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Nevelson’s Shadow Chord given new life at Boca museum

“I fell in love with black; it contained all color. It wasn’t a negation of color. It was an acceptance. Because black encompasses all colors. Black is the most aristocratic color of all. … You can be quiet, and it contains the whole thing.”
—Louise Nevelson

American sculptor Louise Nevelson (1899–1988), known for her large, three-dimensional, wooden structures, worked primarily in monochromatic black or white.

Born Leah Berliawsky to Jewish parents in the Soviet Empire in 1899, she emigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was a child.

Growing up in Rockland, Maine, Nevelson moved to New York City to attend high school, where, after graduation, she got a job as a stenographer in a law office and met her future husband, Charles Nevelson, owner of a shipping company.

Calling herself “the original recycler,” Nevelson combed the streets of New York salvaging found objects, wood pieces, and other discarded items to use in her sculptures.

During the mid-1950s, she produced her first series of all-black wood landscape structures, describing herself as the “Architect of Shadow.”

“Shadow and everything else on Earth actually is moving,” she said at the time. “Movement—that’s in color, that’s in form, that’s in almost everything. Shadow is fleeting. … I arrest it and I give it a solid substance.”

Her sculpture titled “Shadow Chord,” created in 1969 and now at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, where it was just restored, was created at the height of her artistic career and embodies the visual language of her work with complex wood assemblages and monochromatic color.

Consisting of stacked boxes completely covered by her signature flat black paint, the sculpture gives this installation the imposing presence of a cityscape that alters the viewer’s perception of light and space.

At the museum since 2001, the work was in need of repair. The restoration was funded by a grant from Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project, a global program providing grants to nonprofit cultural institutions to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art.

Since it began in 2010, the Art Conservation Project has funded the conservation of individual pieces of art through more than 237 projects in 40 countries across six continents.

Among the 13 museums in the U.S. that were awarded the grant this year, the Boca Raton museum is the only one in South Florida to be chosen.

“The Boca Raton Museum of Art is honored to receive this prestigious grant from the Bank of America Conservation Project,” says Irvin Lippman, the museum’s executive director. “Nevelson’s sculpture commands a singular position in our galleries, and we are grateful for this support for its restoration.

“With its engulfing, sensuous environment full of shadows and mystery, this artwork continues to be a favorite for our visitors,” Lippman says.

Nevelson studied painting, voice, and dance at the Art Students League in New York City and held her first solo exhibition in New York in 1941. Over the next several decades, she became a pioneer in large-scale installations, an uncommon achievement for women of her generation.

Nevelson, whose marriage to her husband ended when she was 42, struggled financially much of her life. It wasn’t until her early 70s that Nevelson focused on monumental outdoor sculptures, after being commissioned by Princeton University in 1969 to create a large-scale sculpture for them.

To this day, she is most known for her wooden, wall-like, collage-driven reliefs consisting of multiple boxes and compartments that hold abstract shapes and found objects from chair legs to balusters that she collected from items discarded on the streets.

Nevelson is also the first woman to gain fame in the U.S. for her public art. In 1978, New York City created a sculpture garden, titled Louise Nevelson Plaza and located in Lower Manhattan, to showcase her sculptures. It became the first public space in New York City to be named after an artist.

Her works are in the collections of major art institutions around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Hirschhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Tate in London, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

 

The newly refurbished sculpture is currently on view on the second floor at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real. Visit BocaMuseum.org.

 

 

 

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El Niño is officially back. What will that mean?

El Niño describes a phenomenon in which eastern Pacific waters are warmer than average. It has wide-ranging impacts across the world, and it has started.

It may not be obvious why weather patterns in the Pacific should impact us here on the coast of the Atlantic. But years of data show a consistent relationship that Floridians should be aware of.

For June, the average temperature along the eastern Pacific has risen to an average of 0.8C above normal; this is a relatively quick change from the La Niña conditions that were dominant for the past few years, which coincides with very active tropical storm seasons. Whereas, El Niño is expected to deter the formation of Atlantic tropical storms.

So why is that?

Traditionally, the very warm waters off the western Pacific, near the Philippines, are where the water vapor rises, then falls on the eastern Pacific. This was first identified by Gilbert Walker in 1904.

When El Niño happens, the Pacific waters off South America are warmer than average. This causes stronger rising air, which inverts the typical trade-wind patterns in the Pacific.

