December, 2012 – Vanilla Ice at WinterFest
On Dec. 2nd, 2012, the annual WinterFest celebration was held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, featuring local celebrity Vanilla Ice. Leading up to Vanilla Ice’s finale were many talented local singers and performers. Included here is “Santa Baby” by Emily Brooke of Wellington, who just released a new CD. For more info on other Wellington Chamber events, visit the Wellington Chamber’s website or call (561) 792-6525.
Experience Wellness with Dr. Randy Laurich
As first seen in Banzai Wellness Magazine (December, 2012)
By Saajida Shakeer
Dr. Randall Laurich is probably one of the busiest men you’ll find in Wellington. Active and constantly on-the-go, this married father of two is more than just a successful chiropractor in our area. If he is not at work at his practice, The Wellness Experience, you might catch him running local business networking meetings at Kobosko’s Crossing (the same plaza his practice is located). Additionally, he is the host of two radio shows: Experience Wellness on local internet radio w4cy.com, and The Wellness Experience Hour on 1470 AM, which is on every Saturday at 2pm.
He is also the head chairman of the Health and Wellness Medical Committee for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He says the main objective of the committee is “to educate the public as well as facilitate the interaction between the medical community and the general community.” This is something he knows well. As chairman, he has helped to organize many local health fairs that do just that. In fact, one of his events, WinterFest, is being held on December 1, 2012.
Despite the many hats he wears, Dr. Laurich never fails to give his full attention to what got him started in the first place: chiropractic. His desire to help people both holistically and with their own businesses derived from both of his parents: his mother is a nurse and his father owns his own business. He was born and raised in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania and went on to attend Sherman College of Chiropractic in South Carolina. During a trip to Florida one year he met Lorraine, the woman he knew would be his future wife. After graduating from college in 1999, he moved here to be with her and to start his own business.
Open since 2001, The Wellness Experience is much more than just a chiropractic practice. Ever since childhood, Dr. Laurich knew that he wanted to be a chiropractor because it was a way to help people without using medication. He also knew that while one treatment method could work for someone, patients do remarkably well when they receive well-rounded care. He envisioned opening a practice that would not only include chiropractic, but massage, acupuncture, and more. The Wellness Experience has proven to help patients in exactly that manner.
Knowing that a team approach would help make his business a success, Dr. Laurich joined forces with another chiropractor, Dr. Andrew Biggs. He also works with Marcos Gignea and Ortavia Taylor, licensed massage therapists; Steve Lomax, physical therapist; Meredith Vorrath, acupuncturist; Dawn Snow, esthetician; and Tracey Mastandrea, a nutrition consultant. They each conduct their own practices, but by working as a team, they can cater to their patients’ many needs all under one roof.
The Wellness Experience uses cutting-edge technology for chiropractic care, including the DRX 9000 and ProAdjuster. The DRX 9000 treats both the neck and lower back region. This machine is pretty unique to our area; most chiropractic businesses in the county don’t have machines that treat both areas. The ProAdjuster finds nerve interferences in the spine and uses gentle impulses to repair them. Because of its gentle treatment, this is ideal for those who are apprehensive about getting chiropractic care.
He might be a busy guy, but Dr. Laurich always tries to find a happy balance between work and relaxing with his wife and kids. After all, he knows better than most that optimal health relies on lifestyle choices. This is exactly why he takes this approach with his patients. Ultimately, it all comes down to introducing others to a holistic approach to healthcare. As he points out, “When you help people improve their quality of life, you help them to live a better life. That’s our goal here at The Wellness Experience.”
Meet Santa and have breakfast with animals at the Palm Beach Zoo
Contact: Aileen Van Pelt, Media Relations & Development Manager
(561) 533-0887 x222, (561) 866-7554, avanpelt@palmbeachzoo.org
November 23, 2012, West Palm Beach, Florida – It wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa Claus and it wouldn’t be Christmas at the Palm Beach Zoo without animals. So come meet both at the Zoo’s Breakfast with Santa!
You’ll enjoy a scrumptious buffet breakfast, private animal encounters and of course, meet ‘n’ greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus along with photo opportunities. Children can also make crafts and take a ride on the carousel for FREE.
Since this is the season of giving, those in attendance will also take home a special holiday gift from their animal friends at the Zoo in addition to the treasured memories they’ll have for a lifetime.
Breakfast with Santa will be held Saturday & Sunday, December 15 & 16 at 8:30 a.m. and on Saturday & Sunday, December 22 & 23 at 8:30 a.m. & 10 a.m.
Reserve your seats now. Space is limited. Tickets for Zoo members are $22.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 3 – 12 years old, and $4.95 for children under 3. For non-members, it’s $32.95 for adults, $24.95 for children 3 – 12 years old, and $4.95 for children under 3. To make your reservations, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org and look under the Events tab.
