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Annual Client Art Show, Part of Mental Health Awareness Month

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Annual Client Art Show, Part of Mental Health Awareness Month

JEROME GOLDEN CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

ANNUAL CLIENT ART SHOW HELD AS PART OF

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Dr Barbara Golden and Andrea S- Jerome Center

West Palm Beach, FL (June 2, 2016) – The Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health presented its 12th Annual Client Art Show on May 2, 2016. The show sent a positive message to the community about the power of creative expression in the process of healing and recovering from mental illness. The art show featured artwork in various mediums from acrylic paintings to ink and wood creations created by the Center’s talented clients. Proceeds went to the individual artist. Art classes are a form of therapy, under the direction of Dr. Barbara Golden, volunteer director of arts program and volunteer art teachers: Kathy Azeez, Jerry Golden, Gene Kroner, Nancy Rossi, and Liz Segall.

“As an innovative leader in the mental health community, the Golden Center provides numerous programs, including art classes as a way to help clients cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures that come with creating artwork,” said Dr. Linda De Piano, Chief Executive Officer.

“After seeing these students go through the process of creating these works of art and seeing the boost in their self-confidence when they are finished makes it all worth it,” said Dr. Barbara Golden. “With these students a self-confidence boost is a huge deal and it will help them greatly in their future encounters.”

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May to raise awareness about mental illness. Statistics show 1 in 5 American adults and 1 in 5 children, ages 13 to 18, will experience a diagnosable mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

About the Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health:

Since 1970, the Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health annually helps more than 9,500 children, adolescents, adults and families build resiliency, facilitate recovery and achieve reintegration into the community. The Center designs and delivers behavioral healthcare services that meet their client’s needs and expectations by providing a full range of behavioral health services with locations in West Palm Beach and Belle Glade and mobile crisis teams.

Through its mission- and results-driven approach, the Center has become the source of strength to those members of our community diagnosed with a mental illness and their families. Learn more about the programs and services at www.GoldenCtr.org, Facebook at JeromeGoldenCenter, Twitter @JeromeGoldenCtr or by calling 561-383-5723.

 

June, 2016 – Another Door Opens

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June, 2016 – Another Door Opens

Happy June, 2016 – Another Door Opens

Funny story.  You have probably heard, “When one door closes, another door opens.”  And if someone has said this to you in the past, what were the circumstances surrounding the event that caused this phrase to be uttered?  Did you lose your job?  Did you reach the end of a relationship?  Did you lose something important? Did you feel that you lost an opportunity?

Open Door

Well, this happened to me…quite recently.  I’ve been publishing AroundWellington® for over ten years now.  While it has been wonderful in every way, it has been a part-time income for me, instead of a full-time income. So I found a full-time job, in the field of proposal writing, but it only lasted 6 months.  The world of engineering changes frequently, and so I was let go.

After this happened, I kept thinking, “When one door closes, another door opens.”  And as if I were living in stereo, people kept saying that exact thing to me. Another door opens.  Another door opens.  Although I didn’t miss being in a cubicle for 40 hours a week, I did miss my co-workers.  But it was clear to me, beyond a doubt, that another door would open.  As the days went on, I had the sensation of doors flying open in rapid succession, one after another, so quickly that I can barely catch my breath.  Every day that seems to be the most amazing day is only surpassed by the next day, even more amazing.  Another door opens.  The people I have met and the places I have been in these past few weeks have knocked my socks off.  Rocked my world.  Father Joseph of Haiti. Prince Harry.  Nacho Figueras of Argentina.  Some of the best international professionals in the publishing world.  Some of the finest equestrians in the world. Women, who are changing the world. A teacher, who is making a difference. A supermodel-polo player with a big heart, who gives 100% of everything she earns to charity. Some of the kindest people I have ever been with.

Although it’s a work in progress, I have a website (and a Facebook page) now called AnotherDoorOpens.com.  The first story I have posted is the one about Father Joseph and the good work he is doing to re-build Haiti.  The stories that will follow will also be focused on non-profits, making a difference or people who are making a positive difference.

This month (June, 2016), we focus on the chiropractic work of Dr. Randall Laurich of the Wellness Experience.  Check out the “AW Spotlight” story, coming soon, written by Sabeen Faquir.

Check out all of the new articles for AroundWellington.com.  And have a Happy June!

