ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS TO PRESENT TWO-PART LECTURE SERIES ON NAMESAKE ARTIST
“An Archival View of the Life and Work of Ann Weaver Norton” to highlight the artist this Fall
(WEST PALM BEACH) To raise awareness of Ann Norton as an artist and delve into the background of how she developed her distinctive style, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is offering a two-part lecture series on Thursday, September 24 and Thursday, October 22. Ann Norton Art Historian and Curator, Marie Scripture, will present both lectures on “An Archival View of the Life and Work of Ann Weaver Norton” inside the exhibition space of Norton’s own historic home along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. The lectures will coincide with the Garden’s current exhibition of Norton’s art, further bringing her works to life.
“Once our visitors learn more about Ann Norton, they develop a greater appreciation for her significance as an American artist and her desire to share her monumental sculptures, the beautiful tropical gardens and her historic home and studio with the community,” said Gardens Executive Director, Karen Steele. “Marie does a wonderful job of bringing Ann’s personal and professional story to life.”
To be presented on September 24, the first lecture will focus on Ann Norton’s development as an artist and her journey toward Modernism, briefly surveying her strong southern roots and artistic heritage, and then moving into her artistic studies and career in Manhattan. According to personal letters and records, Norton was befriended and influenced by some of the leading sculptors of the time including Alexander Archipenko, William Zorach, John Bernard Flannagan, Jose De Creeft, and John Hovannes during her “New York” years from 1928 through 1942.
In her second lecture, Scripture will describe how in 1942 Ann left New York City for West Palm Beach to pursue a career and life as an artist and sculpting instructor at the Norton Gallery and School of Art. Presented on October 22, this lecture will focus on Ann Norton’s transition to her life in Florida, her work and her marriage to Ralph Norton in 1948. Working with archival material, the lecture will trace their influences on one another, personally and artistically, and examine the marriage itself; as well as Ann Norton’s full culmination of her life’s dream, realized in the monumental sculptures in the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.
Both lectures run from 4 pm to 5 pm. There is no fee for members of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and non-member tickets are $15 per person. Tickets include admission to the Gardens prior to the lecture, or a guided tour of the gardens and studio immediately following the lecture. Refreshments will also be served.
The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a nonprofit foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). Located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, the 1.7 acre sanctuary is comprised of rare palm and sculpture gardens, Ann Norton’s historic home and exhibition galleries, and Norton’s own Wyeth-designed artist studio. Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Gardens are also available for private events. For tickets or more information, please visit www.ansg.org or call 561-832-5328
Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society to Host Annual GARDEN TOUR on Sunday, October 4, from 10 to 3
Visit Six Gardens Landscaped with Florida Native Plants in North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens & Jupiter
(September 11, 2015) The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, today announced that it would be hosting its Annual Native Plant Garden Tour on Sunday, October 4, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Participants can visit six unique gardens landscaped with Florida native plants: one in North Palm Beach, two in Palm Beach Gardens and three in Jupiter.
The six gardens on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:
Lundeen Garden
748 Ibis Way in North Palm Beach
Whenbuilding their home three years ago, native Floridian Michele Lundeen naturally felt compelled to landscape their half-acre with Florida native plants. This informal yet structured landscape uses playful Sunshine Mimosa as a sod alternative throughout, and Silver Buttonwood, Necklace Pod, Dwarf Yaupon Holly and Simpson Stopper to frame the circular driveway with handsome authority. With it’s exquisite Wild Tamarinds, Thatch Palms, Jamaican Capers and Coonties, this is a garden that will charm you from the entrance to the Red Mangroves living the rear waterway.
Boyd-Rosselot Garden
9713 Heather Circle West in Palm Beach Gardens
Utilizing mostly native plants with an intention to create a vibrant wildlife habitat, a lifeless and ordinary suburban yard has been transformed into a rich and layered landscape that fits in well in the neighborhood. This is a mature and soothing garden, full of color, shade, and ground cover with nesting and feeding sites for birds, butterflies and other wildlife. A favorite year-round-blooming Firebush attracts many butterflies and birds, including hummingbirds, cardinals, orioles and, in winter, painted buntings.
