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June, 2015 – Wellington Rotary Club announces Peace Contest Winners

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June, 2015 – Wellington Rotary Club announces Peace Contest Winners

Rotary Club of Wellington Announces United Nations Peace Ceremony Winners for 2015- For Immediate Release – June 3rd, 2015

The Rotary Club of Wellington is proud to announce its United Nations Rotary Peace Ceremony Contest winners for 2015.  The contests were held throughout the Wellington School District.  The Rotary Peace Initiative is aimed at having local area students think about world peace in terms of conflict resolution and multi-cultural understanding.  We had record participation in our contests from the school children from elementary school to high school.  All awards will be presented at the Wellington Rotary Club’s World Peace Ceremony on September 20th, 2015.

The Peace Poster contest was held for the 4th grade and the winners are as follows:  Binks Forest Elementary School- Kaitlin Han (overall contest winner) and her teacher, Mrs. Gifford. Kaitlin wins $75.00.    Elbridge Gail Elementary School- Amelia Perusse, and her teacher Dr. Nicole Crane.  Equestrian Trails Elementary School- Mark Egan, and his teacher Mrs. Tolley.  Panther Run Elementary School- Adriana Gravellese, and her teacher Mrs. Salehi.  New Horizons Elementary School- Sophia Hernandez, and her teacher Mrs. Mau.    Each individual student winner will be awarded $50.00 at the ceremony.   Also the teachers will receive $50.00 for classroom supplies.  Also want to thank members of the Rotary Club including Don Gross, Tiffany Rodriguez, and Debi Yohn for coordinating these competitions.   Congratulations to all of the poster contest winners and their teachers.

The Poetry Competition was run in the Middle Schools including Polo Park and Emerald Cove.  The winner from Polo Park is Jason Benhardus, and his teacher is Ms. Hruska.  The winner from Emerald Cove is Sydney Nguyen, and her teacher is Amy Yuzenas.  Each student wins $75.00 and teachers win $50.00 for classroom supplies. We thank Rotary member Susan O’Dell for coordinating this competition.

 

Finally, the Essay Competition was run in Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central High School.  The winner from Palm Beach Central is Jared Gott, and his teacher is Stephanie Baker.   The winner from Wellington High School is Emily McClimans, and her teacher is Flora Rigolo.  Both students will win $100.00 and teachers will win $50.00 for classroom use.  We want to thank Tom Carreras for coordinating this contest.

All students will be honored and will receive their awards at our Peace Ceremony on Sunday September 20, 2015 at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive (next to the Wellington Library.  All families and friends of the contest winners are encouraged to attend.   We want to thank all of the teachers and the students who participated in our various contests.  Without your support, these contests would not be possible.  This is an integral part of our yearly Rotary Peace Initiative in the Wellington Community.  We want to take this opportunity to invite the entire Wellington community to our annual ceremony on September 20th, 2015.  Finally, we wish to thank Larry Kemp, Peace Initiative Chairman, for coordinating all of the events for the Rotary Club of Wellington Peace Initiative.

For Immediate Release- Any questions, contact Bob Salerno of the Rotary Club of Wellington (561) 512-8247 or e-mail: .

Members of Rotary Club of Wellington Peace Contests Committee – from left Tom Carreras, Debi Yohn, Tiffany Rodriguez, Herta Suess, Don Gross, Susan O’Dell , and Chairman Larry Kemp.

 

June, 2015 – Start Spreading the News

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June, 2015 – Start Spreading the News

Attention: Broadway Bound Performers!

Tara Rubin, an elite New York City casting director, has joined the faculty for The Broadway Artists Intensive to be held this summer at the Raymond F.Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition, a few spots remain available for the July 6-25 program, designed for local young people dreaming of making it big on Broadway. Video auditions can be submitted at www.thebroadwayartistsintensive.com/florida/video-audtions.Rubin, owner of Tara Rubin Casting, and her firm have cast the Tony-winning Broadway productions of Mamma Mia!, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Aladdin, to name a few. Her staff has also served as casting directors for Yale Repertory Theater for the past 11 seasons and has worked with many regional theaters, including La Jolla Playhouse, The Williamstown Theater Festival and the Dallas Theater Center.

TBAI_Tara Rubin
Tara Rubin

Rubin is a graduate of Boston University and serves on the board of the Casting Society of America.

The Broadway Artists Intensive at the KravisCenter is a one-of-a-kind program in our community, allowing selected performing arts students the rare opportunity to train with some of Broadway’s most celebrated names. Several local students have been cast in Broadway productions as a result of their participation in The Broadway Artists Intensive.

 

KRAVIS CENTER TO HOST THE BROADWAY ARTISTS INTENSIVE

TO PROVIDE ADVANCED MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING FOR SOUTH FLORIDA STUDENTS

(West Palm Beach, FL) – Start spreading the news! South Florida students hoping to make it in the “Big Apple” can do more than give their regards to Broadway when the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosts The Broadway Artists Intensive, a three-week, advanced musical theater training program to be presented by award-winning faculty who have all done multiple Broadway shows.

Casting

A few spots remain for The Broadway Artists Intensive, and are filled by audition only. A limited number of students between the ages of 12 and 20 will be selected for the program, which immerses them in the three major musical theater disciplines: acting, voice and dance. The Broadway Artists Intensive will be held July 6-25, 2015, at the KravisCenter, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The cost to participants is $1,500. To submit a video audition, please visit www.thebroadwayartistsintensive.com/florida/video-auditions or call  561-651-4376.

