South Florida Family Life Magazine, June 2024

Keep Your Kids Safe Around Water

Whether your kids are in, on or near the water this summer, safety must be your top priority. Here are a few tips and resources for playing it safe around water.

y Get swim lessons for the whole family

y Install barriers to water at home

y Designate a water-watcher or use beach areas with lifeguards

y Children, inexperienced swimmers and all boaters should wear a life jacket NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED NEAR WATER

GET COUPONS FOR SWIM LESSONS! You can offset the cost of swim lessons for your kid with a coupon from The Children’s Services Council of Broward County and Broward County’s SWIM Central.

Moving from Broward to Ave Maria puzzled Ariel and Juan’s family and friends. “We’ll give it a year,” they were told. “I wasn’t sure, either,” says Ariel. But a focus on finding a better place to raise a family led them here. “Both kids have so many friends. My son loves playing baseball, and he and I are taking drumming lessons,” says Ariel. As for the skeptics? “Her parents are moving a couple of blocks from here,” laughs Juan.

Following your own drum has its benefits. Especially when you follow it to Ave Maria, A Big Kind of Small Town.

8

EDITOR’S NOTE

Catching kindness at the ballpark.

10 SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

Staying in touch with the people, places and events in our community.

20

FAMILY HEALTH

Tips to protect yourself, and your family, from the sun’s harmful rays.

22

FAMILY FEAST

Serve up savory New York strip steaks with a crisp salad topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

36

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Entertaining and noteworthy things to see and do throughout South Florida.

38

WORDS OF WISDOM

Just say yes! The upside of splurging on yourself.

Our special advertising section highlights outstanding options for summer fun. departments

14 HEAD OF THE CLASS

Kudos to these local high school students who have soared to the top.

24 SUMMER CAMP SHOWCASE

28 BOREDOM BUSTERS

Hand-on activities designed to keep young minds active and engaged.

32 SHINING THROUGH DARKNESS

A personal journey of hope and healing shines light on mental health.

PUBLISHER

Richard Rosser

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stacey Jacques

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Susan Rosser

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shannon Pease-Severance

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carrie B. Weeks

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

Linda Seavey • Deborah Szewczuck

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tom Gonzales

CONTACT US: 2436 N Federal Highway, #311 Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 Phone 954-299-5592 info@southfloridafamilylife.com

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SAVES LIVES

Don’t wait for a hurricane to hit. Act now and protect what matters most. By being prepared, we can weather any storm. Remember to:

1. GATHER your supplies at the start of the season and stock enough for at least five days.

2. FILL your gas tank.

3. DETERMINE where you and your family will ride out the storm.

4. ASSESS and SECURE your property.

5. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS for your pets.

6. KEEP CASH on hand.

“It’s never too early to get ready for hurricane season. Proper planning today helps keep everyone safer tomorrow.”

Scan

with the Sheriff SHOP TALK PODCAST

@browardsheriffsoffice

@browardsheriff

Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony

Catching Kindness

The ball was in her grasp. Well, perhaps not in her hand entirely, but her fingers had certainly made contact. I was at a Marlins game with my daughter when a foul ball rolled to her seat. She knelt to pick it up, but as soon as her fingers touched the ball, a boy from about five rows back barreled towards us and snatched it away.

My daughter was disappointed, and I felt like a sore loser. But perhaps exceedingly aggressive behavior is forgiven when chasing down foul balls. Does it matter if you need to vault over seven adult baseball fans to reach the ball? Apparently not!

Recently, I attended a spring training game with my grown-up son. During the game, a foul ball flew our way and landed on the first base side. The man who caught the ball handed it to a little kid in the stands. Soon after, another foul ball landed along the third base side, and again, the lucky fan gave it to a nearby kid. There were smiles and cheers all around.

Later, a foul ball landed on the roof and bounced back into the stands. A man caught it and, again, presented it to a nearby baby. The proud father held his child high over his head in a “Simba-style” pose. The entire stadium cheered. You could practically hear the “Lion King” soundtrack.

Unfortunately, my beloved Mets took a beating that day, and the game was cut short by rain. But every time a fan passed a foul ball to a young kid, it was a reminder that in a world that can sometimes be unforgiving, there is still unexpected kindness to be found.

SUSAN ROSSER Executive Editor

There are many ways to celebrate dads. Here are some fun-for-all-ages local events designed to pay fathers their due.

Make Father’s Day Gift Cards

Tuesday, June 4

Tap into nature by creating a unique card for Dad, or another special someone. Free. 3:30-4:30pm, MIRAMAR PINELAND , 3600 S. University Dr., 954-357-8776 www.broward.org/parks

Father’s Day Workshop

Saturday, June 8

Kids and their dads can make with their own wooden caddy during this interactive workshop. $10 per family. 3-6pm, DORAL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER , 8363 NW 53 St., Doral, www.cityofdoral.com

Celebrate Dads – Say it on Canvas

Friday, June 14

Express your love of dad through an artistic project. 3-4pm, RIVERLAND BRANCH LIBRARY , 2710 W. Davie Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.broward.org/library

Donuts for Dad Craft

Saturday, June 15

Kids can create a fun, easy-to-make craft for Dad. Ages 3-11. 11am-noon, PALMETTO BAY BRANCH LIBRARY , 17641 Old Cutler Rd., Palmetto Bay, www.mdpls.org

Father’s Day Fishing Fun

Saturday, June 15

Spend some time together during an enjoyable and educational catch and release fishing experience. Tournament categories include: most fish caught, biggest fish and a casting contest. 7-10:30am,

