August, 2016 Events at Joey’s Outback Adventures
Blessing of the Animals at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Saturday, October 22, 2016
Blessing of the Animals at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Saturday, October 22, 2016
WEST PALM BEACH, FL- Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League will host the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 22, 2016, beginning at 10:00am to 12:00pm at the League located at 3100/3200 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. The ceremony will begin at 10 am. This event is officiated by Father Bernie Sheffield and Rabbi Loring Frank, who will bless all pets and also address pet parents gathering together to celebrate the animals that bring joy to our lives. With a suggested $10 donation, guests receive a professional photo download and a certificate of blessing.
For more information about the Blessing of the Animals at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League visit www.PeggyAdams.org.
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Incorporated is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals. For more information, visit www.PeggyAdams.org.
The League is an independent nonprofit animal rescue organization operating continuously since 1925.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s adoption center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information, visit PeggyAdams.org or call 561.686.3663.
2016 BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPO PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA KIDCARE TREASURE COAST COALITION & HEALTHY KIDS FOR PRESS CONFERENCE AND LIVE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
2016 BACK-TO-SCHOOL EXPO PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA KIDCARE TREASURE COAST COALITION & HEALTHY KIDS FOR PRESS CONFERENCE AND LIVE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE
WHAT: A Florida KidCare press conference and enrollment event where families can receive free back-to-school supplies and health screenings, learn about community resources and enroll in Florida KidCare children’s health insurance with the assistance of an application assistor
WHEN: Saturday, August 6, 2016
Press Conference – 8:00 am
Enrollment Event – 8:00 am-11:00 am
WHERE: Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34982
WHY: Children who go back to school covered with health insurance are ready to learn. Children need regular health check-ups, doctor visits and immunizations. Florida KidCare is a children’s health insurance program that offers comprehensive health care benefits to children from birth through 18 years of age. Eligibility for the Florida KidCare program is based on family size and household income. Benefits covered by Florida KidCare include: dental, doctor visits, prescriptions, check-ups, vision, shots, hearing, hospitalization, mental health, emergencies and more. Enrollment is open year-round.
For more information about Florida KidCare, visit .
Keys to Homeownership Workshop
Keys to Homeownership Workshop
The Village of Wellington Community Services Department has partnered with the Palm Beach County Affordable Housing Coalition to host a “Keys to Homeownership Workshop.”
Homeownership is often described as the “American Dream.” Unfortunately, for many residents this dream is just that, a dream. Often, the biggest barrier to homeownership is lack of knowledge. This workshop will bring together representatives from each area of the home buying process to educate residents seeking to purchase their first home. In the workshop participants will become knowledgeable on the importance of credit, the mortgage experience, the purchase process, down-payment assistance/homebuyer subsidy programs, and working with a realtor.
The “Keys to Homeownership Workshop” will take place Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 8:30am – 2:30pm at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided followed by a raffle of a flat screen TV. If you’re interested in attending please RSVP, by contacting Michael Wisniewski at 561-234-0580 or pre-register at http://bit.ly/2aeAOoe seating is limited.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Flamingo Clay Studio Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery Presents “The Male Form”
Flamingo Clay Studio Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery Presents “The Male Form”
Opening on Friday, August 5 6-10 PM
On Friday, August 5, from 6-10 PM, the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery will fill with images and sculptures of “The Male Form.” This exhibition was spurred by the many artists who wanted equal expressions of appreciation for the “male.” So many exhibitions extol the landscapes of the bodies of work of women, and artists demanded equal time for men. As a gallery of equal opportunity for all artists, CGMStone agreed; thus, “The Male Form.” We eagerly await the surprise interpretations expected to appear as this show is being hung.
Prominently featured will be the newest works of artist Bea Doone-Merena. Bea is a prolific artist who has been adopted by the gallery as a regular friend and exhibitor. Her works are meticulous and striking portraits of the world around her. 87 year old Bea is the mother of ten and began painting in her mid sixties. She paints enormous canvases, spending hours each day in her studio. She still has time to keep up with her 22 grandchildren. Another bea, sculptor Beatriz Beckers, showcases a piece titled, “Addiction.” Maria Paz has spent weeks and weeks on her paintings for this show. Her works are sought after by a large group of fans and collectors.
