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Alice’s Teapot Cafe

A feast for the eyes as well as the stomach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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From rescue to release: The work of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

For more than 40 years, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary has been a leading voice in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and education. Set on 20 acres in Jupiter, the sanctuary features a state-of-the-art animal hospital and rehabilitation center and is home to approximately 150 native wildlife species, including otters, black bears, bobcats, foxes, cougars, and pelicans.

Each year, the hospital treats around 5,000 patients, and it’s equipped to handle complex cases with a computed tomography machine, blood diagnostic equipment, a laboratory, and a surgical suite. Busch Wildlife has a full-time veterinarian on staff, along with two rotating veterinary interns and a network of experienced veterinarians who generously donate their time.

That network can make all the difference. When Grayson, one of the sanctuary’s resident foxes, was diagnosed with a thyroid tumor and needed surgery, the staff veterinarian estimated the complicated procedure would take two hours. “We have a veterinarian in the area who is a retired orthopedic veterinary surgeon, so we reached out to him. He came over and had it done in 15 minutes,” recalls Amy Kight, CEO of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, who is celebrating 22 years with the organization.

Busch Wildlife can only accept and treat native wildlife species, which presents a unique challenge in Florida, where invasive species such as iguanas, pythons, and Muscovy ducks are widespread. Kight estimates that 10% to 15% of the cases brought in are invasive species that the sanctuary cannot treat, though staff always provide referrals rather than turning people away.

Of the native species admitted, about 30% can be successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. For animals that recover but cannot be released and are deemed suitable for captivity, the sanctuary follows a thoughtful and collaborative placement process.

“We have a joint committee of animal welfare and animal placement where, each month, our veterinarian, our head of animal care, our education director, and other key staff sit down and go through the list to figure out a placement.” In some cases, animals are placed with other organizations. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for example, has taken in raptors, opossums, and snakes for its education program.

This time of year—baby season—brings a surge in activity. The sanctuary often takes in about 50 new patients per day and fields calls from concerned residents who encounter baby birds, squirrels, opossums, and other wildlife in their neighborhoods.

“It’s a lot of chaos and education,” says Kight. “People tend to see a baby animal and think they have to go rescue it, which gives us the opportunity to say, ‘Please don’t do that.’ We have to first determine whether this animal really needs us, or whether it’s just a youngster trying to make its way in the world and we’re interrupting that life cycle.”

Some of these situations are preventable. During hurricane preparation, for example, tree trimming can inadvertently disturb nests where young animals live. The sanctuary emphasizes education around proper tree-trimming practices and encourages residents to consider whether displaced animals can be safely renested nearby.

Other cases are unavoidable, such as when a mother squirrel is killed by a car, leaving orphaned babies behind. “To get a squirrel from eyes still closed back to the wild takes 4 months,” explains Kight.

When orphaned animals—whether squirrels, owls, opossums, or others—require long-term care, staff take careful steps to ensure they are raised as naturally as possible. This helps prevent them from becoming habituated to humans, which is critical for successful release.

Precautions include wearing ghillie suits—specialized camouflage designed to resemble foliage—using puppets for feeding, and placing animals with foster mothers when possible, a method that has proven especially successful with owls and opossums. “Opossum moms are great,” says Kight. “As long as she’s producing milk, she’ll raise other babies.”

While the rehabilitation center itself is not open to the public, the sanctuary welcomes visitors seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with no set fee.

Each year, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary draws tens of thousands of visitors through its gates. Its education programs include daily offerings such as Conservation Conversations in the amphitheater, as well as school field trips, guided tours, summer camps, Junior Naturalist programs, outreach presentations, and interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and conservation action.

“We want people to really know what lives in their environment and how they can coexist with it,” says Kight of the educational programming. Rather than overwhelming visitors with large-scale environmental issues like global warming and microplastics, the sanctuary focuses on simple, actionable steps—such as planting native species instead of exotics that can harm local ecosystems. “You gotta start small,” says Kight. “Otherwise, when you start thinking about all the things encroaching on our environment, it starts to feel impossible.”

A walk through the sanctuary offers visitors the chance to meet its permanent animal residents. Among them is Freddie, a 40-year-old alligator who has lived at the sanctuary her entire life.

When Freddie was still developing, a child cracked her egg open prematurely. The child’s parents brought the egg to Busch Wildlife, but because of the early opening, Freddie never fully developed and cannot open her mouth all the way. Unable to survive in the wild, she has since become an ambassador for her species, giving visitors an up-close look at a Florida alligator.

