Palms West Monthly- July 2021

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 1

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • WEST PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE GROVES • THE ACREAGE • LAKE WORTH Volume 11, Number 7

SPECIAL: 2021 Hurricane Season preparedness for the western communitiies

PAGE 8

PalmsWestMonthly.com

FREE • July 2021

Lion Country Safari ranked top 10 safari parks in America Okeeheelee Park is a great place to plan your next “staycation” Enjoy the many activities and special events in the month of July at this 1,700-acre Palm Beach County gem.

PAGE 4

Photo By Maria Lorenzino/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP

Blossom, a one-year old rhinoceros, is seen with her mom at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, FL back in March of 2016.

By SHARON PENN Palms West Monthly

Dramaworks The Kravis Center announces ‘Young annouces new shows Playwrights’ added to the lineup The Kravis Center for the winners

Performing is gearinghas up Palm BeachArts Dramaworks announced its 10 winners of the for an exciting 2021-2022 Young Playwrights 10-Minute season, adding several new Play Contest. Each winning play performances. will be read PAGE 11 by a professional actor on March 24.

PAGE 7

The popular wildlife park, Lion Country Safari, was recently ranked among the 10 best safari parks by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice. Zoo and travel experts provided a list of top-nominated wildlife parks, and winners were picked by popular vote. The top 10 winners in the Best Safari Park category were announced on June 4.

This is the fourth year in a row that Lion Country Safari made the list. Located in Loxahatchee near West Palm Beach, the park is also recognized as one of the top three zoos in America by the USA Travel Guide.

Other winners include Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska; Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona; Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Divide, Colorado; San Diego Zoo Safari

Park; B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena; and Safari West in Santa Rosa, California; The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio; Keystone Safari in Grove City, Pennsylvania; and Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon.

The Lion Country Safari Story Lion Country Safari is an AZA-accredited wildlife park that has been welcoming families seeking a realistic African safari experience since 1967. The park is known for introducing the first cageless zoo in the country, a new concept at the time.

The nearly 600-acre attraction provides a walk-through adventure park and an award-winning KOA campground as well as the four-mile drive-through safari.

An African Safari Experience When you visit Lion Country Safari, you enjoy an African safari experience

The Everglades is the largest Volunteers help wetland North distributeinPPE to America area non-profits

As South Florida continues Clinics Can Help and Unitedto grow, further pressure is being Way joined forces with dozens put on the Everglades.

Findto of area volunteers recently givemore out awayabout $350,000 this important worth of personal protective equipment. ecosystem.

PAGE 513

with over 1,000 animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and wildebeests roaming free just inches from your car.

Admission to the Safari World Adventure Park includes a view of seven different realistic animal habitats, up-close encounters like giraffe feedings and a petting zoo, rides, a water spray ground and more.

Lion Country Safari features the largest herd of zebras on record in North America. Expect to see rhinos, ostriches, chimpanzees and giraffes. The wildlife safari park is home to a variety of tropical birds like macaws, parrots, flamingos and cockatoos. If you are looking for reptiles, keep your eye out for alligators, turtles, pythons and other snakes. Learn what is unique about different species and catch a glimpse of how animals are trained.

A Day of Fun for All Ages At Lion Country Safari, children can participate in attractions like the Flying Elephant ride, a carousel, a mini train that rides past petting zoo animals and a Photo by Werner Bertsch

LION COUNTRY SAFARI / PAGE 7

Page 2 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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FACES & PLACES

KDW classic back in action with 230 boats

Patrick Gambale and team Black N Blue with their winning 25.5 pound dolphin

By Tom “Buzz” Bzura West Palm Beach Fishing Club Early summertime fishing opportunities had south Florida anglers eager to get on the water and test their luck in pursuit of kingfish, dolphin and wahoo. The 18th annual Palm Beach County KDW Classic took place in early June with over 1000 participants fishing aboard 230 registered boats.

The KDW Classic is hosted by the venerable West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) and is among the largest oneday saltwater tournaments in Florida. The Marine Industries Associations of Palm Beach County is the presenting sponsor of the event.

Brandon Ochar, fishing aboard the Survivin, weighed in an impressive 43.4 lb. wahoo this year. A wahoo this size is usually a lock for first place in the KDW Classic. In fact, some year’s just one wahoo in total is caught. But the impressive striped pelagic would only hold up for a few hours until angler Craig Gerlach and the Chances R arrived at Riviera Beach Marina not long after the 2 pm “lines-out” with a fish to weigh.

