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July, 2012 – My Year with GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME

Health & Fitness

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June 30, 2012

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July, 2012 – My Year with GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME

Health & Fitness

Overcoming Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) – A Hope-Inspiring Story of Courage & Determination

Jackie Barber with her husband Joe at a family gathering

Our dear friend Jackie Barber tells the moving story of how she is overcoming the dreaded Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) that one year ago left her completely paralyzed from neck to toe.

This is a story of true courage and determination with an uplifting ending that will help anyone suffering from Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) or similar life-threatening challenges, as well as their caregivers.

Jackie’s example will inspire you to never give up hope and to keep going day by day by day with the hard work of physical therapy, even when progress seems slow, knowing that full recovery can one day be yours.

Constance Barnhart

Editor

HelpingYouCare.com

Read Jackie’s story, in her own words…

MY YEAR WITH GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME (aka GBS)

By Jackie Barber

I had just returned from a wonderful river cruise in Germany. Feeling great, I took my normal 2 mile walk that Wednesday in May,2011. That night I got up about 2a.m. to go to the bathroom and stumbled a little. Thinking I was just sleepy, I didn’t think anything about it until I woke up about 5:00 and couldn’t walk! My husband Joe and my best friend, Shirley, took me to the emergency room of our local hospital and the rest is history.

jackie-barber-with-her-friend-shirley-woods-in-happier-days-traveling-in-turkey-300x247 — Jackie Barber with her friend Shirley Woods in happier days traveling in Turkey.

I was then moved to another hospital that has a wonderful therapy floor. My general practitioner was not happy that I wasn’t getting better and she ordered seven treatments of plasmapheresis. That stopped it cold and I began therapy. They explained to me that GBS is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the body. It is triggered by bacterial or viral infections in which the immune system just won’t quit attacking the invader. The myelin sheath around the nerves is affected and the nerve impulses are not able to travel from the brain all the way to the end of the “electrical cord.” Thus there is tingling, pain, and finally paralysis. They also checked my breathing three or four times a day as it can affect the lungs and in the past,especially when the Swine flu vaccine was being developed, many people ended up on respirators or in iron lungs.

I was administered massive doses of vitamins and narcotics for the pain. My hallucinations were quite adventurous! To teach me to sit up I was placed in a Hoya. That is basically a canvas sling that was put around my body and then hoisted into the air. I would swing merrily out of bed and be deposited into a chair for a short time. What fun that was! To stand, I was strapped onto a tilt-table which was raised to a standing position very slowly while my blood pressure was checked as I changed positions. I loved finally being able to look out a window! I had four to five sessions a day of physical and occupational therapy. Joe and my friend, Shirley, came to feed me every meal. Shirley cried when I first could hold a spoon in my hand and feed myself.

Five weeks later I could sit up in a wheelchair, walk 25 yards with a walker and a belt held by a therapist and could basically dress myself. My therapists, family and friends were wonderfully helpful and eight weeks later I was sent home to the care of a wonderful daughter. My hospital bed was in the living room and the bathing bench was a gift from heaven. After 2 months I got to take a real shower!!! A home health therapist came three times a week to move those legs and teach us all exercises that everyone in the family helped me do. We also tried acupuncture, hyperbaric chamber treatment and electrical stimulation. These treatments were certainly not harmful but were inconclusive.

I then began outpatient therapy three times a week at the hospital and again was impressed with the therapists. I called one of them “Miss Push The Envelope” and another “Drill Sergeant.” Both were meant as compliments as they challenged me constantly to keep working hard and strive just a little more. I walked with the help of braces on my legs called AFOs and slept with a boot to prevent foot drop and a wrist brace to mitigate the pain in my hands. My major days were when I could use my walker instead of the wheelchair, use a four footed cane, walk without a belt, rise from a chair, get up off the floor, climb short stairs and finally walk almost exclusively with a regular cane. Oh yes, putting on my bra and fastening a necklace were causes for celebration too. I exercise every morning and walk every day.

It has now been a whole year since that Thursday morning. I walk at least a mile a day. I can prepare a simple meal. I have taken three flights to visit my children and am planning more. My feet are still partially paralyzed but still changing. My hands still tingle but I can do what I need to–even sew on a button.