The studio artists have been busy, for weeks, creating works for this show. Sculptures and functional arts works will be positioned on pedestals throughout the front of the gallery for this exhibit. Almost everyone in the Flamingo Clay Studio on South F Street has come up with a quirky interpretation of this show.
A wine and cheese reception with the artists will be held on opening night. The show and parking are free to the public.
For additional information contact Joyce Brown, [email protected].
Clay§Glass§Metal§Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit arts organization whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists. The gallery is located at 15 South J Street in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Sunday thru Thursday, 10AM-6PM. Friday and Saturday, 10AM-10PM. Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6-10 PM with many special events in-between.
The Flamingo Clay Studio is located at 216 South F Street with open studio and workshop opportunities for those interested in the 3-D Arts and Artists in Clay. Fused Glass and Small Metals.
For information call Joyce Brown-215-205-9441 or [email protected]. Gallery phone: 561-588-8344 Studio phone: 561-284-6807
Sign Up Now for New Programs Coming to the Wellington Community Center this Fall!
Sign Up Now for New Programs Coming to the Wellington Community Center this Fall!
The Village of Wellington is pleased to announce exciting new programs coming to the new Wellington Community Center this Fall. We have partnered with new instructors, who have been locally and nationally recognized for their work in the arts, dance, and much more.
New programs will be available for participants of all ages—children, tweens, teens, adults, and seniors—there will truly be something for everyone. Dabble in new art techniques, learn a new language, improve upon writing skills with tutoring classes, discover a new style of dance, increase physical activity levels, relax with meditation, or improve strength and flexibility with yoga or pilates. Now is the time to register for the program that is right for you! Find the list of new programs and more information at www.wellingtonfl.gov/classes.
The first sessions for our new programs are scheduled to begin just after Labor Day in September. The Community Center is slated to open in August, but sign ups for new programs are happening now.
Returning recreation participants with an existing household account can register online at www.wellingtonfl.gov/webtrac. Registration may also be completed in-person at Village Park (located at 11700 Pierson Road). There is a limited amount of students accepted for each class, so be sure to register early and secure your spot!
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Mounts Botanical Hosts 15 Events in September and October
The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County to Host 15 Informative & Family-Friendly Horticultural Events in September & October 2016
- Everything Orchids: A Shady Affair Plant Sale – September 10-11
- Ceramic Vessels for Ikebana – September 10
- Literary Garden: Book Discussions – September 13 & October 18
- Summer Evening Stroll – September 14
- Building Resiliency in the Garden – September 14
- Farm Your Backyard: Vegetable Growing – September 17
- Six Tropical Plants That Rocked the World – September 18
- Orchid Care 101: Repotting Your Orchid – September 24
- Art in the Garden: Maps of the World – Creative Book Arts with Botanicals – October 8-9
- Stories in the Garden: Garden ABCs – October 14
- Fall Family Festival – October 16
- Designing & Creating the Home Landscape – October 18 & 25
- The Essence of Scent: Fragrant Flowers – October 15
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 9, 2016) The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 15 informative and family-friendly public events in September and October, including six gardening workshops, two Art in the Garden creative events, the always popular, two-day Everything Orchids: A Shady Affair Plant Sale (September 10-11) and the annual Family Fall Festival, co-sponsored by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches (October 16).
September
Everything Orchids: A Shady Affair Plant Sale
+ Saturday, September 10 – 9 am to 4 pm
+ Sunday, September 11 – 9 am to 3 pm
Throughout the Garden
FREE for members; $10 for nonmembers
Mounts’ Everything Orchids weekend event is made for the shade. This plant sale offers a great opportunity to acquire the best Orchid and shade loving plants. Fun and informative lectures will be offered on topics such as Basic Orchid Care, Shade Loving Plants and Fragrance Plants. The area’s premier plant vendors will be selling Begonias, Bromeliads, Orchids, Ferns, Hoyas, Aroids and more. Magnificent tabletop arrangements will be offered in a silent auction to benefit the Garden.
