The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation for the Everglades invites the public to attend the John Marshall Everglades Symposium, Saturday, October 8, 2016, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Marriott, Downtown West Palm Beach, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL, Admission $30, includes luncheon (Separate hotel parking fee will be $5.00) Titled: The Florida Everglades: Piecing the Puzzle Together, What is being done – What you can do, the luncheon keynote speaker is award-winning author and journalist Michael Grunwald. To purchase tickets go to www.artmarshall.org by Oct. 3. For more information call 561.233.9004 or email administration@oureverglades.org.
PALM BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RINGS IN A DECADE OF SUCCESS WITH CULINARY GIANTS AND THE ADDITION OF MUSIC TALENT COOLIO
PALM BEACH FOOD and WINE FESTIVAL 2015 Photo Credit: Sandy AxelrodPALM BEACH FOOD and WINE FESTIVAL 2015 Photo Credit: Sandy AxelrodPALM BEACH FOOD and WINE FESTIVAL 2015 Photo Credit: Sandy Axelrod
Four Events Added to Weekend Line-Up and Tickets Now on Sale at PBFoodWineFest.com
PALM BEACH, FLA. (September 2016) – Rolling out the culinary carpet, Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival toasts to 10, with an impressive chef lineup and expanded food program on Dec. 8-11 in various locations throughout the Palm Beaches. Headquartered at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, festival tickets are now on sale at pbfoodwinefest.com and include a collection of intimate and lively dinners, wine and cocktail tastings and cooking demonstrations. All events culminate with the Grand Tasting presented by Stoli at The Gardens Mall.
Daniel BouludTop Chef Season 13 Winner Jeremy FordRobert Irvine
Returning chefs and industry leaders include Daniel Boulud, Robert Irvine, Marc Murphy, Johnny Iuzzini, Elizabeth Falkner, Anita Lo, Jeff Mauro, Mike Lata, Jonathon Sawyer, Dean Max, Stephen Stryjewski, George Mendes, Ken Oringer, Michael Ruhlman, Virginia Willis and Beau MacMillan, Brad Kilgore, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Timon Balloo, alongside Palm Beach County favorites Clay Conley, Tim Lipman, Julien Gremaud, Josh Thomsen, Sean Brasel, Tory Martindale, Jeff Simms, Andrew Schor, Rick Mace, Zach Bell, Lindsay Autry and Aaron Black. These Festival veterans will be joined by exciting new additions, including Top Chef Season 13 winner, Jeremy Ford; and James Beard-recognized chefs Michelle Bernstein and Lee Wolen, Amanda Cohen, Richard Hales, Jose Mendin and national musician headline talent, Coolio.
Festival events begin Thursday, Dec. 8, with dinners held simultaneously at Palm Beach’s most popular restaurants Būccan and PB CATCH Seafood & Raw Bar with the addition of a new dinner at Avocado Grill. Over the subsequent four days, guests will take part in an official kick-off party at The Breakers Palm Beach presented by Cheney Brothers followed by a bevy of fun tasting events at host resort, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach: the annual Chillin’ N’ Grillin’ presented by The Gardens Mall, industry panel discussions, a Street Food competition featuring a Battle Royal presented by SYSCO, children’s cooking demonstrations presented by Whole Foods Market and Sunday brunch and Daniel & Friends hosted at Café Boulud presented by Old School Bakery. Additional new events include a luncheon at THE REGIONAL Kitchen & Public House – Autry’s highly anticipated new concept; a “Rise and Dine” walk-around beachfront breakfast with chef’s Brad Kilgore, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Lee Wolen and Josh Thomsen; and Lunch at The Grill hosted by chef Andrew Schor.
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival 2016 event highlights include:
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
Chefs Anita Lo, George Mendes, Ken Oringer, and Aaron Black make ocean sustainability sexy in SUSTAIN, a seafood-inspired, five-course sit down dinner hosted at PB CATCH Seafood & Raw Bar. ($170 per person; 7 p.m.)
Expect the unexpected at The First Bite, a four-course sit down with Charleston’s southern charmer, Mike Lata as he joins Clay Conley and others at his open-kitchen concept restaurant, Būccan. ($170 per person; 7 p.m.)
Enjoy healthy, fresh food at A Rustic Root, a five-course sit down dinner hosted at Avocado Grill with chefs Amanda Cohen, Elizabeth Falkner, and Dean James Max along with Julien Gremaud. ($150 per person; 7 p.m.)
FRIDAY, DEC. 9
Miami flair meets Palm Beach sophistication in Miami Takeover at Sean Brasel’s Meat Market. Miami chefs Timon Balloo, Jeremy Ford, Richard Hales, and Jose Mendin will serve up a Miami-inspired lunch menu at Meat Market Palm Beach, Brasel’s spin off of his South Beach flagship. ($99 per person; 12 p.m.)
A unique and soulful perspective on America’s time-honored cuisine will be showcased at the Southern Revival, a four-course sit down lunch hosted by THE REGIONAL Kitchen & Public House with chefs Michelle Bernstein, Stephen Stryjewski, Virginia Willis and Lindsay Autry. ($99 per person; 12 p.m.)