ROYAL PALM PARK , 1701 NW 38 St. Oakland Park, www.oaklandparkfl.gov

Father’s Day Celebration

Saturday, June 15

Kids can enjoy a snack and creating a special gift for their father or another loved one. Ages 6-12. 11am-noon, COCONUT GROVE BRANCH LIBRARY , 2875 McFarlane Rd., Miami, www.mdpls.org

Dad and Me at Long Key Saturday-Sunday, June 15-16

Dads and their kiddoes ages 3-10 can spend some quality time together with scavenger hunts crafts, games and by learning all about the nature center’s wildlife dads. $5. 10am-1pm, LONG KEY NATURE CENTER , 3501 SW 130 Ave., Davie, 954-357-8797 www.broward.org/parks

Fit to Be Tied Father’s Day 5K

Sunday, June 16

Participate in this special event that includes a run for all ages, music, entertainment, a video game truck and a kids’ zone with a tie-making activity. Race begins at 7am. Pre-registration required. VISTA VIEW PARK , 4001 SW 142 Ave., Davie, www.broward.org/parks

Father’s Day Fishing Cruise

Sunday, June 16

Spend time with Dad on a 3-hour catch and release fishing trip on Biscayne Bay. $50. 1-4pm, DEERING ESTATE , 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668 www.deeringestate.org

Eye of the Storm

The Museum of Discovery and Science is offering free admission June 1 for an interactive and family-friendly day of hurricane science and preparation. MODS has teamed up with Florida International University’s Hurricane Research Center and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to offer programming that includes air cannon missile demonstrations, live weather theater shows, wind engineering and presentations and demonstrations by hurricane experts. A Kids Zone will offer additional fun with weather science demonstrations and a Touch-A-Truck festivities with emergency vehicles and a meet and greet with some of South Florida’s first responders.

The free event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1 at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale. You can get your tickets at www.mods.org/eyeofthestorm.

Stock Up

Hurricane season is here, and consumers who need to prepare are getting a sales-tax break on qualifying items from June 1 through June 14. Some of the items included in the state’s Sales Tax Holiday are – wet dog or cat food, leashes and pet beds, self-powered light sources and radios, batteries, portable power banks, pet kennels and carriers and portable generators. Monetary limits apply in each category. For more information and a complete list of items, visit www.floridarevenue.com/ disasterprep. If you miss out this time around or need to replenish your supply toward the end of the summer, a second exemption period will take place August 24 through September 6.

HEAD of the CLASS

Our special section takes a look at some of the best and the brightest in South Florida’s graduating class of 2024

ARCHBISHOP EDWARD A. MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL

Christos Demos

SAT: 1550

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.59

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction, Florida Academic Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta-VP, Science Honor Society; Best BuddiesTreasurer

ACCEPTED TO: University of Michigan, UF Honors & Research, FSU-Honors

WILL ATTEND: University of Florida

Ana Garcia

SAT/ACT: 1550/36

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.53

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Finalist & Scholarship Recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction, Excelsior Scholar - President; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, English, Science, Social Studies, and Athletic Honor Societies

ACCEPTED TO: Duke, UF, Case Western, UCF

WILL ATTEND: Duke University

Ryan Dolan

SAT: 1520

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.54

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Commended Scholar; Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, English, Science, and Social Studies Honor Societies, Spanish Honor SocietyTreasurer; Robotics World Team Champion Participant

ACCEPTED TO: Notre Dame, UF, Purdue, Penn State, Texas A&M

WILL ATTEND: University of Notre Dame

Simone Kaplan

SAT/ACT: 1550/36

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.52

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Finalist & Scholarship Recipient; AP Scholar with Distinction, Excelsior Scholar; Silver Knight Nominee; NHS, Science, Social Studies Honor Societies, English Honor SocietyPresident; STEM-Treasurer

ACCEPTED TO: Washington University-St. Louis, UF

Honors, UM- Foote Fellows Honors

WILL ATTEND: University of Miami

Helen Ribas

ACT: 34

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.33

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; AP Scholar with Distinction, Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, English, Science, Social Studies, and Athletic Honor Societies; 4-year Varsity Track/Cross-country

ACCEPTED TO: West Point, UF, FSU, UCF, Nebraska, FAU

WILL ATTEND: United States Military Academy at West Point

ARCHBISHOP EDWARD A. MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL

5451 South Flamingo Rd., Southwest Ranches • 954-434-8820 • www.mccarthyhigh.org

Gabriella Delgado

SAT: 1500

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.31

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; AP Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Art-Historian, Science, English, and Computer Science Honor Societies; STEM Club-Secretary

ACCEPTED TO: UF, Georgia Tech, Purdue, Georgia, FSU, Clemson, Indiana

WILL ATTEND: University of Georgia

Maria-Gabriela Oliver

ACT: 33

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.23

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; AP Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Science, and Athletic Honor Societies; Student Ambassador, Tech Ambassador, Dance Team-Captain

ACCEPTED TO: University of Michigan, University of Miami, Penn State

WILL ATTEND: University of Michigan

Monica Quiros

SAT/ACT: 1520/31

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.26

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; AP Scholar with Honors, Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, English, Science, Social Studies, and Quill and Scroll Honor Societies

ACCEPTED TO: Michigan, University of California-San Diego, UF, UM

WILL ATTEND: University of Michigan

Elena Vega

SAT: 1230

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.19

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: AP Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; HSF Scholar Finalist; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta-Historian, Spanish Honor Society-President, English, Science, Social Studies, and Speech and Debate Honor Societies

ACCEPTED TO: USC -Merit Scholarship, DrexelPresidential & Westphal Scholarship

WILL ATTEND: La Salle Ramon Llull University, Barcelona

Andres Robles

SAT/ACT: 1530/33

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.14

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Commended Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction, Gates Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; Mu Alpha Theta, Science, and Computer Science Honor Societies, International Robotics Honor Society Co-President