Best Regards,

 

Krista Martinelli

Publisher

AroundWellington.com

 

MNM Productions Announces Current Production of Hair is Carbonell

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MNM Productions Announces Current Production of Hair is Carbonell

MNM Productions Announces Current Production of Tribal Rock Musical HAIR is Now Carbonell Recommended

 
Tickets on Sale Now for Performances through June 5 at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse
Front-Michael Scott Ross Elijah Word back- Pierre Tannous Alexa Baray Fo'i Meleah Nicole Kinzel Mike Westrich
(Delray Beach, FL – June 1, 2016)  MNM Productions today announced that its current production of the critically acclaimed tribal rock musical HAIR has received “Recommended” status for the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s most prestigious award for professional theater. This prestigious status means that the show will be seen by Carbonell judges and is eligible for nominations.
“While this is only MNM’s third production, Michael Lifshitz and I have been actively involved within South Florida’s theatrical community for many years, so we are both delighted that HAIR has received the much-coveted Recommended status from the Carbonell Awards, as did our previous show SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM,” says Marcie Gorman-Althof.

 

HAIR is running through this Sunday, June 5, at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse in West Palm Beach, with performances at 7:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday, and matinees at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
The talented 22-person cast of HAIR is lead by five highly acclaimed veterans of numerous South Florida stages: Mike Westrich (Berger), Michael Scott Ross (Claude), Alexa Baray (Sheila), Nicole Kinzel (Jeannie) and Fo’i Meleah (Dionne). Director-choreographer Kimberly Dawn (KD) Smith, with Paul Reekie serving as musical director, helmed this audience-wowing production.
How to Get Tickets to HAIR:
Reserved seating tickets for HAIR are $45 each and are now available for purchase at the Kravis Center box office, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach; by phone at 561.832.7469; or online through the Kravis Center’s official website at kravis.org.
About the Carbonell Awards:
The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. Over 25 professional theater companies in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties participate in the awards process every year. Each season volunteer panelists and judges choose nominees and recipients from hundreds of shows produced on our area stages. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of our artistic leaders by presenting ‘Special Awards’ and support the next generation of artists and journalists by awarding scholarships. Along with New York’s Drama Desk and Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and predate others, including Washington, D.C.’s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards are named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, the signature trophy that is given to Carbonell Award winners. For more information, please visit www.carbonellawards.org.

 

About MNM Productions:
This production company is the latest venture by two experienced theatrical producers and arts consultants: Marcie Gorman-Althof and Michael Lifshitz. MNM’s first show, the landmark musical A CHORUS LINE, was both a popular and critical success when it ran for 12 performances in December 2014 at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square. Recently, MNM Productions wowed audiences at both Old School Square and the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse with Side By Side By Sondheim, which was nominated for a prestigious Carbonell Award for Best Ensemble Production, Play or Musical.

Pop Musical SEUSSICAL™ Comes to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre

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Pop Musical SEUSSICAL™ Comes to the Maltz Jupiter Theatre

JOIN THE FUN WITH THE BELOVED POP MUSICAL SEUSSICAL™
AT THE MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE!

Maltz-logo

Show will be directed and choreographed by international performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas

June 1, 2016 – “Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved characters come to life in an unforgettable musical extravaganza!

International performer and Conservatory faculty member Ricky Nahas will direct and choreograph the upcoming production of the beloved musical SEUSSICAL™ on June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s stage. Fun for the entire family, tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children.

The show will star 40 students from Palm Beach, Martin County and beyond who are participating in the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts’ three-week Senior Conservatory summer camp (grades 6-12), in which students learn all aspects of theatre such as acting, dance and voice, culminating in full performances of SEUSSICAL™.

One of the most popular shows in America, SEUSSICAL™ is a fantastical, magical spectacular! Tony Award® winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once On This Island and Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Amazing Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination: Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo – a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of cynics, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by Mayzie La Bird.

“SEUSSICAL™ features a creative storyline, infectious songs and dynamic dancing, as well as an important social message,” said Julie Rowe, director of education for the Conservatory. “Although Horton faces ridicule and danger, Gertrude never loses faith in him – and ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty and community triumph.”

Recently seen onstage in the Theatre’s professional productions of Les Miserables, The Wiz and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nahas has served as a Conservatory faculty member for the past two years, teaching voice and dance. He previously directed and choreographed the Senior Conservatory’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, and also choreographed all three years of the Theatre’s productions of Through the Looking Glass. Notable roles include Radames in Aida, Mungojerrie in Cats, a swing and dance captain in the National Tour of Altar Boyz and Double J in Saturday Night Fever. Currently based in West Palm Beach, Nahas has performed throughout Europe, with TV credits that include Burn Notice and Guiding Light.

