Category: Family

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‘The Nutcracker’ returns to Boca Ballet

This is the 34th year that the Boca Ballet Theatre presented the classical production of “The Nutcracker” for the holiday season. This spectacular occasion encompasses refreshing imagination and sound, pantomiming magic under the artistic vision of executive director and co-artistic director Dan Guin.

Founded in 1990, the Boca Ballet Theatre’s initial performance of “The Nutcracker” was presented in 1992, while its current version has been ongoing every holiday season since 1997. This year’s principal dancers from the New York City Ballet Company who join the performance are Emma Von Enck as Clara and Anthony Huxley as her Nutcracker Prince. This classical tradition has been the cornerstone of all holiday productions lasting centuries.

The Classical Story of “The Nutcracker”

The story of “The Nutcracker” is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairy tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” It was later adapted by Alexandre Dumas in 1844 and, by December 1892, was composed by the renowned Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky; it was first performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The ballet tells the story of Clara, who receives a nutcracker toy from her godfather, Drosselmeyer, on Christmas Eve. The toy breaks and transforms into a prince, who takes Clara on her magical journey in a battle against the Mouse King. The second part of the story is into the Land of Sweets, where its whimsical realm greets her and her prince through the Sugar Plum Fairy and her fairy court. Celebrating their victorious battle leads to a series of dances representing all the candy treats from around the world. According to the Boca Ballet Theatre, these cultural themes have been updated based on the latest trends, and predominantly since last year, by loosening up the choreography to blend in more with the contemporary times within the dance world.

The Trepak, a traditional Ukrainian dance that is often included as one of the Divertissements in Act II of “The Nutcracker,” remains one of the favorite parts among some of the Boca Ballet Theatre’s dancers. Its highly energetic, acrobatic leaps in the presence of spirited music are about as adaptable to the colors of Clara’s dream as it is in prevailing the complementary sound of Tchaikovsky’s theme.

Some versions of “The Nutcracker” differ significantly across choreography, casting, and culture, such as the English version, which remains vast among various parallels, in versions of the ballet performed across the U.S.

The first complete performance in this country was by the San Francisco Ballet on Christmas Eve in 1944. However, Tchaikovsky’s music was already highly familiar to Americans by the international popularity of his “Nutcracker Suite.” The ballet truly took wind in the U.S. in the 1950s by Russian-American choreographer George Balanchine, whose version premiered with the New York City Ballet in 1954. Since foundationalized in Europe and then into the U.S., “The Nutcracker” in America has been the gateway to ballet for aspiring dancers and remains the staple in performance classics.

What It Takes

The Boca Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” cast is made of 100 dancers, with eight to 10 professionals from all over the country, and sometimes from around the world. The theatre receives audition videos from the National Ballet of Canada, Los Angeles, New York, and the San Francisco Ballet Company, to name a few, and mostly for the male parts, as male professionals are usually lacking in these areas of the ballet community. This year’s guests, along with the principal dancers, are Samuel Huberty from the AUER Academy; Nathaniel Otto, a returning dancer dancing the Spanish Divertissement; Kayke Carvalho and Vince Pelegrin from the ABT Studio Company; and Jhostin Jimenez from the United Ballet Theatre.

Meanwhile, all students must audition for every show. Their season runs from mid-August to May, starting work promptly around the end of August and no later than Labor Day every year for the “Nutcracker” production.

With five staffers at the Boca Ballet Theatre, the production is truly a family affair. Whether it is the fathers behind the set putting things together, or the volunteers handling the costumes and makeup, it takes a community to make Clara’s dream come alive.

Handmade costumes and painted scenes are all stored in the back rooms of the Boca Ballet Theatre. It is like a magnificent library of past and present, organized by category per set, and of each unique production.

Levels

The youngest performers in the Boca Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker” are aged 6 to 7 from Level 1. Level 7 consists of skilled 13- and 14-year-olds, and Level 8 performers are the most experienced dancers, ages 16 and 17, who dedicate their time practicing, and up to five days a week during the school year. It takes rigorous dedication, valor, and love to ignite such a powerful production.

The theatre holds kids camps in June, while there is a six-week summer extensive for the serious, aspiring dancers, with the objective of networking for opportunities in the professional world of ballet.

“Coppélia”

The Boca Ballet Theatre holds three shows every year, and “The Nutcracker” is their staple performance. Following that is a production held in the spring, and then one in the summer, which is their repertoire show. “Summer Breezes” is this year’s repertoire, and the spring production is “Coppélia.”

The Boca Ballet Theatre will bring its spring performance of “Coppélia” on April 5–6, 2025, to the Countess de Hoernle Theatre at Spanish River. “Coppélia” is a French-originated comedic ballet about a life-like doll named Coppélia; its dollmaker, Dr. Coppélius; and the much-dismayed Swanilda, whose fiancé, Franz, is infatuated by the doll, unknowing that it is not real. Swanilda instead disguises herself as Coppélia, leading to many humorous and heartwarming events.