ACCEPTED TO: Rice, Michigan, UF, Case Western, Rensselaer, Rochester Institute WILL ATTEND: Rice University

ARCHBISHOP EDWARD A. MCCARTHY HIGH SCHOOL

Emil Salgado Vazquez

SAT/ACT: 1470/34

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.13

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: National Merit Finalist; National Honor Society; Mav News-Editing Director, Broadcast Journalism Club, Maverick E-Sports Club-Varsity Team Captain, Chess Club, American Sign Language Club

ACCEPTED TO: Northwestern, University of Washington, UM, George Washington WILL ATTEND: University of Miami

Emiliana Mejia

SAT: 1330

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.10

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; Mu Alpha Theta, English, and Social Studies Honor Societies; Student Ambassador, Tech Ambassador, Best Buddies Club

ACCEPTED TO: University of Virginia, Michigan, UF, Texas, Purdue, OSU

WILL ATTEND: Purdue University

Connor Archabal

SAT: 1350

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.13

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: College Board National Recognition Program; Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Student AmbassadorsExecutive Board

ACCEPTED TO: NYU, FSU, USF-Honors, Howard, UMass WILL ATTEND: New York University

Daniel Rodriguez

SAT/ACT: 1490/33

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.08

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: AP Scholar, Excelsior Scholar-Senior Representative; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Science, and Social Studies Honor Societies; Quest Bridge-Finalist, Senior Peer Ministry

ACCEPTED TO: University of Florida, Boston College, Florida State University WILL ATTEND: Boston College

Luciano del Carpio

SAT: 1460

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.05

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: AP Scholar, Excelsior Scholar; NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, English, and Science Honor Societies; Student Government, Student Ambassador, Peer Ministry, Tennis Team

ACCEPTED TO: University of Michigan, Purdue University WILL ATTEND: University of Michigan

NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Benny Kuttler

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.14

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: First author of research study published in Journal of Education, a professional, peer-reviewed journal; Poster presenter at two international professional conferences; Assessed reading readiness of 350+ local students; USA Climbing Youth Nationals Competitor and Regional Champion

ACCEPTED TO: Yale University, Duke University, Northwestern University

WILL ATTEND: Yale University

CAREER GOAL: Advance Quantum Computing Technology

FAVORITE TEACHERS: Dr. Rafael Arechabaleta, Ms. Michaela Carbonara, Ms. Nicole Poulin

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: Competing at National Science Bowl competitions with friends

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Perfection is to strive for, not to attain.” - Benny Kuttler

Avery Redlich

WEIGHTED GPA: 5.11

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Coca-Cola Scholar, Taco Bell Scholar, Youngest ever Florida HOSA State Officer, Girl Scout Gold Awardee, Six-time President’s Volunteer Service Awardee, 27-time Scholastic Art & Writing Awardee, National Merit Winner, International Chinese Karaoke Champion, 1,800+ service hours

ACCEPTED TO: Brown University

WILL ATTEND: Brown University

CAREER GOAL: Healthcare Leader, Writer, Physicist, etc.

FAVORITE TEACHER: DR. A

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: HOSA conferences, Cappie galas, newspaper meetings, Science Bowl competitions, Spirit Weeks, physics labs, and the people

FAVORITE QUOTE: “Dude, you’re embarrassing me in front of the wizards.” - Iron Man, Avengers: Infinity War

POSNACK JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

Adam Elitzur

WEIGHTED GPA: 4.7

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Congressional App Challenge Winner for creating Songlingo website, Roger Dearing Heart of the Arts Scholarship Winner, National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Editor-in-Chief of Newspaper

ACCEPTED TO: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, Georgia Tech, University of Florida Honors, University of Maryland

WILL ATTEND: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

CAREER GOAL: Technology and Entrepreneurship

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: School trip to Camp Kulaqua

Ryan Cotzen

WEIGHTED GPA: 4.69

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: National Merit Scholar, NHSMUN Award of Merit (G20) 2023, NHSMUN Award of Excellence (Security Council) 2024, NHSMUN Research Award of Distinction (2022,24), Florida Senate Page, Best Public Speaker (2022)

ACCEPTED TO: Georgetown SFS, Harvard College, Brown University, University of Virginia, William & Mary, Northeastern, FSU, American University, Brandeis University, Boston College WILL ATTEND: Georgetown University - Walsh School of Foreign Service

CAREER GOAL: Diplomacy with the U.S. State Department/ U.S. Foreign Service

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: Ice cream in NYC while on the Model UN trip

Steven Goetz

WEIGHTED GPA: 4.69

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Researched and published five papers, founded Jewish Agnostics, an interfaith podcast, co-founded and lead DeAP Learning Labs, an Ed-tech company serving 80-100,000 students with personalized tutoring

ACCEPTED TO: Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Vanderbilt (Ingram Scholar), Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Michigan (Ross), NYU (Stern), Georgia Tech, UVA (Echols Scholar), Northeastern, Tufts, Rice WILL ATTEND: Princeton University

CAREER GOAL: Private equity but always open to startup life

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: Every calculus class with Mrs. Kibler

Sara Sonnenblick

WEIGHTED GPA: 4.66

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: Photograph in National Portrait Gallery in Smithsonian Museum in D.C. (2022-2023), National Merit Finalist, YoungArts Winner 2023

ACCEPTED TO: University of Central Florida, Florida State University, University of Florida, Tulane University, Northwestern University, Cornell University WILL ATTEND: University of Florida

CAREER GOAL: Medical School

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY: Camp Kulaqua senior year

RYAN COTZEN

STEVEN GOETZ

SARA SONNENBLICK

Produced by

Presented by

Summer Sun Safety

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY FROM THE SUN'S DAMAGING RAYS

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

My worst sunburn ever was from laying out on an overcast day. I didn’t expect to get much of a tan, let alone sunburnt, given the conditions. I was especially unconcerned since I couldn’t see any color change at the time. But by evening, my skin was a bright pinkish-red, and the pain set in. I couldn’t wear clothes and had to call in sick for two days.

