Category: Community

Posted on

DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Where to go for a great happy hour

Happy hour is the perfect excuse to meet up with friends, unwind after work, or simply enjoy a favorite local restaurant for a little less. From discounted craft cocktails and wine to bar bites and weekday specials, several local restaurants offer deals worth arriving early for. Whether you are looking for an upscale cocktail, a cold beer, or something to share, these local happy hours make an afternoon or early evening out even more appealing.

Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar – Coral Springs

Tap 42 combines a lively, modern atmosphere with a happy hour made for catching up with friends after work. Offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the bar, happy hour includes discounts on craft beers, spirits, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Current specials include $2 off craft beers, $4 off spirits, and $3 off wine, along with reduced prices on craft cocktails. Pair a drink with one of Tap 42’s bar bites or shareable dishes for an easy start to the evening.

Runyon’s – Coral Springs

Runyon’s offers happy hour Tuesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., available at the bar, cocktail tables, and patio tables. Current happy-hour listings feature 50% off qualifying liquor, beer, and wines priced $18 and under, along with a dedicated menu of appetizers and small plates. With its classic steakhouse atmosphere and lively Piano Room, Runyon’s is an appealing spot for an early drink that can easily turn into dinner.

Sharkey’s Bar & Grill – Coral SpringsImageSharkey’s gives happy-hour fans one of the longest windows in the area, running Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. Happy-hour cocktails are $9, hard seltzers and premium beers are $6, and domestic beers are $4. With wings, seafood, burgers, and plenty of other casual favorites on the menu, it is an easy place to settle in for an afternoon. Sharkey’s also regularly features trivia, live entertainment, and additional food specials throughout the week, adding to its neighborhood sports-bar atmosphere.

Sicilian Oven – Coral Springs

Sicilian Oven starts happy hour earlier than most. Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., drink specials are available throughout the restaurant, including $1 off beers, $3 off glasses of wine, $6 well cocktails, and $8 select spirits. From 4 to 7 p.m., guests can also order special bar bites at the bar and high-top tables. Midweek brings even more reasons to stop in: Tuesday features BOGO beers, Wednesday offers 50% off bottles of wine, and Thursday brings $10 specialty cocktails all day. Add a wood-fired pizza or the restaurant’s popular Sicilian salad, and happy hour can easily turn into dinner.

TacoCraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar – Coral Springs

TacoCraft brings a lively atmosphere and plenty of options to happy hour, offered seven days a week from 3 to 6 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to close, excluding holidays and special events. Drink specials include $8 classic margaritas, $10 specialty margaritas and craft cocktails, $6 wines, $5 bottled beers, and $6 drafts. Tequila and mezcal fans get an especially good deal with 50% off most selections. The happy-hour menu also features $5 tacos as well as various-priced bar bites such as chicken taquitos, street corn, yuca fries, and queso, making it an easy spot to turn drinks with friends into dinner.

Posted on

Two local grandparents, giving back

Giving back doesn’t always start with a fundraiser, a committee, or a formal volunteer position. Sometimes it starts with noticing a need and deciding to help.

That is the case for two local grandmothers who have each found a practical way to make a difference. One regularly donates much needed items to a homeless shelter. The other collects unwanted pet supplies and household items from neighbors and delivers them to local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Neither asked to be recognized for what they do. For them, helping isn’t about attention or getting credit. It is simply something they have chosen to make part of their lives.

For one Parkland grandmother, the focus is on the basic items that homeless shelters often need most. She keeps an eye out for toiletries, socks, towels, blankets, clothing, and other everyday necessities, and she either purchases them or gathers what she already has at home.

“Once you realize how many basic things people need, it’s hard not to help,” she said. “These are things most of us have without even thinking about it.” Rather than waiting for a holiday drive or organized collection, she donates throughout the year whenever she sees a need she can help fill.

In Coral Springs, another grandmother has taken a similar approach but for animals, donating to various local pet shelters and rescues.

Her neighborhood has a community clubhouse, which makes it easy to get neighbors involved. She posts flyers letting residents know what she is collecting and sets specific times for donations to be dropped off there. She then gathers everything and delivers it where it can be used.

“The clubhouse makes it really easy,” she said. “I can put up a flyer, give everyone a drop-off time, and people bring things they were probably going to get rid of anyway. They’re happy knowing it’s going somewhere that needs it.”

The donations vary depending on what shelters need and what neighbors have to give. What matters is that useful items are being redirected rather than thrown away or left sitting unused.

Both efforts are simple, but that is part of the point. Community service doesn’t always have to mean a large commitment, a formal organization, or hours of volunteer work. Sometimes it is as straightforward as paying attention to what is needed and finding a way to help.

For grandparents, there can also be more opportunity to do that later in life. Once their children are grown and the schedules that once filled their days begin to slow down, there may be time to look beyond the daily responsibilities.

As they both noted, their grandchildren are watching too.

“I love that my grandchildren see the bags being set aside and the donations being collected,” one grandmother said. “My hope is that they understand the importance of helping others and will want to do the same someday.”

And perhaps that is one of the best things these grandparents are passing along. Not every good deed needs an audience. Sometimes making a difference is simply seeing what needs to be done … and doing it.

Posted on

Dyscalculia: Changing the math equation for students

Most people have heard of dyslexia, but did you know that there is a math version called dyscalculia? Many children, and even adults, struggle with it their whole lives, just believing that they are “bad at math.”

Dyscalculia affects how a person understands numbers, quantities, and how they relate to each other. It also impacts sequencing and working memory, just like dyslexia, which is why longer math problems can become so overwhelming.

The good news is that once parents and teachers know the red flags, dyscalculia can be much easier to recognize and address. With the right approach, students can completely change the way they think about math and, more importantly, the way they think about themselves.

So, what does dyscalculia actually look like?

A student might reverse numbers and write 16 instead of 61. They might solve a problem correctly and then bubble in the wrong answer choice. They may mix up math symbols, struggle to decide which fraction is larger, or have difficulty telling time on a clock.

