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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 1
Palms West Journal WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • WEST PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE GROVES • THE ACREAGE • LAKE WORTH Volume 1, Number 4
Palms West Journal goes digital: We have launched our new website, podcast, and newsletter. See more on page 8.
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FREE • January 2022
South Florida Fair returns to the fairgrounds
Morikami Museum offers Art of Bonsai classes
Learn more about the art of bonsai and the interesting story behind the first Japanese settlers in South Florida.
PAGE 4
The South Florida Fair located at the West Palm Beach fairgrounds. By Sharon Penn PALMS WEST JOURNAL
University of Florida campus planned for downtown West Palm Beach Palm Beach County and the city of West Palm Beach approved plans for the new campus, which would offer executive, professional, and graduate degrees.
PAGE 6
The South Florida Fair returns to the West Palm Beach fairgrounds on Southern Boulevard, west of the turnpike, from Jan. 14 to 30 with activities for the entire family, including stage shows, concert performances, midway rides, shopping, and, of course, food. The fair encourages people to sign up for newsletters with updated information about scheduled entertainment. Past competitions include the Miss South Florida Fair Scholarship Pageant, open auditions at the Stars of the Future showcase for aspiring talent, creative crafts and skills, a culinary competition, a beautiful baby contest, and a rock tribute. The South Florida Fair dates back to 1912, and it is the largest and oldest event in the community. “I have been blessed to be a part of the South Florida Fair and Palm Beach County Expositions for over 35 years,” said Vicki Chouris, the president and CEO of the South Florida Fair. “The memories that have been made are too
numerous to recount.” This year’s fair highlights the “Rockin’ Robots” exposition with demonstrations of interactive robotic activities and bot battles. Robots show how they are used in fields such as education, science, and manufacturing. Rock-It the Robot, a 9-foot-tall galactic ambassador of goodwill that walks, talks, and rocks, mingles with as many earthlings as he can while lip-synching to fairgoers. The 5,000-square-foot Robot Zoo exhibit allows children of all ages to explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots. They learn how chameleons change colors, how a giant squid can propel itself, and how a fly can walk on the ceiling. Fairgoers will see Oscar the Robot, who knows how to entertain crowds, along with “Lumia,” a high-energy visual show from Las Vegas. “As always, we will continue to operate with safety in mind and will encourage best practices as it relates to COVID-19,” Chouris said. Cleaning activities have been ramped up, and hand sanitizers and hand-washing
Invasive Burmese python seen in the Loxahatchee Refuge
An invasive Burmese python was recently spotted at the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge. See what is being done to control the species.
PAGE 12
Comedy hypnotist Brad Matchett brings his Vegas style hypnosis show to the fair. Photo by South Florida Fair
stations are located throughout the facility, just as they were in 2021. The fair marks the completion of Kids’ Mile, a 12-week training program that enables kids to complete a full, 26.2mile marathon by running about 2 miles per week. Participants will run the final mile of the marathon Saturday, Jan. 15. The Palm Beach County School District endorses the South Florida Fair Kids’ Mile and encourages all elementary schools to participate. An unusual cultural attraction is Yesteryear Village, where you can experience Florida life before 1940. The living history park features early original and replica Florida structures, such as a schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and homes. Events scheduled at Yesteryear Village include an old-time fiddlin’ contest and performances by the Low Ground Band and the Lubben Brothers, an acoustic group of triplets. “We are change agents. Although we continue to have some of the traditional aspects of the fair, we do work hard to create displays and showcase entertainment that is new and contemporary,” said Chouris. Live entertainment is offered at the Lift Your Spirits Beer & Wine Garden. Check the newsletter to see the performance schedule. The Kubota South Florida Agriplex at the fairgrounds features 51,000 square feet of exhibit space to accommodate more than 150 exhibition booths. The Agricadabra show “Going Green with Ag” emphasizes the fundamentals of recycling, reducing and reusing.
Photo by Doreen Poreba
“We have all the traditional fair offerings, including the chance to see live farm animals up close and personal,” said Chouris. Advance general admission tickets to the fair are $10 online. Children under 10 are free. An advance ride voucher can be purchased for $20. It’s good for $25 in ride coupons any day of the fair or one allyou-ride wristband valid one day Monday through Friday. For an additional $15, the voucher can be upgraded to a wristband valid on Saturday or Sunday. The Jan. 15 Kids’ Mile general admission ticket is $10. Purchase advance general admission tickets, advance ride vouchers and Kids’ Mile general admission tickets at southfloridafair.com/p/buy-tickets. The South Florida Fair is held at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. For further information, call 561-793-0333, or email fairnews@southfloridafair.com.
