B.P.O. Elks Lodge #1352/Wellington Garden Club
Community Vegetable Garden
2009-2010
West Palm Beach, FL
In early Sept. 2009, the local Elks Lodge decided to apply for a $500 Community Involvement grant. The Wellington Garden Club agreed to provide expertise and support via its Master Gardeners and newly formed Wellington High School Junior Garden Club.
Barbara Hadsell, Wellington Garden Club President and Master Gardener picking green beans with the Stone family from the Westgate Habitat for Humanity Village on Jan. 16, 2010.
Members of the Junior Garden Club, a parent, a WGC Master Gardener and a volunteer vegetable garden expert/member of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church attended a Community Vegetable Garden all day seminar on Sept. 19 given by experts chosen by the local Extension Service and given at the Mounts Botanical Garden in WPB. One of the speakers who is very knowledgeable on organic gardening agreed to give us his advice as needed.
Upon learning that the request for funding had been granted, a 30′ x 40′ raised bed vegetable garden was installed by the Elks on their property. Families living in the Westgate Village Habitat for Humanity complex, nearby the gardens were asked to participate as well as a family from Holy Spirit.
And the following businesses contributed to the garden as well: Builtx, Inc. loaned the dump trucks which picked up 3 large loads of compost donated by the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, Ace Hardware of Port St. Lucie and our volunteer vegetable garden expert donated all the seed, and the Ice Cream Club of Boynton Beach, FL provided “dessert” to the families who did the planting. Elks members donated various herbs for harvesting by the families and the cooks at the Elks.
As of Jan. 15th, our garden is flourishing, Jack Frost not withstanding, with green beans, spinach, collard greens and lettuce being harvested and only a few weeks to go until our tomatoes and squash will be ready. As a special treat the children who planted attended a Holiday Brunch with Santa given by the Elks Lodge #1352.
The above picture shows Barbara Hadsell, Wellington Garden Club President and Master Gardener picking green beans with the Stone family from the Westgate Habitat for Humanity Village on Jan. 16, 2010.
NINTH ANNUAL CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS BENEFITS THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Wellington’s premier international dressage performance and gala
(Left to Right) Carol Lavell, Linda Zang, Chair Tamara Gerber, Karin Reid Offield, Steffen Peters, Anne Gribbons and Founder and Chair Mary Ross
(January 7, 2010 Wellington, Fla.) The Challenge of the Americas is proud to announce its ninth annual international equestrian extravaganza to be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010. The Challenge, which will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, will be immediately followed by The Challenge Gala. Both events will be held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.
This under-the-lights, one-of-a-kind musical dressage and jumping performance showcases international riders and world class horses from the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Europe.
All performances will be executed at the level of the grand prix, the highest echelon of the sport.
Following the performance, the festivities will continue at The Challenge Gala with dinner, dancing and the awards presentation. The past nine years have been an incredible journey,” said Co-chair and Founder Mary Ross.
“My mother, who died of breast cancer, was my inspiration for this event; I wanted to do something extraordinary in her memory. I am so thankful to each person who has helped transform The Challenge from a luncheon performance with three horses into the international exhibition it is today.”
The dressage dances are choreographed by industry professionals and accompanied by music ranging from spirited rock and roll to the elegance of the classics. The performances include Pas de Deux (two horse and rider pairs), the Quadrille (six horse and rider pairs), and show jumping.
Committee organizers expect several thousand people to attend this year’s dressage performance. They anticipate the gala will once again sell out well in advance.
The Challenge of the Americas committee includes: Kim Chisholm, Emily Dufort, John Flanagan, Vickie Fontaine, Diane and Ralph Hodges, Elizabeth Iorio, Eileen Johnston, Barbara Marks, Andrea Nason, Noreen O’Sullivan, Allyn Schiavone, Maryann Shingler, Chris and Janet Spire, Larry and Vonnie Steinbaum, Erin Swaney, Scott and Amy Swerdlin, Ann Tillman, Susan Wellner, Barbara Wolff, Bob and Sherri Wolff and Lily Zilo.
This year’s sponsors to date are: Back on Tack, Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock Insurance, International Polo Club Palm Beach, Matchnride.com, Merrill Lynch, Neiman Marcus, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Purina Mills, Red Barn Feed & Tack, SSG Gloves, United States Dressage Federation, ViaGen and Wellington Classic Dressage.
The Challenge of the Americas
Date: Saturday, March 13, 2010
Where: International Polo Club Palm Beach
3667 120th Avenue South
Wellington, Florida 33414
Honorary Chairs:
Sheriff Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw-Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit
Myra Biblowit-The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Ira and Laura Lassman-Play for Pink
John and Toy Wash-International Polo Club Palm Beach
Co-chairs:
Mary Ross and Tamara Gerber
The Challenge of the Americas Schedule of Festivities
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for VIP reception
6:30 p.m. The Challenge: Musical freestyle-Quadrille team challenge & jumper extravaganza
7:45 p.m. Awards
8:00 p.m. The Challenge Gala, dinner and dancing
General Admission: To watch The Challenge of the Americas from the field:
$20 at the gate, $15 pre-purchase at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Gala VIP Tickets: To watch The Challenge from the stadium while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres plus attend the gala with dinner and dancing at the International Polo Club Grand Marquee: $250. For reservations, please call Mary Ross at (561) 852-2591.
