As I write this on April 2nd, I must say it’s been a successful April so far. And that means that I pulled off a really good April Fool’s joke on one of my friends. Hoping you had fun too and had a lovely Easter.
This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Joana Donovan (pictured above) of Propel Resume and Career Services. Joana is an amazing writer and editor. She really gets to know her clients and gives them that boost that they need to get their next quality job. Read the story in “AW Spotlight.”
In other news, we have a new intern and Teen Talk writer Morgan Kates. She is a freshman at Park Vista High School and is helping post the daily press releases onto our site. She will make her debut with her first Teen Talk article in May!
To get into depth about a wonderful local artist, read Denise Marsh’s “Cultural Corner” article, titled “Art with Heart: An Interview with Heather Bergstrom, President of the Wellington Art Society and Professional Artist.” Get the story on how Bergstrom discovered that being an artist was her true calling in life. And see some of her beautiful works of art.
Above: Tea Party by Heather Bergstrom
Welcome to our newest advertiser Cugini Winery! You’ll be hearing more about them in May and about joining their wine guild with wines shipped directly from their vineyard in Calabria, Italy. They have a tasting room in the heart of Wellington.
Besides this month being about getting your taxes done (ugh!), it’s also about Earth Day! Read Heidi Hess’ “Mommy Moments” for some great suggestions about what to do with the family to celebrate Earth Day! Wellington’s own Earth Day/ Arbor Day celebration takes place on Saturday, April 20th from 11am to 1pm at the Wellington Amphitheater.
We also have a wonderful article from Charmaine Peters, just in time for Earth Day, in “Living Green.” It’s titled “Sowing Sustainability: How Home Gardening Helps the Earth.” It will inspire you to get out your gardening gloves and get planting.
There are several more insightful articles this month! And don’t forget to visit our Photo Galleries with recent AroundWellington photos by Alan Fabricant and Carol Porter.
Thanks for your readership and hope you have an excellent April!
“Hot Girl Summer” is on the way and that means bringing out the bikinis that fell to the bottom of the drawer. But after Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve champagne, Valentine’s Day chocolate and St. Patrick’s Day liquor, the dreading feeling of putting on a bikini is understandable. Health and fitness generally has a negative connotation because much of it revolves around conversations of what you should get rid of – curb the amount of sugar you eat, lay off the carbs, be mindful of your calorie intake. Fortunately for you, there’s a nutrient group that you can and should eat more of.
We learned in high school biology that we are made up of cells. The same way we take care of our feet with proper shoes and our backs with proper bras is the same way we can take care of our bodies by feeding our cells macronutrients like proteins. Eating protein is not just for bodybuilders and weightlifters. The benefits of eating this food group translate across all people of all activity levels – the social media influencer, the mom, the teenager.
There’s no set amount of protein that one person should eat but if you are the kind of person that likes numbers, as do I, it would be anywhere between 0.8 grams to 1.2 grams per pound of body weight each day. Protein is the foundation of our daily functions. It helps us build strong and healthy bones. The body uses it to repair our muscles and tissues. Protein provides long term energy to our bodies to get us through the day and especially long form transformations such as puberty and menstrual cycles.
Chances are you aren’t eating enough clean, whole protein dense foods. While protein shakes and protein bars are good, there’s nothing more satiating than a steak or a chicken breast. The feeling of being tired after a meal typically comes from the amount of processed carbs that are associated with the restaurants and home cooked meals that include these protein items such as steak with mashed potatoes or chicken marsala and pasta. Learning to build a plate that reflects 50% protein, 25% carbs, 25% vegetables will leave you fuller for longer, satisfied, and help in building and repairing strong bones and muscles.
Using protein to curb snacking helps in the process of losing weight. Focusing on eating these nutrient dense meals eliminates the precipice of weight gain – eating too many calories than you burn over an extended period of time.
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Lillian Khanna is an NPR & PBS affiliate station producer turned Khanna House Studios studio manager who has a love for all things video production, health + fitness, and travel!
It’s safe to say that spring has sprung. This pesky time change thing has everyone grumpy in the morning – including me. But if I’m being honest, I like it being lighter a bit later. I love going out for walks in the morning and seeing the sunrise (even if I am crabby). Look at all of the pictures I post on Facebook. Oh look – Heidi posted another sunrise. Shocker. Ha… but seriously, nature is a miraculous thing. The conditions have to be just right to sustain life on our blue/green marble floating through space. That’s why we all need to celebrate Earth Day.