The official kick-off soiree, Chef Welcome Party presented by Cheney Brothers returns to The Breakers Resort Palm Beach in its entire red carpet splendor. With the resort’s executive chef Jeff Simms at the helm along with Master Sommelier Virginia Philip, expect a unique theme for the many food stations, passed bites, delicious wines and specialty cocktails. ($150 per person; 7 p.m.)
SATURDAY, DEC. 10
Kids Kitchens presented by Whole Foods Market encourages children to become the next generation of top chefs. Chefs Robert Irvine and Jeremy Ford guide mini sous chefs in hands-on classes held at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. ($45 per person, includes 1 child & 1 adult; 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.)
Rise and Dine. Join chefs Brad Kilgore, Giorgio Rapicavoli, Lee Wolen and Josh Thomsen beachside and enjoy a walk-around breakfast with a view hosted at the Ocean Breeze Kitchen at the Eau Resort & Spa Palm Beach. ($75 per person; 9 a.m.)
Chillin’ N’ Grillin’ presented by The Gardens Mall challenges some of the industry culinary favorites like Johnny Iuzzini, Anita Lo, Jeff Mauro, Marc Murphy, Ken Oringer and Tony Martindale to reimagine how they grill up their favorite dishes. This event is held poolside at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach. ($125 per person; 12:30 p.m.)
Lunch at The Grill offers a seat at the highly sought after Palm Beach Grill – Hillstone and encourages guests to enjoy a delicious four-course sit down lunch by Chef Andrew Schor. ($99 per person; 12 p.m.)
Street Food: Battle Royal presented by SYSCO brings out the competitive side of our culinary participants. In this street-friendly food competition held in front of the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach, chefs Zach Bell, Julien Gremaud, Robert Irvine, Mike Lata, Tim Lipman, Beau MacMillan, Tory Martindale and Jonathon Sawyer battle for bragging rights. Prizes will be awarded for People’s Choice and judge’s Best Bite. Special guest judges include Elizabeth Falkner, Johnny Iuzzini, Marc Murphy and Jeff Mauro. ($125 per person; 7 p.m.)
After Hours at Imoto. This late night cocktail party includes late night bites, wine-pairing and open bar. Attire is smart casual. Clay Conley is the chef on site. ($99 per person; 11 p.m. until late)
SUNDAY, DEC. 11
Daniel & Friends presented by Old School Bakery, takes Sunday brunch to the next level at internationally renowned chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court Hotel. This casual brunch features tables of satisfying mid-morning dishes presented in collaboration with Chef Rick Mace. ($125 per person; 11 a.m.)
10th Annual Grand Tasting presented by Stoli. The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens welcomes the festival and more than 60 of South Florida’s hottest restaurants to serve up their celebrated dish. Throughout the venue, guests will encounter music from local bands and DJs, a main stage full of action, celebrity chef book signings, holiday-inspired displays, Stoli Mule & Beer Garden, a runway fashion show and more. Guests will enjoy a variety of tastings, from many participating restaurants and wineries. For the grand PBFWF conclusion, the crowd will cheer on three local chefs as they compete in the Grand Chef Throwdown presented by Creekstone Farms for the $10,000 prize. ($75 per person; 5 p.m.)
Special priced festival packages are available through pbfoodwinefest.com. Options include the PBFWF Passport Package with access to all events for a 25 percent savings, the Four Seasons TASTE Package offering an exclusive price of a 15 percent savings to every Four Seasons Resort-hosted event, and the Pick 4 Package, which allows guests to select four events for a 20 percent savings and Lunch Pass which offers a 10 percent savings for multiple sit-down lunches. Packages exclude tickets to Kids Kitchens.
For more details about individual events, chef biographies, press information and how to purchase tickets, please visit pbfoodwinefest.com or call 877.503.9463. For daily updates, follow the festival on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @pbfoodwinefest or #pbfwf. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact sponsorship@pbfoodwinefest.com.
About the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival is produced by Brickhouse Public Relations with support from community partners Host Hotel Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Breakthru Beverage, Cadillac, Cheney Brothers, The Gardens Mall, SYSCO, The Breakers Palm Beach, Café Boulud, Būccan, PB Catch Seafood & Raw Bar, Meat Market VerTerra, Stoli, Old School Bakery, Creekstone Farms, ChefWorks, Stella Artois, Eau Resort & Spa Palm Beach, Palm Beach Grill, Avocado Grill, THE REGIONAL Kitchen & Public House, Palm Beach Illustrated, iHeart Radio and Whole Foods Market. After nine successful years, the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival returns to the balmy island of Palm Beach and beyond for its 10th annual affair on Dec. 8-11, 2016. Held at a time when South Florida experiences its best weather of the year, PBFWF celebrates incredible foods prepared by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, enjoyed in a variety of the resort’s most idyllic settings—an allure that keeps even the most discerning gourmands coming back each year to experience this palatable festival.
It’s October: Time for Ghosts, Graves & Spine Tingling Stories
Story by Terri Marshall
Let’s face it. There are two ways to go in October. You can embrace the warm golden hues of autumn (which, by the way, isn’t going to happen in Florida) or you can embrace the ghoulish side of life – creepy ghost tours, graveyards and tales that make your spine tingle. So for this month’s Travel with Terri, we’re going creepy.
As you know, I’ve traveled the world and I’ve run into more than my share of creepy stories. But amazingly, most of those stories come from the good ole USA – or maybe those are the only ones I understand! So, let’s explore the best ghost tours, cemeteries and generally places to make you go boo across the country, because Halloween is almost here and we want to be prepared, right?
