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Tanzania Safari: Wild Things On The Bucket List

Travel with Terri

Story by Terri Marshall

Everyone has a bucket list of some type—even if it’s not written down. An African safari has always been one of my bucket list destinations. I was feeling the call of the wild! So when my husband and six of my girlfriends decided they wanted to experience an African safari too, it was off to the Serengeti in Tanzania. We knew we would see wildlife, but we had no idea how many incredible sights were coming our way—or how wonderful the Tanzanian people would be. This was our adventure.

Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano as seen on a Tanzania Safari in Travel with Terri
Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

Making an entrance

As our small plane approached the Kogatende airstrip in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti, we were all on the edge of our seats. We had just flown over the majestic and active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano—the only volcano in the world that spews black carbonite lava. And we knew we were about to see more wonders of this part of our planet, the wildlife.

We watched as the scene unfolded outside our windows. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras were seemingly awaiting our arrival. It was the season of the great migration on the Northern Sergenti and it was THE place to be for a front row seat to the wealth of wildlife that thrives in Tanzania.

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River on a Tanzania Safari in Travel With Terri
Wildebeest Crossing the Mara River Photo by Victor Nyakiriga

Adventures with TopGuides Safaris

As we exited the plane we were greeted by our guide, Victor. The founder of Top Guides Safaris, Victor grew up in a village at the edge of the Northern Serengeti. Having spent his youth living in the village and following the animals, Victor is intimately acquainted with life on the Serengeti. His knowledge led us to discoveries we never thought possible. He was accompanied by Frances, known as “Chaba” to his friends, who has been introducing guests to the incredible sights of his country since his teen years. When he’s not working as a guide, Chaba is recording and performing his Hip Hop music in Arusha. To say we were about to be immersed in the local culture is an understatement.

Elephant family on the Serengeti on a Tanzania Safari Travel with Terri
Elephant Family on the Serengeti

The wildlife parade begins

Already surrounded by zebras and wildebeest, we set out in the safari vehicles for our first drive on the Serengeti plains en route to Kaskaz Mara Camp—our luxury glamping accommodations for the next three nights. We were barely out of the dusty parking lot of the airstrip when we spotted a herd of impalas—a bachelor accompanied by over 20 females. Nearby a troupe of vevet monkeys entertained us with their antics. There was a new discovery everywhere we look.

Further onto the plains, the scene changed. The rotting carcass of an elderly elephant lay exposed to the elements. Mongoose wandered in and out of it feasting on the remaining flesh. And as we drove alongside the Mara River, the stench of the decaying carcasses of wildebeest that perished while crossing the river fiilled our nostrils with a pungent reminder that life isn’t always pleasant in the wild. It’s the circle of life and it would become a recurring theme throughout our safari.

leopard on the Serengeti on a Tanzania Safari Travel with Terri
Leopard on the Serengeti

Camps even a city girl can appreciate

After one of the most amazing drives of our lives, we arrived at Kaskaz Mara Camp. We were greeted by the staff, hot towels to wipe away the remnants of the dusty drive and a refreshing beverage. We were briefed on the “rules” of the camp:

  1. If you’re moving to or from the main tented lodge from your individual tents in the dark, signal via flashlight for an escort…you don’t want to run into a lion in the dark.
  2. When you’re ready for a hot shower, signal and someone will turn on the hot water.
  3. Your drinks—alcohol and all—are complimentary, have a good time!

And with that welcome bit of news, we dispersed to check out our accommodations, with a libation in hand, of course.

Even though the outdoor “walls” are made of canvas and heavy-duty zippers serve as doorknobs, our tents represented glamping at its best. The ten tented suites were positioned for optimal viewing of the migration. Stylish furnishings included an oversized king bed, sofa, desk and hardwood double vanities. Cotton curtains danced in the breeze through the large netted windows.