Most important though has been the many lessons I have learned. My attitude is to take one day at a time. Every day I can choose to be hopeful and trusting or I can say “poor me.” I have seen both attitudes in the many people I have met in therapy. I have been inspired by those who have chosen to remain positive and cheerful and of course, hard working. It became a minute by minute choice and I choose to work as hard as I can and to try to cheer up other patients. I know in my deep faith and trusting that there is some purpose for this, some lesson to be learned. My doctor says that my progress has been “astonishing.” Several of my neighbors have started regular exercise programs and lots of people have said such things as “You’re a true inspiration”, even “You give us hope.” I have been amazed at the kindness and helpfulness of strangers and will be eternally grateful to my husband, my family and Shirley.

What I tell myself may help others: Be positive, be determined and know that what you thought would take 10 steps will take 10,000 steps. It’s like being a snail who passes a green leaf, just keeps moving and all of a sudden there is a red leaf. Slow is ok. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Work hard!!!

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July, 2012 – Greyston Bakery…Brownies and so much more!

Travel with Terri

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June 30, 2012

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Travel with Terri

Greyston Bakery: Brownies and so much more

By Terri Marshall

Earlier this year I received an invitation to visit Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream headquarters in Burlington, Vermont – an offer too delicious to refuse. I was one of just five writers included in the event which took us on a behind the scenes tour of operations at Ben & Jerry’s factory and offices. We sampled ice cream right off the line, earned our “scooping degrees” at Scoop University, developed a trial flavor with the research and development team, discussed marketing campaigns and even had a surprise visit from ice cream legends – Ben and Jerry! I knew the trip would be fun and informative but what I did not know is that it would lead me to another very special place just a few miles up the road from my apartment in New York City.

You see, in addition to making really good ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s social mission is an integral part of all they do. It is that social mission that led them to partner with Greyston Bakery in Yonkers, New York – the sole supplier of all of those yummy brownie chunks found in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Greyston’s motto is “We don’t hire people to bake brownies; we bake brownies to hire people.” Please join me this month for a detour from my usual tales of travel to visit Yonkers and learn about this very special bakery. You might find yourself a souvenir full of inspiration – I did.

20110322_Greyston_Bakery_0033 — Mack & Jose baking brownies for Ben & Jerry's at Greyston

Founded in 1982 by a Zen Buddhist meditation group led by Bernard Tetsugen Glassman, a former aerospace engineer with an entrepreneurial spirit and a bold vision, Greyston’s original goal – to produce quality, locally made products that would give the group a sustainable, satisfying livelihood – soon inspired the creation of a socially responsible business extending opportunity to others.

Greyston Bakery was started for the purpose of creating jobs for people who where considered to be unemployable by customary businesses. People like Drew who sat down with me recently to share his story. Drew grew up in an economically and socially disadvantaged section of Yonkers and eventually traveled down a dangerous path selling drugs to make money. He was ultimately arrested, convicted of a felony and served a four year prison term. While in prison, Drew knew he had to make a change in his life or he would end up back on the streets and eventually back in prison.

As a convicted felon, when Drew was released from prison no one would hire him until a friend reminded him about Greyston Bakery. He went into the office and signed his name on the clipboard that is left out every day for people to sign up if they are interested in working at Greyston. Drew began working for Greyston Bakery as all employees do by starting with the apprentice program. During this time work skills are taught to the employees and trust is developed. Drew completed the apprentice program and has since moved up in the company to a supervisor position. He has also found a very special woman in his life, he became a father of a precious baby girl and has learned to manage his finances and focus on the future – a legal future. Tears came to my eyes and Drew’s when he looked at me and said, “Every time I visit my mother she tells me she is so very proud of me.” The path for Drew’s family has been forever changed and he is saving money to be sure his daughter will have financial independence and an education when she grows up.

Greyston Bakery recently partnered with Whole Planet Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Whole Foods Market to fund micro credit in developing-world communities where the company sources products. In May 2012, Whole Food Market stores from Maine to Virginia began offering Greyston Bakery’s Chocolate Fudge Walnut Brownie and Brown Sugar Blondie brownies with two percent of the profits going to Whole Planet Foundation. The brownies will be offered in additional Whole Food Store locations as the year progresses.

Greyston Bakery’s sole shareholder is Greyston Foundation – an entrepreneurial and spiritually-grounded organization that operates an integrated network of not-for profit and for-profit companies. Greyston Foundation is the umbrella organization that coordinates and supports all the programs that comprise the Greyston services.