Created by venerable Broadway performers Jason Gillman, Jackie Bayne Gillman and Greg Graham, The Broadway Artists Intensive classes will be taught by an all-Broadway faculty, including “special guest artists.” Previous guest artists have included famed Director/Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who has received multiple Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, and TV star and Tony winner Christian Borle of NBC’s Smash.

 

Other guest artists have included Tony-nominated actress Laura Bell Bundy, Emmy Award-winning and Broadway choreographer Josh Bergasse (On the Town, So You Think You Can Dance), Broadway casting director Nora Brennan (Matilda, Billy Elliot) and TV/film/Broadway casting director Justin Huff of Telsey and Company (Newsies, Kinky Boots).

 

Gillman, a graduate of the University of Florida, starred opposite John Lithgow and Jonathan Pryce in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels on Broadway and has also performed in such Broadway productions as Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Never Gonna Dance, Annie Get Your Gun, Hello Dolly and Legally Blonde The Musical. Gillman relocated to Jupiter, FL, with his wife and Broadway veteran actress Jackie Bayne Gillman, who most recently was seen on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific at LincolnCenter.

 

Ms. Bayne Gillman’s additional credits include: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Ragtime, White Christmas and performing the starring role of Sugar in Some Like It Hot opposite screen legend, Tony Curtis. She has worked at Goodspeed Opera (Connecticut), Pioneer Theater in Salt Lake City, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, the El Portal in Los Angeles, ArtPark (Buffalo), Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theater (Chicago), Virginia Musical Theater, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Favorite roles include Amneris in Aida, Z’s Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies, and Charity in Sweet Charity.

 

For more than 20 years, the nonprofit KravisCenter for the Performing Arts has helped students of all ages fuel their imaginations and expand their lives through comprehensive arts education programs. Last season, more than 60,000 children from Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties attended numerous performances through the Kravis Center S*T*A*R (Students and Teachers Arts Resource) Series. More than 3,000 adults attended ArtSmart continuing education classes and lectures – with topics ranging from Marilyn Monroe to Cuban folklore music.

 

“We are very pleased to be collaborating with the Artistic Directors of The Broadway Artists Intensive to offer a high caliber performing arts summer program here at the KravisCenter for our career-track young artists,” said Tracy C. Butler, Kravis Center Director of Education.

 

Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the RaymondF.Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a renowned national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for approximately 2 million school children.

June, 2015 – Joey’s Outback Events

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June, 2015 – Joey’s Outback Events

Joey’s Outback Events, June 2015, Wellington, FL

JoeysJuneEvents

June, 2015 – Events at the Palm Beach Zoo

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June, 2015 – Events at the Palm Beach Zoo

June 2015 Special Events Announced for Palm Beach Zoo

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is announcing the following special events and promotions for the month of June 2015:

Safari Nights: June 5, June 12, June 19, June 26, 4:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The public is invited to the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society for all Friday evenings from June through August, with discounted admission beginning at 4:15 p.m. and entertainment starting at 5:30 p.m. The fun lasts until 9:00 p.m. in the Zoo’s newly-expanded “Safari Nights” series! The family-friendly events will feature a different theme each Friday night, and will include entertainment, such as the following activities:

 

  • Roving Animal Encounters, Keeper Talks & Training Sessions
  • Interactive Fountain Fun, Kid’s Games & Eco Craft Stations
  • DJ Dance Parties hosted by Noisy Neighbors DJs from Glass Productions
  • Giveaways
  • Dinner Specials in the Tropics Café and other “Themed” Fun Food Options
  • Children’s Entertainment of Various Themes such as Face Painting, Air Brush Tattoos, Costume Contests, Sand Art, Character Meet ‘n’ Greets, Bounce House or other Live Kid’s Entertainment
  • Photo Opportunities with the Palm Beach Zoo “Zoo Crew’s” Costume Characters: Timmy the Tiger, Bongo the Bear, and Teddy the Toucan (weather dependent)
  • Live Music for the Grown-Ups on the Tropics Cafe Deck Overlooking Baker Lake on Select Evenings

 

Vendor and sponsor opportunities are available for this family-friendly event, so interested parties can contact info@palmbeachzoo.org for more details.

 

Pricing for “Safari Nights” is as follows:

 

·       Zoo Members                                            Free

·       Non-Member Adult (13 and older)                $15.95

·       Non-Member Child (3-12)                             $9.95

·       All Children under 3                                      Free

 

All Zoo members are admitted at no charge for all Safari Nights. The Safari Nights schedule for 2015 is as follows:

 

June 5: “Safari Night: Under the Sea” – Children will enjoy games, such as an Octopus Ring Toss, the Shark Limbo and a Tropical Fish Bean Bag Toss, keepsake crafts such as sand art and color-your-own “Under the Sea” visors, prizes and giveaways, face painting, a DJ Dance Party hosted by Noisy Neighbors DJs, and themed photo opportunities throughout the Zoo. They can also dress to match the “Under the Sea” theme to be entered to win a $150 Palm Beach Zoo Prize Pack, with a winner to be drawn at the end of the summer.