This new center of air rising on the eastern portions of the Pacific means that air will fall down from high in the atmosphere near the western U.S., and the tropic Atlantic waters.

One early indication of this is that it is drier than normal in Canada, where the wildfires have been flaring up. The warm air that rises falls down near western Canada, causing warmer temperatures there. El Niño is also contributing to this due to a lower jet stream, and it’s causing more storms to travel along the southern states. This impacts Florida, and we will likely see above-average rainfall near us. This will also mean drier conditions in the states along the Great Lakes.

 

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Get your art on

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami

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

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

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

For more information, visit mocanomi.org.

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County—Biennial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Cornell Museum at Old School Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Five places to be a kid again

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

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

  1. Silverball Retro Arcade

19 NE Third Ave., Delray Beach

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

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

  1. K1 Speedway

2950 Stirling Road, Hollywood

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

  1. Sky Zone

1834 SW Second St., Pompano Beach

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

  1. Artvilla’s Sip, Paint, and Glow Party

11395 W. Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton

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

  1. Family Paintball Center, Miami

220 NW 137th Ave., Miami

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

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The return of the flamingos

When folks visit South Florida, they expect to see flamingos. You see them in zoos, as well as other popular tourist attractions. Yet the local wild flamingos in Florida were wiped out by excessive hunting for their bright pink and crimson plumages, and by the 1990s, many believed them to be extinct in the Florida wild.

Either from birds escaping from captivity, or by flowing in from nearby Caribbean islands, the Florida flamingo population began a slow recovery. By 2014, there was a population of 147 flamingos in the STA2 water treatment facility in the Everglades just north and west of Parkland.

In a 2021 survey by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, up to 1,000 birds are estimated to be in Florida. Near Parkland, the local population typically visits the area in the spring, and most leave for an undisclosed location later in the year. Researchers are still studying their behavior to understand their travel patterns or whether they are local all year round, along with working to classify them as “threatened” to qualify for stronger protection.

The American flamingo is one of the largest flamingo species, and it can grow up to 57 inches, which makes them hard to study. Frank Ridgley, a wildlife veterinarian and researcher at the Zoo Miami, is quoted as saying in an interview with the Audubon Society, “There’s a reason why no one’s studied adult flamingos before. They just fly off.” One flamingo in the Keys was successfully tagged and tracked in 2018, and it was found to have joined a local flock and stayed in Florida.

Researchers have also been observing the wild flamingos, to learn what they are doing in the area. “We noticed a lot of courtship behavior,” Ridgley says. “All seemed to be pair bonded and stayed close together.” Flamingoes are believed to mate for life, and they stay close together.

The STA2 water treatment area access is restricted, so bird watchers are asked to join a tour approved by the water district.

Hopefully with continual recovery of the flamingos in the nearby Everglades, local residents can get a peek at the wondrous birds in the wild, not just at zoos or in reruns of “Miami Vice.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cruising the water in a different kind of taxi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Touchdown An Easter message

The team takes the field fired up and ready to go. Their scouts have developed an innovative strategy that exploits the weaknesses of the opposition. Their coach has mapped it out carefully and in full detail. The team has practiced the plays over and over again. Everyone is on the same page, and there is a sense of quiet confidence.

But as the game progresses, nothing seems to be working. Their offense sputters and their defense gives up too many yards. At half-time it looks like they are on their way to a solid defeat. But in the locker room, the coach doesn’t change a thing. He just looks at the players, winded and discouraged, and says, “Trust me.”

 In the middle of the fourth quarter, the tide turns and the critics are silenced. And by the end of the game, what seemed impossible is now a victory.

 This is Easter. So often we get to that special day and forget how bad everything looked before the resurrection. From Adam and Eve’s transgressions to the idolatry of kings, from the opposition of the religious leaders to the faithlessness of the disciples, nothing about God’s plan through Jesus looked promising. Like a fumble on the one-yard line run back for a touchdown, the cross seemed to be the last ... nail … in the coffin.

But the plan was good. It just needed to be trusted. And that Sunday morning almost 2,000 years ago, the sun came up and the referees’ hands signaled “Touchdown.”

 When we celebrate Easter, we are celebrating one incredible truth: In God’s plan, “It’s not over until it’s over.” Go to church. Read the book. Say some prayers. Serve a neighbor. Love your enemies. And when you are winded and discouraged, listen to the words of the coach: “Trust me.”

