtle talk, and find out how you can help sea turtles around the world.
Don’t forget to stop in the nature-themed gift shop for unique and imaginative gifts.
Gumbo Limbo’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility is one of only 6 facilities in the state that treats sea turtles with a disease called Fibropapillomatosis (FP). Commonly found in green sea turtles, FP tumors grow on the face and flippers, making swimming and foraging difficult. In addition, thousands of hatchling sea turtles are treated at Gumbo Limbo every year and are given a second chance at survival.
Nearly all of Gumbo Limbo’s property is accessible with elevated boardwalks, ramps, and a mobi-mat through a portion of the Ashley trail and butterfly garden. Due to the number of native and endangered animals on property, pets are not permitted, but service dogs are always welcome.
You can visit Gumbo Limbo Nature Center at 1801 N Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432. The Nature Center, Aquariums, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility are open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Saturday, and 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sundays. The Boardwalk, Butterfly Garden, and Ashley Trail are open daily from 7:00 AM – Sunset. Visit www.GumboLimbo.org to learn more about our facility and signup for programs including kayak and canoe tours, guided nature walks, beach combing, and campfire programs. Seasonal events include the popular Sea Turtle Day, held in March and Halloween in the Garden, held in October
WEST CORNWALL GOLF CLUB: THE CLASSIC CORNISH LINKS
By Mike May
When you think about playing golf in Great Britain, everybody seems to focus on those historic layouts in Scotland. While those courses deserve to be on everybody’s ‘must play’ list, there are a number of great golf courses in England, specifically in the southwest of England, that will satisfy your craving for the classic, British links golf experience!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
One of my personal favorites is located in the western part of England’s most westerly county, Cornwall. The name of the course matches its geographic locale – the West Cornwall Golf Club (WCGC), www.westcornwallgolfclub.co.uk. This course is located in the village of Lelant, equidistant from the more well-known communities of Penzance and St. Ives, both of which are fishing ports and vacation destinations. As the course’s website states, the West Cornwall Golf Club “has been moulded around the natural contours of the sand dunes that form part of the Hayle Estuary and Porth Kidney Sands. There are panoramic views from almost every hole with St. Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse forming a memorable backdrop to this gem of a links.”
The West Cornwall Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Cornwall. It was built in 1889. The local church reverend – Rev. Tyacke – is given credit for designing this course. The course’s website lists the WCGC as “one of the finest links courses in the county.” It’s true! Kudos to the late Rev. Tyacke for his efforts, back in the day.
THROUGH THE GREEN
West Cornwall is a par 69 layout for the men and a par 72 for the ladies. There are three sets of tee that play to the par 69. On paper, the course appears to be relatively short, but the conditions, specifically the nature of the terrain and the ever-present sea breeze, add a degree of difficulty that you can’t comprehend until you play the course.
It’s worth noting that the West Cornwall Golf Club is a perfect course to walk as the distances between greens and tees are minimal.
A TOUR OF THE LINKS
At the second hole, the green is a raised putting surface, flanked by sand dunes to the left and right of the green. There are no bunkers around the second green either, but when you consider those sand dunes, the ever-present wind, and the trouble that exists beyond the green, there’s no need for another hazard. This 378-yard par four always plays longer than it appears on paper.
The view of the 2nd green from the 14th fairway. The 2nd green is bordered by two huge dunes.
When standing on the fourth tee, make sure that you avoid hitting the ball right as you might finish in the graveyard of the St. Uny Church that borders this fairway. The graveyard is OB! When you play the 354-yard fourth, you will share the same fairway with golfers who are playing the eighth, who will be coming in the opposite direction.
West Cornwall’s equivalent of ‘Amen Corner’ is known as ‘The Triangle’ – holes five, six, and seven. Of those three holes, two of them are par threes. If you can emerge from ‘The Triangle’ in par, count your blessings.
The par four ninth is uphill from beginning to end and usually into the teeth of the wind which makes it play longer. It’s rated as the toughest hole on the course.
The tee shot at the 328-yard 10th is blind. The degree of difficulty at the 10th is enhanced by its two-tiered green and the five sand traps that surround the front portion of the green. There are no flat lies on the 10th fairway.
The view of the two-tiered 10th green from the 13th tee, with the St. Ives Bay in the distance.
The 13th hole is a 268-yard, par four. The fairway slants from left to right and is filled with many undulations. On paper, the hole appears rather simple. Because of the fairway’s slanted nature and its uneven texture, a well-struck tee shot will be followed by a short iron off a downhill, sidehill lie to a two-tiered green. Even though it’s the shortest par four on the course, a par is earned with two solid shots and two putts.
From the 14th hole, look due north where you’ll see the Godrevy Lighthouse in St. Ives Bay. You will also see the entrance to the Hayle Estuary. On sunny days, the breathtaking view is a ‘Kodak Moment.’