Robert J. Huckshorn Arboretum at the FAU Campus
5353 Parkside Drive in Jupiter
The Arboretum is designed to feature a variety of native species from four different ecosystems: Tropical Hardwood Hammock, Cabbage Palm/Oak Hammock, Pine Flatwoods, and Mixed Hardwood Swamp. Pathways wind their way through the landscape, inviting you to explore each ecosystem in this peaceful haven. Once you have visited this special retreat you will be sure to return again.
Duncan Garden
15646 89th Avenue North in Palm Beach Gardens
What began as a home-building journey in a lush Cabbage Palm and Oak forest 25 years ago is today a beautifully landscaped garden with a manicured lawn and meandering woodland paths. Although some favorite non-native plants had been planted alongside the naturally growing Beautyberry, Coffee, Firebush and Myrsine, this garden is now, truly, old Florida renewed and thriving! Since joining the native plant society in 2007, Stephanie Duncan has been adding native grasses, groundcovers and butterfly host plants, with a long-term plan to ultimately convert the entire yard to native species. As you enjoy the manicured gardens near the house and wander the shaded trails, you will be sure to discover some new ideas for your special garden.
Thayer Garden
16846 123rd Terrace North in Jupiter
The mature pine flatwoods forest is so thick at the Thayer property that the house is not visible from the road. With virtually no grass to mow, this dense landscape is centered on a pond filled with Florida’s favorite native swamp plants and a trail system that winds through a collection of native south Florida plants 30 years in the making. Along one of those trails you will see a majestic 40-foot Jamaica-Dogwood with an understory of Dahoon Holly, Swamp Maple and Green Ash. This interesting garden is home to a wide variety of native wildlife, including turtles, wood ducks and nesting red-shouldered hawks.
Licata Garden
13640 156th Street North in Jupiter
This remarkable property invites you to stroll through some of Florida’s unique natural plant communities. These micro-ecosystems, nestled into 1.25-acres, have been created with the utilization of natural and man-made elevation changes, and an emphasis on species diversity unique to those communities. There are well over 200 distinct Florida natives to be discovered here, including Milkbark, Florida Toadwood and Wild Dilly.
How to Get Tickets for the Native Plant Garden Tour:
The cost to participate in the annual Native Plant Garden Tour is $10 for non-members and free for FNPS members.
Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at any of the gardens on the day of the tour.
About the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
Established in 1981, the Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida.
Florida native plants attract pollinators & birds, conserve water, eliminate the need for harmful sprays and create an ecologically friendly & sustainable landscape. Native plants are increasingly in demand as people realize they can positively impact the environment and alsohave a beautiful, vibrant landscape.
Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Mounts Botanical Garden, 531 N. Military Trail. Each meeting has an educational program related to Florida native plants, a native plant giveaway and refreshments. For more information, please call 561.247-3677 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.
Delray Beach Center for the Arts to Launch 2015-2016 Season with Free Friday Concerts at the Pavilion – October 2
DELRAY BEACH, FL – September 14, 2015 – Delray Beach Center for the Arts will launch the 2015-16 Entertainment Season on Friday, October 2 with the opening of Free Friday Concerts at The Pavilion. The Center will take this opportunity to introduce new President/CEO Rob Steele to the community at large.
The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with First Friday Art Walk in the Cornell Museum of Art, a Center for the Arts Showcase in the loggia with information on performances, lectures, classes, workshops and volunteer opportunities, and a food truck expo on the grounds.
At 7:30 p.m., the Center’s Board of Directors will introduce Steele from the Pavilion stage, followed by the first Free Friday Concert featuring the Roots Rock and R&B sounds of the Otis Cadillac Band. Delray Beach Center for the Arts is located at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., downtown Delray Beach.
