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To Work or Not to Work

Briana D'Andrea
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To Work or Not to Work

Mommy Moments

To Work or Not to Work

By Briana D’Andrea

To work or not to work? That is the question most moms ponder. Really, there’s no right answer. It’s what works best for you and your family. I vividly remember as a young girl thinking that I would most definitely, (if afforded the chance), stay home to raise our children the way my husband and I saw fit. Then as I grew older, I decided that I needed to establish myself, my career, after all I worked my butt off to get a degree and was still paying off student loans! I was the prodigal latchkey kid, while my mom went off to work during the women’s equal rights movement, to afford us the life we so deserved.

So, when the time came for us to conceive, I thought to myself, well I can’t very well give up everything I’ve worked so tirelessly for. So, I worked day in and day out all throughout my nine months of pregnancy, waddling my way to the bathroom from my desk, working out schedules between our families. The plan was for me to go back to work part-time (that way I still had my identity, LOL), working weekends, so that my mom and mother-in-law and husband would fill in for me on their days off. Everyone was on board, yet when the day finally came where I locked eyes with my blue-eyed baby boy, I thought to myself how in the world could I leave? How could I burden my family to take care of this baby on their days off, after working a full-time job? Daycare wouldn’t work, because my paycheck would have gone straight to the people watching after him.

I remember the day my husband and I made the decision for me to stay home. I was partially relieved, partially worried, partially petrified. Would I ever be able to get back to my passion? Back to writing? Back to reporting? Producing? Back to being ME. I didn’t have an answer at the time. The only thing I knew was certain was that I had this little tiny human being who needed me more than anyone. He needed me more than I needed to fulfill my dreams. More than my place of employment needed me…they would surely find someone to fill my shoes, right? Several people had said if I had the chance to stay home then to take it. It’s just a moment in your life and you have the rest of it to work.

I have a very dear friend, whom I remember called me in near tears while she was on maternity leave. Literally wondering what on earth I did all day long? How isolated she felt. How she couldn’t wait to get back into the swing of things and get back to working. Here’s where it gets tricky. Momming is HARD! It is full of GUILT, no matter how you slice it. When I first had my son, I too felt alone, isolated, completely intimidated by the idea of having to make sure to keep another human being alive! What happened to all of those cute Instagram pictures of babies all dressed up in their monthly onesies? I felt robbed and I felt guilty.

Heck, I feel guilty every single time I make a purchase outside of groceries. I feel guilty that my husband bears the burden of having to work to support our family. I feel guilty when I yell at my kids, because we’re in each other’s face all day long. After speaking to several moms who work, their guilt stems from not spending enough time with their kids, not making enough “mom friends,” not having enough patience…feeling judged. Truth is no matter what, we are judged. That’s life. So what it boils down to is to DO YOU!

We’ve had to make some serious adjustments to our lifestyle since I’ve become a stay at home mom. Going out to fancy lunches and dinners regularly? Gone. Buying something cute at the mall just because? Gone. Spontaneous vacations just to get away? Gone. See my point? Where my working moms feel like although they have to work all day, they come back to a clean home, that hasn’t been ravaged by toddlers all day, they have quality over quantity time with their little ones, they’re able to get dressed for the day, eat lunch with adults, have adult conversations that don’t involve potty training or weaning. They pee solo and have time to listen to their music on their way to work. They may even sneak in a quick trip to the gym or the nail salon. They don’t spend their days feeling like a short order cook, chauffer and maid, who has to change diaper after diaper.

Finally, I tried the part-time work thing. It was nice at first, but what I found was that I wasn’t able to give enough energy into one thing versus the other. I’m the type who devotes 150% to everything I do and for whatever reason juggling the two wasn’t my forte. I made the decision to be 150% mom, when we got pregnant with our second.  I have my days when I wonder if I’m cut out to be the stay at home type. Am I fulfilling the kids’ days? Are they better off at school? Am I enough? I’ve learned not to be so hard on myself and that yes, I AM ENOUGH. I tell my husband all the time that I used to be somebody! That my lowest point was the day I had to clean up after our son who had pooped his pants in public, followed by my daughter’s tantrum in the middle of Whole Foods and topped off with our dog that decided to poop, eat it and throw up. TMI? Those are the days that working doesn’t seem so bad after all. Hearing my mom say how she used to hug her desk when she got to work.