The Boca Ballet Theatre has performed many traditional classics over the years, including the romantic era’s “Giselle,” well worth mentioning. While “The Nutcracker” poses its original onset of romantic fantasy, the threshold is held within the dancers’ dreams similar to one of Clara’s—the imagination—an exciting context of spirit from across all cultural landscapes.

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Curiously hungry: Cooking cheese with wine

The classic pairing of wine and cheese is taken to another level by the Swiss. The Alpine country, with its many pasturelands, is home to many famous cheeses. Surrounded by great wine regions of France, Germany, and Italy, it’s no wonder someone came up with the idea of cooking cheese with wine in the 17th century.

“Fondue,” as we now call it, is made by melting cheese in wine, and it’s usually served with bread to be dipped in it. It is the national dish of Switzerland, and it’s the most recognized dish. The blend of flavors and aroma from great cheese and wine is a wonderful foundation for anything you dip into it. It is something that should be experienced if you ever travel to Switzerland.

Meanwhile at home, you can find this classic Alpine creation in the heart of Coral Springs. The Melting Pot, located near the corner of Sample Road and Coral Springs Drive, serves up this simmering concoction to local residents.

Their classic fondue is made with Gruyère, a hard cheese named after a town in Fribourg in Switzerland. The cheese is sweet, and it’s creamy and nutty when young. Along with a white wine, the fondue provides a fruity base for more than just bread. At the Melting Pot, they provide you with apple slices that go extremely well with this fondue.

Emmentaler cheese, with its characteristic “eye formation” common in many Swiss cheeses, is part of other Melting Pot fondue offerings. Its mild and savory flavor pairs well with Wisconsin aged cheddar and Sam Adams lager. This fondue provides a stronger flavor base, which goes well with the soft pretzels and vegetables offered.

At the Melting Pot, they also serve great salads, with delicious dressings. They offer a great refresher for your taste buds before you embark on the restaurant’s entree course. For the entree, a selection of proteins is offered, which can be cooked at the table either with a grill or in a hot pot.

The grill options work great with many cuts of meat and fish that are on the menu, or you can try their Coq au Vin stock, which is prepared with burgundy wine, mushrooms, scallions, and garlic. The Melting Pot also serves entrees with a combination of dips, which adds extra flavor dimension for the diner.

The meal is not complete without enjoying a new modern American fondue creation. The chocolate fondue was first served in a restaurant in New York in the 1960s. The Melting Pot’s chocolate fondues offer several chocolate options, including dark, milk, and white chocolate. Served with a combination of fruits and desserts, it will satisfy any sweet tooth. For those who love chocolate, there is nothing more decadent than dipping a brownie into dark chocolate. And who doesn’t love a strawberry or banana dipped in chocolate?

So as the next cold front comes to Florida, and you want to enjoy a classic Swiss creation, give fondue a try. The Melting Pot has long served its version of this method of cooking in Coral Springs. They offer an authentic experience that you will enjoy.

The Melting Pot is located at 10374 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs; www.meltingpot.com/coral-springs-fl.

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Food tips for summer travel with kids

Long-anticipated summer travel is not without its nutritional challenges, and adding young children to the mix multiplies those challenges. There’s more to consider than packing a few extra snacks and baby wipes. Follow these tips for a healthy, happy, and nourishing vacation with kids.

Road Trips

Logging a lot of miles in the car may have your kids asking for snacks to ease the boredom. Anticipate this and be prepared. Work with your kids on a list of boredom-busting activities, including games, music, videos, coloring books, and more. Before starting the car, review the day’s schedule. Explain when and where you’ll eat and make a strong effort to stick to your normal eating schedule.

Pack some of these travel-friendly foods for children over the age of 4, as some may pose a choking risk for younger children. If your child is at risk of choking, enjoy your food at a rest stop so you can supervise while eating. Keep perishable items in a cooler with ice to reduce your chances of foodborne illness when on vacation.

  • Sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or other easy-to-eat veggies
  • Applesauce
  • Dried and fresh fruit
  • Popcorn
  • Trail mix
  • Peanut butter sandwiches
  • Whole-grain crackers
  • Low-fat milk boxes
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Low-fat yogurt
  • Cheese sticks
  • Cottage cheese

Don’t forget portable eating utensils and plenty of napkins and wipes. (If your kids don’t eat dairy products, learn more about nourishing plant-based foods you can pack at EatRight.org.)

Have your kids come up with fun meal ideas where they combine their favorite snack with another item you purchase at a restaurant. Kids can combine different lean proteins with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to build a balanced meal or snack that’s part retail, part from home. In the end you will save money and eat healthier. Water, milk, or a fortified milk alternative are good beverage choices, and even restaurant meals should include fruits and vegetables. If the restaurant doesn’t offer good options, fill in with the supply in your cooler.

A Stay at the Beach

Whether you’re hitting the beach for a day or staying for a week, the same guidelines apply. Try to stick as closely to your normal eating schedule as possible. Bring a cooler with some of the foods listed above and plenty of ice. Pack ample water and encourage frequent sipping. The hot sun can be dehydrating, and the cool ocean water and tons of fun can distract kids from drinking fluids.