 

June 12: “Safari Night: Medieval Fest & Fairytales” – Children will enjoy interacting with medieval characters and their favorite fairytale princesses, themed games with prizes, keepsake crafts, giveaways, face painting, a DJ Dance Party hosted by Noisy Neighbors DJs, and themed photo opportunities throughout the Zoo. They can also dress to match the “Medieval & Fairytale” theme to be entered to win a $150 Palm Beach Zoo Prize Pack, with a winner to be drawn at the end of the summer.

 

June 19: “Safari Night: Pirate Fest” – Children will enjoy pirate themed games and prizes, keepsake crafts such as sand art, giveaways, face painting, a DJ Dance Party hosted by Noisy Neighbors DJs, and themed photo opportunities with pirate characters throughout the Zoo. They can also dress to match the “Pirate” theme to be entered to win a $150 Palm Beach Zoo Prize Pack, with a winner to be drawn at the end of the summer.

 

June 26: “Safari Night: Dinosaur/Jurassic Night” – Children will enjoy dinosaur themed games such as a dino dig with prizes, keepsake crafts, giveaways, face painting, a DJ Dance Party hosted by Noisy Neighbors DJs, and themed photo opportunities with dino-scientist characters throughout the Zoo. They can also dress to match the “Dinosaur” theme to be entered to win a $150 Palm Beach Zoo Prize Pack, with a winner to be drawn at the end of the summer.

 

Zoo Camp: June 8-12, June 15-19, June 22-26, June 29-July 3, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Children are invited to go wild this summer at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society during Zoo Camp! Guests can come for one week or the entire summer. Each week offers a unique wildlife theme as participants experience zookeeping activities, behind-the-scenes tours, scavenger hunts, enriching conservation education activities and fountain fun in the Interactive Play Fountain.

 

Every day participants will enjoy up-close animal encounters, animal exhibit visits, crafts, games, and much more! The Zoo offers programs for ages 5 to 17 years of age. Optional Before/After Care from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. as well as an optional lunch can be added on to a Zoo Camp experience at additional charges.

 

To find out more information and to register for Zoo Camp, visit this link: http://www.palmbeachzoo.org/zoo-camp

 

Palm Beach Zoo Beach Clean-Up for World Oceans Day, June 8, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is hosting its first-ever Palm Beach Zoo Beach Clean-Up in honor of World Oceans Day on Monday, June 8, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the R. G. Kreusler Memorial Park at 2695 Ocean Boulevard in Palm Beach, Florida. People are invited to participate to support the Zoo’s mission of inspiring people to act on behalf of wildlife.

Roar & Pour: June 13, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Guests can enjoy a night at the Zoo with drinks, food and live music during “Roar & Pour” at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society on Saturday, June 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public will hear live music from South Florida’s favorite Beatles tribute band, Across the Universe, in the Zoo’s Interactive Play Fountain area beginning at 5:30 p.m. Attendees can expect fun up-close animal encounters, entertaining zookeeper talks and a Tap Takeover with Twisted Trunk Brewing. The Zoo will have some café tables and chairs in the Fountain area during the event, and guests are invited to bring folding lawn chairs for comfort while listening to bands.

Admission: Adult Non-Member (13 and older) $10, Adult Member (13 and older) $9, Child Non-Member (ages 3 through 12) $7, Child Member (ages 3 through 12) $6, Children under 3 are free. Admission prices start at 4:30 p.m. and live music begins at 5:30 p.m. Food and drinks are not included in the cost of admission.

Video of the first Roar & Pour of 2015 — http://youtu.be/TKVr-WawEoI

 

Food Truck Safari: June 27, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Feed your inner animal at some of South Florida’s best food trucks inside the Zoo, when the “Food Truck Safari” returns on Saturday, June 27. Enjoy live music, beer, wine and frozen drinks from a Tiki Bar, exciting zookeeper talks and fun, up-close animal encounters along with culinary delights and from a great selection of South Florida food trucks spread throughout the Zoo.

 

Admission, which does not include food and beverage purchases, is $9 for adult Zoo members, $10 for adult non-members, $6 for child Zoo members, $7 for child non-members and free for toddlers under age three. All food trucks are donating a portion of their proceeds toward Zoo operations. Trucks accept cash or credit. Gate proceeds support regular Zoo operations.

 

The Zoo encourages all food trucks to apply sustainable practices in their daily operations, and will once again give a “Sustainability Award” to the truck that excels in the most environmental and conservation sustainability categories in food production and presentation.

Video of the first Food Truck Safari of 2015 — https://youtu.be/sx9sX6le1hs

About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.

The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org. 

June, 2015 – K Park Meeting Brings Opinions to the Forefront

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June, 2015 – K Park Meeting Brings Opinions to the Forefront

Village of Wellington Interactive K Park Meeting Brings Residents’ Opinions to the Forefront

By Lois Spatz

It was a packed house at the Village of Wellington Town Hall meeting last night as residents gathered to have their opinions heard regarding the approximately 70 acre “K” Park that sits empty on the edge of the village along the corridors of Stribling Way and State Road 7.

The K Park meeting in Wellington on June 2nd. Photo by Lois Spatz.
The K Park meeting in Wellington on June 2nd. Photo by Lois Spatz.