“I’m thrilled to be directing and choreographing such a fun-filled adventure on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s stage,” Nahas said. “SEUSSICAL™ is a lively, imaginative musical that will remind audience members of all ages why they love the stories of Dr. Seuss. I’d like to encourage everyone to come see our area’s talented local young performers in this vibrant show.”

During camp, Nahas will guide students through the process of auditioning for a Broadway show, a fast-paced rehearsal schedule and the opportunity to showcase all that they’ve learned onstage, complete with costumes, sets, professional lighting and a professional theater orchestra.

“The Senior Conservatory is a wonderful opportunity for local teens to have the chance to experience what it’s like to work in professional theatre and perform on that Theatre’s stage in a full musical,” Rowe said.

The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic and properties design by the Theatre’s properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre’s resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by Ardean Landuis, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio and dance instruction assistance from dance captain Keagan Cerny.

The long-awaited full stage production of the musical at the Theatre follows the success of special excerpt performances performed in January and February as part of the popular “The Art of Dr. Seuss” art exhibition at The Gardens Mall.

Showtimes for the Conservatory’s upcoming production of SEUSSICAL™ are 7:30 p.m on Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre’s box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.

 

About the Conservatory

Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory’s hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory’s students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida’s preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state’s largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of nearly 7,600 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre’s upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.

G-Star Student Accepted into Prestigious Music Program in New York City

Natty Kelly
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G-Star Student Accepted into Prestigious Music Program in New York City

G-Star Student Accepted into Prestigious Music Program in New York City

He will work with Giants of the Music Film Scoring Industry

24-season-7

Palm Springs, Florida (May 27, 2016) – G-Star School of the Arts Sophomore Tyler Grow was accepted into the NYU ASCAP film scoring workshop by the NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Scoring for Film and Multimedia Program. According to the assistant to the Director and Chair, Ariel Marx at NYU, “There was an especially high volume of applicants this year and Tyler’s work stood out as particularly impressive”. Over the next several weeks he will have an opportunity to study under accomplished composers and music editors such as Nancy Allen (Music editor for: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring), Michael Levine (Composer for: Cold Case, Close to Home, Star Wars: Detours, and the KIT KAT THEME), Sean Callery (Composer for TV shows: 24, Homeland, Elementary, and Bones). The program will culminate with a final critique session and screening of the HYBRID Recording Cues composed by Tyler Grow and other participants at the NYU Fredrick Lowe Theatre at 35th West 4th St., NYC, NY. This is Tyler’s second year in a row composing and performing in this prestigious music program and is only one of two high school students ever invited to participate.

From the 2016 NYU/ASCAP Foundation Film Scoring Workshops web site:

In memory of Buddy Baker, the NYU/ASCAP Film Scoring Workshop will immerse participants in both classical Hollywood film scoring and the techniques of the modern scoring world. Led by industry professionals, dedicated sessions will address the creative process, orchestrating, conducting, music editing, and MIDI mockups. Participants can opt for one of two tracks – orchestral or hybrid – and choose a clip from a selection of rough cuts, representing a variety of genres. The workshop will culminate in a full day of recording sessions at NYU’s state of the art facilities, featuring New York City’s top-tier studio musicians. Previous workshops have included players from the NY Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

About: G-Star School of the Arts for Film, Animation and Performing Arts (www.GStarSchool.org)is a public high school located in Palm Springs, Florida, founded in 2003 by the school’s CEO Greg Hauptner.

G-Star students come from across Palm Beach County as well as from all over the world to attend this school. Students study in the fields of film production, 3-D animation, and acting. Students that attend must take art classes as well as their normal academic classes. G-Star offers a complete college preparatory education with honors classes, Advanced Placement classes, and the International Baccalaureate World School Programme. The school also trains students in Writing, Directing, Producing, Acting and all aspects of film and TV production in front of the camera and behind the camera.

