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JustWorld International Celebrates 25 Years

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JustWorld International Celebrates 25 Years

JustWorld International Celebrates 15 Years

By Krista Martinelli

New Executive Director Mei Mei Newsome is ready to expand on JustWorld International’s efforts. I sat down with her just before their 15th Annual JustWorld Gala began on Friday, January 12th, 2018 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington.  The theme of the Gala was Hollywood Glam, so as we talked guests arrived in their glittery best while mock paparazzi took photos and asked for their autographs.  I asked Newsome how JustWorld International got started.

The JustWorld Team (L. to R.) – Naomi Spillane, Ariana Coniglio, Chelsea Fairweather, Maria Newman, Caitlin Demaree-Dyer, Molly McDougall, Mei Mei Newsome, Amber Warren.

Founder Jessica Newman was an international show jumper and was very affected approximately twenty years ago, seeing how hard Hurricane Mitch hit Honduras.  She partnered with a local NGO (non-government organization) that had a mobile library, to ensure that books, music and art were reaching the schools and provide snacks for kids in school.  The mission began in Honduras and became a turning point in Newman’s life, when she decided to commit the rest of her life to philanthropy. 

Today the four pillars of outreach that JustWorld is founded on are education, nutrition, health and cultural development.  Reaching over 6,500 children, JustWorld focuses on Honduras, Cambodia and Guatemala.  JustWorld partnered with locals to build schools in both Cambodia and Guatemala.  In Cambodia, Newman and JustWorld partnered with a local NGO that found a whole community of adults and children living on top of a garbage dump. Instead of trying to relocate them (against their wishes), they built a school at the dump, where these families were sorting through garbage and making a livelihood.  A 5 kilogram rice incentive is now provided to parents of school children so they won’t send their children to the dumps to work.

JustWorld has a Rider Ambassador program that creates equestrian spokespeople for the cause. Today there are nearly 300 Rider Ambassadors. They donate a percentage of their earnings to JustWorld, organize fundraisers, as well as volunteer time at JustWorld events.  Unified by their bright blue riding jackets, the Ambassadors are the face of JustWorld’s outreach program. 

You can donate funds and/or volunteer for JustWorld International.  “It’s important to have feet on the ground,” says Executive Director Newsome, “That’s why our Ambassadors are such a key part of the program.”  You can volunteer by visiting their volunteer page on the JustWorld website, helping them to keep to their goal of donating as efficiently as possible directly to their projects. You can donate financially by visiting the Donate page on their website.  JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and a registered Association 1901 in France. 

Executive Director Mei Mei Newsome at the 15th Annual JustWorld International Gala with her father.

I asked Newsome what their greatest challenge is as a non-profit organization.  She responded immediately that the main challenge is raising funds to reach more children. So instead of reaching 6,500 children, she’d love to reach 30,000 children.  JustWorld continues to expand though. One of their exciting announcements at the Gala was that JustWorld will be reaching out to Belle Glade in Palm Beach County, embarking on their first domestic program.

Newsome explained the reading rates in Belle Glade are well below state averages and statistics show that two-thirds of those who cannot read by the 4th grade end up in jail or on welfare.  With this in mind, JustWorld will fund a supplemental reading program and will provide books to children in Belle Glade.  “You’d be surprised, but many of these children do not have access to books,” says Newsome.  She also explains that the dollar doesn’t stretch as far for a program within the U.S.  That’s why they have waited and raised funds up until now – to work on a program in their own backyard. 

JustWorld International is proud that two of its partners’ founders have been featured as CNN Heroes.  Phymean Noun, who founded the school in Cambodia with JustWorld’s assistance, is one of them. Noun believes firmly that they key to a better life for these kids is education. She had to convince families to allow their kids to go to school, instead of spending a 10-hour day sorting through trash to earn approximately $1.  Today the Kindergarten through 6th grade school is a success with kids graduating and going on to pursue higher education, beginning their own carriers and even opening their own businesses.

 

Another CNN Hero that works with JustWorld International is Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes of Guatemala.  Fuentes, with the help of JustWorld International, built a school that keeps children away from the drugs and violence in their community and focuses on their future. JustWorld funds teachers’ salaries, meals, a medical clinic, and leadership and cultural development programs for students participating in the Institute of Cultural Action (IAC) including journalism, break dancing, art, theatre and music classes.