Village of Wellington Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Delaney opened the meeting to discuss the property that was originally purchased in 2006 for 8 million dollars and presently partially being used for farming. “We are currently meeting the demands for park and recreational services according to analysis of our current inventory but if there is more growth it may exceed the demands of our current inventory.” Delaney went on to say there are National standards and there are Wellington standards. “There are standard levels of service and then there are Wellington levels of service. Wellington levels of service are much higher and that is why people love to live here in Wellington.”

VOW Director of Operations Jim Barnes led the audience in a half hour interactive question and answer session regarding possible usage of the space. Questions like “does Wellington need a walking or entertainment district with restaurants, shopping, cultural space/events and similar activities?” and “Should the Village sell the K Park property (or a portion) for private development to fund community infrastructure improvements? Residents answered with handheld clickers responding 55% no and  54% yes respectively.

The Village of Wellington council sat calmly on the sidelines, while residents took to the podium one by one to give their personal thoughts on the property.

“Instead of asking questions like yes, no, or do we want to sell, we should have been asked what do we want to do with the property, said Olympia Village Board President William Flack. Flack expressed he felt there was a lack of transparency and fueled frustration in the lack of communication from the village.

Jupiter Jenkins of Village Walk said he and his family moved to Wellington a year and a half ago to get away from an area filled with apartment complexes. “Every time we go out on the weekends, we are driving to Delray or Jupiter,” Jenkins said. “ I would like to stay in Wellington and have something here where we can spend our money within the community. A place that would create more jobs and combine park space with restaurants would be great.”

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Tom Wenham addresses the crowd. Photo by Lois Spatz.

Past VOW Mayor Tom Wenham brought both his wisdom and experience as he stepped up to the microphone,  “I was mayor when we purchased K Park and it should be kept as what it was originally purchased for, green space. It is the most important piece of property we have left and we have to keep it open as green space.”  Wenham suggested that the Village vote to keep an open referendum known as a restricted covenant. “ This will allow voters to ultimately decide what happens with this property.

Many residents who spoke or filled out comment cards said they would like to see gardens, restaurants, and entertainment venues while some said Wellington needs more spaces for sports such as soccer and baseball.

For now the decision will remain open for further discussion. Please go to mywellington.org  or wellingtonfl.gov  for more information on how you can become involved with the important decisions for Wellington’s future and the future of K Park.

 

 

June, 2015 – Dark Chocolate Brownie Pops

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June, 2015 – Dark Chocolate Brownie Pops

Yummy Treats

Dark Chocolate Brownie Pops

BrowniePops

Directions


Special equipment: 20 lollipop sticks and a block of florist foam

Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. Or parchment paper.

Sift together the sugar, cocoa, flour and salt. Drizzle in the melted butter while still hot, add the vanilla and stir until combined. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop out 20 portions and use your hands to roll them into neat balls. (By the way, if you want to take a short cut, you could use a good brownie mix like Ghirardelli brownie mix). Press a lollipop stick into each ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Or refrigerate for quicker cooling.

Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave or double boiler and let cool slightly. Dip each pop into the chocolate. Lightly tap the stick on the side of the bowl so the chocolate sheets around the sides and drips off. Sprinkle over the chocolate jimmies or rainbow sprinkles. Place the sticks in the florist foam and allow the pops to set at room temperature.

Original recipe courtesy of Ree Drummond

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/dark-chocolate-brownie-pops.html

June, 2015 – Road Tripping through Virginia

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June, 2015 – Road Tripping through Virginia

Travel with TerriTerriM2015

Road Tripping Through Virginia:  Three Perfect Stops

Story by Terri Marshall, Photos by Gregory Holder

 

When I was a child summer vacations meant road-trips.  Many of those memorable trips were taken in a van customized by my Daddy in the typical greens and browns of the 1970s complete with shag carpet and bean bag chairs.  (I am not kidding.)  I’m still a fan of road trips although nowadays I forgo the 1970s van.  Recently I road-tripped through Virginia with my guy and discovered three perfect road trip stops easily reachable from the Blue Ridge Parkway…one of the most scenic drives in America.

VACharlottesvilleAWCharlottesville:  History, Wine and Farm-to-Table Goodness

Thomas Jefferson left an impressive mark on Charlottesville.  As founder of the University of Virginia, Jefferson fulfilled his vision of creating a “bulwark of the human mind in this hemisphere.”  The university’s Rotunda and adjoining Pavilions along with Jefferson’s beloved mountain top home, Monticello, are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Guided tours of the home, plantation and gardens provide a deeply personal look at this country’s third president and the author of our Declaration of Independence.  Gazing out at the stunning views of the surrounding mountains we could easily understand why he loved this place so much.Just a quarter mile away, historic Michie Tavern serves up a bit of 18th century tavern life and delicious plates of fried chicken with all the fixings.  Over 200 years ago Michie Tavern accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging.  Artifacts, games and stories from the days gone by were brought to life as we toured the tavern rooms.

The picturesque countryside surrounding Charlottesville is filled with bucolic rolling hills and plenty of options for sampling theVAJeffersonVineyardWinesAW fruit of the vine.  It seems those former Virginia tobacco fields had just the right soil for producing grapes.  We spent an afternoon wine-tasting at some vineyards with award-winning wines and rather famous names – Jefferson and Trump.  My personal favorite, Blenheim Vineyards, is owned by a local musician who became a national hit – Dave Matthews.  The wines were delicious, the labels works of art and the atmosphere – with its timber frame tasting room and views overlooking the vineyards – perfect.