I’ve done a bit of camping in my life and I can say for certain I never dined on three-course meals at any of those camping experiences—unless pork and beans count for two courses and chocolate chip cookies are the third. Our chef at KasKaz Mara Camp was incredibly talented. Over the course of three days and nights we dined on lamb, chicken, fish and steak. His menus were inventive, well-presented and absolutely delicious. And don’t even get me started on the desserts. It’s a wonder our safari jeeps didn’t get stuck in every ravine we tried to cross after stuffing ourselves with all the decadent desserts.

Kaska Mara Camp accommodations for a Tanzania Safari Travel with Terri
Kaska Mara Camp

New wonders of nature unfolded every day

We fell into a rhythm during our time on the Serengeti. Typically we’d rise very early (5:00am) before daylight to venture out to see the animals before the throngs of other safari hopefuls arrived. Our lack of sleep was awarded with incredible sights like a pride of lions feasting on its kill from the night before—again, nature isn’t always pretty. We’d explore until lunch and return to the camp in the heat of the day for a rest.

The evenings brought more animal adventures. On one evening just before sunset we came upon a “honeymooning” lion couple. When lions are mating, the “couple” will separate from the pride. For five days they mate every ten minutes—seriously. From our vehicles just a few feet away we watched as the male approached the female and nudged her to get started. She groaned a little before he hopped on and did his duty. Seconds (yes, seconds) later he majestically roared his satisfaction as she flopped over and went back to sleep. OK, so they’re not the most romantic creatures but apparently it works because we saw plenty of playful cubs during our time on the Serengeti.

The theme of unbelievable wildlife encounters continued throughout our trip. At times someone would say “I haven’t seen giraffes today.” And, within minutes the giraffes would appear. It was almost as if we were watching a Broadway play and the director said, “Que the giraffes!”

Giraffes on the Serengeti on a Tanzania Safari Travel with Terri
Que the Giraffes!

Exploring beyond the Serengeti

We left behind the Northern Serengeti to continue our explorations through the central and southern portions of the plains. From there we drove a dusty bumpy highway en route to the Ngorongoro Crater.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s largest cauldrons formed by a violent volcano eruption millions of years ago. Since its formation, animals have resided at the bottom of the crater. We ventured into the crater early in the morning and found ourselves surrounded by lions. I literally looked into the eyes of a male lion as he strolled past our vehicle. It was chilling and thrilling at the same time.

There’s something about a safari in Tanzania that changes you

It’s not just the interaction with the animals, it’s also the people. From the moment we arrived we knew we were forever altered. We shook our heads in wonder at the sights we were seeing, and we instantly craved more. To be honest, I’m not sure I was prepared for all we witnessed. We don’t always want to think about the “wild” being exactly what it is…wild. Life comes and goes on a regular basis in this wondrous part of our planet. And it’s natural, all of it. If you choose to participate, as we did, you must be prepared for the unpleasant smells and the reality that some animals exist to feed others. You must be prepared to witness up close and personal, the circle of life. And, yes, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

honeymooning lions on a Tanzania Safari Travel with Terri
Honeymooning Lions

 

If You Go

TopGuides Safaris

Choosing the right safari company makes all the difference. While there are literally hundreds to choose from, we chose to go with a smaller more personal company—and it was an excellent decision. TopGuides Safaris’ owner, Victor Nyakiriga, was born in a village at the edge of the Serengeti and has been following the animals since he was a toddler. He personally chooses and trains his guides. Trips are completely customizable and, since you’re not dealing with a huge corporate company, the value for the price is outstanding. It was all luxury all the time. And, honestly, these guys are just a lot of fun to travel with!

www.topguidessafaris.com

USA:- 347 403 0424
Tanzania: +255 753 984 925
Email: Info@topguidessafaris.com

Where we stayed

African Tulip:

The African Tulip is a charming luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Arusha. The food is fabulous and the hospitality is unsurpassed. It’s the ideal place to begin and end your time in Tanzania before and after your safari experience.

44 / 1 Serengeti Road, Arusha
Phone: +255-27-2543004 /5
EMAIL: info@theafricantulip.com
www.theafricantulip.com

Nasikia Safari Camps

The KasKaz Mara Camp and Naona Moru Camp on the Serengeti are part of the Nasikia Safari Camps. Links to the individual camps are noted below.