Greyston Family Services provides permanent housing for formerly homeless and low-income families and offers counseling, childcare, after-school programs, workforce development and job placement. Greyston Affordable Housing also provides affordable housing for low-income families as well as seniors and artists. Greyston Health Services provides healthcare and education to people living with HIV/AIDS. Greyston also sponsors six community gardens which engage thousands of local residents annually through garden maintenance, classroom education and community events.

Through Greyston’s Pathmaking Services employees are given opportunities for personal and professional development. Men’s and women’s groups meet regularly to discuss everything from how to cook healthy meals for a family to how to open a bank account and manage personal finances. Educational opportunities are also available whereby workers can obtain their GED and go on to higher education if that is the path they choose.

Wendy’s story provides the perfect example of the benefit of Greyston’s Pathmaking Services. Arriving at Greyston in 1994, Wendy was a homeless single parent seeking shelter. She also found a job and the will to succeed. She was hired as a part-time bookkeeper for the childcare center the Foundation operated at the same site where they gave her housing. Five years later, after several raises and promotions, she became the assistant to the Bakery’s general manager. By 2002, Wendy had earned her B.A. in corporate communications, learned to drive, rented an apartment and become instrumental in the Bakery’s Apprentice Program. Wendy credits the leader of a Bakery women’s group for providing the last key to self-sufficiency: a practical understanding of personal finance. Wendy’s path led her to move south and start a new job in 2005.

Greyston provides the first step on the path to a new life. Drew and Wendy are living examples of this as well as many others who have walked through the doors of Greyston Bakery. Theirs are stories of inspiration, of second chances and changed lives. Stories of hope. Stories made possible by baking brownies. www.greystonbakery.com

*****

Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at [email protected].

July, 2012 – Playmobil, the Perfect Place for Kids’ Parties

AW Spotlight

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June 30, 2012

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July, 2012 – Playmobil, the Perfect Place for Kids’ Parties

AW Spotlight

Playmobil FunPark: The Place for Perfect Kids’ Birthday Parties

Interview by Krista Martinelli

A couple of years ago, we held our son’s birthday party at Playmobil FunPark in Palm Beach Gardens. I can tell you first-hand that it was 6-15-2011-12-22-24-pm fun, well-organized, a breeze for the parents and had a little something special for everyone. My son chose dinosaurs for his theme, which meant a beautifully set birthday table with a whole world of dinosaurs in the center. And I think my son really enjoyed getting to sit in a king’s throne during lunch and cake time. It also included a fun time at their stage, with a dinosaur explorer as a special character on stage. The kids also can stay for the rest of the day and keep playing if they would like to. I remember feeling like we, as the parents, truly had nothing to rush around and get done – because every detail was taken care of. When the party was over, the awesome Playmobil staff gathered up all of the gifts in a shopping cart and even loaded up our car. Several friends commented that it was the best birthday party so far! I had the chance to spend a little time focusing on Playmobil birthday parties and to ask Playmobil FunPark manager Lucy Guttierez a few questions about what makes their parties so special.

birthday-party-girls-with-princess

What’s the best thing about Playmobil FunPark birthday parties?

The best thing our Playmobil birthday parties provide is the ability to allow kids to celebrate with their favorite brand and theme. They can be princesses or pirates for their special day.

What are some of the themes that kids can choose from?

We offer many Playmobil themes such as Pirate, Knights, Police, Firefighter, Construction, Dinosaur, Princess, Fairytale and Mermaids.

What do the birthday parties include?

Celebrate your child’s special day with a Playmobil Birthday Party at the one-of-a-kind Playmobil FunPark. The birthday boy or girl can celebrate with 90 minutes of fun in the FunPark’s reserved party area decorated to showcase the child of honor’s favorite Playmobil Theme. Plus kids will love the costume characters, pizza, lemonade, face painting and goodie bags with a Playmobil toy according to age and gender, activities and games on stage and, of course, all of the different themes that the 13, 000 square-foot indoor FunPark has to offer. Kids can reach out to their friends and families with fun Playmobil party invitations and thank you cards, courtesy of the Playmobil FunPark. And your child can register for birthday gifts in the Playmobil Gift Shop – all participants of the party get 10% off.

Tell us about how the party goes? What’s the order of events?