The 2015-16 Free Friday Concert Series will feature 17 concerts from October 2 through January 22. With something for everyone, it’s music for the masses. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m.; weather permitting; free admission; donations appreciated. Bring lawn chairs, and bring the family, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks and cash bar are available at every concert
Free Friday Concerts at the Pavilion
Season Line-up
October 2 — THE OTIS CADILLAC BAND (Roots Rock/R&B)
October 9 — REMIX (Top 40 Rock/R&B)
October 16 — JAY BLUE BAND (Blues)
October 23 — G & THE FUNKY STUFF (Funk/Soul/Jazz)
October 30 — LAZY BONEZ (80’s Rock Covers)
November 6 — ORANGE SUNSHINE (60’s Covers)
November 13 — THE MOTOWNERS (Motown Tribute)
November 20 — B STREET BAND (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)
November 27 — SIMPLY TINA (Tina Turner Tribute)
December 4 — JOEL DASILVA & THE MIDNIGHT HOWL (Blues/Rock/Soul)
December 11 — STRING THEORY BAND (Rock to Reggae)
December 18 — WILD FIRE BAND (Violin Rock/Blues)
December 25 — PANGEA (Top 40 Rock/R&B)
January 1 — GYPSY LANE (Top 40 Rock/R&B)
January 8 — ON THE ROXX (80’s Covers)
January 15 — GALO’S TRIBUTE TO SANTANA
January 22 — TURNSTILES (Billy Joel Tribute)
The 2015-16 Season Sponsor is Delray Motors. Presenting sponsor for the 2015-16 Free Friday Concert Series is the Delray Motors automotive group: Lincoln of Delray, Delray Subaru and Delray Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.
All dates, times and concerts are subject to change without notice.
About the Delray Beach Center for the Arts:
Delray Beach Center for the Arts offers “a total arts experience™” through events, theater, exhibits and learning opportunities. Celebrating 25 years of arts excellence, the historic campus includes the intimate Crest Theatre (in the restored 1925 Delray High School building) the Cornell Museum of Art (in the 1913 Delray Elementary building), and the Vintage Gymnasium (c. 1925). The Pavilion, which opened in 2002, hosts outdoor concerts and festivals. The School of Creative Arts (located on the second floor of the Crest Theatre) offers art, photography, writing and performance classes. The Center also serves as a venue for community, corporate, private and media events. For information on performances, exhibits, classes or facility rentals, call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
This project is sponsored in part by the City of Delray Beach, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council and the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM GETS SERIOUS ABOUT HAPPINESS
Center’s annual benefit to feature TED talk speaker Shawn Achor, leading expert in positive psychology
Shawn Achor
(Palm Beach, Fla.) More than 11 million people worldwide are interested in what TED talk speaker Shawn Achor has to say – and that is good news for anyone who is seeking some positivity this season. Achor, a leading expert in positive psychology and one of the most popular TED talk speakers of all time, will be the guest presenter at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s annual benefit. The lively and interactive discussion will take place at The Breakers on Wednesday, March 2.
According to Achor’s TED talk, his findings in positive psychology are that “… it’s not necessarily the reality that shapes us, but the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.”
“The Science Center believes that science is everywhere,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “The idea and proof of positive psychology and its implications is important for individuals and for society at large. Just think, if we know we can take measureable steps toward refocusing the way we see our external world for a beneficial payoff all around, why wouldn’t each of us seek to implement these strategies? We are excited to have Shawn Achor speak to our supporters. His presentation style is engaging and exciting and we know our guests will leave with scientifically valid facts on how to shape a happier and healthier lifestyle.”
Spending 12 years at Harvard University, Achor is one of the world’s leading experts on happiness and success. Known for his advocacy of positive psychology, his research was published in Harvard Business Review; his TED talk is one of the most popular ever; he has worked with a third of Fortune 100 companies; lectured in more than 50 countries; and authored two New York Times best-selling books – Before Happiness (2013) and The Happiness Advantage (2010). He also spoke with Oprah on an episode of “Super Soul Sunday” about happiness research and the perception of success.
Leadership for the spring-time benefit includes Caroline Cummings Rafferty, Mary Freitas and Elizabeth Gordon as co-chairs and Frances and Jeffrey Fisheras honorary chairs. Major sponsors to date include Jeffrey and Frances Fisher and Lew and Kathleen Crampton.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center” and an interactive Everglades exhibit. Dinosaurs Around the World, the Science Center’s seasonal blockbuster exhibition, is scheduled to open on November 1. The traveling exhibit features more than a dozen animatronic dinosaurs that roar, swing their tails and move their mouths to the delight of guests of all ages. Allpermanent exhibits will be on display during “Dinosaurs Around the World’s” special showing. Tickets for the March 2 event are $500 per person and seating is limited. Contact Marcy Hoffman, director of institutional development, at (561) 370-7738 or mhoffman@sfsciencecenter.org for more information or for sponsorship opportunities.