In my experience, many students with dyscalculia have a much easier time adding and multiplying than subtracting and dividing. Counting forward is often easier than counting backward because of the sequencing challenge. Division can be a nightmare, because it may involve multiplication, subtraction, estimation, and what feels like a million steps.

The challenges do not stop when math class ends. A child may struggle to judge how long it takes to get dressed for school, follow a schedule, measure ingredients, keep score during a game, or read a map.

While there is no officially recognized dyscalculia intervention equivalent to the Wilson or Orton-Gillingham methods used for dyslexia, strategies that connect math to visuals, words, and real-life situations can have the same powerful effect.

This year, I worked with an 11th-grade student who had never passed a high-stakes exam. She had taken the SAT, CLT, and FAST repeatedly because she needed a passing score to graduate. By the time she came to me, passing felt impossible to her, and she was just going through the motions.

After I noticed the signs, I recommended she be evaluated, and she received an official dyscalculia diagnosis. From there, we began intervention.

Here’s what many people don’t realize: Students with dyscalculia are often very strong with language, and that’s the key to unlocking math for them. We turned math problems into drawing contests until this student could visualize any problem on her own. She rewrote numbers and symbols as words, and turned each equation into a sentence she could actually reason through. Once the math became a story, she could solve it.

A few weeks later, she excused herself from class to call me. She said she couldn’t even wait until she got home to tell me the news.

“I passed! I passed!” she shouted in the middle of the hallway. “I got a 4 on the FAST!”

I was thrilled that she passed, but what filled my heart the most was hearing the confidence in her voice. She had overcome something she believed she never could, and the way she saw herself had changed forever.

By the end of the school year, she was dividing difficult polynomials, carefully following the steps she had written down. You would never guess what she said next: “My brain just needed a system. This is actually fun now!”

What I have learned is that these students don’t need someone to just explain the same thing one more time. They need to learn a system of explaining it to themselves to see how capable they were all along.

Posted on

Power to the people: Flower Power

Local nonprofit rescues discarded flowers to brighten seniors’ lives

How It All Began

On a typical morning, while most parents with four young kids are juggling breakfast and backpacks, one Parkland mom is also rescuing flowers headed for the trash heap—and delivering them to seniors in local living facilities.

Shayna Stein Schon, 35, and her husband, Gideon, 37, are the founders of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit aptly called Flower Power, which redeploys unused flowers and arrangements from florists, hotels, funeral homes, and grocery stores to local seniors.

More than rescued bouquets, Flower Power is a grassroots effort that turns discarded flowers into moments of joy for seniors, bringing together local businesses, volunteers, and community groups to spread smiles across South Florida.

The Chain of Love

Trader Joe’s in Coral Springs is one of Schon’s largest suppliers of excess flowers, plants, and anything floral.

“Flowers make everyone happy,” says Schon, who admits to a fondness for roses. “What is a better way to commemorate a life event or to just brighten someone’s day?”

To date, the organization—whose motto is “Spreading smiles one bouquet at a time”—has given new life to more than 5,000 bouquets, allowing them to bloom again and spread joy on their way.

The idea originated when Schon worked for the food bank Feeding San Diego, where she matched grocery stores with local nonprofits. The stores donated excess food, and the nonprofits distributed it to those in need.

“That experience inspired me and planted the dream of starting my own nonprofit,” she says.

After relocating to Parkland in 2024, that dream began to take shape. When friends and neighbors fell ill or needed surgery, Schon brought flowers. She realized that although she couldn’t fix their problems, she could brighten their day.

“I kept asking myself, ‘What can I do to make their situation better?’ ” she says. “The answer kept coming back to flowers.”

Schon’s mission quickly found support from local businesses. As a part of the community, Trader Joe’s believes it does more than just sell groceries.

“Being a neighborhood grocery store is about more than just selling groceries,” says Nakia Rohde, a spokesperson for the company. “It’s also about being good neighbors.”

According to Rohde, through its Neighborhood Shares program, the company provides nourishment to its communities every day, by donating 100% of unsold products (including flowers) that are fit to be enjoyed to local nonprofit organizations.

What began with the Schons, their children, and extended family has grown to include community volunteers and local organizations such as the Foundation for Independent Living (FIL), a residence in Coconut Creek where people with cognitive and physical disabilities learn to lead independent lives.

Coconut Creek resident Vicki Matthews, 63, who recently retired after 37 years at American Express, is one of those volunteers. She read about Flower Power in the local news and reached out to Schon.

“Shayna is incredibly responsive and has a passion for helping others,” says Matthews. “She called me immediately.”

Matthews was recruited to pick up flower donations from Trader Joe’s in Coral Springs, one of their largest donors, and drove her Lexus IS 200 to transport the delicate cargo. “I had flowers in the front seat, on the floor, on the back seat and floor, and in the trunk,” she says. “It was so cool, and the scent was amazing.”

At FIL, residents and staff pick up donated flowers twice each month from Trader Joe’s. They rework the unsold flowers, giving them a new life and purpose.

Mabell Angel, director of marketing and communications for FIL, says she and her residents are grateful to Schon for the opportunity to be a part of her mission. “I call it the ‘chain of love,’ ” she says. “Our residents get to pick up the flowers, create beautiful bouquets, and then deliver them to seniors—it’s a beautiful chain of love and compassion.”

The activity provides a creative, social, and purposeful outlet for the community’s 60 residents, who then get to brighten someone else’s day at another living facility.

Typically, Flower Power receives between 30 and 150 bouquets each week through its donation partners. Some are delivered as-is, while others are creatively repurposed into new arrangements.

Other organizations they partner with include Broward Health, Allegro Senior Living, Tamarac Center for Rehabilitation and Healing, Menorah House, and Sinai Residences in Boca Raton.

Rischelle Waxberg, activities director at Sinai Residences, says, “We’re so grateful to Shayna and Flower Power for brightening the lives of our residents.”

Flower Power typically brings bouquets for the traditional Friday-night Shabbat dinner. “When our residents see the flowers, their faces light up,” Waxberg says. “This is a wonderful mitzvah to have flowers on Shabbat.”

