Get your art on

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Take a drive to Miami to immerse yourself in the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh in “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” a 360-degree, digital art exhibition that invites you to step into the universe of the Dutch painter and see his works like they haven’t been seen before.

The organizers, Exhibition Hub, say that digital art has been shown to have health benefits, including lowering stress, blood pressure, and anxiety, and is soothing to the soul.

The exhibit is installed at the historic 1926 Olympia Theater in Miami with its Mediterranean courtyard. Step into a 20,000-square-foot light and sound spectacular and take a virtual reality trip through eight of Van Gogh’s works and their source of inspiration in “A Day in the Life of the Artist in Arles, France.”

Explore his life, his work, and his secrets through cutting-edge digital projections, a one-of-a-kind virtual reality experience, and an atmospheric light and sound show. Become completely immersed in the works of art around you, and dive deep into the world created by Van Gogh’s imagination and brush strokes.

Five iconic spring paintings to spot at the Van Gogh Immersive Experience include “Almond Blossoms,” “Fishing in Spring,” “Sunflowers,” “Irises,” and “Flowering Orchid.”

The experience is offered in both English and Spanish and runs through Labor Day. Tickets are available through Fever at vangoghexpo.com/miami.

Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami

While you’re in Miami, check out two spring exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami (MOCA): “Lonnie Holley: If You Really Knew” and the South Florida Cultural Consortium exhibition. Both exhibitions are on view through Oct. 1.

“If You Really Knew” provides an intimate and focused look at the career of Birmingham, Alabama-born artist and musician Lonnie Holley. The exhibition, curated by MOCA curator Adeze Wilford, features 70 works including foundational “sandstone” sculptures, new works on paper, and large-scale quilt paintings depicting faces. Known for his unique style of art that draws inspiration from his life experiences, Holley often incorporates found objects and everyday materials into his work.

The South Florida Cultural Consortium exhibition brings together 12 artists working across various media, including sculpture, film, and site-specific installations. The exhibition, hosted by MOCA, provides a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the artistic talent in the South Florida art scene. The 12 artists are Farley Aguilar, Gabino A. Castelán, Nereida Garcia-Ferraz, Moira Holohan, Francesco Lo Castro, Tory Mata, Beatriz Monteavaro, Ema Ri, Asser Saint-Val, Carin Wagner, Carrington Ware, and Addison Wolff.

For more information, visit mocanomi.org.

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County—Biennial

Closer to home, head north to Lake Worth for a visit to the Biennial exhibit sponsored by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County and curated by guest curator Juana Williams. On display are works by more than 30 artists, showcasing the diversity and breadth of work created by artists living and working in the Palm Beaches.

A juried show, presented every two years, the exhibition features works that span a variety of media, including video, painting, photography, and sculpture.

If you go, check out the three award-winning artists from the show: Boca Raton-based artist Fulya Acikgoz earned Best of Show for her oil painting “Turkish Porcelain Plates.” Delray Beach-based artist Lucia Gomez earned second place for her mixed-media oil painting “City Memoirs No. 2853.” And Lake Park-based artist Lupe Lawrence earned third place for her oil painting “I Will Fly a Kite.”

Other regional artists on display include Boca Raton’s Gregory Dirr, a multidisciplinary artist, painter and sculptor Nadine Saitlin, printmaker Ted Shaine, and Delray Beach-based painter Karen H. Salup.

The exhibit is free and open to the public through June 24. Visit www.palmbeachculture.com.

Coral Springs Museum of Art—Juan Abuela, “Pressure”

Fascination with everyday objects, the utilitarian versus the nonutilitarian, is the focus of Juan Abuela’s work. The Cuban-born, Miami-based artist’s work is the consequence of his passion for painting, design, and carpentry. He appropriates different objects to discuss why and how they are stripped of their functions, transformed, and revealed in their new design with the intention to balance matter and spirit.

Abuela researches the inner world and what is not seen: the hidden, mystical, and intangible. It emphasizes the importance of a necessary balance with its counterpart (appearance, brightness, color, tangibility, etc.). These “two universes” must balance in order to function. His work represents the parallel between these two worlds and reflects the different attitudes and behaviors that can create conflict.

The exhibit runs through June 17. Also on display: “Selections from the Permanent Collection,” through June 17; and Luke Jenkins and “Empty Walls,” running June 26 to Aug. 12. Visit CoralSpringsMuseum.org.

Cornell Museum at Old School Square

Cornell Museum at Old School Square in downtown Delray Beach presents “The World of Water.” This exhibition explores artistic interpretation and connection to water, the environment, conservation, and sustainability. The showcase includes a total of 43 pieces by 20 artists, featuring textural elements in mixed-media sculpture, installations, glass, digital and film photography, and oil and watercolor paintings.

See glass artist Josh Fradis’s glass sculpture of mother and baby jellyfish titled “Just Follow Me”; conceptual photographer Kasha McKee’s photographs of flamingos splashing in the West Palm Beach fountain; and Boca Raton artist and printmaker Ron Garrett’s “Manatee Lament,” an 84 x 32 x 26, mixed-media sculpture of a motorboat-scarred manatee bringing attention to the environmental threats faced by these “tearful, life-sized gentle giants.”