 

The 15th Annual JustWorld International Gala included more then 500 guests, exquisite silent auction items, red carpets and delicious food catered by Bolay. Caryl Philips and Frank Zeiss and the Palm Beach Masters Series returned this year as presenting sponsors. Meanwhile, Newsome pointed out that the “fairy godmother” of the organization is Jessica Newman’s mother Maria Newman, who owns Belle Herbe Farm, where the Gala was held and donates the office space for JustWorld.  With founder Jessica Newman able to take a step back from management to focus on development and Mei Mei Newsome coming in as the new Executive Director, it’s a tribute to how much JustWorld International has grown over the fifteen years. Newman passed the baton to Newsome, saying, “She is committed to JustWorld and I believe the right person to take what I started and grow it beyond what any of us could hope for.” The staff and volunteers are excited to continue to make a difference in Honduras, Cambodia, Guatemala and now Belle Glade.  For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit the JustWorld International website, www.justworldinternational.org

 

JustWorld International

JustWorldInternational.org

Belle Herbe Farm

3206 Old Hampton Drive

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 333-9391

 

 

 

 

Palm Beach Opera Opens Season with Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” Jan. 26-28

Mikayla Carroll
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Palm Beach Opera Opens Season with Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” Jan. 26-28

Palm Beach Opera Opens Season with

Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” Jan. 26-28

 

West Palm Beach, Florida (Jan. 16) — Palm Beach Opera will present Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” for one weekend only, Jan. 26-28, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

 

Appearing on the Palm Beach Opera stage for the second time, “Tosca” tells the story of a sensuous singer Tosca and her artist lover Cavaradossi, who conspire to conquer the malicious forces determined to wedge them apart. Set in the shadows of Rome’s churches and castles, Puccini’s masterful love story is a tragic tale of a romance complicated by dirty politics and betrayal, rich with captivating arias and orchestral drama.

 

Palm Beach Opera is thrilled to welcome back Chief Conductor David Stern and Stage Director Fenlon Lamb. Last season, Stern conducted both “Madama Butterfly” and “The Pirates of Penzance,” and this season will conduct “Candide” and “Tosca.” Lamb was last with Palm Beach Opera for the critically-acclaimed production of “Don Pasquale” in 2016, and rejoins Palm Beach Opera for the fifth season as the Stage Director of “Tosca,” designed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle.

 

Keri Alkema, whose lirico-spinto soprano voice has been praised by The New York Times as “an appealing brew of dark and creamy colors,” will portray the title role of “Tosca” on Jan. 26 and 28. On Jan. 27, Alexandra Loutsionwill perform the role, returning to the Palm Beach Opera stage after a successful performance last year as Cio-Cio San in “Madama Butterfly.”

 

The lead tenor role of Cavaradossi is shared by Riccardo Massi (Jan. 26 and 28), who recently performed the same role at Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London, and Adam Diegel (Jan. 27), who along with Loutsion, performed in Palm Beach Opera’s “Madama Butterfly” as Pinkerton in 2017.

 

Audience favorite baritone Michael Chioldi also returns to Palm Beach Opera in the role of Scarpia, with previous appearances including the company’s productions of “Rigoletto,” “Macbeth,” and “La Traviata.”

 

Scott Conner will play the role of Cesare Angelotti, and Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artist Brian Wallinwill perform as Spoletta, both marking their Palm Beach Opera debuts.

 

Performing the role of Sacristan, Thomas Hammons returns to the company for another Puccini production, previously appearing in Palm Beach Opera’s 2015 production of “La Bohème.” Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artist Joshua Conyers will sing the role of Sciarrone, and the children’s chorus will be performed by members of the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.

 

Puccini’s orchestration features an organ for the well-known aria “Te Deum,” and Palm Beach Opera’s orchestra will be utilizing the Kravis Center’s unique digital organ in the production. The Marshall & Ogletree George W. Mergens Memorial Organ is a custom-designed organ capable of reproducing thousands of digitally-recorded pipe organs from around the world, presenting audiences with all-encompassing sound.

 

“Tosca” will be sung in Italian with supertitles projected above the stage. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 and 27, and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 28.

 

Tickets start at $20 and are available at 561-833-7888 or pbopera.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the KravisCenter for the Performing Arts at 561-832-7469 kravis.org.