Another resident, Charlie the California cougar, has a cross-country story of his own. Declawed on all four paws and sold as an illegal pet, Charlie was first taken in by Conservation Ambassadors, a California-based sanctuary. From there, Kight and COO Christen Mason personally transported him to Florida. “We just got up one Saturday morning, grabbed Starbucks and a van, and got to California Monday afternoon,” recalls Kight. “Tuesday, we loaded Charlie in a kennel on our van, and it was 44 hours straight back to Florida. We timed it so we got back right when the staff was getting in on Thursday morning, so they could help us get him set up.”

At the time, Charlie was overweight and would have had to be transported as cargo if by airplane—an option the team wasn’t willing to consider. “It would have been too stressful,” explains Kight. “Also, you’re talking about an apex predator, so there were too many things that could go wrong. It was safer to have him in our hands.”

California cougars and Florida panthers are the same species, considered geographically separated. Charlie—despite being about 30 pounds heavier than a Florida panther—serves as a representative who helps teach visitors about conserving the Florida panther.

While long known as a family-friendly destination, the sanctuary has recently expanded its offerings to appeal to adults as well. New events include Wine Down with Wildlife, Yoga in the Wild, and music concerts. The next Yoga in the Wild session is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit www.buschwildlife.org.

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Stroke risk may be stalking you …even if you are young and feel healthy

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and for many of us, the illness is seen as a consequence of vascular wear and tear, and usually of old age. That is a misconception that can be fatal for unsuspecting and often younger sufferers. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs and risks—even if you are young and healthy—of this devastating medical event.

Vanessa Perez, 35, of Plantation, first experienced something strange on Veterans Day last year. Her hands were tingling, and that tingling expanded to her entire left side of the body by the evening. The next morning, Perez continued to feel unwell, and she started to experience balance issues. After dropping off her 3-year-old daughter, she went to an urgent care clinic. They checked her vitals, which were OK, but couldn’t rule out a stroke because they don’t have the equipment.

After still not feeling well despite some resting, Perez decided to go to the emergency room (ER). Initially, she had difficulties convincing ER staff that something serious was happening. A CT scan didn’t yield anything concrete, and finally an MRI was ordered. While waiting for the MRI results, Perez tried to walk to the bathroom, but had difficulties. Luckily, that’s when the MRI results came back, and doctors realized she was suffering a dangerous stroke. She was immediately admitted into the ICU.

After transferring to another hospital with a stroke specialist unit, the doctors were able to stabilize her, and they confirmed she had cavernoma, a condition that can cause strokes. Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), also known as cavernomas, are clusters of abnormal capillaries lacking intervening brain tissue. They can be asymptomatic, or they can cause seizures, headaches, and/or strokes. CCMs can be sporadic, or in 20% of cases, they have a familial inheritance pattern.

While strokes still mostly affect the elderly, who often have more cardiovascular risks, there is an alarming trend of rising incidents of stroke among younger adults, those under age 45. In a recent study by Dr. Aaron Shoskes, a neurologist from the University of Utah, his team found that strokes in younger adults have been rising in recent years. Researchers reported a rise of as high as 15.7% for adults in the 18–44 and 45–64 age brackets.

There are a myriad of factors being examined as possible contributors to this increase. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors—high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and smoking history—are increasingly found more common in the younger population, according to Dr. Shoskes. Caffeine, vaping, energy drinks, and ADHD meds have also contributed to increased risks. These stimulants spike your blood pressure and/or affect your heart rhythms, which may add to your overall risk of stroke.

For younger adults, women are found to be more likely to suffer from strokes than men, whereas the opposite is true for those over 45. One American Heart Association study hypothesized that estrogen helps protect women from cardiovascular events, but it increases risks for strokes.

For Perez, her stroke was in the brain stem area, affecting almost everything, including her balance, breathing, and vision. When she finally left the hospital, she still had a long road to recovery, like many stroke patients. Her daughter was disappointed she couldn’t play with her mom, but according to Perez, otherwise she handled the situation well. Perez started physical and occupational therapy, and she was initially feeling overwhelmed. Luckily for her, she had a good support system of friends and family to help her through those difficult early recovery stages.

After five months of recovery, Perez was finally able to go back to work. Her advice: If you are not feeling well, go to the hospital. For stroke victims, the speed of diagnosis and treatment has a profound link to the prognosis. Stroke symptoms are often dismissed as stress, migraine, or even a hangover. Delayed medical treatment significantly increases the damage that a stroke does to your brain.

Some of the symptoms to look for:

  • One side of face drooping, or one side of body numb/tingling
  • Sudden, severe headache, often described as “worst headache of my life”
  • Loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, trouble walking
  • Blurred or double vision, loss of sight in one or both eyes
  • Confusion, difficulty understanding speech, disorientation

Stroke symptoms almost always appear suddenly, and even if they seem to resolve quickly (a transient ischemic attack or TIA, often called “mini-stroke”), they require emergency medical attention. The damage to brain tissue is time-sensitive, and every minute matters to reduce the greater risk of permanent brain damage.