Cruising Along

Food is present constantly on cruise ships—and in big, showy ways. Remind children that just because food is available doesn’t mean the family needs to eat it. Be a role model to your kids and encourage them to eat mindfully when they are hungry.

Travel Abroad

If you are traveling far or to places with new types of cultures, work with your family on planning where to eat in advance of your trip. Most restaurants around the world provide nutrition information online so you can plan on choosing the nutritious items that you have researched. Being in a new culture also is a great time to get your family to try new foods.

Visiting Family or Friends

Whether you’re traveling with others or staying in their homes, you may run into well-meaning food pushers. Give relatives and friends a kind heads-up to your expectations when it comes to offering food to your children. Help them find other ways to express love and warmth such as reading a story or taking your child for a special outing.

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Ensuring bone health for men

Happy Father’s Day! Strong bones are just as important for men as for women. Your body needs calcium, vitamin D, other important nutrients, and regular weight-bearing physical activity to make and keep bones strong and hard. Not getting enough calcium during childhood can lead to osteoporosis later in life, a disease in which bones become weak and easily fracture or break.

Adults usually reach peak bone mass by the age of 30. Choosing foods first to meet nutrient needs is recommended, but in some cases a multivitamin-mineral supplement may be needed. Learn more about the essential ways to ensure healthy bones for life.

Healthy Bones and Calcium

Males who are between 19 and 70 years old should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. After age 70, calcium needs jump to 1,200 milligrams a day

Good sources of calcium include low-fat and fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Sardines, tofu made with calcium sulfate, and calcium-fortified beverages such as soy milk and 100% fruit juice are also good sources. Leafy greens such as collards and kale and fortified ready-to-eat cereals can provide variable amounts of calcium.

To get the recommended amount, men need at least three servings of calcium-rich foods or beverages every day. A calcium-rich serving is equivalent to the following:

  • 1 cup low-fat or fat-free milk
  • 1 cup low-fat or fat-free yogurt
  • 1½ ounces low-fat or fat-free cheese
  • 1 cup calcium-fortified soy milk
  • 1 cup calcium-fortified 100% fruit juice
  • 3 ounces canned sardines, with bones

How Much Calcium Is in Your Food?

Read the Nutrition Facts label to learn how much calcium you are getting in each serving.

Calcium has a daily value (DV) of 1,300 milligrams a day:

  • If a label reads 30% DV of calcium, it equals 390 milligrams.
  • If a label reads 20% DV of calcium, it equals 260 milligrams.
  • If a label reads 10% DV of calcium, it equals 130 milligrams.

The Role of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a key nutrient that helps bones absorb calcium, so it’s important to meet daily vitamin D needs based on age. Per day, infants need approximately 400 IU of vitamin D; children 1 to 18 years old need 600 IU of vitamin D; men under 70 need 600 IU of vitamin D; and men older than 70 need 800 IU of vitamin D.

There are three ways to get vitamin D: sunlight, food, and supplements. Vitamin D is found naturally in just a few foods, such as fatty fish including mackerel, salmon, and tuna; egg yolks; and mushrooms grown under UV light. Milk typically is fortified with vitamin D. Other dietary sources of vitamin D include fortified non-dairy beverages and some brands of orange juice and cereal. Men who do not get enough vitamin D from foods should talk to their physician about taking a vitamin D supplement.

Four Ways to Keep Bones Strong

Bone health is dependent on lifestyle choices.

Here are some key things that men can do to keep their bones strong for life:

  1. Get enough calcium and vitamin D every day from foods and/or supplements.
  2. Participate in regular weight-bearing physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.
  3. Avoid smoking, and if you are a male of legal age and choose to drink, limit alcohol intake to two or fewer drinks per day, on days when it is consumed.
  4. Talk with your health-care provider about bone health.

 

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Heart health for women

As we know, in May we celebrate Mother’s Day! In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. Diet, lifestyle choices, and a few other key factors play a big role in a wide range of heart conditions. Take care of your heart by choosing foods to promote overall health.

Fruits and Vegetables Matter

When it comes to filling your plate, fruits and vegetables are where it’s at. Not only are they sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants, they also can help keep blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. What makes fruits and vegetables so good? They provide potassium and magnesium, minerals that have been shown to help lower blood pressure in clinical studies.

Aiming for 1½ to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables daily is a good way to help meet your potassium goals. Plus, research has shown that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk for many chronic diseases, including heart disease.

Fat Matters for the Heart

The type of fat you eat also makes a difference. According to the 2020-2025 “Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” a healthy eating pattern should provide less than 10% total calories from saturated fat starting at age 2. An eating plan high in saturated fat may increase the risk for heart disease. Foods such as bacon, sausages, fatty meats, butter, ice cream, and other full-fat dairy foods can be high in saturated fat.