Art in the Garden: In Collaboration with the Armory Art Center
Ceramic Vessels for Ikebana
Saturday, September 10 – 9 am to Noon
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$115 for members; $125 for nonmembers
Plus $10 per person material fee
Speaker: Stacy Sollisch, Armory Art Center
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Certain rules of construction apply, as its materials are living branches, leaves, grasses, and blossoms. This class will begin with the guided construction of a clay vessel utilizing the Garden’s foliage as imprinted design elements. Upon completion, a demonstration will be given to show the different options of actual arrangements. The clay vessels will be glazed, fired, and returned to Mounts five days after the workshop for students to pick up.
(Note: To register, call the Armory Art Center at 561.832.1776, ext. 33)
Literary Garden: Book Discussions
Tuesday, September 13 – 7 to 8:30 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
Featured Book: Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
FREE
In partnership with the Palm Beach County Library System, this series provides an opportunity for book and garden enthusiasts to meet together to experience exciting fiction and non-fiction titles related to all aspects of gardening and horticulture. Lab Girl is an illuminating debut memoir of a woman in science; a moving portrait of a longtime friendship; and a stunningly fresh look at plants that will forever change how readers see the natural world.
Summer Evening Stroll
Wednesday, September 14 – 6 to 7:30 pm
Meet at the Garden Entrance on Military Trail
FREE for members; $10 for nonmembers
The best way to become acquainted with Mounts Botanical Garden is to take a walking tour. Learn fascinating facts about the Garden’s history and exciting plans for its future. Along the way, walkers will stop to discuss rare and unusual specimens and to highlight plants that grow well in South Florida gardens.
Building Resiliency in the Garden
Wednesday, September 14 – 6:30 to 8 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers
Speaker: Laurie Albrecht, UF/IFAS Horticultural Extension Agent
This science-based and factual evening lecture will focus on salt tolerant plants for coastal and other areas and drought tolerant plants. It will address potential changes in climate and the documented rise in sea level. Albrecht will also share tips on how to save on water bills and plans for the gardens of the future. Information will be based on what already is occurring in Palm Beach County and points south. Attendees will receive a voucher for two free three-gallon native trees or shrubs. Some restrictions apply.
Farm Your Backyard: Vegetable Growing
Saturday, September 17 – 9 am to Noon
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$20 for members; $30 for nonmembers
Speaker: Arthur Kirstein, UF/IFAS Extension Coordinator of Agricultural Economic Development
Learn the secrets of vegetable growing in South Florida in this workshop focused on successful agricultural techniques to manage small vegetable projects. Topics include tips and techniques on site preparation, seedling establishment, planting, maintenance and harvesting, followed by a tour of the Mounts vegetable garden.
Six Tropical Plants that Rocked the World
Sunday, September 18 – 10 am to 1 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers
Speaker: Scott Zona, FIU Conservator and Orchid Curator
An award-winning botanist, horticulturalist and plant explorer, Zona will discuss Tropical Plants that Rocked the World: Coffee, Sugar, Rubber, Black Pepper and Nutmeg. In addition, Dr. Zona grimly predicts that a sixth tropical plant may change the world in the near future—but not for the better.
Orchid Care 101: Repotting Your Orchid
Saturday, September 24 – 10 am to 1 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers
Speaker: Sandi Jones, Broward Orchid Supply and Orchid Curator, The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Jones will guide people through the repotting process step-by-step in this fun three-hour session where attendees work on their own plants. Students should bring in 1-3 average-size plants and are encouraged to bring different types, such as Phalaenoposis, Cattleya, Oncidium, etc. Students will leave with freshly repotted plants and the know-how to care for them and make them re-bloom. This workshop is the perfect place to learn the rewarding hobby of Orchid growing. Class is limited to 15.