Prevention is also important, as many of the risk factors are silent. Because many young adults feel healthy, and may not have a primary care physician, their risk factors go unnoticed. A routine checkup can reveal some important risk factors:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood sugar
  • Cholesterol
  • Weight
  • Family history of strokes

Early awareness of these risk factors can help a clinician provide a management plan.

The face of stroke is not just the elderly. Stress, high-powered energy drinks, and underlying health risks all contribute to a yet incomplete picture of why younger adults are having more strokes. Regardless of the causes, it is now equally important for those who otherwise feel healthy to be aware of stroke symptoms and risk factors, and to have a discussion with their family doctor. When you are experiencing stroke symptoms, don’t hesitate, and go to the emergency room—it may save your life.

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The quiet evolution of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some moms, the day starts early with little feet running into the room, handmade cards in hand, and the kind of excitement that can’t be planned. There might be breakfast in bed, even if it is slightly messy, and a full day built around celebrating Mom.

For others, the day is quieter. It might be a phone call in between classes, a text sent during a work break, or plans that have to fit into already busy schedules. And sometimes it is not a full day at all, but a few moments carved out of a busy schedule. Neither version is better than the other. They simply reflect different stages of the same role.

When kids are little, motherhood fills up everything. It’s the school drop-offs, the packed lunches, the practices and games, the constant reminders, the routines you repeat every day without thinking about it. It’s hard to miss, and Mother’s Day in those years usually carries that same kind of energy.

As children grow, life naturally shifts. They begin to build their own schedules, their own responsibilities, and their own lives outside the home. Time together is no longer automatic. It becomes something that has to be planned, or at least intentionally chosen. Because of that, Mother’s Day begins to change too.

For many moms, it becomes less about big gestures and more about effort. It’s rarely about gifts or anything elaborate. Instead, it is about whether someone took the time to think ahead. Whether the call feels rushed or if it lasts a little longer than usual. Whether there is a moment where everyone is fully present.

A short message that feels thoughtful can mean more than something expensive. A visit, even if brief, can matter more than a perfectly planned day that feels forced. It’s not about how much is done, but how intentional it feels. Across all stages of motherhood, that need to feel seen and appreciated does not go away—only the way that it shows up changes.

For some, that might bring a sense of pride. Watching children grow into independent people is the goal, after all. At the same time, it can also come with a quiet awareness that the closeness of earlier years does not exist in quite the same way anymore.

Not worse. Just different.

And that’s really what Mother’s Day reflects. It isn’t about perfection or scale. It’s not about creating a picture-perfect moment that looks a certain way. It’s about acknowledgment. About taking a pause, no matter how brief, to recognize everything that this role has required over the years.

Whether that comes in the form of a crayon card, a last-minute phone call, or a simple “Thinking of you,” the meaning behind it stays the same. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be thoughtful. Because in every stage of motherhood, being remembered is what matters most.

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Reset and recharge

Local wellness and recovery therapy

Spring often brings a feeling of renewal, and across South Florida that sense of refreshment is showing up in the growing popularity of wellness and recovery therapies. From Coral Springs to Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, studios and wellness centers are introducing new treatments designed to help people relax, recover, and recharge, whether from demanding schedules, workouts, or everyday stress.

One treatment gaining attention locally is intravenous (IV) drip therapy, now offered at several wellness clinics around town. The therapy delivers vitamins and hydration directly through an IV line, and many people turn to it when they feel run down, dehydrated, or simply in need of an energy boost.

Several other therapies focus on deep relaxation and sensory experiences. Float therapy, available at centers in nearby Fort Lauderdale and Delray Beach, allows you to float effortlessly in warm saltwater inside a quiet, low-stimulus environment. Many people describe the experience as calming and restorative.

Salt rooms offer a similar sense of relaxation. Found in wellness studios across Broward and Palm Beach counties, these rooms circulate microscopic salt particles through the air while visitors sit quietly in a peaceful setting designed to promote relaxation.

Technology is also playing a growing role in the wellness space. LED light therapy has become common at local spas and wellness studios, where it’s often used for skin care and recovery. Another option, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, uses gentle electromagnetic pulses that are believed to support circulation and the body’s natural healing processes.

Many recovery studios are also offering contrast therapy, a treatment that alternates between heat (often in a sauna) and cold plunges. The hot-and-cold cycle has become popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, who say it helps with muscle recovery and leaves them feeling refreshed.

Closer to home, Hopson Health Wellness Center in Coral Springs offers a wide range of these therapies in one place, including red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, salt therapy, and compression therapy—all designed to support recovery and overall well-being.