Boca Raton multimedia artist Lynn Doyal’s photograph, titled “Dew from Heaven,” a digital image painted with acrylic and hand-stitched with beads and thread, depicts an original photograph of a dew drop on a leaf enhanced with her mixed-media technique.

Multidisciplinary artist Dave Rosenthal brings the sound of water to life to augment the viewing experience with a sensory and auditory musical experience.

The exhibition is curated by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority cultural arts director, Marusca Gatto, and Debby Coles-Dobay of Art Moves You.

All work is for sale by artist. The exhibit runs through June 25. For more information, visit oldschoolsquare.org.

June 8, 2023

Five places to be a kid again

Spring is the season of reinvigoration–a time to renew your energy and zest for life. As adults, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks and obligations that seem to run our lives—work, kids, family, groceries, home maintenance—to the point that we sometimes forget that we just need to relax and have fun. It’s an integral part of our overall happiness and well-being.

So, if you’re ready to blow off some steam, or just get out there and have some good, old-fashioned fun, here are five places you can go to feel like a kid again:

Silverball Retro Arcade

19 NE Third Ave., Delray Beach

Travel back in time and play all of your favorite classic pinball and arcade games. This unique venue has a collection of 200 games ranging from 1931 to the 2000s, including Pac-Man,

Galaga, Centipede, Mortal Kombat, a large variety of pinball machines, and original Coney Island Skeeball. Bonus: no coins necessary. One flat entry fee gets you unlimited play inside. Tuesdays are two for $25 all day, so bring a friend.

K1 Speedway

2950 Stirling Road, Hollywood

If you were a Mario Kart fan, you may want to get behind the wheel of the high-performance, zero-emission 20hp electric karts found at K1 Speedway. Capable of reaching speeds of 45 mph, these karts will have you zipping around your friends in no time. Keep the fun going off the track at their arcade, which has billiards and air hockey.

Sky Zone

1834 SW Second St., Pompano Beach

Jump into fun with an array of airborne activities designed to defy gravity. Grab some air on the wall-to-wall trampoline courts, challenge your friends to a SkyJoust, and dive into the Foam Zone at this aerial playground. Worried you’re too old for a trampoline park? Check out the company motto: “All ages (young and old) are welcome at Sky Zone. Because limits aren’t really our thing.”

Artvilla’s Sip, Paint, and Glow Party

11395 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton

Sign up for a psychedelic art experience that might trigger memories of Lite-Brite. Choose any painting in the Artvilla gallery, and they’ll help you recreate it in a party atmosphere complete with music and disco lights. The best part is you’ll watch your painting glow to life in the dark. Bonus: The venue is BYOB, so feel free to bring your own adult libations.

Family Paintball Center, Miami

220 NW 137th Ave., Miami

If you loved nerf guns, laser tag, manhunt, or Call of Duty, paintball should bring back some good memories. And at Family Paintball Center, they let you take your imagination a step further with three different playfields: Speedball, made with artificial turf and inflatable bunkers; Battleground, an urban-style field with a diner and gas station; and Wild West, a fully reimagined, Old West-style town.

May 22, 2023

‘Freddy the Ref’ Honoring Fred Yarmuth for over 30 years of service

It all started one day in 1993 when Parkland resident Fred Yarmuth, 70, was driving down the street and saw some kids playing ball in a field. “Hmm,” he thought, “I might like to be their referee.”

Little did he know that more than 30 years later, he would come to be known as Parkland’s “legendary referee,” or as Broward County Mayor Michael Udine nicknamed him affectionately, “Freddy the Ref.”

Born in Passaic, NJ, Yarmouth moved to Louisville, KY, as a child and attended the University of Louisville. He later worked for the now-defunct restaurant chain Victoria Station, and then he worked with his dad in construction and cleaning new homes.

In 1979 he moved to North Miami Beach, a move that would define the rest of his life. He met and married his wife, Karen. The two have two daughters, Lindsay, 37, an attorney, and Brittany, 33, who works for a health-care company, and a 6-year-old grandson, Brandon, who just started playing flag football and basketball in Parkland sports.

“I try not to ref him,” jokes Yarmuth.

While he may refrain from refereeing his grandson, Yarmuth has been an essential part of many children’s and families’ sporting lives in Parkland. He made his mark on Parkland sports and has been integral to the growth of the Parkland sports leagues over the past three decades.

Yarmuth is known for his patience, compassion, and kindness, and he takes time out to teach others the rules of the game and the importance of sportsmanship. He has left a lasting impact on the development of young athletes, both on and off the field.

He volunteers countless hours working with others to improve the sports services and facilities, and many say he is the true heart of recreational sports in Parkland.

“For as long as I can remember, Freddy has been a vital part of Parkland rec sports, and as a result, a part of the Brier family as well,” says Simeon Brier, Parkland’s vice mayor and city commissioner for District 1.