Accolades: G-Star is an “A” rated school 6 years in a row. It is academically in the top 1.2% of all high schools in the nation according to the Washington Post. The U.S. News & World Report named G-Star one of “The Best High Schools in America”. G-Star awarded “The Number One High School for Film in the World” in London by the Raindance Film Festival, Europe’s largest independent film festival. G-Star graduates 99% of its students with 97% going on to college. G-Star students have been accepted into Juilliard, Oxford University (England), West Point, Naval Academy at Annapolis, NYU, USC, UF, FSU, UM and many more. Where are our graduates today? Here’s a brief list: Sound Engineer for the Jimmy Fallon Show, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studios, Disney, reality star of Syfy Channel’s FACE OFF, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (Muppets), Hulu, several own their own production companies, traveling the world doing documentaries, and much more. G-Star has partnered with the Palm Beach International Film Festival as their mission aligns with dedication to making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers.

Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches Dedicates New, Triple-Sized Food Pantry that Serves Up to 2,000 Local People in Need Every Month

Natty Kelly
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Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches Dedicates New, Triple-Sized Food Pantry that Serves Up to 2,000 Local People in Need Every Month

Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches Dedicates New, Triple-Sized Food Pantry that Serves Up to 2,000 Local People in Need Every Month

1. Rev Dr. Lea Brown, Senior Pastor; former Pantry Coordinator Chuck Jackson with picture of husband Rich Eichhorn to whom Pantry was dedicated; former Pantry Coordinator Dave Parziale
Rev Dr. Lea Brown, Senior Pastor; former Pantry Coordinator Chuck Jackson with picture of husband Rich Eichhorn to whom Pantry was dedicated; former Pantry Coordinator Dave Parziale

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – May 31, 2016) The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches (MCCPB), which has been serving and supporting the local LGBTQ community for 35 years, dedicated the new, expanded space for the MCCPB Food Pantry on Sunday, May 29. The new Food Pantry is approximately 300 square feet, or more than triple the size of the previous space, and was dedicated to the memory of Rich Eichhorn, a long-time co-coordinator of MCCPB’s Food Pantry.

“All of us at the church are very grateful to the Agnes Varis Trust for the grant we received to build this beautiful new pantry facility,” says Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, MCCPB’s Senior Pastor. “We take very seriously our calling to give God’s love away as much as we can, in all the ways that we can. To feed someone in need in the name of Jesus is to feed Jesus himself, and we are honored to be able to serve our community in this way.”

“It is a travesty than anyone should go hungry, especially the most vulnerable among us, such as children, seniors and people living with chronic illness,” agrees Richard Kratzer, co-coordinator of the MCCPB Food Pantry. “We are very excited about all the ways this new pantry will enable us to do even more to fight the battle against food insecurity in Palm Beach County.”

The new, expanded space enables MCCPB to:
+ Receive more food from Feeding South Florida to distribute, because the amount of food a pantry can receive is sometimes restricted based on available storage space.
+ Distribute food to people in need more efficiently, with less wear and tear on MCCPB volunteers.
+ Transform the old space into a much needed Children’s Ministry Room for activities and classes for families and children.

MCCPB began its Food Pantry in the 1980s to provide food for people living with HIV/AIDS. Over the decades it has expanded its service base, and now provides grocery staples to anyone in need, thanks in part to its partnership with Feeding South Florida, the Palm Beach Food Bank, the Palm Beach Food Project, and a huge online silent auction, along with generous financial support from the MCCPB congregation and friends in the community.

MCCPB’s Food Pantry currently provides fresh produce, bread, pasta and whole grains, meat and staples like peanut butter, canned tuna, canned fruits and vegetables and cereal to up to 2,000 people in need every month. While the service area is primarily West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach, people from all over Palm Beach County have received food donations.

“Gay or straight, it doesn’t matter. Anyone who struggles with food insecurity is welcome,” says Dr. Brown. “The church’s Food Pantry is completely non-sectarian, and is run entirely by a fabulous team of about 15 volunteers. It is open to distribute food every Wednesday from 1 to 4 pm, except when there is a fifth Wednesday in the month, because that’s when we close to give our volunteers a break.”

Anyone wishing to donate grocery items to MCCPB’s Food Pantry can drop them off at the church Monday through Friday, 1 to 5 pm. All food items should be single-family size and not in industrial-size containers. Items that are needed the most include canned tuna and chicken, peanut butter, jam, rice, pasta and sauce, breakfast cereals, and canned fruit and vegetables.

For more information about donations, volunteering or about receiving groceries, please contact [email protected].

About the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches:
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches is the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends. According to the church’s mission statement, “MCC of the Palm Beaches is a joy-filled, justice-centered Christian community of love, vibrant worship and spiritual discovery where all God’s people are supported as we become fully alive.”