However, I now know that I AM somebody. I am this single most important somebody to our beautiful babies and husband, that this is my highest point in life. To be able to raise our children and see them grow in front of our very eyes. I’m convinced that after a long day of Legos and laundry and cleaning up toys and the throw up, that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be and that I have made the ultimate sacrifice for my family and hopefully someday they will thank me for it. That I am so thankful and forever grateful to my husband to even have the choice. So no matter if you sacrifice yourself and your lifestyle to stay home or you sacrifice your time to give your family the life they truly deserve by going to work, you’re ultimately doing the right thing. 

The American People are Drowning

Bryan Hayes
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The American People are Drowning

Living Green

The American People are Drowning

By Bryan Hayes

In today’s climate, change is inevitable.  Change brings uncertainty, and uncertainty breeds fear and anxiety – as well as a myriad of other emotions.   Within this ever changing world, some are relieved, happy, and excited while others feel the polar opposite.

In the political arena, the new administration has, as expected, enacted new policies along with a new vision.   Do you believe it is the right direction? Or, not?  That is the beauty of living in a free society: being able to not only have your own opinion, but being able to express it as well.  

Whatever your belief, it is most likely possible to find support for your argument through one avenue or another, especially in the digital age where each issue has a myriad of sources for validation.  To be knowledgeable, we need to garner information.   The positive part of today is that we are inundated from every possible angle.   The negative is: we are inundated with information – from every possible angle.   What is real and what is “fake” is largely dependent on your point of view.

In terms of the environment, does climate change exist?   Is man to blame?   And, should we be concerned about the future of our state, our country and our entire planet?  Or, is it all overblown and fabricated?   The answers, they are a plenty. Despite your preconceived notion, even if countered by evidence to the contrary, would you believe it?   That is the question, because the answers vary to such degrees on both sides of every conversation.  

The Environmental Protection Agency, the governmental entity whose mission is to “protect human health and the environment” has been a target for both budget cuts and complete dissolution.   Is that because the agency is ineffective?  Flawed?  Useless?

When looking at any division of government, there are aspects that are ineffective.  The military?   How many times have there been questions about over spending, scandals, and overall effectiveness of machinery and weaponry?  But, the answer is not to pull the plug, rather to increase spending in order to fix those issues. 

Allocating funds is a matter of prioritization.  The money needed to pay for one area may need to be taken from another.   What is our priority?   Is it important that:

  • all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work;
  • national efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information;
  • federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively;
  • environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
  • all parts of society — communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments — have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
  • environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and
  • the United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.

(https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/our-mission-and-what-we-do)

Are these items important to us?  Are they more important than other aspects of our lives?  Do we need these? If we don’t, what will be implemented?  

Do we care if there are pollution standards?   Does it matter if we have renewable fuel standards?  And, is it ok for formaldehyde to leach from wood products? What level is acceptable?  

In February of 2017, Florida Representative Matt Gaetz sponsored a bill to abolish the EPA by 2018.   Ironically, Florida is a state that is affected directly by rising sea levels.  Even more ironic was Representative Gaetz’s comment that, “The American people are drowning in rules and regulation promulgated by unelected bureauracrats.  And the Environmental Protection Agency has become an extraordinary offender.” 

This may very well true, that the abolishment of the EPA will absolve the American people from drowning.  Or, maybe, we will literally be drowning without any protective agency to govern and regulate.

Don’t Be a Lilly-Livered Lilly

Sabeen Faquir
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Don’t Be a Lilly-Livered Lilly

Natural Insight

Don’t Be a Lilly-Livered Lilly

By Sabeen Faquir

Did you know that everything you ingest, gets processed by your liver, including medications? It’s no secret that the typical American diet is predominantly made up of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugar – lots and lots of sugar. Well, what happens to your liver when you ingest so much sugar?

After you’ve swallowed your bite or sip, it travels from your mouth, through your esophagus, to your stomach, where it is met with acids that break it down into different forms of chemicals.  This mix then travels to the small intestine, and is met with bile from the gall bladder. This is where nutrients are finally absorbed. The thing is, if your diet is predominantly refined carbs and sugars, your blood sugar level spikes.

