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Sun shines light on good health

I have a confession to make: I take living in the Sunshine State for granted. I don’t even think about the number of days that the sun brightens my daily outlook. My reality check came after chatting with friends in the Midwest who were so pumped up that the sun was shining. A sunny day is more than a flash in the pan when it comes to good mental and nutritional health.

Lack of sun has been shown to affect mood and can make you sad. This is not simply sad in the traditional sense, but “SAD” as in seasonal affective disorder. SAD is the type of depression that occurs during the same season each year, most often during the winter months in areas where there is less sunlight. Depression may be caused by many things. Research has shown that light can affect depression and may be linked to the body’s biological clock. Experts also think that lack of light can interfere with serotonin, the brain chemical that affects mood.

Symptoms of SAD include trouble concentrating, feeling irritable and anxious, loss of interest in activities, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, sleeping more, and feeling tired. People affected by SAD are often treated with light therapy by exposure to bright light early in the day, which seems to help set the body’s biological clock.

Sunlight will also affect vitamin D levels. Your body can make vitamin D, alias the sunshine vitamin, with exposure to sunlight. However, some people don’t make enough vitamin D from the sun. People who have a darker skin tone, are overweight, or are older, and those who cover up when they are in the sun, can be challenged with vitamin D intake. This vitamin plays an essential role in health by helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which forms and maintains strong bones. It works with calcium to improve bone health and decrease the chance of fractures. Vitamin D may also protect against osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases.

In addition to exposure to sunlight, you can get the vitamin from foods you eat and supplements. Typically, you may not get enough vitamin D from the foods you eat. Good sources include dairy products and breakfast cereals (both of which are fortified with vitamin D), as well as fatty fish such as salmon, swordfish, mackerel, oysters, catfish, trout, tuna, and eel.

Vegetable sources of vitamin D include mushrooms that have been grown in the sun. Some branded mushrooms are grown in the sun and contain significantly higher levels of vitamin D. You can also place store-bought mushrooms in the sun or under ultraviolet light once you bring them home, to boost their vitamin D content. Research has shown that you can increase the vitamin content of several varieties—such as white button, shitake, and portabella—with light exposure.

I can’t bottle the sunshine and send it around the country, but in spotlighting the importance of vitamin D, I hope I’ve given you some insight on tactics to increase your vitamin D intake, ensuring a positive outlook and good nutrition throughout the year.

Don’t take weather in your area for granted. Enjoy it and add foods to your diet that are higher in vitamin D and can help compensate for days that are short on sunlight.

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The Golden Rule(s): Steven Kummer

I had to stop for a lemonade while my husband and I strolled along Delray Beach’s art festival on Atlantic Avenue, passing by each of the booths until we finally stopped to view Steven Kummer’s work down the way. At first glance, I saw marble, but as I looked closer, it was the actual canvas I was staring at. Kummer’s process is deeply tactile, building layer upon layer, with resin binding it all. Ninety percent of his work involves painting with his fingers, guiding the movement of color to create compositions from predetermined themes or spontaneous inspiration. He describes his art as stress-free, evolving organically into form and meaning.

After a distinguished 40‑year career in information systems design and development, Kummer turned to painting, discovering a new medium for his lifelong creativity. Though new to the art world, his technical background informs his approach. He studies the chemistry of paints and media to understand their interactions, insisting on the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship.

Kummer’s work is driven by a desire to evoke strong visual responses. Shock, movement, balance, and depth are just some of the feelings often expressed through his bold color compositions and metallic accents. Influences from his wife’s Chinese heritage appear in the form of embedded characters, each carrying profound meaning that connects directly to the themes of each piece. Kummer’s attention to detail can be both powerful and even overwhelming, perhaps, as he recalls one viewer moved to tears by the symbolism in his work, an experience that reshaped how he channels energy into his art.

Beyond painting, Kummer is a martial artist with 15 years of training, having retired while preparing for his fourth‑degree black belt. Teaching, competing, and judging honed his discipline, yet he remains humble, likening himself to a gardener, rather. Where his professional life demanded aggression, art provides him balance—a practice he considers essential to his well‑being.

“Achievements,” 30″ x 30″ heavyweight canvas with a 2.5″ profile; acrylics, metallics, and epoxy resin. First in a series of three. 

“Achievements.” This work  was created using vibrant acrylics and metallic paints to embody the “gold stage of life.” The work is painted largely by Kummer’s fingers, building upon it layer after layer, until it is formed to represent the building blocks of success bonded by the richness of achievement. Gold metallic acrylic symbolizes the knowledge gained along the way, while iridescent colors reflect the fruitfulness of an achiever’s journey. Within the composition are two Chinese characters, handwritten by the artist’s wife, that translate to “work hard” and “prosper,” reinforcing the theme of accomplishment.