Even gyms are joining the trend. At Planet Fitness in Coral Springs, the Relax Space Wellness Pod gives members a place to unwind after a workout with guided relaxation, gentle massage, and immersive audio designed to reduce stress.

While some of these treatments may sound high-tech, their appeal is simple. More people are looking for ways to slow down, recover, and feel better. Whether it’s floating in a sensory tank, trying a robotic massage, or sitting quietly in a salt room, South Florida residents are embracing new ways to recharge as part of their wellness routines.

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DELICIOUS DINING

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

Brunch spots to brighten up your weekend

When the weekend rolls around and the Florida sun shines, there’s no better excuse to gather your family and friends for brunch. From fluffy pancakes and perfectly poached eggs to bottomless mimosas or a waterfront bite, we have no shortage of standout spots all around town. If you’re looking for ocean views, bold flavors, or a cozy café vibe, there is something close by for every brunch lover. So grab your people, make a reservation, and turn your weekend into a delicious tradition.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

At Cooper’s Hawk in Coconut Creek, brunch meets sophistication. Known for its award-winning wines, this spot pairs classic brunch favorites with signature wine selections and handcrafted cocktails. Think indulgent entrées, shareable starters, and elegant desserts—all in a polished yet welcoming setting. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just treating yourself to a leisurely Sunday meal, Cooper’s Hawk makes brunch feel like an occasion.

Revelry – Burlesque Brunch

If you’re looking to turn brunch into an experience, Revelry in Pompano Beach delivers something completely unforgettable. Its Burlesque Brunch blends high-energy performances, bold cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that feels more like a show than a simple meal. Expect creative brunch plates, craft drinks, and entertainment that keeps the energy up from the first mimosa to the final curtain call. It’s the perfect spot for birthdays, girls’ brunches, or anyone who believes brunch should come with a little drama and sparkle.

Dear Olivia

If you want to stay close to home, Dear Olivia in Parkland offers a cozy yet elevated brunch experience. With its bright, welcoming interior and beautifully plated dishes, it’s ideal for a relaxed catch-up with friends or a family weekend outing. From fresh pastries and specialty coffees to thoughtfully crafted brunch classics, every dish feels both comforting and refined. It’s proof that you don’t have to leave Parkland to enjoy a brunch that feels special.

Sixty Vines

For a bright and airy brunch vibe, Sixty Vines in Boca Raton offers a fresh take on weekend dining. With a menu focused on seasonal ingredients and shareable plates, it’s ideal for groups who love sampling a little bit of everything. Its wine-on-tap concept adds a fun and modern twist, while dishes balance indulgence and freshness beautifully. It’s the kind of place where you can linger a little longer, sip slowly, and soak up the weekend atmosphere.

Sea Watch on the Ocean

Perched directly on the sand in Fort Lauderdale, Sea Watch on the Ocean offers one of the most scenic brunch settings in South Florida. Known for its panoramic ocean views and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy brunch with the sound of waves in the background. The menu highlights fresh seafood alongside brunch favorites, from lobster benedict and fresh-caught fish to classic eggs and mimosas. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sunny weekend morning, Sea Watch delivers a brunch experience that feels both elegant and effortlessly coastal.

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12 local artists + 12 local nonprofits = BFA Artwalls Mural Fest at History Fort Lauderdale

It was pouring rain upon arriving at History Fort Lauderdale that Sunday. Luckily, each artist had their workspace covered under their tarped tent. “I’m used to working with the elements,” said Sergio “Surge” Quiñonez, a South Florida artist, who pointed out the “teal wash”among his media.

Surge is just one of 12 local artists matched with 12 nonprofits for this year’s Mural Fest. In his recent collaboration with the Hollywood Art & Culture Center, the wash gave an extra layer of authenticity apart from the exterior and spray paints commonly used for creating mural works. While Dali had not yet been given his mustache, Surge’s illustrative hand shows a level of talent that blends symbolic portraiture and surrealist exaggeration. Upon completion, the work will be found at the Center.

Stephanie “Steph” McMillan is another artist painting permanence at the Mural Fest. Her work is for Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science. The mural will be found in the permanent collection of the new nature exhibition, “Nature Explore,” which showcases Broward County’s wildlife and ecosystems while promoting conservation and biodiversity.

PriVer & Murals is a collaborative duo, painting an artwork for the nonprofit New City Players. The theater is dedicated to fostering human connection through productions that bring people together in a shared space. The mural reflects this mission through a visual language of psychological duality and emotional simultaneity, while capturing the infinite spectrum of energies that coexist within one shared world.

Nate Dee, a Miami artist, is painting for the Stonewall National Museum and Archives. His work delivers cultural “awesomeness” as he blends portraiture, social narrative, and street‑art chromatics into a single, declarative visual language. Dee bridges contemporary muralism and the museum’s mission: “art as testimony, art as presence, art as a public record of lived experience.”