Insulin is excreted from the pancreas and sequesters blood sugar into the liver. But, if there is too much sugar to store, it deposits as fat on your liver. If fat takes up more than 5%-10% of the liver’s weight, you may be diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Predominantly, there are 2 forms of fatty liver disease: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Medically, fatty liver disease has no specific treatment. Should you be diagnosed with NAFLD, you will be told to change your diet. It is suggested to “Eat a balanced and healthy diet and get regular exercise. Limit high-carb foods such as bread, grits, rice, potatoes, and corn. And cut down on drinks with lots of sugar like sports drinks and juice, (WebMD).”

For additional support, there is a nutrient you can consider: Milk Thistle extract. What is milk thistle? It is a plant in the daisy and ragweed family that is used to help support the livers of people ailing with problems like cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Silymarin is the constituent flavonoid complex from which milk thistle derives its benefits.

Silymarin works in a variety of ways. It is known to boost defensive enzymes like glutathione. This is significant because glutathione binds to toxins to prevent them from processing in the liver. In addition, silymarin prevents the formation of 5-lipoxygenase, a pro-inflammatory enzyme (Phaneuf). Silymarin is also a potent antioxidant that improves insulin resistance in patients with NAFLD (Federico et al).

It is important to know that there are conflicting studies on the benefits of milk thistle. Some studies indicate benefits while other studies show no differences. Milk thistle is widely recognized as safe to ingest. However, before beginning any supplement regimen, discuss it with your doctor.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease.

Sources:

Steinbaum, Suzanne R. MD. Milk Thistle: Benefits and Side Effects. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects#1. January 23, 2017

Phaneuf, Holly, PhD. Astragalus. Herbs Demystified: A Scientist Explains How the Most Common Herbal Remedies Really Work. Da Capo Press. 2005. Pg 230-234

A Federico, M Trappoliere, C Tuccillo, I de Sio, A Di Leva, C Del Vecchio Blanco, and C Loguercio. A new silybin‐vitamin E‐phospholipid complex improves insulin resistance and liver damage in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: preliminary observations. Gut. 2006 Jun; 55(6): 901–902.

Wait… What?

LoriB
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Wait… What?

Cultural Corner

Wait… What?

By Lori Hope Baumel

Photo: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

The past year gave us a plethora of surprises.  Brexit, the election, the World Series and the Super Bowl provided jaw-dropping results. In the arts world, tumult continued. Adele won the Grammy for best album. Beyonce was thought to be the sure winner. Her album, Lemonade, made both societal and artistic statements worthy of the award. But, nonetheless, she went home without the honor. The fiasco at the end of the Academy Awards was another mind-bender. Admittedly, it made the finale a trifle more entertaining. Unfortunately, this was at the expense of the presenters (Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway) and the “losers,” the producers of La-La Land.

Let’s take a moment and absorb what transpired after these occurrences. Working backwards chronologically, the producers of La-La Land handled their loss with dignity. After winning a barrel of Oscars for the film, they graciously stepped aside and handed over their golden statues to the producers of Moonlight, also an incredible film. In my heart, I was hoping Moonlight would get some type of attention. Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture acknowledged the film’s societal message and superb casting (all completed with a minimal budget of 1.5 million dollars). If the victory for Moonlight encourages audiences to stream it in the future, then the hullaballoo was worth it. Whether Moonlight got the nod due to the #OscarSoWhite backlash is irrelevant.  A film worthy of the award received it. Time to move on.

At the time of this writing, Adele is one of my favorite singers. This is difficult for me to say as I listen to at least 25 vocalists on a regular basis. Nevertheless, Beyonce’s album was well produced. Her Lemonade video was so popular that it was parodied by Amy Schumer. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revised their voter qualifications this year. The Recording Academy needs to follow suit and take a long, hard look at their member qualifications. We have a year to see what transpires.

Since this is not a sports column, I won’t go into much detail about the Chicago Cubs or the New England Patriots. All I can say is the underdog (Cubs) finally worked hard enough to get to the top. Staying there will be the difficult part. The Atlanta Falcons almost had their glory, but the Patriots provided the nail-biter ending. We got our money’s worth in excitement from that game. For the first time, I felt my Comcast bill was worth it.