About the Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard, just east of I‐95 between Southern and Forest Hill Boulevard. The zoo is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. For more information regarding the Palm Beach Zoo, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
Paralegal Association of Florida Holiday Charity Event
Again this year, the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. will be doing our Holiday Charity event. We have chosen to support the Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches this year. This organization nourishes and enriches the independent lives of the homebound in Palm Beach County. We are seeking sponsors and donations for our silent auction. The event will be held on 12/12/12 starting @ 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at Roxy’s on Clematis.
Donations typically range from gift cards to tangible retail items (i.e. electronics, sporting event tickets, haircuts, massages). These donations would not only help raise money for Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches but would promote local area businesses by donating items customarily sold.
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN PALM BEACH COUNTY PRESENTS
2nd ANNUAL “STRIDES FOR EDUCATION” 5K WALK/RUN
A family-friendly day to raise funds for low-income and at-risk youth
WHO: Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County
WHAT: 2nd Annual “Strides for Education” 5K Walk/Run
WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2012; Registration at 9 a.m.; Race at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton Campus
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
DETAILS:
CONTACT: 561-603-9780 or www.stridesforeducation.com
About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a solid 17 year history of providing mentors, educational scholarships and hope for Florida’s low-income and at-risk youth. Take Stock in Children has over $130M in Florida Prepaid Foundation Scholarships assets, with $8M invested in Palm Beach County. The organization has provided educational support and college scholarships for over 18,000 children in partnership with more than 800 public schools throughout 67 counties in Florida. It is the only scholarship mentoring program with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education, and has attained an overall high school graduation rate of 92% in Florida, with a remarkable 100% graduation rate in Palm Beach County (based on the 2011/2012 school year). Students in the program are selected in middle school and high school and promise to remain crime and drug free, keep a minimum 2.3 GPA, meet with a mentor, and stay out of trouble. In return, Take Stock in Children provides a caring adult mentor, college readiness preparation, and a full tuition college scholarship to any college, vocational school or university in Florida! The program was recently recognized by the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis & Government Accountability as the best mentoring program in the State of Florida. Students in the Take Stock in Children were ranked above their peers in all seven performance areas examined. To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 561-683-1704 or visit www.takestockpalmbeach.org.
December 2012 Events at Whole Foods Market Wellington
Open 8:00am to 10:00pm Mon-Sat. 9:00am-9:00pm on Sundays
2635 State Road 7
Wellington, FL 33414
Events are held at 2635 State Road 7, in the Lifestyle Center and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Register @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or at the customer service desk. Refunds, credits, or transfer of classes will not be honored for no-shows or cancellations made fewer than 24 hours before event. All events are subject to change. Classes with low registration may be cancelled. Any classes cancelled by Whole Foods Market will be refunded. Space is limited.
Announcements:
Order Your Way to an Easier Holiday!
From starters to the main meal- we have you covered and don’t forget our fresh baked desserts!
We will be accepting orders online at wholefoodsmarket.com for all of your holiday needs through December 28th. You can also speak with one of our ordering specialists in the Prepared Foods Department anytime.
Events, Classes, and Lectures
Happy Holidays Tasting Benefiting Autism Speaks
Thursday, December 6th 5:30-7:00 PM, $5 Donation Per Person
Purchase tickets online: http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events
Enjoy delightful holiday bites, wine tasting around the store and live music. Each department will be featuring dishes from our Holiday Menu for you to taste. All items can be ordered online for any occasion, (orders must be placed 48 hours before pickup). 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Autism Speaks.
Hidden Health Hazards
Wednesday, December 12th 7:00-8:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk
Chemicals and toxins are a major concern, especially for families with young children. When it comes to your family’s health, it’s not always the most obvious products you need to be worried about. Join Dr. Ian Shtulman as he reviews the most common health hazards at home and how to avoid them.
Gluten Free Cooking and Eating for the Holidays
Thursday, December 13th 6:30-8:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk
Join Chef Joe as he demonstrates Gluten Free holiday meal choices that are easy to make and flexible to fit your time and taste. Be sure to bring your appetite and your Gluten Free questions.
Health Starts Here Mocktails Not Cocktails!
Saturday, December 15th 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk
Join Healthy Eating Specialist Amanda for mocktail hour! The holiday season is full of fun parties and not so healthy food – which is a drag. Let’s have some fun and feel great too while learning all about making non-alcoholic cocktails and figure friendly treats for the holidays.