The painting’s texture was achieved through a process of layering and metallic spray, as Kummer describes, pulling the lower layers forward while the paint is still wet. It is a technique that he experimented with for the first time. The piece itself conveys strength, stability, and pride in one’s accomplishments. It is the first in a series of three works—“Achievements,” “Beautiful Life,” and “Strength”(not pictured)—each defined by a metallic theme, with gold emphasizing richness (“Strength” is in silver for clarity).


“Beautiful Life,” 30″ x 30″ heavyweight canvas with a 2.5″ profile; acrylics and metallic copper tones, epoxy resin. Second in a series of three.

“Beautiful Life.” This work is saturated with vibrant acrylics and metallic copper tones. The painting celebrates vitality and joy, inspired by the artist’s relationship with his wife. The embedded Chinese characters, written in her hand, translate to “beautiful life,” embodying their shared journey. Layers of imagery include trees with green leaves in the background, setting the symbolic foundation of a meaningful life, while a waterfall of vivid colors represents the energy, happiness, and support found in companionship. Copper serves as the metallic theme for this work, and it represents vitality. As the second in the series, “Beautiful Life” builds upon the richness of “Achievements” and precedes “Strength,” which features silver to symbolize clarity.

“A Walk in the Park.” This work, capturing the quiet beauty of seasonal change, is a must-see. The uniqueness of this piece is that the “park” can be easily overlooked if not aware of it (the photo doesn’t do it justice). Soft sky blues form the background, while layers of rich, shifting colors mirror the transformation of leaves in autumn. The painting evokes the serenity of a peaceful stroll, encouraging viewers to look upward and embrace the natural palette of life.


“A Walk in the Park,” 30″ x 40″ heavyweight canvas with a 2.5″ profile; acrylics, metallic tones, and epoxy resin.

“Nature’s Yin Yang.” This work explores the balance between ambition and peace. Golds and reds symbolize drive and aggression, while blues, grays, and whites counterbalance with stability and calm. Kummer started the piece on opposite edges, articulately bringing it to form. The composition reflects the constant clash and reconciliation of these forces, a theme rooted in Kummer’s 15 years of Tang Soo Do martial arts training. The work embodies the discipline’s philosophy of balance, translating martial practice into visual form.


“Nature’s Yin Yang,” 24″ x 48″ heavyweight canvas with a 2.5″ profile; acrylics, metallics, and epoxy resin.

Steven Kummer is a local of South Florida; his origins root from New York. For more information about him and his artwork, go to www.artfullydonellc.com.

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From the Miami beat to the music beat—meet the MTVJ’s

When former Miami police officer Tom Braga, 63, traded his badge for a microphone, he didn’t just start a band—he created a tribute group inspired by memories of his youth. His newest project, the MTVJ’s, brings the biggest hits of the 1980s and ’90s back to life with a nostalgic nod to the era that shaped a generation.

A labor-of-love tribute band, the MTVJ’s play venues across South Florida, including Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton, Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach, and Sharkey’s Bar & Grill in Coral Springs.

In addition to Braga, the core lineup includes guitarist Pete Lauria, bassist Lou Carollo, drummer Tom Gress, and keyboardist Lesley Gent. Many of the musicians also perform in Braga’s two other tribute bands: Jaded, an Aerosmith tribute founded in 2015, and Shake It Up, a Cars tribute launched in 2022.

Braga’s path to music was anything but traditional. A longtime hockey player, he was hanging out at a rink in North Miami wearing black-and-gold Boston Bruins gear when another Bostonian struck up a conversation. That fellow fan turned out to be Robbie Merrill, former bassist and founding member of Godsmack. The two hit it off, and Merrill soon began teaching Braga to play bass guitar.

“Before I knew it, I was playing at open mics and then in various bands,” Braga says. “I guess you could say I was gobsmacked.”

After five years on bass, Braga realized he had an unexpected gift: He was a stronger singer than player. He began learning how to command a stage, work a crowd, and replicate the tone and timbre of singers like Alice Cooper, Steven Tyler, and Ric Ocasek of the Cars.

Braga is still amazed by the discovery. “Who the hell knew I could sing?” he says. He performed his first show at age 44.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “People bring me hats and album covers to sign, and I get to dress up. I’m just a frustrated actor who happens to be able to sing.”

His musical influences include Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, and he admires Steven Tyler for his showmanship. Although he came to music later in life, Braga approaches it with the same drive that defined his law enforcement career.

“I was loved by the Grove,” he says, referring to his years as a community police officer in Coconut Grove. “Now we want to be loved by our audiences.”