Ivan Roque paints the pompano fish in smooth, densified color for the Pompano Beach Arts Foundation. The mural reads as a vibrant, site‑specific celebration of Pompano Beach’s coastal identity, sharing the energy of the city’s waters and the creativity of its arts community.

Luis Valle, also known as El Chan Guri, paints for the Inside Out Theater Company. He takes almost an Aborigine approach, surrounding the focal point in infrared-choice combinations. His composition radiates outward in concentric pulses of color, as though the figure is generating her own field of emotional frequency. The mask is like an ornate interface between inner life and public performance, while the dotted halos echo communal ritual, ceremony, and the shared rhythms of spectatorship.

Gabby Shepherd, painting for the Old Davie School Museum, shifts the focus beyond the Everglades to the wider story of Davie’s heritage. The warm side of the panel highlights native plants and citrus while the cool, watery side nods to the surrounding wetlands. By letting the local heron transform between these environments, Shepherd shows how the museum preserves a fuller history.

BK Foxx’s work is grounded in portrait realism, but it’s pushed into a cinematic register specific to the Florida Children’s Theater. The mural’s monochromatic purple palette mirrors the theater’s role as a space where imagination is distilled. Foxx echoes how theater uses lighting and mood to guide an audience’s attention toward the inner transformation of a character rather than the literal world around them.

Michael Andress, aka Mongo, also uses monochromatic themes to deliver his message. Painting for the South Florida Pride Band, Andress takes his “psychedelic-abstract” style to bring fun to the surface. By limiting the palette, he amplifies rhythm and movement, allowing the character’s energy and musicality to take focus.

Samara, creating for the South Florida Chamber Ensemble, folds its mission directly into her portrait, turning listening itself into an act of natural transformation. A blue jay anchors the piece as a symbol of generational growth, while the subtle textures of layered trash bags add a quiet reminder of resilience, voice, and the courage to evolve.

Stefan Smith, a South Florida muralist whose work channels vibrant, uplifting energy into an exploration of nature and culture, shares his vision for the Developing Dreams Foundation. The mural binds crisp energetic detail that reflects Smith’s direct, high‑impact approach. It is a sharp, stylized portrait built from bold complementary colors that captures the figure in motion.

Ashlee Sanford paints a symbolic timeline of movement for the Art Prevails Project, syncing colors with the flow of creative growth. Her palette of purples, golds, and deep blacks becomes a current that carries the viewer from academic achievement to dance, theater, music, and community arts.

“Mural” of the story, it turned out to be a bright and sunny day at the fest. Finally, artist Orla Ananda, of Miami, painted a permanent mural behind Howl at the Moon, Fort Lauderdale, specifically for the Business of the Arts of Broward at History Fort Lauderdale.

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An AI dog?

All of the love, none of the responsibility

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the hot phrase this year. Everything AI is being discussed, from saving humanity to being demonized as taking all the jobs. There is one job that AI may be taking over sooner rather than later—that of the family pet.

It is not the first time a robot has been introduced as a replacement for Fido, but the economics of a robot pet are more compelling than ever. The modern AI is a lot more sophisticated than the ones powering Teddy Ruxpin of the 1980s, or the virtual pet phase that was kicked off with Neopets in 1999. Let’s call our new super-electronic pet “Gadget,” and see what he can do.

Potentially powered by an advanced Nvidia with its Blackwell architecture, your new Gadgetwill come pretrained to be your loyal companion. It will be powered by a rechargeable lithium battery pack, and it will have its own kennel that will charge it when entering.

Forget about vet bills—your new Gadget would come with a warranty, hermetically sealed and waterproof. So no more need to pick up your pet’s poop when you take it on a walk. Of course, Gadget can walk, run, and sit, just like a puppy. All this is completely flexible—Gadget will adjust its speed to match yours and will be as active, or a couch potato, as you wish.

The built-in AI processor will learn from your engagement with Gadget, so it will continue to learn and customize its programming to match your needs. “Fetch your drink” mode comes standard.

All this technology is contained in a soft, nonallergenic faux fur, custom designed to your specifications. It is machine washable for easy cleaning, and stain resistant, so it can go anywhere you want. It also has an electric heater, so on those cooler nights, it can keep you warm.

Just imagine, when the weather is great, your Gadget will come to remind you to go on a walk. When the weather is poor, it will snuggle with you and provide you with a warm companion. All this, and with the ability to adjust its personality as you desire! No more feeling guilty that you didn’t walk your dog enough, or that you left your pet for the day when you were busy.