Ghost hunting in Charleston Photo: Courtesy of Charleston CVB
Charleston: Because We All Know It’s Haunted
We all know Charleston has some of the best southern inspired food around, but it’s also known as one of the most haunted southern cities in America. There are plenty of companies offering ghost tours that showcase Charleston’s dark side. I booked the cemetery and dungeon experience with Bulldog Tours. The guide led us through historic streets, cemeteries, back alleyways and churches as we took in all the ghostly details. There were chilling stories of ghost sightings, haunted houses, voodoo and Low Country superstitions. The tour concluded with a somewhat creepy visit to the Provost Dungeon. Located in the Old Exchange Building, Provost Dungeon housed hundreds of prisoners during the Revolutionary War. Jailed for either treason or sedition, many of the prisoners spent their final days there – and never really left.
If you really want to feel your skin crawl, join the behind the scenes tour of The Old City Jail which housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, 19th century pirates and Civil War prisoners. The Old City Jail was in operation from 1802 until 1939 and most of the building’s original structures remain intact including the cells and warden’s quarters. The Haunted Jail Tour takes you through the cells, hallways and into the places where Charleston’s worst criminals lived and died. The faint of heart or those who easily cry, should just skip this tour and opt for the haunted pub crawl – at least you will have spirits to help you ward off the other spirits
Spookiness in Gettysburg Photo: Terri Marshall
Ghosts of Gettysburg
With all the blood that was shed in Gettysburg, it is no surprise this town is often referred to as the most haunted town in America. In a town where nearly every building served as a makeshift Civil War hospital unsettled soldier spirits are expected. From the bullet ridden Farnsworth House to the sacred Gettysburg National Cemetery, spooky things are happening all around.
Mark Nesbitt, a former National Park Service Ranger, has researched the ghost stories shared with him over the years and has written several books about the ghosts of Gettysburg. Armed with Mark’s stories and a few other tales, period clad guides lead spirit seeking (or just curious) visitors on candlelight walking tours through the town. Our tour was led by Ann Griffith whose animated tales of Gettysburg’s afterlife were entertaining and educational. Ironically, Ann is “scared of scary things” so she typically seeks the friendlier spirits among us.
Spring Hill Cemetery Stump Family Photo: Terri Marshall
Sometimes the Cemetery has a Sense of Humor
Poised above the city of Charleston, West Virginia with spectacular views of downtown Charleston and the gorgeous capital building with its gleaming dome gilded in 23 ½ karat gold, the Spring Hill Cemetery – while not a typical destination – is a place you don’t want to miss. This is a place where the dearly departed were buried with a sense of humor.
Look for the Thayer family monument made from pure zinc. During Prohibition it is said a family member hid his forbidden bottle of whiskey inside the sliding door of the monument … he visited often. The sliding door is still there. So go ahead, add a bottle of whiskey and see what happens.
While I love a sneaky spot to leave whiskey as much as the next girl, my favorite tombstones (yes, I really do have favorite graves) were those of the Stump family. Taking their name quite literally, the family monument is carved in the shape of a tree stump. Other family members’ tombstones are smaller stumps complete with engraved leaves and tree bark.
Day of the Dead at Terlingua Cemetery Photo: Mike Davidson
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Terlingua Cemetery
Located just outside of the majestic and extremely remote, Big Bend National Park, Terlinqua, Texas was once the thriving home of the historic Chisos Mining Company. It became a ghost town after the mines dried up in the 1940s. But ghost towns are cool and Terlingua is no exception. For one thing, it’s the home of the original Chili Cook-off which attracts over 10,000 “chili heads” each year.
The Starlight Theatre restaurant and bar is the hangout for tourists and locals and the only unwelcome guest is progress – the residents want nothing to do with it. Catch the view of the Santa Fe de Los Pinos Mountain range 80 miles south in Mexico from the porch on a clear day.
Each year on November 2nd, Terlingua’s 113-year-old cemetery takes center stage for the annual Day of the Dead celebration – a Mexican tradition honored in this little border town. Residents and visitors spend the evening in the graveyard decorating the graves of their dearly departed with flowers, candles and photographs. There’s plenty of music, food and drink, and a couple dressed as skeletons roams in and out of the shadows of the tiny cemetery.
Words, phrases, terminology – what do they all mean? In this age of tweeting, snapping, texting and instant communication there’s very little time to discern a sentence fragment from a fully fleshed out argument.
This political season, the most ridiculous in my lifetime, has criminalized the art of vocabulary itself. Pundits who have absolutely no clue as to what they’re talking about are using economic, sociological and political terminology too freely. The public is confused. As your cultural arts columnist, I can help you better understand the most commonly used political jargon by recommending a handful of documentaries that can further educate you on the subjects. Perhaps, prior to making your choice in the voting booth, it would be wise to be advised and informed. Sorry to sound cliché, but history often repeats itself. There are some exceptional new pieces available on PBS, HBO, Netflix and Amazon Video that explain, in laymen’s terms, the implications of why and how you cast your vote.
Therefore, I am recommending you take the opportunity to peruse one or two of the following documentaries at your leisure. Theories on economics, both global and international, are explored. Terms like lying and dishonesty are explained in a sociological context. The White House and the role of the president are clarified in detail with a nonpartisan insider’s point of view. American history and the philosophies of our founding fathers (as well as the leaders of tomorrow) are studied.
