What: Save the date for South Florida’s largest, free outdoor Annual Independence Day Celebration — 4th on Flagler.
This event will be the City of West Palm Beach’s 36th Annual Celebration, and it will feature live entertainment (music on three stages), a Military Honor Ceremony, a kids’ entertainment zone, roving entertainment (such as stilt walkers), food and refreshments for purchase, and an 18 minute fireworks show over the Intracoastal Waterway. Viewers can also join the celebration remotely by tuning into a special show – WBPF 25 SPECIAL: 4th on Flagler LIVE Fireworks – from 9 – 9:30 p.m.
When: Thursday, July 4, 2024
6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fireworks start around 9:09 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Commons
100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Activities are programmed along Flagler Drive between Banyan Blvd. And Fern St.
Note: Public parking is available in the City of West Palm Beach garages. The closest garages to the event are Banyan and Evernia.
Public info: For the latest info and updates, visit wpb.org/events or @eventswpb on Facebook and Instagram.
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Sponsors to date: The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Town of Palm Beach, Discover The Palm Beaches, Bill Bone 5K, FPL, Jimmy John’s, BNT Impact Windows & Doors, Informa, PDQ, Solid Waste Authority, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, WPB Magazine, WPBF 25 News, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, PARTY 96.3, Fox Sports 640 South Florida, News Talk 850 WFTL and West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority.
About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.
Life is a series of beginnings and ends. Endings and beginnings. I’m pretty sure that’s some sort of Doctor Who mumbo-jumbo. He talks about that sort of stuff all of the time but there’s truth to that statement.
The past few months have been the end of a lot of things. I was happy to see some things go. We struggle and try our best and sometimes our best isn’t good enough. We all have these things happen to us in real-time. Sometimes they are complicated and other times it’s as simple as returning a dress we bought on Amazon because it didn’t fit. I’m not gonna lie. Letting go of that Halara dress in Salsa Red with the built-in shorts was tough. I had such high expectations, but alas, it didn’t stretch in the right places and then stretched in the wrong places, if that makes any sense. Was it my fault? No. The dress, and a lot of other things, weren’t made/meant for me. The disappointment that comes with things not working out is really difficult. There’s a mourning. A real sadness. I sat there on TikTok watching the ads for that dress and thought “I’m going to look great in that dress!” Flash forward to trying the actual dress on…it was a hard no.
I’m using a small example to illustrate my point but you get the picture. Apply that to bigger things. When they don’t work out, are we less? Should we feel bad? Nope. Not even a little.
This is a lesson I wish I could go back and teach my younger self. I can’t time travel (I lack a portal, wormhole, or TARDIS) but I can make sure my kids know this hard-learned lesson. Society encourages us to try things, and to make mistakes, but when things don’t work out, are we kind to ourselves? Do we pat ourselves on the back and say “Good Try”? Not usually.
My daughter is graduating high school. This is an ending and a beginning at the same time. I’m trying to teach her to take chances. Anything worth having is a risk and if things don’t pan out the way you thought they would, smile. Give yourself some grace. Perhaps we should take pride not in having things work, out but take pride just in trying.
And Lord knows I tried… but the red spandex said no.
Taking a road trip with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience! It can also feel intimidating if you’re not sure where to start. While road-tripping with pets requires extra planning and a little more flexibility, it’s a great way to spend time together. Here are some key ways to ensure a memorable and safe pet-friendly road trip!
Packing the Bags
While planning your itinerary, do your research! Make a list of pet-friendly hotels, campsites, restaurants or bars, and experiences. BringFido is a great way to learn about the pet-friendly options your destination offers. You can also check out Google listings by searching for something like “pet-friendly breakfast places near me”. Or, search for a term like “dog friendly” to find specific reviews for a place you already have in mind. When it comes to restaurants, I always call ahead to confirm they’re still pet-friendly! PS: Breweries are usually a great choice.
As you create your packing list, include your pet’s supplies! Bring plenty of their favorite treats and toys, pack enough meals for the length of your trip (to be safe, I always bring an extra meal for my dogs), and don’t forget to bring extra litter or poop bags. You should also pack necessities for any specific outings your trip may include, such as a life vest, snow boots, a harness/backpack, and pet-safe tick spray for hikes.
Pro tip: Have a safety plan. Pack a pet first-aid kit (including but not limited to gauze, antiseptic, kwik stop gel, hydrogen peroxide, and Benadryl) and keep your pet’s vaccination papers or other medical info readily available. This way, you can easily share your pet’s records with a local vet in case of an emergency. I recommend keeping the files in a digital PDF on your phone.