Nearly 1,000 Pets Looking for their Forever Home at
Countdown 2 Zero Adoption Event
Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center
Palm Beach County, FL- The second annual Countdown 2 Zero Adoption Event, presented by The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm inside the air conditioned Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach). This free event will feature close to 1,000 of Palm Beach County’s dogs, cats, guinea pigs, bunnies, kittens, and puppies available for adoption.
Organized by Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, the Countdown 2 Zero Adoption Event is a collaborative effort of over two dozen local animal rescue organizations to save the lives of animals in Palm Beach County.
“This will be the biggest one day adoption event in the history of Palm Beach County,” said Rich Anderson, Executive Director & CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “We hope to see as many as 500 pets adopted this year.”
This much-anticipated event will kick-off at 10:00 am with a “Ribbon Snipping” by Congressman Ted Deutch, City of West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, Palm Beach County Commissioner Vice Mayor Paulette Burdick, Radio Legend Jennifer Ross from SUNNY 107.9, Lois Pope, founder and president of The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc., Dianne Sauve, director of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, Rich Anderson, CEO and Executive Director of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Board Members, Lesly Smith (President) along with Sandy Meyer, Joanie Van der Grift and Candy Hamm.
Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) will host a press conference immediately following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to discuss the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 2293), a bill he introduced in the House of Representatives with his Judiciary Committee colleague Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX). This bill provides a federal overlay for many state and local animal cruelty laws by making it a federal crime to commit acts of animal abuse that is in or affects interstate or foreign commerce.
There will be special adoption discounts and incentives, and all new pet parents who adopt that day will receive special gifts, rabies tags, courtesy of Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control and free on-site shampooing by Scenthound Plus. The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Shaggy Shoppe will also be open to purchase pet related items and many corporate partners will be on-site offering promotional goodies.
This year’s confirmed participants include: Adopt-A-Cat Foundation, All for One Pet Rescue, Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Coastal Boxer Rescue of Florida, Compassionate Pug Rescue, Crazy Cavies Guinea Pig Rescue, Destiny For Dogs, Dezzy’s Second Chance Rescue, Elite Greyhounds, Forgotten Florida Felines, Furry Friends Adoption & Clinic, Gaisha, Tundra & Spirits Place, Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue, Great Dane Rescue of South Florida, Have a Heart, Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, Loxahatchee Animal Rescue Community, Luv-A-Bun Rabbit Rescue, Luv A Pet, Paws 2 Help, Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, Pet Haven Rescue, Rising Star Rottweiler Rescue, RU4Me Pet Rescue, Save A Pet Florida, and Tri County Animal Rescue.
Sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor -The Lois Pope LIFE Foundation, Inc.; Animal Farm Foundation; Ardath B. Rosengarden Charitable Trust; Activ4Pets; Darbster Foundation; The Palm Beach Post; Palm Beach Urgent Care; PetFirst Pet Insurance; Pet Supermarket; Nozzle Nolen; Bravecto; TD Bank; C4 Rents; 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, 103.1 WIRK & X 102.3; Scenthound Plus; and ValleyCrest.
About C2Z:
Countdown 2 Zero is public/private community collaboration, initiated by Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, the Board of County Commissioners and Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League to bring animal welfare organizations together and save the lives of all adoptable animals in Palm Beach County. The Countdown 2 ZeroAdoption Event is a collaborative effort between local animal rescues in an effort to save lives. To learn more visit www.countdown2zero.org.
We are thrilled to have Barbara Benson Wymer as our inaugural speaker. An expert on business and social etiquette for adults and children and owner of Benson Protocol, Barbara will discuss the finer points of etiquette and how to present ourselves with confidence and authority. She will touch upon the importance of introductions, dining manners, and “netiquette,” social media decorum.