“Whether it was refereeing my younger brothers’ games, games I coached while in college, games for my two daughters in multiple sports, and now refereeing games for my niece and nephews, Freddy has seen multiple generations of Parklanders on the courts and fields of our city parks,” he says.

Brier, who was elected last November, and who has lived in Parkland for 40 years and coached rec sports in the city since the 1990s, is familiar with the ins and outs of the job. “Freddy has a great sense of humor, a passion for youth sports, and is a beloved part of the Parkland community.”

Yarmuth’s passion for sports began when he played basketball in high school, and he gives credit to his former intramural coach, Eugene Minton, for encouraging his love of the game.

It’s that love he passes down to his players. “I love working with the kids,” says Yarmuth. “I love teaching them the rules, seeing them play the game over the years, and watching them grow up. Some of my first kids now have their own kids in the league.

“I’ve seen them come full circle,” he says.

In his younger days, Yarmuth would pick up the little kids and put them on his shoulders to help them make a basket. “They remember me to this day for that,” he says. “That really made their season.”

One of the kids he refereed since the age of 4 is now 16-year-old Broward Preparatory School sophomore Nate Harmelin, who played flag football and basketball.

“Freddy is the grandpa that everyone loves,” says Harmelin. “He makes us laugh with his jokes. We always have a good time with Freddy, and whether I’m on the court or run into him in Parkland, I always get a good laugh from Freddy.”

His father, Adam Harmelin, who coaches football and basketball, says, “Freddy always tries to help the younger kids who are not playing well. He always looks out for the underdog. He’s a wonderful man.”

In addition to his volunteer referee duties, Yarmuth works as a paraprofessional at Riverside Elementary in Coral Springs, volunteers his time packing food boxes with Feeding South Florida, and volunteers on local political campaigns.

In 2021 he was honored with the Humanitarian Award from the Parkland Flag Football League, and in 2022 he was inducted into the Dr. Nan S. Hutchison Broward County Senior Hall of Fame and honored for his contribution and service to the community. A plaque with his name hangs in the Broward County Government Building.

“Freddy’s commitment and dedication to the league is second to none,” says Evan Golden, a Parkland flag football board member for the past five years. “Not only has he devoted countless hours to the kids, but he builds relationships with both the kids and their families.”

“Freddy makes sure to develop relationships on and off the field,” says Golden. “He’s always in a good mood, brings a positive energy and good spirit, and always tries to get all the kids involved to have fun and learn the sport.”

In his own life, Yarmuth says his parents and two brothers were his biggest influences. “We all encouraged each other,” he says. He credits his wife Karen for “keeping me on the straight and narrow.”

When not on the field, Yarmuth enjoys a good game of golf, and cruising to Alaska with extended family.

“Freddy is a charismatic and selfless individual who has dedicated decades to the Parkland community in the form of refereeing sports and creating amazing memories and relationships with the parents, players, and coaches he has refereed,” says Jacob Brier, president of the Parkland Basketball Club.

“He is a staple in Parkland and deserves all the recognition and credit as his commitment to the community and youth sports is unmatched,” Brier says.

What have been some of the highlights of Yarmuth’s refereeing career?

“Being inducted into the Senior Hall of Fame,” he says. “Every day is an adventure. I’m very low-key, but am thrilled when a parent remembers me from refereeing their kid—that’s a thrill.”

Does he have any words of advice for someone considering the position?

“Do your best and enjoy it,” Yarmuth says. “Don’t take it too seriously. If you want it as a career, it’s a great profession—it’s been good to me.”

May 10, 2023May 10, 2023

Cruising the water in a different kind of taxi

How can you tour the Intercoastal Waterway and the New River in Fort Lauderdale but on your own timetable? By buying an all-day pass on the Water Taxi!

I recently did this on a beautiful Saturday with some friends. We started our waterside adventure by parking at 15th Street Fisheries (where we could do valet all day) and having a delicious seafood lunch there, overlooking the sparkling water, fish, and boats of the Intercoastal. Then we walked out on the pier located right there and boarded a yellow water taxi, at the Fort Lauderdale Route’s stop #3.

To get your Water Taxi passes, you go online for pre-purchase and then your ticket barcode appears on your phone; just show the phone to boat staff upon boarding each taxi. The various boats are scheduled to arrive and depart every 35–40 minutes (though we never waited that long), between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. It is a great way to see the many nice features and highlights of Fort Lauderdale.

Stops 1 and 2 are along the river: #1 is the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House, where you can enjoy the picturesque Riverwalk, and #2 is just steps away from the famous Las Olas Boulevard with all its shops, restaurants, and bars. We disembarked there and walked over to have cocktails and window-shop on the boulevard for a bit.

The other locations are on the Intercoastal: You can go to stop #4, for the Hilton Marina and Convention Center (where you also can transfer to the Hollywood Express Route, which goes to Margaritaville Beach Resort and the Hollywood Broadwalk); #5, the south end of Bahia Mar (where you can view marinas of luxury yachts docked); #6, Beach Place and Fort Lauderdale Beach; #7, GalleryOne Double Tree and Galleria Mall; #8, Birch State Park; #9, Shooters Waterfront; and #10, Bokamper’s Sports Bar & Grill.

