Category: Community

Posted on

The colors of life: Deborah LaFogg Docherty

A “colorist,” her professors in college had called Deborah LaFogg Docherty.  She is a colorist with talent for color, which is why she likes pastels.  LaFogg’s compositions are saturated in detail, and beneath the layering,  the surface of sanded pastel is full of pigments with little binder.  LaFogg brings the colors in life forward and into this month’s focus.

“It has to have motion, color, and contrast—oh man, there is always something to learn,” explained LaFogg. “The right textures and, most importantly, it is the composition that has to be right.”

Toy in the Attic (38″ x 28″). LaFogg’s first exhibition was at the Yale University Art Gallery in her senior year of college. “Toy in the Attic,” an oil painting on gessoed board, was exhibited there; it is of LaFogg’s Raggedy Ann doll that she found in the attic.

LaFogg, who grew up on a farm in Connecticut, was inspired by her mother at a young age to pursue art. One could say the “writings were on the wall”—when LaFogg was only 4 or 5 years old, she did a full mural of dogs, cats, trees, and birds on the wall of the hallway. Of course, her parents thought it better to give her coloring books, paints, and crayons instead, for her to continue on. And she did just that.

LaFogg, having graduated with honors in illustration and commercial art from Paire College, later relocated to South Florida, where she worked in illustration, cartooning, and as a designer for the Sun Sentinel for several years of her life. There, she did a plethora of work in the artistic field, including prepress, editorial, and advertising. She was a Special Sections designer in Deerfield Beach, and it helped her to further develop her skills in compositional strength throughout the experience.

Commissions. During and after her Sun Sentinel career, LaFogg has continued to do commissions for art lovers. Her commissions range from portraits to animals, in extensive use of detail, and even with an Impressionistic piece. She has illustrated a couple of books, including “Rosie’s Song” and “Woodrat Jill,” in themes about conservancy and nature. While LaFogg is naturally drawn to pastels due to her talent for color, her works are shaped from oils and even acrylics. Her tendency to equip detail is apparent, while maintaining balance between her softened backgrounds to pronounce the foregrounds of the composition’s focus. This cute little fur ball (pictured) is a recent commission, 11″ x 14″ oil on canvas.

Wildlife. LaFogg lives in Boynton Beach, where she works from her studio. Her property is in fact a wildlife habitat. Known well for her wildlife works, LaFogg’s achievements in wildlife conservation efforts cannot go unnoted. Winning first place in fine art in the Endangered Art4Apes International Exhibition, fourth place and honorable mention in the wildlife/animal category of the Pastel Journals International Pastel 100 Competition, and honorable mention in the International Artists Magazine Wildlife Challenge, these are just a few of many of her achievements. Her work is often featured in the NYC Salmagundi Club shows, and she’s been published in the International Artist Magazine, the Pastel Journal, and the WildScape literary journal.

LaFogg’s wildlife paintings cannot be missed. Since 2018, after she became a part of an artists group to visit Kenya for conservation efforts to bring the Northern White Rhino back from the brink of extinction, she continues creating paintings for the National Parks Trust and strives to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Among some of the animals painted are the wolf, the cougar, the black bear, and many more. However, her favorites are the birds, LaFogg’s main subject. She loves how they symbolize freedom and beauty, a topic very important to her.

“Frost,” an 11″ x 14″ pastel on archival sanded pastel paper, is a testament to that. The lone cardinal is the focal point of the painting, drawing the viewer in by his natural predominance—color, defining the composition by his inherited hierarchy upon the wires. As he looks on, it hints to the viewer a suggestion, perhaps, in hopes for the spring.

LaFogg’s works are spread nationally and internationally, including in China and Spain. In the U.S., a piece well worth mentioning is her real-life cowgirl, whose portrait is a 16″ x 20″ pastel on archival sanded pastel paper, titled “Ready to Ride Out.” The offsets of the composition come into focus by the pronouncing of life to her face, where her position is to skin tones, mellowed by the balance at which it borders by color. It all is complimentary—as the cowgirl looks to the light, the background remains mysterious, leaving the fluidity to the viewer in a pending sense before her journey into the great wide open.

Every little detail to experimental abstracts. After a great year in 2024, LaFogg is currently rebuilding her inventory. Subsequently, recent interests have delved into abstracts. Her “Koi Pond,” a 16″ x 20″ acrylic on canvas, explores her applied techniques into simpler strokes. Form, however, remains defined by color, as the core emphasis is toward the Koi fish. Koi, also known as Nishiikigoi, is a species that originated in China and later were extensively bred and popularized in Japan.

Inspiring others. LaFogg’s aim is to inspire others by doing demos and teaching. Currently, she teaches art at the Boyton Beach Arts & Cultural Center every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. On April 4, 5, and 6, LaFogg will be at the Delray Art Fair. On April 12, she’ll be at the open house of Delray Beach’s Creative Arts School. And on May 3, LaFogg will be painting life at the Palm Beach Zoo.

For more information or to contact Deborah LaFogg Docherty, go to https://lafogg.com.

 

Posted on

A feast for the senses at farmers market

Are you looking for a large farmers market in Broward County that provides fresh produce from local farms; international foods to purchase from vendors and eat in a tiki-hut pavilion or bring home to cook; and lots of crafts, handmade goods, and clothes to buy from local artists and crafters? Would you like to listen to live music played by talented multicultural musicians while you shop?

Then the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood is the place for you. This huge, airy marketplace follows the model of a true farmers market where each booth is a separate business. While not all the food is from local farms, there is a bounty of seasonal, fresh foods here, along with a large selection of artisanal goods. Established in 2010, the Yellow Green Market likes to say that it “connects local producers and artisans with the community.” Reportedly the largest farmers market in South Florida, it also resembles a bustling flea market in some sections.

My husband and I went on a recent weekend. The weather was good and we enjoyed walking around and exploring the huge, busy marketplace under blue skies. We took along our own canvas bags to bring our purchases home, and it’s good thing we did, because the walk between the parking lot and the entrance was a long one.

