Everyone talks about how important it is to save animals from animal shelters, but how many really take action? Dogs slumber in shelters every day, hoping to find their forever homes, but are euthanized before reaching their goal. Most people buy younger dogs from breeders, unaware that a more suitable companions may be an elderly dog waiting in a shelter for them.
According to the APPA, 34% of dogs are acquired from breeders, with 23% coming from animal shelters. Every year, over 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters throughout the country, and 56% of these animals are put down due to overcrowding, while these canines deserve to live a happy and healthy life in a decent home. The animal shelter system in the United States is extremely complicated, but it comes down to simple math: for the system to be balanced, the quantity of animals exiting a shelter must be greater than the number of animals entering. Right now, that is not the case.
Pitbulls are a breed of dog which has become overabundant in animal shelters. People always comment about how Pitbulls are one of the kindest and most loving dogs one can own, yet they are still frightened by them. When I went to an animal shelter around a month or two ago to film a video about adopting dogs from the facility, I had to go through it, and what I witnessed shattered my heart. Dozens of the dogs were Pitbulls that were as nice as could be and just wanted love and attention. Throughout the video we made, I was allowed to pet these Pitbulls, and it was clear how compassionate they are when given the opportunity. After seeing what I saw at the shelter that day, I made sure to show my two Pitbulls extra love when I came home. They are the best dogs I could have ever wished for.
Pitbulls are not the only dogs that are found in shelters, German Shepherds are also found populating different shelters. German Shepherds and Pitbulls are sometimes grouped together. They look to be a vicious kind of dog, aiding police officers and apprehending criminals, yet these fur babies aren’t always “on the job”. They, too, deserve affection and a forever home.
To summarize, dogs in shelters suffer various problems, but with more knowledge and community participation, we can significantly improve their lives. Adopting a shelter dog not only gives a deserving animal a loving home, but it also helps to reduce shelter overpopulation. By donating to local shelters, volunteering, and spreading the word, we can help more dogs find forever homes and enjoy the happy, healthy lives they deserve. Together, we can make a better future for these devoted, loving companions.
This month celebrates National Senior Citizens Day (August 21).
We all know and love a senior citizen – a parent, a partner, a neighbor, a friend – and as our loved ones grow older, we want to know how to best support them, both physically, mentally and emotionally.
In addition to being an engaged part of their lives, it helps to be diligent about changes and knowing what is considered “normal” and when you should seek medical attention.
Memory loss is a common occurrence as we age due to the shrinking of the hippocampus – a complicated structure located in the brain’s temporal lobe. It is most associated with memory, learning and emotion and as it shrinks, so does its capacity to maintain these functions.
Forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process and can be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from sleep deprivation to stress and there is a wide gulf between common memory issues and serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
For example, forgetting which word to use is a common memory issue but being unable to recall the word even after receiving context cues may be indicative of a more serious memory issue.
“General forgetfulness such as going into a room and forgetting why you went in there, occasionally having trouble finding the right word, or forgetting where you put your car keys/purse is common as we age,” said Holly Hines, Dementia Care Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay – a luxury senior living community in Wellington. “Dementia is not.”
When the conversation arises about assisted living or memory care, there are numerous factors to consider.
“There are many stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia and people need support at different levels,” said Wendy Paige, sales and marketing director of Wellington Bay. “In assisted living, we help with activities of daily living with no medical needs. Tasks like bathing, grooming, meals, driving to appointments, housekeeping and laundry as well as emergency response if there is a fall. We also provide activities to keep residents engaged and socializing with their peers.”
Memory Care is a level above Assisted Living and includes all of the above but also features special programming to support residents with memory loss including a higher level of oversight, increased safety measures and support groups for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“As someone ages, whether this be with memory loss, physical changes, social changes, familial changes or other psychological changes, things must be adapted to the needs at that point in time,” said Haley Kinne-Norris, M.S., ADC, INSPIRE Wellness and Enrichment Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay. “With memory decline, our job as caregivers is to provide them with opportunities to be who they are.”
“When forgetfulness becomes more frequent and interferes with daily tasks (driving, cooking, paying bills), dementia may be playing a role,” said Holly. “Sometimes doctors will want to perform a cognitive assessment to establish a baseline of someone’s cognitive abilities and I encourage people to have a conversation with their physician about any questions or concerns they may have.”