Replacing sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fats has been shown to be beneficial in reducing “bad” cholesterol levels and may help lower the risk for heart disease. Foods such as olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds contain unsaturated fat.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a special type of unsaturated fat commonly found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and herring. Omega-3s also are found in walnuts and flaxseed. Fish is a good source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), whereas nuts and seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Because these foods contain different types of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s good to include a variety of these foods among the foods you eat throughout the week. Women who are of childbearing age, pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult “Advice About Eating Fish” (www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish) from the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Stay Active for Heart Health

Regular physical activity also can be beneficial. Get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, with some activity on most days of the week. Maintaining a healthy weight can help manage certain conditions such as high blood pressure. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, everyone varies in how much physical activity they need to maintain their weight.

Other Risk Factors

While you can change what you eat and whether you are physically active, there are some risk factors for heart disease that you cannot change:

  • Aging: The risk for heart disease increases with age.
  • Family history: Having a close blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with heart disease increases your risk of having heart disease.
  • Ethnicity: Some ethnicities have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
  • Previous heart attack: A history of past heart attacks can increase the odds of having another one in the future. However, in this case, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as eating healthfully and participating in cardiac rehab.
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Dining on the dock at historic seafood spot

Where can you dine on the east coast of Florida with lots of funky, kitschy appeal, scenic water views from every table, delicious seafood, and some of the best key lime pie in the state? That would be at the Old Key Lime House on Ocean Avenue in Lantana.

Located on a bustling street right near a drawbridge at the Intercoastal Waterway, Old Key Lime House is the oldest structure in the state to house a waterfront restaurant, and it claims to have the largest tiki bar in South Florida. It’s close to Route 1 and easy to find. Once you spot the historic, bright-green building, you know you’re there. From out front it looks much smaller than it really is. But behind this colorful house, overlooking the wide-open, picturesque Intercoastal, is the full sprawling property with a fun potpourri of dining and bar areas. You’ll be glad you found it.

With four bars (including one up a high staircase to a porch above the water with great views of the boats below), a central stage for live music, several large-screen TVs, and many areas for waterfront dining, Old Key Lime is popular for lunch, dinner, and nightlife. I’ve been there for all three, with various friends and family members. We always have a nice time and good food. People come for the locally caught seafood and the key lime pie—not to mention sunsets over the water. It’s always a party at the Old Key Lime House. As night falls, it’s usually rocking with great live music.

It started as a two-story home built in 1889 from sturdy heart of pine by Morris and Mary Lyman, who were among Lantana’s founders and who sold fish and oysters locally. Morris Lyman was a storekeeper and postmaster and named the town, incorporated in 1921. Their building eventually became the Old House Restaurant in 1989 and was renamed the Old Key Lime House in 2000. Owner Wayne Cordero was at the helm then, perfecting the restaurant’s famous cornbread as well as its even more famous item, the key lime pie. It came from the recipe of his grandmother, Agnes, and was part of his cherished memories from childhood summer visits to visit family in Key West.

This historic site has a storied past. “Originally a boarding house for travelers, it later became a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, attracting a colorful cast of characters and stories that still echo through its weathered walls,” according to the Dean Mitchell Group. “Today, the restaurant and bar preserve the charm of days gone by, with its original Dade County pine construction and nautical decor.”

Old Key Lime House is a colorful testament to the history and flavor of this coastal community. It’s usually packed with both locals and visitors who savor its laidback, Florida Keys–style atmosphere. Tourists often come to check it out, but with the numerous packed bars and live music on the property, it’s also a popular watering hole for the community. Everybody enjoys the lovely waterfront views as well as quirky décor inside and out.

To get out to the dining areas, you first go through the original house, which has a fireplace and vintage collection of memorabilia, photos, and documents on the walls throughout the foyers. You can read about the recipe for the key lime pie. There are lots of antiques around, such as a vintage cash register and an old gas pump. It’s like a little museum of the town’s history. You can watch aquatic life in two giant tanks in front of the check-in booth, as well as visit the gift shop and explore merchandise for sale, such as “Old Key Lime House” collectible T-shirts.

Outside, there are tables in several different covered sections, around the bars, on wooden decks, and even out on the docks. Kids can enjoy a large play area complete with giant skeletons for extra thrills.

There are plenty of spots for patrons to secure a boat for those who come by water. Signs pepper all the posts there, with messages such as the typical “No Shoes, Shirt, No Service” along with others like “Slow Please: Report Manatee Injuries,” “No Boat Boozing,” “Dock at Your Own Risk,” “No Sailboats, No Catamarans,” and, at the floating boat bar, “No High Heels.”

Old Key Lime House has weathered several hurricanes and tropical storms, and repairs always bring it back to life. Recent damage to a dock, in December 2023, happened after a storm swept through and two nearby sailboats came loose and slammed into the dock. Hopefully, nothing bad will close this place for long.

 

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Spring Into Sunshine: Local Activities to Make the Most of Springtime Fun

Families from all over the country flock to South Florida for the beautiful weather this time of year. As the locals are aware, there’s no shortage of exciting activities to enjoy around here. If you’re staying in town, here is a reminder of some fun and enjoyable ways to make the most of our beautiful springtime weather.