Page 2 • Palms West Journal • January 2022
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FACES & PLACES
Second annual Jolly Safari and Safari Lights at Animal EDventure
The beautiful light display of decorated trees, jumping kangaroos, and other creatures. By Sharon Penn PALMS WEST JOURNAL
Animal EDventure of Boynton Beach will hold its second annual Jolly Safari Guided Walking Tour and Safari Lights Walking Tour to celebrate the season and help rescued animals. Both events are held on Animal EDventure’s private property at 8545 U.S. Highway 441 in Boynton Beach, separate from the Animal EDventure Park near Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market. Animal EDventure is a family-run business that rescues and adopts animals. Animal EDventure tours allow people to get up close and personal to meet and learn about the animals. The holiday-themed Jolly Safari tour with Santa, his elves and amazing animals continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday through Jan. 2, as well as during days Palm Beach and Broward schools are closed.
Photos Courtesy of Animal Edventure
Visitors can enjoy the Winter Wonderland, play in the snow, and take photos with Santa and his elves. Santa’s Workshop offers the opportunity to feed sheep and goats. Sloth Encounters and Kangaroo Encounters also are available. Reservations for the Jolly Safari are required. Admission is $25; children under 2 are free.Admission is $20; children under 2 are free. Parking is $3, cash only. Both walking tours can be booked by texting 561350-6948, or reserve the Jolly Safari at animaledventures.com/events or the Safari Lights at animaledventures.com/safari-lights. Animal EDventure started in 2010 with the rescue of a horse named Kona from an abusive owner. Kona remains a focal point of the park. The animals appear at the park for just a few hours every Saturday and Sunday because their 8.5-acre home is elsewhere in Boynton Beach.
ART EXHIBITIONS
An Eye on Michelangelo and Bernini Photographs by Aurelio Amendola
Aurelio Amendola has devoted his career to documenting the works of great masters of the Italian Renaissance. This exhibition features 30 stunning black and white photo details of some of Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s most-beloved sculptures, showing the intimate dialogue Amendola shares with the artists and unveiling the style and intensity of the Italian masters. Aurelio Amendola, detail of Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne (1622–25, marble, Borghese Gallery and Museum, Rome, Italy), print on baryta paper with silver salts mounted on aluminum, printed 2021
A Beautiful Mess
Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard This vibrant contemporary textile exhibition features a diverse selection of fiber arts, including wall-hangings, installations, and monumental pieces. The all-female roster of conceptual artists displays twisted, tied, and braided works made from tactile and utilitarian materials like rope, yarn, clay, and wire, elevating the status of weaving and knotting from craft to fine art. Kirsten Hassenfeld, Millefleur, 2019, salvaged textiles with mixed media
ON DISPLAY THROUGH JANUARY 30, 2022 Tickets: $10. Hours: 10-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesdays. Visit www.fourarts.org to reserve tickets and view our season policies and procedures.
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A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard is organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA. An Eye on Michelangelo and Bernini: Photographs by Aurelio Amendola is organized by The Society of the Four Arts.
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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 3
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FACES & PLACES
Morikami Museum offers the Art of Bonsai
Japanese courtyard at the Morikami Museum Photo by Aliza Schlabach
PALMS WEST JOURNAL Visitors can submerge themselves in Japanese art, history, culture and cuisine at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. South Florida’s connection to Japan stretches back to the early 20th century. A New York University graduate named Jo Sakai brought farmers from his hometown of Miyazu, Japan, to try to revolutionize agriculture in America. Called Yamato, an old name for Japan, the farm colony didn’t last long, but the Morikami Museum honors that legacy. The museum’s collections include more than 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, from textiles and fine arts to 500 tea ceremony items.
The museum complex offers a gallery with seasonal and permanent exhibitions, several gardens, a bonsai collection, a pan-Asian open-air cafe and a gift shop. The Morikami Museum begins its “The Art of Bonsai” classes Jan. 2. Morikami offers both beginner and intermediate classes. Students will learn how to “trim and train” a bonsai tree. Sunday classes go through the beginning of February. Although the art of bonsai is associated with Japan, the practice originated in China, where it was called “penzai.” Japanese students and visitors to China started to bring the practice to Japan in the sixth century. Over time, the bonsai tree became prominent in Japanese culture. Japanese Zen Buddhism played a large part in the growth and reputation of the
Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition January 8 – February 26 See website for hours
Photo by Steve Harwood
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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 5
FACES & PLACES art of bonsai, and its popularity continued to grow. In 1868 the emperor moved the capital to Tokyo and placed bonsai trees throughout the Imperial Palace. One of the oldest bonsai trees in the world is at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington. The Japanese white pine is nearly 400 years old. It was originally planted just miles from where the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima during World War II. In 1975, Japan gave the tree to the United States as a 200th birthday gift. It stands in the National Arboretum as a symbol of peace and friendship between the United States and Japan. The Morikami Museum (morikami.org) is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cafe is open the same days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and free for members.