Aside from severe sunburn, there are other equally important reasons to take extra precautions in the sun, especially during the hot summer months.

Skin cancer is the most widely recognized health problem resulting from sun exposure. To reduce your risk:

• Avoid afternoon sun.

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least fifteen minutes before you go out and then reapply every two hours.

• Look for products carrying the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blue seal of approval.

• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs as well as a hat to shade your face.

The sun’s rays also damage our eyes. Exposure can cause cataracts as well as damage to part of the retina, cornea and lens. Cheryl Khanna, M.D. of Mayo Clinic, recommends wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind that some sunglass designs offer better protection than others. The best designs to block out as much UV rays as possible are wrap-around or close-fitting sunglasses.

The risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion also increase during warmer months. It’s important to drink several glasses of water every day of the year, but especially during the summer months. If you’ll be in the sun or heat for any length of time, take plenty of water with you. Better yet, carry sports drinks, since they contain electrolytes. Also, try to restrict outdoor physical activity to cooler parts of the day.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR BABIES

Sun exposure also increases the risk of cancer in children. This is of particular concern for babies because of their sensitive skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a sunburn on a baby can be much more serious and result in high fever, dehydration, blistering and heatstroke.

To protect babies from the sun, keep them out of the direct sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dress them in lightweight clothing that fully covers their bodies. Keep their heads covered with hats or sunbonnets with 4-inch brims.

For travel, place babies in the center position of the backseat, or cover the car windows with UV-blocking film. Also, to keep infants and young children hydrated, carry Pedialyte, which is an excellent source of electrolytes.

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer and owner of the online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books.

Flavorful Fusion

A PERFECT PAIRING:

Oven Fries and Seared Steak

Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Garlicky-Chive Dip

When I first considered a steak dinner for the June issue, a steak salad seemed perfect. Salads are a refreshing way to get your veggies, especially in the South Florida heat. Picture a generous bowl brimming with colorful ingredients featuring bite-size pieces of steak. However, my plans took a detour when I ventured into a gourmet butcher shop to procure the steaks. I practically had to dip into my 401K for these bad boys, prompting me to prioritize the steak as the star of the meal. While the salad and oven fries still play supporting roles, the New York strips demand the spotlight. Plated together, the fusion of flavors creates some culinary magic, particularly when the dressing mingles with the steak – a true moment of gastronomic alchemy. I’m not sure we are still in salad territory, but we are in a delicious world.

Rosser

Recipe and Photo by Susan

Oven-Fry Steak Salad

Ingredients:

FOR THE STEAK

2 NY strip steaks

(about 1.25 pounds each)

Kosher Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

FOR THE SALAD

Romaine, whole leaves, cleaned and chilled

3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved

Corn kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn

2 scallions, thinly sliced

Blue cheese crumbles

FOR THE OVEN FRIES

4 russet potatoes

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE DRESSING

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2-3 garlic cloves, grated

1 shallot, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

FOR THE GARLICKY-CHIVE DIP

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chives, finely chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, grated

1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

2. For the Oven Fries: Cut the potatoes into “fry-shaped” pieces, about a half-inch thick. Rinse the potatoes with cold water and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes until brown and crispy.

3. For the Dressing: In a jar, combine balsamic vinegar, grated garlic, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake well to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.

4. For the Garlicky-Chive Dip: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped chives, grated garlic and fresh lemon juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. To Reverse Sear the Steak: Preheat the oven to 225°F. Season the steaks with Kosher salt on all sides. Place the steaks on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until they reach 15 degrees below the desired temperature. (For medium-rare, 115°F – about 30 minutes.) Remove from oven and sear in a hot cast iron skillet or grill until nicely browned. Season with freshly ground black pepper and rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Or, throw the steaks on the grill for ease!

6. To Assemble: Arrange the romaine leaves on a large platter. Top with grape tomatoes, corn, scallions, and blue cheese crumbles. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Slice the rested steak and place it next to the salad. Serve the oven fries on the same platter or separately, accompanied by the garlicky-chive dip.

Bitmapped Lo-res???

ENGAGE the

BRAIN

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

Activities, Toys and Events for Active Minds

Does it seem like every time you turn around your home has been taken apart by your little explorer? Don’t despair. It may only result from an extraordinary desire to learn. Who knows, your child may be a future scientist, inventor or leader in the making. On the next page are some ways to redirect that seemingly endless supply of youthful energy.

BOREDOM BUSTERS

When your child needs to occupy her creative energy, have her try some of these fun, educational activities. Put together a book. Gather some facts of personal interest such as dinosaurs, insects, rock bands, sports or astronomy. Clip pictures and descriptions from magazines and Internet printouts, then trace drawings from books and write about personal experiences with the topic.

Make up a scavenger hunt. Make a list of easy to find items for your small children. Make it more challenging for older kids by providing them with a list of puzzles to solve to determine what items to find. Kids can also create a scavenger hunt for family or friends to try.

Play restaurant. Have your child make up a restaurant menu with several simple dishes he can prepare. At dinnertime, he can seat the family, take orders, then prepare and serve the meals. (Suggestion: Bring along some reading while you wait).

Recycling fun. Start a discard collection and teach your kids the importance of recycling and reusing disposable items. Save zippers and buttons from old clothing, plastic containers, fabric strips, packing materials, small scraps of wood, carpet, wallpaper scraps and other remnants. Then, supply your kids with scissors, tape, and glue and let them get to work. Offer ideas to get your kids started then let them come up with their creations.