Above: Buddy and Sapphire enjoy a stop at Starbucks
On the Road
Prepare your vehicle! Before you hit the road, make sure there are no dangerous or harmful items inside the car (like those old onion rings you accidentally dropped between the seats). Do not let them ride in the front seat—the safest place for them is in the back seat. Just make sure to leave enough room for your fur baby to safely and comfortably lie down. If you have a cat or a small dog, secure them in their carrier. If you have a larger dog breed, consider purchasing a special seat belt. We love our seat cover, too!
Now that your bags are packed, it’s almost time to hit the road. Before you go, make sure you fill up enough fresh water for yourself and your furry friend. And, always make sure they can access that water while in the car. Finally, place your supply of poop bags or litter in an easy-to-access location so you can grab them when it’s time for a bathroom break (more on that next).
Pro tip: Always carry a small towel that you can easily access in your car. This way, you can clean up any spills or wipe dirt and grime off your pet’s paws before they get back in the vehicle!
Rest Stops & Reservations
Just like people, pets need to relieve themselves often! During your road trip, take plenty of breaks along the way. Many Love’s Travel Stops have enclosed dog parks so your dog can stretch his legs, do his business, and get in some new smells. Don’t forget to scoop the poop! If you’re stopping for a bite to eat, you can also look for nearby dog parks. Starbucks locations continue to offer complimentary “pup cups”—making it a great place for you and your dog to recharge for a few.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. If you’re traveling alone and you must leave them for just a few minutes, check first that the car is cool. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. If the temperature is OK, crack open some windows, park in the shade, and lock your doors. You can even consider making a simple paper sign for the car that says something like, “My mom/dad ran to the restroom and will be back by [TIME]. If you have any questions or concerns, please call [NUMBER]”.
Pro-tip: If you’re heading out on a multi-day road trip, don’t forget to look for pet-friendly accommodations. Red Roof Inn and Kimpton Hotels are both fantastic choices—pets stay free! Finally, if there’s a day-long or overnight experience you’ll be enjoying without your pet (for example, a national park or a guided tour), look for highly rated reputable daycare or boarding facilities nearby that can keep your pet safe and occupied.
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A creative thinker with a passion for storytelling, Hannah Deadman-Arnst is a full-time writer, communications professional and traveler. While she calls South Florida home, Hannah travels and works remotely in her camper with her husband, Ryan, and huskies, Buddy and Sapphire. She has explored 42 states, visited 36 national parks and, since 2021, has driven 20,000 miles with her RV. Born and raised in Chicagoland, her love for travel and the outdoors began at a young age—boating Lake Huron, exploring the woods, taking road trips, and having fun outside. She left her full time communications job in 2022 to pursue a freelance career and life on the road. With a background in journalism, arts & sciences communications, and tourism marketing, Hannah loves using stories to drive impact for people and organizations that enrich their communities. She is also a trained dancer and singer. When she’s not creating, she loves to photograph her travels, hike with her dogs, find really good coffee, and read. Follow her adventures at @hannaharnst!
Just as a military general commands all operations and makes strategic decisions for his geographic area, a general surgeon commands a vast spectrum of surgical care affecting almost every area of the human body, making strategic medical decisions to ensure the best health outcomes for their patient.
He completed his residency in General Surgery at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon, Georgia and went on to be awarded a Combat Medic badge, the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
“It has been an incredible journey and I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me,” said Dr. Shapiro.
What Is General Surgery?
One of the 14 surgical specialties recognized by the American College of Surgeons, General Surgeons have an acute understanding of the entire surgical process from the initial evaluation, preparation for surgery, the procedure itself and post-operative management.
Additionally, a general surgeon must have an in-depth understanding of all nine basic areas of surgery:
The digestive tract
Skin and soft tissue such as the breasts
The heart and blood vessels
The abdomen and its contents such as stomach, duodenum, liver, gallbladder, the tail of the pancreas, spleen and the transverse colon
Hormones and glands (part of the endocrine system)
The head and neck
Surgical treatment of cancer
Surgical treatment of traumatic injuries
Care of critically ill patients who need surgery
In order to specialize in general surgery, a doctor needs a minimum of 13 years of education – a four-year bachelor’s degree, a four-year medical degree, a five year surgical residency and they need to pass the medical boards.
Following formal education is a five year training program with a year or less dedicated to a single specialized surgical discipline and six months or less dedicated to non-surgical disciplines such as pediatrics or anesthesiology.
At least four and a half years must be dedicated to clinical surgery with experience in emergency care, intensive surgical care and endoscopy with three of these clinical surgery years dedicated to the principal components of general surgery.
“What inspired me to become a general surgeon was the ability to take complete care of a patient from the very beginning. From initially diagnosing what is ailing them to completing surgery and alleviating them of their pain or illness to watching them recover and feel better,” Dr. Kyle Eldredge of Advanced Surgical Physicians. “There is no greater relationship in medicine than a surgeon and their patient.”
