The Wellington Wolves travel basketball organization is more than a local group that provides guidance and coaching on how to play the game of basketball to area children. For the last 13 years, the Wolves have taken the time to shine a spotlight on its young basketball players for their academic achievements, as well. Just recently, the Wolves honored many of their basketball players for their success at school. On Wednesday, May 22, 106 Wellington Wolves players – and their parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents – were invited to Village Park in Wellington where they were recognized for their excellent grade point averages (GPAs) during the recently completed spring 2024 semester. According to Wellington Wolves President Chris Fratalia, there were two categories of academic recognition: Honor Roll and Top Gun. The Honor Roll recipients earned all A’s and B’s during the spring 2024 school semester, while the Top Gun recipients earned all A’s during that same grading period. Of the 106 boys and girls, 62 of them were Honor Roll honorees and 44 were Top Gun winners. The 106 student-athletes recognized this year is an improvement over the 81 student-athletes honored a year ago by the Wolves organization.
The key to this academic success story is that the Wellington Wolves, under the leadership of its 11-member Council of Dads committee, have implemented a 32-week tutoring program during the school year where the Wolves players and their siblings are provided complimentary tutoring by bright area high school students who are looking for community service hours which are necessary for their high school graduation.
Those tutors, who are paid with funds provided by the Council of Dads and the Wellington Community Foundation, come from Wellington High School, Palm Beach Central High School, Park Vista High School and The King’s Academy. This past year marked the seventh year of the tutoring initiative, under the supervision of the Council of Dads, which is guided by its founder John Sitomer.
The tutoring sessions are held, after school, at the Wellington Public Library, located off Forest Hill Boulevard in Wellington.
“The Wellington Public Library has been a great asset as we have free access to computers and private rooms for the tutoring sessions, where we tutor in eight subjects,” said Sitomer. “We also provide free snacks and drinks for the students and their tutors. We can’t thank the Wellington Public Library enough for its ongoing support. The tutoring sessions often last for two hours. The Wellington Public Library has been a lifesaver for our tutoring program.”
In addition to the 106 scholar-athletes who were recognized, the Wellington Community Foundation, represented by longtime local resident Jim Sackett, presented a check to the Wellington Wolves/Council of Dads for its continued financial support of the tutoring program.
The Council of Dads membership includes Sitomer, Fratalia, David Kane, Howard Eisenberg, Jeff Sitomer, Grant Johnson, Gordon Johnson, Rafi Wynn, Gerry Stumm, Peter Smith, and James Shecter.
Jupiter, Fla.(May 29, 2024) – Make this Father’s Day one to remember with luxurious brunch and dinner specials on Sunday, June 16 at 1000 NORTH.
Enjoy breathtaking waterfront views while treating dad to brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the perfect combination, cut into the Steak & Eggs, showcasing a premium, 10-ounce wagyu flat iron steak, fried eggs, crispy country-style home fries, and roasted onions and mushrooms. Remind dad of home with the Southern Biscuit Benedict, featuring breakfast sausage, pimento cheese, poached eggs, pickled green tomato, and a chive biscuit, finished with a poblano hollandaise sauce.
Give dad a break from the grill with an elegant dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Indulge in the rich flavors of the Clams Casino. These sweet and delicious cherrystone clams are the star of this dish, paired with garlic herb butter, bacon, breadcrumbs, and grilled lemon. The Chili-Rubbed New York Strip is a dish made with dad in mind. Savor 14 ounces of hearty tenderized beef, perfectly seasoned with a bold chili rub that adds a depth of flavor, topped with black garlic aioli, and served with golden brown garlic steak fries and an herb salad.
In addition to Father’s Day specials, guests can enjoy exquisite dishes from 1000 NORTH’s regular brunch and dinner menus.
Treat dad to an unforgettable Father’s Day at 1000 NORTH! Reservations are encouraged. For more information, visit 1000NORTH.com or call (561) 570-1000.