Fellow Chances R crew

Winning Team’s Boat, Black N Blue

member, Buddy Yarbrough, explained they landed the fish “Late, just after 1 pm. Our last catch of the day while fishing in 150 feet off Lost Tree, trolling a ballyhoo with a pink and white sea witch.” Teams don’t often switch back to wahoo fishing after the morning bite passes. Yarbrough commented, “That’s what the crew said too, but I convinced them to try it anyway. Lucky guess.”

Chances R’s wahoo hit the scale weighing in at 45.1 lbs., not even 2 lbs. heavier than the current leader. It was the biggest fish of the tournament and earned Craig Gerlach the coveted King of the Classic title, for being the male angler who landed the heaviest eligible weight fish. On the lady angler side of things, Heather Ruiz earned Queen of the Classic honors with her 30.6 lb. kingfish caught aboard the Doing It All. Serious bragging rights go with these titles, including their names being engraved on the KDW Classic perpetual trophy which is featured in the NPB Brass Ring Pub year-round.

Team Black N Blue had a day to remember, landing the heaviest dolphin and kingfish of the 2021 KDW Classic.

Photo by Leonard Bryant Photography

Angler Patrick Gambale caught the 25.5 lb. dolphin, and Trey Lytal landed the winning 36.0 lb. kingfish. Lytal described the catches in saying, “The kingfish hit a live bait down on lead in 125 feet just south of Juno Pier around 9 am. We drifted from Lost Tree to the Pier 6 to 7

Photo by Leonard Bryant Photography

times with the SE wind starting in 220 feet and ending around 100 feet.”

Lytal continued, “We headed offshore around 11 am to try for dolphin and found a temperature break in 550 feet. It went from 78.5 to 80.5

degrees. Lots of scattered weed made trolling challenging.

Around noon the planner rod with a skirted ballyhoo goes off and within 5 seconds the other line knocked out of the outrigger, but nothing was on.

We dropped that line in free spool for 6 seconds, engaged the drag, and a big bull dolphin shot out of water. It spit the hook while in the air. That bull was over 40 pounds. But we caught the cow on the planner rod and it won the dolphin category. It was a great day!”

The top Junior angler this year was Greyson Schroader who landed a 21.1 lb. kingfish aboard the One On One. Recognizing junior anglers and promoting family fishing has always been an exciting aspect of the tournament.

The Palm Beach County KDW Classic raises money for scholarships, youth fishing programs and marine conser vation initiatives conducted by the WPBFC and its charitable affiliate, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation.

“The support we receive from our dedicated team of volunteers and sponsors is what makes all this possible. We are so very grateful to have them on board.”, concluded WPBFC Chairman of the board, Pete Schulz.

Page 4 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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FACES & PLACES

Enjoy a fabulous “staycation” at Okeeheelee Park hole configurations to keep it interesting.

Purchase a Palm Beach County Frequent Player Card and receive discounts on golf rates, advanced tee time bookings and Tuesday special rate days, along with a free round of golf.

Call Okeeheelee Golf Course at 561-964-4653 for more information.

Sign for the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL South Florida residents can plan a wonderful “staycation” right here at nearby Okeeheelee Park, a huge 1,700 acre site

managed by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation. Escape for the day and play a round of championship golf, ride your

horse on beautiful trails and learn to wakeboard on the lake.

Plan a Family Fun Day at the Nature Center and take

advantage of amenities like baseball fields, tennis courts and the professional level BMX biking area. Have a picnic lunch,

Commune with Nature Learn about nature and animals and walk 2.5 miles of wooded trails that run through natural areas and ponds at the 90 – acre Okeeheelee Nature Center and Nature Trails. Informative signs tell you the history of the area and explain animals and plants you may encounter along the way.

See hands-on exhibits, have exciting animal encounters and participate in family-oriented programming throughout the year. The Okeeheelee Nature Center invites you to a “behind the scenes” tour to see outdoor animals up close on Friday, July 9.

Reservations are required.

The nature trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the Nature Center is open Wednesday – Friday 1:00-4:30 pm and Saturday 10:00-4:30 pm. Closed Sunday-Tuesday.

Photo by Thomas Cordy/ Palm Beach Post

Two day Blazin’ Cans Barrel Race takes place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Okeeheelee Park. rent a kayak and bring the dog to Pooch Pines Dog Park where Fido can have fun and a bath at the dog wash station. Check out the Okeeheelee Park website for special events.

Play Championship Golf Enjoy 27 holes of beautifully maintained championship golf at the Okeeheelee Golf Course. This public course offers a clubhouse, a chipping and putting practice area, a driving range and a pro shop. Play different 18 –

For further information, call the Okeeheelee Nature Center at 561-233-1400.

