The Syracuse football team came into the 10th RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl as 2 point favorites over USF. They left as 45-0 losers in front of an announced crowd of 20,711.
Playing without their top two quarterbacks as well as a number of players who didn’t suit up, the “Orange” looked completely lost on the field.
From the opening quarter they were totally outplayed as well as self-inflicting their own mistakes.
On the other hand, the Bulls of USF had a very well rounded running and passing offense in addition to a strong defense.
At half-time the score was 31-0.
Syracuse threatened to score on a few occasions however with sloppy play and errors they never allowed that to happen.
1 cup apricot preserves 1 cup French dressing 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix 12 chicken thighs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Stir apricot preserves, dressing, and soup mix together in a medium bowl until combined.
Place chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour apricot mixture over chicken and bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), 50 to 60 minutes.
The yelling was coming from my son’s room. The enclosed space muffled the actual words, but it was loud enough to wake me up from my pre-bedtime nap in my recliner at 12:57 a.m. I made the unfortunate mistake of poking my head into his room to tell him he needed to go to bed only to be met with head shaking, finger pressed to his lips, begging me to be quiet to avoid social embarrassment and the teasing of his ‘friends’. Nope. “It’s a school night, Mr. Man. Time to go to bed.” Spoken in true mom form.
My sixteen-year-old teenage son is a good kid. Compared to most kids his age, he’s an angel. But if I’m being honest, I’m concerned about the amount of time he is spending online ‘gaming’. I’m showing my age here by saying this but, ’In my day (see? I’m old enough to start sentences like that) we met our friends outside. A motley group of teenage kids on bikes wreaking havoc in the cookie-cutter suburbia that was home. Things change.
Fast forward to the Sunday after my son’s late-night incident and I get my weekly screen time report from Apple. I have already beat myself up over the weekend for not meeting my writing goals and of course, I have a hard time understanding where my time has gone. I usually blame it on work and family life. Those things are the priority. And so, I am stunned at what I’m looking at in this report. Hours and hours were wasted on social media. Do I need to watch the lumberjack on TikTok? No. How many recipe videos that include crescent rolls do I need to watch? Zero. Knowing the scent profiles of perfumes is not going to help me write a best seller. Needless to say, this was a hard pill to swallow.
With all of this in mind, I march ever closer to the New Year. I’m at an age where, across the board, I need to make some serious changes. My screen time is wasted time. And while I know my son ‘hangs out’ with his friends online, I hope he sees my change and decides to cut back a bit. Can we, as parents, be a role model for our kids later in life? Absolutely. But they’re smarter now. They pay attention not to what we say but to what we do.
So, this year, good ol’ 2024, I ask you – Are you the best version of yourself? We could all use some honest self-reflection. Let’s hold each other accountable for hitting those goals. One of mine is to spend less time on social media and more time writing or doing things with the kids. I’m going to make it stick this time.
Right after I check in on that lumberjack on TikTok. Ha. I’m kidding… sort of…
Popular Event Returns on January 15 at Indian Spring Country Club
Delray Beach, Fla. – January 1, 2024 – For its upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will welcome a dynamic pastor, choir and theatrical performer, to create an energetic tribute.
Keynote speaker Reverend Toby T. Philpart is the Senior Pastor and Teacher of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. Rev. Philpart is a prolific expository preacher with a sincere passion for the Word of God and has actively served in the ministry for 32 years. He was ordained as a Gospel Minister in 1988, and in 1992, he was called to pastor New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he served as pastor for 20 years.
For the popular musical element, the program will feature ensemble True Worship, a group of motivated men and women, who are empowered and instrumentally motivated by the Holy Spirit to sing praises to God. True Worship spiritually encourages brothers and sisters, as well as ministers in truth and in spirit through song.
Rounding out the program with a dramatic performance, actor Tiffany Terrell and pianist Mikael Darmanie will perform a scene from the music theatre piece “Unbought,” a Core Ensemble production. The scene portrays Shirley Chisholm, the first African American in the U.S. Congress and the first African American woman to run for president. The text is based on one ofChisholm’s inspiring speeches.