 

Palm Beach Opera gratefully acknowledges the members of its Co-Producer Society for making this performance of “Tosca” possible. The Executive Producer for Palm Beach Opera’s first production of the season is Mrs. Ronnie Isenberg. Producers of the production are Bloomberg Philanthropies and Mrs. Ari Rifkin as Chief Conductor Sponsor. Double Co-Producers are Mr. and Mrs. Dennis K. Williams, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lester. Single Co-Producers include Mr. and Mrs. Amin Khoury, Drs. Henry and Marsha Laufer, Mr. Nathan Leventhal, and Mrs. Lois Pope. Associate Producers are Dr. Elizabeth Bowden, Mr. and Mrs. John Domenico, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fromer, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Goldner, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Hardwick, and Mr. and Mrs. John Pohanka. Assistant Co-Producers are Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bent, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Laurant, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis J. Parker, and Mr. and Mrs. James Takats.

 

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 mainstage 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.

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Invites the Public to 17 Fun and Informative Horticultural Events During February & March

Mikayla Carroll
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Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Invites the Public to 17 Fun and Informative Horticultural Events During February & March

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Invites the Public to 17 Fun and Informative Horticultural Events During February & March

Including the Environmental Exhibition of 

WASHED ASHORE: Art to Save the Sea

 

+ Hearts-n-Bloom Garden Tea Party – February 3

+ Designing & Creating the Home Landscape – February 4, 11 & 25

+ Stories in the Garden – February 9 & March 9

+ The Literary Garden: Book Discussion – February 13

+ The Science of Living Shorelines – February 13

+ Propagation: Increasing Your Numbers – February 15

+ Dogs Day in the Garden – February 25

+ Qigong / Tai Chi in the Garden – March 1, 8, 15 & 22

+ Medicinal Plants for the Garden – March 11

+ Environmental Film Series: The Smog of the Sea – March 22

+ Palm & Cycad Sale – March 24-25

 

(West Palm Beach, FL – January 16, 2018) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 17 fun and informative horticultural events during February and March, including the return of Tai Chi in the Garden, the second annual Hearts-n-Bloom Garden Tea Party, several fascinating workshops, the always popular Palm & Cycad Sale, and the ongoing ecology-themed exhibition, WASHED ASHORE: Art to Save the Sea, which will be on display at Mounts through early June.

 

February

Hearts-n-Bloom Garden Tea Party    

Saturday, February 3 – 11 am to 2 pm

Mounts – The Great Lawn

$75 for members; $125 for nonmembers

Join Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden for the second annual Garden Tea Party, catered by Serenity Garden Tea House. Enjoy a Mimosa Garden Stroll through the exciting new exhibit WASHED ASHORE: Art to Save the Sea, followed by the traditional tea party. Participants are encouraged to wear their best Garden Hat for inclusion in the Designer Hat Fashion Show, and enjoy a fun Garden Auction offering rare and exotic plants.

(Note: Advance reservations required.)

 

Designing & Creating the Home Landscape (3-part series)

Sunday, February 4, 11 & 25 – 9 am to 1 pm

Clayton Hutcheson Conference Room

$125 for members; $135 for nonmembers

Instructor: Laura McLeod, Sanctuary Landscape Design

Does the thought of improving a home landscapes seem daunting? Certified landscape designer and horticultural professional Laura McLeod will explore the basics of good design and walk attendees through each step of the planning process. They’ll go out into the Garden and see some of the best performers for South Florida landscapes to help gather ideas for their own landscape. In the final class, Laura and our experts will review and positively critique the landscape design for their property that participants created at home.

 

Stories in the Garden:

Flowers

Friday, February 9 – 10 to 11 am

Mounts – The Pavilion

FREE

Speaker: Stacey Burford, Youth Services Librarian

Celebrate the 15th year of Stories in the Garden by bringing young ones (ages 2-6) to these FREE nature-themed programs co-sponsored by the Palm Beach Library System. They’ll love the interactive stories, songs and learning activities in the Garden. Programs are held rain or shine in the sheltered Pavilion. No reservations required, except for parties of six or more. A craft activity to culminate each day will be reserved for the first 30 registrants.

(Note: To pre-register, call Mounts at 561.233.1757.)