Ride at the Equestrian Park Discover a world-class equestrian park on 110 acres with five riding rings, two stable buildings to accommodate 128 horses and a covered arena. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center features more than nine miles of riding trails and facilities to host shows and competitions. There CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 5

FACES & PLACES are open trails and riding areas available every day at no charge.

Follow the Equestrian Center on Facebook for the most up-to-date events. For further information about the Equestrian Center, call 561-9667090.

Participate in BMX Bicycle Racing Thrill to biking events throughout the year during race season on the Okeeheelee Park BMX Track, one of the top racetracks in the nation.

The season runs from June 1 through December 15 and from January 1 through May 31. There are twice weekly races and daily training programs for adults and children. Try a one time, hour long training session free of charge.

This professional level BMX racing track is located past the main entrance heading west, just before the bridge. The track is run by the nonprofit, all-volunteer group Okeeheelee BMX. You will need a USA BMX card to practice or race on the track.

Class time and availability can be found on the website www. okeeheeleebmx.com.

For further information, call the track at 561-642-6774.

Okeeheelee Park Boat Rental Visit the boat rental run by Kayak-King Watersports to rent kayaks, pedal boats, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. You can rent bicycles here as well.

Rentals are available weekends

and holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Let the Dog Run Free Pooch Pines dog park is perfect for large or small dogs with two sections to keep things safe. Expect to find plenty of shade, benches and a dog washing station. Find restrooms right outside the gate. Enjoy the day and follow the rules found on the Palm Beach County website.

Wakeboard at Shark Wake Park Join the fun at Shark Wake Park, an aquatic sports park created by legendary golfer Greg Norman and his son, Greg Norman, Jr. Find inflatable obstacles, a cable and pulley system that swings wakeboarders around the wake and the viewing area.

There is also a pro shop and refreshment area.

Upcoming Events at Okeeheelee Park ONC (Okeeheelee Nature Center) Behind the Scenes Friday, July 9, 3:30 p.m.

Families/all ages, $3/participant (Reservations required) Archery for Beginners Tuesday, July 13, 9:30 a.m.

Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required) Guided Nature Walk Saturday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. Families/all ages, FREE (Reservations required)

Florida’s Keystone Species Saturday, July 31, 1:00 p.m. Families/ all ages, $3/ participant (Reservations required)

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Page 6 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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SCENE &FROM WEST PALM by Aaron Wormus | awormus@palmswestmonthly.com FACES PLACES

HB 979 passes to limit firework sales in Wellington The Florida House of Representatives turned its attention to the use of fireworks this past week.

After calling a vote, members passed HB 979, which aims to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks within the Village of Wellington’s equestrian preserves. With more authority over the sale and use of fireworks locally, Wellington is in a better position to regulate fireworks within the Equestrian Preserve’s 9,000 acres.

The bill was originally brought forth by Representative Matt Willhite of Wellington to better protect the local

equestrian community. Loud noises, and especially fireworks, are known to frighten horses.

Representative Willhite recognized the potentially serious disturbances caused by local fireworks displays and the unique and important role that horses play in the local economy.

The Village of Wellington is widely considered the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World,” and every year, thousands of spectators gather in Wellington to enjoy equestrian sporting events.

In the course of a season, as many as 13,000 horses are bred and trained in the local area, and the animals represent a significant investment of time and resources.

The step towards increased

regulation in the area could not be more timely considering that Independence Day celebrations and other festivities are already on the horizon. In a statement issued shortly after the vote, Representative Willhite praised the bill’s passage:

Wellington is a unique community, known for its equestrian sports. The horses that participate in these sporting events are like Olympic athletes, and inspire thousands to travel to the Village of Wellington every year. These equestrian sports are an economic driver for the Village. Because of Wellington’s unique circumstances, it’s a great accomplishment that the House passed this bill. Without it, Wellington will be unable to protect its equestrian citizens and their horses from the use of fireworks throughout the community on designated holidays.”

Matt Willhite, Florida Representative for District 86

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 7

Lion Country Safari ranked top 10 best safari parks in America

Photo by J Pat Carter via AP

Little Mama was thought to be the oldest living chimp in capitvity at the time. This photo was taken in 2012 at Lion Country Safari, when she was thought to be 73-years old. She passed away in 2017.