Phone: (+255) 787 930 833
Email: info@nasikiacamps.com

KasKaz Mara Camp & Naona Moru Camp
www.nasikiacamps.com

Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

The Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge sits at the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater providing delicious cuisine and stellar sunsets. Be sure to keep your room door closed when you leave, otherwise you may pick up a special monkey guest!

www.sopalodges.com

And You Thought I Couldn’t Get Any Crankier (2)

And You Thought I Couldn’t Get Any Crankier (2)

By Wendell Abern

The author, displaying his great love for walking with a walker. Photo: Karen Gonzalez.

Dear Readers,

              Have you ever been bewildered? I mean, genuinely bewildered.  That is the only way to describe how I felt when I’d learned I had just lost seventeen days of my life. I remember nothing of the seizure I suffered, which I wrote about last month.

              After several days in the hospital, I l spent two months recuperating, giving my kids many problems … not to mention the headaches I created at the rehab clinics.

              My poor kids. Kids. Amy and Joel are in their late 50s. I still think of them as kids. They alternated trips to Florida from Chicago. I could not have recovered without them.

              One word can sum up their stays with me:  “DA- ad!”

              My kids and I met with a contingency of administrators from Health South Rehab my first day at their clinic.   They detailed the three hours of therapy I would receive each day:  physical, occupational, speech, swallowing, recreational,  and some others I can’t even remember.

              “Ok,” I said, “who do I have to sleep with to reduce it to one hour?”

              “DA-ad!”

              Double-barreled. Both of them, simultaneously.

              “Dad,” Joel said, “do you want to walk again?”

              He was making a valid point. My legs had been horizontal for more than four weeks. I couldn’t even stand on them. They were like spaghetti noodles.

              Joel came as a spectator when they wheeled me into my first physical therapy session. My therapist, Carlos, said, “I’m going to make you into a new man.”

              “How?” I asked. “I am philosophically opposed to physical exercise.”

              “DA-ad!” came from a corner of their exercise room. I forgot that Joel has excellent hearing.

              Reluctantly, I relented. Carlos was unperturbed. Amazingly, after one week I was walking with a walker.

              Amy was with me a week later, when she walked into my room with her arms crossed. “DA-ad,” she began. Clearly, I was in deep do-do. “Don’t you realize that when you pull one of your stupid stunts, Joel and I are the ones who have to answer for it. And their food, yet! I mean, you said you liked most of the food they serve.”

              “I do. It’s certainly better than hospital food.”

              “Yet they caught you spreading yellow crime scene tape all over their kitchen!”

              “I wasn’t happy with the meat loaf.”

              “You could have told them and asked for something else! Where did you get the crime scene tape anyway? That’s police property!”

              “I have some important connections.”

              “Oh, Lord. Please stop.”

              “They don’t appreciate my sense of humor.”

              “DA-ad!”          

              Neither of them was there when I ran into my first confrontation with the speech therapist.  Jackie. Nice-looking young lady , in her mid-thirties. She was the one overseeing my swallowing therapy.

              “Swallowing?” I asked. “I have no trouble swallowing .”

              “I’m going to order thickened liquids for you,” she said. “For the weekend. It’s just a precaution. We have to know if something goes down the wrong pipe; it could go into your lungs and cause pneumonia.”

              “Thickening? My water? Milk? Coffee? My soft drinks?”

              “Yes, yes, yes, and yes.”

              Try drinking water or a Diet Coke that has the consistency of Karo Syrup. I gagged at the first sip of water and almost regurgitated at the second. When I saw Jackie on Monday morning, I said, “You make me drink one more swallow of anything thickened and I’m withdrawing my proposal of marriage.”

              “What? That’s the way you make me start my week?”

              “Not another drop of anything.”

              “Turns out you did fine.”

              “What, you have spies watching me?”

              “I have some important connections.”

              “DA-ad,” she said, in a perfect imitation of my firstborn.

              I made a mental note to write Amy out of my will.

              Meanwhile, it was Joel’s turn next. In fact, I was having a conversation with Jackie when Joel showed up.

