February, 2016- Acoustic Sessions at the Wellington Dog Park
Are you a practicing acoustic musician and an avid dog lover? If so, Wellington is offering the best of both worlds. The Village will host open acoustic sessions at the Wellington dog park (2975 Greenbriar Blvd) on Sundays, starting at 2:00 pm. The informal sessions will take place under the large pavilion, located in the large dog park.
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.
February, 2016- Join Us for Wellington’s 1st Mardi Gras at the Dog Park
Wellington pooches get pampered at the 1st “Mardi Gras” event at the Wellington Dog Park. Join other pet owners on Saturday, February 13th and browse the many dog related vendors. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and offers a wide variety of dog and human friendly activities for all to enjoy. Registration for the doggy “Mardi Gras” costume contest is from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
The event will include a dog costume contest, pictures with your pet, “Purpose Driven Pup,” micro chipping, SHARE Shepherd Rescue, a bounce house for the kids plus games, face painting, dessert trucks and much more!
For more information, please call Dr. Marc Pinkwasser with the Courtyard Animal Hospital at 561-784-PETS. The Greenbriar Dog Park is located at 2975 Greenbriar Blvd. All proceeds will benefit the SHARE Shepherd Rescue Foundation.
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.
February, 2016- ARTHUR R. MARSHALL LOXAHATCHEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Songs of the Everglades, the 17th Annual Everglades Day
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is hosting Songs of the Everglades: Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty, the 17th Annual Everglades Day, on February 20th, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature musicians Rod MacDonald and Dale Crider and presenters Ron Magill from the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens and Reinaldo Beccerra representing the Seminole Nation with special guests from Cornell Ornithology Lab. Additional speakers include Dale E. Gawlik, the Director of the Environmental Science Program at Florida Atlantic University, Senior Wildlife Biologist Laura Brandt from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey and John Galvez, Project Leader of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Resource Office in Vero Beach. Everglades Day is a free festival that celebrates the importance of America’s Everglades to South Florida’s people, animals, and habitats with a day of canoeing, fishing demonstrations, walks, activities, speakers, educational programs and some of South Florida’s favorite food trucks.
The Refuge is open from 5 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week. It is located off U.S. 441/SR 7, two miles south of SR 804 (Boynton Beach Blvd.) and three miles north of SR 806 (Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue). Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., seven days a week. An entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per pedestrian is charged. A variety of annual passes, including a $12.00 refuge specific annual pass, are available. For more information please contact the Administration office at 561-732-3684 or http://www.fws.gov/refuge/arm_loxahatchee.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve,
protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast. Follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast. Watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws. Download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.
February, 2016- FREE RIDE SUNDAYS KICKED OFF IN WELLINGTON
Sunday Evening Courtesy Ride Program implemented during remaining weeks of the Winter Equestrian Festival
Wellington, FL. February 2, 2015 – From January through April, Wellington residents will have the opportunity to utilize a free safe ride service that started Sunday, January 31st.
With months in the making, the Wellington Safe Ride Service will be operating on Sunday nights from 10:30 pm until 3:30 am. The services provided ensure all passengers have a fun and responsible night. Three buses chaperoned by volunteers will be available to shuttle individuals from their homes to the Grille, to Players Club, and then from Players Club home.
Conceptualized by Wellington resident Romain Marteau, this program will be available to not just those within the Equestrian community but to all Wellington residents.
“On Sunday nights plan for a safe ride home with one of our insured and licensed drivers,” said Romain Marteau. “We are working very hard to make this program a viable option for those who feel they cannot drive safely or are just tired after a long day. It is an important factor helping to protect the community and create a secure environment.”
Free Ride Sundays is a nonprofit program run by volunteers and is encouraging Wellington residents to sponsor the remaining weeks.