We spent our afternoon gliding up and down the water throughout the city, seeing celebrities’ mansions and yachts as well as all kinds of other boats, including tour vessels, barges, party boats, a floating tiki bar, and young sailing students soaring by in a line of little boats. We went past “Beer Can Island,” where people frolicked on boats clustered around the sand bars, with many milling around in the shallow water and socializing. It was a gorgeous day, so there was a lot of action on the Intercoastal.

Aboard the taxis were tourists, families, and bar-hopping friends, all seeming to enjoy being out on the water and the ease of the taxi system. There was staff at each stop answering questions and, on board over a microphone, narrating the sights as we went past them, providing some interesting history and funny anecdotes. Be sure to bring some cash for tipping, as they definitely appreciate that and work hard.

Later that afternoon, two of us went ashore for a nice walk alongside A1A and the ocean, at Fort Lauderdale Beach, where we saw large groups having beach parties and barbecues and a wedding getting set up on the sand overlooking the ocean. We went on a walking bridge above A1A to buy drinks from a small market, and then headed back to our water taxi stop. I enjoyed being able to explore the area at our leisure and return when we were ready.

We ended our water tour of Fort Lauderdale by disembarking at the same place where we first got on, at stop #3, and picking up our car at the 15th Street Fisheries valet lot. A very pleasant day!

The Water Taxi all-day pass costs $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and military, $15 for children 5–11, and free for children under 5. Evening-only passes are $20 and start at 5 p.m. You can also buy a month’s unlimited pass for $90. For tickets and information, go to WaterTaxi.com.

April 12, 2023April 12, 2023

Moving beyond autism awareness to autism acceptance

By Jennifer Villalobos

April 2 is World Autism Day. This internationally recognized day was designated by the United Nations in 2007 in an attempt to “raise awareness about autistic individuals throughout the world.” During the month of April, many organizations and governmental agencies organize autism events in their community, including our very own city of Parkland, which is the first city in Broward County and the second city in the state of Florida to be designated autism-friendly.

In 2021, the CDC reported that an estimated 1 in 44 children in the U.S. are on the autism spectrum. Given that prevalence, it would be unlikely for any of us to be totally unaware of autism. Awareness is not enough, though. What is also needed is a deeper understanding of autism and more acceptance. More acceptance includes autistic individuals accepting themselves, caregivers accepting their children for who they are and not who they imagined them to be, and society at large accepting that autistic people deserve the same respect, understanding, and access as anyone else.

Although most people have a general understanding of autism, there are still a lot of misconceptions out there. Here are five of the most common ones:

Misconception 1: Autistic people are all one certain way.

Truth: Although autistic individuals share some common traits such as difficulty with communication and social interaction, as well as the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests, every autistic person is different. Some people with autism will be highly verbal and others will be nonspeaking. Some may require little support while others may require significant assistance with daily activities. This is why it is called a spectrum.

Misconception 2: Autism is an intellectual disability.

Truth: According to the CDC’s data, only 31% of autistic children have an intellectual disability (IQ < 70), 25% are in the borderline range (IQ = 71–85), and 44% exhibit average to above-average intelligence (IQ > 85). The media have a history of portraying autistic people as either significantly cognitively impaired or as a savant who is highly gifted. The truth is that most autistic people fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

Misconception 3: Autistic children have a lot of tantrums.

Truth: People often mistake meltdowns for tantrums, but in actuality they are two very different things. Tantrums are very common in young children. They call it the “terrible twos” for a reason. This is a typical part of development that decreases as the child gets older. Children have some control over their tantrums, they usually don’t last for very long, and the child can be distracted or redirected.

Meltdowns are caused by feeling extremely overwhelmed and can happen in children and adults alike. They may be triggered by a variety of things, such as sensory sensitivities, pain, fear, changes to routines, or feeling out of control, among others. When your brain senses danger, the amygdala jumps in and activates the fight-or-flight response. This can result in the person lashing out, shutting down, or running away. Meltdowns can last a very long time and will only subside by a change in environment, a reduction of sensory input, or the person eventually wearing out.

Misconception 4: Autistic people aren’t empathetic.

Truth: Although autistic people can have trouble reading facial expressions or predicting and interpreting the behavior of others, there is no research to support that they lack empathy. In other words, it is not that they don’t care what others are thinking or feeling, it is that they may not be able to identify and understand it. In fact, many adults with autism report having an overabundance of empathy, to the point that it is paralyzing and affects their ability to function in daily life.

Misconception 5: Most autistic people are nonspeaking.

Truth: Studies have shown that 25% to 40% of autistic individuals are nonspeaking or minimal speakers (having fewer than 30 words). It is important to note that even highly verbal people with autism can have difficulty speaking when stressed or overwhelmed and may require accommodations for these situations. It was once thought that if a child did not speak by age 4, then he or she probably never would, but that has since been disproven.