The future is ready to come to you. With Gadget,you will get calibrated and consistent affection, with low maintenance needs—no special dietary requirements, no escalating vet bills. With proper care, your Gadget will have a longer lifespan than you, so you don’t have to worry about saying goodbye to your beloved pet.

So if your family is not yet ready for the full responsibility of a biological pet, or you don’t trust your kids to be able to take care of a dog that they’re demanding, consider Gadget. Coming soon, the “AttackMode” software upgrade, where it will become an automated guard dog on demand. Available with a subscription pack, your friendly Gadget can be trained to become a security asset for your home.

If this vision of the future sounds great, or dystopian, feel free to send us a message at editor@theparklander.com. We would love to hear from you, and to publish your responses.

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How RDNs help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDDs, are lifelong disabilities that begin during childhood. These conditions include mental and/or physical impairments that may impact a person’s mobility and the ability to perform certain basic activities of daily living without assistance. IDDs may affect learning, comprehension, and language skills.

Maintaining good nutritional health can be challenging for individuals with IDDs. For instance, genetic disorders, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome, may lead to weight gain and obesity. In contrast, individuals with cystic fibrosis may struggle to maintain a normal body weight.

There also may be limitations during mealtime for both children and adults. Vision problems and difficulty holding utensils can affect the ability of individuals with IDDs to feed themselves. Swallowing problems, digestion problems, food allergies, and medications also can impair nutritional status. Oral health problems—such as dry mouth, cavities, gum infections, and oral hygiene—can contribute to feeding difficulties.

Some people with IDDs may have a partial or total need for nutrition support. These individuals may receive nutrition through a tube inserted into their stomach or abdomen, or a vein in an arm.

How a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Can Help

As part of the health-care team, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) with special training provide patient-centered, culturally competent nutrition counseling in a range of settings. RDNs identify strategies for mealtime support and create menus of acceptable food options to meet special nutritional needs.

Individuals with IDDs may struggle with other health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. RDNs are skilled in educating patients, family members, and caregivers on nutrition needs for these conditions too.

As RDNs work closely with other members of the medical team, they can be tremendous patient advocates. RDNs can connect patients or their family members and caregivers with community resources to help meet food and nutrition needs.

What to Expect When You Meet with an RDN

The RDN may start by assessing the individual’s overall health status. During this appointment, the RDN reviews the patient’s medical history, including the following:

  • Diagnoses
  • Lab test results
  • Medicines and supplements
  • Height and weight

The RDN may ask about other things:

  • Eating patterns
  • Food preferences
  • Feeding skills
  • Functional abilities
  • Social factors
  • Cultural and religious customs
  • Barriers to buying food
  • Activity level

Many RDNs perform a nutrition-focused physical exam, which helps them assess the person’s nutritional status and risk for malnutrition. During this exam, the RDN looks for physical signs of nutrient deficiencies.

RDNs may consult other members of the health-care team too. For example, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can help determine the need for modifying the texture of foods, special feeding positions, and the pace of feeding and will discuss ways a caregiver can provide encouragement.

Based on the findings of the assessment, the RDN will work closely with patients and their caregivers to create a nutrition care plan. The plan may provide recommendations on what, when, and how to eat to meet individual nutrition needs. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended to help correct nutrient deficiencies, and tips for meeting weekly activity goals may be discussed.

RDNs also can provide training on food selection and meal prep for people with IDDs and their caregivers.

Find an RDN

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Find a Nutrition Expert online directory lets you search for a registered dietitian nutritionist in your community or one who offers services via telehealth.

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A little safari right in our backyards

It all started with a family in Boynton Beach rescuing a horse who had been abused and neglected and needed a home. That horse, Kona, came to live with the family on their large, rural property off US-441, and she changed their lives. A few months later, they rescued four more horses, a donkey, some sheep, and a cow. They started a business called Pet-N-Parties. Then they decided to open a petting zoo where people could come see the animals. And Animal EDventure Park & Safari was born.

They now have two locations in western Boynton Beach, both open to the public, but each one different. The Walkthrough Safari is located at their private property on 441. It is reservation only (you can’t just show up), costing $25 for a guided safari tour of their 8.5-acre property. This 1.5-hour tour includes kangaroo encounters, sloth encounters, and all feed for the farm animals, camels, and more. All encounters include animal petting, pictures, and learning about the animals. Visitors can also get up close with zebras, porcupines, lemurs, otters, horses, deer, and more. If you want to play with otters, hold sloths, interact with monkeys, meet Kona the horse, and see where the animals live, this is the place.