Braga isn’t the only band member with a long musical journey. Guitarist Pete Lauria, 59, has been with the MTVJ’s for three years, though he has played with Braga and several of the other musicians for a decade through their Aerosmith and Cars tribute bands. Now living in Port St. Lucie, the Boston native works by day as an outside sales rep for Plusco Supply, a plumbing supply company in Boca Raton.

Lauria received his first guitar at age 8 from his grandfather, though he didn’t get serious about playing until high school. He began writing songs, and by 2001 he was part of Superbone—a band performing original music (the name references oversized trombones). The group even released a record.

“I enjoy writing music and spending time in the studio,” Lauria says. He loves playing songs by Tears for Fears, U2, and Bruce Springsteen, and while the band sticks to the hits, they also dig deeper to revive tunes that audiences haven’t heard in a while. His guitar heroes include Ace Frehley of Kiss, Randy Rhoads of Ozzy Osbourne’s band, and Joe Bonamassa. On his own time, he gravitates toward hair metal and hard rock bands like Mötley Crüe.

Inspiration, he says, “just happens.” It often finds him while he’s out on his boat.

Coming from a nonmusical family, Lauria didn’t have early influences at home, but his relatives quickly embraced his passion and still come out to see him play. He’s a divorced father of five grown sons—one who’s a guitarist, another a drummer.

For Lauria, the best part of performing is simple—“jamming with my friends, smiling, playing music, having a great time and a night out. I enjoy the camaraderie.”

Rounding out the rhythm section is drummer Tom Gress, 70, who brings a lifetime of musical experience to the band. He spent 44 years as a high school choral and band teacher, including serving on the original staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he was choral director from 1991 to 1997. He also taught at Stranahan High School, NSU University School, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, where he directed the marching band.

A voice major in college, Gress loves singing backup harmonies and jokingly calls himself “the singing drummer.” He admires drummers Danny Seraphine of Chicago and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.

Outside of music, Gress loves golf and believes that both music and golf are vocations one can enjoy for life. Recently, he began playing acoustic guitar with singer-guitarist Ninowtzka (Nosh) Mier-Soika, forming a duo called Nosh and Gress. He also enjoys Americana artists such as Amos Lee, Jason Isbell, and Ray LaMontagne.

Listening to other genres, he says, “cleans my ears out.”

About his time drumming with the MTVJ’s, Gress says, “We have a passion and commitment to each other,” a spirit that shows every time they take the stage.

The MTVJ’s will perform on Thursday, Feb. 19, at Sharkey’s Bar & Grill, 10365 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs; call (954) 341-9990. To learn more about the MTVJ’s, visit them on Facebook and Nosh and Gress at NoshandGressMusic.com.

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Aetherography

New art form captures the magnificence of birds

Coral Springs resident Meir Martin is the creator of “aetherography”—an art form that transcends photography to capture time, motion, and the rhythm of nature through birds. By fusing together hundreds of photos of individual birds into one large-scale image, Martin reimagines nature not as a frozen moment, but as an unfolding experience.

“It is the art of layering time,” explains Martin. “Where photography isolates, aetherography gathers. Where photography freezes, aetherography flows. And what it reveals is the truth of life as it actually happened: chaotic, abundant, overwhelming, and magnificent.”

Martin—who admittedly spends at least 340 days per year taking photos of birds in the Everglades each morning—has amassed a collection of about 1.5 million photos. “Everything in my life is birds, birds, birds. I’m addicted to it, and there’s no cure,” he jokes. With such an extensive library to sort through, it sometimes takes him years to complete certain pieces, which contain hundreds of bird photos. “I keep looking until I find the image that will fit.”

Walking into Martin’s home, which he converted into his gallery after his wife’s passing, is a surreal experience that pulls you deep into the vision of an impassioned creator. Every surface—from the ceilings to the windows and soon the floors—is covered with artwork, each piece set in a custom wood frame that Martin makes himself.

Before birds became his calling, Martin, born in Israel, began his career primarily as a wedding photographer. But one day, when a man walked into his store asking for a camera with a 400-millimeter lens, Martin’s trajectory changed. Sick of the photography he was doing, he joined the man on a field trip and fell in love with photographing birds.

Martin spent the early 1980s photographing desert birds in Israel. In 1983, while on a trip to the Dead Sea, he became the first person to take a color photograph of a pair of desert tawny owls, and in 1986, he published a book, “Desert Birds of Israel.”

“Israel is one of the most amazing places in the world for birding,” says Martin. “Nobody knew that until I published a book in 1986. In America, you have only three species of eagles. In Israel, which is the size of New Jersey, we have about 12.”