The Must-Know Details
A signature community event, which is often sold-out, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch has swelled to welcome more than 300 people from Palm Beach and Broward counties. The Brunch features guest speakers, musical entertainment, and a full breakfast buffet. Tickets are available at https://www.spadymuseum.com/events-timeline/
“We’re extremely proud of how the Brunch has evolved into a full-fledged celebration of Dr. King’s work and vision,” said Spady Museum Director Charlene Farrington. “Every year, the community comes together and pays homage to the work that has been done and the work still to be completed toward realizing an equitable society for all. The Spady Museum is proud to be a convener of such ideas and plans in South Florida. It’s not only a great event, it’s a great moment for all involved.”
Event sponsors include the Delray Beach Redevelopment Agency, State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Palm Beach County, Tourist Development Council, and Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.
About the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum
Opened in 2001, the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum is the only cultural center of its kind in Palm Beach County. Located at 170 NW Fifth Avenue in Delray Beach, it is dedicated to showcasing the contributions of African-, Caribbean- and Bahamian-Americans to Florida and the U.S. Programs include exhibitions, museum tours, and community events. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; Mondays by appointment. Closed Sundays. Admission: $10; Members are free. For more information, call 561-279-8883 or visit www.spadymuseum.com Photo credit (Ethan Dangerwing, 2022)
JS: Medicare services primarily people 65 and over, regardless of income, and is federally funded. Medicaid provides funds to low-income adults and is funded by individual states.
AW: What does your company MedigapRx do?
JS: We are a full-service agency; we are Medicare insurance brokers. As licensed Medicare advisors, we offer various Medicare counseling services.
AW: How do you best advocate for your senior clients?
JS: We have contracts with every major provider and are licensed in several states. When it comes to people who have other residencies (like snowbirds spending time in NY and FL), I can help with that. Medicare is very confusing – in life, you go from having employer plans to being left to figure out everything on your own. There are so many options for insurance including, but not limited to: United, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross, Wellcare and Cigna. Many people have supplemental coverage, like Medigap, to help cover costs not paid by Medicare. You can speak with one of the most experienced Medicare providers in the area by giving us a call at 954-737-7877.
AW: You’re a young guy. How did you get into the Medicare consulting business?
JS: I had my insurance license, and I found this niche where I can interact with clients and help them personally on a daily basis. I’m enjoying the consistency here in the Wellington area. Before COVID, I was in Manhattan and going to million-dollar apartments and then to the projects. I really hustled to get business. Now people just come to me on a daily basis.
AW: What’s something most people don’t know about enrolling in Medicare?
JS:That there are late enrollment penalties. On Medicare Part B, if you miss the initial launch, you might have to pay a 10% fee. On Part D, there’s a late enrollment penalty of 1%.
AW: What do you find most challenging about your job?
JS: The TV commercials during open enrollment are almost predatory. They offer too-good-to-be-true things. These commercials, often with Joe Namath or William Shatner, are doing everyone a disservice. It’s just unrealistic. Many people don’t qualify. There are lot of scams going on, related to Medicare. So, end up feeling like we are fighting what people see on TV. As my website says, “An educated consumer makes for the best client.”
AW: Tell us about your family.
JS: I have a great family, very supportive. I’ve been brought up with lasting values in my life, especially the Golden Rule. I’m married to a wonderful woman who’s very supportive. I believe that family is the most important thing you can have.
AW: What do you love about Wellington?
JS: A sense of community. You see less and less of that nowadays; Wellington is one of the last places where people feel connected.
AW: Why is the company called Medigap Rx? Explain the Gap.
JS: A Medigap plan is another name for a supplement plan. There’s a 20% gap when you just have Part A and Part B. My job is to fill in that 20%.
AW: What do you love about working with seniors?
JS: The advice I get. I like working with seniors – those that worked on site, had a family, all without an iPhone. Young people are losing their grasp on the art of communication. It’s great to get seniors’ views on what’s important to them. As a society, we’re supposed to respect our elders. We write them off because they don’t have an Instagram account. They don’t get enough credit for what they’ve done. You get real advice – they lived this life. Would you be able to live how they lived? I know I wouldn’t.