              “Hey, c’mon,” I said. “You interrupted us! I had her up to a maybe.”

              Jackie blushed.  Joel barked, “DA-ad!”

              “It’s okay,” Jackie said. “I’m used to your dad by this time.”

              “You may be the first woman in history that’s ever said that,” Joel said.

              By that time, almost a month after I’d been at Health South, I was making great progress. I could walk the equivalent of a full city block with my walker. I intended to give Joel an exhibition of my newfound mobility, forgetting about my newfound svelt body.

              In the first 30 days of my seizure, and its aftermath on IV fluids, I had lost 41 pounds. This may sound like a Vaudeville routine, but while demonstrating to Joel how agile I’d become, my shorts fell down. Completely fell off my waist and down to my ankles. I tripped when I tried to walk. Fell flat on my face.

              “DA-ad!” Joel yelled while helping me up. “Are you okay?”

              “I’m fine. A little bruise on my cheek is all.”

              The bruise turned red. Then black and blue. Then an ugly shade of tan. Tacked on an extra week at HealthSouth.

              Finally, I was discharged. Went home, with Amy now in charge. I seemed to be doing fine, except I had no appetite. After a few days, Amy said, “DA-ad. You’ve got to eat something! You haven’t eaten in two days.”

              The mere mention of food made me nauseous. I ran to the bathroom, but there was nothing to throw up. After a few dry heaves, Amy called 9-1-1. Back to Florida Medical Hospital. Four days of CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and a spinal tap. They discovered I had very little magnesium and potassium. They changed my meds and sent me to Sunrise Health & Rehab, which has still not recovered from my stay.

              But that’s next month’s column.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

Wendell Abern can be reached at dendyabern@gmail.com.

The Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront

Sunday, June 17, 2018
“U.S. Stones” (Tribute to the Rolling Stones)
Meyer Amphitheatre | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. | FREE 105 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Calling all Stones fans! This is the chance for die hard Stones fans to go back in time and relive the world-renowned English rock band, the Rolling Stones, at the peak of their career in the mid-’70s and ’80s. Featuring the U.S. Stones, a tribute to, according to many, the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” it’s been predicted that West Palm Beach’s visitors and residents will show off their best Mick Jagger moves at this Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront. The band’s high energy and ability to reproduce the persona of each member with mannerisms, authentic gear and stage outfits, allows the band to fully recreate the Rolling Stones’ concert experience. Fans might just get the “satisfaction” they’ve been searching for.

Screen on the Green

Friday, June 8, 2018
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017) (PG)
7 – 11 p.m. FREE 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

7 p.m. | Kids Activities on the Great Lawn
Be our guest and put our service to the test! Before a tale as old as time comes to life on the big screen, kids of all ages are welcome to come down to the Waterfront and enjoy fun and magical activities by sponsor Rhythm & Hues.

Sundown | Beauty and the Beast (2017) (PG)
Disney’s animated classic takes on a new form, with a widened mythology and an all-star cast. A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can be freed only by true love. What may be his only opportunity arrives when he meets Belle, the only human girl to ever visit the castle since it was enchanted.

Outdoor movie watching has never been more inviting than on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Monthly, on the second Friday of the month, the City of West Palm Beach turns the Great Lawn into an open-air theater – movie and included views of the stars and sea are both FREE. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and snuggle up for featured films – including newly released hits and throwback favorites. After hours, please call 561-822-2222 for information on event cancellations.

Clematis by Night

Weekly concert series
Every Thursday; 6 – 10 p.m.* extended hours for summer | FREE 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
West Palm’s favorite Thursday night tradition proves why it has been the “hot spot to chill” for more than 20 years. During Clematis by Night, guests will enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and the hottest local social scene, creating an unmatched waterfront happy hour setting. For more information, please visit Wpb.org/events or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB, on Twitter @westpalmbch or on Instagram @westpalmbch.

With sunset at bay and a longer day, Clematis by Night will have twice the entertainment for the whole summer.