Having over 29 years of experience with Florida Power & Light Company, Barbara was certified by the Protocol School of Washington in Washington, D.C. She attended MichiganStateUniversity and University of Miami, obtaining her degree in Home Economics and Marketing, and holds an MBA from FloridaAtlanticUniversity.
“Good manners do matter. Good manners during social or business occasions can set you apart from the crowd,” said Barbara.
We are looking forward to learning a lot at what promises to be an entertaining and informative event.
Feel free to bring your lunch with you. The YWCA will provide beverages and dessert.
If you would like to attend, please reply to Carol Henry, 561-640-0050, Ext. 134, or chenry@ywcapbc.org
There is no charge to attend, but space is limited, so please reserve your spot now.
We look forward to seeing you on the 24th!
~ ~ ~
To see additional activities of the YWCA, please visit our website: www.ywcapbc.org
Wellington Announces New Public Information Officer
Liz Nunez
The Village of Wellington is pleased to announce the promotion of Liz Nunez to Public Information Officer. Liz will head the Communications Department and be the primary source of information distribution throughout the Village.
With more than six years of experience as a multimedia journalist, writer/producer, and marketing and communications specialist, Liz comes to Wellington from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and WPTV News Channel 5.
“The Village of Wellington is focused on branding its hometown image as part of its overall strategic plan to encourage growth and address challenges,” said Ms. Nunez. “This Great Hometown is full of stories that people need to hear and I am honored for this opportunity to share them.”
As Public Information Officer, Liz will be responsible for overseeing the coordination and preparation of communications, outreach, and marketing for the Village, along with the Communications Department:
David Feliciano will continue as Digital Media Manager overseeing day-to-day communication productions including Wellington’s Channel 18, Council and Committee Meetings, and public service announcements. David has worked with Wellington for eight years and has an extensive newspaper and advertising background.
Ken D’Agostino joined Wellington as Editor/Production Assistant. He previously worked as a promotional producer for WPTV NewsChannel 5 / Fox 29 for three years; writing, shooting, and editing newscasts and using social media platforms to promote their strategic plan. Ken has worked with Wellington for two years and has extensive video production experience.
Gloria Kelly is the newest member of Wellington’s Communications team. As Program Coordinator, Gloria manages Wellington’s growing web and social media presence. She is a recent University of Alabama graduate.
With many exciting projects on the drawing board, the Communications Department is starting off the new fiscal year with 20th anniversary plans for Wellington (1996 – 1916). Council is focused on promoting Wellington’s business and economic opportunities as well as maintaining the Village’s reputation as an outstanding, safe community to raise a family, with top rated schools, and extensive recreational programs and facilities.
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 visitwww.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Story by Krista Martinelli, Photo Gallery by Monica Kallas
[nggallery id=492]
Check out this surfer Matt and his dog Rosko. See the video!
The first annual Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic was a beautiful morning of dog surfing, demonstrations and fundraising for Furry Friends in Jupiter. And yes, there will definitely be a 2nd Annual event too, says President of Furry Friends Animal Adoption Clinic Patricia DeShong. They had a bit of luck that morning, as the waves were just the perfect size, thanks to a mild Tropical Storm Erika. It was a sunny day, and the dogs were wearing their life jackets and ready to surf!
I had the chance to talk with Patricia DeShong, President ofFurry Friends, marketing guru Ilene Adams (for Furry Friends) and Navy Seal Museum dog trainer Phil Ryan.
Ilene Adams, artist and PR specialist with Patricia DeShong, President of Furry Friends
AW: Pat, how many animals do you care for on a typical day at Furry Friends?
PD (Patricia Deshong): Furry Friends is a no-kill animal shelter. At the present time we have 157 animals – with 63 dogs and 94 cats at both facilities. We also have a large foster network, in addition to our adoptions. Fostering is a great way to see if an animal is suitable and the right fit. Also, we find that animals tend to be more adoptable after spending time in someone’s home. The Humane Society of Greater Jupiter, Tequesta DBA Furry Friends Adoption & Clinic was formerly called SafeHarbor. We are growing with facilities that include the adoption center, the veterinarian clinic, the Furry Friends Thrift Store, and the renovation of our Ranch in PalmCity. The ranch is situated on 27 acres, and includes a cageless cat facility, accommodations for horses – (we currently have four horses) and a peaceful place for dogs and cats. Your tax deductible donations can help us, as we work to build this ranch and make it another safe place for animals.