1000 NORTH A celebration of modern American regional cuisine, with sweeping views of the Jupiter Inlet and the Jupiter Lighthouse, 1000 NORTH is located at 1000 North U.S. Highway 1, Jupiter, Florida. For more information or reservations, visit 1000NORTH.com or call (561) 570-1000.
Wellington, FL (May 29, 2024) –Physicians, leaders and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center are proud to announce that Wellington Regional Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services for the ninth year in a row. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by the Center’s physicians, leaders, and clinicians.
CEO Pam Tahan expressed pride in Wellington Regional Medical Center’s achievements, stating, “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to clinical excellence, as demonstrated by our outstanding patient satisfaction and wound healing rates, acknowledged by Healogics. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to providing exceptional care to our community, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards in healthcare delivery.”
The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 Wound Care Centers® and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.
Advanced wound care modalities provided by our wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help accelerate wound healing.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.
About Healogics
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year, over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers®. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consults at more than 60 partner hospitals. As the industry leader, Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research and advanced analytics in the pursuit of better outcomes and a better way to provide care.
Even though targeted advertising will tell you that Dad wants golf gear, whiskey or BBQ utensils, the best you can give the father figure in your life is the gift of good health.
When you love someone, you want them to be happy and stick around as long as possible. Luckily, Palm Beach County has numerous options for creative, health-focused gifts for the men in your life who made sure you have what you needed to thrive.
Exercise and Mental Clarity
“Modern men are embracing different roads to wellness. While in the past, most focus was on weight lifting, strength building overall, today we see and encourage them to try different techniques, like bodyweight plyometrics, pilates and barre classes,” said Andrea Lincoln, founder of Barre Studio in Lake Worth.
Barre is a toning, body weight lifting exercise which actually involves compound exercises, so that the entire body can be exercises in 45-50 minutes
“These types of exercises not only work on the smaller, intrinsic muscles but focus on balance and
stabilizing for longevity. It can also improve the golf game, calm the mind and is the perfect compliment to any cardio or sedentary lifestyle.”
Care For Your Hair, Care For Your Mental Health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, almost 70% of men lose their hair as they age which can have an effect on self-esteem, self-perception and mental health.
Scalp Micro Pigmentation or SMP is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used for thinning hair or hair loss. It is also known as a hair tattoo.
Barber Gabe Galarza is a local expert in the field whose work has been featured nationally. He got started in the industry when he experienced hair loss of his own.
“This procedure is perfect for anyone who is experiencing hair loss. Keeping in mind that there are severe situations with sudden hair loss where a patient can have one or more circular bald patches. This is called alopecia aerate. In some cases, SMP is an inexpensive and quick solution to help individuals with this condition,” Gabe said. “When an SMP treatment is completed, I love the reaction from my clients as they come in bald and leave with a huge smile on their faces, full of confidence and extremely happy with their new look.”
Supplementing Your Health
Eating a varied and healthy diet is essential to optimal health but it can be difficult to ensure you’re getting your recommended daily allowance of all of the vitamins and minerals you need with diet.
A National Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, Roshini Singh is the founder of 365 Wellness, a direct primary care practice, and advocates for incorporating turmeric into your diet for wellness through adding the spice to your food and through supplements such as Fusionary Formulas.
“Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, a well-studied anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial. Many of our common conditions such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity all can cause inflammation in the body,” said Roshini. “If the source of chronic inflammation is not treated, there are long term devastating health consequences.”
Love The Skin You’re in
Your skin is your largest organ and deserves protection and care to keep you looking and feeling your best. In addition to the daily application of sunscreen – a must in South Florida – there are numerous things you can do to protect your skin.
“The ideal men’s skincare regimen typically includes key steps like cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, along with additional treatments like tretinoin and vitamin C for enhanced benefits and preventative aging,” said Charles Riccio, MD, Advanced Fellowship Trained Plastic Surgeon at Estetica Institute of the Palm Beaches.
“Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, followed by exfoliation to promote skin renewal. Incorporating tretinoin, a powerful retinoid, can help improve fine lines and skin texture, while vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and brightens the complexion. Finish with a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin, locking in moisture for a healthy-looking complexion. Everybody’s skin and skincare requirements are different so be sure to drop into Estética for a free personalized consultation with me and my team!”