Summers may not be bug-free, so it’s important to explore ways to keep pests at bay. While store-bought repellent sprays are an option, natural methods effectively deter insects and, at the same time, promote a non-toxic environment for everyone. Herbs, with their aromatic properties, are excellent allies in repelling pesky bugs. They are easy to grow and maintain, so cultivating them at home provides a fresh supply of flavor to our dishes and a natural, effective, way to keep our living spaces bug-free.
Let’s discover some of the best herbs you can grow to repel bugs naturally:
Citronella
Citronella is the most well-known natural insect repellent. Its oil is commonly found in candles and sprays that have been specially designed to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can crush a few leaves and gently rub them on your skin to enjoy its repellent effects instantly. It can be grown in large pots or directly in the ground. To help the plant thrive, place it in a sunny location with six to eight hours of sunlight daily. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and loves warm climates. Water the plants regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage.
Basil
This kitchen staple does more than add flavor to our favorite dishes. Basil’s strong scent effectively repels mosquitoes and flies, making it a must-have for any home. Placing pots of basil near outdoor seating areas or windows can help discourage insects from entering your home. Keep in mind that the plant thrives in warm, sunny locations, with well-drained soil. Plant basil after the last frost, and water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Pinch off the flower heads to encourage more leaf growth.
Rosemary
Rosemary is known for its robust flavor and doubles as a potent insect repellent. Its woody aroma deters mosquitoes and can be burned as incense outdoors to create a bug-free zone. The plant can grow in pots or garden beds, as long as it gets full sun for six to eight hours daily. Plant it in well-drained soil. Remember to water the plant evenly and be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
Mint
Mint’s refreshing scent is delightful to us but repels ants and flies. Planting mint around the perimeter of your garden or near entryways can deter pests from venturing too close. This herb grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and partial shade. It spreads quickly, so it’s best to plant it in containers to prevent it from taking over other plants. Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Sage
The strong, earthy scent of sage is effective at repelling unwanted insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, especially when the leaves are burned. You can make sage bundles by tying dried sage leaves together and burning them like incense. The plant thrives in full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot, and in well-drained soil. Water it sparingly, as it prefers dry conditions. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
With these natural herbs, you can enjoy the warm season without the annoyance of buzzing insects. Plant them in hanging baskets on your balcony, pots on the patio, or window boxes by the kitchen to naturally ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted visitors. Let’s create a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for relaxation and gatherings with friends and family this summer!
Take a look at this article if you’re looking for spices to grow at home.
It’s the dog days of summer. Let’s face it – our summers are the Great North’s winter. We don’t go out unless it’s necessary. A trip outside, even first thing in the morning, you come back drenched in sweat. Not only is this uncomfortable but it’s dangerous. It’s estimated that 90% of people walk around dehydrated and kids become dehydrated easily simply because they are little.
At least that’s what I tell myself when I curl up on the couch during the day and watch movies with the kids. Yessss… we’re staying hydrated and cool AND we’re spending time together. All wins.
Then the guilt kicks in…all you are doing is sitting in front of the mind zapper. Le sigh…so now we have to get creative. Here are some fun things to do with the kids that will have you interacting, having fun and making memories.
Have a real tea party in the living room a la picnic style. Put down a large blanket, bust out the china, and make mint tea, cucumber sandwiches and such. Kids of all ages will get a real charge out of this.
Make your kids architects for a day. Give them sheets, clothes pins and tell them to build a fort. Move all of the breakable things to a safe place and let the kids design and create their own kingdom. And it’s not enough to sit back and let them do it… you can help or at the very least crawl into the space they created and marvel at their ingenuity.
Halloween is just around the corner. Buy some balloons, blow them up and cover them with paper mache. Place rubber bands on the balloons to create those distinctive pumpkin grooves. You might also want to incorporate a cardboard circle for the base so it will sit on its own. Wait for them to dry and then paint them. Will they last very long outside? No. But it’ll keep the littles busy and in Fall… can we have too many pumpkins??
Indoor Nerf gun fight. Yes I said it. And I’m giving you permission. Again, put your breakable things away. We used to do this a lot in my house. I’m still finding random Nerf darts. Channel your inner Helen Mirin from the movie Red. Those kids aren’t going to take you out!
5. When all else fails, and you just really need to get out of the house, don’t forget – kids bowl free at Greenacres Bowl. All you have to do is get the kids signed up. They send you passes. You could go every day!