October
Art in the Garden: In Collaboration with the Armory Art Center
Maps of the World – Creative Book Art with Botanicals
+ Saturday, October 8 – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
+ Sunday, October 9 – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Mounts Auditorium
$265 for members; $275 for nonmembers
Plus $40 per person material fee
Instructor: John Cutrone, Director of the Jaffe Center for Book Arts, FAU
Book artists are often thought of as very neat and fastidious and this is all well and good, but there are other ways of approaching the book form. This two-day workshop is rooted in a more creative approach and, in fact, we’ll spend the first couple of hours doing just that: exploring painting and printing. Then we’ll turn these paintings into pages of embellished artists’ books. Each student will work on two books over the course of the two days, while learning useful techniques in binding, collage, and low-tech printing. You might want to have a theme in mind and your books will evolve organically from there.
(Note: To register, call the Armory Art Center at 561.832.1776, ext. 33)
Stories in the Garden:
Garden ABCs
Friday, October 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.)
Fall Family Festival
Sunday, October 16 – 11 am to 4 pm
Co-sponsored by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches
Throughout the Garden
FREE for members & children (10 years and under); $5 for nonmember adults
Mounts Botanical Garden and The Junior League of the Palm Beaches join together once again and present this annual event. Bring the family and celebrate with us through a variety of fun-filled activities. The festival will feature rock climbing, bounce houses, games, hands-on educational displays, music and refreshments. In addition, 4-H will hold an Open House in the Exhibit Halls. Favorite activities include pony rides, face painting, the kiddie train and so much more. Some activities are free and some have a nominal charge.
Design & Creating the Home Landscape (3-Part Series)
Tuesdays, October 18 & 25, November 15 – 9 am to 1 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
$85 for members; $95 for nonmembers
Speaker: Laura McLeod, Sanctuary Landscape Design
Does the thought of improving home landscapes seem daunting? Laura McLeod, certified landscape designer and horticultural professional, will explore the basics of good design and walk you through each step of the planning process. Participants will go out into the Garden and see some of the best performers for South Florida landscapes to help them gather ideas for their own landscape. In the final class, McLeod and other experts will review and positively critique the landscape designs that participants created at home.
Literary Garden: Book Discussions
Tuesday, October 18 – 7 to 8:30 pm
Mounts Exhibit Hall A
Featured Book: The Reason for Flowers: Their History, Culture, Biology and How They Change Our Lives by Stephen Buchmann
FREE
In partnership with the Palm Beach County Library System, this series provides an opportunity for book and garden enthusiasts to meet together to experience exciting fiction and non-fiction titles related to all aspects of gardening and horticulture.
The Essence of Scent: Fragrant Flower
Thursday, October 20 – 1 to 2 pm
Saks Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach Gardens Mall
FREE
Speakers:
+ Jo Malone London, Saks Fifth Avenue
+ Joel Crippen, Mounts Botanical Garden Horticulturalist
Jo Malone London and Mounts Botanical Garden partner once again to offer an educational and scentual experience at this this special presentation led by horticulturalist Joel Crippen. Extracting natural oils from plants created many natural and man-made perfumes. In this special presentation, he will utilize fragrant flowers from the Garden to explain the romantic language of perfume. Be prepared to go on a scentual journey exploring the mesmerizing notes in popular Jo Malone fragrances, such as Basil Neroli, English Pear and Freesia, Mimosa and Cardamom, and many more. To RSVP, please call the MBGPBC Director of Programs (561) 233-1751 or Jo Malone London (561) 694-9009, ext. 262. Limited seating
Note:
To register for any of the events and workshops at The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County, register online at www.mounts.org/eventcalendar or call 561.233.1730. Events at Mounts are accessible to people with disabilities.
About The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire the public, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden, offering gorgeous displays of tropical and sub-tropical plants, plus informative classes, workshops, and other fun-filled events. The Garden contains more than 2,000 species of plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, bromeliads and more. Mounts Botanical Garden is a facility of the Palm Beach County Extension Service, which is in partnership with the University of Florida and the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden. Mounts is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
Mounts Botanical Garden is open everyday (except Palm Beach County recognized holidays) from 10 am to 4 pm. The suggested donation for entry to the Garden is $5 per person. For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit http://www.mounts.org/.
