Dr. Randy Laurich of The Wellness Experience discusses the benefits of low impact outdoor water exercise with Roger Roque – Owner of Kayak King Watersports at Okeeheelee Park, Florida. All music by Dan Leibowitz on Youtube.
Vaping, the Real Cost
Vaping: The Real Cost
In 2014 the FDA launched the “The real cost” ad campaign hoping to educate teens on the negative effects of smoking. Ever since then, “Annual smoking-related health care costs in Florida decreased 15 percent from 2006 to 2015 as a result of fewer adults smoking,” according to the FDA. This was an incredible achievement in the state of Florida but now the vaping craze has taken its place. Teens everywhere in the U.S. are illegally buying and taking these vapes to school and this is having negative effects on teens everywhere.
What are the dangers of vaping?
A lot of students don’t realize the dangers and effects of vaping. A vape contains a lot of harmful chemicals that can lead to health issues and effects such as “Popcorn lung”, lung cancer, seizures, comas and ultimately death. According to U.S. News, “A school-based survey shows nearly 1 in 11 U.S. students have used marijuana in electronic cigarettes, heightening health concerns about the new popularity of vaping among teens. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, but many of the battery-powered devices can vaporize other substances, including marijuana.” The liquids that are used in vapes contain chemicals such as nicotine, heavy metals like tin and copper, and formaldehyde which is used for embalming. Personally, this is quite disturbing to think about and I would never want those chemicals near me, let alone in my lungs. Not only are vapes terrible for you but they are illegal to buy under the age of 18 and can lead to serious repercussions. The official Florida State Legislature stated in Statue Fla. Stat. § 877.112(6) that “It is unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to knowingly possess any nicotine product or a nicotine dispensing device. Any person under 18 years of age who violates this subsection commits a noncriminal violation as defined in s. 775.08(3), punishable by:
(a) For a first violation, 16 hours of community service or, instead of community service, a $25 fine. In addition, the person must attend a school-approved anti-tobacco and nicotine program, if locally available;
(b) For a second violation within 12 weeks of the first violation, a $25 fine; or
(c) For a third or subsequent violation within 12 weeks of the first violation, the court must direct the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to withhold issuance of or suspend or revoke the person’s driver license or driving privilege, as provided in s. 322.056.” Being caught with the possession of a vape at your high school or middle school can and will ruin your entire school career and is irreversible.
What is causing this trend to become so popular?
Compared to a pack of cigarettes, vapes are surprisingly cheaper as a long term investment. With the recent hype about Juul pods, students tend to go and get Juul pods because they are small, concealable, creating less noticeable vapor, and odorless. Not only are they easily obtainable, you can purchase various flavors that may sound interesting (For example: cotton candy and mint) but contain harmful chemicals as stated in the previous paragraph. Another factor is that people who own vapes try to do tricks and methods such as “Dripping”, which is when you put e-cig liquid onto the coils of the device to enhance its flavor and smoke. I interviewed Sam Johnson, a freshman at Wellington High School and asked him “Why do you think that vapes are becoming such a big trend?” and he responded with “Mainstream celebrities like rappers always talk about and say how “cool” vaping is…” I then asked him, “What advice would you give to teens considering trying a vape?” and he said, “You shouldn’t because it has lasting effects on yourself and can your ruin your future.”
Some things to consider?
Before trying a vape consider the facts and ask yourself, “How will this affect me and the other people around me in the long run?” I understand that teens want more independence and freedom and it’s all a part of the experience and the path to becoming a responsible adult, but it is crucial that teens are properly informed and have a basic understanding of the possible outcomes whether it’s by choice or peer pressure.
Take a Hike
Take A Hike
‘Tis the season for holiday feasting and festive gatherings! It is also a time of year when Florida temperatures are more amenable to outdoors activities. Here are my top 5 suggestions:
Beaches
Second only to Alaska in Coastline, The Sunshine State boasts most coastline. Of that coastline, there are loads of sandy beaches. So take off your shoes and take advantage of a natural resource people all over the country envy. I spent a lot of time on the most walk-able of beaches in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach. Its fresh sea air and cooling breezes make it a delightful place to spend the day. There are restaurants and shops along the way to quench your thirst or take a break.