“We want this to be a service that Wellington residents use. It will benefit the entire community as a whole,” states Marteau. “Please consider donating so that we can make certain that Free Ride Sundays continue not only throughout circuit this year but also for years to come. We welcome any monetary donations. If you cannot/do not want to donate money please consider volunteering to be a chaperone one Sunday evening.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please contact: https://www.crowdrise.com/freeridesundays/fundraiser/romainmarteau or https://www.facebook.com/FreeRideSundays/.
Entertainment Abounds at Columbia’s True/False Film Festival
Story and Photos by Terri Marshall
New York City has Tribeca, Idaho has Sundance and France has Cannes. But each March in the charming college town of Columbia Missouri filmmakers debut gripping documentaries at the annual True/False Film Festival. It’s a weekend chock full of films, art, music and whimsy. I was on hand for the party last March. Now it’s your turn.
Introducing True/False Film Festival
True/False has taken its place on the world nonfiction stage as a venue where filmmakers debut gripping documentaries. Directors from all over the world gather in Columbia in early March to screen their works in front of packed crowds. More than 50 films are shown over four days in venues throughout the city.
This homegrown festival has grown into an internationally recognized event yet has remained true to its roots. Over 800 local volunteers support the event where directors and their subjects are accessible to festival attendees with Q&A sessions, parties, and panel discussions.
Last year a favorite event of attendees was the cozy “Campfire Stories” where host, author, filmmaker, and storyteller extraordinaire Davy Rothbart gathered eight directors around a “campfire” to swap tales of the scene that got away, complete with homemade s’mores.
One of my favorite things about the festival was the talented Buskers roam the streets throughout the weekend entertaining with all genres of music and creating a fun party atmosphere.
March March Parade at True/False
March, Run or Walk
Films aren’t the only thing making scenes during True/False. The weekend starts off with “March March” – a whimsical parade where anyone and everyone is welcome to march in costume through the streets of the city led by local King of Queens, Ron Ironic Ribiat. Use your imagination and make that costume loud, proud and colorful. This is your chance to create a scene. The parade begins at the Boone County Courthouse Square and marches down 9th Street to the Missouri Theatre. The spectacle includes live music, entertainers, and human powered floats.
A bright-and-early tradition at T/F, the True Life Run invites all runners and walkers to start Saturday morning of the festival with a mad dash through the streets of downtown Columbia. The 5k run/walk will starts at 9:00am in Flat Branch Park and takes in the landmarks of Columbia offering a handful of eclectic adventures along the way. Winners are determined by a combination of course time and successful participation in hair-brained challenges along the way. Proceeds from the True Life Run are donated to the True Life Fund.
Public Art Walks
Art in public spaces not only enhances the beauty of a town, it adds depth and interest. In between films, I stopped more than once as I strolled the streets of Columbia to check out sculptures, murals, and even art on traffic boxes. The City of Columbia has put together a Public Art Walk – a self-guided tour of over 30 works of public art throughout the city. No appointment or ticket necessary, just download the guide and roam about. Points of interest along the walk include the Jamboree, a bronze sculpture depicting five animals – a gecko, hare, alligator, cat and frog – all playing different musical instruments. The plaque on the base describes the work as “celebrating diversity in harmony.” You’ll find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial along a nature and fitness trail, Time in Transit oil on canvas at the Wabash Station, and even the comic strip character, Beetle Bailey, depicted in bronze as he lounges on a graffiti-covered bench on the campus of the university.
Public Art in Columbia
What the Directors are saying about True/False
One of the best ways to understand what True/False is all about is by listening to what the directors have to say. Here are just a few of the many endorsements for T/F:
I have joined the apostles of T/F and spread the gospel far and wide. I’ve been to festivals all over the world, but T/F is special. The audiences are passionate and engaged. The films are brilliantly curated. But, more than anything, there’s an incredible sense of community. My only regret of the Oscars was that I couldn’t go to True/False. – Morgan Neville, Oscar-winning director, 20 Feet from Stardom
When I brought my film to T/F, it was an experience unlike anything else: I was enveloped by a family of the most talented, driven, creative storytellers in the world. Every year since then, I have returned just to be a member of the audience, no movies of my own to show. That’s when you feel the profound warmth of this festival — and the stunning size of the family. Tens of thousands of people make their way to the middle of nowhere for the simple love of nonfiction films. They are the most generous, curious, critical, appreciative, unpretentious audience I’ve ever tucked in with. I won’t ever miss it. – David France, director, How to Survive a Plague
True/False is the festival where you get to see the best documentaries of year and then drink afterwards with their directors. Need I say more? – Liz Garbus, director of the Oscar nominated, What Happened, Miss Simone?