 

Restaurants in town serve locally produced wines and farm-to-table goodness.  Located along the brick streets of downtown Charlottesville, Brookville Restaurant is the essence of farm-to-table goodness.  Owners, Jennifer and Harrison Keevil, source their ingredients from Virginia farmers, foragers and their own chef’s garden.  Their motto is:  “Friends grow it, we cook it, you love it!”  And we did.

 

VARailwalkAWRoanoke – A Star for Railfans

 

If you happen to travel with a railroad fan like I do, Roanoke is a must see destination.  The charming downtown is home to the Virginia Museum of Transportation which is about 95% trains.  The museum’s collection includes over 50 pieces of locomotives and other rail cars including the largest collection of diesel locomotives in the southern United States.  Nearby the O. Winston Link Museum displays the iconic images captured by the famous train photographer of the 1940s-50s.  You may be surprised at how many you recognize.

 

Roanoke’s rich railroad history is further displayed along the David R. and Susan S. Goode Railwalk that extends 1/3 mile from Market Street to Warehouse Row.  The path parallels the train tracks and includes historic memorabilia along the way. The walkvaroanokeStarAW includes signals, whistles, plaques and storyboards with information about the events in railroad history.  My guy’s favorite was the radio scanner that allowed him to listen to chatter from engineers and dispatchers.  And if you just want to watch train traffic, this is the place with approximately 40 trains passing through in a 24 hour period.

 

After a train filled afternoon, I convinced my man to leave the trains behind and head up Mill Mountain to check out the Roanoke Star.  This iconic symbol of Virginia’s Blue Ridge is 100 feet tall and sits perched atop the mountain overlooking the surrounding valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is the largest, man-made, illuminated star in the world and has been a favorite spot for photos since its construction in 1949 as a “temporary” Christmas decoration.

 

Floyd – Characters, Art and Music

 

Floyd is a tiny little town with loads of character.   There is just one traffic light in the whole county and most people driving through the intersection of Highway 221 and State Road 8 have no idea what Floyd has to offer.  For generations the county has been home to long-rooted families who have made their living in agriculture, but in the 1970’s that began to change.  Drawn to the natural beauty of the area, there was an influx of free-thinking, free-spirited, artistic, tie-dyed newcomers adding a wonderful spice to the eclectic mix of the community.  Today gourmet markets and health-food stores stand alongside hardware and farm supply stores.  The overall clad farmers live in harmony with their tie-dyed clad neighbors – and the community has evolved into a nest of creativity.

 

The celebration of the arts is in full swing each June along the Floyd Artisan Trail where local artisans and agrarian cultures share their creative passions by opening their studio doors and pasture gates for tours.  The event showcases the work of potters, jewelry-makers, woodworkers, fine artists, photographers and papermakers who eagerly share their craft.  There are also bee keepers, alpaca farmers and medicinal herb growers along the trail.

VAFloydFridayNightsAW

The roots of traditional American music are firmly planted in Southwestern Virginia where The Crooked Road (Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail) traverses 333 miles through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Crooked Road runs through the heart of Floyd.  We arrived in Floyd just in time for a “Floyd Friday night” when the music comes to life.  Our first stop was the Floyd Country Store where traditional Appalachian music reigns with some gospel and bluegrass added into the mix.  Farmers, aging hippies, parents, teens and children flooded the dance floor to kick up their heels to the toe-tapping tunes.   The music spilled outside on the streets where world class musicians were playing everything from jazz and blues to classical.

There’s really nothing quite like a Floyd Friday night.

 

***

Terri is a New York City based writer who is happiest when she’s globetrotting.  She is the Special Projects Editor for TravelSquire.com, the National Chocolate Examiner, the Globetrotting Grandmom for TravelingMom.com and a contributor to several other publications.  Tough life, right? You can find more of Terri’s work along with tales of her adventures on the NYC subway on her website:  www.trippingwithterri.com  Follow her on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/TrippingwithTerri  and on Twitter @trippingwterri .

 

 

 

June, 2015 – From Abe Lincoln

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June, 2015 – From Abe Lincoln

A Few Words from Honest AbeLincoln

I am not bound to win but I am bound to be true.
I am not bound to succeed,
but I am bound to live by the light that I have.

I must stand with anybody that stands right,
and stand with him while he is right,
and part with him when he goes wrong.

~ Abraham Lincoln

June, 2015 – Pet Hurricane Evacuation Kit

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June, 2015 – Pet Hurricane Evacuation Kit

Paws-itive PressMarkPVC1

Pet Hurricane Evacuation Kit

By Mark Planco of Planco Veterinary Care

Preparing for hurricane season must include making preparations for your pets. Having a pet evacuation kit is essential and should be put together now since hurricane season has arrived again. Waiting for a storm to threaten our coast may be too late.

The first step is to make sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and lab tests. If you must evacuate to a shelter you must have these requirements to take your pet with you. All shelters will require proof of rabies vaccination and to protect your pet from the other animals, having Distemper Complex and Bordetella vaccination, and Intestinal parasite screening will provide that protection. Obtaining the records last minute is easy and quick, getting in for the appointment may not be. If you have to evacuate, your veterinarian probably does too.