When it comes to politics, both Brexit and the U.S. election has given both countries a bit of post-election trauma. The results have caused a globalized ripple effect as well. Unfortunately, unlike an awards show, you can’t turn the TV off and “wait until next year” to stabilize our economic, defense and healthcare problems. The winds of change are blowing too rapidly. Voices on every end of the political spectrum are rising, both noble and cruel. Society has become jaded by daily doses of disbelief.

It was once the role of the creatives, the artists, to rise and break barriers. When Jackson Pollack splashed paint abstractly onto a canvas it was considered radical. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was banned from schools and libraries. Elvis Presley was photographed from the waist up when he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. Art educed emotion, society spoke up. Priorities and values changed. But has it changed much?

It has often been the job of creatives to start an ethical conversation. In a previous column, I mentioned that the current political environment should get our imaginative juices flowing. It appears that artists are going to have to work even harder to evoke an element of amazement. I cannot count how many people have said, “Nothing surprises me anymore.”

America is learning how much energy it takes to resist, persist and fight for their constitutional rights. The freedom to create something original stems from the first of ten constitutional amendments known as The Bill of Rights adopted on December 15, 1791.

The first amendment states that “there is no prohibition on the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peacefully assemble, or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances.”

We are ALL artists now. It is up to US to create a better future for ourselves and for our families.

Live… Go… Do!

TOP 5 list for April 2016

1) The Norton Museum

Just as putting pen to paper to create a line in a drawing is an artistic act, so is writing a letter. The exhibition Pen to Paper: Artists’ Handwritten Letters ( from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art), on view at the Norton from April 18 through June 25, 2017, reveals the beauty and intimacy of the craft of letter writing. From casually jotted notes to elaborately decorated epistles, the exhibition explores the handwriting of celebrated artists such as Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt, Willem de Kooning, Winslow Homer, Robert Motherwell, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, John Singer Sargent, Edward Weston, and others.

For more information see: Norton.org

2) Mounts Botanical Garden

The Literary Garden: Book Discussion

Tuesday, April 11 – 6 to 7:30 pm, Clayton Hutcheson Conference Room – FREE

Featured Book: Life Without a Recipe, A Memoir by Diana Abu-Jaber

Few pleasures in life surpass that of reading a good book or cultivating your own garden. Mounts Botanical Garden is 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.

(Note: To pre-register, call the Director of Programs at Mounts at 561.233.1751.)

Stories in the Garden:

Colors Everywhere

Friday, April 14 – 10 to 11:30 am, Mounts – The Pavilion – FREE

Speaker: Stacey Burford, Youth Services Librarian

Celebrate the 13th 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 the Director of Programs at Mounts at 561.233.1751 or Stacy Burford at 561.649.5439.)

 3) Palm Beach Opera comes to the Kravis Center

Palm Beach Opera Brings Gilbert & Sullivan’s

The Pirates of Penzance To Its Stage

April 7-9

Appearing on the Palm Beach Opera stage for the very first time, W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance is an uproarious comedy with razor-sharp wit, and a brilliant score full of memorable melodies.  Comic mayhem ensues when a rollicking band of pirates plot to keep a young man from leaving their employ. Mistakenly apprenticed as a child, Frederick was to be released on his 21st birthday but, alas, being born on February 29th, he’s technically only five years old. The Pirates of Penzance with be sung in English with supertitles projected above the stage. Performances are at 7:30 pm on April 7 and 8 (Friday and Saturday), and 2 pm on Sunday, April 9. The company’s annual Children’s Performance will be a one-hour abridged performance of The Pirates of Penzance, presented at 1 PM on April 8 (Saturday) at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Fun, interactive Education Stations open in the lobby at 11:30 AM. All tickets for Children’s Performance are $5, and are on sale now.

For more information, please visit pbopera.org.