Life is better at the beach

Spend your days building sandcastles, soaking up the sun, and taking refreshing dips in the warm refreshing water. South Florida boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, all within minutes!

Splash, Slide and Soar

Located in Riviera Beach, Rapids Water Park is South Florida’s premiere family water park from the Keys to Orlando. The park features a full-day of fun for the entire family – whether you make a splash in the cool blue waves of the wave pool, take a thrilling plunge down the waterslides, or just relax and float around the lazy river… there is something fun for everyone.

 Top-of-the Water Activities

With our year-round warm temperatures and abundance of outdoor activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, surfing, scuba diving and more, South Florida is one of the country’s top water sports destinations. For a more new experience, try flyboarding at one of the many local rental shops along the coast.

Get Lost in Art

Immerse yourself in South Florida’s vibrant culture and arts scene. Among the many museums, galleries and cultural landmarks a bit south of us, you can explore the unique and famous Wynwood Walls for the colorful street art; and don’t forget to take a selfie in front of one of the many amazing hand painted backgrounds!

Outdoor Adventures

Venture beyond the sand to discover South Florida’s natural wonders and outdoor recreation. Explore the Everglades National Park on an airboat tour or hike through scenic nature trails in the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Madonna: The Celebration Tour – April 6, 7 and 9 at the Kaseya Center, Miami

The Celebration Tour is the ongoing twelfth concert tour by American singer Madonna Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

Entertainment for the little Ones

DISNEY PRINCESS: THE CONCERT – April 7

Take the little ones to Broward Center’s Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, these beloved songs come alive on stage with a host of Broadway and television stars in Disney Princess – The Concert! Visit ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets.

Plan the family’s spring adventures locally this year and create lasting memories while staying close to home. With the perfect blend of sun, sand, culture, and adventure, we are fortunate to have endless possibilities within minutes. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, outdoor adventures, or a vibrant cultural experience, South Florida has something for everyone to enjoy during the Spring season

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Parkland girl finds her heart horse

Copa is an off-the-track thoroughbred that raced under the name It’s All Copacetic. But when he first arrived at Twine Barn Sanctuary in Parkland, things weren’t all copacetic. Twine Barn Sanctuary founder and president Crystal Coan knew she had her work cut out for her.

“Copa would jump or bolt off at a gallop over every little thing, even moving shadows on the ground from trees he was standing under,” recalls Coan. “Sometimes even his own shadow!” Coan had Copa assessed to see if he had any underlying pain or injuries that would make him behave this way. There were none.

“When he was given the green light to work, it became clear that he’d learned his naughty behavior meant people would dismount and he wouldn’t have to work anymore,” explains Coan. So she decided to work with Copa to curb his dangerous behavior.

Coan and Copa went on a number of thrilling rides she refers to as “flying dragon rolls,” one of which threw her hip out for weeks. Still, she refused to give up on Copa.

“I never once thought about giving up on him,” affirms Coan. “He was super sweet and always wanted to be hanging over your shoulder, so I knew with a lot of patience, desensitization work, and regular exercise, he had the potential to become someone’s heart horse.”

And that’s exactly what happened. When Mikaella Alzein met Copa at Twine Barn Sanctuary, it was love at first sight. Mikaella was only 9 years old at the time and hadn’t started riding yet. The idea of riding Copa gave her the motivation to get started and stick with it.

“When I first saw Copa, I immediately knew he was my favorite horse,” recalls Mikaella. After a few weeks of training, Coan allowed Mikaella to ride Copa for the first time on a lead rope and only at a walk. “I was so happy,” enthuses Mikaella. “I knew I wanted to work with this horse. I could see us going far and having a future together.”

A couple of months later, on her first ride off the lead rope, Mikaella realized how much work it would take to achieve the future she envisioned with Copa. Copa bucked the entire length of the field they were riding through, and Mikaella fell off the 17-hand horse. Copa’s bucking, which was unpredictable, happened during many of their rides and never deterred Mikaella.

“Mikaella would smile, dust herself off, tell him she loved him, and get right back on,” says Coan. “Sure gave us and her parents some scares, but she wouldn’t give up on him.”

“If you want to be a good rider, you’re gonna also have to face your fears,” explains Mikaella. “I faced my fears while he was bucking.”

To help with Copa’s bucking, Mikaella’s parents brought in horse trainers Igo Sifuentes and Irene Arshad. Even though they knew their daughter was determined, they still had their doubts about Copa and made sure Mikaella always wore a helmet and safety vest when riding him.

“At the beginning I thought there was no hope for him,” recalls Jaelke Alzein, Mikaella’s mother. “He would start good and then go wild like a rodeo. I thought the horse was crazy.” But Coan and Sifuentes assured her that Copa just needed a lot of love and consistency.

Mikaella stepped up and began spending hours with Copa in the barn to build love and trust between them. “Every day she took her books and read to him, and sang to him,” recalls Alzein. “She still does that to this day.”