Andy Hagen is pastor of Advent Life Ministries in Boca Raton.

 

 

 

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Be strong and of good courage

Toward the end of the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Chronicles 28:20, we read, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord God my God is with you.” King David spoke these words of advice to his son Solomon. However, the words are equally true for each generation. The Jewish people’s existence is replete with individuals of such courage and faith.

At this time of year, we remember many of our brethren who displayed faith through the generations. We start this month with the celebration of Passover, our annual celebration of our people’s exodus from Egypt and freedom to serve God instead of the pharaoh. We move quickly from Passover to our annual commemoration of those who endured and withstood the horrors of the Shoah, as we mark Yom Ha-Shoah. Finally, we recognize with joy the modern miracle of those who fought for the modern state of Israel’s independence.

Each of these religious and modern observances reminds us to stand firm in the face of danger and remain proud of our heritage. Although antisemitism is on the rise, we still have so much to be grateful for in this country and time. This includes the many opportunities for communal gathering, such as our synagogue seder, Yom Ha-Shoah service, and Israel 75 celebration. Life is uncertain, but as King David said, “Stay strong and be of good courage.” Hope to see you soon.

Celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary 

Temple Beth Am is throwing a party in honor of Israel’s 75th anniversary and the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948, on Sunday, April 30, at 5:15 p.m. This extravaganza will include a fully catered Glatt kosher Middle Eastern dinner; music by Randy Stevens Entertainment, including Israeli and jazz music, singing, and dancing; and many great raffle prizes and giveaways (see the full-page ad).

If you can only attend one party this year, this is the one you do not want to miss.

For more information, visit www.beth-am.org or call the office at (954) 968-4545, which is open Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

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Delicious Dining: Get your craft beers here!

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

The South Florida brewery scene has been growing. With dozens of breweries throughout the area, the craft beer scene has never been better. “Hop” on over to one of these local breweries for a fresh and flavorful glass of beer and delicious food.

World of Beer
4437 Lyons Road, Suite 101, Coconut Creek

World of Beer is the premier spot for beer enthusiasts and novices alike. Whether you have a beer cellar at home or hate how beer tastes, their staff will walk you through what’s available and allow you to try them before buying. With 40 craft beers on tap, 250 in the cooler, and a menu of mouthwatering tavern fare crafted to go perfectly with beer, you won’t be disappointed at World of Beer.

Big Bear Brewing Company
1800 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Beer tastes best when it’s made fresh. Big Bear Brewing Co. beer is made fresh and in-house on a daily basis. They use only the finest ingredients, guaranteeing a fresh and natural glass of beer every time. Paired with their high-quality and creative food menu, you’ll enjoy every bite (and sip) in the warm and friendly atmosphere.

 

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
1580 N. University Drive, Coral Springs

Celebrate the joy of craft beer and good food at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where they pride themselves in their craft and attention to detail. The innovative and broad menu features delicious entrees and, of course, their very own award-winning handcrafted beers on tap every day. In addition to their 11 signature beers and cider, they offer seasonal and local brews as well.

26º Brewing Co.
2600 E. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach

26º Brewing Co. is a local craft beer brewer and tap room with friendly, helpful staff and fantastic beers. Within the over 21,000-square-foot facility, you’ll find their 4,600-square-foot taproom, which brews some of the best craft beers around. Check out their website and social media to learn about their upcoming events and fun themed nights.

Black Flamingo Brewery
3260 NW 23rd Ave., #400 E, Pompano Beach

Brewing up a wide variety of constantly rotating experimental ales, Black Flamingo Brewery crafts unique and delicious artisan beers that showcase the vibrant and diverse culture of South Florida. The brewery promotes local talent and offers entertaining theme nights and various entertainment throughout the week. Check out their website and social media to learn more.

Fun Facts

  • You can chill a beer in two minutes; just put ice and salt in a bowl and stir.
  • Frosty glasses will cause your beer to foam.
  • The sugar in beer is said to supercharge your plants.
  • You can use beer as a conditioner. Apparently, good-quality brews will leave your locks silky and soft.

If you would like your eatery to be featured in Delicious Dining, please email Local.Features@theparklander.com.