After moving to Florida with his wife, Martin took a break from photography and—an innate creator—invented a new system to clean pet urine from oriental rugs. In 2008, after a chance encounter with a man at a dog park while walking his 172-pound Neopolitan Mastiff, he was drawn back into photography, joining a camera club.

“I went to the club, and everyone was taking regular pictures,” recalls Martin. “The digital camera came to the world, and everyone is taking pictures. My pictures would just be one of them. This is not what I want. This is not my style. I have to find something else.”

There was a competition in the club every Thursday to see who had taken the best photo that week. The first time Martin entered, his photo didn’t garner much attention. But the second time he did, the members took notice. Using Photoshop, he had combined images from multiple photographs he had taken, to create something different.

While Martin’s work received attention, acceptance was a different story. “The guy from the photography club said we are photographers and this is not photography. They didn’t accept it, so I left the club,” he says.

After leaving, Martin devoted himself fully to this emerging art form, and aetherography was born. “I’m the first one in the world making this new artwork,” he says—an assertion he supports through extensive research, including the use of ChatGPT, in search of anything resembling aetherography across the globe.

That sense of originality extends beyond technique into meaning. Each piece carries its own narrative, one Martin eagerly brings to life when he speaks about his work. “Everything that you do, you have to have a story,” he says. “What is the image for? What is the artwork for?”

Recently, he began the months-long application process to turn his home from a gallery into a museum. “This house will now become the Aetherography Museum,” enthuses Martin, who wants people to be able to experience this new art form in person.

While he wants to share his work and his stories with the public, he is still unsure about selling his pieces. “Right now I don’t sell any artwork. It’s mine, I love it,” explains Martin. “When I open the museum, it’s probably going to be different.”

Martin is currently working on a piece to honor the anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. He was across the street from the school that day and heard the gunfire. The artwork, which will be featured in the February issue of the Parklander, includes a golden eagle from a photograph he took in Israel in the 1980s. Above the eagle are 17 birds, each representing the 17 victims of the shooting. “This is a very powerful image with a lot of history in it,” says Martin, who is willing to donate the piece to the high school.

For more information, visit www.meirmartin.com.

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DELICIOUS DINING

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

Sweets for the season!

The holidays are officially here, and that means it’s time for sweets, sugar, and sparkle! Whether you’re hunting for stocking stuffers, gourmet chocolates, or over-the-top milkshakes, our area is full of fun and flavorful spots serving up holiday cheer by the handful. From classic fudge to artisan truffles and build-your-own candy bags, these local sweet shops will make your December deliciously bright.

Norman Love Confections

A chocolate lover’s dream, Norman Love Confections brings true artistry to every bite. Its handcrafted gourmet chocolates are as beautiful as they are delicious, with each piece painted by hand and filled with rich ganache, fruit purées, or caramel. The Boca boutique feels like a mini chocolate gallery, offering elegant holiday collections, truffle boxes, and cocoa-themed gifts that are perfect for anyone on your nice list (or yourself!).

It’Sugar

If candy had a theme park, it would look like It’Sugar. With local locations in Boca Raton and Coconut Creek, this bright, bold candy superstore is packed with giant gummy bears, novelty sweets, and nostalgic favorites. From outrageous chocolate bars to oversized lollipops and candy bundles, it’s the perfect stop for last-minute gifts, stocking stuffers, or just a sweet shopping break. Its festive holiday displays make it nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.

GoYummy Swedish Candy

Just opened in Boca and already a hit, GoYummybrings a modern twist to the classic candy store. Build your own bag from rainbow walls of gummies, sour belts, chocolates, and international sweets, or grab a festive holiday jar to go. It’s bright, colorful, and totally Instagram worthy. Perfect for stocking up on custom mixes or just treating yourself after a long day of shopping.

SugarHi

For those who like their candy with a creative twist, SugarHi takes dessert to the next level. Its cookie-stuffed milkshakes, edible cookie dough cups, and loaded brownies are local Boca legends—and its winter specials, like the Hot Cocoa Bomb and the Peppermint Brownie Shake, are as photogenic as they are delicious. Every visit feels like stepping into dessert heaven.

Sloan’s Ice Cream

Whimsical, pink, and candy-coated, Sloan’s is a must-see for sugar lovers. Alongside its rich, homemade ice cream, you’ll find walls of colorful candies, chocolate-covered pretzels, and gift-worthy sweets. Holiday flavors like Peppermint Stick, Santa’s Cookie Dough, and Gingerbread make this Boca Raton spot a holiday highlight and the perfect place for a post-shopping treat with friends.

