The Holocaust and other tragedies in history may seem unimaginable to today’s youth. But Park Vista High School came up with an innovative and stimulating program to bring awareness of these atrocities to students that also translated into relevant issues facing teens today. For three months, they have studied the White Rose resistance movement, when a group of courageous college students almost their own age from Munich were the first to stir up the ranks of Hitler’s Nazis during l942-3. Students honored those who lived and died during that time on Holocaust Remembrance Day last month when they wore white roses, most probably a symbol of peace and purity. Donations from the effort were sent to the Save Darfur Coalition.

Mr. Moskovic from Hobe Sound was l3 years old when he was taken by the Nazis and when he was released in l945, was the only surviving member of his family. He escaped death three times from nothing short of miracles. His goal in sharing with students is “to keep the memory alive and to help our youth carry the truth in the future so people don’t forget.”  Students also shared how they have grown from the project, similar to PSAs, and posters which are part of a large quilt that covers a wall in the main cafeteria.

The White Rose program at Park Vista was made possible through a grant provided by LEAH, the League for Educational Awareness for the Holocaust based in Boca Raton, an organization that educates and advocates about the Holocaust and other genocides. It seeks to engage teachers in inspiring and motivating students to actively contribute to a kinder, more compassionate world.  To date, LEAH has funded more than 300 education grant awards which have touched the lives of 36,000 students in Palm Beach and Broward Counties. 

The White Rose group are most well-known for their leafleting and a secret organization started by Sophie and Hans Scholl of which several award-winning movies, documentaries, books and plays have been made. All seven members were convicted of treason and beheaded at a very young age. 

Media Specialist and coordinator of the school-wide program, Brigitta McTigue, spent her early years growing up in Munich, Germany where Sophie and her brother Hans Scholl and the White Rose students were considered heroes.  

“Our l6 and l7 year olds need to know this, so that they learn how to deal with prejudice, bigotry, bullying, and other human rights issues they face today. We hope this program has given them some tools to become more tolerant in their daily lives and to find healthy ways to stand up to hurtful and cruel actions done to other people merely because of differences.” 

Also collaborating and working together on the project was Sue Mehok, English teacher, as well as reading and social studies classes. Activities included reading chapters or books about the White Rose movement and watching the film “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days.” 

“As we teach students about the Holocaust, and other examples of genocide such as Darfur, Rwanda and Bosnia we are in a very real way repairing the world,” said Amanda McGee, executive director of LEAH. “They are taking the lessons that happened in the Holocaust of these very brave young people in the White Rose movement so that they can hopefully become better human beings.”  

Educational programs such as these are designed to help children learn about time periods and events that may seem incomprehensible to them. 

“They have no concept of what freedom is, because they have it,” said Ms. Mehok. 

While many schools offer only a few paragraphs in their history books about the Holocaust, Park Vista High School has a dedicated program, under the leadership of Eileen Shapiro who heads up Holocaust Studies for the school district of Palm Beach County. It was at her suggestion that McTigue applied for the grant from LEAH.

BOCA RATON, FL -  The Downtown Boca Film Festival (DBFF) is proud to announce Best Buy signing on as the title sponsor for the 6th Annual Film Festival.  Other recently confirmed sponsors are the Boca Raton Bridge Hotel, which will serve as the host hotel for the film festival, and Stella Artois, the official beer of the 2011 DBFF.

“Best Buy is proud to partner with the Downtown Boca Film Festival to be a title sponsor for 2011 DBFF,” said Armando Lopez, South Florida district manager of Best Buy, “community partnership is central to the way business is done at Best Buy.”  “Best Buy’s sponsorship and support from our other partners and sponsors ensures that the DBFF will continue to build audiences, and allows the organization to develop new and exciting events and programs to support filmmakers and festival attendees,” said Dr. Michael Posner, director and founder of the DBFF. Additional information about the upcoming film festival and other 2011 sponsors and partners can be found on the DBFF’s new website (www.dbff.us) which was launched this week.

About the DBFF: The Downtown Boca Film Festival is a non-profit 501 (c-3) organization dedicated to providing the local community and international visitors with a diverse presentation of films from around the world, including a venue of student shorts and Xtreme sports. In addition to offering films that might not otherwise be released theatrically in the USA, the DBFF provides a unique cultural experience as well as educational programs and forums for exploring the future of cinema. Founding sponsors for the DBFF are committed to providing independent film makers / artist with a venue to screen their films and to network with other filmmakers and industry insiders.

The DBFF is truly an independent film festival, small enough to allow for an intimate environment in which to mix and mingle, yet big enough to attract large local audiences, which has stayed close to its roots and mission of making available original and independent films not ordinarily seen in mainstream movie theaters.