LION COUNTRY SAFARI / FROM PAGE 1

water park. Animal encounters, including giraffe feedings, put humans eye-to-eye with the tall creatures. Kids and grownups alike can find their way out of a hedge-lined maze, play minigolf, go on a pontoon boat ride and participate in other activities, many of which are complimentary with the price of admission.

After a fun day at the park, take home a one-of-akind work of art by an animal artist. The lively works of art are produced by chimps, macaws and giraffes, and paw prints from rhinos and lions are also favorites. Also, 50% of the proceeds go toward

supporting organizations.

conservation

A Leader in Animal Conservation Lion Countr y Safari’s mission is to foster positive connections between people and wildlife in a safe, familyfriendly environment. The tropical climate and abundant space make the Lion Country Safari Palm Beach County location ideal. The wildlife park continues to be a leader in animal care, conservation and education.

On April 17, 2021, the Hwange section of the safari welcomed a baby plains zebra to its herd. Plains zebras are classified as

Photo by Greg Lovett/ Palm Beach Post via AP

From right to left: Ashley Ullrich, Chelsea Anderson, Dr. Genevieve Dumonceaux, Charlene Tran and Craig Van Der Meid clap and cheer as Lissa the rhinoceros rises to her feet after her fifth surgery at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, FL. check out the individual “near threatened” because oryx and siamangs in addition attraction websites for hours of a decreasing population to zebras by contributing to and any park amenities that due to poaching and loss a healthy and sustainable may have been temporarily of habitat. Lion Country population. affected by COVID-19.

Safari participates in Species Currently, a Summer Plan Your Visit Survival Plans that feature Savings Pass is available that a range of conservation Lion Country Safari is provides unlimited admission and breeding programs for located at 2003 Lion Country threatened species. The Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL to Lion Country Safari, the programs have become 33470, 10 miles west of the Miami Seaquarium and Zoo increasingly important as Florida Turnpike. The wildlife Miami.

For further information wild populations decline and safari park is open from 9:30 the animals eventually face am – 5:30 pm, with the last about Lion Country Safari, call extinction. The wildlife park car admitted at 4:30 pm. It 561-567-7970 or visit www. helps species like rhinoceros, is recommended that visitors LionCountrySafari.com.

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Page 8 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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ARTS & WEST ENTERTAINMENT PALMS MONTHLY SPECIAL

Hurricane Season 2021 What you need to know for this season

through alternate methods.

Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and locate shelters in your area. If you are caring for a person with special needs or if you have a pet, you might want to register for special shelters that can accommodate you. Learn where you can get groceries and building supplies in case you have damage to your property.

Palms West Monthly Special The United States NOAA Hurricane Center predicts 13-20 named storms this year. Now is the time for local residents to follow the 4-step Palm Beach County hurricane preparedness recommendations: Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Be Informed and Get Involved to keep the community safe.

More Storms Predicted for Atlantic Hurricane Season Hurricane season started on June 1 and it will extend to November 30 this year. The first named storm made its appearance a week before the official start of the season. NOAA predicts hurricane season 2021 will include 6-10 possible hurricanes including

3-5 major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.

The Sunshine State gets hit by more hurricanes than any other state. More storms are predicted for the 2021 Florida hurricane season than in the period from 1981-2021. However, US News and World Report says that, according to a recent survey, Floridians are less prepared this season than they were a year ago.

Time to Act If you have not started hurricane preparations already, now is the time to act. Here are some of the recommendations found in the official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide:

1) Make a Plan It is important to know what to do in the event of a hurricane emergency. The best action you can take is to plan now to protect yourself and your family. Write up a

Photo by Jim Vallee

“Family Disaster Plan” and practice it so everyone knows what to do if a hurricane hits. During a hurricane, ordinary lines of communication may not be available, so plan how to stay in touch with family and friends

2) Build a Kit You should have emergency essentials on hand like food, water, medication and first aid items. Keep flashlights and lanterns handy, know how to store important documents and have a supply of special items like hearing aid batteries and disposable diapers.

You will want to keep add extra supply of prescription medication on hand as well as items like pain relievers and contact lens solution if needed. At the start of hurricane season, take inventory of your valuables and photograph them.

Whenever possible, store valuables in a safe, dry place. For a complete list of items for your emergency kit, see the Palm Beach County website.

3) Stay Informed It is important to stay up to date with information during a hurricane.

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 9

PALMS WEST MONTHLY SPECIAL

Make sure you have a plan

You can learn about possible evacuations, power outages and road closings. You can follow Palm Beach County on social media, sign up for notifications and listen to local radio and TV stations to keep up to the minute. You can also download the PBC DART app. See the Palm Beach County website for a complete list of local radio and TV stations.