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, MCCPB will present a series of special events throughout the year including the church’s 15th annual Rainbow Ball fundraiser on October 29 at the Abacoa Golf Club in Jupiter. This will be followed by MCCPB’s biennial three-day revival Awakening! (November 18-20), featuring special guest preacher Bishop Yvette Flunder, the Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship and founding pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, CA. Guest musicians for the whole weekend will be Jason and deMarco.

“For 35 years now, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches has been both a bulwark of strength and a source of solace and support for South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning communities,” says Dr. Brown, who recently celebrated her fifth anniversary at the church.

“We are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives and history,” she adds. “Just as Jesus did, we take very seriously our calling to do justice, show kindness and live humbly with God.”

Located since 2000 at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, MCCPB offers two worship services every Sunday at 9 and 11 am, with childcare provided for children 5 and under along with Children’s Church for ages 6 – 10 during the second service. Because the church is made up of people from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, elements of the services reflect both traditions, including scripture readings, hymns and contemporary music, prayer and a communion table that is open to everyone.

For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, please call 561-775-5900 or visit www.mccpalmbeach.org.

Get to Know the Cities of Latvia

Terri Marshall
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Get to Know the Cities of Latvia

Travel with Terri

Get to Know the Cities of Latvia

Story and Photos by Terri Marshall

Latvian poet Maris Caklais once said, “I am rich, I own everything that has happened to me.” If the same holds true for countries, Latvia is very rich indeed. For more than 700 years, Latvia’s coveted location on the Baltic Sea has made it a target for neighboring super powers. This country has been subject to German, Polish, Swedish and Russian rule. Even the Russian Czar Ivan the Terrible occupied Latvia at one point. Despite unwanted rulers and numerous wars, Latvia has held on to its cultural roots. This is evident in its cities where Latvia’s past and present intersect. Latvians are proud of their country and culture and when you visit their cities, you will understand why.

The castle of Cesis. Photo by Terri Marshall
The castle of Cesis

The Charms Of Cesis

Located in the northern part of the Vidzeme Heights next to the Gauja National Park, Cesis is surrounded by natural beauty. It is a charming blend of historic and modern Latvia. The centerpiece of the city is the Cesis Castle complex, which consists of the ruins of an original 13th-century Livonian castle and an adjoining newer 18th-century castle. Dressed in Middle Ages period clothes, docents are on hand to help you explore your own inner knight or lady with a bit of archery practice or a lesson in stilt walking. A candlelit climb up the narrow winding tower staircase in the castle is rewarded with views of the surrounding woodlands and glistening lakes.

One of the oldest monuments to medieval architecture in Latvia, St. John’s Church, dominates the center of the Cesis Old Town. It is surrounded by winding cobblestone streets lined with colorful wooden houses, restored art nouveau facades and shops filled with locally made crafts. Cesis is also home to Vidzeme Concert Hall, one of Latvia’s most contemporary cultural centers, which combines a concern hall, cinema and music school under one roof.

Mastering archery in Sigulda
Mastering archery in Sigulda

Adventures In Sigulda

As part of the Gauja National Park, thick forests surround Sigulda. The town is situated on the banks of the River Gauja, which is dotted with sandy caves. Sigulda is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Latvia” due to its hilly terrain and expansive river valley. The best way to view the picturesque landscape is from the Baltics’ only cable car that travels 138 feet above ground linking the two banks of the River Gauja. The ride overlooks an amazing landscape, which contains three mighty castles and a view of the ancient valley of the Gauja. If you are up for an adrenaline pumping adventure, bungee jumping can be done from the cable car at the highest point of the crossing. Less terrifying adventures like obstacle routes, a toboggan track and chairlifts are available at Tarzan’s Adventure Park – the largest outdoor adventure park in the Baltics.

Built in the Middle Ages, the Livonian Order Sigulda Castle provides a glimpse into life in Medieval times. Exhibits tell the story of how the Livonian Order was formed, how its members dressed and how they armed themselves. In one room you can try on a knight’s suit with all of its heavy armor. It will certainly make you appreciate any future knights in shining armor you encounter.

Nearby in the town of Ligatne, tours of a secret Soviet bunker are available. The bunker was intended as the secret hiding place for the first secretaries of the Soviet Communist Party comrades Voss and Pugo. It was one of the strategically important sites in Soviet Latvia in case of a nuclear war. The original underground equipment has been preserved just as it was when the Soviets left. A canteen within the bunker serves a typical menu from that era.