Whether you enjoy films, art, buskers, crazy parades, run/walks, drinking with directors or a little of it all, Columbia, Missouri is the place to be this March for the True/False Film Festival. You’ll love it. I promise.
The Effort to Get GMOs Labeled: An Interview with Activist Monica Kallas
By Bryan Hayes
Some members of the community are more active than others. One person who is very active in Wellington is Monica Kallas. Among her many passions is being an advocate for food safety and GMO labeling on all consumer foods and products. She has not only developed the Facebook pages “March Against Monsanto – Wellington Florida” and “Florida Right To Know – Wellington”, but she is also actively involved in getting legislature passed for the GMO labeling laws here in Wellington, Florida and the U.S.
Packaging and labeling can be confusing. What are GMOs, anyway? “GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE.”
One has to wonder why GMOs were the cause she chose to champion. The reason is rather simple. “Knowing our food is basically poisoned without most people’s knowledge or consent, I felt like I could make a difference on this one. Wellington is a community of educated people who want the best for their families, and I believe that includes the foods they eat. No one in their right mind wants to eat Roundup Weed Killer inside their food – and keep in mind this can’t be washed off – it’s not on the surface. Unfortunately, most people are not even aware that when they eat conventional food, about 80% of it is genetically modified (GMO) which means it includes glyphosate – the key ingredient in Roundup that has been tied to a slew of diseases,” she says.
Children having their say at the 1st annual Wellington March Against Monsanto, which was held in May of 2015.
“Currently, 64 countries throughout the world including Russia, China, Australia, European Union, Japan and more ban, restriction and/or labeling GMO’s. Even the World Heath Organization (WHO) has recently labeled glyphosate as a ‘probable carcinogen’ which is an underestimate from research I’ve read and been provided by top physicians In the world regarding this topic. This was a big blow to the agrichemical companies. ” Since Monica owns SharpShooter Marketing Group, getting the word out about GMOs was an easy fit. She and a group of dedicated business leaders also created the first annual March Against Monsanto in Wellington last May which is a large international event. The March Against Monsanto Wellington was the largest protest Wellington has ever seen and was “fueled by” SharpShooter Marketing Group and AroundWellington.com. See the video! https://youtu.be/OThSEUiJrX8
After the 1st Annual March Against Monsanto in Wellington. Photo: Lois Spatz.
Recent nationwide polls by The New York Times (2013) and Consumer Reports (2014) showed that 92% – 93% favored labeling of GMO’s. The big agrichemical companies like Monsanto, Syngenta, Dow, Dupont and Bayer are fighting hard against this. So are big food giants like Pepsico, Kraft, Nestle, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Smuckers Company and a large list of other large corporations. Monica added, “We have labels on mattresses, clothing and all sorts of consumer products – why not GMO’s? One has to ask, if these companies are so proud of their GMO’s – why don’t they want them on the label? There’s a lot of citizens throughout the U.S. who believe that we have a right to know what’s in our food. We’re not asking much. We just want to make informed choices at the store that’s right for us and our families. PERIOD.”
Good resources for GMO information and GMO-free labeling are:
Genetically engineered crops have been around since the 1990s. So what is the big deal about GMOs, anyway? According to responsibletechnology.org, “The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) urges doctors to prescribe non-GMO diets for all patients”. Part of the issue is that GMOs have only been introduced into the food supply for a very short period of time. The long-term effects have yet to be determined.