6-15-2011-11-53-57-am — Fun on stage at a Playmobil birthday party - games, dancing and celebrating

Let the expert FunPark team help transform your child’s party into a beautiful princess fantasy or a swashbuckling pirate adventure. The first 30 minutes we do face painting for all of the kids to give ample time for everyone to arrive. We then sit all the children at the birthday table, sanitize their hands and serve pizza and lemonade. Once all the children have finished lunch, we bring everyone to the stage for games and activities. On stage we explain the reason why we are there to celebrate — the guest of honor’s special birthday! Then we do games – we start with beach balls, and the kids have to keep these in the air while playing fun beach music. Then we do an obstacle course limbo. For our final game a character comes out on stage, the guest of honor’s favorite Playmobil character, and does our Playmobil signature dance. We gather the whole birthday group and take a souvenir photo on stage for the birthday boy or girl. We then bring everyone back to the birthday table for the singing of happy birthday and the cutting of the cake. At the end of the party we provide each child a special goody bag to take home with a Playmobil toy, according to age and gender. Everyone is welcome to stay in the FunPark and enjoy our indoor play area until closing time.

What are some of the comments you’ve heard from parents about your birthday parties?

Parents love how our staff takes care of all the details and entertainment, allowing them time to enjoy and mingle with their guests. Some parents love our beautiful space and how it allows them to entertain their guests during the 90 minutes of the party and how they can enjoy their child’s favorite themes in our large indoor funpark.

For those who don’t know Playmobil toys, what do you think makes Playmobil toys unique?

The cornerstone of all Playmobil activities is the figure which can bend, sit, stand turn its head and move its arms. It is the inspiration for children’s wildest pretend play adventures.

Imaginative play explores many realistic or fantastic worlds. They can explore any type of world, as we encourage free play. Kids love the mobility of our figures – they find they can move their heads or get the figures to grip things with their hands. Kids can mix and match themes. They can create their own entire imaginative world.

How do you give the birthday child “the spotlight” during the birthday party?

The guest honor sits on a throne as head of the table, looking like child-with-rico-the-pirate-smiling the king or queen of the party. On stage all games and activities are geared towards them, making extra mention of their name throughout. They also have the spotlight on the stage, making them feel truly special.

What kind of things do kids learn during their “playtime” with toys?

For more than 30 years, Playmobil has been dedicated to enriching the lives of children by encouraging them to use their imaginations. They learn skills that might be useful in other parts of their lives. They learn about real life scenarios as they are playing, and there’s a positive language factor, as this actually encourages kids’ story telling. Fine motor skills, grasps, learning to think differently, new scenarios, thought process development from playing – these all build on their imagination. Playtime with Playmobil toys encourages development in everyday classroom skills. Story telling changes but works for a wide range of ages as they play. You can inspire creative play by conveying to the child a sense of involvement and emotional warmth. Give the child an idea for a make-believe game. With the Playmobil family stroller set, a child can pretend to go for a walk with the family and the pet dog. Once this is underway, step back and allow children to proceed in their own way, at their own pace with their own storyline and imagination.

How many other Playmobil FunParks are there currently in the world?

We are the only Playmobil FunPark in the US, here in Palm Beach Gardens. There’s also one in Germany, Paris, Malta and Athens, Greece.

Lucy, how did you get started with Playmobil? How long have you been here?

I began working for Playmobil in January, 2006. I truly love my job. It’s extremely flexible and rewarding for me as a mother. The owner and the corporate office are like a small family.

Tell us about your staff.

All of our staff is college students. They have that young energy

needed to assist children in all their needs. The majority of our staff is med students with great knowledge as first responders. They are excellent and do an amazing job at keeping everything orderly and clean in the FunPark.

Playmobil FunPark

A Great Place for Birthdays

8031 North Military Trail

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

(561) 691-9880

Hours: 10am to 5:30pm, Monday – Sat., 12pm to 4:30pm Sunday

July, 2012 – AW in Pictures

Around Wellington in Pictures

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June 30, 2012

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Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site! For recent videos, click on our “Videos” link.

At the June Wellington Chamber luncheon, weather forecaster Kait Parker was the speaker and Dr. Randy Laurich of the Wellness Experience was the sponsor. Photo by Carol Porter.

Playmobil FunPark in Palm Beach Gardens - a cool place to be in the hot summer...and a great place for birthday parties. See related story this month under "AW Spotlight."