Impact and Future Goals

Additionally, Flower Power offers floral arranging workshops for schools, organizations, and community groups. Participants create something beautiful—one arrangement to keep and one to give away. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission of rescuing flowers and spreading smiles.

Schon hopes to recruit additional volunteers so she can spend more time fundraising and writing grants. Her goal is to source enough flowers to warrant daily pickups, not just weekly.

Flower Power has received small grants from Walmart’s Spark Good program and Target’s corporate giving initiatives, and it hopes to secure additional support. Its greatest needs include financial donations, flower suppliers, social media volunteers, and floral supply donors.

“We’re so grateful to Trader Joe’s in Coral Springs and everyone who works with us and donates to us,” says Schon. “Our vision is to continue growing throughout South Florida and eventually deliver thousands of rescued flower bouquets every week, bringing comfort and joy to even more people, one bouquet at a time.

“At Flower Power, we believe kindness doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes it just begins with a flower.”

For more information, or to make a donation or become a volunteer, visit flowerpowercommunity.org or follow Shayna Schon on Instagram.

Posted on

Just may be the ‘Lunatics’ you’re looking for…

Billy Joel famously sings, “It just may be a lunatic you’re looking for.” Well, if you’re looking for a talented rock band that covers classics from the ’70s through the ’90s—one that does an incredible rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”—it’s The Lunatics you’re looking for. And yes, they perform Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right” with a cheeky lyric substitution reminding audiences of that.

The Lunatics are composed of four pillars of solid talent: lead singer “Jess,” drummer “Marlee,” bassist David Carrey, and guitarist Anthony Angelone.

The group was originally formed by sisters Jess and Marlee, who’ve had a passion for performance and rock music since they were kids. “Both of us have been listening to rock music our entire lives, and that’s been a passion of ours. We’ve always wanted to do this,” says Jess of starting a band. “We really enjoy that type of music, so we got into playing it,” adds Marlee.

Marlee and Jess met Carrey and Angelone through Pro Jam nights at Cheers Restaurant and Bar in Fort Lauderdale and Pipers Pub in Pompano Beach. “Pro Jams are events where you can get up and play with professional musicians. You just sign up, almost like karaoke,” explains Jess, who used to sign up as a vocalist. “It’s a great opportunity to meet other local musicians.”

“A lot of times the people who sign up for these jam nights are looking for other musicians to form a band,” adds Marlee.

“Dave was the house bassist at Cheers, and we went to Cheers multiple weeks in a row and we ended up forming the band with him,” recalls Jess. “And then we met Anthony at the Pipers Pro Jam.”

The band’s name also came together naturally. Jess and Marlee were drawn to the word “Luna,” while bassist Carrey—better known onstage as “Crazy Dave”—inspired the other half. Together, they landed on The Lunatics. Today, each member embraces the nickname onstage, becoming Crazy Jess, Crazy Marlee, Crazy Dave, and Crazy Anthony.

Between them, these four musicians have plenty of talent and experience under their belts. Jess, who has a classical background, has been singing since she was 6 years old. She has performed with the Miami Ballet and sung backup vocals for Josh Groban. “I was previously a classical vocalist and switched over to rock so I could form a band with Marlee,” says Jess.

Marlee has been playing drums since she was 9, and she’s well known in the local music scene for her timing and groove. “Some of her fans call her ‘Pocket’ for that reason,” says Jess.

Dave is a veteran musician in South Florida and has toured the country with successful tribute bands. Anthony is also well known in the local music scene, having played in many tribute and cover bands.

Once the lineup was complete, the band’s first performance was a showcase at Cheers. “They have a band that they feature for a 30- to 45-minute set,” explains Jess. “We did that first. That was our coming out.”

Since that showcase, the band has seen plenty of positive momentum.

They’ve only been together for one year, and in that time they’ve built a seven-hour set list that includes hits from artists like Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Police, No Doubt, Paramore, 3 Doors Down, Rush, Prince, Heart, Bruno Mars, Black Sabbath, Linkin Park, Evanescence, and Fleetwood Mac.

“In the majority of our songs, we have three-part harmonies going, and all four of us sing full backup vocals and leads. We like to switch off,” says Jess. Marlee drums and sings lead on Aretha Franklin. Dave takes the lead on artists like Cake, Sublime, and 3 Doors Down.

“You get a much richer sound when you have multiple members harmonizing on everything,” says Jess.

One thing that makes the group unique is some of their song selections. “There’s some unexpected choices that the crowd might be excited to hear,” says Marlee. Some of those include “Rapture” by Blondie, “Never There” by Cake, “Psycho Killer” by Duran Duran, and “The Ocean” by Led Zeppelin.

They’ve also become regulars at diverse venues, from Cafe 27 in Weston to Throw Social in Delray Beach, as well as Marina 84, Cheers, Margaritaville Restaurant, and the Hollywood Bandshell. “We’ve played a lot of amazing venues that we feel lucky to be at,” says Jess. The Bandshell is a favorite of the group. “That’s when we get to just let it rip. We can bring all our passion and our energy.”

The group is strategic about choosing songs for different venues. At Cheers, they lean more toward classic rock. For biker bars, they turn up the harder rock. At Throw Social, they cater to a younger audience with more modern music and a stronger pop influence rather than a purely rock set.

Their performances deliver plenty of skill and energy. At a recent performance at Cheers, Marlee—who is only 18 years old—nailed the opening drum solo to Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher.” Lead singer Jess delivered powerful vocals with impressive range. Bass player Dave never stopped moving and even launched into a spontaneous high kick during Paramore’s “Misery Business.”

At just one year together, The Lunatics are already making a name for themselves on South Florida stages, and it’s easy to imagine their live performances becoming even more engaging as they continue to grow together.

The Lunatics’ upcoming performances include Thursday, Aug. 6, at Cafe 27 in Weston; Friday, Aug. 7, at Skipper’s Cove in Fort Pierce; and Friday, Aug. 21, at O’Shea’s Irish Pub in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit Facebook and search for The Lunatics.