4) Get Involved If a hurricane hits our area, you can help your community by volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, CERT, United Way and the Medical Reserve Corps.

Hurricane Preparedness in the Villages In addition to making an emergency plan and stocking up on supplies, the Village of Wellington also asks its citizens to do any tree

trimming and home maintenance now so that resources will not be overwhelmed if a hurricane does come. The Village of Wellington also reminds residents that, after a storm, vegetative waste must be left at the street, separate from other waste.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach is preparing to send out Community Development staff before a storm to canvas the Village and notify residents of materials that may become hazard in the event of a hurricane landfall. Community Development staff will also survey the Village after a storm to determine the extent of the damage and report it to the Village.

Preparing For Your Horse Just as you would prepare for an emergency during hurricane season for yourself, you will need to make sure that your horse is protected

CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE

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Page 10 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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FACES PALMS&WEST PLACES MONTHLY SPECIAL

Hurricane preparations take place in the villages

Hurricane Hugo was a powerful category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 160 MPH that inflicted tremendous damage cross the Caribbean and Southeast US.

Emergency First Aid Kit Checklist for Horses

HURRICANE SEASON 2021 / FROM PAGE 9

against water and food shortages.

Water: You should have 12-20 gallons of water per day stored and a generator to run the well for a large number of horses. Make sure to keep chlorine bleach handy to purify the water when necessary – two drops per quart of water, and let it stand for 30 minutes.

Feed: Have a minimum of 3-7 days of feed and hay available in case roads are closed. Keep the grain in watertight containers, cover the hay with waterproof tarps and place it on palates.

Turn off Electrical Power to the Barn Secure movable objects like jumps and lawn furniture. Horse trailers and other large vehicles should be placed in open fields so trees cannot fall on them.

Keep emergency tools like a chainsaw, fence repair materials, wire cutters, a hammer and nails, a fire extinguisher and duct tape.

The Village of Wellington

- Bandages (leg wraps and quilts) - Antiseptics - Scissors/knife - Topical antibiotic ointments - Tranquilizers - Pain relievers (phenylbutazone or Banamine®) - Flashlight and extra batteries - Extra halters/lead ropes - Clean towels - Fly spray

preparedness in the area. Download the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide, find out

• • • • • • • • • •

Athletics Arts & Crafts Animal Exhibits Entertainment Field Trips Magicians Movies Rock Wall Sporting Events Wellington Pool

s

detailed information about tropical storms at the NOAA website, nhc. noaa.gov.

Don’t be afraid to smile!

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Time to Stock Up Florida, like other states along the Atlantic coastline, has made efforts to help residents prepare for this year’s hurricane season by offering tax holidays for storm supplies.

Officials are urging residents to have at least seven days of supplies available and to put a disaster plan into effect immediately.

Information and Resources for Hurricane Preparedness in Palm Beach County The official website for Palm Beach County contains a wealth of information for hurricane

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

New shows added to the Kravis Center lineup

By SHARON PENN Palms West Monthly Pent up excitement is building now that the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is finally opening up for in-person entertainment.

Kravis is poised to reopen for the 2021-2022 season with the spectacular events South Florida has come to expect, from blockbuster Broadway shows to classical concerts by highly respected performers.

The Kravis Center recently announced dates for three new shows in addition to the Kravis on Broadway and Regional Arts Classical Concert Series. Fans of the popular The Price Is Right TV show can view a version of the show live on October 30 right here in West Palm Beach. Popular recording star Gilberto Santa Rosa, dubbed “The Gentleman of Salsa,” will cast his spell over the audience on November 6. On November 10 a Trifecta of Folk Greats will bring back memories from the ‘50’s and ‘60’s.

The Price Is Right Live!

October 30 This exciting interactive stage show is a hit with audiences.

Eligible participants have the chance to have their name called to “come on down” and win prizes ranging from vacations, appliances and even a brand new car. This live (non-televised) onstage version of the popular TV show has played to enthusiastic crowds for over 14 years. The show has given away more than $12 million in cash and prizes.

Gilberto Santa Rosa Caminalo El Tour, November 6 Wildly popular Gilberto Santa Rosa is an enduring salsa singer with six Grammy Awards, four multi-platinum albums, 12 platinum albums and 13 gold albums. He

wows the audience with a unique improvisational style called “soneo” that embraces the essence of the entire musical genre.

symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles and recitalists at very affordable prices starting as low as $100 for a fourconcert series. Hear The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Russian National Orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell.