During the summer, instead of going on vacation, Mikaella spent her days at the barn cleaning stalls, feeding the horses, and, of course, bonding with Copa.

As their bond deepened, Mikaella was even able to fall asleep beside Copa. “The first time I slept in his stall, I woke up with him playing with my hair,” she says. “It was a super calming, special feeling.”

“She’s the kind of kid that he needed and he’s the heart horse she’d always dreamt about,” enthuses Coan. “It was a match made in heaven.”

In early 2023, Mikaella started jumping, and within seven months she became the Grand Champion in Parkland in her division. Her dream was to be able to take Copa to a show and compete with him.

In October 2023, Mikaella started jumping with Copa. “I was so excited when that happened,” she enthuses. “It felt like I was flying.”

In late 2023, after a year and a half of working and bonding with Copa, Mikaella took him to his first show in Parkland. It didn’t go well. “He was freaking out,” recalls Jaelke Alzein. “He wanted to jump out of the arena.”

But with love, patience, and positive reinforcement, Copa and Mikaella are now successfully competing in shows together. “He behaves so well. He looks like a champion, and he behaves like one,” says Alzein. “He’s very calm.”

Five months ago, Mikaella became Copa’s official owner. Since then, they have competed in five shows together, and Coan couldn’t be happier for the pair. “Mikaella was determined to learn and grow with him so they could compete together one day, and I thank the universe her parents have supported them the whole way,” says Coan.

The Alzeins’ latest form of support comes in the form of a 3-acre property in Parkland. “This horse changed our lives completely,” says Jaelke Alzein. “We’re finally going to be able to bring Copa home with us. He’s part of the family and we want him with us.”

Mikaella, who is now realizing the original vision she had for her and Copa, has her own set of aspirations for the former racehorse.

“I want him to have the life he thought he would never have,” explains Mikaella. “I’m sure if you told him a couple of years ago that he was going to go to a nice barn, start training as an athlete, and be a champion, he wouldn’t have believed it. I want him to have a name, and be able to jump 3 meters, and go to the Wellington Equestrian Festival.”

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A boat ride back in time to Cap’s Place

Where in Broward County can you go to dine on fresh seafood at a historic place where you know that Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Al Capone also once dined?

Why, it’s at Cap’s Place Island Restaurant, a national landmark and Broward County’s oldest restaurant. Located in a secluded spot off Lighthouse Point on the Intracoastal Waterway, the venue’s way-back roots include being a 1920s casino and a rum-running speakeasy. Cap’s Place can only be reached by a dedicated motor launch, and I decided to check it out recently with three others.

I made an advance reservation through their website for 7 p.m. on a Saturday, and we arrived around 6:30 to the address listed for their boat dock, found a space in public parking close by, and waited to board Cap’s small ferry, which runs back and forth continuously to take customers to the restaurant when it’s open (five days a week). The boat ride was short and scenic, and we arrived at the wooden pier near the restaurant a little early. Walking around, we could enjoy the sun setting over this waterfront site, which is nestled in coastal pine and cypress, with various resident cats sauntering around.

The property is anything but fancy looking, resembling a series of old wood-frame shacks from the outside. Everything looks much like it did when it opened back in 1928. Inside the first structure is Cap’s very kitschy and quaint bar area, with an ancient cash register and lots of cool memorabilia. This building includes the only restrooms for the restaurant. Back outside, past the patio area, is the main structure, which contains adjoining rustic dining rooms with creaky wooden floors, open-rafter ceilings, and weathered walls covered in pictures, old papers, and more mementos.

Cap’s Place was listed as a historical site on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, and the place is musty, chockful of old things to look at, and a fun place to wander around and be transported back in time. It felt like we were in log cabins or the well-worn lodge of a campsite, but with nice views of the water.

According to Cap’s, the restaurant “has hosted the famous and infamous for decades,” including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, Al Capone, Meyer Lansky, George Harrison, Errol Flynn, the Temptations, Susan Hayward, Gloria Swanson, and Joe Namath. Photos line the walls showing Cap’s famous customers.

Yellowed old newspaper articles also hang on the walls of the various rooms, with headlines such as “We Remember Churchill,” “Cap’s Place: Untouched by Time,” and “A Place Older Than Lighthouse Point.” We saw two walls displaying a large collection of historic currency from different states and countries, along with brittle stock certificates and numerous framed coins from yesteryear. You really get a sense of being in another era at this place, and that enhances the quirky charm.

The fresh cuisine was good too. We had an excellent server who gave us the history of Cap’s Place and impeccable details of everything on the menu—descriptions of the specials, what the entrees come with, and favored options for our sides. She was right about everything she told us. To order mixed drinks, you have to trek to the bar, but we had wine and food brought to our table with fast service. The crabcakes there have a great reputation, and mine were perfect. Their hearts of palm salad is also famous. As is the key lime pie, which we gobbled up.

Some regulars take the boat over just to go to that landmark bar, with its down-home ambience. Cap’s Place is not like any place else. After dinner, we wandered around the property a little more, then headed back to the pier and got right on the boat. We were whisked back in the dark, with lights twinkling on either sides of the water. Definitely a nice evening.