Whatever you decide to do, here’s hoping you enjoy the summer with your kids. They’re only little for so long. Which translates into “they’ll only like you for so long.” Enjoy! I know I did.
I’ve met some of my dearest and talented friends at Village Music and Café in Wellington. It’s almost like it brings everything and everyone “full circle”; It is a magical place. The really interesting thing is, so many people that work in the educational field have a side hustle in the arts. I first met “Chris” in passing at the café and she was very sweet and funny. The next time I “met” her she was singing with a band called “Derailed”. She has a presence about her; an affinity for bringing out the best in people. The night I heard her sing, I was so impressed with her skilled guitar playing and flexible vocals. Months later, Chris inspired me to do the open mic for musicians instead of the writers’ night (I am not sure that she was even aware of this influence she had over me). One day I was going through a situation, and she said to me, “you’re Spicey, D – you can handle anything.” The name kind of stuck and (five years later) she has as well….
I chose her for this interview because I have always been intrigued by her and now, we get to “learn” together. Let’s dive into the interview.
The Magic of Music
AW: You currently work in the field of Education. What is your position?
CRW: I am actually a therapist in Wellington for a High School. I work in a third-party situation and get “stationed” at a particular school.
AW: Do you feel like music has affected your job in counseling?
CRW: Yes. I actually use music a lot of times to connect with the kids. I don’t play my own music to the kids, but I do play music in the background. Many times, it relaxes the kids and opens up the lines of communication. I don’t know how the kids would react if I sang to them. I don’t think they believe that I actually sing, lol. They are so used to seeing me in this particular “role”.
AW: When did you know that you could sing and also play guitar?
CRW : I think in middle school. But I have a funny story for you. I was actually at an assembly in Middle School, and I saw this girl go up on stage. I was in 6th grade, and she was in 8th grade. She came up and played “Stairway to Heaven” and I was in awe and said to myself, “I want to do that”. My friend had a lot of nerve to be able to do that. We got together and formed a Duo and sang around for fun parties. My friend would help with the vocals. But then when I went away to college and stopped singing, I literally felt a “hole” in my life. Fast forward, years later I was still missing music and I saw an advertisement for “Adult Band camp” at Village Music and Café in Wellington. So, I called Donna Willey, one of the owners and said, “I started music but never came back to it, do you think this might be a good opportunity for me?”. Donna was very encouraging and said, “definitely give it a try”. So, I realized my friend, John, was in the camp so I would know him at the camp, and it seemed like a good idea. I dragged my guitar out that night and went out that night and John and I practiced. We had all these plans to start a band and he said, “wait, you’re going to be the singer because you are the only one that can sing “and so that happened. I think it isn’t just about someone being able to sing lyrics, but you also have to have guts to be able to play in front of others-that is a real skill. When you play an instrument that is a big deal, but singing is very important. I always loved to sing for fun in the car, in the shower and just privately. I had a “rumors” album I loved and of course, Led Zeppelin but I wanted to make more of it. I was extremely nervous to sing in front of other people.
In fact, I still get nervous performing in front of other people but knowing that I would be “in charge of” the singing part and not the instrument part too made it less stressful, more organized, and feasible to do. I liked that everyone would have their own “part” and I could focus on my own part which would be the singing. I don’t enjoy solo gigs as much. Although, ironically, I did some Facebook lives solo where I sang to an audience because it was an outlet for me and others being so isolated during Covid. I even took requests and was shocked that it ended up being very successful. I don’t know where I got the nerve to do that. It started out as me doing a song for my uncle’s birthday and I didn’t realize that it was going out to everyone, not just him. I thought I would do it and send it right to him, but it went to everyone, and it became popular. I started doing different dedications without even practicing to many people who requested specific songs. I actually ended up getting some gigs out of that whole situation.
AW: Is it true that you are the lead singer for two different bands?
CRW: Yes. I sing for both bands and some of the band members have “overlapped”. Remedy plays more versatile music like Amy Winehouse and Maroon 5 where SoulShine mostly does Classic, and Rock and Roll.
AW: Who are the members of each band?
CRW: The Soulshine band consists of : Bob Lombardo, Lead Guitar; Gene Garrison, Bass and Ron Wuraftic, Drums. Remedy shares Lead Guitar, Bob Lombardo; John Hayes, Bass and Lenny Townsend, Drums. I do Vocals and Guitar for both.