Shopping
Venture in to the River Walk area for regularly schedule activities. I’m starting to sound like the tourist bureau, but for leisure, Around Wellington has it in spades. It’s where folks work to live, not live to work. Where there are so many avenues, literally, for pastime that work will be the farthest from your mind. River Walk shopping district may be a little easier going for strollers and tired surfers. Too far a drive? Check out the latest shops in Delray Beach along Atlantic Avenue. Still too far? Walk the mall at the Mall at Wellington Green.
Zoo
Animals magnetize kids. It seems that my kids could spend far more time staring at goats and chickens. Westgate River Ranch, FL has a tame, family-oriented place to see the critters. Hanging out at the pet store is an option that provided enough fish, bird and hamster viewing without the overhead of a long car trip. My all-time favorite Florida Animal Park is Busch Gardens. In a carnival-like environment, naturalist give talks and demonstrations on all sorts of animals where kids can see them close-up. Kiss a Kangaroo and feed a Wallaby at the fenced area. There are Safaris to see the giraffe and zebra. One day is not enough. In your own backyard is the treasure of the Palm Beach Zoo, still flowering with the botanical gardens it once was. Another great day can be spent at Lion Country Safari. Just watch out for ostriches who are very curious about your car and like to get very close to you.
Nature trails
Jonathan Dickinson State Park and Nature conservancy’s Blowing Rocks in Jupiter can provide ample tree-hugging and hiking opportunity. Breathe deeply in the shade of a mangrove and palm forest. It’s widely held that time spent outdoors is beneficial for the human spirit. The outdoors fosters care for the environment, decreasing anxiety and decreasing fear of the outdoors.
Museums
The gilded ages came to West Palm Beach and provided us a legacy of museums to enjoy and learn. These museums add to the “green” theme with art sculptures and arrays of beautiful gardens. Play tourist for a day and visit a neighboring treasure, https://floridahikes.com/palm-beach: Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, Bethesda-by-the-sea, Four Arts Garden and Pan’s Garden. See last month’s “Mommy Moments” article about the newly renovated beautiful backyard at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.
Outdoors is where to spend this temperate season. I hope you’ll grab your hat and venture out of your air-conditioned cage with the kids.
What do we do now?
What do we do now?
Greyhound racing has been popular in Florida since the first track (Derby Lane) opened on Jan 3, 1925. The Palm Beach Kennel Club has had dog racing since February 17, 1932. There are approximately 8000 greyhounds currently running on the tracks in Florida and another 7000 on farms all over the country maturing enough to start schooling and working on the track – as they were born and bred to do.
Now we find ourselves with a ban on greyhound racing to go into effect as of the end of 2020 here in Florida. And the question is what do we do now with all these dogs?
There are six other tracks across the USA where active greyhound racing still occurs. Not as many as in Florida – but two in West Virginia and one each in Iowa, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama. Some of the dogs will go there to continue racing.
Others will come into our breed specific adoption community – where we have placed 98% of the retired racers for years. That is a much better adoption rate than with any other breed and / or any other shelter in the USA. Those not going into adoption either go back to their owners in retirement or become moms or dads on the greyhound farms.
AGA’s service dog program (Hounds & Heroes) will continue with bringing in dogs from other states once the FL dogs are no longer available so we will continue to need assistance with the program from the community. Veterans who have received the donation of the fully trained retired racing greyhounds are so thankful for the impact they have made on their lives as their battle buddies. It is important that we continue this program with kennels from other states providing us with greyhounds once they retire from their job as a professional athlete.
Applications for adoptions have been heavy since the amendment has passed – and that is a good thing but those who are requesting dogs must realize that our adoption groups are all volunteer and members work a 40 week at other jobs so we are limited in time. Also, there are the same number of dogs coming into adoption as before – so we bring in X number of dogs to each group in foster as we have always done.
We will take care of our own. There are 102 NGA approved adoption groups that supported the NO ON 13 campaign – to keep our professional athletes doing their jobs. These groups are gearing up for the larger number of dogs that we anticipate coming in within the next two years.
Foster homes are always needed – and adoption applications will be processed as usual – with background checks and home visits done. Qualified applicants will be on the waiting list for the right dog to come along for their family situation (children under six, other dogs or cats or other animals in the house, etc). Patience is the way to go as there will be no letting up of the vetting of the humans who wish to foster or adopt our sweet pups.