Thursday, June 7:
Opener: Reggae Brew (Reggae) | www.reggaebrew.com
With South Florida roots, the rock reggae act Reggae Brew showcases this classic genre in the 21st century. Formed in 2017 by veteran keyboardist and vocalist Dean Fishback, the band features top South Florida musicians, including drummist Junior Richards, bassist Frank Burt and guitarist Benji Baez. Since their debut album launched on Dec. 3 of last year, they have already shared the stage with Mykal Rose of Black Uhuru, Third World, and Easy Star All Stars. Their live show at the Waterfront will be full of heavy drum and bass with bubbling rhythms – including a live horn section.

Headliner: The Resolvers (Reggae) | http://www.theresolvers.com/
The phrase “breath of fresh air” does not provide the oomph needed to describe just how special The Resolvers are. An 11-piece band, their unique sound is a marriage between roots reggae and New Orleans-style funk. Upon releasing their third EP, titled “Big Band Reggae,” it debuted at number five on the Billboard reggae charts, establishing the band’s presence in the reggae world at large. The band has uplifted audiences throughout the Southeast, California, Jamaica, and now, they will spread their powerful vibes at Clematis by Night.

Thursday, June 14:
Opener: The earl Band (RnR Party & Dance) | http://www.earltrio.com/
The earl Band is a dynamic group that focuses on delivering high energy tributes to the best rock and roll party and dance music of the ’70s,’80s, ‘90s and current times. With focused tributes to the music of The Beatles, the late Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Billy Idol, and many others, their opening act will create a party atmosphere that gets the audience dancing and singing to their favorite tunes. With bandleader Shawn Malaney on guitar and vocals, Bill Lee on bass, and Al Konkal on drums, percussion and vocals, the show is a party that Clematis by Night guests are sure to remember.

Headliner: 56 Ace (Modern Country Rock) | www.facebook.com/56AceBand
56 Ace is an energetic entertainment band with a diverse style that ranges from country to rock and pop. In the past, the band has performed at the Perfect Vodka Amphitheater, casinos, festivals, and most of the finer venues in South Florida. Now, their live show at the West Palm Waterfront will keep the dance floor packed all night long.

Thursday, June 21: June 21 is a “double header” night – both bands have equal play time.
1st Band: Solid Brass (Classic Rock/R&B) | www.solidbrassband.com
Solid Brass is an eight-piece horn band that emerged in Palm Beach County from the demand for local quality music. The band plays classic rock and R&B songs from the ’60s through the ’80s, made famous by icons such as Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Joe Cocker, the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, and many more. Their motto – “Live Solid, Play Solid” – demonstrates how their musicians were carefully auditioned and chosen based on their abilities to perform perfectly rehearsed, professional renditions. Not only will they play the audience’s favorites, but they have a passion for the music, a respect for the artists of the classic rock era, and, most importantly, Solid Brass loves what they do. That passion translates to their live shows and Clematis by Night guests will love getting down to their sounds.

2nd Band: Big City Dogs (Classic Rock & Blues) | www.bigcitydogsband.com
South Florida-based classic rock and blues band Big City Dogs pays tribute to many of the great bands of the ’60s through the 2000s. Consisting of four, seasoned, professional lead singers with dynamic vocal arrangements and solid musical abilities, Big City Dogs perform true renditions of popular hits that everyone knows and loves. Come down to the Waterfront and enjoy popular songs from Bon Jovi, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Hootie and the Blowfish, and many more!

Thursday, June 28:
Opener: Catabella & the Latin Group (Tropical/Latin) | http://www.diamusicaentertainment.com
Temps will already be high, but the West Palm Beach Waterfront might even reach burning temps when one of the hottest local tropical music bands opens this Clematis by Night. Catabella and the Latin Group is distinguished for the diversity of their musicians and the selections of songs they perform. Fronting the band is tropical music singer, Catabella, a Colombian native who grew up in Miami, the global business hub for the Latin music industry. Her beautiful voice and tropical swing will get la fiesta started!