If you’re tired of the same old rhetoric – take a break from it all. Educate yourself! Knowledge of the most common terminology can help you assess the state of our country and what type of leadership it needs.
Live… Go… Do… AND VOTE EARLY!
Recommendations for the month of October:
Available on Netflix:
(Dis)honesty – The Truth About Lies
(Dis)Honesty – The Truth About Lies is a documentary feature film that explores the human tendency to be dishonest. Inspired by the work of behavioral economist, Dan Ariely, the film interweaves personal stories, expert opinions, behavioral experiments, and archival footage to reveal how and why people lie.
(Dis)honesty – The Truth About Lies YouTube Trailer:
Available on the PBS App for iPad, tablet and Apple TV:
The White House: The Inside Story
It’s America’s most iconic residence – symbol of national history, and icon of democracy. From the Oval Office to the family dining room, through national crises and world wars, the 200-year story of the White House is the story of America itself. Featuring former first ladies Laura Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Barbara Bush, former president Jimmy Carter, former employees, historians, members of the press, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
Also available on the PBS App:
Listed under THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE series…
Does history repeat itself? What type of decisions does a Commander-in-Chief have to make? Try to catch one or more of these extraordinary full-length documentaries:
FDR – Truman – JFK – LBJ – Nixon – Carter – Reagan – George H.W. Bush – Clinton
Available on Netflix:
Boom Bust Boom
Boom Bust Boom is an entertaining documentary about economics and mankind’s history of speculative bubbles presented by former Monty Python member Terry Jones. The occasional use of animation is incredible and makes it rather easy to understand the occurrence of a financial boom or crisis.
THE ROOSEVELTS: AN INTIMATE HISTORY chronicles the lives of Theodore, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, three members of the most prominent and influential family in American politics. It is the first time in a major documentary television series that their individual stories have been interwoven into a single narrative.
Ken Burns: The Roosevelts: An Intimate History Trailer
Finally, as Steve Jobs would say… “And one more thing!”
Do you love musicals? Recently, I have discovered a marvelous TV show that features a creative storyline as well as fully produced musical numbers. This show is an excellent diversion indeed:
Crazy Ex Girlfriend
Season 1 – Available on Netflix
Season 2 begins October 21, 2016 on the CW channel
Talented Guitarist, Alex Shaw, Accepts Invitation to China
By Rachel Baumel
Alex Shaw Photo by Magical Photos/Mitchell Zachs
Guitarist and Wellington resident, Alex Shaw, 15, has been performing all over the USA and Canada since the age of 8. A YouTube sensation with over 2 million hits has brought him great notoriety. He has traveled from coast to coast with his exquisite talent for guitar playing.
In January 2016, while performing a demo set at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) convention in Anaheim, CA, Alex was given an incredible opportunity. The international partners of Samick Music Corporation caught his performance. They immediately invited him; all expenses paid, to be their artist representative at Music China, Asia’s largest international music trade show in Shanghai. As a result, Alex, (accompanied by his mother Charlene) will be featured at this spectacular event from October 26 – 29.
I had the privilege of interviewing this talented Dreyfoos High School student prior to his trip abroad. He impresses me to be a very well-rounded young man.
Here are the results of this conversation:
What do you like most about living in Wellington?
I love the atmosphere, [it is] very family oriented and beautiful with all the polo fields. It’s like it’s own little town – I love it.
Who have you studied guitar with?
I started studying the guitar when I was 8 years old with local guitar teacher Mark Boreffi. I credit him with giving me a solid foundation. As I grew older I focused on strengthening my music theory knowledge, so I started taking lessons with Frank Axtell. I’m currently training with guitarist and producer, Scott Gailor, where I’m concentrating on theory and songwriting.
How many hours a day do you practice?
I pick up my guitar every day, whether it’s to practice scales, run through songs or just sitting on my bed noodling to unwind after a busy day. It usually depends on my homework, but I’d say on most days, I practice about an hour.
Do you study both classical and popular music?
When I first started playing, I was influenced by classic rock because I thought it was cool to play all those crazy guitar solos, but my taste began to change and more recently I’ve started to dive deep into studying blues and funk.
Are you involved in any other hobbies or sports?
I played baseball for a few years when I was younger but music quickly became more of a priority in my life. Some of my other interests include vintage things, collecting old albums, and watches.
What other academic subjects do you enjoy besides music?
I would have to say that my favorite subject besides music would be History. I especially enjoy studying US History.
What is your favorite book?
I’d have to say my favorite book would be “The Old Man and The Sea”
What do you enjoy most about attending Dreyfoos School of the Arts?
I enjoy being surrounded by people, like myself, who are artistic in their own way and are working on their craft with the hope of possibly making it their career.
Do you plan on attending college? If so, what college would be your #1 choice?
I plan on attending college if my music journey doesn’t take me on another path. Hopefully, I will attend my dream college: Berklee College of Music, in Boston.
What are you most looking forward to on your trip to Shanghai?
Probably the history of China – I’m a history nerd. I love studying different cultures. It’s going to be great to see how people live on the other side of the world. The music convention will be the biggest one [of its type] in the world… seeing all these amazing companies there and being able to represent one of them will be [my] best experience yet!