As you walk down the 18th fairway, you will see a classic Cornish ‘portrait’ in the distance — the West Cornwall GC clubhouse, the Hayle Estuary, and the Cornish countryside, complete with many hedge rows. The setting is serene.
The view of the 4th green from the 8th tee, with the tower from the St. Uny Church in the distance.The view of the 12th green, looking out to sea (St. Ives Bay), with the British Railways line acting as a barrier between the golf course and the sand dunes.
ETCETERA
Golf historians will be delighted to know that the West Cornwall Golf Club is the home of World Golf Hall of Famer Jim Barnes – sometimes referred to as ‘Gentleman’ Jim Barnes or ‘Long’ Jim Barnes. In his professional career, he won the first two PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919; the 1921 U.S. Open; and the 1925 (British) Open Championship. He is one of 15 men to have won at least three of golf’s four professional majors. Rumor has it that Barnes, on at least one occasion, played the West Cornwall Golf Club in par while using just one club, a three iron.
The late, great Open golf champion Henry Cotton once wrote this about the West Cornwall Golf Club: “Golfers will not easily tire of playing this course.”
Five-time Open Champion and accomplished golf course architect James Braid once visited the West Cornwall Golf Club.
“Braid did come here, but there is no record of him making any changes (to the golf course) and if he did suggest any, the Committee of the time must have decided not to adopt them,” said Gareth Evans, West Cornwall’s club secretary.
For many local golfers at West Cornwall, this course delivers a ‘home-sweet-home’ experience.
“West Cornwall has been my English golfing home ever since I started playing golf as a child,” said Neil Hodding, 57, who has been a member of the club for more than 40 years and lives in nearby Carbis Bay. “I have lived and played golf around the world, but my golfing roots are firmly entrenched in that Cornish sand that’s the foundation for the links at West Cornwall. There’s something magical about those links.”
When you play West Cornwall, bring a comfortable golf shoes and an adventuresome spirit! It will create a golfing memory that will last a lifetime.
Looking back down the 2nd fairway from the raised 2nd green, with the St. Uny Church in the distance.
Performances by Pianist Robin Arrigo and The Kretzer Kids
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 21, 2018) The Kretzer Music Foundation’s popular MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert series will be back next month with a benefit concert on behalf of longtime local piano tuner Erick Sanchez and his family. It will be held on Tuesday, September 18, at 7 pm, in the Harriet Himmel Theatre at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.
Erick Sanchez and his family
The evening will include a performance by YAMAHA Artist Dr. Robin Arrigo, an Adjunct Professor of Piano/Staff Accompanist at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Artist Resident for King’s Conservatory of the Arts.
Also scheduled to perform are members of the multi-talented musical group, The Kretzer Kids, including:
+ Skye Alyssa Friedman, a 16-year old resident of Jupiter who has performed on Broadway and recently appeared in a TV episode of Nickelodeon’s I Am Frankie.
+ Olivia Henley, age 15, a vocalist from Wellington, who recently had the female lead in Ghost: The Musical at The Kings Academy.
+Giancarlo Llerena, age 17 and First Place winner of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony Concerto Competition.
+ Chris Santiago, 16 years old and from West Palm Beach, on vocals and trumpet who is featured on Legends Radio and is the current “Young Artist” of the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook.
+ Josetta Wang, Jr., a talented 11-year old pianist from West Palm Beach and Junior Kretzer Kids Coordinator.
+ Zachary Williams, the extraordinary young pianist from Palm Beach Gardens who won the Downtown at the Gardens Talent Competition.
Tickets for this special MUSIC FOR THE MIND benefit concert are only $15 for Adults and $5 for Students. They are available for purchase by calling CTS Tickets at 866-449-2489.
Profit from this MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert will be split between piano tuner Erick Sanchez and Kretzer Music Foundation scholarships for children.
“For well-known and respected piano technician Erick Sanchez, 2018 has been a nightmare,” explains Kathi Kretzer, founder of the Kretzer Music Foundation. “He was diagnosed with a herniated disc, myelopathy, spinal fluid leak, and disc degeneration syndrome. Back surgery failed to alleviate his pain and now he is unable to continue his career and support his family.”
Sanchez has been a piano technician since age 16, and six years later earned a master’s degree from National Conservatory of Music in the Dominican Republic. At age 38, he is an accomplished and classically trained pianist as well as a highly skilled technician, who frequently donated his time tuning pianos for economically challenged children, as well as for Kretzer Music Foundation concerts.
Although Erick and Vanessa Sanchez are both American citizens, they were forced to return to the Dominican Republic due to the income loss from his physical disability. Just days after returning, their son had emergency surgery for a perforated appendix, followed by serious complications and additional operations. The Sanchez family dreams of coming home to Florida, and funds raised at this Kretzer Music Foundation benefit concert will help them in their struggles.
About the Kretzer Music Foundation:
Formerly known as the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation, KMF is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the gift of music to children and seniors. “We are passionate about music being a part of every child’s life and the Foundation provides performance opportunities so young artists can share their talents with others,” says founder Kathi Kretzer.