Posted on

Emerging Raw Talent: Jihanna Bresset.

Sketches from Book #6 (2026). Bresset, J. Pencil on paper, paint pens on paper. 9” x 6”.

“Less is more” is one of those profound truths that reveals itself only to people who know how to look. Jihanna Bresset, just 15, is one of them. On a family trip to St. Augustine, a town that seems to curate itself through understatement and intentional simplicity, she recognized this familiar rhythm. It is this way of seeing that defines J. Bresset’s movement through the world. She observes, distills, and removes the unnecessary. In her art, simplicity becomes a discipline. Yet, the surprising part is that the work it produces often appears anything but simple. Her choices, rather, feel intentional, grounded in a sensitivity that exceeds her years, revealing an artist who understands that restraint can be its own form of power.

J. Bresset has always been a natural observer. Her instinct for noticing detail has shaped not only her talent but the way she communicates. Entirely self‑taught, she continues to expand her range, her work becoming more dynamic as she stretches into new subjects. This natural creativity has also influenced her academic life as she enters the 10th grade, where her excellence positions her to graduate among others at the top of her class.

A Parkland native, J. Bresset currently attends Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Her first exhibition took place at the ArtServe Impact Awards in Fort Lauderdale this past April, where she donated two recent works: Perspective, created with a piece of charred wood from a campfire, and Unfinished, a contrasting work that questions whether anything is ever truly complete. The reception to her work revealed something important: viewers responded not only to her technique but to the emotional intelligence embedded in her choices. Her ability to communicate feelings through material suggests an artist already thinking beyond the surface.

Her artistic integrity, however, has been with her since kindergarten. She began by drawing only people, and by fourth or fifth grade, her attention shifted toward anime. By middle school, that phase dissolved as she stepped away from any single influence, choosing instead to explore a style that felt entirely her own. Today, she is immersed in mythological figures—studying classical statues, comparing interpretations, and reading multiple versions of Homer’s Iliad to form her own point of view on ancient narratives. Her curiosity is not passive; she actively interrogates how stories evolve across time and why certain themes endure, developing a personal visual language rooted in both research and intuition.

Her sketchbooks—volumes #1 through #6—read like a visual autobiography. Each marks a distinct chapter in her development, and together they reveal the arc of an artist growing in real time. They show how her simple approach has unfolded into a more layered, complex visual language without losing its essential directness. Even her earliest pages show a sensitivity to proportion and expression that now feels like a signature. These books also reveal her discipline; page after page of studies, experiments, and revisions that demonstrate a young artist already committed to refining her craft.

Though she favors the basic pencil and paper, J. Bresset does not limit herself. She has explored acrylics, watercolors, oils, charcoals, paint pens, ceramics, and even digital art on the iPad. Her willingness to experiment suggests a creative maturity that will only deepen as she continues to pursue her artistic development.

Windy. (April 2, 2026). Bresset, J. Acrylic on canvas. 10” x 8”.

In Windy, J. Bresset’s technique shows her command of gesture and constraint, using long, wind‑swept strokes to anchor the figure while lighter marks drift across the surface with atmospheric ease. She creates depth through contrast using transparent washes beside opaque gestures, allowing the composition to feel dimensional without becoming heavy. The quick‑drying acrylic preserves the immediacy of her confidence. The visible brush drag, directional movement, and subtle irregularities animate the portrait. True to her minimalist instinct, J. Bresset achieves layered emotional complexity with remarkably few marks, letting simplicity open into something richer and more alive.

III. (est. summer 2025). Bresset, J. Mixed media, watercolor marker and acrylic. 12” x 9.5”.

IIIbrings a fictional portrait to life, infused with a sense of ease as J. Bresset shapes the figure through sweeping, multicolored passages that feel almost buoyant. The subject’s gentle expression, eyes at rest, conveys quiet optimism, as though wrapped in a moment of inner brightness. Around them, the hair unfurls in vibrant ribbons of color that guide the viewer inward, centering the face as the heart of the composition. Floating, confetti‑like tones reinforce the uplifting mood, allowing the piece to emanate emotional warmth and openheartedness. Softly washed areas enhance the facial features, creating contrast that lets the surrounding space breathe, while textured strokes across the shirt introduce a tactile counterpoint—an implied environment that curves around her before dissolving— as if suggesting the character exists within her own imagined “safe space.”

Diana. (est. January 2026). Bresset, J. Oil and paint markers. 14” x 11”.

This work is an instant reminder of J. Bresset’s unwavering commitment to figurative discipline and her emerging sense of narrative. Through assertive linework and vibrant, directional strokes, the figure appears in confident contours that define posture and intent. Behind her, saturated colors rise like ascending steps into an imaginative atmosphere. The scene feels playful yet boldly expressive. Cool complementary blues soften depth while outlining scale, sharpening the character’s purpose and guiding the viewer’s eye along her stance and gesture. The result is a composition of fluidity in a graceful sweep of narrative whim, reinforcing the presence of a guardian rendered with both elegance and story‑driven intention.

“If it happens, it happens,” J. Bresset explained of her process. “You can’t really make a mistake.” Her strength in figures makes drawing animals and other subjects feel effortless. In August of 2025, after injuring her shoulder, her first question was, “When will I be able to draw again?” That devotion speaks for itself—and hints at what her talent may become.

Posted on

New museum takes visitors into the world of jellyfish

The Jellyfish Museum is the first of its kind in the U.S.—a museum dedicated solely to showcasing the world of jellyfish, with more than 20 species from seas and oceans around the world on display.

The museum was founded by Yana Yanovska and Alex Yanovskyi and is their second museum dedicated to jellyfish. They established the first in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, in 2018. When the Russian-Ukraine War forced them out, they recreated their dream in Pompano Beach.

Walking into the museum is an experience in itself. Between the dark walls and colored lighting, the entryway feels like it’s leading you into a nightclub. But once inside, the glowing displays and immersive light projections will have you feeling like you’re in an ethereal underwater wonderland.