What advice do you have for aspiring guitar players?
The best advice I could offer is to never give up on your dream and work hard. Don’t let anyone convince you that you can’t do it. Stay humble and above all, stay true to yourself, and do what makes you happy.
3 Healthy Yet Affordable and Easy Snacks to Make Today
By Sherri Mraz
American’s are known as a snacking nation. The trend to eating every few hours has really caught fire. If you are going to snack you certainly want them to be healthy snacks that are also quick, easy and affordable.
The fitness industry suggests people eat every couple of hours to keep their metabolism going. Although this may be true, if it is not done correctly, it can easily derail your health goals. You want to be assured that all of your snacks contribute to your health as opposed to taking away from your health.
One health trap that consumers fall into is buying food that is marketed for snacking. Whole foods that are fresh and not out of a package are best. Even leftovers can act as a quick snack.
Try to avoid bars, candy and sugary snacks or crackers filled with white flour. Try grabbing some fruit or cut up veggies instead. The trick is to have them prepackaged ahead of time, This is where an ounce of prevention comes in handy. Before you even start your week, have some chopped veggies prepared in advance and put them into little baggies as portioned out snacks in containers.
Some of my favorite go-to fast snacks are fresh fruits, nuts and seeds. I prepare a bunch of protein balls to keep in the fridge to grab-and-go. Chia pudding cups, which can be eaten for snacks are also a great breakfast option as well. Protein is great for muscle recovery, concentration and helps to make you feel full longer.
When shopping for snacks, think fresh. One way to assure this is to shop the perimeter of the store first, This is where the freshest food resides. When shopping in the inner isles, have a shopping list in hand and stick to the necessary items on your list. Try to avoid snacks that come out of a bag, box or can as they are not as high in nutritional value. If you must purchase something pre-packaged, make sure you recognize every single ingredient on the box or bag and aim to find snacks that have 7 ingredients or less.
In general, is it necessary to snack? This is a great question and one where I would ask you to tune inwards. Ask yourself why you are eating. Are you genuinely hungry or are you in need of something else? Maybe it’s water, exercise, a good stretch, fresh air, or simply a hug. If you determine that you are indeed hungry, eat. Slow down and savor every bite. Food is meant to be enjoyed! Many of us fall into a trap of either shaming ourselves about eating or perhaps are distracted and just not thinking about it at all. Food is necessary for all of life. Eat like a king in the morning a queen at lunch and a peasant at dinner.
Calories are a unit of measure for energy. You need more calories during the day when you need more energy. Ironically most people eat the majority of their calories at night when they are getting ready for bed.
Snack, if needed, in-between meals and learn how to relax and enjoy your food again.
This article was taken from an interview between Sherri Mraz and Dr. Shelly Plumb at Plumb Talk Women, where they are on a mission to spread the message of good health.
Here are three easy snack recipes that have the added benefit of being a breakfast food as well! Enjoy!
Chocolate Chia Pudding
1 c nut milk
2 T chia seeds
1 t cacoa powder
1/2 t cinnamon
1 T maple syrup or shake of stevia
1/4 t vanilla
Add to jar, shake, store in fridge at least 4 hours. Give a shake every once in awhile, so the seeds don’t clump. Makes 2 servings. You can double the ingredients and have it last up to a week.
Can eat for a snack, breakfast or on the run; can top with coconut, chopped fresh fruit, whatever.
The chia seeds are a GMO and gluten free whole grain filled with fiber, protein and loads of Omega 3’s. The cacoa powder is a superfood filled with anti-oxidants and minerals.
Fake out “Yahoo” ™
1 c nut milk
2 dates
1 T Hemp seeds
2 or 3 shakes cinnamon
2 t cacoa powder
1/2 t vanilla
1 c ice
You can sneak in greens or add protein powder for extra nutritional boost.
Blend.
You can double or triple and add to mason jars for a week.
The dates in this recipe are filled with fiber and are an excellent source of minerals, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. The hemp seeds are high in omega 3’s and 6’s which help balance hormones while the cinnamon helps lower blood sugar.
Raw Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Balls
Good source of protein and omega’s and great to have before or after a workout. It’s also great for children in order to boost their cognitive powers and concentration before a big test or study session.
Mush together and roll into balls then refrigerate.
1 c rolled oats
1 T coconut oil
1/2 c peanut butter
1/4 c maple syrup, raw honey or pinch of stevia
1 t vanilla
1/4 c chocolate chips 70% cacoa
Protein powder is optional.
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which helps to reduce your LDL, (your bad cholesterol). While the coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat, which increases your HDL, the good cholesterol. Adding in the peanut or any other nut butter boosts the protein in this snack while the raw honey adds amino acids, minerals and 5,000 enzymes! This snack gives quick energy while helping digestion.
Aim for three healthy meals a day and instead of eating prepackaged snacks give these recipes a try, instead. Remember, healthy begins in the kitchen. For more healthy recipes visit CookinYogi.com
We are starting off the fall season with some great news. Wellington, once again, made Money Magazine’s Top 50 places to live in 2016. Coming in at #36, although I always rank us number one, Wellington is noted as “polished and chic,” appreciative of the natural landscape, and prominent in the equestrian world as the host of the largest and longest-running horse show in the world – the Winter Equestrian Festival. We are thrilled with this recognition, and we will continue to promote our great hometown.