Trifecta of Folk Greats: The Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four and The Limeliters, November 10 Take a trip down memory lane with a Trifecta of Folk Greats where three legendary folk singing groups take the stage to perform their timeless classics. Hear favorites like Where Have All the Flowers Gone? and Tom Dooley by the Kinston Trio; Greenfields, Yellow Bird and Try to Remember

by The Brothers Four and A Way Fairing Stranger by The Limeliters.

Their all-acoustic performances have thrilled audiences for over 60 years.

Enhancing the Quality of Life in Palm Beach County The

Kravis

Center

for

The Kravis Digital Stage the Performing Arts is a vibrant center with a diverse schedule of world-class national and international artists. There is also comprehensive arts education programming. The Kravis Center provides a Palm Beach County venue for local arts organizations to showcase their work.

Kravis on Broadway The spectacular Kravis on Broadway series will coincide with the opening of Broadway in New York City. South Florida will be treated to performances of seven hit Broadway musicals. Expect a feel-good entertainment series that is a welcome breath of fresh air after a difficult year of COVID restrictions.

Here are the shows lined up for Kravis on Broadway, season 2021-2022: Come From Away, November 16 - November 21: Based on the true story of 7,000 passengers stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after 9/11, Come From Away portrays how uneasiness turned into trust, gratitude and lasting friendships.

Dear Evan Hansen, December 15 – December 19: The Washington Post named this “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” Watch as Evan Hansen finally has a chance to fit in.

Summer, The Donna Summer Musical, January 5 – 9: Enjoy over 20 of Donna Summer’s classic hits including Hot Stuff and Bad Girls in a moving tribute to the

New World Symphony, Marin Alsop

voice of a generation.

CATS, February 8 - February 13: The winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is directed by Trevor Nunn for a new generation. Let the memory live again!

Anastasia, March 9 – March 13: Anastasia spans the time between the waning of the Russian Empire to exuberant Paris during the Roaring Twenties, as a young woman tries to discover her mysterious past.

My Fair Lady, April 19 – April 24: Known as the most perfect musical of all time (Entertainment Weekly), My Fair Lady follows a young Cockney flower girl as her linguistics professor transforms her into his vision of a proper lady.

An Officer and a Gentleman, May 3 – May 8: Triumph over adversity and a romantic ending make An Officer and a Gentleman a show to remember. Based on the Oscar-winning film starring Richard Gere, the production brings us the Grammy winning hit song, Up Where We Belong.

Regional Arts Classical Concert Series - MUSIC “At Eight” Celebrate an evening with violinist Itzhak Perlman, thrill to the soprano tones of Renee Fleming and enjoy Gershwin with conductor Marin Alsop. You will also tap your feet to the upbeat music of well-known flutist Sir James Galway with the Kravis Regional Arts Classical Concert Series, MUSIC “At Eight.”

The 47th anniversary series will feature world-class classical

The Kravis Center continues to offer a wide range of exciting virtual programs, from a celebration of Pride Month with the comedic Ballerina Boys documentary to Operavision where you can view performances and learn about the art form.

See PBS Great Performances like Romeo & Juliet.

Enjoy the very best of Broadway from the comfort of your own home and support the Kravis Center with BroadwayHD, offering hundreds of Broadwayrelated programs. See musicals like Kinky Boots, plays like Driving Miss Daisy and performances by Cirque du Soleil.

For Further Information and to Purchase Tickets To learn more about the in-person and virtual programs offered by The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, visit kravis.org.

Box Office phone lines are now open, 561-832-7469, Monday through Friday 10am – 2pm or by email at boxoffice@ kravis.org. Tickets purchased by phone and online orders are subject to a processing fee of 15% of the total purchase, with a maximum of $25. The Box Office walk-up is temporarily closed.

Tickets for Kravis on Broadway presentations can be exchanged for another performance of the same show if they are available.

The Kravis Center for Performing Arts warns against purchasing tickets from unauthorized distributors to avoid overpaying.

Page 12 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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HEALTH MATTERS

5 Great Benefits of Coffee

By JAMES TROY Palms West Monthly Is coffee good for you?

Coffee is well known for being the most commonly used recreational drug and the fuel that helps many people through arduously long workdays after they’ve struggled to sleep. Did you know that it has many other incredible benefits though?

Your favorite brew isn’t just for helping you wake up after a long night tossing and turning in bed. These five benefits of coffee will show you just how powerful the drink can really be.

Improves Concentration and Alertness Coffee can cause a jittery and anxious sensation if you drink too much, but when consumed in sensible amounts it actively improves concentration and alertness. Decades of testing shows that people perform better on tests measuring

concentration and alertness after consuming coffee or other beverages containing caffeine, and this can be highly beneficial.