We are proud to announce that we just received a matching grant from the Batchelor Foundation. They will match every dollar we raise up to $50,000, with the money raised going to the renovation of our ranch in PalmCity. The plans include new housing structures with individual dog runs, agility equipment, a therapy and recreation pool for dogs, renovated cat cottages and a memorial garden with a rainbow bridge.
AW: Tell us about your success stories.
Phoenix before treatment, badly burned.
PD: We rescued Phoenix, a pitbull from BrowardCounty – he had been doused in gasoline and set on fire. (Our service dog trainers, CAMO, felt he was a good candidate for our program, despite the abuse he had suffered. Thanks to surgeon Dr. Latimer in Jupiter, he was able to receive the treatment necessary to get him back to health. Army veteran Derek Butler who was suffering from PTSD was given Phoenix as a service dog. And Phoenix has turned out to be an amazing dog and life saver!
A rehabilitated Phoenix and veteran Derek Butler.
We recently rescued Aurora, a German Shepherd who had been starved and found as a stray and brought to Furry Friends. She was in great pain from mange and had severe lesions throughout her body. We were able to care for her and treat her in our hospital. Our chief veterinarian cleared her for adoption after two months of treatment. The Rowe family visited the shelter the following morning, seeking to replace their beloved shepherd that had passed away. They met Aurora and adopted her, renaming her Lucaya. She loves her new home and family, and this family could not be more grateful.
Aurora, now living in a loving home, after being adopted.
AW: Tell us about your Furry Friends Clinic.
PD: Our Chief Veterinarian is Todd Vinoski, who we feel very blessed and fortunate to have. We have a caring surgeon, Dr. Gonzalez. We work hard and do our best to offer affordable healthcare to the public because we understand the high cost of caring for your pet, and our shelter has seen too many people forced to surrender their pet due to finances. We also help other animal rescue groups at our clinic. By the way, we receive no government funding, except for a small donation from the town of Jupiter. We rely on donations from the public to help and heal animals.
AW: What are some of the best things to donate to Furry Friends Adoption Center and Clinic? How do people get started with volunteering?
PD: Any quality items donated to our thrift store are much appreciated. We can pick up furniture at your location. People sometimes provide Publix gift cards, Walmart gift cards, Target gift cards – these are all helpful and very useful in purchasing much needed products for our shelter. Some donate cat litter, towels or sheets. You can also donate a used car.
If you visit our website FurryFriendsAdoption.org, you will see upcoming events We are looking forward to our second annual “Pawty” on November 21st at Abacoa Country Club where there will be fabulous food, music, dancing and auction items.
We are looking forward to our second annual Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic next year on August 27th, 2016. The community came out with close to 2,000 attendees and we have already begun the planning for next year with sponsors and vendors voicing their support.
Volunteers are always welcome! You can go on our website and start the process. Kids who are 12 and up can come volunteer with a parent. At 16 years of age, you can begin volunteering without a parent. Karen Counts is our volunteer coordinator. We always need dog walkers in the afternoons and weekends. We also need people to do laundry. We appreciate all volunteers!
We had a fundraising and grant writing specialist, who we lost recently to a car accident. Words cannot express how much we miss Joy Cawby. She spread love wherever she went, both to humans and to the many animals she cared for. We held a celebration of Joy’s life on August 9th in North Palm Beach.
AW: What’s the most challenging thing about being President of an animal shelter and clinic in our area?
Without a doubt the fundraising aspect is most challenging. It has become so competitive, and there are so many great rescue organizations and so many charities in general to give to. We often get carried away just getting the day-to-day work done that we don’t get to focus on the fundraising enough.
AW: Tell us about some aspects of Furry Friends that people might not know about.
We work very hard to get ever animal adopted and do not give up no matter how long that it takes. We created programs to help find the perfect match for our pets. We offer our “shelter to service dog program” for veterans suffering with PTSD. We also have our “senior to senior” program, where we match aging adults with senior cats or dogs. We even matched a trucker seeking a companion to keep him company and keep him alert as he drives cross country. Too many animals are sitting in shelters and there are multitudes of ways they can be useful in providing companionship and healing. I intend to explore every possibility!