Our work took center stage on September27th when Wellington’s Council adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2016 -2017. The Village’s budget is one of the most concrete expressions of public policy, as it sets forth the priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017. The adopted budget will serve as a roadmap for how funds will be allocated, and as a system of checks and balances to make sure we are spending Village funds properly. My fellow Councilmember and I are committed to adhering to Wellington’s core values focusing on families, neighborhoods, and our residents. With Wellington property values up over 8% for the third year in a row, and the economic outlook improving, we were able to balance the budget and increase spending on important capital improvements.
This year’s budget calls for total spending of approximately $89.5 million, about $4 million more than last year, at a property tax rate of 2.44 mills. This millage rate is the lowest since 2009. Total Wellington taxes, including ACME assessments and solid waste collection, comprise approximately 16% of the average resident’s tax bill. I am happy to report that all our taxes, assessments, and utility rates are either reduced or the same. Specifically, our solid waste collection assessment is down by $5, which can mean an overall reduction in the average homesteaded property tax bill.
The Village’s most significant area of expenditures is the maintenance of the Village’s streets, parks, trails, and stormwater management system. Included in the new budget is additional spending for law enforcement as we continue to focus on safety and maintaining the outstanding services provided by PBSO. This year’s budget calls for Capital Project spending of approximately $12 million, up from $400,000 from the prior fiscal year. Major projects slated for this year’s budget include adding turn lanes at the intersections of Big Blue Trace & Barberry Drive, and Big Blue Trace & Wiltshire Drive, extending the left turn lane at South Shore Boulevard and Pierson Road, improvements to the Scott’s Place playground including shade and lighting, and major upgrades to the water and wastewater facilities.
The budget also includes $297,000 in contributions to reading and math programs in our local schools, $51,000 for the Wellington Senior’s Club, and $58,000 toward the County paratransit service.
This year, the Budget Challenge was available to the public from Thursday, June 30th, 2016 thru August 15th, 2016. It was an opportunity for the Village to gauge community support for projects and programs under consideration for funding in the upcoming fiscal year 2017 budget.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our many outreach efforts. From attending Breakfast with the Village Manager, to participating in the Budget Challenge, completing our online surveys, and following us on Facebook and Twitter. I encourage you to be a part of our many outreach options, including attending Council meetings and public hearings as they are announced.
In the meantime, feel free to contact me or any member of Council with questions or input. You can find a copy of the final budget for 2016-2017 and updated fee schedule at wellingtonfl.gov/budget
I look forward to seeing you around our Great Hometown this month.
This article was previously published in Banzai Magazine and NaturalNews.com
Natural Insight
ADHD in Children
By Sabeen Faquir
According to the CDC, it is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. Children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, or be overly active. In Florida, 11.1-13% of youth aged 4-17 were diagnosed with ADHD in 2011. If you think your child may have ADHD look for the following symptoms which cause difficulty at school or at home or with friends:
-daydream a lot
-forget or lose things a lot
-squirm or fidget
-talk too much
-make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
-have a hard time resisting temptation
-have trouble taking turns
-have difficulty getting along with others (CDC, 2015).
There are 3 different types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation. Scientists are studying causes and risk factors for ADHD and in addition to genetics, scientists postulate other possible causes and risk factors including:
Brain injury
Environmental exposures
Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
Premature delivery
Low birth weight
Some additional environmental factors are food additives/diet, lead contamination, cigarette and alcohol exposure (Banerjee et al). Those with ADHD also have likelihood for comorbidity with conduct, mood, and anxiety disorders. There are also familial risk factors like higher risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, antisocial disorders, major depressive disorder, substance dependence, and anxiety disorders in those with family members with ADHD. (Biederman et al). “Family studies have identified a 2- to 8-fold increase in the risk for ADHD in parents and siblings of children with ADHD,” (Banerjee et al). There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. One step of the process involves having a medical exam in addition to hearing and vision tests to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD.
In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of stimulant medication and behavior therapy (Fernandez de la Cruz et al). Some of the most commonly prescribed medications are methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, and dexmethylphenidate (Rodriguez, 2015). If you or your doctor has concerns about ADHD, you can take your child to a specialist like a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician. You can also contact your local early intervention agency for children under 3 or public school for children 3 and older.
Alternative treatments to traditional medication also exist. Some doctors recommend omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, L-carnitine, vitamin B6, magnesium, or DMAE. It was found that the inattentive subtype ADHD responded well to omega 3/6 supplementation. In a study, they administered omega 3/6 supplements to 75 children and adolescents and performed a randomized placebo-control trial for 3 months. Then, all subjects received omega 3/6 supplements for the following 3 months. It was discovered that at the 3 month mark, a subgroup of 26% responded with more than 25% reduction of ADHD symptoms. After 6 months, 47% of all showed such improvement. The inattentive subtype that responded well to omega- 3 treatment also had neurodevelopmental comorbidities (Johnson et al).