We started with an early lunch at a picnic table in the thatched pavilion. Nearby food stands included aromatic meals from Jamaica, Peru, Argentina, Bahamas, and more. My husband got Thai food, and I had fresh beef from a barbecue place where you can watch the whole savory, steaming process of beef being sliced from slabs hanging there. It smelled magnificent.

We listened to minstrels playing music nearby as we ate our lunch.

Then we headed out to do some shopping. I enjoyed the cacophony of sights and aromas surrounding us. There were merchants set up both inside and outside on the sprawling property. The smells of savory foods, fresh produce, beautiful plants and flowers, and other fragrant products made for a pleasant experience as we strolled along, and the music and festive sounds made it even more fun.

The main market is housed in a 100,000-square-foot converted warehouse; it used to be a sheet metal fabrication site. It is open on the sides, so you still get an airy feel while walking the aisles among the hundreds of vendor booths. I read that this building gets stuffy and uncomfortable on hot days. We went on a day with no humidity and nice breezes, so we were fine there.

We explored all around, appreciating the vast culinary and cultural variety in this place. There were spices from all over the world, French crepes, Turkish coffee and snacks, Louisiana gumbo, tortillas being freshly produced, oysters and lobster rolls, baklava and other delectable ethnic desserts, many kinds of juices, smoothies, and frozen drinks, and a guy cutting off juicy pieces from a whole pineapple for us to sample.

We bought a lot of fresh fruits and some veggies for a salad, and then went to another stall and got a variety of empanadas to heat up later for dinner with my son. We also picked up plump brownies from a dessert stall, and then found a homemade pasta place, where we bought some stuffed raviolis to have for dinner another night.

We explored the lively flea market booths as well, and I got a sundress from a boutique. There was a fragrant stall full of many essential oils, and I bought a couple that smelled great and might be useful (one was “insomnia oil”). There were artisans displaying Argentinian clothing, hats, jewelry, and cork purses from Portugal. Vendors sold crystals, soaps, skincare products, and more. There also was a kids play area, and lots of dogs being walked or pushed in a stroller.

One end of the warehouse has colorful bars and places to sit and drink. Earlier in the day the bar area wasn’t too crowded, but I’m sure as the day goes on, more people come to enjoy libations there.

The one downside: It costs a minimum of $10 to park near this market. The parking lot we used wasn’t even paved, and it was a long walk to get to the venue. Not a good deal.

The Yellow Green Farmers Market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There is paid parking in three different lots. For more information, go to ygfarmersmarket.com.

 

 

Posted on

Prom 2025 Bold styles, dazzling trends, and unforgettable moments

Prom season is almost here, and it’s your time to shine! This year’s trends are all about bold fashion choices, eye-catching details, and styles that let your personality take center stage. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or a more modern look, there’s something for everyone to help make prom night unforgettable.

For Girls

Vibrant colors. While classic shades like black and navy never go out of style, this year is all about making a statement with bold hues like emerald green, royal blue, and fuchsia pink.

Shimmer and sparkle. Sequins, rhinestones, and glittery fabrics are having a major moment—because what is prom without a little sparkle?

Diverse silhouettes. From ball gowns to mermaid tails to sleek, curve-hugging gowns, this year’s prom fashions have the perfect fit for whatever your style.

Hair trends. According to hair stylists, this year’s prom hair is all about showcasing your personal look. Soft waves with pearl or rhinestone accents, sleek ponytails, and braided details are super in, while bold hair colors and fun accessories such as crystal clips and oversized bows bring a unique twist.

For Guys

Bold suit colors. Prom night is the perfect excuse to step up your style, and according to local tuxedo shops, guys are getting more adventurous with their looks this year. While classic black and navy will always be in, rich and vibrant colors are making a big impact.

Velvet fabrics. Velvet blazers and suits add texture and a high-fashion feel. Whether you go for a full velvet suit or just a statement jacket, this trend is all about effortless sophistication.

Tailored fits. The days of boxy suits are long gone. A sharp, slim-fit suit keeps your look modern and put together, ensuring that you look just as good on the dance floor as you do in pictures.

Finishing touches: belts and shades. For a sharp look, a belt and stylish sunglasses can take you to the next level. A sleek, modern belt—whether a classic leather design or a statement buckle—adds a polished touch. Add a pair of your favorite sunglasses to instantly elevate your style. Aviators and retro-style frames make the perfect choice for a cool, confident vibe.

Picture-Perfect: Photo Trends This Year

Casual and fun poses. Forget the rigid, formal prom portraits. Instead of stiff, overly posed pictures, try capturing more relaxed, natural photos such as laughing, candid moments and group shots that feel authentic. Whether it’s spontaneous group pictures, mid-dance snapshots, or random heartfelt moments with friends, these types of photos truly capture the energy and excitement of prom night.

Polaroids and disposable cameras. Digital is great, but old-school film cameras and Polaroids are trending for capturing the night in a fun, nostalgic way. The instant prints and grainy textures bring a unique, timeless feel to the night.

No matter your style, prom is all about confidence, having fun, and making memories that last a lifetime. So go ahead … dress to impress, strike a pose, dance like nobody’s watching, and make prom night 2025 unforgettable!

Posted on

Gliding through the ‘Venice of the U.S.’

A great way to show visitors the sights of South Florida along the water is to take a scenic boat ride. My twenty-something kids were visiting recently, and we decided to try Fort Lauderdale’s Carrie B Cruises. We are glad we did.

Cruising the area on the largest sightseeing boat in Fort Lauderdale has been a local highlight for residents and visitors for more than 30 years. Carrie B Cruises likes to call it the “Venice of America Tour.” It’s a 90-minute, fully narrated, paddlewheel-propelled boat ride for around $30 a person (or $19 for children). You can buy tickets for one of three time slots: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. You get to ride along the historic New River as well as on the Intercoastal Waterway. You can see the impressive Millionaires Row and learn about the mansions of the famous and wealthy. You glide past super yachts and can catch a glimpse of the busy Port Everglades.