Historic Riga
Historic Riga

History And Architecture In Riga

Latvia’s capital city, Riga, is an intriguing blend of architecture, history and culture. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Riga is located in the central part of the country on the south coast of the Gulf of Riga. It is the largest city in the Baltics and has emerged from its troubled history as a thriving multi-cultural city.

Riga’s Old Town is the city’s historic center. A labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets wind past medieval architectural marvels, remnants of the fortification wall that enclosed the city from the 13th to 18th century still remain. The churches of Riga are spectacular from the Riga Dome Cathedral to St. Peter’s Church with the city’s tallest steeple spire. In the Middle Ages, Riga was a member of the trade route known as the Hanseatic League; the ornate House of the Blackheads reflects the prosperity of that period. Riga is also known for its exquisite art nouveau properties and has the largest concentration of any city worldwide.

Before visiting Riga I knew I would enjoy the history and architecture, but I did not expect such a delicious variety of cuisines. From traditional Latvian foods like smoked meats and pork roast to modern innovative contemporary dishes, each meal was a gastronomic delight.

The city’s markets are another excellent place to experience the tastes of Riga. Housed in former zeppelin hangars, Riga Central Market is the largest food market in Europe. Thousands of stalls display fresh produce, brilliantly colored flowers, meats, cheeses, fish and everything in between. In the city’s Bohemian neighborhood, Kalnciema Quarter Market is a weekly farmer’s market that gathers artisan producers from around the country to sell homemade goods like traditional carrot and potato pastries, smoked meats, hemp seed spread and fruit wine with many of the stalls offering tastings.

Stop in one of the markets, gather some picnic supplies and find a grassy spot beside the canal that meanders through the city center. It is a perfect way to enjoy a sunny day in Riga!

From Back Pain to PR

Jonathon Chung
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From Back Pain to PR

By Dr. Jonathon Chung

Pain-to-PR

I’ve written a lot in the past about how an ideal structure can help increase athletic performance. If you want those articles, check them out here below:

Is This Silent Problem Killing Your Workout?

Can Your Spine Make You Harder to Kill?

The Physiology of Champions

With that being said, most people aren’t coming to see me for a competitive edge. They’re coming to see me because pain or some other factor has become an obstacle in their life. What happens when the 2 worlds collide where an injury to the spine may prevent someone from training for the sport of their choice?

Case Study:

Dina is a competitive weight lifter. In the past 2 years she has competed in the National University and the American Open weight lifting competitions. She’s all but 100 lbs soaking wet, but she can probably put more weight overhead than the average guy.

She was recently in a rough auto-accident that gave her a bad case of whiplash, but it also caused pain in her lower back. MRI’s revealed something that many athletes fear: Herniated discs in the neck and back. Then came the questions:

Can I still squat?

Will my performance suffer?

Am I always going to have pain?

Will I need surgery?

Will my doctor tell me to stop training?

In my world, a herniated disc, even a large one is not the end of the world for most people or most athletes. There are just way too many people that get better and function pretty close to normal with most disc herniations, and there is a lot of evidence to support that. [1,2]

Her chief symptoms after the accident were headaches, neck pain, and back pain. A local orthopedic surgeon diagnosed her with a soft tissue injury and would be safe to take care of conservatively and sent her my way.

I took her case and gave some initial pre-cautions about lifting until her main symptoms started to get better.

From Pain to PR

Being young and fit is typically a great predictor for fast healing. There’s something special about the combination of youth, muscle, and robust arterial circulation.

After 2 sessions of Atlas Corrections, Dina’s headaches got a lot better. In addition to her head, her hip and pelvis became more level and her back was getting much better. All within a couple of weeks. I gave Dina the okay to start training again but not to go too aggressive with heavy weights quite yet.

But not all patients listen to their doctors, and many will go based on their own intuition. Dina was feeling good enough to go after a personal record, and she was kind enough to let us see it here below.

Here’s her Back Squat PR

See more at: http://chiropractorwellington.com/case-study-from-low-back-pain-to-squat-pr-in-one-visit/#sthash.tZSUpfuf.dpuf

 

Increased Muscle Performance Through Better Structure?

A recent study published in the journal Experimental Brain Research provided a viable mechanism to show that getting a specific chiropractic adjustment has the capacity to decrease fatigue during maximal muscle contraction.

Another study in the journal Chiropractic and Manual Therapies provided some small evidence that kicking speed can be increased with spinal adjustments to the lower back region of the spine.