4) Palm Beach Photographic Centers Presents

PHOTOGRAPHY OF PLACE

Geographic Images by 22 International Artists

Exhibit ends May 27, 2017

Oasis by Sally Gall
Girl on a Swing by Walter Rosenblum

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Curated by Raymond Merritt, this stunning exhibition will present photographs by 22 different artists that are best known for their images of specific geographic places,” says NeJame. “The photographers range from grand masters to accomplished amateurs and as diverse as the places they capture on film.” – PBPC Press Release

The Photo Centre is located at the City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday – Thursday; 10 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 561.253.2600 or visitwww.workshop.org or www.fotofusion.org.

5) Get your tickets NOW!

There are some exciting events coming up soon and for the 2017-2018 season. Don’t sit in the nosebleed seats. Check out these sites for upcoming entertainment:

Diana Ross in April – Trevor Noah in June! Go to: Kravis.org

Oliver – Saturday Night Fever – Bye, Bye Birdie!  See: lakeworthplayhouse.org

Lynn Conservatory of Music – Classical music at its best:  See: lynn.edu/events

April

Anne Gerwig
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April

Mayor’s Column

April

By Mayor Anne Gerwig

Spring is the season of new beginnings. We are kicking off this month in high gear, as we prepare for the 2017-2018 Budget. We are completing our budget and will soon focus on the capital plan. We will present a balanced budget that continues to keep Wellington a great hometown.

This month, Wellington’s Council joins staff for the 2017 Directions Workshop. The workshop takes place at Village Hall, March 31st and April 1st. Directions is where Council sets our goals for the upcoming year and beyond.  Council will cover a broad range of topics, including redevelopment and sustainability within the Village, community improvement strategies, and planning for the impacts of growth outside of the Village. The Directions process is collaborative and is designed to foster an informed discussion that allows us to make rational and disciplined decisions for the community.

Several more of our major capital projects included in the current budget are underway.  We are gearing up for some other major capital projects with construction anticipated to start mid-year.  The two turn lane projects at the Big Blue / Birkdale and the Big Blue / Wiltshire intersections are being surveyed and designed with construction scheduled to start in June 2017.  Stay up-to-date with our social media and website updates for these major projects. 

If you enjoy the Wellington Green Market, or if you haven’t had a chance to experience it yet, you still have a few weeks left to stop by.  The Green Market runs through April 29th, and then returns again in October.  The market opens at 9 am every Saturday this month at the Amphitheater. 

This year’s Wellington Kids Triathlon takes place April 2nd. Cheer your kids on as they swim, bike and run in this exciting and challenging endurance event. The triathlon takes place on Sunday, April 2nd, beginning at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. The event serves as a way for children born between 2003 and 2013 to experience a multi-sport endurance event in a safe, positive environment.  We want to encourage kids to be active, which is so important for their health and development, and which will help them embrace a healthy lifestyle.

On Saturday, April 15th, at 10 am, we’ll be holding our Annual Egg Hunt at Village Park.  Children always have a great time running around searching for the eggs, and it’s a great way to put a big smile on their faces, so bring them out to share in the fun!

Join us Sunday, April 23rd starting at 4:00 pm at the Wellington Amphitheater as we celebrate Earth Day and raise awareness for environmental protection. During this free event, you will learn about recycling, composting, and respecting the earth. The celebration features live music, local vendors showcasing earth friendly products, free samples, and giveaways. We will recognize volunteers over the past year for their steadfast commitment to keep our Village green. In doing our part, this year we will plant a Paradise Tree in honor of Arbor Day.

In terms of the environment, the Village takes immense pride in its parks, wetlands, and environmental preserves. We recognize the importance of preserving all of nature’s habitats. We must continue to ensure that we protect the environment and the rural charm of our Village. As we look towards the future, this new Council will continue to focus on the principles of preservation, stewardship, and accountability. Our primary goal is always to deliver for our residents.

A drive around our wonderful Village will reveal great neighborhoods, great schools, and outstanding parks. As your Mayor, I work to ensure that we sustain and strengthen these qualities.

On behalf of the Council, I want to wish our residents a happy Passover, Good Friday, and Easter. Have a great month, and I look forward to seeing you at our events!