August Events at the Lake Worth Playhouse
AUGUST EVENTS AT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE
Black Box Series:
“Reasons to be Pretty” Auditions
When: August 15-16th, 7pm, Callbacks August 17th
Where: Lake Worth Playhouse Stonzek Studio Theatre
713 Lake Ave. Lake Worth, Fl 33460
Please prepare a one minute contemporary monologue.
Questions?
Contact Daniel Eilola: [email protected]
Click for more details: Audition Info
Registration for 2016/17 classes begins!
When: August 17th, 2016
List of classes and registration will be available starting August 17th, 2016
Check our website for more details:
http://www.lakeworthplayhouse.org/education.html
Lake Worth Has Talent II Auditions
When: August 27-28 1-5pm
Where: Lake Worth Playhouse 713 Lake Ave. Lake Worth, Fl 33460
For more info email: [email protected]
The 2016/17 Season is here!
Online single ticket sales begin August 29th, 2016.
Renewing subscribers should have received their subscription renewal packets. If you have not received yours, please contact us by phone or email.
561-586-6410 or [email protected]
For single tickets prior to online availability, please contact the box office direct at 561-586-6410.
http://www.lakeworthplayhouse.org/season1617.html
————————————————————
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/lwplayhouse
TWITTER www.twitter.com/LWPlayhouse
YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/user/LakeWorthPlayhouse
ABOUT LAKE WORTH PLAYHOUSE
Lake Worth Playhouse is a non-profit community theatre with a diverse array of offerings, including award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, area premieres, Broadway favorites, children’s shows, ballets and operas on film, live concerts, improv comedy and alternative programming. In addition to its main stage theatrical fare, the Playhouse presents year-round independent and foreign films in the Stonzek Theatre, an intimate black-box style theatre equipped with a large viewing screen and high-definition projection. The Playhouse is proud to offer a variety of educational programs for adults and children, as well as community outreach initiatives that bring cultural programs into the neighborhoods of underserved youth and also make theatre available free of charge for disadvantaged citizens in the community.
Judy Berens: Horse Woman Turned Wildcat Conservationist
Cultural Corner
Judy Berens: Horse Woman Turned Wildcat Conservationist
By Angela Shaw
It all started 20 years ago when Judy Berens decided to adopt an ocelot as a pet.
As an equestrian, she owned a large ranch, which seemed fitting to house a wildcat. After much research, she learned cat ownership is fairly complicated and that it would require a state license, several forms and over 1000 volunteer hours at zoos and other animal facilities.
Perhaps it was the ocelot’s keen searing eyes, satin smooth coat or beautiful symmetrical markings that made her want one so. All the red tape was worth it and she became the owner of her first ocelot named Sabrina. Of course, one ocelot is never enough, so Cody and Macho followed. Sometime thereafter, she took in a confiscated ocelot and a sickly cougar cub that had been in a garage in Loxahatchee.
Thus began Ms. Berens’ menagerie of felines whose population has grown up to 26 in number. These exotics include cheetahs, jaguars, clouded leopards, pumas, bobcats, caracals, leopards and servals, all residing on her preserve called Panther Ridge.
What began as an admiration for one ocelot has turned into a mission of animal conservation and education on the plight of the species. The ocelot community, for example, has dwindled to a mere 35 in the US. At one time their pelts were coveted to make luxury coats. The fact that it took 200 ocelots to make one coat severely depleted their population.
I first met Judy in the kitchen of her compound where she was preparing snacks for a tour. A smart safari hat, crisp khaki shirt, and pearl stud earrings gave her the air of not just tour guide, but Chief Magistrate of her Pantherinae Colony; Queen Supreme of her Kitty Kingdom. Though she acted as their royal ruler, she was truly their humble servant. For here she was prepping meals in their spacious kitchen catering to her loyal whiskered subjects.
While chopping stew meat, she explained a wildcat’s diet. Stacks of silver bowls dotted the table. One bowl in particular caught my eye. Fuzzy yellow chicks and furry mice spilled over the rim. They weren’t moving.
“Are these their appetizers and small plates?” I asked.
“Tapas,” she quipped. “The main course is beef, salmon, turkey and other fish as well as zoo-prepared foods.”