There is concern regarding the health effects not only to humans but to animals as well. There are questions about soil erosion and concerns of the pesticides being used. Last year, the World Health Organization found enough evidence to classify glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.
Because of those concerns, there has been a clamoring of support for, at minimum, GMO labeling laws. In Florida, five cities have non-GMO resolutions that have passed:
– Margate
– Ft. Lauderdale
– Hallandale
– Miami Beach
– Wellington (in process)
There is a major development in Vermont where the state is requiring mandatory GMO labeling, the first law of its kind in the United States, which will start in July. While those companies having to adhere to the law are varying in their response. A common theme is that it is either too expensive or not need – yet these same companies provide GMO labeling throughout the world to countries that require it. Campbell’s, on the other hand is becoming one of the first major US companies who fought hard against labeling to voluntarily label GMOs. They clearly see the future demand as they are now marketing and selling organic soups.
“The first step is labeling and getting people informed.” according to Monica. “Next is for people to understand that they have power in this – you vote with your dollars at the food store. Buy and eat food that’s organic and has the Non-GMO Project label on it. It makes a difference. The big food industry hears this and they are shifting big time. Organic sales are increasing at a robust rate here in the U.S. – and why not? Yes it’s a bit more expensive but would you rather buy conventional , processed ‘fake food’ and pay for medical bills, feel horrible and look terrible to boot or pay a little extra for ‘real food’ and enjoy the benefits of a healthier you?” She continued,“I think the people of Wellington are pretty aware, and I don’t think mothers would intentionally want to be giving baby food with GMOs to their kids or to the rest of their families.”
In conclusion Monica added, “It’s ALL about transparency and our right to know. Whether you think GMO’s are good in our food or not, we all have a right to know what’s in our food so we can choose what’s best for us.”
To continue to stay updated on the latest GMO posts, please “like” the Facebook pages “March Against Monsanto – Wellington FL” and “Florida Right To Know – Wellington” for all the latest news. The first annual March Against Monsanto was held in Wellington in May of 2015, so get ready for the 2nd Annual March Against Monsanto, coming this spring.
And whether this is your cause, or another, everyone can make a difference in the community. To get involved in the effort to get GMO-labeling started in Wellington, please contact Monica Kallas, (561) 762-1713. Or email her at: sharpshootermarketinggroup@gmail.com .
Avoid These Neck Damaging Activities if You Want to Get Better
By Dr. Jonathon Chung of Keystone Chiropractic
Everyday I take care of patients that get fast and substantial relief from neck related conditions like neck pain, arm pain, and headaches.
When they get better, they’ll often go months without any problems before a seemingly harmless activity seems to make the pain return.
There are a lot of myths and half-truths about the causes of neck pain. Before we tackle what actually can cause neck problems, let’s talk about some of the myths. Myths
“I have text neck” – there’s a lot of buzz about the concept of “text neck”. The problem is that it’s really a half-truth, you’ll see the real reason why electronic devices are causing problems down below.. For an in depth read about this, check out this article on my blog.
“I Can’t Exercise Because I have a Military Neck and Bulging Discs” – Another major misconception. Way too many people have these issues and have no pain at all. Military Necks and Bulging Discs are not likely the CAUSE of your neck pain.
“I Should Rest My Neck Until It Stops Hurting”- Resting the neck may be a good short term solution, but if you are habitually sedentary or avoiding movement because of your neck it may be causing more problems in the future.
Activities That Can Aggravate the Neck
Even “Perfect Posture” for Hours Can Hurt
Any posture that you hold for hours straight can cause neck pain, even so-called “perfect posture”. Posture is not the problem here; lack of motion. This is where text-neck got so much traction. People spending hours on a phone or laptop can cause pain in the neck, but it’s not just a forward slouched position of text-neck. It’s because people use their electronic devices for hours without moving.It’s not a specific posture that causes pain most of the time, it’s a lack of regular motion that can lead to the increased perceptionof pain.The moral of the story: Take the time to get up and move frequently.