For cats you should have an ample sized carrier for each individual. It should be large enough for food, water and a litter box. Bring a litter scooper and plastic bags for disposal. You should also have a collar or harness with identification on it and a leash so you always have control when he/she is out of the carrier. Cats will also need proof of rabies vaccination and it would be helpful to have your cat vaccinated for upper respiratory viruses and leukemia.

For dogs, you should have a collar or harness with ID and leashes. Small dogs that will fit comfortably in carriers should have one. You should also be prepared to clean up after your dog even if walking outside is safe.

All animals should have at least one favorite toy picked out to take so there is something familiar and help make the evacuation tolerable. Food and water should be packed in air tight containers enough for at least one week. Animals on continuous medications should keep ample quantity on hand in case a storm arises. Most can be provided quickly, but some meds may run out and need to be ordered, which may be too late. During the summer months refill meds before they completely run out. If your pet is on a medication that has a long expiration date, keep an extra week or two in your evacuation kit.  Veterinarians try to keep enough stock of all necessary meds but don’t miss out, stock up early.

Another very important part of preparation for a hurricane is to make sure your pet (including horses) is microchipped. If they get lost without their collars or lose their collar they can be found and returned to you through their microchip. If your pet is not microchipped you can learn more at this link: www.public.homeagain.com/.

For topics that you suggest Dr. Planco discuss please email: planco@plancovetcare.com.

Dr. Mark Planco’s compassion for animals has been a lifelong labor of love. He earned both his undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at the University of Florida. Dr. Planco has treated small and large animals since 1991, and has been in Palm Beach County since 1994. Dr. Planco is a member of the Palm Beach Veterinary Society, American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.  Visit PlancoVetCare.com for further information or call 561-795-9507.

***

Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provide information on which you should use to diagnose or treat a medical condition or delay seeking medical attention. This column is of no value with respect to any medical condition that needs prompt attention. If you have a question that needs an immediate answer, you should call your own veterinarian or emergency animal hospital, especially if you are confronting a medical emergency!

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June, 2015 – Free Summer Theatre in South Florida

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FREE SUMMER THEATRE IN SOUTH FLORIDA!

WLRN & THE SOUTH FLORIDA THEATRE LEAGUE’S ANNUAL SUMMER THEATRE FESTIVAL 2015 LINE-UP

June 1st, 7:30 PM
Stages of the Sun: Readings of New Plays
by South Florida Theatre League Playwrights
at Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre (see link for directions: http://www.flct.org/) *

Come see readings of six new short plays by Theatre League Playwrights! This smashing success of an event opens the Summer Theatre Festival’s Reading Series. It’s an hour of great fun and you don’t want to miss it! The program includes the following:

Drive Safely written by Samantha Liguori

I Bet You Think Gotham Is About You written by Desiree Mora

Losing Trust written by Marjorie O’Neill-Butler

The Hole in the Wall written by Frank Quintana

Payback written by Michael Rutenberg

Strange But True written by Marla E. Schwartz

Here’s a little bit of information about each play to enhance your curiosity and increase enthusiasm about this event:

Drive Safely written by Samantha Liguori

SYNOPSIS: “Drive Safely” is about four friends having to choose to let go of the past in order to be in the present.  It expresses the idea that memories are something to cherish, but not something to live by.

DIRECTOR: Cristina Marie Pla-Guzman

ACTORS: Christopher Cheng, Cristina Delgado, Frank De la Oliva, Antonio Rodriguez

 

I Bet You Think Gotham Is About You written by Desiree Mora

SYNOPSIS: In the world of “What If…?” What if Batman and Catwoman lived together and raised a child? Finally unmasked like never before, delve into the relationship of these two iconic but very private characters. 

DIRECTOR: Marjorie O’Neill-Butler

ACTORS:  Michelle Antelo, Eric Valdes

Losing Trust written by Marjorie O’Neill-Butler

SYNOPSIS: Ciara catches her fiancé with his hands up her girlfriends skirt and escapes to the ladies room of the restaurant. There she meets Jennifer who teaches her more than one lesson about love and respect.

DIRECTOR: Marjorie O’Neill-Butler

ACTORS:  Michelle Antelo, Donna Warfield, Eric Valdes

The Hole in the Wall written by Frank Quintana

SYNOPSIS:A mother shares her pains, dreams, and everyday strifes, with her withdrawn mute son, in this stark tale of loss and dissatisfaction in a forlorn landscape.

DIRECTOR: Chris D’Angelo

ACTORS:  Evelyn Perez & Preston Howell

Payback written  by Michael Rutenberg

SYNOPSIS: This is the story of an elderly Jewish doctor who refuses to leave the old neighborhood in Canarsie, Brooklyn as so many of his patients, friends, family, and colleagues have done. One early evening the doctor has a dangerous street encounter with an African-American young man who attempts to rob him. Both soon realize they have a strong common bond.

DIRECTOR: Michael Rutenberg

ACTORS:  Chris Campbell and Michael Rutenberg

Strange But True written by Marla E. Schwartz

SYNOPSIS: A black-comedy that revolves around the life of Steve Rogers who is obsessed with super-heroes. He lives in Miami, FL with his sister Polly who collects exotic animals. Steve is also looking for a rich wife, which he believes he has found in a woman named Helka from Norway. Polly is selling some of her exotics and unknowingly contacted an Undercover Wildlife Officer, Teddy, to make such a transaction.