Gardens at the Morikami Museum Photo by Dmitro
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Page 6 • Palms West Journal • January 2022
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EAST OF THE PALMS
University of Florida campus planned for downtown West Palm Beach
University of Florida Alumni, Carley Finch, displaying her graduation cap at her graduation ceremony. By Sharon Penn PALMS WEST JOURNAL
If all goes as planned, the University of Florida will have a campus near downtown West Palm Beach. Palm Beach County and the city of West Palm Beach approved plans for the new campus, which would offer executive, professional, and graduate degrees and focus on business, law and engineering. Primary areas of study will be data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence,
financial technology, and coastal infrastructure. UF President Kent Fuchs called the expansion a “once-in-a-century opportunity.” Fuchs laid out a timeline that would have the university leasing space in the fall of 2022 and opening the new campus in 2026. The hope is to prepare students to earn high-level jobs and start their own businesses in the area. UF officials estimated that 1,000 graduate students would study on campus full time. The university is trying to hire 100 new artificial
Photo by the University of Florida
intelligence faculty members to build AI across the curriculum. The new University of Florida campus would eventually cover 1 million square feet of space in buildings in downtown West Palm Beach. The project would be built along Tamarind Avenue between the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Datura Street near the future Transit-Oriented Village, which will offer stations for trains, buses and trolleys.
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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 7
EAST OF THE PALMS Fuchs said the campus will generate jobs, attract companies, and expand the local economy. The project will also help the University of Florida achieve a high level of quality in technology and finance. The president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Kelly Smallridge, said the campus will help the county by increasing the number of young people with degrees in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, financial technology, and AI. “University of Florida’s presence in West Palm Beach will be transformational,” said Smallridge, “at the core of any solid economy is a strong network of educational programs to enhance the skills sets of the local workforce. This helps us our local companies in remaining competitive and feeds the pipeline”. Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach and real estate developer Jeff Greene will contribute land for a total of 12 acres of public and private land east of Tamarind Avenue in an area known as Government Hill. While university officials and government representatives work out the details, the Palm Beach County commissioners recently learned that their land donation is more generous than they had anticipated. The property appraiser assessed the county-owned 5 acres at $12.9 million, but the market value based on the average of two appraisals obtained by the county
staff amounted to $42 million. The market values for the city land and Greene’s property are not publicly known. The county commissioners learned that the university is thinking about building a hotel on campus and leasing space to businesses. County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay called this plan a “no-go.” She said she is excited about the county land being used for an educational institution, not a mixed-use development that would include a hotel and an office building. University of Florida officials said any hotel would be “down the road.” The proposal for the first phase of the project includes 83,000 square feet for academics, 146,000 square feet for residential units and 81,000 square feet for “industrial partnerships.” The public-private partnership will mirror other successful ventures, including the Kendall Square Initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Texas Medical Center in Houston. University representatives said that while they initially considered just the academic building, they learned that business and industry leaders want to be close to the faculty and the students. The plan is to have these leaders work with them, teach them, and mentor them.
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Page 8 • Palms West Journal • January 2022
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THE VILLAGE PALMS WEST IDIOT JOURNAL by Jim Mullen SPECIAL
Palms West Journal goes digital
By David Abroms Palms West Journal Palms West Journal is building a multimedia organization in which we harness digital technologies to tell the stories of this community. We have launched a new website, podcast and newsletter to continue to connect this Palms West community. We launched our new website (palmswestjournal.
com) in November. This is the center of the Palms West Journal world. You can read our latest stories, listen to our podcasts, sign up for our weekly newsletter and connect directly with Palms West Journal about events in the community. Our homepage begins with the three main sections that cover our community: Village Life, Last Frontier and East of the Palms. Village Life covers the villages of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach. Last Frontier is a
reference to Loxahatchee Groves’ nickname, “Florida’s Last Frontier.” East of the Palms covers the action in West Palm Beach and other eastern parts of the county. Next on our homepage are our Features, the most prominent articles we want to share with the community. From there you go into the other sections: Faces & Places, Nature Calls, Health Matters and Local Happenings.