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Dealing with dietary restrictions during the holidays

The holiday season is here, and with that come fancy dinners, work parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Although breaking bread with your favorite people can be one of life’s simple joys, anxiety over what to make when feeding those with special dietary needs can make things feel complicated. Here are nine tips and tricks for hosting a holiday dinner that everyone can enjoy.

  1. Ask for Advice

Who knows best? The person with special dietary needs! Once you have a menu in mind, discuss it with your guests ahead of time and ask how they can best be accommodated.

  1. Read Labels

Dairy, gluten, and non-vegetarian ingredients are found in many packaged foods. If you are not sure whether an ingredient is safe for your party guests, ask the person you’re accommodating or skip it.

  1. Don’t Cross-Contaminate

Use separate tongs when grilling meat and veggie burgers to spare vegetarian foods from meat juices. Don’t bake a nut-free cookie on the same tray you just roasted almonds. Thoroughly wash the strainer in between draining wheat spaghetti noodles and gluten-free ones. Being mindful of opportunities for cross-contamination can lower the risk of serving foods that your guest might not be able to eat.

  1. Make Simple Swaps

Tossing your veggies with olive oil instead of butter means that vegans and those with dairy allergies can enjoy them too. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock in the side dishes so that more people can enjoy them.

  1. Leave the Toppings on the Side

Sometimes it’s just one or two ingredients that rule out a dish for those with dietary issues. If you leave the bacon crumble on the side, those who eat meat can still have it, and vegetarians can eat the dish too.

  1. Build a Bowl

Rather than designing a menu with several parts, build a buffet of toppings and let your guests do the rest. From a yogurt parfait brunch to a smoky burrito bowl, there are many options for having a casual meal that is satisfying for everyone. Having a diverse spread of options will allow your guests to create a meal that fits their needs.

  1. Serve Delicious Drinks

Even those not drinking alcohol enjoy fancy mock-tails. Include everyone in the festivities by making a pitcher or two of fruit and herb-infused waters or a dry bar with seltzer, juices, and herbs.

  1. Polish Your Sales Pitch

We tend to be wary of foods we cannot easily identify. To encourage everyone to try different dishes, write the menu on a chalkboard or place a menu card on the table. On your buffet line, label each dish with enticing adjectives and include ingredients. Not only does this encourage a picky eater to try new things, but it also helps guests avoid food allergens.

  1. Have Fun!

Remember: You don’t have to accommodate your guests for every single dish. If your holiday dinner would not be complete without your grandmother’s Yorkshire pudding, include it. Missing your personal favorites might lower your own enjoyment of the occasion. With a well-planned dinner, all of your guests can be happy and well-fed.

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The skies of December

Here are the sky highlights this month:

  • 8. Full Moon. This phase occurs at 12:09 a.m. ET. This full moon was known by early Native American tribes as the Cold Moon because this is the time of year when the cold winter air settles in and the nights become long and dark. This moon has also been known as the Long Nights Moon and the Moon Before Yule.
  • 8. Mars at Opposition. The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Mars. A medium-sized telescope will allow you to see some of the dark details on the planet’s orange surface.
  • 13–14. Geminids Meteor Shower. The Geminids are the king of meteor showers. It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in 1982. The shower runs annually from Dec. 7 to Dec. 17. It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and the morning of the 14th. The waning gibbous moon will block many of the fainter meteors this year. But the Geminids are so numerous and bright that this should still be a good show. The best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini but can appear anywhere in the sky.
  • 21. December Solstice. The December solstice occurs at 5:40 p.m. ET. The South Pole of the Earth will be tilted toward the Sun, which will have reached its southernmost position in the sky and will be directly over the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.44 degrees south latitude. This is the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere and the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • 21. Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation. The planet Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation of 20.1 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Mercury as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in the western sky just after sunset.
  • 21–22. Ursids Meteor Shower. The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, which was first discovered in 1790. The shower runs annually from Dec. 17 to Dec. 25. It peaks this year on the night of the 21st and the morning of the 22nd. This year, the nearly new moon will leave dark skies for what should be a really good show. The best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor but can appear anywhere in the sky.
  • 23. New Moon. This phase occurs at 6:17 a.m. ET. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

If you’d like to become more involved with astronomy in South Florida and meet like-minded people, the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association (www.sfaaa.com) at Markham Park is fantastic, equipped with a state-of-the-art telescope, and the perfect way to take the next step in discovering our celestial sky. Happy exploring!

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