There are 21 tanks on the main level of the museum, illuminated by neon-esque shades of pink and turquoise. “Some of the jellyfish are so clear, you can’t see them, so we have to put lighting behind them,” explains Jessica Eisenbarth, community relations manager.

While the showcasing of these unusual creatures is stunning—there’s even a heart-shaped tank filled with moon jellyfish that has a hole in the middle where you can stick your head for a photo surrounded by jellyfish—the tanks require careful, 24-7 monitoring to ensure that the jellyfish survive. “The currents in their tanks, the water pH, and salinity all have to mirror their ocean environment,” explains Eisenbarth.

The Jellyfish Museum offers a meditative experience if you let it. One of the rooms is outfitted with bean bag chairs where you can sit and observe the jellyfish, a surprisingly relaxing experience. They have a slow, fluid way of moving, similar to the colored blobs in a lava lamp, only much more fascinating. “We want people to slow down,” says Eisenbarth. “There’s a calmness and an immersive experience that we hope everyone feels when they’re here.”

There’s also a lot to learn about jellyfish, both through watching them and through the educational and scientific displays the museum offers. “They have no brain, eyes, or central nervous system,” says Eisenbarth. And while most people associate them with being underwater nuisances that sting, jellyfish have a significant impact on the environment. “When you find large blooms of jellyfish, it’s actually an indicator that there’s changes in the ecosystem like water temperatures rising and lower oxygen levels,” explains Eisenbarth. “When you find it, it’s very important for scientists to take a look at why it’s happening.”

Because jellyfish have short lifespans of between 3 months and 1 year, depending on the species, the museum updates the ones on display every few months. When jellyfish first arrive at the museum, they go into quarantine in the laboratory on the second floor. Some, like the Japanese Sea Nettle, have been flown in from the far reaches of the Pacific.

One of the newest additions to the museum is the Fried Egg Jellyfish (aptly named, as it resembles a fried egg), which spent about a month in quarantine before going on display. These unique creatures are primarily found in the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Aegean seas.

Also on display right now are the Upside Down Jellyfish, which are found in South Florida. These creatures spend most of their time on their back (hence the name). They need ultraviolet (UV) light to survive because they have an algae that grows inside of them, and the jellyfish need the algae to survive. This partnership works through mutualistic symbiosis, where both organisms thrive together. The algae provide almost all of the jellyfish’s nutritional needs, which is why they rest upside down to soak up the sun. At night, the team turns down the UV lights to mimic the natural rhythm of nature. These jellyfish are a favorite meal for sea turtles, which can eat their weight in jellyfish on a daily basis.

While a stunning visual display, the museum’s primary focus is education, especially for school groups. “We work very hard to make this an educational facility so that you learn about the biology, the anatomy, how they affect our oceans, how they affect us, and how they contribute to science,” says Eisenbarth. She emphasizes that while jellyfish are over 500 million years old and have survived four mass extinctions, we still don’t know that much about them.

The museum is working with scientists from the Smithsonian to help generate a curriculum that can be distributed to teachers after school-group visits. It also collaborates with researchers. One of those researchers is biochemist Dr. Angel Yanagihara, who developed “Sting No More,” a patented zinc gluconate–based formula that neutralizes box-jellyfish venom. “It works on all jellyfish stings that have been tested,” says Eisenbarth. The museum plans on carrying this jellyfish-sting antidote in its gift shop. “It works on fire-ant stings as well,” she adds.

Since opening in late March, the Jellyfish Museum has welcomed plenty of visitors and plans on expanding its reach through new social events, including magic shows, romantic evenings, and wellness events, such as sound healing. The 20,000-square-foot space is also available for private events.

The Jellyfish Museum is open seven days a week between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. It offers discounted admission for Florida residents, senior citizens, children, active-duty military and veterans, first responders, medical personnel, and educators.

For more information, visit www.jellyfish-museum.com.

Posted on

Meet the all-female band rocking South Florida

When Astrid Voxx was a kid, she wanted to play the drums. But she was told, “Girls don’t play the drums.” Today, not only does she play the drums, she also leads an all-female rock tribute band that proves women can do much more than just keep time—they can own the stage.

For Voxx, one of the biggest thrills still happens before a show.

“When I come in hauling the drums, and the men see me, they’re like, who’s that for?” says Voxx. But once the entire band has assembled, realization dawns. “Then they realize we’re not the girlfriends, we’re the band. For me, that’s a thrill. I love it.”

The Bango Bango’s was formed in 2016 with a mission that remains at the heart of the group today: celebrating women in rock music. Named after two of the most iconic all-female bands of all time, the Bangles and the Go-Go’s, the group was inspired by a Go-Go’s concert attended by Voxx’s daughter, Alexi.

After the show, Alexi was so excited that Voxx asked if she would ever want to be part of something similar. She said yes. Voxx began building the band, fulfilling a lifelong dream in the process. After turning 21, Alexi Go-Go officially joined the group.

Today, the Bango Bango’s features drummer Voxx, lead singer Go-Go, guitarist Lana Wise, and bassist Lenore Goldman. Together, they bring decades of musical experience and a diverse range of talents to the stage.

Voxx also plays guitar, has been singing since she was 5 years old, and toured with Jimmy Buffett. Wise is a sound technician who also plays piano and violin. Goldman began playing piano and drums in fourth grade before eventually picking up the bass.

Offstage, the women have developed a bond that feels more like family than coworkers. “They’re the sisters I never wanted,” jokes Wise. That camaraderie translates into an energetic stage presence that has become one of the band’s trademarks.

The Bango Bango’s perform an 80-song repertoire spanning female rock hits from the 1960s to today. While Go-Go serves as the primary lead vocalist, each member takes center stage throughout the performance, allowing audiences to experience the full range of talent within the group.

Voxx’s expressive vocals shine through songs by Tina Turner, Four Non Blondes, the Cranberries, Sheryl Crow, and Fleetwood Mac. Go-Go takes the lead on favorites by No Doubt, the Go-Go’s, the B-52s, and Cyndi Lauper. Wise’s powerful, rock-forward voice is featured on songs by Pink, Joan Jett, Carrie Underwood, Avril Lavigne, and the Bangles. Goldman leads a crowd-pleasing rendition of Nancy Sinatra’s classic “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.”