Now it is time to help your local adoption group that is one of the 102 that have been and are working diligently to find proper homes for these magnificent animals. Donations are accepted as the adoption fee is less than half the fee for the vetting of the animals when they come into our care. No corners will be cut in properly preparing the dogs for their forever home – spay or neuter / dental / shots brought up to date if needed / titers done to scan for tick borne diseases / microchip implanted etc.
Of course, we will need to continue our overhead (insurance and vehicles for transport etc.) even not having kennels to maintain. We do supply all food, supplements etc. to our fosters for each dog in transition.
It is our commitment to these magnificent creatures to do the right thing and find the best homes for each of the pups as they retire. Personally, I have done this for 18 years and we in the greyhound community will continue to do so.
Barbara Masi
President / Founder
Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, Inc.
And the Hounds & Heroes Program
AwesomeGreyhoundAdoptions.org
Art Heals
Art Heals
By Lori Hope Baumel
As the year winds down and the holiday celebrations begin, take a moment to reflect how healing the arts can be when our hearts are heavy. Holidays spent with family and friends often provide the warmth and attention we desire all year. Yet, there are those who may be too ill or simply overwhelmed by the news cycle to truly appreciate this joyful time of year. Therefore, it is the role of the stronger to take over for the weak. In other words, if you see someone quietly suffering, physically or emotionally, encourage that person to take on an artful task to lighten their load.
Recently, my father was hospitalized with pneumonia. Painting is his hobby, and I must say he is rather talented. Time spent in the hospital can be stressful for both the patient and those who care for him. I asked myself, “What can I do to help relieve his stress? He needs to paint. But how?” The solution came to me rather quickly. I brought my iPad Pro to the hospital and with the aid of a stylus and the painting app ArtRage, my father spent a total of 5 hours painting a digital artwork (pictured above). Not only did it make my father feel better, it got the entire family through a very difficult day.
When I particularly need a diversion, I dive into my Audible app and listen to an eBook, podcast or Audible Original (free audio selections included with my monthly Audible membership). When an eBook is especially enjoyable, I often gift it to someone who could use a distraction from their daily life. In addition, I prefer giving digital gifts that have a small carbon footprint.
Are you interested in giving an environmentally-friendly artful gift? Here are some ideas: tickets to a show or movie, an eBook, an iTunes card for apps or music, or a homemade gift certificate to spend a day at the Norton Museum. If absolutely necessary, place your “gift” in a box and wrap it up. It may not take up much room under the tree, or next to the Menorah, but it will continue to be gratifying when we return to our daily routine.
Most importantly, give the gift of yourself to someone who could use some companionship. Paint together, assemble a puzzle, read poetry… toss it up and try something new. Make a difference! On behalf of my family, I wish you all a happy, healthy holiday season.
Live… Go… Do!
Top 5 For December
Book: Becoming by Michelle Obama
Available wherever books, eBooks and audiobooks are sold.
Movie: Green Book with Viggo Mortenson and Mahershala Ali
See your local movie listings
Theater: Clybourne Park, December 5-7 at Lynn University
For tickets and information: www.lynn.edu/events/concerts-and-performances/lynn-drama
Outdoors: Garden of Lights, Mounts Botanical Garden (evenings 5:30 to 8:30 PM)
For tickets and information go to: www.mounts.org
Once in A Lifetime: Downton Abbey, The Exhibition.
If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, do NOT miss this! I saw this exhibit in New York City and now it is on view at City Place. For tickets and information go to: www.downtonexhibition.com
Blessings for All That is Missing
Blessings for All That is Missing
By Sarah B Sullivan
November 22, 2018
If you are hungry,
I wish for you a table
full of sustenance and grace.
Let us eat together.
Let each bite be a gift.
Let our meal become not only
a memory, but a means
to share what we are given,
our sustenance, our grace.
If your table is missing
a place setting, that hole
in your heart unfillable,
may you be wholly embraced.
Let us eat together,
even if you can hardly swallow.
Let each bite be a gift,
though each bite tastes of grief.
Let our circle at the table always
hold those no longer with us.
If the ground drops
from under you, may you feel
the toe of your neighbor
brush against your foot
as if it were god or salvation.
Let each touch be a gift.
I wish you balance.
May you walk with ease.