Make a United States puzzle. Purchase several colors of clay and a United States map. Clip each state from the map, place a state clipping over the rolled-out clay, and trace the shape into the clay with a toothpick. Cut out the shapes then write the name of the state with a pencil tip. Be sure to use a different color of the clay for each neighboring state, and then let the shapes dry or bake according to instructions.

Play Thomas Edison. Save old kitchen appliances, computers, DVD players and other electronics. Give your child a supply of tools such as pliers, screwdrivers and safety glasses, and let him go to work. Kids love this type of exploration and learn by taking apart and examining the inner workings of electronics. As a word of caution,

cut the electrical cord before your child begins to prevent any mishaps. And supervise for sharp parts or mechanisms that could pinch fingers.

Create a video. Have your kids make up several humorous TV commercials using household items for props and dressing-up for the part. Once they’ve rehearsed their skits, set up a video camera and tape their production.

TOYS THAT TEACH

Keep kids entertained with these educational toys that won’t quickly lose their appeal.

Building blocks. With building sets, there are endless possibilities of what a child can create from dinosaurs and airplanes to roller coasters, space shuttles and motorized cars.

Go on a dig. Archaeology excavation kits are found in many educational toy stores or online. Children can dig for ancient treasures from replicas of dinosaur fossils to Egyptian reliefs. Kids also learn about the history behind the excavated items through stories included with the kits. Once kids’ interest has been sparked, parents can print out additional articles from encyclopedias or the Internet.

Scientific Explorer kits. These kits offer a variety of educational activities, experiments and worksheets. They are available in the following themes: Ancient Greece: The Dawn of Modern Science, Galileo: Renaissance Astronomer and Physicist, Charles Darwin: The Life of a Naturalist, and many others.

EXPLORATION ON THE GO

Are you looking for some new and exciting things to do with your kids? There are countless events and activities taking place throughout South Florida this summer. Best of all, many of them are free. To find something to do today, next week or even next month, visit www.southfloridafamilylife.com/south-florida-family-events to find your next adventure.

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DARK NESS SHINING through the

A Journey of Hope and Healing

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

Iwasfirst diagnosed with major depression at the age of 31. I was married, had two beautiful kids ages 7 and 3, and owned a thriving business. Yet, despite having so much to live for, my mood plummeted into despair. I lost all motivation to do anything. Simple, everyday tasks suddenly required an extraordinary effort. At night, I’d lie awake ruminating over every minor thing I had ever said or done wrong — or less than perfect. My life felt utterly worthless, despite all evidence to the contrary, and I became engulfed in sorrow and hopelessness.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Here are some local agencies that are there to help.

Center for Individual & Family Counseling

With a mission to help people live their lives to the fullest potential, CIFC provides a range of psychological services to families, adolescents and adults. 1401 SW First St., Miami. 305-400-8998 www.cif-counseling.com

Healing

Arts Institute of South Florida

The Institute’s Awesome Kids Program assists youth between the ages of 3-22 with social, emotional, behavioral and anger management issues. www.healingartssfl.org

Henderson Behavioral Health

Case management for children who are experiencing mental health problems. www.hendersonbh.org

Mental

Health Association of Southeast Florida

Prevention programs, community education, opportunities and advocacy for empowerment of persons with mental illness. Programs include services, support, mentoring, art and music therapy and more. 7145 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill. 954-746-2055 www.mhasefl.org

National

Alliance on Mental Illness

Support, advocacy and education for people with mental illnesses, their families and friends. www.nami.org

NSU

Pediatric Mental Health Care Services

A full range of psychological services and programs to assist families with emotional, cognitive, and/ or behavioral difficulties. Nova Southeastern University, Maxwell Maltz Building, 3151 College Ave., Davie. https://nsuhealth.nova.edu/services/ mental-health/pediatric-mentalhealth.html

SEDNET (Severe Emotional Disorders)

Multi-agency effort dedicated to improving services to children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. www.sednetfl.info

As days turned into weeks, I continued to spiral downward. I became increasingly focused on death. I wasn’t suicidal, per se though thoughts of the least painful methods of ending my suffering swirled around in my mind. I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and never wake up again.

Unable to endure the pain and emptiness any longer, and terrified by my thoughts, I finally sought help. My doctor prescribed an antidepressant, and within a few weeks, the darkness lifted. I was once again, my usual happy, energetic self.

But this was only the beginning of a lifelong battle with depression. Over the past couple of decades, I’ve had far too many bouts of depression to even count. Some are mild and short-lived, having minimal impact on my functioning, despite the bleak outlook that looms over me. Other episodes are major and impact all areas of my life.

People with one depressive disorder often suffer from various forms. I’ve been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and either cyclothymia or bipolar II (hypomania, rather than mania), with the depression component being the more severe problem for me.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Not everyone experiences every symptom, but several symptoms must be present for at least two weeks to receive a diagnosis of depression. The exact criteria for specific types of depression vary slightly. But the following are all indicators.

• Feeling depressed (sad, empty, or hopeless) nearly every day for at least a couple of weeks

• Unusual irritability or difficulty controlling anger

• Ongoing trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual

• An increase or decrease in appetite or significant unexplained weight loss or gain

• Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most activities

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of fatigue or loss of energy

• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Visible psychomotor slowing down or agitation

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, with or without a plan, or attempted suicide

Women are particularly at risk for depression

Depression does affect both women and men. But, women are twice as likely to experience major depression, according to Harvard Medical School. Women also experience higher rates of dysthymia, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and the depressive side of bipolar disorder.

Depression, unlike the normal sadness everyone experiences from time to time, is a soul-sucking darkness that’s debilitating. It causes feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. Depression can affect every aspect of life, from work and school to parenting, friendships and the very basics of living.