DIRECTOR: Jerry K. Jensen

ACTORS:  Melissa Almaguer, Steven Chambers-Wilson, Francesca Toledo, Kent Chambers-Wilson

Free Night of Theater

Free Night of Theater is an audience development program that has proved to be immensely popular since the League first introduced it in 2008. Free Night offers patrons an excellent opportunity to visit a venue they’ve never been to before, or sample a type of theatre they might not otherwise ever consider. Developed by the Theatre Communications Group (the national organization for American Theatre) about a decade ago to increase audiences, subsequent studies found that approximately 42% of patrons who attend a Free Night of Theatre return to that theatre and purchase tickets.  So far, participating theatres include Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and Evening Star Productions, however several more theatres are expected to participate.

Patrons can sign up for tickets at http://summerfestfreenight.southfloridatheatre.com/ starting on June 10 for performances during the month of July. The window to enter the lottery will close on June 24, and patrons will find out if they have won tickets on June 29.

The South Florida Theatre League is “an alliance of theatrical organizations and professionals dedicated to nurturing, promoting, and advocating for the growth and prestige of the South Florida theatre industry”.  To date, the League is the umbrella organization for close to 80 theatres between Key West and Jupiter.

The Theatre League’s Summer Theatre Fest has become an integral part of South Florida’s cultural landscape, and this year, South Florida audiences will once again have the opportunity to see theatre for free, check out new plays in development by South Florida playwrights, and tell the world what the arts – and theatre – mean to them.  The success of last summer’s Come Under Our Umbrella program and play reading series indicated to the League that theatre patrons are ready and willing to try new theatrical experiences, and even cross county lines to do it.

The theme governing this year’s Summer Theatre Fest activities is Step Onto Our Stage.  A unique ‘step and repeat’ has been created especially for the program, featuring theatrical curtains in front of a wall imprinted with the League’s logo.  Patrons will be invited to Step Onto Our Stage to be photographed or videoed ‘on stage’ as they are interviewed about their theatrical experiences, and the significance of the arts in their lives.  The step and repeat, which made its ‘debut’ at the South Florida Theatre League sponsored Carbonell Awards ‘after party’, will travel to participating theatres throughout the summer.

Summer Theatre Fest:  Each Monday from June 1 to August 31, a South Florida Theatre League member theatre will host a reading of a new play by a local playwright. Playwrights range from established local favorites, including Carbonell Award-winners and nominees, to emerging talents, with plays vastly ranging in subject matter and style.

Step Onto Our Stage – Reading Schedule:

Each Monday from June 1 to August 31, a South Florida Theatre League member theatre will host a reading of a new play by a local playwright. Playwrights range from established local favorites, including Carbonell Award-winners and nominees, to emerging talents, with plays vastly ranging in subject matter and style.

All Readings Take Place on a Monday and are Free and Open to the Public

June 1st
Stages of the Sun: Readings of New Plays
by South Florida Theatre League Playwrights
at Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre at 7:30 PM

Come see readings of new plays by Theatre League Playwrights! The program includes Samantha Liguori’s Drive Safely, Desiree Mora’s I Bet You Think Gotham Is About You, Marjorie O’Neill-Butler’s Losing Trust, Frank Quintana’s The Hole in the Wall, Michael Rutenberg’s Payback, and Marla E. Schwartz’s Strange But True.

June 8th
A Girl’s Guide to Saving the Universe
By Andie Arthur
at Lost Girls Theatre at the Deering Estate at 8:00 PM

Penny Applebaum is an average college student, whose boyfriend, Will happens to be the chosen one, the one destined to save Birenllor (a small, magical country that exists underneath a Chicago el station) from the Protectorate, a dark tyrant. With the help of a talking lantern, puppet squirrels, and a college professor that moonlights as a wizard, Penny takes her own hero’s journey and finds out that Will perhaps isn’t as valiant as he has been prophesized to be.

June 15th
Fortuna’s Ire
by Guillermo Ramon
at Storycrafter Studio at the Luna Star Café at 8:00 PM

Kim, suffering from amnesia, finds herself in a therapist’s office. The therapist seems to be completely mad, but weirdly helps Kim find out a secret she hasn’t been able to face. A psychological thriller.

June 22nd
Text M for Murder
By Carol White
at Arts Garage/Bailey Contemporary Arts at 7:30 PM

Set in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, a modern day “Othello” pits Charles and Jerry Tobias against each other in a tale of business, love, jealousy, betrayal and revenge. A simple plot goes awry when Nicole has a fatal accident. Is Jerry lying about everything? Are Nicole and Peter innocent? What won’t Marni reveal, and how does Charles tie it all up?

June 29th
Women Who Hate Their Jobs
By Leah Roth Barsanti
at Evening Star Productions at 8:00 PM

July 6th
Life and Death
By Bob Bowersox
at TheatreXP

July 6th
Stages of the Sun: Student Edition
Readings of Short Plays by Local Student Playwrights
at Area Stage

Readings of Short Plays by local student playwrights.

July 13
Thirteen is Murder
By Barbara Fox and Various Playwrights
Mystery on the Menu at Empire Stage at 7:00 PM

A Series of Short Plays Based on the Number Thirteen.

July 20
Shift of Fortune
By Thomas McLaughlin
At Delray Beach Playhouse

Shift of Fortune is a story about a well to do, attractive 48 year old woman that lost her husband two years ago.  Her name is Carol.  For the past two years Carol can’t seem to get over Jack, her loving husband.  Carol has no children and is very close to her friends Marie and Kinzie.  Marie and Kinzie are becoming more and more frustrated with trying to get Carol to be open to a serious relationship again.