When the land you tread
turns barren, I wish for you
a drenching rain
which plasters your shirt—
may you always have a shirt—
to your weary body;
a rain that also fills your cup
and feeds your garden.
May the vibrance of the earth be yours.
May the hymn sung by a passing stranger
fill you when the food is scarce
and when it is bountiful.
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Love this poem? Give back by donating to Sarah Sullivan’s favorite cause, The Center for New Americans.
Carrot Cake from Aioli
Attack Bunnies Beware We Are Stronger!
Watch our Dessert Reviewers – husband and wife team appropriately called
‘The Sweethearts’ incinerate a relentless carrot cake from Aioli.
CONTACT INFO:
AIOLI
T: 561.366.7741
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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.
JPMorgan Chase Invests $100,000 in Housing Leadership Council for Affordable Housing Feasibility Study
JPMorgan Chase Invests $100,000 in Housing Leadership Council
for Affordable Housing Feasibility Study
West Palm Beach, FL – Palm Beach County may soon be able to attract and retain more teachers with the help of a feasibility grant awarded to the Housing Leadership Council (HLC) of Palm Beach County, Inc. The $100,000 investment from JPMorgan Chase & Co. will help identify strategies to reduce the cost of housing for educators throughout the county, and will allow the HLC to explore opportunities that will provide Palm Beach County School District (PBCSD) employees with affordable housing options.
Educators, builders, residents and all interested parties are encouraged to participate in activities funded by the grant by attending focus groups and completing online surveys. Focus groups will be held throughout Palm Beach County on school campuses and other locations to be announced in the fourth quarter. Participants will be asked for their opinions on housing options, incentive programs, rental assistance, preferences for housing options, and school safety issues. The HLC will work in collaboration with the PBCSD, the Housing Summit Regional Steering Committee, Palm Beach County, PBCSD Police Department, local colleges and universities, and others to explore and potentially implement employer-assisted housing options.
Palm Beach is the largest county east of the Mississippi River and home to one of our nation’s most diverse populations. The PBCSD is the 10th largest in the nation and educates students speaking 150 languages. With more than 190,000 students and 22,000 employees, it is the largest educational employer in the county. Gonzalo La Cava, the PBCSD Chief of Human Resources, finds the high cost of living in the community continues to be a significant barrier in recruiting new teachers and keeping existing teachers. “Teachers want to be able to own a home and start a family in the communities they work in, and, unfortunately, many of our teachers and employees are unable to do this with the rising cost of homes in Palm Beach County,” said La Cava.
Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy has been outspoken about this issue since taking the helm in March, noting that, “A world-class education does not happen without great teachers, and great teachers stay in communities where they can afford to live.”
“It is critical that teachers are part of the process so we can understand the barriers they face and work with them to develop more affordable housing options in our community,” said Juan Tagle, head of Chase Middle Market Banking in Palm Beach, Florida.
The HLC is a coalition of business, civic and community leaders who strive to provide affordable housing for all income levels. Originally envisioned by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Inc., and other business leaders, the HLC works to sustain economic viability and address a disconnection between affordable housing and attracting new businesses to the county. The availability of high quality education and educators is imperative to attract out of state business leaders to strengthen our Palm Beach County communities. The HLC Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders from organizations such as the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, Career Source of Palm Beach County, PBCSD, West Palm Beach Housing Authority and Community Redevelopment Agencies. Elected officials, realtors, attorneys, developers and key financial leaders also serve on the HLC Board. HLC is led by Suzanne Cabrera, who has created and been awarded grants in excess of $50 million for the important community causes that she has championed. “The nexus between a fully employed, successful community and affordable housing is undeniable. We will solve this challenge,” said Cabrera. For more information, please contact Suzanne Cabrera at the Housing Leadership Council at (561) 653-4107 or scabrera@hlcpbc.com.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.6 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.
To Your Health! FoundCare Inc. Announces 2019 Gala
FoundCare Inc. invites guests to toast À Votre Santé (To Your Health)
Dinner Party To Benefit Those Most in Need of Healthcare Services in Palm Beach County
(PALM BEACH, Fla.) – FoundCare, Inc., will host its 2019 Island dinner party, À Votre Santé (To Your Health), on Sunday, March 24, at 6 p.m. at Club Colette in Palm Beach. Guests will toast to their health alongside live island music and fabulous live and silent auctions, all while supporting FoundCare, a federally qualified health center in Palm Beach County. Attendees will include key medical and community leaders who support FoundCare’s mission. Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical resort wear.