Headliner: Afin-K2 (Salsa) | www.orquestacallesol.com
Miami-based classic salsa band Afin-K2 (a homophone of Afincados) present a joyful tribute to the salsa of the ’70s and ’80s, the “Golden Years” of the genre. Musical director Raul Fiestas formed this very compact salsa band by bringing together musicians with immense talent from different Latin American countries. Members include Carlos Duran from Colombia, Pepe Espinoza from Cuba, Luis Flores from the Dominican Republic, Louie “Tito” Rivera and Jesus Manuel Martinez from Puerto Rico, and Bruno Mendez and Raul Fiestas from Peru. Together, they deliver the big sound of a salsa band full of art, talent and energy. Dancing shoes are a must for this Clematis by Night!

New Home for Homeless, Pregnant, Parenting Mothers in PBC

Holy Ground Palm Beach County Celebrates a New Home and Hope for Homeless Pregnant and Parenting Women
Reception Kicks Off Official Opening of New Apartment Building

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Dozens of supporters recently helped Holy Ground PBC celebrate the opening of their new apartments for young homeless mothers a home and hope.

The newly-renovated Stockard Family Campus, located on Broadway Avenue in West Palm Beach, will be home to young mothers and their children who were previously homeless. The building also boasts a community space and an area for counseling as well as room for classes.

“We are so grateful to our donors who helped make this dream a reality,” said Donna McLoughlin, Board President of Holy Ground Palm Beach County. “This is truly a dream come true, and we couldn’t have done it without the extensive community support and hard work of those who believed in our vision.”

Major capital campaign supporters include The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation, Inc., Quantum Foundation, the Lost Tree Foundation, the J.C. Foundation and Extraordinary Charities.

Statistics from the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County indicate teen mothers are more likely to live in poverty, and less than half of all teen moms will ever graduate high school. Daughters born to teen moms are more likely to become teen mothers themselves, while a son is twice as likely to serve time in prison. Children of teen mothers are also more likely to be born prematurely and have developmental issues.

Holy Ground helps to break the cycle of poverty for the young women who are willing to make positive changes in their lives. The organization offers a safe place to live, a mentor, counseling and classes covering vocational skills, life lessons and parenting. Many of the young ladies in the program are enrolled in college or vocational programs. The long-term independent living program is focused on self-sufficiency and generational change.

“It is always a joy to bring a new family into a new apartment,” said Jan Kranich, Vice President of Holy Ground Shelter’s board of directors. “This new property will give us a sense of greater community and will, we believe, accelerate the progress of our young moms.”

The young women picked some of their décor, so their apartments would feel like a home. “This new apartment means everything,” said Alondra, a client of Holy Ground. “My son and I got to fix it up with our favorite colors.”

Several young mothers and their children who are in the program attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. County Commissioner Mack Bernard was on hand to say a few words as was Father Seamus Murtagh, one of the event’s honorees. The community suite is named after Father Murtagh. Organizers also unveiled a statue donated by sculptor Beth Vegosen for the occasion. The statue now sits in front of the community suite. It is entitled “Safe,” and is a stone sculpture depicting a woman and her child.

The next steps for the Stockard Family Campus include adding a playground, a central barbeque space and a laundry room.

Holy Ground aids an incredibly underserved population of Palm Beach County. According to Phyllis Turner Jepson, Executive Director of Holy Ground PBC, there are many teen mothers in Palm Beach County who, after giving birth, are faced with a bleak future. And Angela Wing-Allen shares that often, there is a loss of home and family support as well as education deficiencies limiting future employment.

According to the 2016 report from the Florida Department of Health, there were 630 live births to girls under the age of 19 in Palm Beach County, and approximately a quarter of these young mothers will have a second baby within 2 years.

For more information or to contribute to the organization’s efforts, please contact Holy Ground PBC’s Office at 561-355-5040 or visit www.holygroundpbc.org.

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Science Center Hosts Festival del Mar

FESTIVAL DEL MAR RETURNS TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER
Annual Event Aims to Engage Local Latin Community And Promote Lessons in Ocean Conservation

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is inviting guests to splash into sea science during the fourth annual “Festival del Mar” on Saturday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is aimed at engaging the local Latin American community and promoting ocean conservation and education worldwide. This year, children under 12 will receive free admission.