AW: Is it challenging trying to balance your day job with your night job?
CRW: No, because I either practice one time a week for each band or sometimes it is just a few hours on a Tuesday night or a Saturday. Plus, we only have a few gigs a month. It really isn’t anything overwhelming at all. It is not a burden because it is more of an outlet. I enjoy it and also it is a great stress reliever. Also, I get to be with friends and make new friends.
AW: What are two of your favorite songs to sing?
CRW: I really like to sing “Angel from Montgomery” (by John Prine) and “Valerie” (by Mark Ronson). The songs I sing for the two bands are in different styles, so I get a variation of music. When I am with SoulShine, a lot of the song selections are male driven whereas when I play with Remedy, I can play some of the other songs. I like that I can “change things up” which shows flexibility in range and style and also good practice for me.
AW: Do you write and perform your own music, or do you mostly play covers?
CRW: We do mostly covers with both bands. I have written some things on my own but haven’t had the nerve to play them, yet…Maybe I will one day. I would love to do a band collaboration but that’s a really hard thing to do. We will see – I will work on that!
AW: What is something special about you that people don’t know?
CRW: I have a very close relationship with my sons; I am very proud of them. My youngest is in the Airforce and my oldest works Wellington Auto Collision. I tend to be very stubborn, but I am also a very positive person. Also, I am technically a social introvert, lol.
AW: What are your future plans for your music and in general?
CRW: I will keep working and go to Nashville in the Summer. But for now, I am going to go back to work on August 5th and do my thing. In the future, I would love to have a duo with another female; two singers or possibly incorporate a piano player. It is actually easier to get more gigs that way; People are more apt to hire two or three people than a full band.
When I retire, I would like to become a foster parent and also travel more.
Pictured below: Remedy.
Hitting All the Right Notes
I feel honored to know Christine Walsh-Ranieri, (“Chris” to all her friends and fans.) She is full of surprises and her music always makes you want to dance. I hope that you will treat yourself to see/hear some of her music either with SoulShine or Remedy. Once you meet Chris you’ll fall in love with her magnetic personality! She has played at other locations like Winston Trails’ Clubhouse, but my favorite place to see her is at Village Music and Café in Wellington Florida. You can go to their website to see when Remedy or SoulShine will be performing there next. Make sure you make reservations as both bands truly pack the house!
Notes: For more information on Adult Band Camp contact Donna or Steve Willey at Village Music and Café in Wellington.
Video clips of Chris Walsh-Ranieri with the SoulShine band below.
Hybrid event for individuals, teams across the country benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
West Palm Beach, FL– Registration is open for the St. Jude Walk/Run Palm Beach presented by VoLo Foundation during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at 7 a.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Waterfront Commons in Downtown West Palm Beach.
The St. Jude Walk/Run provides supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® a chance to take action and walk or run in person and virtually to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude. Thanks to generous supporters, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. This year’s St. Jude
Walk/Run series is nationally presented by Window World, Marcum Foundation and Kia.
For those attending the St. Jude Walk/Run in person, there will be food, family entertainment, a kid dash and a St. Jude patient family speaker who will share why the community’s support means so much to families like theirs. While the event is free, participants can earn incentives for each fundraising level they meet and include such items as a t-shirt, windbreaker, home theater projector, cooler or fire pit. In addition to VoLo Foundation, other event sponsors include Federal Capital Partners, First Horizon Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company and HotelPlanner.
“We are proud partners of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said VoLo Foundation trustees, Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel. “St. Jude is on the frontline of the humanitarian crisis helping families when a child gets seriously sick with cancer. We encourage all of those who can to help. Join us on September 21 for the St. Jude Walk/Run in Palm Beach. It’s an opportunity to do something good for your own health, while benefiting the families served by St. Jude.”
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Fundraising events like the St. Jude Walk/Run unite individuals across the country to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children. ®Everywhere.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual Obon Weekend on August 10-11, from 10am to 5pm. Obon is a traditional Japanese festival and holiday observed to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors, who are believed to return home for a short time to visit their living relatives.
Bon Alter and Memory Slips
During Obon Weekend, museum visitors are invited to fill out paper slips in memory of lost loved ones. Guests can also pay their respects to founder George Morikami’s bon altar on display in the Kamiya Room, next to the Membership desk.