The DBFF is still accepting submissions for the 6th annual film festival. The film festival will be screening over 100 films. Please submit your films through https://withoutabox.com/03film/03t_fin/03t_fin_fest_01over.php?festival_id=4469 Works in progress are accepted.

The DBFF is also interested in accepting a “Best of” compilation of films, exclusively featuring various institution’s students and alumni. This type of submission must be 90-minutes or less, and can be submitted for the cost of only one film. For more information about the 6th Annual Film Festival, or for information pertaining to sponsorship, please email info@dbff.us. Additionally, if you are a business within Southern Palm Beach County or Northern Broward County and are interested in hosting an event or after party at your location, please contact events@dbff.us

Volunteers are needed to assist in all areas of the DBFF such as staffing theatre entrances, sorting and mailing films, and ticket sales. Volunteering for the 2011 Festival is about helping artists share their stories. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email volunteer@dbff.us.

Judyth Piazza chats with Andrew Warren, The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, St. Augustine, Florida (Click to hear radio interview on The American Perspective)

The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, will take you back in time to the Victorian Age. It is one of the few inns located directly on the magnificent Matanzas Bay and within walking distance of historic St Augustine. Each guest room is romantically decorated with period antiques, some with double Jacuzzis and fireplaces.

Whatever your desire, we will strive to make your stay a memorable one. We hope you will revel in the history of yesterday and create memories for tomorrow during your stay at the Bayfront Westcott House Inn of historic St Augustine, Florida. Every morning, enjoy our delicious homemade hot breakfast on the side porch or the garden terrace and, for that extra special day, ask our friendly staff about breakfast in bed. In the evening, come down to the dining room for a complementary wine and cheese reception to help you relax at the end of the day.

In addition, ask about our romance Packages: have beautiful roses, iced champagne, fresh chocolate strawberries,  placed in your room upon arrival. Our staff is prepared to assist you in any way to make your visit to Florida unforgettable!

Our romantic, luxury, Victorian waterfront inn is filled with porches and courtyards and magnificent views.

The picturesque Matanzas Bay captures stunning sunrises over views of the Intercoastal Waterway. Sit on the front porch and watch shorebirds soar, turtles paddle up to the seawall, and playful dolphins and manatees swim by. Walk hand-in-hand along the sea wall past the beautiful Bridge of Lions to the historic Castillo de San Marco. Or take an easy stroll along any of the brick lined streets to the city’s historic sites, museums, art galleries, quaint shops and many fine restaurants. To view our second story deck click HERE

Voted “# 1″ in St. Augustine by St. Augustine and Jacksonville Residents. Featured in numerous magazines and publications referring to the Westcott House`s superior decor and service.

For More Information: http://www.westcotthouse.com

Phone: 904-825-4602 or 800-513-9814
Address: 146 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Fl 32084

If you are planning a trip to Boca Raton, or you are making the decision to move to this great city, you should know a few things about it that you may not have known. Boca Raton has more than just warm weather you can wake up to every day. Boca Raton is more than just the world class meals you can get at some of the best dining establishments anywhere in the state. And, Boca Raton is more than the beautiful Florida coast where you can spend carefree days at the beach.

The truth is that Boca Raton is home to some incredible comedic entertainment. You might not associate comedy with this great city, but Boca Raton is a celebrated home for comedy with two of the best comedy clubs anywhere in the state. If you have the chance, there are a few places you must check out.

The first place is the New York Comedy Club. New York, known for some of the best stand-up comedy in the world, has brought its savvy sense of humor to the Sunshine State. Every single night of the week you can see the country’s top stand-up comedians perform for you in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that serves food and drinks. Another added bonus to this already great club is the classes. Buddy Flip teaches a stand-up workshop that cannot be missed, and it’s a great way to explore your creativity and own sense of comedic appeal.

Once you think you are ready to take the stage, try The Funky Buddha in Boca Raton for their open microphone night and see if your act is solid. You’ll find the crowd to be great for beginners and supportive of your efforts. So instead of spending your nights on the couch eating peanut brittle, get out and tap into your comic genius in Boca Raton.

To live in a city like Boca Raton is a dream come true for many. The city has pristine beaches, perfect weather and a relaxed aura around it that makes it an enviable choice to purchase retirement homes in or even settle down with family in a neatly tucked in row house.

Visitors and tourists can come with family or friends and have a memorable time during their stay. There are museums, skate parks, sand parks and other modes of entertainment for the kids while parents can keep themselves busy by indulging in shopping and dining out.