Excessive Head Movement Under Load
What’s one of the worst things you can do in the gym? It’s to create excessive shearing force of your joints while under a load. This is true for the neck, back, knees, and almost every other joint in the body.Imagine holding this weight on your head:Would you even consider turning or bending your neck with hundreds of pounds coming down on your head?Of course not. It will create a grinding/shearing force that can wreck the soft tissues of your neck.
The same is true for weight lifting. Whether you are squatting, pressing, dead-lifting, or doing pull ups, you can create excessive shearing force by moving your neck while under a load.
Keep your neck (and your whole spine for that matter) in a controlled neutral position for the short duration that you are performing exercise reps.
Work Related Chronic Repetitive Movements
A lot of the baby boomer generation are familiar with the pain and injuries from working on an assembly line.The constant repetitive motion has long been associated with wear and tear on the muscles and joints of the body. Decades of boomer elbows, shoulders, and hands can attest to this.When it comes to the neck in today’s generation, we see a lot of these problems arise in professions like dental hygienist, dentists, surgeons, and people working with small electronic parts.When the neck is chronically flexed for hours for work, the neck becomes more exposed to strain.
Bad or repeated self-manipulation
Do you love to crack your own neck? It feels so good to make your joints pop and get that temporary feeling of looseness!However, you might be setting yourself up for chronic neck hypermobility. I’ve seen it hundreds of times in chiropractic school where constant cervical spine manipulations on each other lead to students feeling sick and chronically stiff.While their neck has been loosened by repetitive manipulation, the soft tissues of the neck became disrupted to the point where they felt they needed constant adjustments.Taking care of people after they’ve had poor manipulation or were over-manipulated are sometimes the most challenging patients to get long term stability.
Stomach sleeping and poor pillow height People always want to know what the best bed or pillow is, but a lot of times it’s your positioning that matters, not the substance.Stomach sleeping is associated with increased episodes of neck and back pain while side sleeping and back sleeping tend to be protective.Pillow height is also important depending on your sleeping position.
Side sleepers will fare better with pillows that are just smaller than the distance between your neck and tip of the shoulder.
Back sleepers will want a pillow that reflects the distance between the back of the head and the base of the neck. If you have a small distance between your ear and shoulder, you will want a flatter pillow, but if you have a large distance between your ear and shoulder, you will want a pillow a little higher.
See the image below:
Take all of this into account when considering ways to protect your neck from aggravation.
These small little steps can help make sure that the episodes and intensity of neck pain continue to decline as your body heals and repairs. What are your triggers?
What other things have you noticed bring out head and neck issues? With a little knowledge of neck bio-mechanics, we may be able to help address the causes of your neck dysfunction.
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Did you like this article? Feel free to share it with the people you care about and see if a Complimentary Consultation is the next step to regain their health.
From her La Jolla, California home, Audrey Geisel explains to art curator Bill Dyer, what it was like to watch her husband paint.
“He would do this little dance: lean forward, twitch his brush on the canvas. Lean back, tilt his head with a critical eye. Lean forward again and swab a dab here and there. Sometimes he would add another cat, because in his words, “there was always room for another cat.” This two-step shuffle was repeated till he was satisfied with the outcome.
You can see the fruits of the ‘Dr Seuss Dance’ at the Gardens Mall through Valentine’s Day. You are in for a big, bright, delicious gulp of crazy creatures, delightful wit and the unfathomable imagination of the world renown, multi-generational author and illustrator, Theodore Seuss Geisel, known to his friends as Ted and more commonly as:
Dr.Seuss!!!
Who knew this great body of work even existed! We thought he just wrote and illustrated quirky children’s books. And that he did. But in 1997 the Chase Art Group, lead by Bill Dyer, started working with Audrey Geisel to present this secret collection to the world. Each year a handful of serigraphs and lithographs are printed and added to the exhibit.