For our tour, we bought our tickets in advance online and printed them out. As recommended, we arrived at the downtown waterfront area around 30 minutes early to find parking. The dock is located on New River Drive East, just a block off Las Olas Boulevard. We found street parking a couple blocks away from the dock and paid through one of the parking kiosks nearby. There also are parking garages in the area. After parking, we got to the dock area a little early and sat on benches facing the New River, a nice area with beautiful views of the waterfront.

When it was time for our tour, we showed our ticket printouts and then it was a quick process to board the boat. The lower level is enclosed, with an air-conditioned interior, a full bar, a snack bar, tables to sit at, and restrooms. We headed upstairs for fresh breezes and great views. The upper level is huge and there was plenty of seating to pick from, in rows facing forward, in the shade or in the sun. We ended up moving around this deck during the journey, viewing different sides of the water and getting pictures from various angles. Most people didn’t stay put, roaming around the vessel as needed. It was very casual and fun.
We started our cruise heading out the New River from downtown Fort Lauderdale, passed lots of lovely canals (reminiscent of Venice, Italy, as in the tour’s nickname), and went onto the Intercoastal, heading all the way toward Port Everglades before making the return trip back. Our tour guide was very entertaining and comprehensive and gave us a lot of fun facts about the glitzy mansions and beautifully landscaped properties that we slowly passed by, along with the mega-yachts docked along the way, and other landmarks and points of interest. Occasionally gliding past us in the opposite direction were other fun tourist and party boats.
It’s been said that sightseeing rides like these are the water version of Hollywood, California’s celebrity star tours. For my kids and me, our highlights that day were discovering the variety of large mansions in Millionaires Row and learning their fascinating stories; going out in the wide-open waters toward the colorful, bustling Port Everglades (a very busy cruise-ship port); and gawking at the Bahia Mar Marina displaying a surprising array of massive yachts. We thought that some of the mega-mansions and surrounding scenery were stunning. Our guide gave us a little history about the area, interesting information about the company CEOs and other multimillionaires who owned some of the homes, and some witty anecdotes about these properties.
The Carrie B staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable, for both the tickets and the refreshments. The ride was smooth, and the boat—which can hold up to 300 passengers although that day was not too crowded—is big enough so that we never really felt any swells. We got to see the sights of this beautiful city and all the water features from a different vantage point than we normally would. What’s not to like?
There are other tour boats you can take for a longer day and for more of a party experience. But for showing family members visiting from out of state all the beauty and opulence of the area in a compact time, the Carrie B provides the perfect excursion!

For more information and tickets, go to carriebcruises.com.

Posted on

Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse: A historic treasure

One of the brightest lights in the world shines from Hillsboro Inlet—the light beam emanating from the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, which can be seen from 28 nautical miles (just over 32 miles) away. Built in 1907, the lighthouse has withstood major hurricanes and fires to guide ships through the shallow waters and coral reefs of Hillsboro Inlet for the past 118 years.

In 1855, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designated Hillsboro Inlet as hazardous to the safe navigation of ships and recommended that Congress authorize the funding of a lighthouse. However, due to a lack of funds, more than 50 years passed before the approval and construction of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse began.

During that time, Hillsboro Inlet continued to challenge ships. In 1900, the SS Copenhagen, a British cargo steamer, sank after striking a reef in 25 feet of water off the coast of Pompano Beach. Finally, in 1901, the United States Lighthouse Board persuaded Congress to authorize the construction of a lighthouse at Hillsboro Inlet. “The sinking of the SS Copenhagen really jumpstarted getting this lighthouse,” says David Velez, a Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society (HLPS) volunteer. The HLPS, a nonprofit organization, works with the U.S. Coast Guard to maintain the lighthouse.

At 147 feet tall at its highest point, the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses on the East Coast. One hundred and sixty-seven winding steps lead to the watch deck of the lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the coast and overlooks part of the Florida Reef, where sharks and fish are commonly spotted.

One of the lighthouse’s most unique features is its second-order, bivalve Fresnel Lens, which dates back to 1907 and was the most technologically advanced at the time. “The lens is original from 1907,” says Amber Velez, membership chair of the HLPS, whose grandfather was one of Hillsboro Inlet’s original lighthouse keepers. “Only a few of these lenses are still active, one being ours. Others are on display in museums. Ours is rotating just as it was in 1907.”

The lens comprises 356 glass pieces that form a large diamond. “When it was first put into service, the lighthouse had a vaporized kerosene light visible up to 15 nautical miles out,” explains David Velez. “They created the lens in such a way that no matter where the light was coming from the kerosene flame, it would refract and create a horizontal beam shooting out into the ocean.”

In 1932, the lighthouse went from kerosene to electrical power, and in 2021 it switched to an LED light visible from 28 nautical miles out. “That’s only at 50% brightness,” says David Velez. “If we increased it to maximum brightness, we’d probably get complaints from residents.”

Originally the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse used a mercury bath to rotate its Fresnel lens, which weighs about 3,500 pounds. Floating the heavy lens on a pool of liquid mercury allowed it to rotate quickly with minimal effort, creating the bright flashing signal that lighthouses are known for. “This was done on mercury because mercury is frictionless,” explains Ralph Krugler, a historian with the HLPS and author of “The (Almost) Complete History of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse.”

“Once the lens was floating, with one finger, you could push a giant lens around in circles,” says Krugler.

The lighthouse keepers were responsible for maintaining the mercury bath. When dust, sand, or other impurities built up in the mercury, they had to strain it. “They would drain the mercury and run it through a cheesecloth,” says Krugler. “These guys weren’t wearing gloves and were doing all this by hand.” Sadly, keepers were commonly referred to as “mad hatters,” as constant exposure to the bath often led to mercury poisoning and abnormal behavior.

Throughout the years, several major hurricanes caused some mercury to spill out of the basin. Thankfully in 1998, all mercury was removed from the lighthouse, and the mercury bath was replaced with a ball-bearing system that would rotate the lens. In 1974, the lighthouse became fully automated, meaning keepers were no longer needed.

On Friday, March 14, the HLPS is hosting its annual fundraising gala. Those who attend will be treated to a private tour of the lens room and an up-close look at the original 1907 Fresnel lens, an experience not available on public tours.