Their second location is the Animal Park at Bedner’s Farm, at 10066 Lee Road. It is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no reservations needed. Visitors can enjoy all-day access to the park, with its petting area, animal feeding area, and exotic animal encounters. Admission is $15 per person, which includes one exotic animal encounter (or sign up for more for an extra fee). This animal park is not structured or guided like the safari location—roam around as you see fit. There is the opportunity to meet kangaroos, sheep, goats, camels, donkeys, cows, lemurs, porcupines, llamas, macaws, parakeets, and spider monkeys. These animals don’t live at the park, they get brought over to Bedner’s on the weekends from the property just up the road. Bedner’s Farm also offers food trucks, “U-Pick” opportunities, tractor rides, and more.

My son Jacob and I opted to do the walkthrough safari recently, and we’re so glad we did. The tour guides (we had JJ and Rick) and staff were wonderful—very informative and entertaining, giving background and interesting details on each type of animal as we walked through the property and took in all they have there. We could tell the guides really care about their animal residents, as they told us their rescue stories.

Some people in our tour group had signed up in advance for extra add-ons as part of the safari—Otter Encounter, Sloth Holding, Monkey EDventure, and Otter Swim—all of which are popular activities at this venue. We hadn’t bought tickets for those, but we still enjoyed and got a lot out of our tour.

The first stop we were taken to that morning was their large kangaroo yard, where we got to meet, pet, and photograph all the mama kangaroos with their babies in their pouches. The male kangaroos were kept in a separate enclosure on the other side of a fence. On our side, I’d never seen so many kangaroos in one place, and we learned that a group of kangaroos is called a “mob.” We were quite amazed both by the kangaroos’ method of running/hopping around their habitat as well as by the cute youngsters peering out of the pouches, some dangling their long legs out on a different side from their head. We learned from the guide that they stay in their mothers’ pouches for 6 to 8 months—so these were not newborns!

After the kangaroos, we continued our tour of the property, meeting Franklin, an adorable 3½-year-old spider monkey; donkeys and zebras and a rare hybrid offspring called a “zonkey”; and a collection of camels, lemurs, and caracals. We learned from our guide that four caraculs and four other cats came from a Florida man who had ordered them online and kept them as pets until he had to surrender them to the farm.

And finally, we met “Slow Mo,” an adorable two-toed sloth who was brought around on a special pillow to meet everybody in our group as we stood in a large circle with him and his handler in the center. Slow Mo, along with all the animals we met at Animal EDventure, seemed happy and well cared for.

Most of the wildlife you’ll see at either location have been rescued, adopted, or surrendered there. It’s great to see the animals have a nice place to call home.

For more information, go to animaledventures.com.

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Spring break without the airport

Easy day trips within two hours

When spring break rolls around, it’s easy to assume that you need a plane ticket, a packed suitcase, and a full itinerary to feel like you’ve “went away.” But for locals, adventure is closer than you think. Some of South Florida’s best hidden gems, beach towns, and nature escapes are just a short drive away—perfect for a spontaneous day trip that feels more like a vacation without the stress of travel.

Whether you’re looking for beaches, boutiques, wildlife, or simply a change of scenery, here are a few easy spring break escapes within two hours.

Port St. Lucie: Laid-Back Beaches and Nature

Just over an hour north, Port St. Lucie offers a slower, quieter vibe than Broward’s busy shoreline. Locals love Walton Rocks Beach, where wide stretches of sand make it easy to spread out, walk along the water, or collect shells.

For something more adventurous, head to Savannas Preserve State Park, where winding boardwalks take you through wetlands flanked with birds, turtles, and occasionally alligators. It’s a great option for families, nature lovers, or anyone who wants a peaceful reset from daily life.

Finish the day with a waterfront dinner along the St. Lucie River, a simple, scenic, and perfectly relaxed way to complete the getaway.

Stuart: A Charming Small-Town Escape

If you’re craving a coastal town with personality, Stuart is hard to beat. Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” this historic downtown is filled with colorful murals, boutique shops, and local cafés.

Spend your morning strolling along the riverwalk, browsing vintage stores, or grabbing a coffee at a local bakery. Then drive over to Stuart Beach for soft sand, calm water, and beautiful views of the Atlantic.

For a unique experience, hop on a sunset boat tour or kayak through nearby mangroves … an unforgettable way to see Florida from a different perspective.

Naples: Upscale, But Still Relaxed

A bit farther west and just under two hours, Naples feels like a mini luxury getaway without leaving Florida. The downtown area is polished and picturesque, with palm-lined streets, art galleries, and high-end dining.

Naples Pier is a must-see, especially at sunset, when the sky turns shades of pink and orange over the Gulf. If you prefer nature, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers pristine beaches and clear water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging.

While Naples has a more sophisticated feel, it’s still welcoming and easy to explore in just one day.

So grab your essentials, hit the road, and see what’s just beyond our city. You may find that adventure is closer than you think!

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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Artist Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, “Self-Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie,” 1787, oil on wood (105 × 84 cm), Musée du Louvre, Paris.