The result is a high-energy show that pays tribute to generations of female artists while keeping audiences singing and dancing from start to finish.

“We always have fun,” says Voxx, a statement that becomes obvious within minutes of watching the band perform.

“No matter how tired or sick we may be, when we get up on that stage, it all goes away and we manage to have fun,” adds Go-Go.

Part of that fun comes from the band’s willingness to bring the show directly to the audience. Thanks to wireless equipment, members often leave the stage mid-song and weave through the crowd, instruments in hand, turning spectators into participants.

Their engaging performances have landed them at a wide variety of venues, including country clubs, bars, theaters, festivals, and community events throughout Florida. The band currently performs between four and six shows each month and has appeared at the Wellington Amphitheater, the Miami-Dade Youth Fair, Galuppi’s, the Ritz Theater in Sanford, and Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale.

“Marina 84 is one of the first venues that saw our potential,” says Voxx. “They gave us a shot, and we proved that we can do it.”

As one of the few all-female bands in the region, the Bango Bango’s have also been invited to perform at events that carry a deeper sense of purpose, including a fundraiser for Leap for Ladies, a Miami-based nonprofit dedicated to helping incarcerated women rebuild their lives.

“It was very emotional listening to their speeches,” says Go-Go. “We got to listen to all the women talk about how their lives were changed for the better.” Those experiences—ranging from packed bars and festivals to meaningful community events—reflect the band’s wide-ranging spirit both on and off stage.

Their unofficial motto, coined by Goldman, perfectly captures the energy of the band: “Any excuse for a party.”

Whether they’re performing during the NBA Finals, the World Cup, Father’s Day, a birthday celebration, or a holiday weekend, the Bango Bango’s find a way to turn every event into a celebration.

For Voxx, however, the band’s mission extends beyond entertainment. “Having an all-female band is very dear to my heart,” she says. “There’s not too many of us.”

“I’ve seen a few other all-female bands, but we’re the only ones who pay tribute to women in music,” says Wise. “Our primary focus is women in rock.”

“It’s a platform for women to hear their voices, and to know that little girls can play instruments,” says Voxx. “And be rock stars,” adds Go-Go.

The group takes particular pride in the example it sets for younger audiences.

“We’re role models,” says Voxx. “When we play up in Wellington, it’s a thrill for all of us to see the little girls wide-eyed actually seeing we’re playing instruments.”

“For me, the most touching part is when I see little boys enjoying our performance,” says Go-Go. “It teaches boys to be respectful and recognize that women can do everything they can do.”

Behind the scenes, the band members credit much of their success to the support systems that make their busy schedules possible.

“We’re very lucky that we have very supportive spouses,” says Voxx of herself, Wise, and Goldman. “That’s very important and makes or breaks a band.”

Wise’s husband, who is also a musician, serves as the band’s sound technician and is a familiar face at performances, cheering them on while capturing photos and videos.

Looking ahead, Voxx is writing original material she hopes to eventually incorporate into the band’s performances. The group would also like to expand into larger venues and new markets, including Orlando and Florida’s west coast. Still, Voxx believes the tribute aspect of the band remains essential.

“As a fan, as an audience member, I always wanted to see this,” says Voxx. “Female musicians doing a tribute to our voices and our inspirations.”

The Bango Bango’s upcoming shows include July 11 at Luv’n Oven in Sunrise, July 1 at Packy’s Sports Pub in Lighthouse Point, and July 31 at Marina 84 in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit thebangobangos.com.

Posted on

“That’s Entertainment”

Japanese prints and the art of leisure, at Norton Museum of Art

Utagawa Kunisada: Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūurō VIII (1823–1854) as the Ghost of Seigen with poem by Ariwara no Narihira (825–880). From the series “Witty Comparisons of Actors with the Thirty-Six Poets” (“Mitate sanjūrokkasen no uchi”), 1852, woodblock print, ink, and color on paper (14 9/16 x 10 in.).

In the bustling streets of Edo, Japan (1603–1868), centuries before movie posters or mass‑market lithographs appeared in the West, Japanese audiences encountered their favorite celebrities in a different form: woodblock prints. These vivid sheets sold for the price of a bowl of noodles and captured the drama, glamour, and emotional intensity of kabuki theater, with a level of detail that still astonishes viewers today.

Far from being simple souvenirs, these prints were the beating heart of a sophisticated entertainment economy. They were advertisements, fan merchandise, fashion guides, and narrative snapshots all at once. Moreover, they were produced through a process as intricate as the performances they depicted.

Unlike Western printmaking traditions, where the artist often worked alone, Japanese woodblock printing was a collaborative craft involving four specialists: the designer (Eshi), the block carver (Horishi), the printer (Surishi), and the publisher (Hanmoto). Each role was a discipline in itself, honed over years of apprenticeship.

Furthermore, in Japanese traditions, woodblock printing was the engine behind the ukiyo‑e, or “pictures of the floating world.” This world depends on exceptionally delicate papers, noting that their delicacy is not a weakness. In fact, it is the very reason that mokuhanga (the fully hand‑crafted, water‑based printing system that produced the ukiyo‑e prints) can achieve its signature luminosity, crisp detail, and atmospheric softness. These papers, also known as washi, are among the most-refined printing surfaces ever developed. Thus, their delicacy is the reason the Norton Museum of Art has held them in its archives for decades, now and only for the first time exhibiting them to the public. In fact, Norton’s very special exhibit, “That’s Entertainment,” consisting of donated works from Asian art history, is on view until July 5.

Utagawa Kunisada: Kabuki actor Ichikawa Hige no Ikyū, from the kabuki play “Yukari no sukeroku,” 1860, woodblock print, ink, and color on paper (15 1/2 x 10 in.).