Marie and Kinzie enjoy each other’s risqué hummer.  Carol enjoys it too but knows she can’t compete.  Carol says she has turned over a new leaf and tries to prove it by promising to visit Jack’s grave site only once a week instead of the usual twice a week.  Marie doesn’t buy Carol’s commitment to change and devises a plan to test her.  Marie and Kinzie ask Carol if they can take off their pillow boxing gloves and be more direct with her.  Carol says yes and the women move to phase two of their plan.

The plot moves, the twists come and a shift or two of fortunes occurs.  With the addition of some more risqué jokes we come to the end where things seem to turn out OK.

July 20
Summer Flights
By Local Playwrights
Pigs Do Fly at Empire Stage at 7:30 PM

Seven short humorous plays chosen to amuse audiences of all ages and stages!

July 27
Wrongful Death
By Christopher Demos-Brown
At Maltz Jupiter Theatre at 7:00 PM

July 27
The Prey
By Gina Montet
Mangrove Creative Collective at TBA

The Prey, an original play by Miami playwright Gina Montet, is a tale of murder in the heart of the Everglades.  Set deep within the wild Florida frontier and Inspired by actual events, The Prey is a chilling interpretation of one of Florida’s most notorious killings.

August 3
Stung and Wounded
by Patricia Wakely Wolf
at Main Street Playhouse at 8:00 PM

Jordan Reams, on the fast track to partnership at a global law firm, has his professional life challenged when his cousin, Robbie Meeks, a first-year associate at the same firm, supersedes him on that fast track after a freak car accident. Clive McFadden, managing partner of the firm, is Jordan’s mentor; Tom Crawlston, the firm’s biggest rainmaker, is Robbie’s tormentor. Clive and Tom dangle partnerships to Jordan, Robbie and the other young attorneys like a dog treat. They want the associates to suffer like they did when they crawled up the ladder so they tell them all to beg or leave. Jordan “gets” it; Robbie doesn’t want to “get” it. The cousins have their worlds swapped after Robbie’s car accident. Robbie comes to understand the world of a law firm and appears to see it through Tom’s cutthroat eyes. Jordan is thrown and a bit worried by what is suddenly coming out of Robbie’s mouth, but still supports him. Ali Williams, a wannabe actress who loathes her day job but loves the money it brings in, calls out all the attorneys and their actions as she sees them. Her skill set, sophistication and fun personality keeps her employed. Ali and Jordan have always been in love and they finally admit it but a permanent relationship isn’t in the cards. Words of truth are spoken and denied by everyone. Jordan and Robbie must each “man up” in their own way, but to continue their love as cousins is up for monetary grab.

August 3rd
Grace, Sponsored by Monteverde
by Vanessa Garcia
at Thinking Cap Theatre at the Vanguard

Catherine has just divorced Sebastian, but her spirits are fiercer than ever. She decides to travel throughout the United States with her new lover and colleague, Lewis. They are a kind of 21st century Lewis and Clark (Lewis and Catherine) trying to uncover stories in each of the fifty states. Along the way, they pick up a wayward nun named Rosalie, who has just gone through deep loss. They meet a teenaged girl named Blake, and rummage through the layers of migration that make up America – all sponsored by a rum named Monteverde.

August 10
Summer Shorts Tryout Plays
City Theatre at Empire Stage at 7:00 PM

Come join City Theatre’s reading of 6 new short plays. After each reading, the play will be discussed, your feedback given and maybe one of these new plays will have earned its way into the next production of Summer Shorts or Shorts Gone Wild. Come toast the new work with a free wine reception.

August 17
A Brand New Musical
at GableStage

Details to be Announced

August 17
Summer Play Reading
at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Details to be Announced

August 24
Party Girls
by Jessica Farr
Mad Cat Theatre Company at the Sandbox

“We’re Party Girls. We just get paid to be there.” Natalie is finishing her first e-book. In need of a break, she visits her best friend from childhood living a chic new life in New York City as a model. But things are not as they seem and her friend is nothing like what she remembers. As things escalate quickly from one wild, super-exclusive party to the next, her friend goes missing in The Hamptons. Along with a bouncer with a secret, some models in the know and a chain of spooky anonymous emails – Natalie goes down a dark path to find what she’s been looking for all along- the perfect inspiration for her new book.

August 31
The Dana Plays: Raising Money for the Humane Society
By Local Playwrights
Location TBA

Dana Castellano was a treasured supporter of the South Florida Theatre Community who passed away from cancer in November 2014. Last year, during Summer Theatre Fest, Naked Stage Artistic Producer Antonio Amadeo coordinated the first Dana Plays – an evening of short plays about hope.  The event raised over $2,000. This year’s proceeds will be donated to one of Dana’s favorite charities, the Humane Society.

*Stages in the Sun: Driving Directions*

How to Get to the Theatre and Parking

Enter the mall by turning south on Bayview. Go through the underpass and make your first left.  Take the outdoor ramp on your right up into the Lime Garage.  Go to Level 3 and locate Section 3J on the eastern most side of the garage.  Enter the mall there by the elevators and stairs and you will be at the FLCT area.

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