Proceeds from the gala—which takes place under the full moon on the lighthouse grounds—will go toward upkeep, repairs, and HLPS’s restoration project.

The million-dollar restoration project involves a complete overhaul of the struts, cables, and turnbuckles, along with the blasting and repainting of the lighthouse to restore it to its original color scheme composed of three black sections and two white.

“It’s a 10-year restoration plan with a 10-year guarantee,” explains Amber Velez. “We’ll have 10 years of guaranteed service, so if anything happens with the paint or rust starts coming back, the restoration company will come back and take care of it.”

Because the lighthouse is located on U.S. Coast Guard grounds and is bordered by the Hillsboro Club, it is only open to the public once a month for public tours. Upcoming tours are scheduled for March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 15. Visitors meet at the Sands Harbor Resort and Marina in Pompano Beach and are transported by boat to the lighthouse grounds.

For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org.

Posted on

Artist John Bowen Celebrating National Vietnam War Veterans Day

John Bowen started with watercolor when his art teacher introduced it to him in high school, and he’s been painting with it ever since.

Art is a “labor of love,” says Bowen, whose extensive artistic career has taken him from artist apprentice right out of high school at an ad agency, and on through to the U.S. Air Force. But it doesn’t stop there. This month we recognize Bowen’s longstanding career as we honor National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Saturday, March 29.

Bowen was hired as the only illustrator (technician), graphically responsible for documenting work for about 200 soldiers in the 834th Air Division Headquarters Unit. Stationed in Tansonhert Airbase during the Vietnam War, near the city of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in southern Vietnam, Bowen at times was able to go out into the countryside and document the war in sketches. Otherwise, his job was to document actual operations in action on-site. He served eight years in the Air Force, from 1961 to 1969, and in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, using mainly pencil (or pen) on paper as his medium for documentation.

Vietnam experiences. In 2013, Bowen was published by Middle River Press in Oakland Park, which recorded his physical and emotional experiences in the Vietnam War. The book is titled “Eleven Months and Nineteen Days,” and it is complemented with 43 black and white drawings made specifically for the work. The image here is a recreation of Bowen’s experience in one of his instances as he drew then. This time he was drawing from a life model as he recreated the memory. Bowen’s book could’ve been augmented with up to 60 of his original drawings; however, 43 was the magic number where he had chosen to stop. The medium was used for the purpose of keeping its authenticity as he recreated his experiences from the war.

Scratching the surface. Bowen was born in the Bronx and then grew up in Irvington, N.J., during his adolescent years. However, with his family having relocated to South Florida when Bowen left the war in December 1969, he also chose to settle in Florida, where he found a job with the Miami Herald. Some years down the road, he then worked for the Sun Sentinel. Bowen retired in 2009.

The years of painting, however, did not stop before or after the war. His work has been exhibited in major shows and has won several awards over the course of his lifetime. Bowen, from 1988, is a lifetime member of the Gold Coast Watercolor Society. He is a distinguished signature member of the Florida Watercolor Society, and his proudest accomplishment yet has been for him to be honored with signature status from the American Society of Marine Artists, more recently.

Realistic expressionism. Bowen’s creations with watercolor may seem mastered, but according to him, he is always learning and evolving (FYI, they are pretty mastered). However, he is not a purist. He admits to the use of gouache at times, predominantly zinc white, he mentions, in combinational transparency that creates a texture, such as with his trees or foliage. His ability to bring light colors over dark to increment to some extent is an evolution to depth development. He does this by using more paints and little water, which suggests a paste-like medium applied over its primary layer. Bowen’s reversed topical application assigns dualism to his expression by the concept of light.

Viscaya. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, or simply Vizcaya, is a lovely historic estate in Miami. It was built between 1914 and 1922. Bowen’s beautiful paintings of Viscaya can be found in prints and notecards in its gift shop, while some of his originals can be viewed in the cafe.

Chosen subjects. Bowen’s favorite subjects to paint are old homes, in detail, and of wicker, for example, a theme of one of his favorite artworks on the front porch of an old house. “Dove & Blackbird” (not pictured) is just one of many examples of the fine detail to that of interpretation, which extends from the door, amplifying the presence of that detail. Moreover, there are his “shoots”—what Bowen calls them—as he brings photographs of his subjects back home to his studio, where he then recreates the art. His work, inspired by the historical city of Charleston, S.C., was formed from some of his shoots, as he grasps moments of history and shares them through watercolor by hand.

“Antique Ford” (not pictured) is another exquisite artwork reconstructed from history. The work is of an old-time Ford with old-time luggage sitting in the back of its trunk. This work demonstrates quite vividly Bowen’s use of light and color dynamics as he exerts influence on already visually favorable subjects. He brings not only the past into a unique visual, but also the joy and tranquility of his subjects fluently through his artistic hand to life. They are fun to see.

The Florida Keys. The Keys is where viewers can find those wicker chairs, in his series of the area, ranging from his experiences at the Main Street Kennedy Gallery on Duval Street to those on West Atlantic Avenue.

Every little detail. Bowen’s ability to capture every little detail is indeed impressive, unveiling his acuity to vision. His unique Marine collection is no different. The use of light trickles down right to the most rustic authenticity. Dynamics in visual draws of color highlight each context unsparingly. It is easy to see how much his work exercises his bravery.

Currently, Bowen’s work aspires to the BRiC, Boca Raton’s Innovation Campus, expected to launch in May 2025, where three of his artworks will be able to be viewed. He currently resides in Tamarac. We extend a warm thanks for his service.

For more information or to contact John Bowen, go to johnbowenwatercolorist.com.

 

 

 

Posted on

Renaissance fun Local festivalgoers march into the past

The annual Florida Renaissance Festival in Quiet Waters Park kicked off on Feb. 1, and it’s scheduled to conclude on March 23. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of what life might have been back in the 16th century.

Renaissance festivals have become more and more popular since first coming onto the U.S. scene 50 years ago. These events went from a small niche in New York and California, growing through the decades, to extravagant festivals in recent years. The festivals typically feature a setting during the English Renaissance period.