À Votre Santé will benefit those most in need of healthcare services throughout Palm Beach County, and this year’s event will honor Dr. and Mrs. David Dodson, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Druskin and Hermé de Wyman Miro. FoundCare supporters Jeffrey and Trisha Cole are the chairs of this year’s event.
“My wife and I believe that FoundCare has great merit in this difficult healthcare climate,” said Jeffrey Cole. “We believe in affordable healthcare for all. We were impressed by the quality and dedication of the caregivers at FoundCare after we toured the facility. Trisha and I believe in the validity of the FoundCare concept where any patient can get medical care they can afford. FoundCare serves the needs of the community, and its overall financial and economic benefit to the Palm Beach County community in 2017 was close to $30 million.”
Tickets to the event are $325 and underwriting opportunities are still available. For information about the event, please call 561-472-9160, ext. 220.
“À Votre Santé helps us fund our vital services here in Palm Beach County, and we are so grateful to our supporters and event leadership,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare. “We are thrilled to honor Dr. and Mrs. David Dodson, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Druskin and Hermé de Wyman Miro for their tireless work to create greater access to health services for the uninsured. We want to invite everyone to join us as we toast to health March 24!”
FoundCare, Inc. is a nonprofit federally qualified health center that offers pediatric and adult primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, laboratory work, x-rays, and dentistry, as well as an onsite pharmacy. FoundCare accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare, and self-pay on a sliding-fee scale that is based on family size and income.
For more information about FoundCare, please visit www.foundcare.org.
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Science Center Presents the STEM Innovation Awards
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER PRESENTS THE STEM INNOVATION AWARDS
Prizes Awarded to Those Promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Palm Beach County
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, in partnership with the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, recognized local leadership and innovation in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with the recent STEM Innovation Awards. The first annual event was held on-site at the Palm Beach Science Center and guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, music, unique science demonstrations and an awards ceremony to celebrate the honorees.
“I am grateful to our sponsors, the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, PNC Bank and FPL for being STEM champions,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “My job is to open every mind to science, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work being done promoting STEM both at the Science Center and throughout our region, and that’s why it’s important to honor those who are inspiring others and setting examples to support STEM education. Each of the honorees are doing their part to increase STEM and Arts initiatives and make STEM a national priority.”
The STEM Innovation Award winners in the six categories were:
• Aerojet Rocketdyne: “Corporate Innovator” award – Aerojet Rocketdyne was recognized for their unique approach to business through the integration of creative ideas, enhancements, outreach, and concepts incorporating STEM into products and ideas that improve quality and/or operations.
• Dr. Becky Mercer, Palm Beach State College: “Individual Leader” award– Dr. Mercer was recognized for demonstrating leadership in developing STEM teams, providing guidance and leading STEM events and programs. This award recognizes achievement in prominent strategic STEM initiatives, inspiring others to follow, and implementing methods to improve STEM education.
• Brett Hannan, The Green School: “Business Visionary” award – The Green School was recognized for making extraordinary contributions to the creation, facilitation or continuation of a STEM program directly impacting early childhood education.
• Scott Lehman, Crosspointe Elementary: “Educator/Collaborator” award – Scott Lehman was recognized for developing strategic partners that further STEM education and awareness to advance quality STEM education by creating and facilitating STEM programs.
• Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: “STEAM/Arts Partner” award – Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens was recognized as being a champion for the inclusion of the arts in STEAM education. (STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math – is a variation of STEM education that uses a variety of arts mediums to help teach STEM principles.)
• Stiles-Nicholson Foundation: “Lifetime Achievement” award – Stiles-Nicholson Foundation was recognized for showing an extraordinary commitment to science, education, youth, and the Science Center’s mission throughout its history.
“Innovation has been the key to all of mankind’s progress since the beginning of time.” said Dr. David Nicholson, BSc., LLD, CFA, chairman and founder of the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation. “According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 10%. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. To compete in a global economy, STEM education and careers must be a local and national priority.”
Other sponsors of the STEM Innovation Awards event included the Palm Beach Post, RGF Environmental and Christina’s Catering.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during Dinosaur Invasion is $17.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $15.95 for seniors aged 60 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org.
Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
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