 

The Science of Living Shorelines

Tuesday, February 13 – 9 am to Noon

Mounts Exhibit Hall A

$15 for members; $25 for nonmembers

Instructor: Jim Lappert, Associate Scientist with Orca Research & Conservation Association (ORCA)

The Indian River Lagoon is an estuary in peril.  Once considered one of the most diverse water bodies in our country, years of poor water quality, muck accumulation, and human development have led to a much less healthy system. Organizations like ORCA of Ft Pierce are looking for solutions to the IRL’s problems. One possible solution is habitat restoration.  By building “living shorelines” scientists are able to recreate lost habitat and kick start a declining system.  Jim Lappert will discuss the science of living shorelines and the use of native Florida vegetation to recreate lost shoreline habitats. At ORCA, he is responsible for the management of field operations, which includes the Kilroy monitoring program and ORCA’s living shoreline program. He also manages four field engineers, a satellite office in Melbourne, and a habitat restoration nursery where ORCA is growing 11 native plant species for its living shorelines program.

 

The Literary Garden: Book Discussion

Tuesday, February 13 – 2 to 3:30 pm

Clayton Hutcheson Conference Room

FREE

Featured Book: Behold the Dreamers: A Novel by Imbolo Mbue

Few pleasures in life surpass that of reading a good book or cultivating your own garden. Mounts Botanical Gardenis partnering with the Palm Beach County Library System to combine these joys by uniting book lovers and garden enthusiasts with dynamic reading selections, followed by a discussion the grounds of the Garden. This month’s selection is an Oprah Book Club pick and was named one of the Best Books of the Year by The New York Times. It is a compulsively readable novel about marriage, immigration, class, race and the trapdoors in the American Dream.

(Note: To pre-register, call Mounts at 561.233.1757.)

 

Propagation: Increasing Your Numbers

Thursday, February 15 – 5 to 7:30 pm

Clayton Hutcheson Conference Room

$35 for members; $40 for nonmembers

Instructor: Joel Crippen, Mounts Horticulturalist

Discover the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources. Joel Crippen, horticulturalist and garden writer extraordinaire, will cover a range of techniques on the topic of propagation: how to make and root soft and hardwood tissues with or without a misting system; dividing clumping plants; and collecting, preparing, and sowing seeds. Attendees will learn a few “tricks of the trade” and environmental conditions for success. Hands on and geared for novices and enthusiasts. Bring garden clippers or paper scissors. If desired, bring in cuttings of particular plants you would like to root.

 

Dogs Day in the Garden

Sunday, February 25 – 10 am to 3:30 pm

Throughout the Garden

FREE for members and children under 3; $15 for nonmembers; $5 for children ages 4-12

Back by PUP-ular Demand. This is the perfect opportunity to bring the entire family, dogs included, to visit Mounts. Take a walk on the winding paths, meet other pooch pals, heel for photo opportunities, and shop at dog-friendly vendors. All dogs MUST be on a non-retractable leash (strictly enforced). Be part of this tail-wagging good time.

 

March

Qigong / Tai Chi in the Garden

Thursday, March 1 – 9 to 10 am

The Hutcheson Portico (Back of the Garden)

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers

Instructor: Dorothy Rettay, Level IV Qigong (the highest level of Spring Forest Qigong)

A professional practitioner of Wu-Style Tai Chi, Rettay is a certified instructor and owner of The Qigong Studio and Up Your Qi!™, a system that uses her unique regimen of applied  Qigong/Tai Chi principles and exercises to increase the Qi energy of the body and to restore health, balance and vitality. She has studied mind-body-spirit disciplines for over 30 years, and is a member of the National Qigong Association and American Tai Chi Qigong Association.

 

Qigong / Tai Chi in the Garden

Thursday, March 8 – 9 to 10 am

The Hutcheson Portico (Back of the Garden)

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers

Instructor: Dorothy Rettay, Level IV Qigong (the highest level of Spring Forest Qigong)

A professional practitioner of Wu-Style Tai Chi, Rettay is a certified instructor and owner of The Qigong Studio and Up Your Qi!™, a system that uses her unique regimen of applied  Qigong/Tai Chi principles and exercises to increase the Qi energy of the body and to restore health, balance and vitality. She has studied mind-body-spirit disciplines for over 30 years, and is a member of the National Qigong Association and American Tai Chi Qigong Association.