These events also serve as an educational tool for many. It inspires a deeper passion for history and the arts, and it showcases fashion and music from a different era. For some, the shows spark a deeper interest to learn more about the 16th century, and how the Renaissance period impacted the world.

The modern Renaissance festival was started in California in 1963 by Phyllis Patterson, a schoolteacher. It was initially created as a fundraiser for a radio station, with the vision of blending historical reenactment with performative art. For Patterson, there was a local talent pool of performers that she was able to draw upon in the Hollywood Hills community.

Since then, these cultural events have spread across the country. You typically will find both entertainers and attendees in full costume from that time period, along with music and theatrical performance acts of that era. The outfits you see can be simple, or extravagant. Many attendees and performers go out of their way to reenact every element of the outfit to be as realistic as possible.

You also will find vendors selling outfits at the festival, if you want to check them out in person. The Florida Renaissance Festival boasts more than 100 vendors to supply you with provisions. They will also provide you with a wide range of food and beverage—from turkey legs to desserts, and from cold ale to mead.

Nowadays, you will also find a large online community to help with preparing your outfit. A quick search on online store Etsy.com shows many options for historical dresses, gadgets, and accessories, including full sets of plate armor and weapons.

Typically, the festivals will have a theme, and the Florida Renaissance Festival has a theme each weekend. This year the festival is introducing a new concept—the weekend of March 8 and 9 features “Gears and Gadgets–The Lost Inventions of DaVinci,” which celebrates the retro-futuristic subgenre of science fiction. So, expect to see many creations and outfits featuring gears and spectacles if you visit that weekend.

According to one person who attends these festivals, attendees “enjoy the fact it’s historically inspired, and might require a lot of research, and build on year after year.” It’s not like when you are dressing as a character from a book or movie, such as for Comic-Con; for Renaissance festivals, it’s a character you’ve created. This person cherishes the festivals as “a creation of an agreed-upon environment.”

So if you have a weekend free this month, don’t miss out on the final days of the annual Florida Renaissance Festival. It’s on every weekend at Quiet Waters Park. But be warned, expect long lines—the park often reaches capacity by the afternoon—so get there early if you want to partake in the festivities.

 

Posted on

From Ironman to Centenarian – A Bodybuilder’s Legacy

A lifetime commitment to physical fitness, healthy and drug-free living and a passion for bodybuilding has paid off for Parkland resident and WWII veteran, Andrew Bostinto, as he celebrated his 100th birthday on Jan. 11 by – what else – doing what he loves – working out at the gym.

His long and fulfilled life is defined by two passions – his three years spent in the army in the 101st Regiment, 26th Infantry – and his years devoted to bodybuilding.

In 1979 he founded the National Gym Association (NGA) a not-profit organization that supports the philosophy of natural strength training and bodybuilding with a mission to encourage drug-free athletes and is still active today.

He was the first in the industry to develop a personal trainer’s fitness certification program and in 2006 co-authored, “Become Your Own Personal Mental Fitness Trainer.”

He was friends with other well-known body-builders (or, as they called them at the time, muscle-men) Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Jack LaLanne and in 1977, won the title of Senior Mr. America, at Madison Square Garden.

In 1963, Bostinto opened his own gym, the Olympia Gym and Health Club, in Queens, N.Y.

He lectured at Queens College on exercise and nutrition and personally trained many well-known celebrities, including Cyndi Lauper, Regis Philbin, Al Pacino during filming of the 1993 film, “Carlito’s Way,” and his favorite, Patrick Stewart from “Star Trek:  The Next Generation.”

He officiated at numerous national and international events, such as Mr. Olympia 1970-1971, and was a guest on many local New York television shows discussing physical fitness and bodybuilding.

In May 2025, he plans to earn the title of the “World’s Oldest Bodybuilder” for the Guinness Book of World Records in a competition in Deltona, Florida.

“Andy is still in great shape,” says his wife of 34 years, Francine Bostinto, 67, who is the current president of the NGA.  The couple, who met at Jacob Riis Park beach in Brooklyn, has been together 44 years and have one son, Dillon, 27, together.  Andrew Bostinto has a son (now deceased) and daughter from a previous marriage.

Aside from some knee and balance issues, Francine Bostinto jokes, “I take full credit for his longevity; this is what happens when you marry a much younger woman.”

Looking more like 75, than 100, Bostinto says when her husband wears his hat and medals, people mistake him for a Vietnam-era veteran, not a WW II veteran.  With smooth skin and no wrinkles (his mother lived to 99), Bostinto says her husband is a “good talker,” likes to watch TV, go grocery shopping and likes to cook eggs, pasta and burgers.

For Francine, he cooks her favorite pasta dish, pasta with green peas.

He doesn’t follow a special diet but his wife says he has a good metabolism and eats mostly anything.

In Joe Bonomo’s 1943 book, “Body Power,” Bostinto was called “one of 20 of the world’s most perfect super-strongmen,” and in 1972 at the age of 46 was featured in the magazine, “Muscle Training Illustrated,” where he talked about his diet and training regimen of leg presses, bench presses, parallel dips, sit-ups, shoulder, triceps and lat reps.

In December, the couple returned from a trip to Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, (“the greatest American battle of the war”), Hitler’s last major offensive against the Western front, which paved the way for a Allies’ victory.

“This was the most meaningful event of my life,” says Bostinto about the experience, where he and other returning veterans, Louis Brown, Ed Cottrell, Jack Moran and Lester Schrenk, all of whom are between 99 and 102 years old, were treated like royalty and returning heroes.

“Going with Andy on this trip is the best decision I ever made,” says Francine Bostinto.  “These countries laid out their red carpet for these American veterans.”

Organized by Boston police officer and Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, Andrew Biggio, author of “The Rifle,” Biggio is the founder of Boston’s Wounded Vet Run, New England’s largest motorcycle ride dedicated to severely wounded veterans.

Inspired by nostalgia and to honor an uncle and namesake who lost his life fighting in WWII, Biggio bought a 1945 M1 Garand Rifle, the most common rifle used in WWII, and had a neighbor, a WWII veteran, sign it.

This launched him on a mission to find the remaining WWII veterans and have them sign his rifle and tell their stories in his book.