Wellington Garden Club with David Bates

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Wellington Garden Club with David Bates

The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, April 3 in the Lakeview Room at the new Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). A light breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a business meeting at 10:30 a.m. and a program at 11:30 a.m. on “Nature and Wildlife Photography,” presented by David Bates.
Bates, who has lived in Florida for over 40 years, will share his photos and experiences of capturing wildlife at hotspots locally and around the globe. Serving on the Board of Directors at Gunster, Bates applies patience, perseverance and planning to the business world and to photography. He will discuss some close calls with his wildlife subjects and present his striking photographic compositions.
Guests are welcome, but seating is limited. RSVP to Doreen Baxter at doreenspot@comcast.net or (561) 793-6013.

How to Grow Herbs, Veggies and Fruits in the Tropics

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How to Grow Herbs, Veggies and Fruits in the Tropics

Container Gardening Class

FLORIDA CRYSTALS EMPLOYEE NAMED ‘WOMAN OF WORTH’ BY CENTRAL PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

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FLORIDA CRYSTALS EMPLOYEE NAMED ‘WOMAN OF WORTH’ BY CENTRAL PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
FLORIDA CRYSTALS EMPLOYEE NAMED ‘WOMAN OF WORTH’ BY CENTRAL PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
 
Award recognizes Gabie Ervesun for her achievements in business, nonprofit sectors  
 
(West Palm Beach, FL) – Gabie Ervesun, Florida Crystals Corporation’s Supply Chain Manager, was recently named the top “Young Professional” in the Central Palm Beach County Community Foundation’s Women of Worth Awards. Ervesun was selected from a group of five nominees.
 
“This is an incredible honor,” Ervesun said upon receiving the award during a ceremony at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa attended by more than 300 people. “I have always believed that being actively involved in your community not only benefits your friends and neighbors, but the personal rewards are beyond measure. I am grateful to be able to make a difference in my hometown.”
 
Joining Florida Crystals was part of a family tradition for Ervesun.  She represents the third generation to work for the company – following her grandfather, father and uncle — and has achieved a distinguished track record of professional and civic engagement since starting her career with Florida Crystals in 2006.
 
Gabie, who grew up in Wellington, was the 2016 President of The Young Professionals of Wellington (YPOW) – a 100 percent volunteer-driven 501c3 that works to energize young professionals ages 25-45 to give back to their community.  As President of YPOW, Ervesun spearheaded a partnership with the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington to build a community garden. She facilitated the program through direct project management, leveraging contacts in the community to help the garden come to life. Because of Ervesun’s leadership, children from the Boys & Girls Club recently enjoyed harvesting the garden’s first crops. The garden project is now enhancing its mission to include programming designed to educate kids about agriculture, farm-to-table practices and healthy eating. The program will also bring in chefs from local restaurants to teach healthy cooking, as well as trainers from local gyms to help the kids live healthier lifestyles.  
  
Ervesun also led YPOW’s Xcelerate Wellington (XW), a Shark Tank-like competition that helps put young entrepreneurs on the map. The program invites entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and cash flow projections, and XW provides a $10,000 grant to the winning team. As part of the program, Ervesun encouraged local businesses and law firms to donate their time and advice to the entrepreneurs throughout the competition, which is judged by local community and business leaders.
 
In addition to her efforts on behalf of YPOW, Ervesun has been committed to other causes throughout her career. She was a member of the board of Business Volunteers Maryland, which helped launch the GIVE Program – a civic leadership program designed to help young professionals and civic leaders align their passions with opportunities to contribute to their communities. 
 
Ervesun is a graduate of Florida State University, holding an International Business degree.
 
About Florida Crystals Corporation
Florida Crystals Corporation is a vertically integrated cane sugar company that farms 160,000 acres in South Florida, where it also owns two sugar mills, a sugar refinery, a packaging and distribution center, a rice mill and a renewable power plant.  Florida Crystals is the only producer of certified organic sugar grown and harvested in the USA.  Florida Crystals’ subsidiary, ASR Group, jointly-owned with Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, is the world’s largest cane sugar refining and marketing company.  Its portfolio includes the leading brands: Domino®, C&H®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle’s®, Sidul® and Florida Crystals®.  To learn more about Florida Crystals, please visit www.floridacrystals.com.
 