Trying not to feel sorry for the bowl of chicks and mice, I asked who her food supplier was.
“Cheney Brothers and Costco.” She then held up a zip-lock bag containing a fresh portion of salmon. “I got this at Costco. No Kibble for these guys!”
“Oh,” I said, “I’m actually headed to Costco after this to pick up a filet of salmon for company tomorrow.” (For us humans, it’s salmon for special occasions. For these cats, it’s daily fare)!
On top of this Grade-A meal, she sprinkled fish oil, bone meal, probiotics and digestive enzymes to promote health and ward off pancreatic problems, which can be an issue. If the cats get sick, they see Dr. Stephanie Johnson at an Animal Clinic in Lake Worth. “She’s a wiz!” Judy added.
A few other people joined us as the tour started. Other than that, the complex was practically void of homo sapiens. Yet, the grounds were impeccably maintained. Mulch covered the animal spaces and walkways. The dark wood fencing was freshly painted; the black chain-link enclosures in perfect condition. Garden chairs and Adirondack seating areas were strategically placed, enhancing the park-like setting.
I asked about her staffing. She has one full-time keeper, two interns, and a few valuable volunteers. “Besides that, it’s just me–slave labor.”
Ms. ‘Slave-Labor’ is hardly at that caliber, and she chose her post of loving service intentionally, eyes wide open. Born in Minnesota, she was educated at Vassar, and then achieved her MBA at the University of Miami. A resident of Wellington since 1994, she has been active in the equine community showing horses.
Now, she shows cats.
Our first visit was to Charlie, the Cheetah. Ms. Berens tells us he’s a third generation captivity-born cat from South Africa. He made his 39-hour journey to the US in a small crate. Charlie is ten years old. Most cheetahs have a lifespan of eight. Cheetahs are the second largest of purring cats. She enters his cage through a safety entrance and crouches down to feed and caress the huge feline.
“Charlie loves to be primped and pampered,” she says brushing his head with a hairbrush. “Most cheetahs can sprint zero to 60 miles per hour in three seconds. They have an elliptical tail which serves as a rudder and adds torque to their hairpin turns, speeding up to 70 miles per hour. But Charlie? Charlie is slow. He prefers to lounge; be groomed and get room service. And why not? If those services were offered to you, wouldn’t you accept?” Judy asks with a wink.
Charlie nibbled his tapas, enjoying the massage. Cheetahs are hypercarnivores, meaning they require high levels of protein to survive. Charlie gets three meat-heavy meals a day.
Lucky for him, he has a 2 1/2 acre enclosure, one of the nation’s largest for a single cat. After Charlie’s meals, he rests and then runs zigzags up and down his spacious enclosure marking his territory.
The next cage we visited housed the Puma, the second fastest cat next to the Cheetah. They can sprint up to 45 miles per hour and are the world’s best soccer players. That’s right. Give them a ball and they show their amazing athletic abilities. His favorite ‘ball’ is a watermelon, which, after a Kobe Bryant – like dribble around the cage usually ends up cracked open and consumed. Pumpkins do quite well also.
The puma’s name differs depending on its region. In California, it goes by Mountain Lion. Florida calls it a panther. In other areas, the feline is identified as cougar, catamount or one of almost 40 different names used for the same cat. We watched Brandy Lion and Dandy Lion relish their rodent delicacies.
Across the walkway lived the beautiful Isabella. She was as gorgeous a specimen as a jaguar could be with her dramatic spots and irregular dotted markings. Jaguars are considered the ‘pit bull’ of the cat family due to their chunky body and strength of bite. You don’t want to mess with them, for sure. That’s not likely to happen because of their endangered status. There are currently no wild jaguars left in the US. Originally native to the lower 48 states, they roamed from California to South Carolina.
Jaguars are also powerful swimmers, navigating water and land with equal skill.
Next door lived Amos, a black leopard, velvety and mysterious. These cats are so agile and strong they can carry prey up a tree or balance themselves while sleeping on a branch, paws dangling. But, like the story of so many they, too, are a disappearing breed. In 1950 there were half a million worldwide. Now, there are less than 20,000.