So get out your flower head wreaths, bell-bottom jeans, and rose-colored, heart-shaped sunglasses, and join us for a full day of events on Monday, April 22, 2024. Yes, I know it’s a Monday, but call in. You need it. Take the kids out of school too. They need to see you being a steward to Mother Nature. Education isn’t just about fractions and essays, it’s about teaching our kids to be good people. One of those things should be instilling in them a love of nature and caring for the environment.
Start the day with the Coastal Clean Upin downtown West Palm Beach. Get ready to help clean up our waterways from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 138 South Flagler Drive. If you reserve in advance you might even get to hit the water for the clean-up using a kayak for free.
Don’t forget the Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration at the Wellington Amphitheater from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20th. You’ll be able to plant a tree, learn about Palm Beach County and the organizations that support the environment, as well as participate in free, fun activities.
While it’s nice getting out and about on Earth Day, change starts at home. Have the kids come up with ideas about little changes we can make that will help the world. Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in stainless steel thermos, use old towels for cleaning instead of wipes, and maybe plant something. Plant tomato seeds, plant a basil plant… plant something green.
And while you’re at it, eat something green too. Your mom called. She asked me to remind you to eat your greens on Earth Day. You’re welcome and Happy Earth Day.
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd to remind us of our responsibility to safeguard and nurture our planet. People worldwide contribute and show their love for Mother Earth in various ways on this day. Home gardening is amongst the most practical and rewarding ways to do so because you get to reap what you sow. It requires time and dedication, but its long-term benefits for a greener, more sustainable future are invaluable.
Let’s dig into how home gardening supports the Earth’s well-being:
Reduces Food Waste
On average, fruits and vegetables contribute about 45% of global food waste. With home gardening, you can harvest only what you need. Instead of buying produce at stores, which often comes in large quantities, there’s less chance of having extra fruits and vegetables go to waste if you grow them yourself. Whether they come from a small backyard or pots on a home balcony, you can still make a big impact by mitigating environmental pollution and conserving resources.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
If you cultivate your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home, you can decrease the carbon footprint involved in transporting food from farms to grocery stores to your home. Think about the miles your tomatoes or lettuce travel before they end up on your plate! Transporting fruits and vegetables contributes to 36% of food miles emissions, which is about twice the greenhouse gases released during production. With home gardening, you cut down on those miles and carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change in your own small way.
Preserves Biodiversity
Home gardens provide habitats for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. These pollinators play a vital role in the reproduction of plants and help maintain biodiversity. By planting a variety of plants and keeping your garden clean and healthy, you can attract many species that help support ecological balance. Your role as a home gardener is significant in shaping a healthier planet for many other living organisms.
Improves Soil Health
When you think of gardening, caring for the plants is the first thing that comes to mind. However, it also entails caring for the soil. Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful garden. Applying mulch, composting organic matter, and using natural fertilizers for your crops can help them thrive while enriching the soil with essential nutrients. These methods help prevent soil erosion. Your garden not only flourishes but also becomes a nurturing space that cares for Mother Earth.
Encourages Sustainable Practices
Home gardening encourages sustainable practices through a variety of methods. You can recycle organic kitchen scraps, yard waste, and plant trimmings by composting them. You can also upcycle containers for your plants and reuse materials to create raised beds, borders, and pathways to minimize waste sent to landfills. To reduce gardening costs, save seeds for replanting or collect rainwater to use later for watering. Your garden is a nurturing space that offers many opportunities to promote environmental stewardship. Take action and lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
Home gardening is more than just a hobby – it’s a meaningful way to care for the Earth and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future. Let’s celebrate Earth Day and remember the profound impact that our everyday actions can have. Together, we can cultivate a greener, more resilient world for generations to come. Start your home garden now!
Jumpstarting Your Career: An Interview with Joana Donovan
Are you feeling frustrated with the job market and not receiving any calls after sending out your resume? Meet Joana Donovan, the Owner of Propel Resume and Career Services. Joana goes beyond making recommendations for optimizing your resume. She will truly get to know your strengths and partner with you to help you secure that next job you’ve been seeking for months. The work she does is truly transformative.
I asked Joana why someone needs a little help from a professional when it comes to preparing a resume these days. See her video response.
AW: What makes you stand apart from other resume services?
JD: With a typical resume service, you can get lost as no element of personalization is involved. You can spend $75 to $150 with a large resume firm. As a boutique firm, I deeply dive into each job seeker’s background and become their career partner. They have a confidant and guru in their corner to field questions and bounce off ideas. In my personalized approach, I treat people the way I would want to be treated and provide the one-on-one service they deserve. It’s essential to demonstrate professional growth, evolution, and continuous learning on a business and personal level. Could people use AI? Sure. It won’t look, sound, and feel like the individual.