Schedule Your Colonoscopy
For men over 45, scheduling a colonoscopy is one of the most important things you can do.
“By 2030, early-onset colorectal cancer is expected to become the leading cancer-related cause of death for people aged 20-to-49,” said Kyle Eldredge, DO of Advanced Surgical Physicians and board certified general surgery specialist.
The relative survival rate for colorectal cancer is 65% at 5 years and with early detection, chances for survival increase.
“Screening should start at 45 for those persons at average risk as over 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people older than 45,” he said. “But if you notice abdominal pain, bloody stool or a change in bowel habits, talk to your physician about scheduling a colonoscopy or a stool-based study. Every test has its advantages and the best test is the one that gets done.”
This year, consider giving the dads in your life the gift of health and show him that even though you’re not holding his hand anymore, you will always have his back.
It’s officially summertime! As temperatures rise, caring for plants to thrive in summer weather can be challenging, especially in South Florida, where it’s hot and humid. Many plants wilt or suffer from heat stress if they aren’t in the right growing conditions or given proper care.
If you’re looking for a plant you can grow at home that loves the sun and grows well in a warmer climate, aloe vera is your best bet. It’s one of the best low-maintenance indoor plants, suitable for gardeners of any skill level. It’s a hardy succulent with thick leaves filled with a gel that’s 99% water and packed with health and beauty benefits. Aloe vera gel can be your go-to natural solution to soothe sunburns and keep your skin hydrated during the summer.
To have a fresh supply of aloe vera in summer – or all year round – follow this guide on how you can grow your own wonder plant:
How to Get Aloe Vera Offsets
It’s very common to propagate aloe plants from offsets, also known as “pups.” These are small offshoots that grow from the base of a mature aloe vera plant and often have their own root system. To get your own aloe vera offsets, do this:
Select the source. Look for mature aloe vera plants that have been growing for a few years. These plants are more likely to produce offsets.
Inspect the base: Check the base of the aloe vera plant for small pups. These are usually clustered around the main stem and can vary in size.
Remove an offset: Gently dig around the base of the offset to expose its roots. Then, using your knife or shears, cut the offset away from the main plant. Make sure that it has some roots attached.
Allow to dry: Let the offset sit in a warm, dry, location for a day or two to allow the cut end to callous over. This helps prevent rotting when the offset is planted.
How to Plant Aloe Vera Offsets
Prepare the pot and soil. Start by choosing a well-draining pot, like a terra cotta pot or container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Make sure the pot is slightly larger than the offset to provide room for root growth. Aloe vera prefers a sandy or cactus potting mix.
Plant the offset. After allowing the offset to dry, plant it at the same depth as it was growing before, and lightly pack the soil around it.
Allow a recovery period. Do not water after planting your aloe vera, instead, wait for at least a week. This will lower the risk of root rot and allow the plant to grow new roots. Leave it in a warm place that receives bright but indirect light.
Water and fertilize sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to let the soil dry between waterings. The plant needs little to no fertilization. Apply balanced fertilizer diluted to half its strength only during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Monitor for signs of stress. Keep an eye on the newly planted offset for any signs of stress, such as wilting or discoloration. Keep it away from direct sunlight until the plant establishes itself. Use clean scissors to prune brown or damaged leaves to encourage new growth. You can also remove offsets that appear at the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding.
With its resilience to summer conditions and its benefits to your summer plans, the aloe vera plant is a perfect addition to your home garden this season. Just as it hydrates the skin, let it remind you to keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water – and ensure your plants do too. Check out these five common watering mistakes you might be making in your garden to ensure you avoid them, so your plants thrive all season long! Have a green and vibrant summer!
The world of fitness is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that reflect advancements in technology, science, and social behaviors. As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are poised to transform how we approach fitness and wellness. Whether you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just beginning your journey, these trends offer exciting opportunities to innovate your routine, stay motivated, and achieve your fitness goals.