Disclaimer: The content of this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/ accessed 5/31/15
Joseph Biederman, MD; Stephen V. Faraone, PhD; Kate Keenan; Jonathan Benjamin, MD; Belinda Krifcher; Cindy Moore; Susan Sprich-Buckminster; Karen Ugaglia; Michael S. Jellinek, MD; Ronald Steingard, MD; Thomas Spencer, MD; Dennis Norman, EdD; Roselyn Kolodny, MD; Ilana Kraus, MD; James Perrin, MD; Martin B. Keller, MD; Ming T. Tsuang, MD, PhD, DSc. Further Evidence for Family-Genetic Risk Factors in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Patterns of Comorbidity in Probands and Relatives in Psychiatrically and Pediatrically Referred Samples. Archives of General Psychiatry. 1992;49(9):728-738.
Tania Das Banerjee, Frank Middleton and Stephen V. Faraone. Environmental risk factors for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Acta Paediatrica. Volume 96, Issue 9, pages 1269–1274, September 2007
Lorena Fernández de la Cruz, Emily Simonoff, MD; James J. McGough, MD; Jeffrey M. Halperin, PhD; L. Eugene Arnold, MD, Med; Argyris Stringaris, MD, PhD, MRCPsych. Treatment of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Irritability: Results From the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With ADHD (MTA). Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. January 2015 Volume 54, Issue 1, Pages 62–70.
Mats Johnson, M.D.; Sven Östlund, B.A.; Gunnar Fransson, B.A.; Björn Kadesjö, M.D.; Christopher Gillberg, M.D., Ph.D. Omega-3/Omega-6 Fatty Acids for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Children and Adolescents. Journal of Attention Disorders April 30, 2008.
Osteoporosis, falls, and broken hips are one of the biggest concerns of people 55 and up. The fear is real and justified, as falls are a leading cause of death and disability once you hit the age of 60. To combat this, conventional wisdom has suggested that older adults focus on increasing calcium, taking bone-hardening drugs, and to keep monitoring your bone scans.
This isn’t to say that bone density is unimportant. Bone density is really important! But bone density is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hard to change once you’re at the age of risk. Your only source of protection are drugs like Fosamax. The problem with that is that bone-hardening drugs like Fosamax have come under scrutiny for waning effects after 3-4 years.
Prestigious medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine have shown that you may actually have a greater risk of thigh fractures if you stay on the medication for 5 years compared to placebo. [source]
Once you have osteoporosis, you are basically going to have it throughout your life. It’s not like you can just take the drug for 3 years, stop, and still be protected. You are expected to take this drug for the rest of your life, but doing that will increase your fracture risk.
It’s just one of those ironic moments in medicine when the cure can eventually cause the problem.
Addressing Balance and Coordination
The best time to address bone density problems is likely in early adult hood. Resistance training combined with a diet high in calcium and magnesium can help build thick and strong bone during your 20’s and 30’s. Trying to build bone in your 50’s and 60’s as a post-menopausal woman can be a losing battle. For many, it’s way too late to try to increase bone density naturally.
However, there is more to blame in for the devastating impact of falls beyond just soft bones. We also have to look at why people fall to begin with. Research suggests that just 15% of falls occur due to some external event (wet floor, pushed over, etc) and 15% of falls are a result of an underlying disease process (MS, diabetes, epilepsy).
That leaves a whopping 70% of falls are a result of a combination of factors that lead to poor balance and poor mobility.
Unlike soft bones, balance and mobility are traits that can be trained and improved upon throughout your life.
Common Way to Improve Balance
When it comes to balance, you have to address 3 parts of the nervous system. The visual system, the vestibular system, and the proprioceptive system. For ease of understanding, we’ll just call them your eyes, your ears, and your joints/muscles/skin.
By identifying which system is deficient, you can design interventions that can improve the balance of a human being. Some of these therapies include:
Vision therapy
Physical therapy
Strength training
Occupational therapy
Vestibular therapy
These are the most commonly prescribed recommendations for people with balance problems. But what if these therapies don’t work well for you? Many people are told that they just have to live with their balance issue.
New Research on Spinal Health and Balance
A recent study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics suggests that chiropractors may play a large role in helping people get their sense of balance back. The study looked at 30 patients receiving chiropractic care versus 30 controls. Both groups had measurements taken of various balance metrics and were tested at 4 weeks and 12 weeks.
Here are some of the charts from the paper:
The patients in the chiropractic group had a significant decrease in errors in joint position tests.
Patients in the chiropractic group had higher scores in a sound flash illusion test.
Patients in the chiropractic group had a significant improvement in health-related quality of life scores.
Do Tests Translate to the Real World
So here’s the thing. The results look good on the charts and seem to be significant. However, we can’t really make the leap that people will fall less by getting adjusted based on the results of this study. It’s just a good place to start.
What this study does tell us is that there’s something about patients who get adjusted seem to have a better sense of their own body. That’s the proprioception idea that we talked about earlier. If you have a better awareness of your body, then you will generally have better balance.
While we can’t make a leap based on this study, we do know that many patients under chiropractic care see some astounding changes in their balance and quality of life when they start getting their brain and spine connected.
Check out one of my favorite patient success stories below:
I am a 72 y.o. retired R.N. with history of Vertigo and Poor Balance.
Having had this problem for more than 20 years; I have seen many Doctors with little or no improvement.
On April 11, 2014, I walked into Dr. Chung’s office holding onto walls or anything available to keep from falling. After my first visit, I knew that I had finally met someone that truly cared. After my first adjustment, I was able to stand on my own.
Fast forward to 12 weeks of treatment, I am now able to go out without fear of falling.