For most women who’ve been diagnosed with depression in the past, the feeling is unmistakable when it begins to set in. But those who suffer from milder forms of depression, and sometimes, even those suffering from a first major depressive episode, don’t immediately connect all the dots. So, some people can experience depression and not realize they’re suffering from a treatable illness.

Types of depression

There are quite a few classifications, or types, of depression. The following are a few of the more common.

In any given year, major depressive disorder affects nearly 7% of the U.S. population, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). During a major depressive episode, almost all aspects of a person’s life are affected. Someone suffering from major depression may lack the motivation to do anything, including such necessities as taking a shower. Because of the impairment, both work and personal life suffer. In addition to the symptoms noted above, 20% of those with major depression will also experience psychosis (hallucinations or delusions).

Dysthymia is diagnosed when someone experiences depression for most of each day and on most days for at least two years. It’s often a lower level yet enduring depression, but those with major depression who are treatment-resistant can also meet the diagnosis of dysthymia. So, impairment from dysthymia can range from mild to severe. Women, according to HealthFundingResearch.org, are three times more likely than men to suffer from dysthymia.

Those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) become depressed only or primarily during a particular season. For most with SAD, it’s during the fall and winter months resulting from the shorter days and reduced sunshine. But some people experience SAD during the summer months instead. The onset of SAD is typically around the age of 20 and affects 10 million Americans each year.

Bipolar disorder affects 2.6% of American adults, according to the NIMH. This treatable, but lifelong disease typically develops in women in their mid to upper 20s. For men, the onset is usually in the teens to the early 20s. Bipolar is signified by its bouts of both mania (or hypomania) and its opposite extreme, depression. Though an individual with bipolar will experience both sides of the spectrum, in women, depression is often the most problematic. For men, it’s the mania. Those with bipolar often experience psychosis during bouts of mania and sometimes with depression.

Postpartum depression will affect 10 to 15% of women, according to the NIMH. Postpartum depression shouldn’t be confused with the “baby blues,” which is milder, short-lived, and related to the worry and fatigue of parenting a new baby. Instead, postpartum depression results from hormonal changes. During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels increase. Then immediately following childbirth, hormone levels rapidly drop to normal levels. This ultimately results in depression in some women. Like other forms of depression, it can be mildly to severely debilitating.

Treatment

In some cases, depression results from an underlying medical condition such as thyroid problems or low vitamin B levels. For this reason, it’s essential to visit your primary care physician for blood work to rule out other causes. If the cause of depression is an underlying medical condition, treatment for that condition is likely all that’s needed to cure the depression.

If medical causes have been ruled out, then it’s best to consult with a psychiatrist. Although primary care physicians can treat depression, psychiatrists have specialized training in diagnosing the various forms of depression and experience in treating them. Psychiatrists often know which medications will work best for a particular patient based on a variety of factors. In fact, depending on the type of depression and the specific set of symptoms, some people with depression require a combination of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers. Psychiatrists know how to tailor treatment toeach individual for optimal results.

For those who are treatment-resistant, look for a psychiatrist with the special ‘psychopharmacologist’ designation. Psychopharmacologists have gone through additional specialized training in how drugs affect the mind and behavior.

In addition to medication, many psychiatrists recommend cognitive therapy with a psychologist or behavioral therapist in conjunction. This can help people cope with the effects of depression as well as deal with any underlying trauma or events fueling the depression.

Finally, for those with SAD, sitting under a light therapy box is often recommended and can be helpful. You can order one online, and depending on your doctor’s recommendations, you can sit under it for 20 to 40 minutes each day.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Depression’s cause is complex and not fully understood, but it’s influenced by various factors. Researchers have linked physical changes in the brain, including altered neurotransmitter function to depression. Genetic predisposition is another factor, with higher rates seen in those with affected family members. Hormonal fluctations, notably during pregnancy, postpartum, menstruation, and menopause, can also contribute to depression.

June Events

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR LISTINGS

Please e-mail listing information to calendar@southfloridafamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.

BROWARD COUNTY

Children’s Bookfest

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

This family-fun festival with entertainers, arts and crafts and other activities, is the official kickoff of Broward County Library’s Summer Learning Program. 10am-3pm, NORTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 3151 N. University Dr., Coral Springs, www.broward.org/library

Eats ‘N’ Beats

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Bring your family and your appetite to an outdoor event featuring live music and a variety of food trucks. Admission is free. 6-9pm, PARKLAND AMPHITHEATER, 10561 Trails End, Parkland, www.cityofparkland.org

Sounds at Sundown

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Move and groove with an evening of music on the covered field. 6pm, MARGATE SPORTS COMPLEX, 1695 Banks Rd., Margate, www.margatefl.com

Eye of the Storm

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

An interactive, family-friendly hurricane-related event with demonstrations, live weather theater shows and meteorologists. 10am-5pm, MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.mods.org

Sunny Days and Starry Nights

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Participate in free museum exploration the first Thursday of every month. 11am-7pm, NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.nsuartmuseum.org

An Evening with the Stars

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Join the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association while looking at the night sky through a telescope. 7:30-9pm, FERN FOREST NATURE CENTER, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, www.broward.org/parks

Fishing Derby

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Enjoy the outdoors while casting a line at the park. 8-10am, PINE TRAILS PARK, 10555 Trails End, Parkland, www.cityofparkland.org

Community Fun Days

SATURDAYS, JUNE 8 & 22

Connect with your neighbors with a day of food, music and family-friendly fun. 3-6pm. June 8 at LAKES OF INVERRARY, 3301 Spanish Moss Terr., Lauderhill and June 22 at WESTWIND PARK, 4550 NW 82 Ave., Lauderhill. www.lauderhill-fl.gov