SOME SWEET FACTS

  • The average American eats about 22 pounds of candy per year, with December as the peak month!
  • Peppermint and chocolate are the most popular holiday candy flavors.
  • Approximately 150 million chocolate Santas are produced each year.
  • The candy cane is the No. 1–selling non-chocolate candy in December.
  • During Hanukkah, chocolate gelt—foil-wrapped coins—are a traditional treat, symbolizing good fortune and often used when playing Dreidel.

Sources:  The Chocolate Store, “Random Candy Facts” (thechocolatestore.com); FlavorSum, “Candy, Snacks & Flavor Cravings” (flavorsum.com); Food & Wine, “The Most Popular Christmas Candy in Every State” (foodandwine.com); Forbes, “America’s Favorite Holiday Candy by State” (forbes.com); My Jewish Learning, “The Sweet Story of Hanukkah Gelt” (myjewishlearning.com).

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Some healthy food choices for kids this winter

When the temperatures drop and the daylight hours are shorter, energy levels can take a big dip, right along with mood. Kids might be less active in the cold winter months, making it extra important to focus on getting the right nutrition this time of year. Changes in mood, energy, focus, appetite, and sleep aren’t uncommon, but they could be signs of a more serious underlying condition. If you’re concerned about your child’s emotional and mental health, have a conversation with your child and their pediatrician.

Healthful food choices also can help support your child’s mental health. Consider including the following foods to help your kids stay healthy—and happy—this winter.

Salmon

Amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and glutamine are a few of the building blocks of protein found in salmon and other protein foods. These amino acids produce neurotransmitters that contribute to mood regulation. Emerging research links nutrients in fish with a lower risk of depression. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown in some studies to help manage depression. While we need more research to confirm mental health benefits, we already know that fish is an excellent heart-healthy source of protein. Some kids will eat broiled or grilled salmon. Try using a marinade or sauce they love on other foods, or cut the fish into small pieces and make kebabs with veggies.

Clementines

Clementines are an adorable winter citrus, packed with vitamin C, which helps keep immune systems strong. They also provide dietary fiber. Kids love that they’re usually seedless, easy to peel, and fun to eat, making them perfect for school lunchboxes or snacks. You also can toss the sections into salads to make greens more appealing.

Winter Squash

Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A and carotenoids, which have been shown to benefit heart health and immunity. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Most winter squash varieties are naturally sweet, and what kid doesn’t like sweet? Try roasting butternut or acorn squash and tossing it with cinnamon and maple syrup. Spaghetti squash is another popular winter squash. Try baking it and adding your child’s favorite pasta sauce on top.

Sweet Potatoes

Packed with vitamin A and potassium, another great source of dietary fiber is sweet potatoes. Their mellow, sweet taste works in all kinds of recipes. Slice into thin “coins” and toss with canola or olive oil before roasting. Sweet potato puree can be used in foods including macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, and brownies. Try swapping in baked sweet potatoes as an alternative to French fries. Have your kids help with peeling so they’re involved in the cooking process.

Cauliflower

This member of the cruciferous veggie family has been noted for its high phytochemical content. Cauliflower is delicious on its own but easily blends with other flavors. It’s rich in vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin K for a healthy immune system and healthy bones. And that’s not all! Cauliflower also is a good source of folate, a B-vitamin important for growth and development, while dietary fiber promotes stable energy levels and digestion. Cauliflower is delicious roasted, but if your kid is averse to eating veggies, try making cauliflower “rice” in a food processor and adding it to a stir-fry.

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A rest stop unlike any other, at the Everglades

“It’s both a rest stop and a destination.” That’s what my friend Susan said when we went to check out the newly opened Everglades Elevated Boardwalk rest stop along Alligator Alley.

Travelers now have a new way to get a glimpse of the Everglades while driving on I-75 between the east and west coasts of Florida. This lush new complex and nature park is located at Mile Marker 35 of Alligator Alley, 10 miles west of the toll booth in Weston.

Like any regular interstate rest stop, it has picnic tables, restrooms, and parking with easy on-off access from the highway. But the similarities end there. The newly designed and beautifully landscaped rest stop also includes an expansive maze of boardwalks, a viewing tower, gardens of native foliage and vegetation, and informative exhibits about the Everglades. Kids (and grownups too) can be educated while taking a pit stop in their travels!

Just opened in October, what once was a basic truck parking lot has been transformed by the Florida Department of Transportation over the past two years into a peaceful green oasis for the whole family. There is a big playground for the kids as well as a plaza with a 15-foot bronze alligator. There is plenty of parking here, and all the features are free.

After we parked, Susan and I started at the “This is Alligator Alley” sign, which led into a lovely landscaped, pavered clearing with illustrated plaques telling us all about the area. “The Everglades is an ecosystem like no other on Earth,” one states. “This sawgrass marsh is like a vast, shallow river flowing south from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Once stretching across 4,000 square miles, the Everglades is only half that size today due to development and farming.”