AW: How do you educate your clients?
JS: An educated consumer makes for the best client. I send mailers and emails to my clients. I run drug reports to make sure everyone is on the right drug plan. I’m a full-service agency. I was holding seminars, then Covid happened and those ended. In general, I make myself available and help my clients on their time.
AW: Anything you want to add?
JS: My slogan is “Medicare Made Easy.” Medicare is tough for these people to navigate. Also, the nicest compliment is always a referral. In business and in life, treat others how you want to be treated. My grandfather was my hero. Every Sunday I would go to breakfast with him, and he taught me a lot. In creating this business, I want my family to have a legacy. It’s an ever-changing business because everybody has different needs. Also, it’s important to get people in 3 months before they turn 65.
Organizations will tackle tobacco, blood pressure, nutrition or cardiac emergency response
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., (Dec. 18, 2023) – 14 organizations in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie County have received a “Culture of Health” mini-grant for community health projects focused on blood pressure control, nutrition security, tobacco-free and vape-free environments, and cardiac emergency response plans inclusive of CPR training and AED placement. The grants are sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation and Palm Health Foundation.
56 organizations applied for the grants this year, up from 28 applicants for the 2022 grant series. Each organization will report on the progress of its project and will participate in monthly educational meetings to help make the most of their funding.
“I’m continually impressed by the sustainability of these projects,” said Ellice Martinez, assistant vice president, community engagement for HCA East Florida Healthcare. “So often we think we need massive changes to improve community health, but some of the most effective projects are as simple as funding more refrigeration so a food pantry can give clients fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins.”
The organizations being funded stretch from Boca Raton to Port St. Lucie.
“We’re proud to be a part of this grant series not just because of the projects it funds, but because of the connections it builds between nonprofits in our community,” said Abigail Goodwin, executive vice president of Palm Health Foundation. “This is an incredible network of changemakers who can work together to tackle issues surrounding health in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties, and putting this group together in a room every month will make big things possible for this community.”
Grants are being funded for the following organizations: Children’s Home Society of Florida, The Fuller Center, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Pathways To Wellness Foundation Inc., Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County – Community Health Department., Federation of Families of Florida, Inc., T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, Diabetes Coalition of Palm Beach County, Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County – HIV/AIDs Department, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, Community Faith Outreach Ministries Inc., Adeline Lucas Foundation, Inc., The Inner Truth Project and YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Inc.
The American Heart Association Palm Beach County serves the residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties. Staff members, volunteers and donors assist the organization in guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke, the first and fifth leading killers, respectively, of American men and women.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
As we bring in the new year of 2024, let’s focus on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This world is ever changing, evolving, it’s not concrete, in fact its liquid. The earth is ¾ water, our bodies are 3/4s water. Meaning fluid, moves and changes with the wind, so we have to adapt and reinvent ourselves. This year let’s prioritize our well-being and welcome the art of transformation. To exist is to change, to change is to mature, and to mature is to create oneself endlessly. It’s a time to reflect on the past, learn from our experiences, and set your sights on the future. So, why not make this the year you truly reinvent yourself for a healthier, more intentional and purposeful life?