The Spongebob Musical

ONGOING, JUNE 8-23

Join SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and the rest of the crew for this under the sea adventure. $54 and up. Showtimes vary. BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, www.browardcenter.org

Game Night at the Den

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Enjoy a cool night of ice skating, interactive games, music and more. Free, but preregistration is required. 6-8pm, PANTHERS ICEDEN, 3299 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs, www.coralsprings.gov

Movie Splash Down at Bass Park FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Lounge around the pool while watching a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Free. 7:30-10pm, BASS PARK, 2750 NW 19 St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-828-6019, www.fortlauderdale.gov

Jurassic Splash

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Have a splashtacular time with the family at this nighttime swim event. $7.50/person. 6-10pm, SPLASH ADVENTURE AT QUIET WATERS PARK, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100 www.broward.org/parks

Juneteenth Celebration

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Event includes performances by Ashanti Cultural Arts, live music by Old Skool Gang, food vendors, a kids’ area and more. 7-9:30pm, TAMARAC SPORTS COMPLEX, 9901 NW 77 St., Tamarac, www.tamarac.org

Featured Creatures Weekend

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 15-16

Enjoy larger-than-life games, special meet and greets and animal talks with some of Flamingo Gardens’ resident Animal Ambassadors. On Sunday, dads enter free for Father’s Day with another paid admission. 9:30am-4:30pm, FLAMINGO GARDENS, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie,954-473-2955 www.flamingogardens.org

Dive-in Movie

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Enjoy a cool dip in the pool while watching an outdoor screening of Under the Boardwalk. 8pm, HOUSTON SWORN POOL, 901 NW Tenth St., Pompano Beach, www.pompanobeachfl.gov

Mayor’s Kids Day

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Kids ages 15 and younger can explore local businesses in the city for gifts and prizes throughout the day. Pre-registration required. 10am-noon, CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, www.ppines.com

Little Mermaid

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Kids can experience a meet and greet with a mermaid followed by a screening of the live-action film, The Little Mermaid. The poolside meet and greet begins at 9am, followed by the movie at 10am. A special photo opportunity will follow the film. $7. SUNRISE CIVIC CENTER THEATRE 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, www.sunrisefl.gov

Rapunzel

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

Based on the classic fairytale, this version of the story, performed by Curtain Call Playhouse, takes some unexpected twists and turns. $10. 2-3pm, SUNRISE CIVIC CENTER THEATRE, 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, www.sunrisefl.gov

Splashtacular Friday

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Have a cool time at this event featuring waterthemed activities, games and music. All ages. $7/person ages 13 months and older. 6-8pm, CASTAWAY ISLAND WATER PARK AT T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, www.broward.org/parks

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Kids’ Drawing Class

SUNDAYS

Families can tap into their artistic side while practicing techniques for bubble letters and characters. Class is free for a child with a paid adult museum admission. All kids must be accompanied by at least one adult. 10-11am, MUSEUM OF GRAFFITI, 276 NW 26 St., Miami, www.museumofgraffiti.com

Gold Coast Free First Saturday

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Explore the museum for free the first Saturday of every month. GOLD COAST RAILROAD MUSEUM, 12450 SW 152 St., Miami, 305-253-0063 www.goldcoastrailroadmuseum.org

Guided Kayak Tour

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Take in the beauty of the landscape as you paddle around the 23-acre lake. Gear is included in the tour. Ages 5 and up. $10/person. 10-11:30am, Lakes By The Bay Park, 8551 SW 216 St., Cutler Bay, www.naturepostings.com

Anniversary Beach Bash

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

Celebrate the 27th anniversary of Sunny Isles Beach with a night of live music, food and a drone show. 6-10pm, SAMSON OCEANFRONT PARK, 17425 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, www.sibfl.net

Vizcaya Village Farmers Market

SUNDAYS, JUNE 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Discover fresh-made delicacies and handcrafted goods, fruits and vegetables, vegan products and more. 9am-2pm, VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS, 3250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, www.vizcaya.org

World Ocean Day

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Dive into fun as you learn all about oceans and marine life while learning about what local conservationists are doing to save

coral reefs, protect coastlines and raise awareness. Free with paid admission. 11am-3pm, PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.frostscience.org

PAMM Free Second Saturdays

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Participate in hands-on activities, tours, performances and more. Admission is free all day with art-making from 1-4pm. PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.pamm.org

Family Day on Aragon

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month. 10am-5pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org

Free Family Day: All Aboard!

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Explore the history and culture of Miami while learning about different modes of transportation including airplanes, boats and trains. 10am-5pm, HISTORYMIAMI, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, www.historymiami.org

Teen Talk

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

Teens in grades 7-12 are invited to a roundtable to share ideas about everything from events and programs to podcasts. 6-7:30pm, THE SPOT, 215 185 St., Sunny Isles Blvd., 305-792-1706 www.sibfl.net

LEGO Hour

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Kids 12 and younger can use their imagination while building a creation using provided LEGO blocks. 11am-3pm, CONCORD BRANCH LIBRARY, 3882 SW 112 Ave., Miami, www.mdpls.org

Oops A La Mode Clay Ice Cream

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Kids can explore their artistic side while testing out various art techniques, including painting, drawing and mixed media. $10/person. 4:30-5:30pm, DORAL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, 8363 NW 53 St., Doral, www.cityofdoral.com

Butterfly Walk

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Take a stroll to check out some unique species of butterflies and a variety of habitats. 11am-noon, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668 www.deeringestate.org

Wonka

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

Escape the summer heat while watching a film screening of Wonka;. The movie is free, but advance tickets are required. 11am, AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER, 3385 NE 188 St., Aventura, www.aventuracenter.org

Saturday is Funday

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Make new friend and let your creativity soar while participating in arts, crafts, games and more. 2-4pm, CORAL GABLES BRANCH LIBRARY, 3443 Segovia St., Coral Gables, www.mdpls.org

Bluey’s Big Play

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 29-30

Dad wants to spend Sunday afternoon resting, but Bluey and Bingo have other plans. Join them as they pull out all the stops to get dad off the beanbag. $35-$130.