I remember studying Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun’s “Self-Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie” back in my university days. She was a single mother like myself at the time, and an influential figure to my career. 

During my first visit to Austria, I had a long layover in Vienna, so I hopped on the train and took it over to the Kunsthistorisches Museum. Not knowing which works, specifically, to expect to see, I eventually found myself standing directly in front of a Vigée Le Brun (room VII).

The good news is that there is no need to go all the way to Austria to see Vigée Le Brun’s work. Her portrait “Julie Le Brun as Flora”(1799) can be viewed at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg right here in Florida. It is a beautiful portrait that muses her daughter as the Roman goddess of flowers during Vigée Le Brun’s period of exile from France. It was painted in St. Petersburg, Russia, enveloping the Neoclassical exquisition mirrored in many of her works done for her elite clientele. For South Floridians, St. Pete’s may be a bit of a drive, but for art lovers, Vigée Le Brun’s masterpieces are definitely worth checking out.

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. Vigée Le Brun emerged in late‑18th‑century France as one of the most gifted portraitists of her generation. She rose to prominence at a time when women artists faced steep institutional barriers. Born in Paris in 1755 to a modest, artistic family, she absorbed the fundamentals of painting early. She quickly surpassed the expectations set for her. 

By her early 20s, Vigée Le Brun had become a sought‑after portrait painter among the aristocracy. She was admired for her ability to capture warmth, elegance, and psychological presence. Her refined style was identified in luminous skin tones, expressive eyes, and a gentle naturalism that distinguished her forms separately from the more rigid academic conventions of the era. Vigée Le Brun’s talent and reputation eventually brought her into the inner circle of Queen Marie Antoinette, and she ended up painting for the queen more than two dozen portraits. This ultimately solidified her status as one of the most influential artists at court.

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, “Marie Antoinette, Archduchess of Austria, Queen of France,” ca. 1792–1795, oil on canvas, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

However, the French Revolution dramatically altered the course of Vigée Le Brun’s life. Branded as too closely tied to the monarchy, she fled France in 1789 with her young daughter and spent more than a decade in exile. Still, she continued working across Italy, Austria, Russia, and Germany. This was far from a diminishing career, because this period expanded her international acclaim. Vigée Le Brun became a celebrated portraitist in nearly every European capital she visited.

When she finally returned to France in 1801, she resumed painting and later published her memoirs, which offered vivid insight into the cultural and political upheavals that she had witnessed. Vigée Le Brun’s long, prolific life ended in 1842, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that continues to shape our understanding of portraiture, femininity, and artistic agency in the tumultuous age that bridged the Enlightenment and the modern world.

Julie Le Brun as Flora, Roman goddess of flowers. Vigée Le Brun’s “Julie Le Brun as Flora” carries within it the quiet architecture of its “living geometry” that creates a portrait. In this painting, her daughter Julie becomes a sort of moving axis. The soft oval of her face acts as the focal chamber, while the drapery and floral garland spiral outward like a gentle vortex. Vigée Le Brun always painted emotion as if it were a natural law. For example, the use of light behaves like breath, her color use behaves like memory, and the rosy warmth across Julie’s cheeks in this painting shares with the viewer that it is not merely pigment used, but the maternal gaze translated by form. The work reflects a kind of visual heartbeat.

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, “Julie Le Brun as Flora” (1799), painting, oil on canvas (129.5 x 97.8 cm), Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida.

The composition adheres to Vigée Le Brun’s signature principle—to which the subject is not placed in the world but emerges from it, as if the figure is the vanishing point of the portraitist’s own atmosphere.

The significance that this portrait was painted in St. Petersburg, Russia, adds a historical resonance. While Vigée Le Brun created it during her exile, it was subsequently when she was embraced by the Russian imperial court. Here, she found a second artistic home far from the turbulence of revolutionary France. It was in St. Petersburg, which for her became the stage where she rebuilt her identity. Also, painting Julie there meant capturing her daughter not only as Flora, the goddess of spring, but as a fragile anchor in a life uprooted. Clearly, the Russian light, colder and more crystalline than Vigée Le Brun’s Parisian glow of origin, subtly influenced the integrity on the palette. The whites are indeed sharper, the shadows are more silvery, and the flowers are almost trembling with northern clarity (e.g., a Dutch vanitas or early German/Flemish naturalism).

The fact that this Russian-born painting, “Julie Le Brun as Flora,” now resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, inflects a kind of accidental transcontinental echo within the chambers of its subject matter. The artwork’s journey mirrors Vigée Le Brun’s own across borders, climates, and political eras. Its presence in St. Petersburg, FL, is as if that duality itself, of exile and arrival, old world and new, deepens the portrait’s aura, making its current location feel almost fated. Coincidence?

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