Funded in part by a GoFundMe campaign which raised $32,814, Biggio, organized the trip to bring the American veterans back to the site of the battle in Bastogne, Belgium.

He told the Boston Herald in December, “What was important about this is that there isn’t going to be a 90th anniversary for these guys, same thing for D-Day. This was the last big anniversary for a big number of them.”

According to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs, fewer than 1 percent, or roughly 66,000, of the 16.4 million Americans who served during WWII are still with us today.

“We’re both so grateful to have had this opportunity,” says Francine Bostinto, where in a whirlwind week, they met the king and queen of Belgium, the duchess of Luxembourg, Senator Bob Graham of Florida, the mayor of Bastogne and other dignitaries, Helen Patton, the granddaughter of General George Patton, actors from the film, “Band of Brothers,” took part in a parade, visited a castle and the Bastogne War Museum and met with many locals, who Francine Bostinto says were “profusely grateful” to the Americans.

“It was “overwhelming” Andrew Bostinto says.  “There was so much gratitude.”

He was particularly moved by the fervor of little kids who waited in long lines and turned out to shake his hand and buy an autographed copy of “The Rifle,” which he and the other veterans signed for more than five hours.

In a post from Facebook on Dec. 15, reflecting on that day, Francine Bostinto writes, “Wherever we go, people applaud and bring gifts.”

They also visited Wereth, Belgium and a memorial to 11 American Black soldiers from the African American artillery battalion, a segregated unit, who were tortured and massacred by German SS troops on Dec. 17, 1944, in an event known as the “Werenth 11 Massacre.”

They appeared on the front page of many local publications, including the German newspaper, “Bild,” (“Der Terminator und der U.S. Veteran (99)” with the sub-heading, “Arnie Owes his Career to this Friendship.”

“I think the Belgian people remember tremendously,” Biggio says in a video post. “They crowd the streets, they crowd the museums so that we can’t even walk because they just want to get a glimpse of an actual WWII veteran who liberated them.”

“They’re taught at a very young age that these guys are superheroes,” he says.  “Most of them want autographs to keep and to wear on their jackets.”

Being a hero was not on Bostinto’s mind, but being focused and methodical was.

Training since the age of 13, Bostinto still works out on the treadmill and does weight training, including his favorite lat pull-down, five days a week at the Planet Fitness in Coconut Creek.

The self-described, “very analytical, very organized and very disciplined” bodybuilder and veteran who was born on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and grew up poor in Brooklyn, shares the wisdom he’s garnered over a productive and meaningful century of life.

“Know yourself,” he says.  “Know your priorities and your values and who you are innately.”

Nolan McMurry, 25, the manager at Planet Fitness and a self-described “WWII fanatic” says, “As a WWII veteran, Andy is a piece of living history.  I’m honored to know him and always enjoy hearing his stories about his time serving overseas.”

McMurry says the gym plans to mark Bostinto’s birthday with cake and a celebration.

“Andy had an amazing career as a professional bodybuilder and with founding the NGA and he’s still dedicated to helping people, working out and staying fit,” he says.  “He always has interesting stories to share and I always learn a lot from him.”

“He’s one of a kind and truly a living legend.”

Posted on

Sweet spots Exploring the best local chocolate shops around town

As February settles in, love is in the air; and what better way to celebrate than with the indulgence of rich, decadent chocolate? Whether you’re treating a loved one, helping yourself to a treat, or sharing a sweet moment with friends, local chocolate shops have you covered with everything from truffles to ice cream. Here is a closer look at the best local chocolate spots that are adding a little extra sweetness to our February.

Kilwins Coral Springs

2758 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Best known for chocolates, fudge, and ice cream, Kilwins makes many other delicious sweets, including barks, brittles, candies, clusters, taffy, truffles, and chocolate-covered pretzels, Oreos, and Rice Krispies. Whether you’re looking for an after-dinner frozen treat or a gift basket for someone special, Kilwins is a must-visit.

Signature treat: Signature Turtle Caramel Apple

Mindy’s Munchies

8182 Glades Road, Boca Raton

Discover Mindy’s chocolate-covered creations—from Marshmallow Mountains to its dark chocolate Coconut Bliss, Oreo delicacies, salty, chocolate-coated pretzels, and the most delectable hand-dipped creations. Mindy’s offers a complete menu of Munchies for every occasion: individually wrapped treats, holiday platters, gift baskets, corporate gifting, special events, party favors, and more.

Signature treat: Chocolate Raisin Clusters

Hoffman’s Chocolates

5250 Town Center Circle, #135, Boca Raton

Hand-crafting legendary chocolates for more than 40 years, Hoffman’s Chocolates is known for its gourmet truffles, milk and dark chocolate assortments, chocolate-covered pretzels, fudge, ice cream, milkshakes, gourmet caramel apples, and custom orders.

Signature treat: Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Schakolad Chocolate Factory

1303-A SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale

Pronounced shaq-oh-LAD (a combination of “schaked” and “chocolate”), Schakolad is a name associated with three generations of chocolate making. Schakolad Chocolate Factory uses only the finest ingredients, resulting in chocolates that are preservative-free and bursting with flavor. Schakolad makes its chocolates fresh, on premises.

Signature treat: Hand Dipped Chocolate Graham Crackers

Laderach Switzlerland

6000 Glades Road, Suite 1085, Boca Raton

Läderach is known for its high-quality and varied chocolate specialties. As one of only a few manufacturers, the family business produces the chocolate itself from the cocoa bean to the end product in Switzerland, guaranteeing exceptional freshness and quality.

Signature treat: “FrischSchogg” 

Facts About Chocolate

(Courtesy of the National Confectioners Association)

  • It takes 400 cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate.

 

  • The average serving of milk chocolate has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of decaf coffee.

 

  • Chocolate comes from a fruit tree; it’s made from a seed.

 

  • It takes two to four days to make a single-serving chocolate bar.