The call for autism acceptance is a shift away from the traditional medical model of disability, where the goal is for autistic people to be taught how to behave or act more “neurotypical.” This model views autism (and other disabilities) as problems to be solved via medical interventions. It results in disabled individuals being passive recipients of treatment rather than active participants in their care. And it perpetuates the belief that there is something wrong with these individuals that needs to be “fixed.” Many adults with autism have spoken out against the use of this medical model for autism, reporting that it led them to lack acceptance of their own autism, as well as experience a lack of acceptance from their peers and even their own caregivers at times.

Others have reported that this approach caused them to engage in masking. Masking is when autistic individuals hide or suppress their traits to appear “less autistic” and “more neurotypical.” Some examples of masking include forcing eye contact, hiding or minimizing their special interests, pushing through sensory sensitivities, such as loud noises, and preventing themselves from stimming (repetitive movements or vocalizations). Research has shown that people who engage in masking have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and autistic burnout, and one study even showed a correlation between prolonged masking and suicidal ideation.

In recent years, the social model of disability has become more accepted as an alternative approach to the medical model. The focus is on providing the individual support and accommodations as well as removing social barriers by changing non-autistic people’s attitudes toward autism. This involves accepting autism as a different neurotype rather than a disorder that needs to be “cured.” The benefit of this model is that it can help reduce the stigma and discrimination that many autistic people face, and it can help create a more inclusive society for all neurodivergent individuals. However, although it is growing, it is not yet fully accepted by all healthcare systems or governmental agencies that are still tied to the traditional medical model.

As autistic adults share their experiences, we can gain a better understanding of how our actions have affected them. We should be listening to their voices. In 2021, the Autism Society of America did exactly that by formally changing their “Autism Awareness” campaign to “Autism Acceptance.” Many other advocacy groups have since followed suit. This is a big step in the right direction for the neurodiversity movement. The sooner that our society accepts autistic people for the unique and diverse individuals that they are, the sooner they will be able to live more authentic and fulfilling lives.

Jennifer Villalobos, OT, OT/L, is the owner of Just for Kidz Therapy and a doctor of occupational therapy. For more information, go to www.justforkidztherapy.com.

August 22, 2021August 3, 2021

Beautiful Japanese gardens right in our backyard

After I moved to South Florida last summer, I heard about the numerous wetlands walks, nature preserves, and wildlife parks in the area. I was planning to explore many of them, especially if they were all outdoors, as it was still the middle of the COVID pandemic.

One place that was recommended to me often was Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. So I decided to go there with relatives when they came to visit. And I liked it so much, I went back again a couple months later with other visiting family members.

The first time I went, I was floored by the beauty and tranquility of the park. I’ve been to many botanical gardens and similar lushly landscaped parks, but I hadn’t been to one like Morikami before. They call it “Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew,” and it was designed by Hoichi Kurisu. The park comprises six distinct gardens that are inspired by significant gardens in Japan.

After arriving, you go through a large building that houses the museum, gift shop, and café, and once outside, you descend down a wide staircase to a utopian setting below. There is a gorgeous pond in the center, with walkways that lead to the left and right of it, which make a large circle meandering through the different gardens around the pond.

In addition to the abundant trees, topiaries, plants, flowers, stone structures, and bubbling brooks, we enjoyed peeking over bridges and seeing fish, turtles, and even an alligator sunning itself in the pond. In the various quiet oases we found, one highlight was the traditional bonsai garden. And we discovered other peaceful green corners where we could immerse ourselves in the serenity and zen of the place.

Being from out of state, I was surprised to learn about the century-old connection between Japan and South Florida, where “a group of young Japanese farmers created a community intended to revolutionize agriculture in Florida,” according to Morikami literature. My mom and I were fascinated to hear about the rest of its history:

“In 1904, Jo Sakai, a recent graduate of New York University, returned to his homeland of Miyazu, Japan, to organize a group of pioneering farmers and lead them to what is now northern Boca Raton. With the help of the Model Land Company, a subsidiary of Henry Flagler’s East Coast Railroad, they formed a farming colony, Yamato, an ancient name for Japan.

“Ultimately, the results of their crop experimentation were disappointing and the Yamato Colony fell far short of its goals. By the 1920s the community, which had never grown beyond 30 to 35 individuals, finally surrendered its dream. One by one, the families left for other parts of the United States or returned to Japan.

“In the mid-1970s, one of the last remaining settlers, George Sukeji Morikami, then in his 80s, donated his land to Palm Beach County with the wish for it to become a park to preserve the memory of the Yamato Colony.” Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens debuted in 1977, as a living monument and a bridge of cultural understanding between George Morikami’s two homelands.

After we learned about the history of the place and strolled through all its verdant gardens, my family and I walked over to the open-air terrace café and had delicious Bento Boxes for lunch.

It was quite a day enjoying what are the most authentic Japanese-style gardens outside of Japan and then topping it off with an equally authentic Japanese lunch.

To visit, go to https://morikami.org.

Jennifer Merrill is a recent transplant to South Florida from northern states.

August 1, 2021July 19, 2021

Apprehensive about back to school? Here are some tips

Rustle up the school supplies, lunchboxes, and backpacks: It’s time to head back to school! Whether it is in a virtual environment or in-person, transitioning to a new school year can be nerve-wrecking for anybody. But for neurodiverse groups of students — kids who have autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or mental health conditions — going back to school is a huge shift in routine after a long summer break, or even after a year of showing up over Zoom.