AW: What are some of the ways that you optimize a resume for LinkedIn or other digital platforms?
JD: There are two parts to this process. First, we work on their resumes and build out their professional stories. Once the content is set, we cover the “how to” basics of job searching and how to best showcase oneself on LinkedIn. I do a comprehensive live training session on content building, skills, networking, engagement, and setting up the platform’s backend to ensure hiring managers find them and their career documents.
AW: What common problems or mistakes do you see on people’s original resumes?
JD: First, the verb tense needs to be more consistent. Next, emails could be more professional; some are still college emails. Jobs are not listed chronologically or in an order that makes sense. Some people still list hobbies – it is not necessary.
With new AI innovations like ChatGPT, people think they can use AI to field answers to challenging questions in an interview. AI is not human and, therefore, cannot tell you whether you are hitting the pain points the company is looking for in a new candidate. Interviewing is the art of selling yourself. You cannot use AI for it. AI doesn’t know you and cannot write your professional story.
AW: Tell us about some of your testimonials.
JD: My favorite was a woman who was a bit skeptical at first. When we finished, she wrote a review stating, “OMG! I would hire me!” There are some excellent testimonials on our website: https://propelresume.com/testimonials-1
AW: Tell us about your e-Book.
JD: It’s preparation for creating an elevator pitch. It explores your Value Proposition and helps you identify, “What do you bring to the table?” It analyzes your language and messaging to deliver something that represents you. If you buy nothing else, invest in this step-by-step process. Besides, it’s a steal at only $.99 – https://propelresume.com/services/ols/categories/e-books
AW: At what point did you decide to become a writer, and at what point did you decide to help people with their resumes? What’s your background?
JD: My parents were both from other countries (Brazil and Tunisia), and I learned to speak English from watching Sesame Street as a child. Since I felt like I was operating at a deficit, I always took creative writing classes to improve. In my professional field, I have worked in industries like real estate, finance, manufacturing, sales, and marketing. In 2017, I returned to school and earned my BA in English, specializing in Technical Communications from UCF. My degree in tech comm helps me develop resumes focusing on accessibility, symmetry, design, and the overall reader experience. It is important to give readers a pleasant experience, so they read the entire resume. My work in a call center helped me learn about people and adapt to different cultures. I learned business etiquette and the valuable practice of adaptability. People appreciate that connection, making them feel comfortable speaking with me. I provide a safe space as employment transition is one of the most emotional positive and negative experiences. I also bring my diverse background when understanding someone else’s career journey. It is all part of being their career partner.
AW: What’s the most challenging thing about today’s job market?
JD: There’s so much candidate competition. Many job seekers need to be more flexible in the marketplace (i.e., only wanting remote positions or a particular job title). Covid set a new standard (WFH) that makes people more selective in their next role. As a job seeker, it is vital to put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes. Those professionals are inundated with thousands of applicants and need help weeding through the stack of resumes to find the golden egg. Today, they use ATS Software (Applicant Tracking Software) to vet out qualified candidates by setting up parameters that meet the job opportunity. Resume writers walk a tightrope: write for AI and a human. There is no magic or secret sauce. However, if there is excellent communication between the job seeker and the writer, the writer will capture the essence and experience to handle touchpoints during the application process.
Pro Tip: Prepare your resume to meet both the human eye and AI.
The worst thing you can do is use a template. Buying a template from Etsy or making one on Canva will not help your chances of getting past AI. ATS scanning software has limitations, and the templates are not your friend. Job seekers want the “Easy Button,” but it is not easy. It causes a high rate of rejections. Hiring a seasoned and CERTIFIED resume writer is valuable. Experienced writers spend time getting to know you and your needs. If a writer spends 15 minutes with you, they must learn more to write about you. You always get what you pay for. Invest in your future. Most importantly, it would help if you customized your resume to fit the industry or channel you seek. A resume writer can assist in that process.
AW: What’s your favorite thing about working with your clients?
JD: I work with people from all walks of life. Different experiences, personalities, stations in life – they all vary. I love it.
I worked with a woman Cisco laid off after 25 years of service. She got hired in one week. The CEO called to offer her the job at $10,000 more than she had requested. I love stories that end up like that. I also empower and inspire people with information they did not know about the writing process, digital platforms, and preparing for interviews. Many candidates suffer from imposter syndrome. I help them break through those barriers.
AW: What’s your favorite thing about Wellington?
JD: The sense of community. You can network with the mayor and Michela, the Executive Director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, at several professional events and/or holiday gatherings. There are so many activities here, and the Village is so supportive of the people of Wellington.