We read the other informative signs in this area and then walked over a small road to begin exploring the maze of pathways. When we got to the lilypad-covered pond in the center of the boardwalks, we stopped to take in the lovely scenery there and the striking wooden tower above us. The tower is about three stories high, and you can reach the top either by wooden stairs or by the long gradual ramp going all the way up, making it fully accessible. Once up there, the observation deck offered us expansive views of the Everglades and the dramatic Florida skies.

This rest stop is also a good spot to see wildlife and do some bird watching. While we didn’t see any alligators that day, visitors have been able to spot them (of course, from a safe distance on the raised boardwalk!). Watching the sunrise or the sunset from this venue is also supposed to be a very serene experience.

Throughout our walk around the gardens, Susan and I stopped to look at more plaques that describe and illustrate the types of birds, trees, weather, and other features found in the Everglades. You can definitely leave this place with some new info and fun facts about this part of South Florida.

We also went inside the small museum-like building there, a type of visitors center providing even more information—lifelike exhibits, large photographs, informative plaques on the walls, and, in the center of the room, a large replica of the local area with labels indicating what everything is, which was really helpful. We learned a lot about the Everglades.

Who would have ever thought, back when the original Alligator Alley was notorious as a dangerous, dark two-lane highway, that there would one day be a lushly landscaped destination rest stop just off this road? With the old Alligator Alley, the Everglades came up much closer to the road, with alligators and local birds right on its shoulders. In 1992, this road was replaced with a safer, wider, four-lane version that became part of the I-75 highway. Today, solid fencing keeps alligators from wandering onto the interstate.

And now, from the safety of the new Everglades Elevated Boardwalk, visitors can still enjoy looking out for local wildlife, with the immense, wide-open Everglades in all its beauty just a short distance away. Not a bad thing for a rest stop!

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Winter break made easy

Simple trips close to home

As the year winds down and the temperatures dip (well, a little), many local families start dreaming about their winter escape. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a quick flight to the islands, or a not-too-far road trip, there’s no shortage of ways to make winter break memorable. Here are a few ideas that balance relaxation, adventure, and family fun—all with travel times short enough to keep the stress low.

North Carolina’s Mountain Magic

If trading palm trees for pines sounds tempting, head north to Asheville or Boone, North Carolina. Just a day’s drive from South Florida, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer crisp air, scenic hikes, and plenty of cozy cabins with fireplaces perfect for board games and hot cocoa. Asheville’s Biltmore Estate is especially festive this time of year, with lights and decorations that rival any holiday movie set.

The Bahamas in a Blink

From Fort Lauderdale, you can be in Nassau or Bimini in less than an hour. The turquoise water, beachside breakfasts, and relaxed island energy make it an easy getaway that feels far from home. Family resorts like Atlantis are still a hit, but smaller islands like Harbour Island or Exuma offer quieter, boutique-style stays for those who want to unplug and unwind.

Orlando—but Make It Different

Sure, everyone knows Disney and Universal, but winter break is also a great time to explore Orlando’s hidden gems. Visit Winter Park for its European-style charm, stroll through the botanical gardens at Leu Gardens, or catch a sunset at Lake Eola. If you’re traveling with teens, check out the new escape rooms and virtual reality experiences downtown—far less crowded than the parks but just as entertaining!

Key West Road Trip

Pack some snacks, make a playlist, and hit the highway. The drive alone, with its endless ocean views, is half the adventure! Once you arrive, wander Duval Street, grab key lime pie from Kermit’s, and watch the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square. For something off the beaten path, try kayaking through the mangroves or visiting the Hemingway House for a dose of Key West history.

Cozy North Georgia Getaways

If you want crisp air, rolling hills, and a true “winter” vibe without flying far, North Georgia is an easy option. Towns like Helen, Blue Ridge, and Dahlonega offer charming holiday festivals, wine tasting rooms, and cabin rentals with mountain views. Families can hike to waterfalls, shop in Alpine-style villages, or sip hot chocolate on a cabin porch overlooking the Chattahoochee National Forest. It’s a simple road trip with big scenery, and just different enough from Florida to feel like a real getaway.

A Staycation Done Right

Sometimes the best vacation is the one you don’t have to pack for. South Florida is packed with hidden gems close to home—from the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray. Book a night at a local resort, unplug, and enjoy your own backyard, just like a tourist.

No matter which direction you choose—mountains, islands, small towns, or your own backyard—winter break can be relaxing without being complicated. These easy, close-to-home trips prove that you don’t need to travel far to recharge. Sometimes the simplest plans end up creating the best memories.

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Thinking of adopting a pet for the holidays?