About 1 in 7 people is neurodivergent, so a lot of people with cognitive differences and unique learners have additional things that might be making them worried about starting a new school year.

As an adult on the autism spectrum, I know the fear and anxiety that comes with a new transition all too well, especially in school. No matter whether I was getting ready for first grade or my final year of law school, there was always a feeling about starting a new school year after a relaxing summer at home or following a summer internship.

See, I thrive off of routine, as do many other autistic people, and a small change in routine can be very overwhelming. I am used to my time being scheduled a certain way, and returning to the classroom was something that was scary and exciting because there were new teachers, new expectations, and also potentially new social situations that I would find challenging. Or, for older students headed off to college, they might be grappling with newfound independence or realizing (like I did) that they didn’t know the difference between the dorm washing machine and dryer and ending up with warm, soapy clothes.

For neurodiverse students and their families who are returning to school in-person for the first time post-pandemic, it can be strange to meet teachers and classmates again after over a year apart from one another. Some may also be losing access to things that made school easier: more breaks, time at home, snuggling pets, or recordings and captions to best keep up with lessons and homework.

To help ease some of the anxiety, here are a few tips that work well for me and other neurodiverse groups to feel grounded and successful, especially in places like school and college.

Talk to the school and teachers. If you or your child has an individualized education plan or receives accommodations, you’ll want to figure out what that looks like in a post-pandemic world so the opportunities to succeed are there. Sometimes, this is also the best way to establish a predictable schedule or routine.
Realize transition can be tough. You don’t have to pretend transitions are easy. For some parents, it might be the first time their child leaves home to go to school or is moving away for college. Be empathetic — parents and children alike might be a little nervous about what’s to come once the summer ends. And it’s OK to open the conversation with everyone in the family, sharing something small like “it’s OK, it’s hard for me too.” This might make everyone feel more connected, especially young people who might feel isolated or emotionally withdrawn.
Make time for hobbies. This goes for the students and their parents. While homework, college applications, caregiving responsibilities, jobs, or extracurricular activities can take up a lot of time, think about what brings joy into your life. For autistic and neurodivergent people especially, our hobbies bring nearly obsessive amounts of joy and passion into our lives, so having time to spend with those interests helps us decompress (for me, that’s drawing, painting, writing, and playing video games).
Make time for family and friends. Everyone needs a support network of people who love and care about you, especially if you’re feeling anxious about upcoming life changes. Family and friends are usually only a hug, phone call, or text away and can lend support. If you need more serious mental health care, there is no shame in receiving help from a professional who can give you some new coping strategies.

No matter how you feel about the new school year, or if you have other differences and challenges that make returning to school or a semblance of “normal” feel difficult, you aren’t alone. Everyone has complex feelings about beginning new chapters, but in the end, it is a journey and there are people cheering you on and in solidarity with you every step of the way.

August 1, 2021July 19, 2021

Growing up with vaccines: a parents’ guide

School doors open soon, and concerned parents should be aware of vaccinations required to protect their children. A vaccination schedule begins long before a child is ready for school — as early as the newborn stage of life.

“Newborns do not have mature immune systems, and they’re particularly susceptible to certain infections under 3 months of age,” said Matthew Penson, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Association in Coral Springs. “During this period, they receive partial immunoglobulin immunity via breast milk, yet it’s advisable not to take a newborn into a crowded environment.”

According to Dr. Penson, appropriate immunizations are a vital component of preventive care and one of the most rewarding aspects of being a pediatrician. “We lay the groundwork to protect a child’s health in the earliest stages, so once they do begin school they’re properly immunized against infections,” he said.

Getting Ready for School

Learning and socializing enhance growth, but this can only be accomplished in a classroom free of illness. Parents need to check off all the boxes regarding their child’s health and schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to ensure that all required vaccinations have been received.

Because influenza viruses constantly change, and the body’s immune system becomes weaker with age, flu vaccinations are a necessity. “As children prepare for kindergarten, booster shots are required between the ages of 4 and 5 to strengthen their immune response,” Penson said. “The flu remains a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and hospitalization, and it’s highly contagious in a day-care or school setting. We recommend starting at 6 months with yearly repeat vaccinations in the fall, no later than October.”

For older children, tetanus, meningococcal meningitis, and HPV vaccines are recommended beginning at the age of 11 and up. Parents should discuss all recommended vaccines with a pediatrician and understand their importance, risks, and benefits. Pediatricians at the Children’s Medical Association care for children and young adult patients up to the age of 21.

Importance of Vaccinations

Vaccinations provide immunity before a child is exposed to other diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend a vaccination schedule as early as 2 months to guard against pertussis (whooping cough), pneumococcus (meningitis/bacteremia), polio, rotavirus, and Hemophilus influenza B (epiglottis, meningitis).

“Several boosters are required to ‘train’ the immune system to recognize and combat those potentially serious illnesses,” said Penson. He says boosters are required at 4 and 6 months, and when children are a year old, the finishing boosters are given.