If you routinely suffer from a lack of motivation and your attention span wanders off the tasks you need to focus on, a little coffee can be the ideal way to help give yourself more focus. It’s no surprise that it’s most commonly consumed in the morning, when people feel groggiest. Coffee can greatly speed up your ability to start your day and become productive.

Boosts Metabolism Your concentration and attention span aren’t the only things that get a nice boost from a humble cup of morning joe though. Coffee has also shown a consistent ability to boost metabolism and fat loss. It ramps up the signaling that instructs your body to burn fat for energy, resulting in more fat expenditure from your regular activities.

Taken in moderate amounts in conjunction with a healthy, balanced diet and an exercise regime oriented towards weight loss, coffee helps to speed up your results by increasing the

amount of fat you burn. Just make sure you take it black and unsweetened (or with artificial sweetener) to avoid adding in extra calories.

muscle daily, supporting strong and healthy brain function.

Reduces Risk of Diabetes Coffee has also been shown to greatly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you consume it regularly you can reduce your risk by up to 50%, but the effect is dosedependent and seems to go up with each cup of coffee consumed. While some of this effect comes from caffeine itself, coffee seems to have a greater effect than caffeine alone does, making it superior for lowering your risk of diabetes.

Protects Your Liver Your liver is another organ that coffee supports in a protective role. One of the worst liver conditions to develop is cirrhosis of the liver, as this condition leads to significant scarring that impairs your liver’s ability to function. Coffee actively prevents liver cirrhosis when consumed regularly.

Coffee can also help reduce the risk of liver cancer, and a few other kinds of cancers. This makes it a great option to keep your liver functioning smoothly while also enjoying a nice, hot mug of your favorite bean.

Keeps Your Brain Healthy One of the most significant effects of coffee is its ability to protect healthy brain function and prevent some of the worst diseases that can affect your brain. Regular coffee consumption greatly reduces your risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

None of these diseases has any cure and the effectiveness of treatment is rather limited.

Prevention is the surest way to avoid suffering later in life and coffee is a great way to decrease your risk of developing any of these brain conditions in the future.

Coffee keeps your brain healthy by protecting neurons and helping you maintain the drive to use your intellectual

Coffee isn’t without side effects, and you should never consume it in amounts beyond what you can tolerate, but most people don’t experience many negative effects from drinking a moderate amount every day.

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions you should consult your doctor before consuming coffee or increasing the amount you already drink.

When consumed safely, coffee is not only a great addition to your day but an incredible way to improve your health and reduce your risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

The next time you’re feeling tired and lethargic, go brew a nice cup of it and you can experience all these benefits for yourself.

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 13

NATURE CALLS

The importance of the Everglades to our biodiversity

By H.E. RUBIN, PHD Palm West Montly When some people think of the Everglades, they picture ugly swamps with venomous snakes, hungry

alligators and blood-sucking mosquitoes. It’s true—these are all part of the Everglades experience. But despite these unappealing qualities, the Everglades have a lot to offer.

The Everglades system in Florida is the largest wetland ecosystem in North America.

It has the largest mangrove sawgrass ecosystem and is considered to be the largest wilderness area in the Southeast. The water of the Everglades flows about 60 miles wide and 100 miles long. It is home to 16 endangered species of birds, reptiles, mammals and plants. In fact, the region houses the second largest amount of species diversity in America, only after the Smoky Mountains. Thus, the Everglades play an important ecological role for Florida.

The Everglades ecosystem benefits Floridians by regulating our regional climate, cleansing the water and helping to stabilize our subtropical biome. It helps the world combat climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and adding oxygen to our atmosphere. This is indeed an impressive list of accomplishments for a boring swamp.

However, the Everglades face daunting problems. Drought, agriculture and increased demand for drinking water are reducing water levels. There were even efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Everglades Drainage District to drain the Everglades until it was realized that doing so would be an environmental nightmare.

Since then, millions of dollars have been spent trying to restore this ecosystem.

Lake Okeechobee, which feeds into the Everglades, has become polluted due to dairy farms, illegal waste dumping and inappropriate practices by sugarcane and rice growers.

These harmful practices result in the introduction

of heavy metals, organic toxicants and excess levels of nitrates and phosphates into the lake. Pollution results in algal blooms and a dramatic decrease in population levels of many species. The result is a decrease in species diversity, increased risk to human health and declining property values.