About the Women of Worth Awards  
The Central Palm Beach County Community Foundation is a nonprofit run by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. It hosts the annual Women of Worth Awards to honor outstanding women who have achieved professional excellence, serve their community, and have strengthened and enriched well-being in Central Palm Beach County by helping to advance the educational, cultural, and economic interest of the community. Please visit www.cpbfoundation.org.

 

 

South Florida Fair Awards $35,000 in Scholarships

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South Florida Fair Awards $35,000 in Scholarships
South Florida Fair Awards $35,000 in Scholarships
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. –– The South Florida Fair has awarded $35,000 in scholarships to 17 area high school students, bringing the total to approximately $563,000 in scholarships that have been given since the fair’s scholarship program was established in 1982.
 
Photo ID: (From row, from left) Jillian Hanley, Madelaine Mills, Tylyn Tarter, Mary McGehee, Marie McBee, Riley Shurack, Cami Wright, Sabrina Castellanos. Back row: Summer Henderson, Kasey Russo, Gianni Arcuri, Hunter Sills, Evan Soto, Geneve Simeus, Brett Collier, Edwin Ross, Harmon Casey, Daniel Clein
Each scholarship ranges from $1,000 to $6,000 in four categories: general, arts and entertainment, agriculture, and band. The fair’s scholarship committee selected the winners based on grades, need and a short essay written on the topic, “How I would benefit from receiving this scholarship.” Winners are able to use their scholarships at any accredited institution of higher learning.
The 2017 winners are: Gianna Arcuri, Summer Henderson, Marie McBee, and Kacey Russo, all of Jupiter High School, Harmon Casey of Cardinal Newman High School, Sabrina Castellanos of John I. Leonard High School, Daniel Clein of Wellington High School, Brett Collier and Madelaine Mills, both of Glades Day School, Mary McGehee, Hunter Sills, and Evan Soto, all of Okeechobee High School, Edwin Ross of Santaluces High School, Riley Shurack of West Broward High School, Geneve Simeus of Lake Worth High School, Tylyn Tarter of Clewiston High School, and Jillian Hanley who is home schooled.
The committee members were Chairwoman Becky Isiminger, Vice Chair Annis Manning, Tim Childers, Lee Glaze, Glenn Jergensen, Robi Jurney, Dan Lewis, Stephanie Mitrione, Rob Pendleton, Bill Sneed, Eva Webb, and Donna Winterson.
The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair/Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a nonprofit organization, and is located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The 2018 fair will be held Jan. 12-28.

 

The 2nd Annual Outrun Cerebral Palsy Wellington 5K

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The 2nd Annual Outrun Cerebral Palsy Wellington 5K

The 2nd Annual Outrun Cerebral Palsy Wellington 5K

On Sunday April 23rd the second annual Outrun Cerebral Palsy Wellington 5K road race will be held.  South Shore Blvd in Wellington will be closed down with the race starting and finishing at the Amphitheater.

The Rotary Club of Wellington in association with United Cerebral Palsy will again organize the race with proceeds going to United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida and the local charities of the Rotary Club.

Over 300 runners, walkers and wheelchair racers participated in last year’s initial race. This year the anticipation is that well over 500 will take part.

Individual and team medals will be awarded to separate age groups. The medals and awards will be presented by Mayor Anne Gerwig who will also act as race starter. The race is over a measured official course and will be timed by Accuchip.

There will be live music from the Royal DJ’s and food and drinks provided by Jupiter Donuts, Trader Joe’s, Brooklyn Bagel’s and Starbucks.

The race starts at 7.30am with registration beginning at 6.30am.

Plenty of free parking is available at the Amphitheater.

The aim is to make this the premier area 5K race of the spring offering the ability to support the great cause of financially supporting Cerebral Palsy sufferers.

Pre-race registration is available at www.wellington5K.com  The 18 years old and over registration fee is $30 and under 18 is $25. Companies and organizations are encouraged to enter teams, with special awards for the largest team.

Sponsorship opportunities are available also at www.wellington5K.com

Packet pick up for participants will be at Fit2Run in the Wellington Mall on the evening of Thursday April 20th.  Packets will also be available for day of the race sign up at the Amphitheater.

For additional information contact Larry Kemp at larry.kemp@comcast.net

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