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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 9
PALMS WEST JOURNAL SPECIAL As you look through the website, you will see places to sign up for our winter internship program and for information about becoming a sponsor of Palms West Journal. You can explore our website by scanning the code below.
We also launched Palms West Podcast in November, with our first episode giving voice to a feature article about the COVID Memorial Quilt Exhibit at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach. We discussed the exhibit and heard from 14-year-old Madeline Fugate, the creator of the COVID Memorial Quilt. In our latest podcast we discuss manatee deaths in Florida and hear from Kimberleigh Dinkins of the Save the Manatee Club about what is being done to save them. In the next episode we discuss the latest COVID surge and flash back to the delta variant. These podcasts are an exciting way to give voice to the community. Subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms.
Our newest digital addition, launched in December, is our weekly newsletter. We want to reach our audience more frequently than our monthly publication. Our newsletter is a great way to get the latest feature story and learn about local events. We highlight a couple of events every week, as well as our latest podcast episode. It is easy to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Simply go to the homepage and hit subscribe, or scan the QR code below. If you subscribe to our newsletter, you will receive updated information about our feature story on the South Florida Fair’s return to the West Palm Beach Fairgrounds.
Palms West Podcast
Palms West Newsletter
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Page 10 • Palms West Journal • January 2022
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NATURE CALLS
Invasive Burmese python seen in the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge
A beautiful sunset over the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge. Photo by By Sharon Penn PALMS WEST JOURNAL
An invasive Burmese python was recently spotted in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in West Boynton Beach. The U.S. Geological Survey, a science bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, says non-native Burmese pythons are among the most concerning invasive species in the Everglades, and they have established a breeding population in South Florida. Mike Kirkland, an invasive-animal biologist from the water management district, said Burmese python sightings in the refuge are an indication
that the population is expanding. He is meeting with officials to develop a strategy to counter the situation. Pythons compete with native wildlife for food, and a severe decline in mammals in the Everglades has been linked to the destructive snake’s eating habits. Pythons are caught while they sun themselves on levees that run through wetlands in other areas of South Florida. They are also caught when they are spotted by hunters driving along the levees at night. The problem is that levees do not run through most of the Loxahatchee Refuge, so catching a python is like finding a needle in a haystack, according to Kirkland. In 2016, a 10-foot python
Laura Ries
was found on the southeast side of the refuge. Capturing pythons proves difficult because the refuge is composed of 144,000 acres of tree islands, cypress swamps and cattail mires. Most of the area is accessible only by helicopter or airboat, making it almost impossible to launch a quick response once a python is spotted. Frank Mazzotti, a University of Florida wildlife professor and leader of the Croc Docs research team, estimates that up to 1,000 pythons are undetected for every snake that is found. He said that even though the team responded to a python sighting within hours, it was gone.
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Palms West Journal • January 2022 • Page 11
NATURE CALLS The Water Management District is asking the public for ideas about how to find pythons in the wild. Several suggestions have come from Fort Lauderdale-based Environmental Science Associates, the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Recommendations include using the scent of a female to lure males for easier capture; using infrared imagery; deploying python-sniffing dogs; and using “scout” snakes fitted with radio transmitters to find female pythons, which can produce up to 95 eggs in each clutch. To control the python population, the Water Management District nearly doubled the pay for contractors who are willing to patrol the refuge for pythons. The python hunters can earn $15 per hour at the Loxahatchee Refuge, as opposed to $10 per hour in other parts of South Florida. Hunters are also paid $50 for every python they capture over 4 feet in length and an extra $25 per foot above 4 feet.
Around 5,250 pythons have been removed by district hunters since the inception of the program in March 2017. In addition, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hunters nabbed 3,385 pythons. The Loxahatchee Refuge is the last bastion of the northern Everglades, which once covered a huge area of South Florida. It is one of over 500 wildlife refuges throughout the nation. If you visit the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, be on the lookout for these invasive snakes, alongside endangered and threatened species. Species that call the refuge home include the wood stork, snail kite, Florida softshell turtles, coastal plain cooters and American alligators. You also could notice the tracks of otters, bobcats, armadillos and raccoons as you walk the trails. Bring your camera and get your binoculars ready for a stroll through the Butterfly Garden or a walk along the Marsh Trail or any of the other trails.
A python resting on a branch, taking in the sun.
Photo by Jana Sabeth
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