For more information and reservations, go to capsplace.com.

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The sweetest of tours

“Come take a tour through candy’s history at one of the most unique candy stores you’ve ever seen. You’ll be introduced to the history of candy and learn how your favorite candies are made and packaged. You’ll walk through rooms with two-story ceilings decorated top to bottom, and one room covered entirely in candy!”

That was the pitch. And my son and I decided to check it out. It wasn’t exactly Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory—more like a candy museum and behind-the-scenes tour. But it was a fun (and delicious) way to spend a little time on a rainy Saturday, at the Bulk Candy Store in West Palm Beach, a family business run by brothers Brian and Ken Shenkman with their parents and various relatives. The tour starts and ends in the retail store of their building.

On this small-group tour, each attendee will receive candy samples and a 15% discount in the decadent two-room shop. There you’ll find bagged candies of every variety, different kinds of fudge, a long counter displaying 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn, a section of beautiful rock candy, a “Pez corner,” lots of bulk candy in primary colors, bins of every brand of candy you’ve ever heard of, including nostalgic treats from our youth, and a display case of store-made chocolates and other delicacies.

We started our tour back in time, in a room where the history of candy is colorfully illustrated, and our tour guide Ahnaca narrated a sweet trip to the beginnings of candy making, with lots of fun facts and fascinating stories. She started by describing how Egyptians back in the day made their sweets out of honey—“Nature’s natural candy”—and talked about how the bees work, following up with the offer of a taste of fresh honey made locally. We learned how some candies’ names came about, how certain ones changed their look, and which treats have been the most popular, among other interesting facts.

After discussion of the history of candy and all its fascinating flavors, a black curtain gets opened and the group enters the next room of the tour. This second room includes a replica of a candy-making conveyor belt and a video showing and telling how different candies are created. We got to learn about the chromatic steps in producing multicolored Gummy Worms!

The next curtain leads to a room that’s all about the manufacturing and packaging of some of our favorite candies. We saw replicas of a factory’s machinery, watched a video showing the processes, and listened to Ahnaca tell us some surprising facts. After that, we were shown their “Wrappers from Around the World” wall, with candy wrappers from all corners of the planet, and we learned which ones are a big hit in certain countries, such as Turkish Delight, Lacta Big Time, Dorina Riza (and Keks), Mikado chocolate as well as Icelandic chocolate, Mani Moto, Aero Truffle Tiramisu, and Mokba. We also found out about the many different flavors of Mentos around the world, including in China and Japan.

Throughout the rest of our tour, we saw walls with candy art decked out from floor to ceiling; a section with Pez dispensers of all sizes and kinds; a fun display about Willy Wonka; and lots of giant stuffed M&Ms lounging around. In the last room, each tour attendee can get a plastic bag and fill it up with Tootsie Rolls, Gummy Worms, and Hershey’s Kisses of varied flavors (my favorite was sugar cookie), among other candies. Then we were released back into the shop, where we used our discount to buy lots of delectable treats. Sweet!

The Bulk Candy Store is located at 235 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach. Cost for a tour is $12.95 for age 13 and over, $8.95 for kids, and free for 3 and under. Tours are available weekdays and Saturdays, and reservations are required (at bulkcandystore.com/tours). To book a tour same day, call (561) 540-1600.

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A holiday gift guide

With the holidays right around the corner, there’s no better time to find something that’s special and unique. We’ve curated this year’s gift guide with creative items from our communities. Friends, family, and even pets will love these handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts, including some exclusive promotions for our readers.

LittleLovelyDay

etsy.com/Shop/LittleLovelyDay

Custom-beaded jewelry designed and made in Parkland! All handmade by Bridget Pearsall, every item can be customized to suit your individual wants and needs. Shop the many selections of predesigned items, or contact Pearsall with your special requests. It always feels great to be able to give someone a more personalized gift. You may not know where to start, but she will work with you to create the best jewelry possible for the person you have in mind. Grab something beautiful for your family, friends, teachers, coworkers, or the most important person, yourself! Wholesale orders are also available, and you can contact Pearsall via Instagram or Etsy with any inquiries.

Use promo code PARKLAND10 for 10% off Instagram: @littlelovelyday

That Mom With a Laser, Inc.

etsy.com/shop/ThatMomWithALaser

Discover the charm of locally crafted gifts by That Mom With a Laser. Known for her fun personality on social media, this local handmade influencer offers personalized treasures perfect for the holiday season. From wooden ornaments to custom-engraved cutting boards, find unique gifts with a local touch. Explore online for unforgettable presents this year. Visit @thatmomwithalaser on Instagram  or TikTok to see how she makes her creations come to life!

Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/ThatMomWithALaser

Naturloom

Naturloom.com

Naturloom is a Parkland-based, small family business. Products are made of 100% organic Turkish cotton, all of which have GOTS-certified textile. Therefore, everything is organic and natural at all stages of cotton, from seed to product. This business has a wide selection of products, such as muslin blanket throws in all sizes, baby blankets, pillow shams, and oversized beach towels. Their inspiration comes from nature, as can be seen in the company name and the color scheme.