I am now on the Maintenance Program and feeling stronger and able to “LIVE” and not merely :SURVIVE”.
Thank You Dr. Chung
You are the BEST !!!!!!- Peggy McDaniel
Many doctors didn’t go into chiropractic because they want to be a quick solution for pain. They went into chiropractic because it can dramatically change the quality of someone’s life.
When you lose their sense of control over their surroundings, it can become devastating to your sense of independence. Our job is to find a way to give that sense back to you.
We all either dread it or dream of it. A Disney vacation with your family! Without a doubt, my family and I are HUGE Disney fans and I’m here to tell you how to get rid of your Disney anxiety and just enjoy it, because Disney doesn’t have to suck.
1. First things first, you have to just swallow the fact that you will NOT get everything done in one day and not even one vacation. My family and I have been to the parks more than two dozen times and there are a bunch of things we haven’t touched the surface of yet. Not to mention, Disney is always ten steps ahead of us, evolving, innovating, ever-changing, brainstorming…New ideas, new rides, new restaurants, new experiences and that’s what makes Disney SO awesome! If you accept that you will only experience what you can, then you will in fact enjoy every glittering moment and you’ll have the best time ever, doing it! If you’re torn on what to do, start with the classics and work your way out.
2. That brings us to reservations and fast passes. So, I sort of have a love, hate relationship with this concept, because I can totally empathize with a go with the flow attitude, but sometimes in Disney we don’t have that choice. For peace of mind, I would say it doesn’t hurt to have the fast passes in line to reserve the attractions you want to do and if you make it, you make it. Don’t forget to get the MyDisneyExperience App. Fast passes can be made up to 30 days prior to your arrival. 60, if you’re staying on property, (makes it a benefit to do so). You get 3 fast passes per park per day, once you complete those, you can add additional ones, one at a time. Also, when it comes to the restaurant reservations, they’re usually pretty easygoing if you need to cancel. Although there is a 24-hour cancellation policy, most times you can call or show up and say it just can’t happen today, because my kids are a mess. They’ll let it slide, because…Hey! It’s Disney!
3. Try to avoid public transportation at all costs! Not only does the complimentary bus add more time to your travel to and from the park, but when you’re strapped with kids, strollers diaper bags and snacks things can get really tricky, not to mention cumbersome. “The Magical Express,” isn’t so magical when you’ve got a couple screaming, hungry kids at the end of day and no place to sit, not to mention being stuck in a hot box with everyone and their germs. If you can avoid buses and the tram (if you can splurge an extra $10- $15 to park at the entrance of the park, then by all means do it!)
4. It’s ok to splurge! You’re on vacation! Think about how much lifting, walking, rushing, running you are doing all day. You have to realize that Disney is all about the experience and not so much about the food, (unless you head over to Epcot or get the opportunity to enjoy the Food & Wine Festival). So you “foodies,” may have to have a pizza and some chicken fingers and that’s OK! My favorite splurge is in Adventureland, just outside of the Swiss Family tree house, it’s called “The Sunshine Tree Terrace,” and they serve up the perfect swirl of vanilla ice cream and an orange ice…the perfect Florida treat!
5. Try to have FUN, because that’s what Disney is all about! Walt Disney himself never got the chance to see the grand opening of Walt Disney World, Orlando. So, consider yourself lucky to be able to do so. Additionally, there are tons of people who only dream of getting to experience the happiest place on earth and are never afforded the chance. So go on…bask in the glory of letting go of your worries and letting your imagination soar. Hakuna Matata!
Our work took center stage on September27th when Wellington’s Council adopted a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2016 -2017. The Village’s budget is one of the most concrete expressions of public policy, as it sets forth the priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, which runs October 1, 2016, through September 30, 2017. The adopted budget will serve as a roadmap for how funds will be allocated, and as a system of checks and balances to make sure we are spending Village funds properly. My fellow Councilmember and I are committed to adhering to Wellington’s core values focusing on families, neighborhoods, and our residents. With Wellington property values up over 8% for the third year in a row, and the economic outlook improving, we were able to balance the budget and increase spending on important capital improvements.
This year’s budget calls for total spending of approximately $89.5 million, about $4 million more than last year, at a property tax rate of 2.44 mills. This millage rate is the lowest since 2009. Total Wellington taxes, including ACME assessments and solid waste collection, comprise approximately 16% of the average resident’s tax bill. I am happy to report that all our taxes, assessments, and utility rates are either reduced or the same. Specifically, our solid waste collection assessment is down by $5, which can mean an overall reduction in the average homesteaded property tax bill.
This year, the Budget Challenge was available to the public from Thursday, June 30th, 2016 thru August 15th, 2016. It was an opportunity for the Village to gauge community support for projects and programs under consideration for funding in the upcoming fiscal year 2017 budget.
Natural Insight
Mommy Moments
3. Try to avoid public transportation at all costs! Not only does the complimentary bus add more time to your travel to and from the park, but when you’re strapped with kids, strollers diaper bags and snacks things can get really tricky, not to mention cumbersome. “The Magical Express,” isn’t so magical when you’ve got a couple screaming, hungry kids at the end of day and no place to sit, not to mention being stuck in a hot box with everyone and their germs. If you can avoid buses and the tram (if you can splurge an extra $10- $15 to park at the entrance of the park, then by all means do it!)