1. Increase in Wearable Technology
Wearable technology has been steadily gaining traction over the past decade, and by 2025, it will be more integral to our fitness routines than ever before. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and wearable ECG monitors are not just about counting steps anymore; they offer comprehensive health insights that can guide your workouts and overall wellness.
Key Features and Benefits:
Advanced Health Metrics: Devices like the Apple Watch and Fitbit now monitor heart rate variability, oxygen levels, and even sleep patterns. This data helps you understand your body’s needs and optimize your training schedule.
Wide Range of Products: Wearables are as large as an around-the-body ECG monitor to as small as a ring you wear on your finger. You have better access now than you’ve ever had to find a device that fits your lifestyle best.
Integration with Other Devices: Seamless integration with other smart devices, such as scales and nutrition apps, provides a holistic view of your health and fitness progress.
2. Popularity of Biohacking
Biohacking refers to the practice of using science and technology to enhance the body’s capabilities by changing your environment, the foods you eat, the movements you do, etc. This trend is gaining momentum as more people seek to optimize their health and performance through innovative means.
Key Areas of Focus:
Nutrigenomics: Understanding how your genetics impact your nutrition can lead to highly personalized diet plans. Companies like 23andMe and DNAfit offer insights into how different foods affect your body, helping you make informed dietary choices.
Supplements and Nootropics: Supplements designed to improve cognitive function, energy levels, and recovery times are becoming mainstream. Ingredients like nootropics, adaptogens, and peptides are increasingly popular.
Natural Approaches: Even Western medicine is prescribing outside time with the rise of “forest bathing” becoming more popular which is essentially prescribed time in the great outdoors!
3. Social Element of Gyms
Gyms are evolving into social hubs where community and connection are as important as the workouts themselves, especially after COVID took away much of our social time. The social aspect of fitness is driving a shift in how gyms operate, emphasizing group activities, social spaces, and community events.
Key Developments:
Group Classes and Challenges: Gyms are offering more group classes and fitness challenges to engage members and foster a sense of competition and camaraderie.
Social Spaces: Facilities are being redesigned to include lounges, cafes, and coworking spaces, encouraging members to socialize before and after workouts.
Virtual Communities: Many gyms now offer online platforms where members can connect, share their progress, and participate in virtual classes and events.
Fitness Influencers and Ambassadors: Gyms are partnering with local fitness influencers and ambassadors to create a community atmosphere and provide inspiration and motivation to members.
4. Popularity of On-The-Go Fitness
With busy lifestyles becoming the new reality after a few years of lockdown, on-the-go fitness solutions are increasingly popular. These trends cater to individuals who want to maintain a fitness routine without being tied to a specific location or schedule.
Key Trends:
Mobile Fitness Apps: Apps like Peloton, Aaptiv, and Nike Training Club offer a wide range of workouts that can be done anytime, anywhere. These apps often include features such as video tutorials, progress tracking, and community support.
Portable Fitness Equipment: Resistance bands, portable weights, and foldable exercise mats make it easy to carry your workout gear with you, whether you’re traveling or just heading to the park.
Short, Effective Workouts: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and micro workouts are perfect for busy schedules, providing maximum results in minimal time.
Online Personal Training: Virtual personal trainers can offer customized workout plans and real-time feedback through video calls, making professional guidance accessible no matter where you are.
Conclusion
As we move towards 2025, the fitness landscape is set to become more personalized, connected, and convenient. From advanced wearable technology and biohacking innovations to the social evolution of gyms and the rise of on-the-go fitness solutions, there’s a trend to suit every lifestyle and fitness level. Embrace these trends to stay ahead of the curve, optimize your workouts, and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilling fitness journey.
An Interview with Founder of New Haiti James Toussaint
By Krista Martinelli
AW: What propelled you to start the organization New-Haiti?