A 2012 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics showed that spinal manipulation to the neck increased grip strength in Judo athletes compared to a sham manipulation.

While the evidence is pretty light for the time being, the results seen in chiropractic offices and the growing demand for chiropractic research on athletic performance suggest there might be something to it.

Conclusion

Injuries like herniated discs don’t have to be a performance and athletic death sentence. While it’s important to realize that every case is different and some disc problems can be potentially serious, what really matters is how much functionality you have and NOT what your MRI says.

If you have weakness, problems going to the bathroom, or loss of sensation, then obviously that can be a serious problem. However, the large majority of disc problems might be a small correction away from being a non-issue.

It’s also a good reminder that chiropractic can enhance someone’s life beyond pain, and into the world of performance.

– See more at: http://chiropractorwellington.com/case-study-from-low-back-pain-to-squat-pr-in-one-visit/#sthash.kFZ9OVhi.dpuf

Mommy of Two

Briana D'Andrea
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Mommy of Two

Mommy Moments

Mommy of Two

By Briana D’Andrea

loveIt’s hard to imagine my life before kids. I used to always envision what it would be like to have children and here I am, lucky as ever… with a healthy boy and girl in tow. Some days are hard, I mean REAL hard. There are days you think will never end, days when you have to tell yourself over and over they are your purpose in life and days when you feel like a janitor, left to clean boogers, vomit, poop and pee. Sorry for the mental picture.

Then there’s the anxiety. Something I never really quite experienced until I became a mom. Are they breathing? Are they hungry? Are they sleepy? Are they clean? Are they safe?

Just when I was starting to get the hang of this mom thing, the hubby and I decided to shake things up a bit. Baby number two. When we found out we were having a girl, we were ecstatic! I started to envision dance recitals, spa days and bows, bows, bows! I was so excited for my son to be a big brother to a cute little “sissy,” (that’s become her nickname these days). Then all of a sudden, I stopped in my tracks. Wait! How on earth was I going to be able to love another human being as much as my little boy? Sure I had the same sentiment about my son and my husband when I was first pregnant, but this surely had to be different. I didn’t have enough of myself to give I thought…do I? How would I manage to split myself in two? Would I have to choose sides? Who would I bathe first? Who would I play with first? Then the age old mom anxiety kicked into high gear.

Nine months went by and she was finally here! Just like that, my heart expanded. So much so it nearly burst! Things fell right into place. Sissy had an immediate part in our little nest we had created for our family. It all made perfect sense. She belonged here with us, as if sent from the heavens above. It might sound cliché, but it was so true. She was here to teach my son about compassion and kindness, my husband about the truest of all emotions and me? Well, she’s taught me about the unconditional love between a mother and daughter and in turn made me appreciate my own mother more so. She’s made me want more for her than I had ever had for myself.

Life with two has been interesting to say the least. My son will always be a mama’s boy and the one who gave me the fortunate chance to be a mom to begin with, and for that I will be forever grateful. He is my inspiration. My daughter has afforded me the opportunity to see myself in her eyes; to relive my childhood again and to understand why my mom always wanted to wear matching outfits. Although, I still sometimes struggle with who to bathe first or play with first, I settle on doing it together as a family, because for me they are my purpose and my driving force and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I Vanna Talk to Boinie!”

Wendell Abern
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“I Vanna Talk to Boinie!”

Cantankerously Yours

“I Vanna Talk to Boinie!”

By Wendell Abern

Dear Readers,

credit-cardMy credit card company – I’ll call them MoneyGrubbers to protect my editors  – inspired this month’s column. I was a day late with my monthly payment, and they charged me $35! I pay my credit card on time, in full, every month. A few months ago, I had a visitor for a few weeks and was a bit late in paying bills. One day late! Big deal.

Fuming, I started to call MoneyGrubbers when something occurred to me: the few times I’ve called this company, I talked to someone who doesn’t understand English very well.

This happens every time I call some major corporation. I talk to someone from India, or the Philippines, or some country where English is not the native language.

Too frequently, I have difficulty making my needs clear; Or understanding instructions given to me. It’s very frustrating.

I decided to give MoneyGrubbers a taste of its own medicine … and talk like my long-deceased Uncle Herman.

Uncle Herman had a strong Jewish accent.

But first, I thought, I’ll give his patois a test drive on Chase, responding to one of their debt consolidation loan mailings.