All ages are invited to celebrate with music, bilingual touch tank demonstrations, interactive story time with the Palm Beach County Library system, science demonstrations, arts, crafts and much more. Special planetarium shows are planned, featuring an enchanted reef, black holes, Big Bird’s Adventure and even a bilingual show spotlighting the night skies over the Palm Beaches.

Festival del Mar is also aimed at encouraging Latin Americans to pursue a career in a science field. “Unfortunately, statistics show that Latinos are much less likely to pursue a degree in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) areas as compared to their Caucasian classmates,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “This shows the need for the Science Center to open every mind to science and provide opportunities to inspire young people to follow their passion in science no matter what background they come from.”

Partners and vendors include Estrella TV, WPBF Channel 25, La Guia News, Palm Beach County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Beach County Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets to Festival del Mar are included with admission to the Science Center. Non-member adults are $16.95 and the event is free for children under 12 and members. Admission includes access to the latest traveling exhibit, “Travel Adventure” featuring LEGO bricks. The interactive exhibit takes visitors an on extraordinary adventure to exotic locations through all kinds of terrain. People of all ages put their creative skills to the test to plan and build vehicles to move though mountains, jungles, oceans, deserts and more while learning about the history of travel and imagining the future of transportation. Families are invited to dress up as pilots, sailors, racers and world explorers as they take the wheel of life-sized toy LEGO vehicles and engage in dynamic play. Duplo bricks are available for younger visitors.

The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations.

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 “Travel Adventure” is $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $14.95 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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Sunday on the Waterfront: U.S. Stones

The Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront
Sunday, June 17, 2018
“U.S. Stones” (Tribute to the Rolling Stones)
Meyer Amphitheatre | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. | FREE
Calling all Stones fans! This is the chance for die hard Stones fans to go back in time and relive the world-renowned English rock band, the Rolling Stones, at the peak of their career in the mid-’70s and ’80s. Featuring the U.S. Stones, a tribute to, according to many, the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” it’s been predicted that West Palm Beach’s visitors and residents will show off their best Mick Jagger moves at this Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront. The band’s high energy and ability to reproduce the persona of each member with mannerisms, authentic gear and stage outfits, allows the band to fully recreate the Rolling Stones’ concert experience. Fans might just get the “satisfaction” they’ve been searching for.

Screen On The Green: Beauty and the Beast

Screen on the Green
Friday, June 8, 2018
“Beauty and the Beast” (2017) (PG)
7 – 11 p.m. FREE

7 p.m. | Kids Activities on the Great Lawn
Be our guest and put our service to the test! Before a tale as old as time comes to life on the big screen, kids of all ages are welcome to come down to the Waterfront and enjoy fun and magical activities by sponsor Rhythm & Hues.

Sundown | Beauty and the Beast (2017) (PG)
Disney’s animated classic takes on a new form, with a widened mythology and an all-star cast. A young prince, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can be freed only by true love. What may be his only opportunity arrives when he meets Belle, the only human girl to ever visit the castle since it was enchanted.

Outdoor movie watching has never been more inviting than on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Monthly, on the second Friday of the month, the City of West Palm Beach turns the Great Lawn into an open-air theater – movie and included views of the stars and sea are both FREE. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and snuggle up for featured films – including newly released hits and throwback favorites. After hours, please call 561-822-2222 for information on event cancellations.

2018 Palm Beach Central High School Basketball Camp

Palm Beach Central High School Boys Basketball team will be holding a basketball camp for students entering 2nd to 8th grade next school year. The dates in June are 18-21 and 25-28, plus we have July dates of 16-19 and 23-26. Camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each morning and the cost is 80 per session. Our goal is to have a ton of fun everyday at camp. We work on all of the basic fundamentals everyday; shooting, passing, dribbling, defense, rebounding and even some footwork. The basketball coaches are part of the camp staff, along with all of our players. This event is a fundraiser for the basketball program where 100% of the profits go to support the program. You can contact Coach Pitman the Boys Varsity Basketball at jason.pitman@palmbeachschools.org or (561) 398-9177, if you have any questions.