AW: Tell us about how you work with college graduates.
JD: Each student has a different upbringing. I encourage them to think globally about their future and allow a discovery period during job searching or simply reviewing their coursework. Being present with them on weekly check-in meetings is crucial to hold them accountable for job searching, networking, or accepting a job offer. Gen Zers compartmentalize their learning process. They appreciate a “learn and apply” methodology. I will work at their pace and constantly think about inspiring them. I want them to be better versions of themselves. I encourage them to keep a journal of all their accomplishments so that updating their resumes in the future is a breeze. In the future, I will hold group sessions virtually or in-person to train them to build out their resumes and understand the Value Proposition in interviews. Stay tuned. The program is in development right now.
Everybody is different and every body is different which is why a one size fits all approach to health and wellness rarely reaps the benefits people are looking for – be it weight loss, increased mobility or overall better health.
“Healthcare should be accessible, personalized and affordable,” said Roshini Singh (pictured below), National Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and founder of 365 Wellness. “This is where talking with your trusted primary care practitioner who knows you medically and to an extent, personally, can sit down with you and help tailor your health goals as a team.”
Roshini’s passion for preventative healthcare and investing in oneself is what drove her to found 365 Wellness, a South-Florida based direct primary care practice providing mobile medical services including everything from annual physicals to birth control management to lab draws to healthy living practices such as smoking cessation and nutritional counseling.
In addition to providing these services, Roshini’s passion for ayurvedic medicine factors into her individualized patient treatment plans.
A natural system of medicine which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago, ayurvedic medicine encourages natural therapies and lifestyle adjustments in order to regain a balance between body, spirit, mind and the world around us. Diet, herbal remedies, meditation and yoga can be part of this medical practice.
“We are not certified Ayurvedic practitioners at 365 Wellness, but our love for Eastern medicine principles tied together with our East Indian ancestral background means we instill this indirectly into our patient treatment plans every day,” she said.
An ayurvedic staple that Roshini recommends is the incorporation of turmeric into both diet and as a herbal supplement.
“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. If the source of chronic inflammation is not treated, there are long term devastating health consequences,” she said. “Eating a diet low in inflammation, which is a key ayurvedic practice, and this includes plant-based diet concepts, coupled with turmeric can be a powerful and positive health adjustment, where it may even reverse certain illnesses.”
However, she stresses, it is vital to consult your medical provider before making any changes to your diet.
“It is important that you consult your trusted health care professional to review a customized diet plan based on your age, resources, culture, genetics and medical history.”
Another approach Roshini recommends for the reduction of inflammation is returning to nature for wellness purposes. In South Florida, we are lucky to have access to beaches which provide the perfect environment for swimming, water sports or merely taking a walk on the sand.
“Utilizing the natural elements of our environment is a part of a healthy lifestyle,” Roshini said. “Incorporating sunlight, breathing deeply and seeing peaceful sceneries of an ocean, lake or garden, can significantly reduce stress levels, thereby reducing inflammation in the body, and taking care of your mental health.”
Roshini’s steadfast adherence to the notion that time and energy should be invested in holistic aspects of care and this is what led her to start 365 Wellness.
“It’s about preventative health and focusing on every aspect of a patient’s life to reduce disease risks,” she said. “I strongly believe that if you invest your time, energy and focus into preventative health care, you will thrive. Both physically and mentally.”
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce 28th Annual Giraffe Awards took place on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. This annual event recognized women in Palm Beach County who have “Stuck Their Necks Out” for other women in the community. This year’s VIP Reception was held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at Boca Lago Golf & Country Club from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The lunch was held at The Ben West Palm from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. For more information about the Chamber contact them at 561-659-0285 or check out their website at https://womenschamber.biz/chamber/
The Palm Beach County Black Chamber of Commerce held the 12th Annual Ascension Awards Program Dinner, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST at the Palm Beach Convention Center. The evening’s program was filled with captivating experiences, including a sophisticated cocktail reception, a sumptuous dinner, and electrifying musical performances by the Lake Worth High School Drumline and Jazz Ensemble, and the renowned saxophonist Al Johnson. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the 2024 Ascension Award recipients, recognizing individuals and entities that have ascended to greatness in their respective fields.
F. Malcolm Cunningham, Jr., a distinguished attorney, was the keynote speaker, offering valuable insights and inspiration. The program’s emcee was the esteemed news anchor, Hollani Davis from WPTV, ensuring a seamless and engaging evening for all attendees.