AW: Ilene Adams, how did you get connected with Furry Friends and end up doing their poster for this Surf Dog Classic event?
The 2015 Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic Poster by Ilene Adams.
IA (Ilene Adams): Pat DeShong had seen my artwork at an art show at Continuum. We have known each other, but she didn’t know I was also an artist. She called to ask me who the artist was for a particular piece, and when I told her it was me, she asked if I would do the poster for the Hang 20 Surf Dog Classic and do PR, in general, for Furry Friends. I am already planning next year’s poster!
AW: Tell us about your experience as an artist.
IA: I lived in Wellington for about ten years and moved to Jupiter three years ago. I create both mixed media paintings and photographs. My artwork has been shown throughout the county at various exhibitions, and currently in the OSGS Gallery in Northwood, West Palm Beach and in the RCB Gallery in downtown Lake Worth. I was an active member of the Wellington Art Society when in Wellington. Now I’m a founding member and on the board of Art Synergy, and we work to promote the arts throughout the whole county.
AW: Do you have pets at home?
IA: I have a dog, Ricky Bobby, who is a rescue, that I refer to as ‘muti-cultural.’ And I have a cat who is a rescue from Furry Friends. I help Furry Friends too by bringing animals to events out in the community, trying to get them adopted. I’m very happy to be promoting Furry Friends as they are a great asset to the community and are a no-kill shelter.
I also had the chance to speak with a Navy Seal dog trainer named Phil Ryan, who was planning on doing a demonstration at the event. Plans changed, so he actually did not make it to the event this year. However, they did explain the role of the Navy Seal dogs, as there was a Navy Seal dog in attendance.
AW: How long does it take to train a Navy Seal dog? How do you train them?
PR (Phil Ryan): Navy Special Warfare K9’s start their training as young as eight weeks old. By the time they are 1-1/2 to 2 years old, they are deployable. They are multi-purpose K9s; they are trained to take down bad guys and sniff for explosives. They are capable of tracking, parachuting with their handler and fast-roping from helicopters. Like their human counterpart, they do it all.
AW: What are some of the most amazing things they do?
PR: It’s their ability to work in the harshest conditions for hours at a time, day in and day out.
AW: What’s something most people don’t know about these dogs that you wish they did know?
PR: Most people think that once a dog is trained, that’s it – they are ready for work. The reality is that the training never ends, it’s constant. These dogs have to be obedient and ready to work at all times. In order to achieve that goal, these dogs are not domesticated like most house pets. There’s no treat rewards or pampering these dogs. There working dogs, they need to be tough to be able to deal with harsh environments and dangerous work. There is a bond between the handler and K9, and time for some affection, but for the most part, it’s strictly business.
AW: Why are they perfectly suited to some of the jobs they do?
PR: These K9s are bred for this type of work. Genetics and proper training enables these dogs to do the job they do.
AW: Tell us about what breeds of dogs are used.
PR: The SEAL teams use Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. These two breeds are very similar. Slight difference in coloration. They are smaller, lighter and faster than a German Shepherd. They are much more suitable for the job at hand.
AW: Do they “retire” and become service dogs at a certain point?
PR: SEAL team dogs have an average service time of about 4 to 6 years at best and can have up to as many as three handlers. Once the dog retires from service, the handlers have first shot at adopting the dog.
AW: Tell us about the Navy Seal Museum in Fort Pierce. How long have you worked there?
PR: The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, also known as the Navy SEAL Museum, is located at 3300 North A1A, North Hutchinson Island, in St. Lucie County, just outside Fort Pierce, Florida. It houses exhibits to inform and educate on the role of Navy Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) teams.[1] The museum also preserves the history of the SEALs (the original Navy frogmen first trained outside of Fort Pierce).
The museum also owns a home along the Indian River called the Trident House. It is a home where the Navy SEALs and their families can unwind between deployments.
I have worked at the museum for about four years. It has truly been an honor to work amongst the SEAL community.
Furry Friends Adoption Center & Clinic
401 Maplewood Drive Suite 10
Jupiter, Florida 33458