JT: Òganizasyon kretyen frè yo (The Brothers of Christian Education Organization) and my mother. Since I was 8 years old, I have been working on fundraisers. I was passionate about raising the most money. I was never satisfied with second place. Later on, when I migrated to the United States, there was always fundraising going on for Haiti for different disasters. I knew something had to be done. When in college, I spent the weekends on my father’s farm. We invested in a tractor together, hoping to build self-sustainable farm systems all over Haiti. That way people would have jobs. Unbeknownst to me, Haiti was not ready for that kind of an investment in jobs. I came back to the U.S. with the idea of focusing on education instead. I didn’t back down. My background is marketing/management/development, so I went back into my background. Took a brief tenure with the State of Florida in 2008, when the housing market had crashed. I really learned how it would be to get South Florida back on track. The goals are educate, finance, equip and motivate. But financing is really important, and the others cannot be done without it. This was how New Haiti pivoted to a new system, where everyone can thrive. And if we can’t find a solution, we will equip you with others who can. And lastly, we focus on accountability. If we are accountable to one another, we can lift people up.
AW: Tell us about where you are from, where you have lived. Highlights? Lowlights?
Jt: Born and raised in Haiti, in Carrefour Feuille, a small town outside the capital. In elementary school, I learned to fundraise and be active in my community. In 6th grade, we moved to a different school (one of Haiti’s two top schools). After 7th grade, we migrated to the US because of unrest in Haiti. That’s when I fell in love with this country. School was definitely easier in the US, less things to remember by heart. We had our appointment for a green card. I was in high school. We planned to go for Thanksgiving and be back 4 days later on Monday. But because of unrest in Haiti, 4 days became 4 years. Living those 4 years was the harshest time of my life. No electricity, no video games. My only outlet was soccer. You have money in your pocket, but the city was under siege. So you couldn’t spend it. When there is unrest in Haiti, the US embassy closes. After 4 years we finally left and returned to the US. I was cautious about celebrating. I remember that I didn’t celebrate until we landed at JFK. We eventually moved to Florida, and I attended Palm Beach Atlantic, a Christian College. Since then, it’s been all about putting people first. My goal is to lead through love.
AW: What’s the next big thing for New Haiti?
JT: It’s about leading using a new narrative – not thinking America is our enemy. We are also changing the narrative in that it’s OK to talk about mental health. It’s not witchcraft at work; it’s mental health issues that many people are dealing with. We are aligning 40+ organizations together. In the short term, we are raising $350,000 for Haiti. From every direction, you can see signs of hope coming your way. We have a strategic plan in place to spend $5 million in 3 years. The infrastructure we are building cannot be undone.
AW: Tell us all the ways your organization helps people in Haiti.
AW: What are your biggest challenges with the organization?
JT: One main challenge that comes is that…you can fix 1/3 of Haiti’s issues just by fixing customs. That’s where dreams go to die. Food gets stuck at Customs. Food For the Poor was recently stuck at Customs. The other thing is Haiti fatigue and lack of faith. Haiti has been in the news for so many years. It doesn’t hurt to give someone their 15 seconds. But people get burned out hearing about the problems in Haiti, thus “Haiti fatigue.” WPBF 25 did a great story with me recently, which was a different take on this well-worn subject. We are talking about human lives…every life deserves a little bit more attention and respect.
AW: Tell us a little about the history of Haiti, now considered the poorest country in the world.
JT: At one time, Haiti was the richest country in the world. In 1492, it was the richest colony. In the 1800s, Haiti was thriving for the French. The French were forced to do the Louisiana purchase. By the way, the founding Father of Haiti was Touissant. If not for his demise, we would have been another place. Haiti set out to rid the world from slavery. Haiti sent funds, guns, emissaries to other countries, especially to countries in Africa; we wanted everyone to be free. Today, we want to raise our country back to the level of our history.
AW: What are some of your fondest memories of living in Haiti?
JT: I could say it revolves around soccer. Our country is divided in two teams, since Haiti doesn’t have our own team. We adopted Brazil or Argentina. At their jobs, no one is working without watching the game. Even at church. Unfortunately, players who excel in Haiti have a lack of opportunity, because we play on small concrete “fields.” I want to build a New Haiti where we can cultivate talent for the soccer world. And in terms of agriculture, we planted 67 mango trees. It was fun, but hard work. The land was barren. We had to dig a well and we had to carry buckets of water. We lived a double life, school during the week and all this work on the weekends. People ask, “How do you survive in Haiti?” We look straight. There’s poverty on the left and the right, but don’t see it.