It was no small feat to bring The Hidden Art of Dr Seuss to Palm Beach Gardens. It took two years and a grand collaboration of several organizations. Groups such as the Nicklaus Children’s Foundation, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, The Chase Art Group, the Ann Jackson Gallery, The Cultural Council, and the Gardens Mall.
When asked why he painted cats, Ted Geisel retorted, “Because I can’t draw dogs.” Here are some of his featured cats from the gallery:
Joseph Katz and His Coat of Many ColorsPlethora of Cats
The Hidden Art exhibit represents 60 years of work by Dr Seuss. Limited prints can be purchased at the Mall exhibit which runs until February 14th.
Also on display are Seuss’ trove of mounted sculptures. Ted’s dad worked at the Forest Park Zoo and brought home body parts of deceased zoo beasts and birds. Ted took his dad’s offerings of beaks, antlers, horns and turtle shells and invented fantastical creatures with hilarious names. Over time, Theodore amassed quite a menagerie of weird plaster sculptures he called:
A Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy
Turtle-necked Sea TurtleSea-going Dilemma Fish
If painting and sculpture aren’t enough to lure you to this one-of-a-kind exhibit, song and dance will. Each weekend, the Maltz Jupiter Conservatory presents excerpts from Seussical. Catch a show Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm and 3pm. January 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st, February 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th. The youthful troupe is bursting with talent, energy and colorful costumes, sure to delight every viewer, young and old alike.
So come on! Don’t miss out on what the Dr Suess dance contributed to the world of art and literature!
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Angela Shaw is a blogger, pianist and songwriter. Born and raised in California, she has five grown children and resides with her husband in Wellington. You can read her blog at angelamarbury-musicmuse.blogspot.com.
I am here to try and help solve the time tested debate, “Is it good or bad for me to kiss my dog?”
Well, if you believe it’s bad for you, it’s probably because you have a good point! Dogs can carry certain intestinal parasites that are transmissible to humans. You can prevent this by:
Give your dog his monthly heart worm preventative. This acts as a monthly dewormer against certain intestinal parasites, like roundworm or hookworm.
Make sure you are always equipped with a poo bag. Parasites can be shed in your dog’s stool, so, scoop the poop and there will be less potential for your pup to be exposed to contracting a parasite.
When good dog hygiene and preventative care practices are in effect…PUCKER UP, BUTTERCUP!!! That’s right! Making out with your canine companion might actually be good for you by releasing oxytocin and introducing a possibly probiotic-grade swapping of spit!
Oxytocin is also lovingly called the “hug hormone”. Several studies have now shown that, the more interaction you have with your dog, the higher the oxytocin release. Oxytocin enhances with a long gaze with your dog but a smooch amplifies the release as well as the bond you have with your dog. Animal companion interaction leads to other health benefits, such as a lowered blood pressure and an increase in other hormones which contribute to pain relief and heightened pleasurable sensations. These feel good hormones increase in your dog as well!
So, that was the biochemical effect dogs have on us; how about a biological effect? Your probiotic puppy may actually be enhancing the “good” bacteria and overall balance in your gut! Sure, your dog’s mouth has had who knows what, that’s been who knows where, in his you know what. On the flip side, our soap, wipes, sanitizers, cleaners, and so on kill “good” AND “bad” bacteria. A little exposure can go a long way in strengthening our immune system. Dogs’ license to lick is a good source for mass exposure.
A new study at the University of Arizona is attempting to understand if just loving a dog is enough to make a difference in your physical and mental health. If you would like to participate in this study, go to www.uadogstudy.org. So, hold your doggy Valentine close to your heart this month and give him a big wet one!
Would you even consider turning or bending your neck with hundreds of pounds coming down on your head?Of course not. It will create a grinding/shearing force that can wreck the soft tissues of your neck.
was like to watch her husband paint.
grown children and resides with her husband in Wellington. You can read her blog at 
I am here to try and help solve the time tested debate, “Is it good or bad for me to kiss my dog?”