The varicella vaccine guards against chickenpox, a contagious illness that can include blisters, fatigue, and fever. It can be even life-threatening, especially in babies and older adults who have weakened immune systems. To protect against this illness, the varicella vaccine is used (two doses, at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 5 years of age).

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are also highly contagious. Measles is caused by a virus forming in the mucus glands of the nose and throat. It may cause a high fever, rash, runny nose, and red eyes. In some cases, diarrhea and ear infections are also possible. Very severe cases may lead to pneumonia and even brain damage. Mumps is a virus that spreads via coughing and sneezing. Its warning signs include fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The MMR vaccine is given at 12 to 15 months and 4 to 5 years. During the first year, the hepatitis B vaccination is given to provide lifelong immunity.

The COVID Factor

A decrease in COVID-19 infections is heartening, but stressing the value of vaccinations to eligible ages continues to be important. “As children return to school, we expect to see a rise in both typical childhood illness and COVID-19 infections,” commented Penson. “Severe COVID cases among children are relatively rare (compared to the elderly), but it’s important that pediatricians remain vigilant.”

According to Penson, parents should expect to see a rising number of upper-respiratory infections, influenza, and strep pharyngitis. Differentiating common illnesses from COVID is difficult, and if parents have questions, they are encouraged to call a pediatrician immediately.

Traveling

With the return of increased domestic and international travel, proper immunizations are vital. Most destinations do not require more vaccines than typically given by a pediatrician, but there are certain locations that have more complex requirements. The travel vaccinations can be accessed by going to the Center for Disease Control’s travel website, or you can inquire about them with your pediatrician. Infants 6 through 11 should have one dose of MMR prior to traveling abroad. Some locations recommend the hepatitis A vaccine, others require malaria medication (prophylaxis), and others recommend the meningococcal vaccine.

August 1, 2021July 19, 2021

Here’s to a COLORFUL school year!

A colorful back-to-school collaboration

We can’t contain our excitement, as it’s nearly time for school again! In order to get the kids as enthusiastic as we are, we decided to throw them a colorful back-to-school party. First we started with a wall sign, colorful balloons, and an amazing sweets table.

The kids activity table was set up with personalized pencil cases and water bottles on top of coloring sheets serving as placemats. Next, they each were given custom T-shirts to wear as good-luck pajamas for the night before their first day. A cute tradition to start is a first day of school interview. For example, you can create your own questions or get a free printable list online. Keep it somewhere safe! It’s fun to read it again at the end of the year.

The final activity was loads of fun: a school supply scavenger hunt! We hid all the essential supplies around the house with clues, and set the kids running to fill their backpacks. The kids felt so proud as they read the clues and figured out where to go next.

Finally, as you prepare for their first day, be sure to send them off with four things:

A good joke. Here’s a simple one:

Q. What’s the king of all school supplies?

A. The ruler!

A survival kit for their new teacher filled with fun treats.
A sweet note to remind them how amazing and brave they are. This ruler cookie will do the trick!
A giant hug.

Rachel Hunter is the owner of Celebrate You Events, offering bespoke party planning for all occasions.

She can be reached at (305) 389-0550 or CelebrateYou2020@gmail.com.

For information on any of these activities, contact the following:

Rachel from Celebrate You Events (IG: @celebrate.you.events) — concept creation, party styling, and activities
Alex from Hullaballoon (IG: @thehullaballoon) — custom balloon arch
Claudia from Claumellows (IG: @claumellows) — custom cookies
Kim and KJ from Tis the Season Favors (IG: @tistheseasonfavors) — personalized pencil cases and teacher survival kit
Miriam from City Girl Sweet Shop (IG: @citygirlsweetshop) — custom cake and cupcakes
Nicole from Luv My Creations (IG: @luvmycreations) — custom T-shirts and personalized water bottles.

July 22, 2021July 14, 2021

Go for the Gold! – An Olympic Collaboration

Five years in the making, the rescheduled 2020 Summer Olympic in Tokyo are (at the time of print) set to forge ahead on July 23^rd. We cannot wait to see the amazing physical feats that these athletes perform and cheer on Team USA! We created this Opening Ceremony party to help build the excitement, and show some creative hosting ideas and family activities.

The fun is in the details. From torch cupcakes to Olympic Rings cookies to food in the five Olympic colors. We made it bright, colorful, and easy thanks to some talented local bakers and crafters, and a quick trip to Trader Joe’s.

For the adults, we created a signature cocktail called Go for the Gold (2 parts bourbon, 1 part freshly squeezed lemon, 1 part honey syrup – 100% delicious!). Dipping the glasses in honey and Olympic-colored sugars makes them extra festive, and custom-made Olympic Rings stir sticks topped off the look. We made a flag game to test how worldly our friends were. Simply choose 26 flags and assign them a letter. Then have your guests try to match them to the correct country name. Be sure to throw some obscure ones in there to really test them!

Kids love a good contest, and when gold medal cookies are the prize they get really excited! We set up a basketball station, a golf station and had swimming races. We ordered temporary tattoo flags to make it really authentic.