 

Stories in the Garden:

Bees

& Tour of Windows on the Floating World: Blume Tropical Wetlands Garden

Friday, March 9 – 10 to 11 am

Mounts – The Pavilion

FREE

Speaker: Stacey Burford, Youth Services Librarian

Celebrate the 15th year of Stories in the Garden by bringing young ones (ages 2-6) to these FREE nature-themed programs co-sponsored by the Palm Beach Library System. They’ll love the interactive stories, songs and learning activities in the Garden. Programs are held rain or shine in the sheltered Pavilion. No reservations required, except for parties of six or more. A craft activity to culminate each day will be reserved for the first 30 registrants.

(Note: To pre-register, call Mounts at 561.233.1757.)

 

Medicinal Plants for the Garden

Sunday, March 11 – 10 to 11:30 am

Mounts Exhibit Hall A

$15 for members; $20 for nonmembers

Instructor: Donnie Brown, Evening Herb Society, & Laura Olson, Owner of euFloria Healing LLC

This will be an educational journey to learning more about medicinal plants. The two instructors will discuss various types of medicinal plants, how to plant them, health benefits associated with them, and how to implement them in your life. A tour of the Garden of Well-Being (Herb Garden) will conclude the presentation.

 

Qigong / Tai Chi in the Garden

Thursday, March 15 – 9 to 10 am

The Hutcheson Portico (Back of the Garden)

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers

Instructor: Dorothy Rettay, Level IV Qigong (the highest level of Spring Forest Qigong)

A professional practitioner of Wu-Style Tai Chi, Rettay is a certified instructor and owner of The Qigong Studio and Up Your Qi!™, a system that uses her unique regimen of applied  Qigong/Tai Chi principles and exercises to increase the Qi energy of the body and to restore health, balance and vitality. She has studied mind-body-spirit disciplines for over 30 years, and is a member of the National Qigong Association and American Tai Chi Qigong Association.

 

Qigong / Tai Chi in the Garden

Thursday, March 22 – 9 to 10 am

The Hutcheson Portico (Back of the Garden)

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers

Instructor: Dorothy Rettay, Level IV Qigong (the highest level of Spring Forest Qigong)

A professional practitioner of Wu-Style Tai Chi, Rettay is a certified instructor and owner of The Qigong Studio and Up Your Qi!™, a system that uses her unique regimen of applied  Qigong/Tai Chi principles and exercises to increase the Qi energy of the body and to restore health, balance and vitality. She has studied mind-body-spirit disciplines for over 30 years, and is a member of the National Qigong Association and American Tai Chi Qigong Association.

 

Environmental Film Series

The Smog of the Sea

Thursday, March 22

+ Gates Open at 5:30 pm

+ Film starts at 6:30 pm

Mounts Exhibit Hall A

FREE for members; $15 for nonmembers; $5 for children (5-12), and includes admission to the exhibit WASHED ASHORE: Art to Save the Sea.

Sponsored by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, this 3-part Environmental Film Series is a great opportunity for the community to come together to view environmental films and documentaries, to raise awareness of our relationship with the natural environment, and to use film as a platform for conversation, education and positive change. Each viewing will be followed by a dynamic discussion with scientists and environmental advocates, enabling attendees to share thoughts, consider various viewpoints and hear expert perspectives. In the opening film, marine scientist invites an unusual crew of citizen scientists on a mission to assess the fate of plastics in the ocean. The Smog of the Seaprovides a new perspective on the once pristine oceans, and makes an artful call to action for rethinking the scourge of the sea — single use plastic. (Directed by Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ian Chemey.)

 

Palm and Cycad Sale

+ Saturday, March 24 – 9 am to 3 pm

+ Sunday, March 25 – 9 am to 3 pm

Throughout the Garden

FREE for members; $5 for nonmembers

Produced by the Palm Beach Palm & Cycad Society, this two-day event is the perfect opportunity to shop for over 500 different palm trees and cycads in all shapes and sizes. A limited supply of top-rated fertilizer and reference books will also be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.palmbeachpalmcycadsociety.com.)