Most people are afraid of change. Everyone experiences their own level of fear of change. That’s why comfort zones exist. You’re not alone in these feelings surrounding change. In fact, neuroscience tells us that uncertainty feels similar to failure in our brains. That’s why so many people would rather avoid change because of how uncomfortable the associated feelings can be. I want you to embrace change. Reinventing yourself starts with embracing change. Don’t be afraid to change. You may lose something good, but you may gain something even better. Whether it’s a career shift, a change in mindset, or a personal transformation, be open to the possibilities that change brings. Recognize that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
You will be required to set clear goals. We often make our goal setting extremely difficult right from the start, and certain mistakes are prevalent when we begin to set goals. Settingvague goals – Without specific, concrete goals, there is no plan, no action, and no progress can be tracked whether we have achieved the goal or not. Most people think that writing out their desires will be enough to motivate us and put us to work. But these desires don’t give us any direction for the future. We also tend to set irrelevant goals. These are the types of goals that are not aligned with our values or deeper purpose, and they are not sustainable. Another major factor affecting our ability to set goals and achieve them is our plan of action. Or in most cases, the lack of a plan of action. At the start of the journey, out of pure excitement and motivation, one common mistake that we make is jump right to the goal and start taking lots and lots of action with no method on how to break down a goal, how to keep ourselves motivated, what needs to be done and prioritized. As soon as the initial boost runs out, most people abandon their goals. The difference between January 1st and February 1st for New Year’s Resolutions are the prime examples of this mistake. Success is not a random occurrence; it’s the result of intentional and focused effort. You get to decide and define what success looks like for you in 2024 and break it down into actionable steps. Whether it’s advancing your career, improving your health, or cultivating meaningful relationships, having a roadmap will keep you on track. You want to set S.M.A.R.T goals- Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Time Bound goals.
In this new year I want you to develop a winning and unstoppable mindset. The power of the mind is second to none. I want you to eliminate self-doubt, self-limiting barriers, and negative self-talk. The encouragement is to surround yourself with positivity and affirmations. You have to protect your dream, and your peace at all costs. Extraordinary people do what others won’t and don’t do. Perfection is the goal; excellence will be tolerated.
I will be clear. On your road to success, you will experience hardship, trial, and error. I share that with you, so you aren’t caught off guard. I want you to expect and embrace setbacks. Failure is not the end; it’s a steppingstone to success. We’ve been taught our entire lives that the opposite of success is failure, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The opposite of success is quit. I encourage you to view failures and pain as lessons and opportunities for growth. I want you to look back on past setbacks, understand they were meant to be life lessons not a life sentence to keep you trapped. I want you to use them to propel yourself forward. Remember, success is not about avoiding failure but about bouncing back stronger each time.
I want you to cultivate resilience. Adversity is not the problem. The obstacles you will face throughout 2024 are not the problem. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Adversity is one of the greatest things we could ever experience in this life, and reinventing yourself will require resilience in the face of adversity. I want to tell you that the pain is temporary. When adversity hits, most people want to quit. When pain sets in, and you think that all is lost, know and understand you were trusted with the situation. Stay resilient, keep pushing forward, and let challenges be the fuel that propels you towards greatness. Greatness is achievable in all of us.
Lastly, it is important to surround yourself with positivity. Your environment plays a crucial role in your journey of reinvention. Choose friends, mentors, and influencers who uplift and inspire you. A positive support system can make all the difference in staying motivated and focused on your goals. Surround yourself with other greats! Surround yourself with those who are going to challenge you and keep you accountable. We want small steps, great distances, and that’s how you reinvent yourself for 2024 and go from existing to excelling.
Goodwill is Second Annual Beneficiary for Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America’s “Drive to Provide” event
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Start your engines! The second annual The Gulfstream: Drive to Provide will take place on February 16 at The Lake Pavilion in downtown West Palm Beach at 5 p.m. Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America will host the waterfront fundraiser that benefits Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ homeless prevention services. Stephen Grossman, General Manager for Braman Motorcars, will be the 2024 Honorary Chair.
The evening’s festivities include 40 Porsches on display from private collections, silent and live auctions, entertainment and culinary creations from Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ Career Academy of the Palm Beaches. Guests can also bid on one-of-a-kind artwork speed painted that evening by world renowned artist, Michael Israel (pictured below). Prior to the event, Israel will also be speed painting the hood of a Porsche Cayenne at the event’s pre-party, taking place on January 24 at Braman Motorcars. The vehicle will be on display in the Braman showroom for three weeks, before it is auctioned at The Gulfstream main event.
“Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is changing lives through housing, training, education and employment, while assisting people with disabilities, who are homeless and have other barriers to employment to become self-sufficient, working members of the South Florida community,” said Keith Kennedy, President and CEO for Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. “Every night, we have over 300 individuals in our four shelters who would otherwise be on the streets. By supporting us on February 16, you will be helping more individuals in our community facing homelessness. We hope to see you there!”