Orange Theory at their booth at Taste of the West.

Bryan Hayes, writer of "Living Green" and Marla E. Schwartz, writer of "Cultural Corner" for AroundWellington.com

July/August, 2012 – Ground Hog’s Day Syndrome

Ask Dr Z

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June 29, 2012

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Ask Dr. Z

July/August 2012 – Ground Hog’s Day Syndrome

By Laura Zipris, Psy. D., LMHC

Dear Dr. “Z”,

I am writing because recently I was describing the way I feel about my life to my friend and she said she thinks I am depressed. I don’t necessarily feel depressed, but I don’t feel happy either. Each day feels like the day before: I get up, get the kids ready for school or camp, do laundry, clean the house, make the dinner, bring the kids to their afternoon activities, eat dinner, then bedtime, then sleep than do it all again. That about sums it up! I would not describe my life as terrible or awful but it is certainly mundane and monotonous. Am I depressed and just don’t know it? Help?

Signed,

Laurie B.

*****

Dear Laurie,

It sound like you are suffering from a syndrome I like to call “Ground Hog’s Day” where each day feels like a repeat of the day before. You say that you are not particularly happy or sad but you certainly sound uninspired, as if you are moving through your life with little excitement, spontaneity, and joy. There are many people who live a life of routine and they don’t experience it quite the way you do. They seem happier, more engaged and more energized in comparison. Why the difference? It may be that these people are just born with a “higher happiness set point”; that is, they are inherently wired to be happier. Or, it may be that they have learned how to create more happiness in their life.

Studies have shown that we are genetically predisposed to a certain level of happiness. However, this only accounts for about half of the happiness equation. Surprisingly, our current circumstances only account for 10% of the equation and the remaining 40% was found to be in our control. That means we can greatly impact how happy we feel as we move through the world, regardless of our genetic make-up or life challenges.

You may not be clinically depressed Laurie but you are not living as joyfully as you could be. You can begin to make life better by learning to increase your ZESTFULNESS for life. One way you can do this is by engaging in a very simple exercise of just NOTICING. Yes, I am asking you to literally stop and smell the roses. Choose one pleasurable experience throughout your day and savor it. For example, it could be enjoying your first sip of coffee in your quiet house before everyone wakes up. It could be listening to your children talk about the excitement of their day. Or, it could be taking in how fresh your house looks, feels and smells after you have cleaned it. Just NOTICE: take in the sights, sounds, smells, physical sensations? What do you notice in terms of your inner feelings in that moment: pride, love, wonder, calm, amusement, contentment? Stop and bring some pleasure into your awareness each and every day!

Another simple zest growing exercise involves keeping a Gratitude Diary. Just write down five things a day that you are grateful for. This will help you notice the things you already have, the positive things you do in this world, and the wonderful things that happen to you. By consciously awakening to all the little pleasures that we already have in our day to day and by cultivating our gratitude for the things we have and do, we can begin to increase our zest for life, which in turn will give way to more happiness.

Other activities that may help to increase your energy, mood and zest for life include: incorporating exercise into your daily life, cultivating your social connections, reconnecting to your faith/spirituality, pursuing hobbies, and planning time in your days and weeks for self-care. Lastly, be spontaneous so that groundhog can go hide for another year!

Signed,

Dr. “Z”

Laura Zipris holds a doctorate in Psychology and is licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York, as well as in Florida. Laura is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, a transformational approach that has been used successfully with couples around the world to help them to strengthen their partnerships, deepen their connection and reignite their passion for one another. Laura sees individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, couples, families, and groups in her office located in Delray Beach. For more information about Laura, please visit her website at www.drlaurazipris.com or to set up an appointment, contact Laura directly at (561) 558-7815.

June, 2012 – I Tried to Be Normal, But It Was Taken

Press Releases

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June 28, 2012

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I Tried To Be Normal But It Was Taken!

FREE EDGY COMEDY SHOW & WINE:) Due to the large amount of heartwarming cross-cultural positive feedback on my Tyler Perry audition, my new character Judea, Madeas Jewish sister will take center stage this week!