 

Also at Mounts Throughout February & March

WASHED ASHORE:

Art to Save the Sea

Daily – 10 am to 4 pm

Throughout the Garden

FREE for members and children 4 and under; $15 for nonmembers; $ 5 for children (5-12); group tours are $18 per person (5 and older)

This exciting new exhibit features 10- giant sea life sculptures made entirely of marine debris collected from beaches to graphically illustrate the tragedy of plastic pollution in oceans and waterways, and to encourage conservation. The impressive sculptures will be located throughout the Garden’s 14 acres and are sure to captivate people of all ages, while emphasizing the critical importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Note: This exhibit will run through June 3, 2018. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Garden’s main gate. To schedule a group tour, call 561-233-1757.

 

Note: 

To register for any of the events and workshops at The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County, go online at www.mounts.org/eventcalendar or call 561.233.1757.  Events at Mounts are accessible to people with disabilities.

 

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire the public, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden, offering gorgeous displays of tropical and sub-tropical plants, plus informative classes, workshops, and other fun-filled events. The Garden contains more than 2,000 species of plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, bromeliads and more. Mounts Botanical Garden is a facility of the Palm Beach County Extension Service, which is in partnership with the University of Florida and Friends of the MountsBotanical Garden. Mounts is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

 

Mounts Botanical Garden is open everyday (except Palm Beach County recognized holidays) from 10 am to 4 pm.For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

New Year, Old Memories

Mikayla Carroll
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New Year, Old Memories

Teen Talk

New Year, Old Memories

By Mikayla Carroll

            I often find myself thinking back to the past, but especially around the end of a year. When I think back to where I was at the beginning of this year and who I was, it still surprises me. In a lot of ways, many things are the same but, some aspects of my life are very different. It’s hard to say whether they’re for the better or for the worse. Summed up, times are just different.

            I can say with confidence that I am looking forward to 2018, as I suspect it will be one of my best years thus far. Already on the to-do list for the year is a school trip to Europe, a ski vacation, my high school graduation, and the start of college! This is already much more eventful than my 2017 was, and the year hasn’t even begun yet.

            While I find myself constantly pining for May 21st, my graduation day, I definitely want to soak up these next few months for all the exciting milestones in my life that are also going to start happening soon, and some that have already started to happen. The next few months will be filled with firsts, like a first-time trip to Europe, as well as some first time college acceptances.

            The first half of my senior year has already flown by, as have the holidays. It’s unsettling to think that only one more semester in high school awaits me. I often find myself thinking back to my past high school self-like what I was like my freshman year-as compared to now. That is one characteristic of high school that always amazes me: that it’s largely responsible for most of my growing up that has happened in these past four years. This is also one reason why I look forward to the next four, as my changes have been for the better, so I can only imagine what life will look like for me in another four years.

            As much as I look back on the past, I also constantly have my mind on the future. I picture myself at this time next year, and the year after that, and years down the road. There’s the possibility that I will be in another state, possibly home for the holidays, possibly with people I haven’t even met yet. When I think about it for too long, I start getting nostalgic for the home I haven’t yet left. Knowing that many things in my life are temporary for the time being, has the power to make me a little nervous for the future, but mostly excited to see how it plays out.

            With a full work schedule and school schedule, 2017 has passed me by quickly, which hopefully rings true for the next few months of 2018 as well. Although, I do hope time slows down a bit when I find myself in Paris and Rome for the first time over spring break…

           

 

 

Learning at Loxahatchee 2018 Lecture Series

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Learning at Loxahatchee 2018 Lecture Series

Learning at Loxahatchee 2018 Lecture Series held at

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge announces the return of our “Learning at Loxahatchee” lecture series for 2018. During this series of lectures, visitors will engage with wildlife professionals and naturalists to learn about ethnobotany, alligators, freshwater fish, invasive reptiles, and the science of scat (animal droppings). The lecture series will be offered from January through April on selected Thursday afternoons at 1:30 pm in the visitor center theater and is free with a valid refuge entrance pass.

 

Lecture-goers will learn about how early settlers made use of native plants for food and medicine during Ethnobotany of a Cypress Swamp, presented by Master Naturalist and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) volunteer Bruce Rosenberg on January 25th. At the conclusion of the ethnobotany lecture there will be a short tour of the 0.4 mile Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. On February 22nd, Dr. Laura Brant, USFWS Regional Scientist and a leading authority on alligators, will discuss the current and future status of these iconic reptiles in south Florida.