An affordable city like many others around the country, Boca Raton will let you enjoy your stay without having to apply for emergency cash loans. It may not be light on your pocket at all times, but it surely won’t burn a hole that can’t be stitched in time!

Boca Raton has plenty to offer tourists who come during the peak season. Men can keep themselves busy with golf while the women can have a cosy day indoors by ordering in and setting the mood for movie marathons.

The city also hosts cultural events regularly, so for those tourists who would rather look around all day, the local library can be a good place to start with to gather details for various events.

Children in Boca Raton enjoy a host of activities besides the museums and a visit to various theme parks. Various venues around the city hold special events for children that are open to members as well as non-members throughout the year.

The city is a perfect escape for those who want a fast paced, yet a relaxing holiday. One can find all that is needed to enjoy a comfortable holiday but within a pre-decided budget.

The Mr. Food Family

Strawberry Charlotte
Serving Size: 1/8 recipe, Total Servings: 8

Start your day on a sweet note with this guilt-free pleasure!

1 (4-serving size) package sugar-free cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
1 quart fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 (3-ounce) package ladyfingers, split in half
1½ cups frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (see Tip)
 
1.      Prepare pudding according to package directions, using the fat-free milk; set aside to cool.
2.      Meanwhile, set aside 8 small strawberries for garnish; chill until serving time. Hull and slice remaining strawberries and, in a medium bowl, combine with sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla; set aside.
3.      Arrange ladyfingers in bottom and up sides of a 2½-quart glass serving bowl. Pour sliced strawberries over ladyfingers. Stir remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla into pudding and pour pudding over strawberries.
4.      Spread whipped topping over pudding. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, garnish with reserved whole strawberries and the toasted almonds.

TIP: To toast sliced almonds, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F. oven for 6 to 7 minutes, or until just lightly browned.

From the cookbook Mr. Food’s Quick & Easy Diabetic Cooking

Judyth Piazza Gets Hungry with Mr. Food, Art Ginsburg

Sebastian Florida is gradually being discovered by vacationers as one of South Florida`s best-kept secrets. It is located just 12 miles north of Vero Beach and 18 miles South of Melbourne.

Sebastian and its laid-back lifestyle is located amidst unspoiled subtropical vegetation and miles of rivers and beaches. Sebastian is becoming the Atlantic`s newest vacationer`s playground as a result of all of its water-oriented activities, fine foods, and fun for the whole family.

Lodging

One of Sebastian most well known resorts is the Oyster Pointe & Bay Resort, 150 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL. While there, you will find that this is an exquisite vacation escape from the ordinary with an absence of crowded lobbies and check in delays.

They provide fully furnished apartments with a complete kitchen, dishes, linens and two bedrooms. Some of their amenities include cable TV, telephone and a private terrace. “We are a very family oriented place,” said Kathy Justus, assistant manager. Other amenities include a playground, lighted tennis courts, heated swimming pools, and relaxing Jacuzzis.

The seafood is abundant here with oysters, clams, and fishing for the aspiring angler. “During your stay with us you can be the captain of your own boat whereas we provide each guest with a 15 foot runabout motor boat to make their sport fishing enjoyable and easier” said Justus.

Area Attractions

A short distance from the resort is the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum.  While there you will experience the essence of the Age of Discovery from the late fifteenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries covering early European explorers` exploits, their commerce, and the havoc they wreaked by both accident and design on the native inhabitants of the Americas all have their echoes in the artifacts in their collection.

Kids can explore the museum`s four ships, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, both of which sank in a hurricane in 1622; The St. John`s Wreck , a vessel of exploration that carried conquistadors to the Caribbean in roughly 1560; and the Henrietta Marie, an English merchant slaver that sank off the Florida Keys in 1700.

After leaving the museum, you can make tracks in the sand across the street to the Bahamian Sandbar, and experience Capt. Hiram`s “Islandsphere.”

You can enjoy the river breezes and coconut palms while sipping on your favorite frozen drink or snack off their fabulous Sandbar menu, and you will be instantly transported to a tropical paradise.

The Sandbar at Capt. Hiram`s Resort features two full service bars, the beautiful Sandbar, which is undercover, and the all-new Coral Bar, both of which overlook the Indian River. The Grand Sand Bandstand accommodates the Sandbar`s extensive live entertainment line-up. You will be able to enjoy live entertainment daily. “Pete Harris, a Florida favorite appears regularly and is soon to be releasing his fourth CD,” said Jan Taylor, Director of Entertainment.

While dining at Capt. Hirams, make sure you try their Maryland style crab cakes, said Kym Cool, 36 a regular at Capt. Hirams.