AW: What do you think the solution is for the current situation in Haiti and its government?
JT: We need more women in government. Women are our greatest natural resource. Women have carried Haiti on their backs without any recognition. My mother is instrumental in everything who I am. We need to raise up our women. And lead with investment. Invest strategically. Invest in technology and education. It’s not up to the government; it’s up to us. If we do these two things, regardless of government, we will thrive.
AW: Tell us about some of the key people in your organization and what they do.
JT: New Haiti spans four continents. There’s Tammy Leiva, she’s been with us the longest. She was my beacon from the beginning, giving me a sense of direction. Rebecca Harmon is my muse. She whispered things in our ear and opened our minds to greater possibilities. She’s a coach and technology guru – she created an New Haiti online game with her son too.
Nadine Jeanty is our Director. She basically had the same excellent education as I had, but she went to the sister schools. When I reach my breaking point, she carries on. She’s instrumental and lives in Maryland. With anything DC-related, we turn to Nadine. She represents our brand.
There’s Demy Delfi – a film maker. Her passion for Haiti is huge. Her greatest day would be sitting on a beach in Haiti and drinking Haitian rum.
And I must mention Ingrid Webster, our saving grace since COVID. One magical day she friended me on Linked In. She introduced me to Common Ground, where we hold our events. She always has new products to sell. Bracelets that benefit New Haiti. Her love transforms us. She is an angel sitting on New Haiti’s shoulder.
There are a bunch of other people who keep New Haiti going strong. Take a look on our social media page and you will meet them. And they are mostly ladies. I’m just a cheerleader.
AW: How can people get involved? Donate?
JT: Visit https://new-haiti.com/ We appreciate your gift. We will be accountable. There are 40+ organizations that keep us going in a straight line. You can find us by Zelle or PayPal: developer@new-haiti.com or our Go Fund Me page https://gofund.me/3e7ac85a. Or you can contact me: 561 856-7440. If we cannot do it, we are able to find a service that you are looking for. Join us, invest in us, volunteer with us. You are welcome in the New Haiti ecosystem.
AW: Tell us about your family.
JT: We are a family of 8. I was the youngest. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters. We just were together on the West Coast of Florida for Mother’s Day. Of course, there are sometimes complications, but the love is real. We are learning to cry (sign of weakness in the old Haiti), and to say I love you. We all love soccer, but my mom loves basketball more. My mother is on our board. Two of my brothers and one of my sisters are involved in New Haiti with me.
AW: What’s the next big thing for New-Haiti?
We will be putting on a Peace Summit, where we set Haiti on a course with a new narrative. We are inviting the world to partake in our brotherhood and sisterhood. That’s where it’s important that we raise the 350K and set Haiti on a new path. Details coming soon.
What else?
We are always welcome to new ideas. Everyone has one great idea which can benefit the people of Haiti. Call us, email us and join us!
In the last 15-20 years, the world of men’s professional tennis has been dominated by Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. Many tennis pundits would argue that the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era has been the greatest era in men’s professional tennis. While that may be true, Wellington resident Dick Stockton might argue that the 1970s represented the high point of men’s professional tennis since he was a part of it. Stockton is well qualified to make such an argument since he had a long and successful playing career in the 1970s and into the early 1980s on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Tour.
In his career, Stockton won 13 doubles titles and eight titles in singles. His highest world ranking in singles was eighth and his best world ranking in doubles was 13th.
Looking back to when he played in the 1970s, the quality of play was strong and the game had many stars such as Stan Smith, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Guillermo Vilas, John Newcombe, Illie Nastase, Ivan Lendl, Johan Kriek, Vitas Gerulaitis, among others.
“I am happy to say that I had wins over each of those individuals,” said Stockton, who was on the road about 30 weeks a year. “I believe that I had a winning record against Stan Smith, but I don’t think I had a winning record against any of the others.”