Use promo code NATURLOOM10 for 10% off

Lei Custom Collars

leicustomcollars.com

Designed with the utmost care and made specifically for your own furry friend, Lei Custom Collars offers personalized, handmade pet collars with matching tags made from the highest-quality leather and crystals for your unique and custom order. Their love for dogs is their inspiration. They have always been surrounded by dogs and showcase their passion by creating unique designs that reflect the inspiring connection between humans and their pets. For new products and promotions, follow them on Instagram and Facebook at leicustomcollars.

Use promo code PARKLANDER for a 10% discount on your order

3GGlamGifts

3GGlamGifts, based in Parkland, creates personalized gifts for all occasions. Customized party favors, apparel, jewelry boxes, canvas pouches, gift baskets, college items, and more are offered in any theme and in any budget! Order through direct message on Instagram and Facebook at 3GGlamGifts.

Mention PARKLANDER for 10% off your holiday gifts

Don’t Forget the Gift

etsy.com/shop/DontForgetTheGift  

When looking for a unique personalized gift, look no further than Don’t Forget the Gift. They specialize in personalized Hanukkah menorahs, candlesticks, and mahjongg-themed snack bowls. These gift items are locally made, and they make the perfect gift for the special person in your life. Check out their full selection in their Etsy store.

Parklander readers can use the code PKLD10 to receive 10% off orders

 My Kid’s Dream

mykidsdream.com

My Kid’s Dream is a magical online store where childhood dreams take a tangible shape. It is a family-run business with a simple mission: to bring joy to kids’ lives by creating personalized blankets, canvases, and customized books. This store offers the perfect gifts for the little ones in your life!

Use promo code PARKLANDER for 15% off any item

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Immerse yourself in tropical Flamingo Gardens

There is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie, featuring more than 3,000 species of tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees, and home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife. Their slogan: “We ask that you take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.”

My friend and I went there recently, and we adhered to their instructions. It’s a beautiful, natural setting. It’s called Flamingo Gardens, and yes, it does have many pink flamingos, but it also has a lot more.

Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida. It was founded by Floyd and Jane Wray, originally as an orange grove. Specialized botanical gardens here include naturalized orchids, cycads, heliconias, and more. The arboretum contains some of the largest trees in Florida. The state began keeping the Florida Champion Tree Register in 1975, and Flamingo Gardens boasts 15 Champion Trees. One of them, the Indian jujube, is also a National Champion, the largest of its species in the country. We were quite impressed by the majestic scenery surrounding us as we toured the venue.

Flamingo Gardens is part of Long Key, a natural oak hammock containing an untouched hardwood forest. There is also the Wetlands Walkway, where visitors can take nature walks and see all kinds of birds. In addition, throughout the area, peacocks, iguanas, and cats roam around, as this is their home.

Flamingo Gardens is owned and operated by the Floyd L. Wray Memorial Foundation, started by Jane Wray in 1969 in honor of her late husband. She sold off much of the original property but kept 60 acres for the wildlife refuge, where animals from the site’s “backyard,” the Everglades, are cared for, as a guide informed us. Wray’s goal was “to preserve the core property for future generations and emphasize the flora, fauna, and history of the Florida Everglades.”

The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that takes in injured or nonreleasable native wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, otters, hawks, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks, and, of course, flamingos. It also houses threatened species such as the American alligator, American snapping turtle, Florida burrowing owl, wood stork, bald eagle, and Florida panther, which now serve as animal ambassadors in educating the public about the Everglades.

Nestled in the hammock of 200-year-old oaks is the Wray Home Museum, which was built in 1933 as a weekend residence for the Wray family. It is now a cultural landmark and the oldest residence in Broward County west of University Drive. It has been restored to provide visitors “with a glimpse of life in South Florida in the 1930s.” My friend and I toured it and enjoyed the historical items from that period of time. We also were amused by the peacocks that hang around outside. One magnificent male kept strutting around in front of the museum building, showing his plumage and doing a little dance to woo the nearby peahens. He didn’t have any luck, but he put on a good show for us.

We ate lunch at the Flamingo Pond Snack Bar and then jumped on a tram at the nearby station, which picks up passengers throughout the day and takes us on a tour around the property. We had a very good tram tour guide who gave us lots of information about the cultural history, special features, and verdant nature all around us.

Flamingo Gardens has something for everyone, including the Wildlife Encounter (held at various times), a tropical rainforest, a butterfly pavilion, a pollinator garden, a tropical fern section, a cactus and succulent garden, and even a wedding gazebo. And, off the beaten track, there were lots of cool animals to see. We visited a variety of them in their enclosures and were thrilled when a parrot said “Hello!” to us when we walked by.

It’s a lovely place to spend some time. You won’t regret it.

Flamingo Gardens is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. For information, go to FlamingoGardens.org.

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