Moreover, the event featured a live canvas painting by the talented visual artist/engineer, Wanita Dixon, PhD. The gala was graced by distinguished sponsors, including Hubbard Radio, The Palm Beach Post, the City of West Palm Beach, and Comcast, highlighting their commitment to supporting and empowering the African American business community.
For more information about the Black Chamber of Commerce, check out their website at www.blackchamberpbc.com.
April 18-20, Following Record-Breaking Scottsdale Event
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. ‒ March 21, 2024 – Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is returning to South Florida, April 18-20, 2024, for its annual Palm Beach Auction. The most anticipated automotive event in the Southeast, this year’s Palm Beach Auction follows the company’s historic Scottsdale Auction, which set a record-breaking $207.6 million in sales with more than 190 world-record auction sales. Among the incredibly diverse docket featuring hundreds of collectible vehicles crossing the auction block at this year’s event in South Florida is a 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition with just 16 actual miles.
“Coming off a historic Scottsdale Auction, we are riding the wave of enthusiasm and demand in the hobby as we look ahead to our Palm Beach Auction next month,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Palm Beach has been a second home to Barrett-Jackson for more than 20 years dating back to our inaugural event there in 2003. Our auctions have evolved over the years into the true automotive lifestyle celebrations you see today, and we look forward to once again hosting enthusiasts of all ages in South Florida this April.”
From the final year of Ford GT production and one of only 30 built as a tribute to Alan Mann Racing’s 1966 Ford GT lightweight experimental prototype, the 2022 Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition will be offered with No Reserve. This American supercar is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The exterior features a unique Alan Mann Red livery and exposed carbon-fiber components, including the wheels, front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers and rear diffuser. The interior includes Alcantara-wrapped seats with gold and red accent stitching, an instrument panel wrapped in Ebony leather and Alcantara, and Ebony Alcantara pillars, headliner and steering wheel.
Also crossing the block with No Reserve in Palm Beach is a one-of-one Tailor Made 2022 Ferrari SF90 Spider modeled after the 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC chassis #0672, the winningest car in Ferrari racing history. Producing 986 horsepower, this hybrid supercar is powered by its twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 engine e4WD PHEV, which achieves a top speed of 211 mph and is backed by an 8-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. This one-of-one car is finished in Argento Nürburgring 101/C with three Bianco White livery circles across the hood and doors featuring number 11 in honor of the 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC chassis #0672.
“Barrett-Jackson proved once again in Scottsdale that the automotive community is still roaring on all cylinders,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ve created a culture that is both feeding the demand among collectors worldwide and making this hobby thrive by bringing in the next generation of enthusiasts. The excitement we create can only be truly felt in person, and we hope to see everyone in Palm Beach this April.”
The red-hot Resto-Mod market will also be well represented in Palm Beach and a featured example that will cross the block with No Reserve is a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette custom convertible completed in October 2022 by Jeff Hayes Customs. Riding on an Art Morrison chassis and Schott wheels wrapped in custom red line tires, this Corvette finished in Bright Red is powered by an LS3 540hp V8 engine mated to a 4L70E automatic transmission. The interior is finished in Saddle Brazilian leather and features a Vintage Air system, AM/FM Bluetooth stereo, power steering, power windows and a power hood.
Above: 1966 Aston Martin D86 Vantage Saloon
Click here to view a Select Preview of the Palm Beach Auction docket. Updated daily, the Select Preview features many of the early consignments set to cross the auction block April 18-20.
In addition to the hundreds of collector vehicles crossing the auction block with No Reserve and on display throughout the event at the South Florida Fairgrounds, the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction will also feature dozens of interactive sponsor and exhibitor displays, diverse food and beverage offerings and Thrill Rides and Hot Laps with leading automotive manufacturers, including Dodge and Ford.
Automotive enthusiasts interested in registering to bid at the 2024 Palm Beach Auction may do so here. Those looking to consign their own collector car may do so here.
Advance tickets to the 2024 Palm Beach Auction are available here. On Location, Barrett-Jackson’s official hospitality partner, offers immersive Barrett-Jackson Experiences packages for guests to join the action on the auction block, enjoy premium hospitality and connect with like-minded enthusiasts like never before. To learn more about On Location’s offerings, click here.
About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Barrett-Jackson, The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, is the leader in collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events, which include authentic automobilia auctions and the sale of private collections. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of attendees per year, Barrett-Jackson produces several live collector car auctions where thousands of the most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience. With broadcast partner A+E Networks, Barrett-Jackson features live television coverage of their events on FYI and The HISTORY Channel, as well as all the cars, all the time via their produced livestream on Barrett-Jackson.com. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com, or call 480-421-6694.