When asked to name the top ten men’s players that he has seen play or played against, he came up with a list of household names. His list features 10 players from seven different countries, which proves the international distribution of talent in men’s professional tennis in the last 50 years or so.
“Rod Laver, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jimmy Connors,” stated Stockton. “This was a tough one!!!”
Of Stockton’s eight singles titles, his biggest singles title took place in 1977 when he won the U.S. Pro Indoor Championship in Philadelphia. That year, he defeated Jimmy Connors in five sets: 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
While Stockton was a proven winner in singles, he really excelled in doubles.
“We all grew up together, so we were close friends,” said Stockton, now 73. “Because we knew each other so well, it was pretty easy to form good partnerships. In those days, we traveled together, practiced together and we played doubles together. We were pretty successful in doubles because we complemented each other well on the court.”
Stockton had a number of successful singles and doubles experiences in the Grand Slam tournaments.
In men’s doubles, he reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 1976 with Erik van Dillen, the semifinals of the French Open with Arthur Ashe in 1978, and the semifinals at Wimbledon in 1981 with Tom Okker.
In mixed doubles, he and Rosemary Casals won the mixed doubles at the U.S. Open in 1975 and reached the final at Wimbledon in 1976. He and fellow American Anne Smith won the French Open in 1984.
In singles, his best finish at Wimbledon was in 1974 when he reached the semifinals. He was a two-time quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open in 1976 and 1977. And, he reached the semifinals of the French Open in 1978.
While Stockton remains passionate about tennis, he plays more tennis than he watches tennis.
“To be perfectly honest, I am not a big spectator of the game,” admitted Stockton. “Having said that, I do enjoy watching Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. They are both very exciting and may be the game’s biggest stars for the next few years.”
A Fun & Educational Field Trip Experience for 15,000 School District 3rd Graders
(West Palm Beach, FL – May 23, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is launching a new fun and informative program this August for 3rd grade students in the Palm Beach County School District:
Let’s All Go to the Garden!
A Fun & Educational Field Trip Experience
“Mounts Botanical Garden is announcing an exciting new K-12 educational program now that it has been selected by the School District of Palm Beach County as an official field trip location for all 3rd grade students,” says Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “Let’s All Go to the Garden!, a fun and educational field trip experience, will serve approximately 15,000 students, 200+ teachers, and 1,500+ chaperones during the 2024-2025 school year.”
During these field trips, various Discovery Stations around the Garden will provide “Aha!” and “I didn’t know that!” moments for the touring students, such as:
How Do Seeds Travel? Where students will see and touch examples of different types of seeds and learn how they are dispersed.
What Do Plants Look Like Up Close? Where the young participants will use kid- and outdoor-friendly microscopes to see plant structures up close, such as leaves, roots, flowers, soil, etc.
What Do We Eat? Where students will be shown different parts of plants to discover what is edible, such as celery (stalk), radish or carrot (root), spinach or kale (leaves), broccoli or artichoke (flower), corn (fruit) and peas (seeds).
Can You Match it? Where the curious children will play a quick match game putting photos into different agricultural categories.
Additional Discovery Station ideas include renewable resources such as solar, wind, and wave power; identifying different types of rocks and learning how they were formed; the Everglades, aquifers, and
limestone; growing food in space; and more.
Community Support is Critical
“Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, no funding for this program is being provided by the school district for this field trip initiative—so financial support from the community is critical,” pleads Mounts Development Officer Tish Sheesley. “We need to raise $150,000 to offer this memorable experience for local third graders and provide safe and approved transportation to and from Mounts Botanical Garden. In addition to providing safe and approved transportation, while here, students will have the opportunity to be outdoors in a living museum, be captivated by how many different types of plants we have and will work together to figure out some of the educational riddles that we have in store for them.”
“For more information or to pledge financial support for Let’s All Go to the Garden!, please contact me directly at 561.233.1763 or tsheesley@pbcgov.org,” she adds. “Let’s work together as a community to ensure that these 15,000 kiddos have the opportunity to come to the Garden.”
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads, and much more. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