Feast of Seven Fishes Cooking Class
Thursday, December 20th 6:30-8:00 PM, $5 Donation Per Person
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk. Join Chef Joe to learn how to make the traditional Italian Feast of Seven Fishes holiday meal. This Christmas Eve celebratory meal takes advantage of the bounty of fresh seafood found in the ocean. Guests will enjoy this wonderful meal as well as learn to prepare this feast from start to finish. 100% of the class proceeds will go to the Palm Beach County Food Bank.
Mom’s Morning Escape
Friday, December 21st, 9:00-11:00 AM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.
Moms will receive a free coffee or tea, and muffin from the Coffee Bar. Please check in at the Customer Service desk to pick up your Mom’s Morning Escape Voucher, then make your way to the Coffee Bar for your treats.
*All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Buyers’ Picks Wine Tasting: Featuring Bubbly
Thursday, December 27th 6:00-7:30 PM, Free
Join our wine & beer buyers for a tasting of all their favorite holiday sparkling wines! Guests will enjoy featured sparkling wines paired with fine cheeses from around the world. This is one tasting you should not miss! No registration necessary, just come on by the Specialty Department.
Healthy Kids Breakfast of Champions
Thursday, December 28th 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk
Make the most important meal of the day packed with a nutritional whollop kids will crave! Join Healthy Eating Specialist Amanda to learn all about making breakfast for your little champions fun, fast, and nutrient dense. All children must be accompanied with a parent or guardian.
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 73,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2012, the company had sales of $11.7 billion and currently has more than 340 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Wellington Gears Up for the Holidays and Encourages Participation
December is a time for giving and Wellington residents and businesses are already helping those less fortunate by supporting the Fourth Annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive.
Each year Wellington has been able to provide holiday wishes to over 250 local children, in addition to supporting the Kids with Cancer Foundation, Home Safe, the Children’s Home Society and children in Intensive Care at Palms West Hospital. Wellington hopes to bring a smile to every child in need this year with support from the Mall at Wellington Green, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, local civic organizations and local businesses. We also need your help!
Residents may drop off unwrapped toys or make a contribution by Thursday, December 20th at any of the following locations:
City Hall Safe Neighborhoods Office
12300 West Forest Hill Boulevard 1100 Wellington Trace
Wellington Community Center Wellington Parks and Recreation
12165 West Forest Hill Boulevard 11700 Pierson Road
“The holidays are about giving and helping those in need,” said Mayor Margolis. “Our residents have always been generous in assisting those less fortunate. Your participation again this year is greatly appreciated as we celebrate this holiday season.”
For more information about the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive or information about how you can contribute, please contact the Safe Neighborhoods Office at (561) 791-4796.
For more information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Tickets Now on Sale for the Wellington Father Daughter Dance
Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and all blends of families are invited to take part in Wellington’s annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, February 2, 2013. It will be a night of delight designed for daughters ages 5 to 14 and includes dancing, a delicious dinner, games and pictures. Each couple will receive a free keepsake to cherish the memories of this fun evening. The theme for the evening is “Every little girl is a princess”.
The Father Daughter Dance will take place at the Village Park Gymnasium located at 11700 Pierson Road from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are on sale through Thursday, January 31, 2013 at the Wellington Community Center and the Village Park Gymnasium. The cost is $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional tickets may be purchased for $20 per resident and $25 per non-resident. This is a popular event, so be sure to buy your tickets as early as possible!
For more information, call (561) 791-4005. This event is sponsored by Simon Orthodontics and additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Living Green
A Trip to Solid Waste Authority
By Bryan Hayes
“You are going where?” My friend asked.
I responded with a smile. “To the Solid Waste Authority.” I explained with great enthusiasm. “I’m taking a tour.”
I was led to the Solid Waste Authority by way of the Food Truck Invasion at the Wellington Amphitheater. What a great event. Wellington has a way of being very innovative in finding ways to bolster local businesses and the community to come together in a fun way for all.
While there, my main priority was to see the new recycling bins that were being placed at the Wellington Amphitheater as part of the pilot public space recycling program. I did, and was happy to see them so easily accessible. You can find the recycling bins at Scott’s Place barrier-free playground, the Wellington Amphitheater, the village Park, the Tiger Shark Cove Park, and the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Majory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat.
The more people who know about the bins, and more importantly the more people use these bins, then the more likely there will be more. It takes just as much effort to throw your empty water bottle (and other recyclable materials) into the garbage as it does into the recycle bin and the benefit of recycling is exponential. Did you realize that as Americans we go through 2.5 million plastic bottles in just one hour? That is a lot of plastic, and I wanted to find out what happens to that plastic after it goes into the recycle bin.
While taking a tour of the Solid Waste Authority, the first thing I noticed is the surrounding area, which is just beautiful. The habitat is maintained in its natural state with careful observation of the wildlife to ensure that they are not being threatened. Along the way, I even made a new friend in the form of a 7 foot alligator that we saw.