Additionally, general surgeons must also keep abreast of advances in medical technology such as minimally-invasive surgical procedures.
Minimally invasive robotic surgery is used for various procedures ranging from general to gynecologic to bariatric to single-site gallbladder surgery. Because the procedure only uses small cuts, it’s less traumatic on the patient’s body which ultimately results in less pain, fewer complications, less blood loss and less scarring than with traditional surgery.
Last August, Dr. Shapiro celebrated his 1000th surgical procedure with the cutting edge da Vinci® robot – a minimally invasive system which guides a physician’s hand movements with a precise range of motion while also delivering high-resolution magnified images of the surgical area.
“I am focused on ensuring the best outcomes for my patients,” Dr. Shapiro said. “The advancement of medical technology like the da Vinci system means not only improving surgical outcomes but also quicker recovery times and reduced hospital stays.”
When You Might See A General Surgeon
Because the practice of general surgery is varied, there are numerous reasons a patient might see a general surgeon.
A patient’s doctor might recommend a surgical option if non-surgical options have been exhausted or merely are not enough. If a patient is opting for elective surgery which can be planned in advance such as the removal of skin lesions or hemorrhoidectomies, they might see a general surgeon.
Conversely, if a patient is having a medical emergency such as a swollen appendix in need of an appendectomy or a gunshot wound, they will need to see a general surgeon immediately.
A good general surgeon is an invaluable resource and the staff at Advanced Surgical Physicians are happy to help and provide answers to any questions you might have.
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month! That means it’s time to highlight the powerful connection between plants and our well-being. Some studies find that houseplants are beneficial to our mental health, and interacting with them can make us feel more comfortable and soothed.
Whether you live in a spacious house, or small apartment or condo – there’s always room to bring the healing touch of nature indoors! You also don’t need to be a gardening pro to care for your houseplants. Many of them are highly adaptable and can thrive with just a bit of tender loving care.
Here are five houseplants that are low maintenance, so you can relax more while seeing them flourish:
Cuddly Cactus
True to its name, Cuddly Cactus doesn’t have sharp spines, so you can touch it without getting pricked! That makes it ideal for households with kids and pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light, and, like all cacti, it needs minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, typically every two to three weeks. Use well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots. Keep an eye out for mushy stems or brown spots, which are signs of overwatering, and wrinkling, a sign of underwatering. This slow-growing plant typically reaches a maximum height of 15 inches, so you’ll only need to repot it every two to three years.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is another great houseplant to consider if you don’t spend much time at home. Even if unattended for a few weeks, it is resilient and can thrive well. It’s not too particular, you can place it in a bright or shady spot at home. It is also well known for its air-purifying properties and can keep your indoor space fresh and clean. Water it only when the soil feels dry, usually every two weeks. Its stunning sword-like leaves, usually dark green with lighter stripes, can provide a visually soothing focal point in your space. Give them a gentle wipe now and then to keep them dust-free.
Rosemary
A refreshing scent from herbs can evoke feelings of calm and relaxation, so adding Rosemary to your houseplant collection is a double thumbs-up! It is drought-tolerant and needs little maintenance. You can use the herb when cooking or for teas. Make sure that the plant receives plenty of sunlight, about six to eight hours a day. Use a well-draining potting mix and lightly mist some water once or twice a week. Prune the plant at least once a year to keep it tidy and encourage more leaves and flowers to grow.
Peace Lily
If you’re looking for a plant that brings calmness and peace, Peace Lily is an excellent choice. Although mildly toxic, it’s still one of the most popular houseplants. The plant’s elegant white flowers and lush green leaves add beauty to your entryway, corners, or home offices. If you don’t see any flowers, the plant needs more light. Place it in a location with indirect but bright sunlight. The plant will let you know when it’s thirsty; just look for drooping leaves. When it looks less lively, check the soil with your finger and water it when it feels dry. Keep the soil slightly moist but not overly saturated. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during its growing season in spring and summer.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a must-have at home as it has so many benefits to offer. Its succulent leaves contain a gel-like substance that can treat wounds or skin irritations, providing you with natural relief whenever you need it. You can place the plant on a windowsill, shelf, or bathroom. It is an extremely low-maintenance plant, which thrives on plenty of light, little water, and almost no fertilizer. Use well-draining soil and choose a clay pot to keep the soil dry. Water it once a week, and let the soil dry out between waterings. When the tips of its leaves turn brown, pluck them off with your fingertips to keep the plant looking its best.
Houseplants offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Caring for them fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, which in turn can boost our self-esteem and overall mood. For many, they even become companions. Let’s cultivate a sanctuary of calmness and peace within our homes and prioritize what brings us happiness this Mental Health Awareness Month!