For the nature lover, at Absolute Watersports & Kayak in Sebastian offers scenic tours of the Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian River Buffer Preserve, which are ripe with countless species of marine and land based wildlife. While there, you can experience intimate viewing of manatee, dolphin, armadillo, golden eagle, osprey, blue heron and many more.

A great way to end your vacation is with an adrenaline rush adventure. It includes a 13,500 foot Skydive with magnificent views of the Inter-Coastal Waterway & surrounding beaches while you experience the thrill and freedom of free fall skydiving safely harnessed to your instructor.

The sports minded angler will find Sebastian everything they have ever dreamed about and a little more.

The song of the river ends not at her banks but in the hearts of those who have loved her ”
                                               -Buffalo Joe         

My family and I love the sun, the sights and the sounds of the river, ” said John Davis, of Stuart.

Recently, Davis and his family took a nature cruise on the Island Princess, which is a luxurious and spacious 84 foot pleasure craft that has the capacity to hold 150 passengers.

The Island Princess is a sightseeing adventure for the whole family. As you cruise the warm, calm waters of Florida`s Intercoastal Waterway the Captains warm and heartfelt narration quickly captures the essence of Stuart, Florida and brings the waterway to life.

It is one of the most relaxing day cruises I have ever been on, ” said Davis.

You can kick back, unwind and relax while enjoying the spectacularly splendid scenery from the comfort of the enclosed air-conditioned main salon or the open air upper deck of the sleek Island Princess.

As you cruise the open waters, you can watch as the porpoises jump, the manatees float, and the pelican`s swoop down to catch fish. You will also see blue herons and egrets wandering around their natural habitat searching for their next meal.

As the sun shines over the water you will quickly become acquainted with the abundance of bird sanctuaries, spoil islands as well as the mangroves.

The Island Princess Departs from The Finest Kind Marina in the Manatee Pocket with sightseeing and charter cruises on the St. Lucie River, the Indian River and Jupiter Sound.

While cruising, you will have the opportunity to cruise by homes of celebrities such as Burt Reynolds and the late Perry Como.

I was so glad that I remembered to bring my binoculars and my camera. The memories that we shared will last a lifetime, ” said Davis.

The nature cruise dips into the wilds of the 928 acre St. Lucie Inlet State Park, an uninhabited wild life refuge.

Some trips are seasonal. Please call for current schedule and reservations. Reservations required. 

 Departs 1:00 p.m. – Return 3:00 p.m.  
Adults: $21.95 Children:$14.50  

Bon Voyage!

http://www.islandprincesscruises.com/

Island Princess Cruises
P.O. Box 598
Stuart, FL 34995 USA
Phone: 772-225-2100
email: info@islandprincesscruises.com

Location:
Finest Kind Marina
3585 SE St. Lucie Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34997

FAU Campus is the place to be on the 4th of July.

6 p.m. – Family Activities, games, children’s rides, arts and crafts, walkabout entertainment

6:30 p.m. – Stage Show – RED, WHITE & BLUE TRIBUTE (AZMC Production)

7:10 p.m. – Zumba Demonstation – mass audience participation

7:30 p.m. Concert – WIND SYMPHONY OF FLORIDA, Dr. Kyle Prescott

9 p.m. – FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Florida Atlantice University, located on Glades Rd, just East of I-95

Cost:  FREE

IMPORTANT:  Personal fireworks, sparklers, alcholic beverages, dogs, open fires are not allowed.  No stopping or parking along Glades Rd.

Kal Gunay of ‘Fit Body Boot Camp, East Boca Raton’, announces that anybody participating in Fit Body Bootcamp between June 28 – July 16, 2010, $100 will be donated to the Jessica June’s Children’s Cancer Foundation.

“The current economic state has drastically reduced the amount of donations being made to charities and non-profit organization. So we’ve decided to kill two birds with one stone. By offering a stress-reducing and physical fitness program to the public, while helping out a great cause”.  

All participants are welcome to workout at their own pace for as little as fifteen minutes or, for those up to the challenge, for the full hour of each session. The activities include fun exercises in a group atmosphere designed to burn fat and firm and tone the entire body.  

Every participant will walk way from this workout with a better understanding of fitness and weight-loss concepts, a feeling of accomplishment and knowledge they helped a worthwhile cause.

In addition, every participant will receive the “Ultimate Tone-It-Up Nutrition Guide” designed to help make healthy dietary choices simple.

“This is just a fun and social way to introduce an alternative to the boring gym workouts and at the same time help out a charity that does so much to feed the hungry, especially in these current economic times,” explains Sally Smith. “Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than having a fun and energizing workout.”