 

On March 22nd, Non-native Fish and Wildlife Biologist Kelly Gestring of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will report on the status of Florida freshwater fish and the invasive reptiles that threaten south Florida’s native ecosystems. The lecture series will wrap up on April 26th with The Science of Scat by USFWS Interpretive Specialist Serena Rinker. Loxahatchee’s own Premier Pundit of Poop will discuss the serious science of scat and help you become your own skilled scat identification expert.

 

The refuge is located off U.S. 441/SR 7, 2.5 miles south of SR 804 (Boynton Beach Blvd.) and three miles north of SR 806 (Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue). The refuge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.  Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian is charged. A variety of passes, including a $12.00 refuge specific annual pass, are available.  Please visit the refuge website at www.fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee/  and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ARMLoxahatcheeNWR.

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Document Shredding Fundraiser Event

Kathy Hernicz
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Document Shredding Fundraiser Event

Wellington Garden Club will be holding a Document Shredding Fundraiser Event, Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 10am to Noon. Location for the event is the Village of Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., east parking lot area. For your $5 donation, a letter sized box/container (approximately 15”Lx12”Dx10”H) will be shredded. For your $10 donation, a legal size box/container (approximately 24” Lx15”Dx10” H) will be shredded. ONLY CASH OR CHECKS ACCEPTED. There will be volunteers on hand to assist with unloading boxes.

100% of the proceeds from this fundraising event support the club’s charitable contributions for environmental school and camp scholarships, Habitat for Humanity, community beautification projects and Jr Garden Clubs in and around the Wellington community. Wellington Garden club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information please contact Kathy Hernicz at 561-791-4419.

St. Jude Kicks Off Palm Beach Dinner

Jennifer Cope
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St. Jude Kicks Off Palm Beach Dinner

St. Jude supporters kick-off annual event planning with cocktail reception at Valentino Boutique sales raised hundreds of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

PALM BEACH, Fla. – Preparations are underway for the ninth annual St. Jude Palm Beach Dinner for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® on Wednesday, April 11, at Club Colette in Palm Beach, Florida.

To kick-off the fundraising efforts, event co-chairs Lourdes Fanjul, Talbott Maxey and Thomas C. Quick welcomed shoppers to Valentino on Worth Avenue on Dec. 21 for a cocktail reception. Proceeds from the boutique sales will support the pioneering research and lifesaving treatment of St. Jude kids who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

“We are honored to be a part of this event every year,” said Fanjul. “We need the support of the community to reach a day when no child dies from cancer.”

She continued, “Unlike any other hospital, families never receive a bill from St. Jude and more than 75 percent of the St. Jude funding comes from individual contributions. That is no small feat, considering the average cost to treat one child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, is about $300,000.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children from all 50 states, including Florida, and around the world. Because St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.

Philanthropic opportunities and tickets to the St. Jude Palm Beach Dinner are available. For more information, contact Barbara Mari at (305) 537-1429 or visit stjude.org/palmbeachdinner.

Support the hospital’s mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following St. Jude on Twitter (@stjude).

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Science Meets Music

Stephania Conti
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Science Meets Music

WHAT: The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) has announced its 2018 ‘Science Meets Music’ schedule. ‘Science Meets Music’ aims to bring the community together for a night of virtuosic music and scientific discovery, offering guests performances by talented young musicians accompanied by lectures from scientists who are experts in their field.

WHO: Dr. Stefan Hell, Director, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and 2014 Nobel Laureate, will discuss the new field of imaging known as nanoscopy with his presentation entitled “The Resolution Revolution.” This significant advancement in research, which earned his Noble Prize for Chemistry in 2014, allows researchers to see things they’ve never been able to, like how molecules build connections between nerve cells in the brain or the interactions between proteins involved in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.

Following Dr. Hell’s presentation, enjoy a musical performance by Finnish-Dutch cellist Jonathan Roozeman from the Kronberg Academy. In 2013 he was awarded a special prize at the Finnish National Cello Competition and won sixth prize in the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition – as the youngest participant ever. Jonathan Roozeman has performed at numerous international chamber and music festivals and plays a cello by David Tecchler from 1707, which is on loan to him by the Finnish Culture Foundation.