Well into our tour, I was once again struck by the cohesive lay-out of the grounds; I wondered where Ms. Berens acquired her design know-how for the compound.
“I have a lot of friends in zoos,” she quipped. “I like to implement the good designs that I see there. The ultimate goal is the happiness and health of the animals.”
We then saw the Serval and Caracal habitat. The Egyptian Serval was especially curious looking with its satellite dish-like ears. Its hearing is so sensitive it can hear small creatures 10 feet away, jump horizontally, pouncing for a perfect attack on their prey. The Egyptians employed them to eliminate rats and other pests in their granaries.
Caracals have their own special talent; they have been known to jump 10-feet high, straight up and swat birds mid-flight.
As if it wasn’t enough to house, feed and care for these numerous cats, Judy Berens also donates to other organizations and programs that help cats in the wild. It is her goal to educate people about the incredible depletion of the species that she is witnessing.
“Unless we all get involved, these iconic animals will be gone in the next 20 years.”
Judy Berens is living out her passion for exotic feline preservation and promoting awareness to save the wildcat world.
Join Judy’s mission. For more information and ways to get involved, visit her beautiful compound at 14755 Palm Beach Point Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414. Tours can be scheduled at the Panther Ridge website. http://www.pantherridge.org.
PB Photographic Centre’s 2016-2017 Exhibition Schedule
Palm Beach Photographic Centre Announces
2016-2017 Exhibition Schedule
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 5, 2016) Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), today announced the nonprofit organization’s 2016-2017 exhibition schedule:
August 27 – October 29, 2016
20th Annual MEMBERS’ JURIED EXHIBITION
In Conjunction with FOTOcamp 2016 Exhibit
This exhibit will showcase the diverse work of PBPC members and the emerging talent of our young photographers.
November 17, 2016 – January 4, 2017
DEAD IMAGES:
Photographs of the Grateful Dead
From the Archives of Robbi Cohn
Ms. Cohn’s photographs span the last decade the Grateful Dead performed, and represent the largest single body of work documenting the famous psychedelic rock and roll band.
January 24-28, 2017
22nd Annual FOTOfusion
FOTOfusion, the popular cultural festival “where creativity and technology fuse,” attracts hundreds of professional and hobbyist photographers to West Palm Beach for five days of workshops, lectures, panel discussions, multimedia presentations, portfolio reviews, hands-on computer classes, demonstrations, and photo shoots taught by more than 60 world renowned photographers, digital imaging artists and picture editors. The 2017 FOTOmentor Award will be presented to Albert Watson.
January 24 – March 11, 2017
Special Exhibition of Photographs by Albert Watson, recipient of the 2017 FOTOmentor Award
Albert Watson is one of the world’s most successful and prolific photographers, blending art, fashion and commercial photography into stunning images. Named one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time by Photo District News, his many honors include an Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Queen Elizabeth II, and the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal for lifetime achievements. Watson’s iconic images and celebrity portraits have been in countless international publications, including 100 Vogue covers, in galleries and museums worldwide, in advertising campaigns for major corporations. The director of more than 100 TV commercials and the author of five books, Watson’s unique visual language and single-minded commitment to perfection have made him a world-renowned photographic master.
March 25 – May 6, 2017
Photography of Place
This stunning exhibition will present photographs by more than 20 different artists who are best known for their images of specific geographic places. The artists range from grand masters to accomplished amateurs and are as diverse as the places they capture on film.
May 13 – August 12, 2017
3rd Annual Best in Show Festival
This exhibition will showcase pictures and photojournalists that were honored at the annual POYi (Pictures of the Year International) Competition, the world’s oldest and most prestigious photojournalism program and competition based at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism. POYi’s mission is to recognize excellence in documentary photography and photojournalism.
August 26 – October 28, 2017
21st Annual MEMBERS’ JURIED EXHIBITION
In Conjunction with FOTOcamp 2017 Exhibit
Once again, this exhibit will showcase the diverse work of PBPC members and the emerging talent of our young photographers.
About the Palm Beach Photographic Centre:
The Photo Centre is located at the downtown 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 visit www.workshop.org or www.fotofusion.org.