This Friday, June 29th @ 8:30PM

Harolds Cabaret, West Palm Beach

Link to my 2-minute ” Judea “Tyler Perry audition clip contest is here:http://bit.ly/NgWNCU

(Voting Option is in grey at the bottom left of the screen)

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July, 2012 – July 4th Lake Worth Festivities

Press Releases

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June 28, 2012

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Lake Worth Downtown Cultural Alliance presents A Full Day of 4^th of July Festivities, An Old Fashioned Downtown Patriotic Explosion

Wednesday, July 4

Full Day of Down Town Lake Worth Fun

Shops – Restaurants – Side Streets – Cultural Plaza

$3000 in Dance Lesson Gift Certificates will be given out in Cultural Plaza

Downtown Lake Worth will be exploding with activity during the entire Fourth of July. From the early morning raft races to the end of the day Fireworks, Lake Worth will become the epicenter of the best holiday celebrations the region has to offer. Lake Worth’s 4^th of July represents an Old Fashioned Family Fun Event.

Programs of Events and Location of Events will be available throughout the entire town and in Bryant Park on the 4^th of July.

Downtown Restaurants: Most of the Downtown Restaurants from West of Dixie to Federal will be open on the 4^th of July. Many will be grilling on the streets, have featured bands and music and will be running “specials” on that day.

Bazaar Café, Couco Pazzo and La Rosa just west of Dixie on Lake will be working on 4^th of July specials for the holiday festivities.

Pietro’s Plum Tomatoes, 821 Lake Avenue, is considering a Pizza Eating contest. He will be grilling burgers outside the restaurant and will have free water while it lasts.

Bella’s Café, 726 Lake, will have all day musical entertainment and lunch and dinner specials.

Rotelli’s 701 Lake Avenue will give you dice to roll to determine your discount on non-alcoholic beverages. Their most popular meals will be discounted with big “early bird” specials.

Brogue’s Down Under 621 Lake Avenue will be grilling Hot Dogs on the avenue. They will talk to you about the project to light up the Lake Worth Streets. A lively music duel will take place with bands across the street at Dave’s and Igot’s.

Dave’s Last Resort and IGot’s will feature seafood specials on the grill. Music will ring out as they duel Brogue’s across the street.

CJ’s Island Grill (Rum Shack), 602 Lake, will be taking over the little alley next to the restaurant to do some serious grilling. Their restaurant will rock with local musicians.

The Java Juice Bar, 600 Lake, will be featuring patriotic smoothies and Red White and Blue Wraps.

The Taco Lady, 7 North L Street, will be serving affordable Mexican Treats for the holiday.

Nature’s Way Café, 517 Lake Avenue, will be sponsoring the Water Melon Eating Contest at 3PM and serving affordable and healthy 4^th of July treats.

Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop, 512 Lake Avenue, will be making great Ice Cream Treats all day.

Havana Hideout, 509 Lake Avenue, will be grilling Corn on the Cob on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant all day.

Kavasutra, 508 Lake Avenue, will be serving Kava on the sidewalk outside the establishment.

TooJay’s, 419 Lake Avenue, will have Red, White and Blue cookies for sale.

South Shores Tavern, 502 Lucerne, will be serving up FREE BBQ, Cheap Beer and lots of great music led by the Sweet Chariot Band.

La Bonne Bouche, 516 Lucerne, will be baking some of the most luscious French pastries with a patriotic theme.

The Cottage, 522 Lucerne, will be grilling and celebrating all day long.

Downtown Shops: All of the shops in Downtown Lake Worth that will be opened on the 4^th of July will be going all out with sales, raffles, games and sponsorships. They will decorate the town in Red White and Blue entertaining children, adults and pets alike.

Ugo’s Print Shop, Dixie & Lake will be raising funds for the Haitian American Tree Trust by selling Ice Cream and T-Shirts.

Carousel Antique Mall, 815 Lake will hold a mini-Flea Market outside their shop with a patriotic theme.

The Sunflower Room, 804 Lake, will be preparing a large gift basket as one of the prizes for the costume contests. They will have a Patriotic Sidewalk Sale outside of their shop.

The Bee’s Knees, 704 Lake, will the center of all of the Costume Contests, Turtle Races, Raffles and grab bags. They will have the Raft Race Costume Contest, the Adult, Child & Pet Contest, the Bike and Stroller Contest.

Lake Worth Jewelers and E-Brehm’s Hats will judge the Patriotic Hat Contest on the Patio of E-Brehm’s Hat Shop behind Sassy Kat at 607 ½ Lake.

Sassy Kat, 607 Lake, will be raffling a large 50 Shades of Gray basket of gifts.

Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery, 605 Lake Avenue, will be inviting children to create a large clay mural in front of the gallery. The mural will then be installed in a local elementary school.

Studio 205, 600 Lake, has all of the old fashioned gag gifts kids look for when they go to street festivals and fairs. Everything is priced at bargain rates. This shop is crammed full of everything one might want or wish for.

Paws on the Avenue, 525 Lake, is the unique Pet Supply Shop that gives personal attention to all of your pet needs. They will be sponsoring THE KISSING PIG booth and a Children’s Petting Zoo on L Street next to their establishment.

531 East Boutique and Trinkets and Treasures, 515 Lake will have summer sales on all of their items. They will be hosting the Pie Baking Contest at 2 PM.

John A Rooney Imports, 508 Lake, Elegant Lady Alterations, 504 Lake, and ML International Salon, 506 Lake will be holding a Patriotic Sidewalk Sale.

Side Streets: Many of the side streets will be blocked off for special events on the 4^th.

K Street will feature bands of musicians presented by Brogue’s Down Under, Dave’s Last Resort and Igot’s. There will be lively music going on all day.

L Street will feature a stage on the North side of Lake. Rick Cohen and Suzanne Cannon will be performing from 2 to 6 PM. The Traveling Piano sponsored by Chafin’s Music will appear from 12-2 PM in front of the stage. Wandering Pianists are welcome to come and play.

On the South side of Lake the Petting Zoo will appear with a wide variety of baby animals to engage with.

Cultural Plaza: The Cultural Plaza at M Street will be filled with activities for children from 12-6PM. The stage will be filled with local performers celebrating the 4^th.

2-4 PM Studio Dance, Dixie at Lake, will be demonstrating Dance Techniques. Featured will be both students and teachers from the dance studio. Studio Dance will be giving out vouchers for FREE dance lessons. A voucher will be given every ten minutes. $3000 in lessons will be awarded.

4-6 PM Haitian Rara a wonderful group of Haitian Drummers with unique Haitian drums will be performing. They musically rival any group of drummers anywhere with a unique spirit and quality of enthusiasm and virtuosity that comes only from Haiti.

Contests will take place throughout the day judged by a much esteemed band of local celebrities and renowned chefs. Watermelon eaters, loosen your belts. Water balloon tossers, warm up your pitching arms. Pie bakers, pre-heat your ovens. Hat designers, get your red, white and blue feathers out. Costume makers, rev up your sewing machines. There will be contests for all of you.

The Downtown Cultural Alliance (DCA) is a non-profit association of Downtown merchants and residents working together to keep Downtown Lake Worth vibrant and welcoming. The DCA works hand in hand with The City of Lake Worth, LULA (The Lake Worth Arts Corridor) The Lake Worth CRA and The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce to produce 4^th of July events, Evenings on the Avenue, Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales and all the events that make Lake Worth you Family Fun Destination.

For additional information contact:

Joyce Brown- Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery– 605 Lake Avenue – 215-205-9441

June, 2012 – Wellington Edge Equestrian Center Hosts Open House

Press Releases

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June 28, 2012

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Wellington Edge Equestrian Center Hosts Open House

Wellington Edge Equestrian Center hosted an Open House on Sunday, June 24th, at their grounds in Loxahatchee. Although the weather was a bit rainy, this did not interrupt the festivities of the afternoon. There was plenty of food, drinks, and ice cones available. Visitors got to walk through the Center and see the facilities which included a new 28 stall barn for horses, a large 1 acre sized riding ring, paddocks, riding areas, feed and supply store, clubhouse, pool area, small RV park, and more. There was also an exciting equestrian presentation which was enjoyed by all those attending.

Seth Brier, owner and operator, announced his new Summer Camp program which is now available to children in the area. The camp’s daily curriculum includes horse riding lessons by a certified trainer and indoor equestrian study time utilizing power point presentations to analyze and understand proper riding skills. These studies are then incorporated into the outdoor lessons. There is also swim, sports, art, movie, and reading time on the schedule. Children may also “help” around the farm and interact with the horses if they would like to. For the more studious campers, the curriculum also includes “Action Academic” which is a review of basic math, reading, which is made fun and presented in a classroom setting. This all starts Monday, July 2nd and hours of operation are from 8 am – 6 pm. The cost is $228 per week.