Many families consider adopting a pet companion during the holiday season. Pets can fill our lives with love, but they also come with many additional responsibilities.

Ensure Your Pet’s Needs Match Your Lifestyle

Each pet has its own unique needs, so research its needs before adoption. A labrador will require more attention than a hamster, and kittens love to get into every corner of your house and knock things over. So before you take the steps to adopt a new family member, consider your daily routine and how much time you can dedicate to feeding, grooming, exercising, and playing with your pet.

If you are considering adopting a pet before the holidays, be mindful of your plan during those holidays, whether it’s travel, hosting guests, or attending events. The first few days after a new pet’s arrival often require more attention.

It’s a Long-Term Commitment

Adopting a pet can span a decade or more. A dog or cat may live 10–15 years or more, and a parrot or turtle can live more than 50 years. Beyond the initial adoption fee, you should plan for food, bedding or shelter, toys, grooming, and potentially training classes. 

To ensure that you have a happy and healthy pet, you should budget for regular veterinary expenses, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations.

It’s a Family

Accepting a new pet into your home is a family affair. Your home may need to be pet-proofed to prevent accidents. Small objects, toxic plants, and exposed wires can all be hazardous and need to be secured.  

Your family members should be consulted before adopting. Does a family member have an allergy? Will they be okay with cleaning up after the new pet? Who will handle the additional chores? These considerations should all be discussed, to help ensure that the pet is integrated into and loved by the whole family. Last thing: New pets often get abandoned after the holidays. So if you can wait until after the holidays to adopt, you may help a loving animal find its forever home

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8 tips for allergy-free holidays

Winter holidays bring cheerfulness and plenty of opportunities for festive eating. While common food allergens lurk in many traditional dishes served at Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa celebrations, a little preparation and planning can help you—whether you’re the parent of a child with food allergies or hosting guests who have them—glide through the holidays safely.

These tips can help you navigate food allergies safely and healthfully this holiday season.

5 Tips for Avoiding Food Allergens at Home

  • Host at your home. Because you are in control of what is served, this can be the safest option when managing food allergies. You may choose to prepare only “safe” foods and let guests know what they can and cannot bring into the house. If you do have foods containing allergens, designate separate areas for these foods to be served to help prevent cross-contact.
  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. While cooking from scratch may seem like more work, it helps to ensure that food and prep areas are free from food allergens. You might even find that you save time in the long run because you don’t have to scour every ingredient list.
  • Modify traditional recipes using allergen-free ingredients. Once you know a few simple swaps, you may realize just how easy it is to modify your recipes. Focus on similar items when considering swaps, like non-dairy milk for cow’s milk (or vice versa), or naturally gluten-free grains for wheat. Eggs in recipes often can be substituted with ground, rehydrated flax or chia seeds.
  • Always read all ingredient labels. Even if you think a product is allergen-free, read the label. Food manufacturers change formulas, which may introduce allergens into previously “safe” foods and beverages.
  • Keep it clean. Prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination by encouraging frequent handwashing.

3 Tips for Avoiding Food Allergens Away from Home

  • Offer to help the host. If you help plan the menu or shop for ingredients, you can choose items that you know are safe. If you cook, you can help ensure that dishes are prepared without allergens. And don’t hesitate to ask your host to save labels from products to reference and provide you peace of mind.
  • Bring snacks and desserts. If helping ahead of time is out of the question, bring a few allergen-free options. Bring your own allergen-free snacks and desserts, as baked goods feature common allergens such as wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Pack snacks such as fresh fruit with sunflower butter packets, carrots with hummus, popcorn, and homemade trail mix made with rice cereal, seeds, and chocolate chips. For easy festive desserts, melt chocolate chips as a dip for dried apricots or allergen-free cookies, or bake apples sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar and top with allergen-free whipped topping.
  • Communication is key. If a host is unfamiliar with how to handle food allergies, he or she might fall victim to the “a little bit won’t hurt” mindset. Communicate at the start that a little bit can hurt, and that you’d be more than happy to help with shopping or prep so that the host can feel comfortable and you can feel confident in the foods served.

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Discovering Old School Square

Contemporary art showcased at Cornell Art Museum

While taking a stroll in Downtown Delray Beach recently for a local arts festival, my husband and I came upon a yellow gem in the middle of Delray’s Old School Square. What used to be a school is now a local art museum, known as the Cornell Art Museum, located on the Old School Square campus. The museum showcases contemporary and provocative art from emerging and established local and regional artists. Exhibitions are theme-based, often evolving into dynamic group shows that attract a diverse audience.

The museum is housed in a historic 1913 elementary school building, adding architectural charm to its cultural offerings. It’s part of a broader arts hub that includes the Crest Theatre, the Old School Square Fieldhouse, and the Creative Arts School, making it a central node in Delray Beach’s creative scene.

