Linda L. Behmoiras
As we head into August, you may be a little sick of your family by now if you’ve stayed home most of the summer.
Kids are going stir crazy with their parents and their rules. Seniors are quarantined inside and feeling alienated from their families. But you know – and we know – that you love them. As Michael J. Fox said: “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” That’s why we celebrate families in the August Family Issue, featuring insightful reads, fun activities, kid-friendly recipes and much more.
First, we sat down with “Top Chef” host and best-selling author Padma Lakshmi to discuss her new Hulu show, “Taste the Nation.” In “One Big Foodie Family” (page 56), she discusses the mission of the series, which explores the culinary contributions of immigrant communities across the country. The mother of one also gives us an update on her life during the pandemic as well as her upcoming children’s book.
Next, you’ll find plenty of eye candy to enjoy in “No Place Like Home” (page 62). This photo essay, by photographer Arien Cronk, reveals the natural beauty of the state where we live, work and play via 10 stunning images of locales from Jupiter and Miami to Naples and beyond.
Then, we chat with actress Patricia Heaton, known for playing moms on TV shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Middle.” Her new book, “Your Second Act: Inspiring Stories of Reinvention,” profiles people who have done a 180 in their lives to start something new. Whether you’re an empty nester seeking renewed purpose or unemployed and looking for a career change, don’t miss our talk with Heaton in “Thank You, Next” (page 68).
Finally, if your kids need something to occupy their time, check out “Say Goodbye to Boredom” (page 74). We asked six South Floridians – a chef, a special events designer, a library youth-program director, a personal trainer, an art museum director of education and a neighborhood lifestyle director – for fun, affordable activities families can do at home. Boy, did they deliver.
Speaking of family, community and good health, we invite you to participate in our Boca Wear A Damn Mask Challenge. Members of our community can vote on our website for their favorite selfie until Aug. 4, and six winners will receive various prizes. Also, you can post a masked selfie on Instagram with #BocaWearADamnMask to get the word out and protect our community. We are all in this together – in Boca Raton and beyond! Good luck – and thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
If there is one lesson I have learned in this pandemic, it’s this: in the words of Maya Angelou, “We need much less than we think we need.” Personally, this has been confirmed to me in the last year in countless ways. Please, focus on your family, and cherish this unusual time in your homes. Be safe and healthy.
Until next time,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com