I call with a plan to get past the pre-recorded, disembodied voice: “Either say or press a number to respond.” I answer, “I vanna talk to Boinie.”

The recording says, “I didn’t quite understand that. Please select one of the following.” She repeats the options and once again, I say, “I vanna talk to Boinie!”

And the recording says, “I will connect you to a representative.” It worked!

“Chase Bank, this is Manuel. How can I help you?” (Strong Spanish accent).

“Hello, boychick,” I say, “I vanna ask about your toims.”

“Excuse me?”

“Your toims. I vanna make sure I understand your toims.”

“Oh, you mean ‘terms.’”

“Dot’s vot I said, toims! Vodda you gotta problem vidda hearing? I’ll call my daughter-in-law’s cousin. He could fix you up in no time.”

“Sir, may I ask why you’re calling?”

“I t’ought ve already vent over dat.”

After finally telling Manuel I would think about making a loan, I ended the call. But I had learned two things: first, it was clear that Uncle Herman’s accent was costing me even more time than a standard phone call.

But secondly, I was having fun! I couldn’t wait to call MoneyGrubbers!

I listen to another disembodied voice. After she goes through her menu once, I say, “I vanna talk to Boinie.”

Right on cue, she says, “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand that. Please say or select one of the following,” and continues through her litany again.

“I vanna talk to Boinie!” I shout. “BOINIE! B-E-R-N-I-E! Boinie!”

And she says, “Please hold, I’ll connect you to a representative.” It worked again!

“MoneyGrubbers, this is Manuel, how can I help you?” (Spanish accent, fairly strong).

“You vant in a notshell, I vill tell you, Put back in my account thoity-five dollars, vouldn’t show up on my next bill.”

“Excuse me? How much? I’m having trouble understanding you.”

“Good! Here’s vot you do, bubbelah. Go sit by your computer and bring up my account.”

I give Manuel my name, address, Social Security number, phone number, and just to keep him hopping, my recipe for chicken piccata and the names of two bridge partners.

“Okay, Manny, I vant you should look at my whole history. You see vun time I didn’t pay? Vun time I vas late? Vun time! Anyt’ing?”

“No sir. I’m very sorry, sir. I’ll have the $35 removed from your next bill. And I’m really very sorry, sir.”

Well, that worked out so well that all of my self-righteous speeches went unheard. Time to unleash some of my pent-up anger on Spirit Airlines.

I have piled up 66,000 free miles on Spirit and want to go to Chicago in September. I loathe calling them because each call takes more than an hour, most of it while I’m on hold. This time I came prepared as Uncle Herman! Boinie took me directly to Shireen.

“Spirit Airlines, Shireen speaking, may I have your Spirit Free Mileage number, please?” (India. Definitely India).

“Vait a tsecond, just like dat, you vant my number? No dinner, no flowers, nothing? Just a number and bang, dat’s it?”

“Sir?”

“Okay, okay.” I give her the number. “But before ve go any further, don’t you t’ink maybe I should meet your parents foist?”

“Sir, please, may we continue?”

She was getting impatient! Good. What I really wanted now was to put her on hold for 20 minutes, but that could backfire.

“I vant you should help me choose,” I said. “I vanna go from Ft. Lauderdale to Chicago and back in September,” I said, “vidout using up fifty t’ousand miles each vay.”

“Certainly, sir,” she said. “Please hold. I’ll connect you with someone who can help you with that. However, to use an agent rather than doing it yourself on line will cost $25.”

“Vot? I can barely type my name on a computer!”

“I’m sorry, sir, those are our rules. Would you like to speak to an agent who can help you with your reservation?”

Back on hold. After six minutes, another soft feminine voice said, “Good morning, this is Kaylin. How may I help you?”

It took another twenty minutes (and $25) before my flights were booked. Then Kaylin said, “Will you be bringing any luggage?”

“No just a carry-on. Goes up top, could give me a hoinia, lifting.”

“There will be a forty-five dollar charge for the carry-on,” she said.

“Each vay?”

“Yes sir. Now, would you like to reserve seats?”

“Yes, I vould like an aisle seat each vay, I could get up and valk around, vould be good for the arthritis.”

“Certainly, sir. There will be a ten-dollar charge for each reservation.”

I just love Spirit Airlines. My “free” round-trip flight to Chicago cost me $207.

But just wait until DirecTV sends me their next bill. They’re going to get an earful from Uncle Herman.

Cantankerously Yours,

Wendell Abern

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