And while the wildlife and even the alligator were all quite impressive, I really enjoyed the opportunity to see all the work that goes into eliminating our garbage in the most positive manner and seeing exactly how the process of recycling works. In terms of the garbage it is pretty simple; it is either burned or buried. And, do you realize that “every day, the SWA gets 6 million pounds of garbage. This is enough to cover an entire football field nine feet high.”
What was the most impressive for me is how cutting edge the SWA is with the recycling. It is advanced technology coupled with individuals who have the brain power and desire to continue making positive strides for the community.
The recycling program in Palm Beach County is completely voluntary so it is a community effort. So far, the SWA has recycled more than two million tons of residential and commercial material. The residential program offers curbside service, while the commercial program has two options: to have their recycling materials picked up or dropped off at the more than 150 drop off locations.
Since we are getting into the holiday season, there is a lot of waste. By recycling, what could be buried or burned can instead be reused. So, whether you own a business or are someone who personally would like to know more about the recycling program, contact the Solid Waste Authority at the following phone number: (8666) New Bins, or you can go online at http://www.swa.org to get more information.
Bryan Hayes is an actor, amateur photographer, business consultant and full-time lover of all things living. To check out more from Bryan Hayes, please visit his blog at:http://outofthehaze.wordpress.com/.
Can Giving To Others Make You Live Longer?
By Cheryl Alker
We grew up being told that it is better to give than to receive however amidst the often stressful frenzy of Holiday shopping, the idea that giving to others can be good for your health and happiness when you are standing in the 10th line for the cash register that day, might not be your most paramount feeling.
A growing body of scientific research, however, shows exactly that giving to others without any expectation of reward can actually give you better physical and mental health and help you live a longer and happier life!
A US-based altruism and health researcher Stephen G. Post says, “A remarkable fact is that giving, even in later years, can delay death. The impact of giving is just as significant as not smoking and avoiding obesity.”
In fact a study completed in California of 2025 older residents found that those who volunteered for two or more organizations had a 44 percent reduction in mortality over five years, even after accounting for factors like differences in prior health status.
What about our holiday shopping though? Can buying more material things as opposed to the more hands on or face to face helping improve our wellbeing? The answer is a resounding YES (phew no need to stop the shopping then!) although the results do show that just getting sucked into the commercialism of holiday shopping can take away the real reason for giving and therefore the health benefits.
Sydney positive psychology expert Dr. Tony Grant says most of the studies have focused on behaviors like volunteering or practicing acts of kindness, but some have looked at spending. These have shown those who spent money on others or on a charity are happier than those who spent on themselves. Therefore, whilst shopping, if you focus on why you’re giving – to make another person happy – it really can make you feel better and there are physical changes that underpin that.
Exactly how giving boosts health is not fully understood, but reduced exposure to stress hormones such as Cortisol may be one factor.
“Knowing we’ve done something to improve the life of others not only boosts our self-esteem and gives us a sense of purpose, it also shifts our attention away from our own stresses and worries”, Grant says.
Obviously giving during the Holidays is easy but how can you continue the feel good factor all year round and exactly how much time do you need to give to ensure the health benefits?
A 2002 study of 4860 elderly people found strong positive effects from a combination of volunteering and paid work up to about 100 hours a year, with no extra boost to wellbeing for those who did more than 100 hours. So 2 hours a week should do it and we should all be capable of that. Grant also says that “even volunteering on a random one-off basis will have immediate effects on our wellbeing.”
“If you don’t have time to commit to regular volunteer works, you can experience the benefits of altruism simply by practicing acts of kindness”, Grant says.
In one of the most famous studies, students asked to practice five random acts of kindness a week for six weeks experienced a more than 40 per cent increase in self-reported happiness levels, measured on a type of standardized questionnaire widely used in psychological research.
Acts of kindness can be as simple as:-
· Letting someone out in front of you when driving
· Collecting goods for charity
· Surprising a colleague at work with a drink or snack
· Waiting to hold a door open for someone
· Making your partner their favorite meal
· Picking up trash that was not your own
· The list is endless and simple!
Be aware though that if you volunteer or do things for others simply to make yourself feel better you might end up feeling resentful about the work you are putting in with no appreciation. The giving has to done to enhance someone else’s wellbeing not your own.
So as you wrap those Holiday gifts this year, do it with a loving heart and forget how long it took you to find or pay for, or the price tag that was attached.
“Happy Holidays to you all!”
Cheryl
Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 30 year career started as a group fitness and personal trainer, she has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a Governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company Stretch Results International continues to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, Florida, certifying health professionals in her results based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Alker has just released a DVD for back pain sufferers. For more information about professional continuing education and consultation options, e:books or DVD’s please call Cheryl on 561 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.
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