 

  • Chocolate can make dogs and cats ill—meaning, no tastings for your furry friend, and more for you.
Posted on

Private, peaceful paradise among the palms

There is a small country road off bustling Atlantic Avenue in west Delray Beach that quietly leads to a hidden lush oasis—the Paradise Palms Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. This place combines beautiful nature and creative artwork unlike anything I’ve seen before. The unique Paradise Palms does not advertise its existence online, there are no signs to tell you where it’s located, it’s totally gated off, and visitors can enter its grounds by appointment only. I wouldn’t have known about it if someone hadn’t told me. And that’s the way they like it there.

If you’re fortunate to make an appointment and get into this 20-acre secluded paradise (it fits its title!), you can stroll through numerous well-curated gardens, groves, and micro-forests containing a plethora of plants, shrubs, and trees, including one of the most extensive palm tree collections in the country. You can see 2,500 palms in their natural environments, with at least 450 different kinds to enjoy. There are numerous pathways throughout the gardens, with ponds and bridges along the way, and breathtaking vistas.

I went with three friends one Thursday afternoon, and we were the only ones in the entire botanical park, except for some staff members. It was like we were walking through our own elegant estate. We were impressed by the large number of outdoor sculptures interspersed throughout the property, artfully situated among the landscaping of palms, vegetation, rock gardens, and cacti. We enjoyed rounding a bend and coming across yet another unique sculpture. The collection comes from all over the world, and the pieces are widely varied in style and materials used.

These sculptures have been collected over the years, some of which were commissioned for Paradise Palms, and many of them works by professional sculptors. Others are creatively made from old trees that were repurposed as art, or driftwood from nurseries, one painted a bright red. There was so much to see, a feast for the eyes. We especially liked “Guardian of the Garden,” a dramatic metal statue of a goddess with multiple horns on her head, sitting nestled among the rocks.

Paradise Palms has been an ongoing project since 2013, when 5 acres of land were acquired for this ambitious verdant undertaking. Later, two more sections, of 5 and 10 acres each, were added to make it the expansive, impressive estate that it is now. Delray Beach residents Mark and Kathryn are principal supporters of the gardens, which were developed by horticultural consultant Paul Craft and other landscape professionals.

Featured is a half-acre “open-air” conservatory of rare shade palms from Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and the Americas, in an artificially created rainforest. This environment is controlled by a complex mister system. My friends and I also appreciated the bucolic, Asian-themed zen garden. In addition, the grounds boast a yoga platform hidden in a small bamboo forest; a pond with koi fish; a tiki hut; a huge ficus tree; a butterfly garden; a miniature village for kids; and a “mini mountain” covered in trees, plants, and succulents that thrive in desert-like conditions.

We were given brochures with a map when we first entered the park, which helped us identify what we were encountering. Informative, illustrated signs are also posted along the paths to give visitors lots of details about what they’re seeing along the way. And the site’s management lets you roam the grounds on your own, but they’re frequently around to answer any questions.

Paradise Palms is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is “to preserve and promote knowledge and enjoyment of the more than 500 species of palm trees in this garden as an educational and aesthetic experience for visitors, enhanced by a variety of modern and contemporary sculptures.”

It was definitely an aesthetic experience that day for four women who felt very lucky to have discovered these secret gardens filled with displays of modern art. It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon that you wouldn’t expect just off the main drag of a busy city.

Paradise Palms Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is open by appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For information, go to paradisepalms.org.

Posted on

A haven of healing for wild animals

A little over a year ago, the well-renowned Busch Wildlife Sanctuary moved to a new home in Jupiter to become even more of a savior for animals that need rehabilitation and healing. This nonprofit wildlife center almost tripled in size at its new, expansive, natural campus.

Now on 20 acres, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary supports the rehab and release of animals brought through its doors, and the staff care for those that can’t be returned to their natural habitats. They provide emergency and ongoing medical care to 6,000 sick, injured, or orphaned animals every year, accepting more than 50 animals a day.

My animal-loving adult son and I recently took a trip there to check out what sounded like an impressive new refuge, located in west Jupiter just off Indiantown Road on Rocky Pines Road.

Billed as a “one-of-a-kind encounter and opportunity for education about Florida’s unique wild animals and natural environment,” Busch Wildlife Sanctuary proved to indeed be a rare find and a perfect place to bring injured wildlife. They report that 90% of the animals treated in their rehab center had suffered from human-related injuries, which was one of many sobering facts we learned there.

 The good news is that many of the rehabilitated animals are released back into natural habitats across Palm Beach County. Those with injuries that are too severe to return to the wild become permanent residents of the sanctuary.

“Our animal residents are ambassadors to educate and inspire people to engage in local conservation efforts,” according to the facility. “We want to raise an active community of people who cherish, enjoy, and protect the wildlife and our natural environment.”

My visit there was soon after a hurricane-spawned tornado had swept through the region. An employee told me that the animals had been safely brought into the property’s Category 5 building, which was built to withstand hurricanes and other natural disasters. All animals, structures, and habitats were unharmed that week, with the exception of a few newly planted trees onsite.

My son and I walked around the well-landscaped grounds and saw many different kinds of animals. Included at the property are black bears, Florida bobcats, river otters, bald eagles, water birds, raccoons, foxes, alligators, small tortoises, gopher tortoises, box turtles, and more. There is a Songbird Garden, Birds of Prey Trail, Reptile Complex, and Small Mammal Complex.

We met Charlie, a 5-year-old mountain lion who had been trafficked in California in the illegal pet trade. He was kept as a pet and declawed on all four paws. State officials eventually rescued him and gave him to the nonprofit Conservation Ambassadors, who cared for him for a couple years. Then Charlie made the trek this year in a transport van from California to Florida, where he will live out his life in the sanctuary.

Just on the other side of the fence from Charlie’s large natural habitat, we saw another big cat, a cougar that had been rescued from a forest fire in California. The two animals couldn’t share an enclosure, but they both like to run alongside the fence that separated them and playfully interact with each other from either side, to ours and other visitors’ amusement. We also got to see two bears that do share a habitat, because they are sisters that were rescued together.