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.arshtcenter.org

Food Truck Wednesdays

WEDNESDAYS

Bring the family and your appetite to this food truck event featuring a variety of dishes to choose from. 5-10pm, PELICAN HARBOR MARINA, 1275 NE 79 St., Miami, www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com

Jurassic Garden

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2

Have a prehistoric adventure as you explore the grounds filled with life-size replica dinosaurs, hidden dinosaur eggs, fossils and other fun discoveries. $24.95/adult, $11.95/child. FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Miami, www.fairchildgarden.org

Swamp Tromp

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Take a wet and muddy hike down a rugged trail through the cypress swamp. $10/adult, $5/child. 9:30-11am, GRASSY WATERS PRESERVE, 8264 Northlake Blvd., West Palm Beach, www.wpb.org

Peter and the Starcatcher

JUNE 14-29

This Tony Award-winning play upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). $27/general admission, $15/ child. FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY, 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, www.fau.edu/festivalrep

Hometown Hero Appreciation Day

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

A salute to Hometown Heroes with military vehicle demonstrations, meet and greets with armed forces, live science demonstrations, tug-of-war with the troops and more. Free

admission and early entry for Heroes with valid ID and up to 4 guests. Pre-registration required. 10am-3pm, COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, www.coxsciencecenter.org

Eyes to the Skies

MONDAY, JUNE 17

Peer through some high-powered telescopes to see what’s going on in the night sky. Free. 9:30pm, SUGAR SAND PARK, 300 Military Trail, Boca Raton, www.sugarsandpark.org

Pool Party

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

Have a cool time at the pool with swimming, a DJ, sno-cones and more. 1-4pm, POMPEY PARK POOL, 1101 NW Second St., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachfl.gov

Bluey’s Big Play

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 22-23

Dad wants to spend Sunday afternoon resting, but Bluey and Bingo have other plans. Join them as they pull out all the stops to get dad off the beanbag. $29 and up. KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE

PERFORMING ARTS, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, www.kravis.org

Night at the Museum

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Enjoy extended hours of museum exploration and a variety of activities focused on the Space Explorers theme. 6-9pm, COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.coxsciencecenter.org

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Splurge-Worthy

THE UPSIDE OF TREATING YOURSELF

BY SUSAN ROSSER

When your husband drops the subtle hint that your wardrobe might need a bit of a revamp, it’s like a wake-up call to embark on a big-time shopping spree. Here’s the problem: I have a knack for being frugal, yet my taste leans towards luxury. It’s quite the conundrum.

Recently, I found myself bombarded with online ads for Frank and Eileen. Although I think they’ve been around for a while, this brand was new to me. It’s as if the digital universe had conspired against my thrifty nature. Nothing at Frank and Eileen is inexpensive. The brand taunted me for months, although it is unclear what sort of vibes I put forth into the digital universe to attract such advertising. Like I said, I can be pretty cheap. Nonetheless, their collection spoke directly to my style sensibilities — effortlessly chic, timeless designs.

Then, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon a fresh arrival that screamed “South Florida.” I could thoroughly envision myself sipping a crisp, perfectly chilled glass of sauvignon blanc with friends at some hipster spot with an ocean view. In this fantasy of mine, we’re all laughing and sharing a seafood tower. You know – a true catalog moment.

A wise friend once mused that having good taste is a double-edged sword – a blessing because you always turn heads, yet a curse because stylish taste can leave a dent (or crater) in your wallet.

I agonized over this shirt for about a week. Its price tag lingered dangerously close to triple my usual budget for casual attire – even with a 15 percent first-order discount. Sometimes, appearances aren’t just superficial; they’re signals to the world about who we are and how we perceive ourselves. Let’s face it, first impressions matter and dressing the part can open doors and shape perceptions. Whether it’s a job interview, a romantic date, or a just brunch out with friends, attire sets the stage for how we’re perceived and how we feel about ourselves. Of course, I would like to

believe that substance is more important than style, but there are moments when cool new duds can convey confidence, professionalism or just plain fun.

I timidly showed the image to my husband, who enthusiastically dubbed it the ideal garment for an upcoming work event. It turns out he’s quite the persuasive rationalizer.

Then fate threw me a curveball – a cracked tooth demanding an expensive dental implant. Feeling pretty crushed, and not to mention old, I sought a consolation prize in the form of a retail splurge. After all, practicality can only take you so far in life. Plus, it was just a casual linen shirt, not a string of sapphires, and way cheaper than therapy.

So, if you spot me strutting around town in a vibrant pastel-striped top crafted from the finest Italian linen, don’t hesitate to throw me a compliment. We all deserve a little pick-me-up now and then.

Susan Rosser is the editor of South Florida Family Life and she will not partake in any retail outing that does not include lunch.

Here, Mikaela Matters Most

Children’s is Florida’s Top-Ranked Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedic Care

At Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute, we ignite hope for children like Mikaela, diagnosed with severe scoliosis. Our specialized care and successful operation corrected her scoliosis granting her the freedom to live an active life. It’s no surprise that Nicklaus Children’s is recognized as Florida’s leader for pediatric orthopedic care by the U.S.News & World Report in its 2023-24 Best Children’s Hospital’s rankings. Our team leads with compassion and delivers extraordinary care, emphasizing why this is the place where your child matters mostTM

nicklauschildrens.org/Ortho

Mikaela, patient

Nicklaus