WHEN: Wednesday January 31, 2018
Reception begins at 5:30 PM, science and music presentation will begin at 6:15 PM

Additional presentations will be held on:
• March 28, 2018 – Dr. Jason Christie: Research Group Leader, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

• April 18, 2018 – Dr. Manfred Gahr: Director, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

WHERE: The Benjamin Upper School; 4875 Grandiflora Road; Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

HOW MUCH: Free admission; seating is limited, so RSVP is required

MORE INFO: RSVP at http://mpfi.org/rsvpsmm or call 561-972-9027 for more information

WHY:

“To my knowledge, there is nothing else like our Science Meets Music program – not in La Jolla, not in Silicon Valley and not in the northeast. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore similarities between the awe-inspiring attributes of both science and music while learning more about how scientists and musicians alike are breaking toward new frontiers.”

– said Dr. David Fitzpatrick, MPFI CEO and Scientific Director, when welcoming the crowd at the first SMM in the 2016 – 2017 season

About the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with over 80 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment in 1948, 18 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists. It has produced over 15,000 publications, more than 3,000 inventions and over 90 spin-off companies, putting it on par with the best and most prestigious research institutions in the world. As its first U.S. institution, MPFI brings together exceptional neuroscientists from around the world to answer fundamental questions about brain development and function and to develop new technologies that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible. Their research is shared publicly with scholars, universities and other organizations around the globe, providing the necessary foundation of knowledge to develop treatments and cures for brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.maxplanckflorida.org.

North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel coming to South Florida Fair

Mikayla Carroll
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North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel coming to South Florida Fair
North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel coming to South Florida Fair
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 1, 2018) –– North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel — promoted as the “ride of a lifetime” — will make its way to the South Florida Fair for the first time. Co-owned by Frank Zaitshik of Wade Shows, the fair’s midway operator, and Michael Wood of Wood Entertainment, the Midway Sky Eye will arrive at the fairgrounds on Sat., Jan. 6, and set up will begin on Sun., Jan. 7. It’s expected to take three days to complete it.
The Midway Sky Eye, which was manufactured by the Lamberink company in the Netherlands, made its North American debut at the 2017 Florida State Fair. The giant wheel requires a 160,000 pound crane to erect the towers. The heaviest part is the center axle, which weighs 6,600 pounds. In all, the ride weighs more than 400,000 pounds — about 20 times as heavy as an elephant!
The massive wheel reaches a peak height of 155 feet and is comprised of more than 500 pieces. It reaches so high that it requires FAA clearance, which has already been obtained. The Ferris wheel is equipped with more than 524,000 individual LED red, green, blue, yellow, orange and purple lights, making it the brightest spectacle at the fair, and requires more than six miles of electrical wiring. The 36 gondolas hold six riders each, who can see for miles from the top.
The ride will cost $5/ticket and is excluded from wrist bands. Riders must be 42 inches tall without a supervising companion or 36 inches with a supervising companion. Other restrictions may apply.
Produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a nonprofit organization, the next fair will be held from Jan. 12-28, 2018 at the fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach.
For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.

19th Annual Everglades Day 

Mikayla Carroll
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19th Annual Everglades Day 

19th Annual Everglades Day 

Theme: Colors of the Everglades

Saturday, February 10, 2018

9 am – 4 pm

Everglades Day is the premier outdoor festival scheduled each year on the second Saturday of February. The Audubon Society of the Everglades conceived the idea in 1998 and through a cooperative effort with the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Friends of the ARM Loxahatchee NWR this festival has attracted nearly 59,00 attendees since the year 2000. The 2017 attendance was a record 4660 people.

Everglades Day is part of the lease agreement between the South Florida Water Management District and the Refuge and its purpose is to educate the public on this critically important wetlands, which is the last remnant of the Northern Everglades in South Florida, and also to provide a fun day for both adults and children.

Just some of the activities planned are: Guided Nature Walks, Canoeing

Archery , Animal Olympics, Face painting, crafts, fishing clinic and games for children.

Food Trucks, musical entertainment, various exhibitors and demonstrations, which may include Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, The Palm Beach Zoo, Golf cart tours of Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA) area.

Sponsorships and volunteers are always welcome. Volunteer orientation dates to be held at the Visitor Center are: Thursday , February 1st at 5:00 pm, Saturday, February 3rd, at 10 am, and Thursday, February 5th, 2018 at 5:00 pm. Contact Ana Castillo at 561-732-3684 or email her at ana_castillo-ruiz@fws.gov for details.

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