Whatever sport you tune into, whatever country you cheer for, we can all be united in this historical sporting event.

Enjoy, stay safe, and GO TEAM USA!

For information on any of these activities contact:

Rachel from Celebrate You Events (IG: @celebrate.you.events) – Concept creation, party styling, activities & fringe banners

Lindsay from ARCH the Party Co. (IG: @archtheparty) – Balloons & helium bundles

Daniela from Tulle & Tools (IG: @tulleandtools) – Cupcake torches & mini cake

Ana from AO Craft Décor (IG: @aocraftdecor) – Hanging Olympic Rings & acrylic stir sticks

Crystal from Riley Black Designs (IG: @rileyblackdesigns) – Custom acrylic cone stand, flame cake & cupcake toppers

Melissa from That Girl in Pink Bakery (IG: @thatgirlinpinkbakery) – Custom cookies

July 15, 2021July 12, 2021

Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the South

A year ago, I moved to southeast Florida from northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Besides arriving in a new part of the country in the middle of a pandemic, which presents its own set of challenges, I encountered a lot of new and different things to contend with in my adopted state.

Born and raised around Chicago, I moved to the D.C. area after college, got married and raised kids there, and then decided to move to Florida after a divorce and job layoff last year. Why not start fresh in a new place, where I wouldn’t have to deal any longer with snow and ice? The lingering image that had always been in the back of my mind was to someday live in a warm and subtropical place, surrounded by palm trees, and somewhere near the ocean. And so that’s what I ended up doing when the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself.

I took the settlement checks from both my divorce and my full-time job and put them toward the purchase of a nice “villa” home in Florida. And so in July 2020, I suddenly found myself moving still further south and east from where I had originally started (cold, windy Chicago). My dog Lex, a Pomeranian mix, and I arrived last summer to this sunny and humid part of the country and began to put down roots, and I soon discovered a lot of differences here.

I have no regrets, but here are some observations from my first year in Florida:

Lizards in the house. I didn’t know that there would be so much wildlife around my new neighborhood. While I appreciate all the birds, geese, ducks, and rabbits lollygagging around my lakeside community, and I’ve gotten to enjoy the various lizards darting around the lawn, I didn’t expect to be sharing my home with the geckos. These quick creatures like to sneak into the house and creep around the rooms, hang out on the ceiling, and pop out and startle me.

Cane toads that could kill my little dog. Of all the animals I’ve encountered in southeast Florida, including alligators at the wetlands reserves, the scariest for me are the ugly toads that secrete powerful toxins that could take out Lex, horribly and painfully, within 30 minutes if I’m not constantly vigilant outside.

Hurricanes! Two weeks after I moved to Florida last July, Hurricane Isaias hurdled in from the Atlantic and joined me here. I got a very quick lesson on preparing for tropical storms and securing my hurricane shutters. While my windows were tightly covered for a couple tumultuous days, it was dark and depressing in my house. I was so happy when Isaias finished up his visit and rolled away.
Gated communities. Yes, I live in a secure, gated community, and as a single woman residing alone, I am relieved to have that protection. But what I have found in this part of the country is that there are so many gated communities that it’s not easy to just drive through neighborhoods here and explore. When I lived in Virginia, I could run through any neighborhoods I felt like. Here, I can’t do that. I have to keep to my own community or on the busy roads around it.
More tattoos than I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t know before my move that Florida was the land of full-body tattoos. While I have had friends and family in my life who have sported one or two small tattoos, I was in for a surprise when I arrived here and saw that they are etched all over people’s faces and limbs, in every corner of the region.

Like the colorful tattoos, I am getting used to all the differences in southeast Florida. I enjoyed my first warm winter here, although I missed the changing of the seasons in the fall and the spring. But I am glad my winter coat is packed far away in a bin in the closet, and I don’t ever have to shovel out my car again. I’ll take it.

July 8, 2021July 7, 2021

One Year Later After Fatal Heart Attack Patient Returns to Hospital to Thank Caregivers

Coral Springs, Florida – With much appreciation, Parkland resident Lisette Caro, 50, and her family paid a visit to Broward Health Coral Springs to reunite with doctors and nurses, but this time with happy tears of gratitude for saving her life.

Caro was brought in to Broward Health Coral Springs’ Emergency Department last year in full cardiac arrest. Her 14-year-old daughter performed CPR that bought Caro time to get the medical care she needed. A full medical team worked on her with aggressive treatment trying to save her life.

Gary Lai, D.O., Chief of Emergency Medicine at Broward Health Coral Springs, recalls this as a moment in his medical career that he will never forget. “What stands out to me most is the miraculous turn around that she made,” he said. “Once we were able to get her family at her bedside, it really was a miracle how she turned around. She has amazing kids who were able to jump into action and save mom.”

Caro said that she never thought she’d suffer a cardiac incident, because “my blood pressure was usually low, I don’t have history of cardiac disease in my family, and I never had a problem with my heart. It was very unexpected.”

Today, Caro says she appreciates and loves her family a little more after beating the odds.