As Florida’s population increases, the ecosystem suffers further encroachment. Today the Everglades region is only a small fraction of what it was originally. Humans have taken up much of the land for housing and agriculture. Originally it covered 11,000 square miles, but now it spans only 2,300 miles.

The loss of area has destabilized the ecosystem and led to the localized extinction of several species.

Pollution isn’t the only way that we’re causing harm. The purposeful and inadvertent introduction of alien (nonnative) species has created a serious threat. Included among a long list of invasive species are melaleuca, old world climbing fern, water hyacinth, hydrilla, Asiatic clam, Nile monitor, wild boar, monk parakeet, Mayan cichlid, sailfin catfish, Burmese python and green iguana. These species, introduced by humans, have no natural controls such as disease and predation. As a result, they can outcompete the native plants and animals. Once they arrive, alien species are incredibly hard to eradicate and they can devastate the natural environment.

There are no easy solutions to fixing the problems with the Everglades. The solutions are complex, controversial and expensive. The Everglades must be protected from further encroachment.

Additional land could be purchased and made part of the Everglades.

Increased amounts of pollutantfree water must be allowed to flow into this ecosystem. Alien species must be controlled.

All of these solutions must be implemented without delay so that the Everglades may be here to provide future generations with the same benefits we enjoy today.

Page 14 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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THE VILLAGE NATURE CALLSIDIOT by Jim Mullen

Coyote population booms in Florida

By CHRIS PERKINS South Florida Sun Sentinel via the Associated Press FORT LAUDERDALE - South Floridians are always on the lookout for creatures big and small, from alligators to pythons to disease-carrying mosquitoes. We can now add coyotes to that list.

They’ve inundated South Florida to such a level that Broward Count y Park s, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, held an online coyote seminar this spring to inform residents how to deal with coyotes.

The FWC said there’s no population estimate for coyotes in Florida, but they’ve been spotted in all 67 counties in Florida, even on beaches.

Angeline Barker, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told News Channel 10 that coyotes arrived by walking across bridges and roads _ or they swam. ``It turns out, coyotes are fairly strong swimmers,’’ Barker said.

Coyotes can thrive in urban, suburban and rural areas because they’re adaptable, according to the FWC. They can eat almost everything humans eat _ including fruits, nuts and seeds, and they can eat pet food, garbage, rodents, domestic cats and small dogs.

The FWC suggests keeping pets on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet when taking a walk and having a fenced yard.

``I don’t want to sugarcoat it for you,’’ Barker said, Last July, a coyote was reported near I-595 East and South Nob Hill Road. On April

14, a coyote sighting was reported in Fort Lauderdale, west of University Drive and south of Interstate 595. On Jan. 31, a coyote was spotted

in Delray Beach near the Intracoastal Waterway. ``We understand coyote sightings have been reported more frequently in the urban

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Palms West Monthly • July 2021 • Page 15

NATURE CALLS ``Removing coyotes from one area can result in other coyotes moving in from surrounding areas and producing more pups per litter’’

- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

portions of Broward County,’’ Linda Briggs Thompson, environmental program manager for Broward County Parks and Recreation Division. said in an email. ``Because there are misconceptions about coyotes, the reactions from residents are often based on fear rather than on an understanding of coyote behavior and motivations.’’

Coyotes are so frightened of people, that there are very few reports of bites, according to the FWC. The first documented coyote in Broward County was in 1990, according to Briggs Thompson.

An interactive map from the FWC tracks calls the agency receives from the public regarding coyote sightings. The green dots on the map are sightings reported within the last 24 months and the blue dots are calls received more than 24 months ago.

The average Florida coyote weighs 28 pounds, according to the FWC. Coyotes breed every year and females produce between two and 12 pups per litter, which are raised in a den. Coyotes are

predatory and help control the populations of foxes, opossums and raccoons.

The FWC, along with the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences contend it’s tough to relocate coyotes. ``R e m ov i n g coyo te s from one area can result in other coyotes moving in from surrounding areas and producing more pups per litter,’’ according to the FWC website.

If you encounter a coyote, the FWC suggests ``hazing’’ the animal by making yourself appear larger by standing up or standing on a rock or stump or stair, and then making noise. Other recommendations included: carrying small air horn, walking stick or making a ``coyote shaker.’’

A ``coyote shaker’’ is easy to make. Just drop a few coins or rocks into an empty soda can, wrap the top of the can in foil and tape it closed. Shake the can and the noise will scare coyotes away, according to the FWC. For more information on coyotes and living with them, go to myFWC.co

Page 16 • Palms West Monthly • July 2021

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