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries is a private, non-profit agency serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties for over 55 years. It is the largest homelessness provider in its five-county region and the largest health and human services organization in its territory.
“Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America not only has a passion for cars, but also for meaningful ways to give back through philanthropic endeavors,” said Kyle Rathbun, President of Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America. “We are proud to have Gulfstream Goodwill Industries as our charity of choice. It’s incredible how they are helping the homeless community and providing them with a better life.”
Sponsors for the evening include Braman Porsche West Palm Beach, Gardens Wealth Management, Gunster, Abaco Automotive, One Digital, Peter and Suzanne Krones, Joan McCabe and Karl Eisleben.
Tickets for The Gulfstream: Drive to Provide are $100 per person or $356 per couple for VIP access. The VIP tickets are limited and have pre-party benefits including access to balcony lounge, upgraded cocktails and champagne, a private hors d’oeuvres station, premium view of the Michael Israel painting performance and a Michael Israel collectible artwork with certificate of authenticity. The main event benefits include champagne and whiskey upgrade with open bar, meet and greet with Michael Israel and leadership of Porsche Club of the Americas, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and an exclusive VIP gift bag.
For more information on Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, the pre-party at Braman or to purchase tickets to The Gulfstream, please visit goggi.org or call 561-848-7200. For more information on Gulfstream Region Porsche Club of America or to become a member, please visit gulfstreamregion-pca.org.
The Armory Art Center is pleased to announce that its latest exhibition, “Art Deco en Plein Air” will honor the vibrant, unique history of Art Deco buildings and places in The Palm Beaches. The exhibit is free and open to the public now through January 11, 2024.
Presented in partnership with Plein Air Palm Beach,the exhibition will showcase notable, historic Art Deco buildings including the Armory Art Center, the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Pharmacy, and much more.
“We can’t wait for our community to see this fantastic exhibition,” said Lianna Slater, Armory Art Center exhibition and events coordinator. “Palm Beach County’s history and rich architectural heritage is showcased beautifully by 40 accomplished artists. More than 40 different areas around the country are represented across various mediums.”
The exhibition comes at an exciting time in the Armory Art Center’s rich history. Earlier this year, the organization announced that it had begun restoring its historic Old Armory building. The restoration includes a new roof, windows, and doors, followed by interior renovations to offices, jewelry and metalworking studios, galleries, and a new Armory Art Center Shop—none of which will impact classes or major events.
“Art Deco en Plein Air” will be located in the East Gallery at the Armory Art Center’s historic campus. The public is invited to enjoy a complimentary closing reception for the show on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. A special lecture with the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches will also take place that evening from 7:30-8:30 pm.
Closing Reception: Wednesday, January 10, 5-7 p.m.
East Gallery, Armory Art Center
811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401
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About the Armory Art Center:
Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from pre-school to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics and sculpture are held in twelve state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures and special events are open to the public.
The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.
For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.
The Wellington Art Society is pleased to host Kim DiGiacomo as featured Artist and Speaker at their January meeting at 5:30pm on Wednesday, January 10 at the Wellington Community Center. For more information please contact [email protected].
“Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the process, and dive into the mess! As students become confident in their own creative choices and ideas, they gain skills and become changemakers in life.” Kim DiGiacomo
Armed with a BFA in Computer Animation and a lifetime of lessons learned as a color blind artist, Kim DiGiacomo is a rare gem in the art world. In love with art since childhood, she has been teaching for almost 25 years, and currently has her own mobile art studio business StudioFive6.com. Facing and overcoming challenges as an artist with colorblindness has given her a unique perspective on life. Her motivation to bring the two together in her students propels them towards having confidence in using their own unique voice and expression in art and when making choices in life.
In our rapidly changing social media universe, Kim has learned how to navigate some of the more important apps to her advantage as an artist. She has graciously offered to join us and share some of her experiences and give us some tips on how to make the best use of Instagram, one of the more popular tools available for marketing, sales, and showcasing your work as an artist. She will also talk about how you can use your own unique voice to make your mark as an artist on social media.
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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