Fitness is a very broad term for the ability to execute daily activities with strength and endurance with the end goal of managing diseases and stress. The level to which you define success varies based on personal opinions, goal physiques, or the pursuit of feeling “good” which makes the journey incredibly individualized! The best way to determine what you should be doing in the gym and to measure your progress is to figure out your end goal – in your day to day life.
For the stay-at-home mom who spends most of her day chasing little ones around, picking them up and cleaning the house, functional fitness is the key. Training functionally means training to engage your core and make the activities and movements you do in your everyday life less likely to injure you or feel so bad and straining. It’s valuing exercises that engage multiple muscles at once that requires your balance and coordination. Carrying a baby on your hip and 4 bags of groceries in the other hand are similar to the “farmers carry” which engages your core, legs and arms by carrying a weighted plate in each hand and walking a particular distance with your shoulders back and head facing straight forward.
For the full-time sedentary desk worker who spends the majority of daylight hours at the computer, getting your blood moving and heart pumping is very important with cardio. Cardio does not mean running and especially not running a marathon every day. Cardio can simply be walking at a pace that breaks a light sweat on the treadmill (maybe even with a little incline). Running can be very difficult on the knees and joints and is really out of touch as an introductory cardiovascular movement. Get a supportive pair of shoes (avoid flat-footed shoes) and try to get in 10,000 steps each day. Take a walk outside, go with your friends or girlfriends, listen to a podcast. Make it enjoyable!
For the new and eager teen to early adult who is looking to build muscle and strength, weightlifting is the ideal activity. Figure out how many days a week are feasible for you to get to the gym and build a split from there. My favorite one is chest/back, shoulders/arms, legs and I rotate through that list twice a week for a total of six days each week and one rest day. If you plan on going three days a week, I would recommend three full body days. Any more days after that, I would focus on a dedicated split.
Moving your body is important no matter your identity. If you fall anywhere between the three “avatars” it’s ok, your goal is to be active in a way that feels good for you and yields the results you want so that you stay motivated. Figure out what you want to get out of it and work backwards from there.
The Wellington Art Society are please to present their annual Art Scholarship Awards at a special event, which is open to the public, on Wednesday, May 08, 2024, at 5:30pm at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. For more information, please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.
Please join us for the Meet and Greet, Members Spotlight, a brief meeting, and the highlight of the evening, the Awards Presentation. All are welcome.
The jury’s selection, based on artistic and creative excellence, was made from entries submitted by students of Palm Beach County schools. All entries demonstrated dedication, talent, and hard work. We encourage all to continue exercising their artistic creativity. The award recipients for 2024 are:
Lea Abito- Jupiter Community High School
Lili-Rose Leonard- West Boca High School
Isabella Sanchez- Wellington High School
A 2024 Scholarship Award was generously donated by Premier Family Health/Dr. Apicella
The WAS Scholarship Program was established in 2001 to provide scholarships to talented young artists for art related College and University expenses and tuition costs. Over the past twenty-two years, WAS has awarded over $120,000 in scholarships to some of the brightest and most creative students within our community. Past recipients of the WAS Scholarship have gone on to become educators, illustrators, authors, curators, artistic directors, professional artists and art advocates.
To support the Scholarship Program, WAS relies solely upon money raised from donations, membership dues, monthly raffles, artist exhibitions, municipal art shows, and commissions. Help support the WAS Scholarship Program with a tax-deductible donation on its website: www.WellingtonArtSociety.org.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) has been supporting the advancement of the arts in the Palm Beach County community since 1981 with the intent to encourage young artists to pursue careers in the fine arts, provide programming that expands art in public places, and make art accessible within the community daily.
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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
For the third time this season the Gauntlet of Polo Series was played between La Dolfina and Valiente.
Each team previously won one tournament, however this third and final event was for the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship.
The final was played under partially cloudy skies with anticipated rain at any moment.
In a back-and-forth game with the lead changing hands 10 times and the score tied at seven, La Dolfina ran off the next three goals to win 10-7.
Father, Adolfo Cambiaso of Valiente and his 17-year-old son Poroto playing for La Dolfina, both 10 goalers, were the main attractions of the day before a completely sold out stadium.
The rain held off during the game, however as the presentation ceremony began, the rain finally arrived.
By the time the awards ceremony was ending, a rainbow appeared over the awards stage.
The game’s leading scorer for Valiente as well as the MVP was 16-year-old Paquito de Narvaez. His teammates were Adolfo Cambiaso, Joaquin de la Madrid and Peke Gonzalez.
La Dolfina was by led by 9 goaler Tomas Panelo with a game high 6 goals, Poroto Cambiaso, Alejandro Azmar and Rufino Merlos.
Adolfo Cambiaso wore jersey #1 dedicating the game to Valiente’s patron Bob Jornayvaz who was seriously injured in a polo accident on April 8th and remains in intensive care at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