Detail was everything. The finest ukiyo‑e lines—such as strands of hair, the shimmer of silk, or even the glint of a sword—were carved with a single knife, and guided by a hand trained to breathe consistently with the wood. Each color chosen required its own block, and sometimes dozens, each aligned with pinpoint accuracy. The printer then coaxed the image to life using water‑based pigments, brushed onto the blocks and transferred to handmade washi paper with a handheld baren. These pigments, such as the mineral blues, safflower reds, and soot blacks—as seen throughout the exhibition—were transparent, luminous, and capable of the soft gradations known as bokashi, a hallmark of Japanese print aesthetics that resulted in a world suspended between line and color.

Utagawa Kunisada: Kabuki actor Iwai Kumesaburō III (1829–1882) as Shirai Gonpachi and an unidentified actor as a kamuro, from the series “Matches for Thirty-six Selected Poems with Kabuki Plays” (Mitate sanjūrokku sen), 1856, woodblock print, ink, and color on paper (13 5/8 x 9 1/8 in.).

Utagawa Kunisada (Japanese, 1786–1864), also known later as Toyokuni III, was the most commercially successful and prolific ukiyo‑e printmaker of 19th‑century Edo, producing more than 20,000 designs across his lifetime. He worked across nearly every major ukiyo‑e genre, from actor portraits to the kabuki scenes (theatrical compositions).

But to understand why his world was so visually abundant, one only needs to look at the prints of the “47 Rōnin,” the legendary tale that became kabuki’s most beloved blockbuster. The play unfolds across 11 acts, each with its own emotional temperature inclusive of political intrigue, secret vows, snow‑covered night attacks, tragic sacrifices, and the final, cathartic act of revenge. No single print could contain all of this in one illustration, so artists did not try. They instead exploded the story outward, scene by scene, moment by moment, and across hundreds of different illustrations shared with the public.

Like the kabuki play, “Toki ni minna minobu no goriyaku” (1857), Norton’s exhibition frames its unique collection within a broader story about how visual culture shaped everyday life in Edo. By bringing together actor portraits, bijin‑ga, festival scenes, and rare textiles, the works form a vivid panorama of entertainment itself in an ancient world where artistry, storytelling, and spectacle were inseparable from the rhythms of city life.

Utagawa Kunisada: Kabuki actors Nakamura Fukusuke I (1831–1899) as Princess Shichiri and Ichikawa Danzō VI (1800–1871) as Saint Nichiren, from the kabuki play “Toki ni Minna Minobu no Goriyaku,” 1857, woodblock print, ink, and color on paper (14 1/2 x 9 5/8 in.).

Also on display are other notable artists of woodblock prints, including Ishikawa Toyonobu and Toyohara Kunichika. Both were major ukiyo‑e print designers, but each lived a century apart and represents a distinct era of Japanese woodblock printing. Bridging these historical works to the present is the 21st‑century “Kabuki Costume for the Role of a Kamuro,” an embroidered silk piece on loan from the U.S. kabuki Ken Kyu Kai.

Today, these prints remain some of the most recognizable images in global art history. They are windows into a world where entertainment, craftsmanship, and mass culture intertwined with remarkable sophistication.

The works presented in portraits by masters like Kunisada and dramatic kabuki scenes are not just historical artifacts but the ancestors of modern visual media, in which the first posters, the first celebrity portraits, and the first mass‑produced art were created that people bought simply because they loved them. The woodblock prints are, in every sense, the theater on paper.

Posted on

DELICIOUS DINING

Our local guide to some of the best specialty foods in our area

Juicy steakhouses around town

Steakhouses have always been about more than just steak. They are where birthdays are celebrated, deals are made, families gather, and date nights feel a little more special. There are plenty of local places to enjoy a great cut of meat without turning to the typical chain restaurant. Some feel classic and old school, while others are lively, modern, or tucked right into the neighborhood. Whether you like a filet, ribeye, porterhouse, or prime rib, these local steakhouse favorites are worth a reservation.

NYY Steak – Coconut Creek

Located inside Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, NYY Steak brings a bold, upscale energy to north Broward. With its New York Yankees–inspired atmosphere, premium steaks, seafood, and lively casino setting, it’s ideal for a night out that feels a little more exciting than the usual dinner reservation. Whether you’re starting with cocktails, ordering a signature cut, or making it part of a bigger evening, NYY Steak offers a polished steakhouse experience while staying local.

Malbec Grill – Parkland

Right on the border of Parkland and Boca Raton, Malbec Grill brings a warm, flavorful twist to the local steakhouse scene. With Argentine-inspired touches, juicy steaks, empanadas, chimichurris, seafood, and a welcoming neighborhood feel, it’s a strong choice for those who want something elevated but not overly formal. It feels both special and comfortable. It’s the kind of place that locals can return to for date night, family dinners, or a relaxed evening with great food close to home.

New York Prime – Boca Raton

For those who like their steakhouse with energy, New York Prime is a Boca classic. The atmosphere is lively, the service is polished, and the menu focuses on USDA Prime steaks, seafood, cocktails, and steakhouse staples done with confidence. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels made for celebrations and special occasions, and very much a “night out” destination. If you’re looking for a steakhouse with personality, New York Prime delivers.

Tropical Acres – Fort Lauderdale

A true South Florida institution, Tropical Acres has been serving steakhouse classics in Fort Lauderdale for generations. Known for its old-school charm, hearty portions, prime rib, steaks, seafood, and welcoming service, it offers a nostalgic dining experience that feels increasingly rare. This is the place for those who appreciate tradition—a classic steak dinner, a comfortable dining room, and the feeling that you’re stepping into a piece of Broward dining history.

Steak 954 – Fort Lauderdale

For a steakhouse with a view, Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale brings oceanfront style to the table. With its sleek design, beachfront setting, seafood selections, premium cuts, and signature jellyfish aquarium, it feels more like a full evening experience than just dinner. It’s a strong choice for date night, visitors from out of town, or anyone looking to pair a great steak with one of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s most memorable settings.Image

Posted on

Alice’s Teapot Cafe

A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach

My friend Susan and I recently stepped into a rabbit hole. I mean, an “Alice in Wonderland”–inspired café of whimsy and enchantment!