Held daily at the site’s Educational Amphitheater is a “Conservation Conversation,” which is an informational and entertaining presentation by two park employees with their “animal ambassadors.” Seated on wooden benches in this lovely natural setting, we got to hear about these animals’ stories and see them close up as one staffer brought them into the audience for everybody to experience. Our ambassadors that day were a gopher turtle, an opossum, and a tiny, one-eyed owl. We learned what caused these animals to initially come to the sanctuary, why they were permanent residents there, and what humans can do better to protect our native wildlife.

There are lots of other opportunities for education about wildlife conservation at this sanctuary. Various educational activities are held daily at some of the animal habitats, and visitors get to have a rare close-up view of some amazing, beautiful creatures.

Admission to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is by donation. Every dollar counts to help save and nurture these animals, and we were happy to donate to this noble cause.

For more information, go to www.buschwildlife.org.

Posted on

Going Baroque? ‘Splendor and Passion’ coming to Boca art museum

The Boca Raton Museum of Art will hold the world premiere of the historic Spanish Baroque art exhibition, “Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and Its Empire,” beginning Nov. 7 and going through March 30. The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Hispanic Society Museum & Library in New York City, which features a timeless collection of 57 Baroque masterpieces, evolving around 17th-century Europe.

What Is the Baroque Period and Why Did It Start?

Times were looking a bit gloomy after the High Renaissance period that lasted into the mid-16th century. The Mannerism style, between 1520 and 1600, was a reaction to the Renaissance’s idealized naturalism. People didn’t like it and wanted change. However, times grew turbulent, marked by significant political and religious upheaval after the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Baroque art originated in Rome and spread throughout Italy and other European countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, south Germany, and Poland. 

 Melchor Pérez Holguín, “Saint Peter of Alcántara and Saint Teresa”

Although the prior period was composed of harmonious, idealized, and balanced compositions, the new focus took to emotion in a dramatical sequence of exaggerated motion. It consisted of fine detail easily interpreted as a response to the Mannerist distortions and the idealizations that preceded it. 

A lot of political instability existed during the emergence of the Baroque period. Europe was rife with wars, revolutions, and power struggles. With these chaotic conditions, the artists of the time wanted the freedom to express themselves without the High Renaissance perfection constraints. Consequentially, much of Baroque art mirrored the dramatically dark themes. The gloominess of the times acted as an overture to the darkness compounding into the compositions of this new wave.

In Spain, the Baroque period was a time of great artistic achievement that reflected the country’s landscape, politically, socially, and religiously. The Catholic Church and the Spanish Inquisition held significant influence on the arts, intending to inspire devotion from the dismounted upheaval of rebellion. Many religious themes held to the period as the Catholic Church aimed to reassert its dominance.

Another factor moving the Baroque period was the advances into new scientific discoveries of the time, and in astronomy, that challenged existing worldviews. Artists expressed not only awe, but also the existential dread that these new discoveries provoked. 

Style, Depiction, and Symbols

The Baroque style’s dramaticism used intense light and shadow to express such strong emotions. Many works were elaborated with ostentatious decorations incorporated into the compositions. Spanish Baroque art, specifically, exercised visual realism with its realistic depictions of subjects often accommodated with somber or melancholic tones. 

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, “The Prodigal Son Among the Swine”

Similar to other preceding and proceeding art periods, symbolism is used to display the adequate tones of work, much like reading a story. Bartolomé Esteban Murillo’s “The Prodigal Son Among the Swine” shifted concepts but stayed within the message. Instead, Murillo captures the biblical tale of the Prodigal Son in a destitute manner and repenting nature, where the swine serve as a reminder of the consequences of his actions that hang over him.  

Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo, “Don Martin de Leyva”

Juan Bautista Martínez del Mazo’s portrait of Don Martin de Leyva, or the Count of Monza, is a flat emptiness with the exception of an elegant decoration oddly hanging in the background. It is a unique, yet ghostly minor detail with symbolic significance when accenting Mazo’s subject’s notable characteristics. The true focal point is the light on Leyva’s face and skin that contrasts with the dark attire of one’s military and noble background.

Earlier Works with High Vibrancy of Skill in Light of Characteristics

Style, depiction, and symbols continued: Anthonis Mor van Dashorst was a Netherlandish portrait painter in the 16th century. His “Portrait of a Man” defined the dignified presence of a man with high social standing through rigorous rendering of detail. The use of dramatic light contrasts to categorize the Baroque style. 

Anthonis Mor van Dashorst, “Portrait of a Man” 

The traditional Baroque landscape in technical detail creates the high visual realism that is captured in the artist’s skill of likeness and personality of his subject. Rather than the traditionally natural landscapes of preceded movements, Mor van Dashorst decorates the background by highlighting social symbolism, such as the woman in the portrait who was likely his wife. This helps to shape the power of social status by adding position through the use of emphasis, while drawing the eye of the viewer is also aiding in establishing the emotion brought forth to the focal point.

Sebastián Muñoz, “Maria Luisa of Orléans, Queen of Spain, lying in state”

Here’ye, Queen: The Queen of Spain’s funeral around 1689 brings the resilience of contrast for viewers to indulge in the darkness of emotional Baroque. Sebastián Muñoz, a Spanish painter of the time, splits timelessness into a paradox through the use of darkness and light between the symbolism of good and evil. The story of the composition surrounds the queen in her lying state as emotion pours from the good in light of its poignant context. The grandeur and solemnity of the event in an extracted demonstration of the Catholic Church is a timeless masterpiece with the care of detail. The detail is right down to the hierarchy of the queen’s earlier portrait hung high, as a time of honoring and remembrance. 

Fray Alonso López de Herrera, “Virgin of the Immaculate Conception”

Although Fray Alonso López de Herrara’s “Virgin of the Immaculate Conception” does not necessarily seem as dark and cohesive to the Baroque style as others, the sense of depth and volume combined with the interplay of light and shadow builds the emotional intensity that reflects the Counter-Reformation’s influence to reinforce Catholic doctrine. The swirling movement around the Virgin intensifies emotion with her as the focal point, evoking deep emotional responses through the flowing use of line of her garment. There is a sense of urgency within the realm of tranquility, contradictorily giving light to religion’s portions of belief.

Proudly powered by WordPress