ICONS of ART. The Cornell Art Museum introduced “ICONS of ART Italian Mosaic Portraits” in February of this year. The hype of its popular works demanded an extension of this exhibit, so it was showcased through Oct. 27, as a result of its acclaim by enthusiastic viewers. The exhibit featured 40 hand-crafted mosaic portraits from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, a world-famous Italian mosaic school in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. All the portraits are of iconic figures from the worlds of popular culture in art, music, and film.


ICONS of ART, “Morgan Freeman,” Alina Chubova, Venetian Smalti, marbles, cotton fabric, and decorative ferrous inserts (2017, 12″ x 12″, Italy).

The ICONS of ART project is the product of a growing partnership between Delray Beach’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Palm Beach County’s broader arts community with Le Associazione Naonis of Italy.

Dorothy Gillespie. Recently opened and on view until Jan. 14 at the Cornell is a collection of Dorothy Gillespie (1920–2012) called “Retrospective Color in Motion.” It is in collaboration with the Dorothy Gillespie Foundation of the 20th Century American Artist.

Gillespie’s life spanned nearly a century of artistic evolution, and she remained creatively active well into her later years, advocating for women in the arts and transforming aluminum into jubilant, ribbon-like sculptures that still grace public spaces across the United States.

“Tabletop Starburst,” Dorothy Gillespie, sculpture (circa 1990) made of enamel-painted aluminum with gilt edges.

Gillespie, active from the late 1930s through 2010, was known for transforming aluminum into exuberant abstract forms that often filled public spaces. Her “Starburst” series, whether monumental or tabletop, symbolized her philosophy of color, light, and motion, which culminated in her Rockefeller Center installation of 185 sculptures in 2003.

This vibrant piece exemplifies Gillespie’s signature style, where explosions formed of color and movement through ribbon-like metal. Gillespie was a highly collected artist who passed away in Coral Gables.

Crystal Bacchus. Opened Oct. 18 and running through Feb. 22, Crystal Bacchus’ “In the Garden” will take visitors through a whimsical landscape of eco-systematic consciousness by the use of thick strokes and vibrant colors. This is the first Spotlight Exhibition for Bacchus, whose artistic journey since age 13 has explored creative color concepts inspired by nature, embodied in texture, patterns, and bold composition.

Bacchus is recognized for taking the unpredictability of watercolor and absorbing it into a full-range filtration arrangement on paper. Founder of Xtal Art Studios Inc., Bacchus has been active in the Florida art scene since 2011, producing a range of hand-drawn journals, greeting cards, and wearable art.

For more information about Bacchus, visit www.xtalart.com.

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Thanksgiving traditions

Gathering, getting together, and going out

Thanksgiving has always been centered around good food and even better company. For some families, it’s waking up early to start the turkey, passing around recipes that have been in the family for years, and gathering around a crowded dining table. For others, it’s about doing things a little different—trading the kitchen chaos for a reservation and letting others do the work.

More and more locals are choosing to celebrate Thanksgiving out this year, and several nearby restaurants are opening their doors to make the day extra special.

Runyon’s is a local favorite that always feels like home. With its cozy, classic atmosphere and menu full of holiday comfort foods, it’s the perfect place for those who still want that traditional Thanksgiving feel—just without the hours of prep. Nearby, NYY Steak in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek offers a more modern spin, serving perfectly grilled steaks and hearty sides that make any holiday meal feel like an occasion.

With nearby locations in Boca Raton and Sunrise, Seasons 52 is a popular choice for those who love fresh, seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch on classic entrees. And just down the road, Cooper’s Hawk in the Promenade pairs its special Thanksgiving menu with its signature house wines, giving the day a festive twist that feels both upscale yet inviting.

But Thanksgiving isn’t only about where you eat. It’s about how you spend the day. Some families lace up for a local morning Turkey Trot or enjoy a bike ride before the big meal, while others volunteer at local food banks or shelters, helping make the holiday brighter for neighbors in need.

The Perez family of Coral Springs has made their own special routine over the years. “We start the morning with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade playing in the background while we break out all the old board games,” says Jennifer Perez. “Then in the afternoon, we head out to volunteer at a local food shelter. It’s our way of reminding ourselves what the day is really about.”

For the Stein family of Parkland, Thanksgiving means something a little different, but just as cherished. “Football is a must in our house. We’ve got the game on all day while the turkey cooks, and that smell just fills the whole house. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and tradition!”

Whether you’re hosting at home or raising a glass at your favorite local restaurant, Thanksgiving remains what it’s always been—sharing precious time, a meal, and gratitude with the people who matter most.

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