Part “Alice” fairy tale, part “Enchanted Forest,” and part High Tea destination, Alice’s Teapot Cafe in Delray Beach is a delight. “Welcome to the immersive world of Alice’s Teapot Cafe, where reality disappears and every tea tells a story.” Their quote is a good introduction to this cute café/bakery/tea-and-coffee shop, located in a large shopping center near the bustling, noisy intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Military Trail. But once you get inside this cozy venue, it’s an entirely different environment. Beautifully decorated from floor to ceiling—and be sure to look up at the gorgeous ceiling art!—it’s a sight for sore eyes.

The whimsically themed backdrops at Alice’s Teapot Cafe make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a lushly illustrated storybook. And it is more than just a charming restaurant—it’s billed as an immersive dining and entertainment experience. Alongside its signature high tea and brunch that’s served all day, this unusual eatery offers visitors a magical ambiance filled with madcap décor, regal seating, interactive moments, and musical waitstaff.

“Our restaurant is meant to be a respite from the outside world. To take the bricks off your shoulders and help you escape from reality,” says Christine Prestininzi, founder of Alice’s Teapot Cafe, a family-run business. “If I can help one person, I’m happy to do it.”

“The heart behind Alice’s Teapot Cafe has always been simple—to offer a gentle escape from a world that can often feel harsh, judgmental, and unkind,” according to Prestininzi’s daughter, Alice (and, yes, that’s her name). “We set out to create a retreat from reality.”

Soothing “Bridgerton”-style music played in the background at lunchtime while Susan and I sipped on our chai tea and nibbled on finger sandwiches, melt-in-your mouth scones with berry preserves, and a delicious assortment of desserts. The hot tea was served in individual colorful teapots, and the savories and sweets were artfully arranged on an elegant, three-tiered service tray. Our servers were warm and accommodating.

After we’d been there a little while, the live entertainment began. The hostess came out and spoke to us all about Alice’s Teapot, then broke into song—“Heaven, I’m in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak…”—sounding very good.

On a table near the front was a lovely display of handmade frosted cookies for sale, created in a tea-party theme by an art teacher at Riverglades Elementary School in Parkland. Her business is called Icing Meets Cookie. Also, along a wall by the entrance was a colorful assortment of fancy lady’s hats and fascinators. If you’d like to dress up but didn’t bring anything, you are welcome to borrow a hat or other prop for your special time there. It also makes for some fantastic photos.

In the evening, you can expect Broadway-style serenades, themed dinners, sing-alongs, and guests joining in the fun—“because here, dinner is part theater, part tea party, and completely unforgettable,” as they advertise. This venue is available for event space rentals, making it a great spot for special gatherings. While we were there, two separate parties of women were celebrating someone’s birthday, and in quite a festive mood.

Other activities at Alice’s Teapot Cafe include creative events and workshops such as art classes, “Alice in Wonderland” glow-in-the-dark painting, watercolor classes, “Dinner and Decoupage,” parents’ night out, sip and paint, adult crafts, and a flower social club.

Whether you’re planning a fun ladies’ night out, looking to dress in your finest for high tea, wanting to partake in the arts, putting together a little girl’s birthday bash, or just looking for something different and adorable for your Instagram, this is the place to be. Maybe you’ll meet the Mad Hatter!

For more information, go to www.aliceteapot.com. Photography by Susan Tutwiler.

Posted on

Feeding your body, feeding your brain

Being healthy means taking care of your brain as well as your body. This is especially important as we age because the risk of dementia increases over time. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia for adults, affecting more than 6 million Americans ages 65 and older, it isn’t the only type.

Other illnesses and conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, alcoholism, stroke, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic head injury, also can cause dementia. Additionally, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can increase the risk of dementia, so managing these conditions is important.

Making healthful lifestyle choices—including getting regular physical activity, socializing, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking—can help to reduce your risk for dementia. Scientific evidence has shown that eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet may be beneficial to your body as well as your brain, helping to protect against cognitive decline. Certain nutrients are especially important for brain health and may help maintain and improve cognitive function. These include the following:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. About 60% of the brain is composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The most abundant type is docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. Some research suggests that diets rich in omega-3s, combined with a low saturated-fat intake, may lower the risk of cognitive decline.

B Vitamins. B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, are known for their role in metabolizing homocysteine, one of the amino acids in protein. High levels of this amino acid are considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. B vitamins are involved in many other aspects of brain function, and deficiencies may affect mental health and lead to cognitive decline. However, research on B vitamin supplementation and cognitive function remains unclear.

Antioxidants and Phytonutrients. The brain is particularly susceptible to damage caused by free radicals, which are substances that attack healthy cells. Vitamins C and E, as well as the mineral selenium and phytonutrients such as lycopene, are antioxidants and are known to help minimize the damage caused by chronic stress and free radicals. Other well-known phytonutrients—such as anthocyanins, which give certain fruits and vegetables their color—are thought to have a positive effect on brain function.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in nearly every cell in the body, so it’s no surprise that this vitamin is present in brain cells. Vitamin D is believed to have protective effects against cognitive decline, and research has suggested that low blood levels of vitamin D may affect brain health.

Choline. Choline is an essential nutrient required for fat transport and metabolism. It is necessary for normal brain and nervous system function, muscle control, and other functions.

Focusing on an overall healthy eating pattern that includes these nutrients from foods is important for good health. You can get these nutrients from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and healthy fats:

  • Berries, including strawberries and blueberries, citrus fruits, grapes, and watermelon
  • Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens, and broccoli
  • Whole-wheat bread, oats, quinoa, and other whole grains
  • Seafood, including shellfish and fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring
  • Nuts and seeds such as chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and almonds
  • Beans and lentils, including chickpeas, black beans, and lima beans
  • Whole eggs, skinless chicken, and turkey
  • Sources of unsaturated fat such as avocados and olive oil

Remember: While making healthful food choices is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle, other important factors that contribute to overall health include getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying hydrated, and adding regular physical activity to your daily routine.

Proudly powered by WordPress