Taiko Drumming
Experience the ancient art of taiko drumming. Fushu Daiko will perform live drumming performances in the Morikami Theater on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm (Sunday only). Taiko performances are $5 for members; $10 for non-members with paid museum admission. Purchase tickets at morikami.org/event/obon-weekend.
Bon Dancing Workshop and Performance
On Saturday, learn the ancestral art of Bon Odori with Fushu Daiko on the museum’s lakefront terrace. Also known as the Bon dance, this festive folk dance is performed in a circle and honors the deceased relatives and ancestors. Afterward, participants will participate in a Bon dance performance to live music by Fushu Daiko. Bon dance workshop is from 3:30-3:50pm; Bon dance performance is from 3:50-4:20pm. Free.
Guiding Lights
In honor of Obon, guests can light up private celebrations and welcome home beloved ancestors’ spirits with a colorful Guiding Light Lantern ($5 each). Available for purchase in the Morikami Museum Lobby.
Obon Weekend admission is $16 for adults; $10 for children; and free for museum members.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
A campaign fundraiser event was held for Jean Marie Middleton at Delmar Farm Sanctuary in Loxahatchee on July 23rd. Middleton is running for County Court Judge (group 2) and the election will be held on August 20th. For more info, visit www.jeanmarieforjudge.com.
The Village of Wellington is thrilled to announce that it has once again been recognized as one of Fortune’s 50 Best Places to Live for Families in 2024, coming in at #36. This prestigious list highlights cities and towns across the United States that excel in providing the resources and amenities needed for multigenerational families to thrive. Wellington is proud to be the only city in Florida to make this distinguished list.
Fortune’s evaluation process assessed over 2,000 cities, towns, suburbs, and villages with populations of approximately 20,000 or more. The analysis took into account a wide range of factors, including access to quality health care, top-notch education, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The list showcases a city in each U.S. state where multigenerational families are most likely to find access to critical resources, community support, and financial well-being.
Wellington previously earned this honor in 2023, and it is a testament to the Village’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The ranking focused on multigenerational families, many of whom are raising their own children while caring for aging parents. Factors considered included the quality of local schools, graduation rates, college affordability, nursing homes, assisted living communities, home healthcare agencies, social isolation risks for older residents, and access to healthcare providers.
Village Manager Jim Barnes expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “The Village of Wellington continues to receive recognition as a place where diverse families can find a sense of belonging and establish roots. It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by Fortune Magazine as a preeminent location for families to reside within the State of Florida and nationwide. Our residents, visitors, and community partners play a vital role in making Wellington a great hometown where everyone can thrive.”
He added, “In Wellington, our priority is the well-being and happiness of all our residents. We endeavor to cultivate an environment that not only embraces families but also all those who live, work, and visit our community. I particularly want to acknowledge the exemplary efforts of our Village team, community partners, non-profit organizations, and volunteers, all of whom work tirelessly to shape this exceptional community into an extraordinary place to call home.”
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/Newsletter.
National Giving Campaign to Help Raise Funds for the Spady’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch
Delray Beach, Fla. – July 22, 2024 — On August 28, 2024, The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will kick off Give 8/28 to raise money for one of its signature events, the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch.
The fundraising day comes as Black-led and Black-benefitting organizations across the country participate in Give 8/28, a national day of giving hosted by the Young Black & Giving Back Institute. Give 8/28 is the only day of giving focused explicitly on highlighting the importance of Black-led nonprofit organizations, which receive only 2 percent of institutional philanthropy dollars from foundations. Give 828 seeks to galvanize support for organizations working at the grassroots level to empower Black communities in areas such as education and mentoring, economic empowerment, policy advocacy, health and wellness, and more.
The Spady Museum is employing 8/28’s national, online-giving platform to raise funds recently cut from its operating budget, due to the governor’s statewide veto of all arts and culture funding. All 8/28 proceeds will underwrite the programming expenses to hold the annual Dr. King commemoration, which draws approximately 300-400 guests each year.
“At a time when our state funding has been eliminated, it is support from our local donors, members, friends, representatives and partners that allow us to continue important work, like educating and empowering our young people and providing cultural and historical information to everyone,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington.
“Now, more than ever, it is important for anyone who supports education, the arts, and history to support the programs of the Spady Museum. The funding gap left by the state of Florida means we have to work extra hard and be super creative. We welcome the public’s support and invite them to come experience what the Spady has to offer.”
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archive, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Summer Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883 tel, wwwspadymuseum.com