In addition to awarding scholarships for music lessons and donating pianos to disadvantaged children and local children’s charities, KMF’s popular programs include:
+ The KRETZER KIDS, gifted young people who have performed over 60 concerts annually for 16 years in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community events and at children’s hospitals.
+ The Music for the Mind concert series presented the third Tuesday of every month at CityPlace in West Palm Beach. These concerts feature various musical groups from our area. Beginning in 2002, Music for the Mind has provided more than 12,000 young musicians the opportunity to perform while raising over $650,000 to help promote music in our schools and community.
+ The Keyboards for Kids group piano classes were given to underprivileged children at Adopt-a-Family, the Boys and Girls Club and the Center for Creative Education.
+ The headline-grabbing Keys to the Cities campaign placed 18 whimsically painted pianos in public spots from Jupiter to Delray Beach (and winner of the 2014 Bernays Award for Best Special Event from the Gold Coast PR Council). Afterwards, the pianos were donated to worthy local nonprofit organizations, including Adopt-a-Family, Quantum House, Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s, Grandma’s Place, Lighthouse for the Blind, Opportunity, Inc., Palms West Pediatric Oncology, Salvation Army and the YWCA, where they continue to brighten lives.
+ The PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE concerts held for five years featured a group of talented medical doctors and raised funds for local children’s charities and music education.
Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery presents its annual “Bread and Roses” exhibition, additionally titled, “Women of the Resistance.” The show, last year, became an interactive debate, with folks who found the art of peace signs, the environment, women’s rights, civil liberties and civil rights offensive. They brought a contingent of demonstrators to protest the gallery and the artists. Parking front of the gallery, shouting and waving flags, they called the art inside, “hate” art. The gallery artists met them with servings of cake and cookies. Over 350 visitors flocked to the gallery that first evening, to support the artists and to purchase their works.”
“Bread and Roses” celebrates Women’s Equality Day, and the Women of the Resistance. The title, “Bread and Roses,” comes from a 1912 strike when women workers, at the Lawrence Mill in Massachusetts, sought higher wages (to purchase bread for their families) while also asking for roses in their lives. Life is a toil, but pleasure is well deserved and earned in the process.
Artists have always risen to the challenge of the fight against oppression, and for peace and social justice. Best known may be Picasso’s Guernica, but, throughout all wars and strife, artists have fought back, bringing change through their posters, guerilla art, and fine-art statements. Today, artists like Maxine Schreiber and Alessandra Mondolfi take their art to the streets as well as to the internet and galleries.
This year, a life-long fighter for social justice lost her life to cancer. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery dedicates this show to, and celebrates the life of Connie Kurtz, who, along with her wife Ruthie Berman, won the fight for domestic partnership, in the New York School system. They spent their entire lives fighting for equality, peace and social justice.
Performing protest songs on opening night will be singers Mel and Vinnie, and the GinKats, Ginny Meredith and Kat Mahoney. They will be teaching “songs for the picket line.” Mel and Vinnie worked for many years on the Hudson River with Pete Seeger.
Men, too, who fight hand in hand with women, will be participating in this show.
Voter registration, and write-in ballots will be available in the gallery.
Clay Glass Metal Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit artist cooperative whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 15 South J Street in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Sunday thru Thursday, 10AM-6PM. Friday and Saturday, 10AM-10PM. Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6-10 PM with many special events in-between. The Flamingo Clay Studio is located at 216 South F Street with open studio and workshop opportunities for those interested in the 3-D Arts of Clay, Fused Glass and Small Metals.
Where's the lamp that Hero lit
Once to call Leander home?
Equal Time hath shovelled it
'Neath the wrack of Greece and Rome.
Neither wait we any more
That worn sail which Argo bore.
Dust and dust of ashes close
All the Vestal Virgin's care;
And the oldest altar shows
But an older darkness there.
Age-encamped Oblivion
Tenteth every light that shone.
Yet shall we, for Suns that die,
Wall our wanderings from desire?
Or, because the Moon is high,
Scorn to use a nearer fire?
Lest some envious Pharaoh stir,
Make our lives our sepulcher?
Nay! Though Time with petty Fate
Prison us and Emperors,
By our Arts do we create
That which Time himself devours--
Such machines as well may run
'Gainst the Horses of the Sun.
When we would a new abode,
Space, our tyrant King no more,
Lays the long lance of the road
At our feet and flees before,
Breathless, ere we overwhelm,
To submit a further realm!
Join us Saturday, September 1st for Super Hero Night at the ball park, presented by Palm Beach Children’s Hospital! Fans can dress up in their favorite superhero costume as we’ll have special music and activities. The first 300 kids in attendance will receive a blue super hero cape courtesy of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital!
Night will include:
Costume contest
Honor local heroes
Super hero cape giveaway
Special Appearance by your favorite super heroes, courtesy of Jeffro’s Heroes