The Challenge of the Americas, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its ninth consecutive year to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser of musical freestyles, team quadrilles and jumping is a one-of-a-kind team challenge that highlights the Olympic sports of Grand Prix dressage and show jumping. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of the top dressage competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe. www.challengeoftheamericas.com
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator, four stars, for eight consecutive years, which means BCRF has outperformed over 99% of more than 5,400 evaluated charities in efficiently managing its finances. Additionally, the Foundation received an “A+” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. For more information, visit www.bcrfcure.org or call toll-free 1.866.FIND.A.CURE.
The public is invited to participate in a monthly Community Forum with Palm Beach Commissioner Jess Santamaria on Wednesday, January 20th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Original Wellington Mall.
Live animals from the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary and presentation.
Saturday, January 23, 2010 | 11 am-12 noon
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
Armory Art Center Garden
Montgomery Hall, if the weather is uncomfortable
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non profit, educational based care facility for injured animals. We’re dedicated to bringing wildlife and people together to develop community awareness of the value of Florida’s natural resources. The concept of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary began with the incorporation of The Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center in 1983. This non- profit organization was established to care for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, while promoting wildlife and habitat conservation, through a variety of community outreach programs. In 1994, The Peter W. Busch Family Foundation, a non profit corporation, joined forces with the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Environmental Education Center to create the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary.
Today, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary provides free comprehensive medical and rehabilitative services to injured wild animals under the direction of a staff veterinarian. The ultimate goal is to return the animals to their natural habitats. The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to care for thousands of wild animals each year.
25% of all sales made from the Native to Florida Exhibition will be donated to the Busch Wildlife Refuge.
Native to Florida
January 15-February 4, 2010
An invitational celebrating efforts for the preservation of Florida’s Native species of flora and fauna. Partial benefits from the exhibition fund the Busch Wildlife Refuge.
also on exhibit…
Larry Leach Solo Exhibition January 15-February 26, 2010
A stunning display of the work of landscape painter, Larry Leach, who paints vast panoramas of closely observed nature. In his ability to fuse depiction with mark making, he creates paintings that are not only about visual events, but are visual events themselves. He brings together a specific sense of place with a univeral evocation of light and space.
Crafted Melodies
January 15-February 4, 2010
International open call to enter of handcrafted traditional and experimental musical instruments
and the music they produce.
Wellington Art Society selects February online artist
Paintings by Barbara McKee Bailey to be featured on Society’s virtual gallery
Wellington, FL, January 15, 2009 – Throughout the month of February, the Wellington Art Society’s online Gallery Show will feature the work of member-artist Barbara McKee Bailey.
A native of Manhattan, Bailey studied watercolor at the Jacaruso Studio in Rhinebeck, NY. After several years operating a successful bed and breakfast in the Hudson Valley, she retired to Lake Worth, continuing her studies at the Armory Art Center. Her work has been exhibited in a variety of galleries, both in South Florida and New York. While Bailey has worked mostly in acrylic and mixed media, the artist has recently begun experimenting in abstract techniques.
Visit the Society’s website at www.wellingtonartsociety.org and sample twelve of Bailey’s paintings in the site’s Gallery Show section. The online exhibit runs February 1 – 28.All works are available for purchase.
Founded in 1981, The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, providing both local and regional artists the platform to share their work, learn more about their craft and serve the community through their art.
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, its mission is to educate and encourage originality and productivity among its members and area youth through programs designed to further the advancement of cultural endeavors in the western communities.
For more information, visit their website, www.wellingtonartsociety.org, or call W.A.S. President Adrianne Hetherington at 561-784-7561.
As you have surely heard by now from the news, Haiti was struck with a fierce earthquake yesterday.
Habitat for Humanity is ALREADY ACTIVE in the recovery…due to communication being knocked out, we have been unable to reach many of our staff that was based in Port Au Prince – we are still gathering information on the status of the Habitat for Humanity homes, families, offices, etc. But, we ARE AWARE that THOUSANDS will be in need of our help in the recovery effort!
We will send out more information on the status of the country as soon as we have it…. Below my signature is what information we have as of today.
FIRST OF ALL – PLEASE PRAY for our homeowners and staff and the other Haitian residents!
SECOND – PLEASE SEND A “SPECIAL TITHE DONATION TO HELP THIS SITUATION” TODAY!!
This could not have happened to a more needy country! This picture was taken last night immediately after the quake.
PLEASE HELP!
Write tithe/HAITI in the memo section of your check and mail to:
Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County /TITHE/HAITI RECOVERY 181 SE 5th Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33483
We appreciate you and your consideration of this request.
GOD BLESS,
Michael E. Campbell
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County
561-819-6070 x 203 www.habitatsouthpalmbeach.org
———
The 7.0 earthquake and strong aftershocks that struck near Port-au-Prince yesterday have added yet another dimension to the humanitarian crisis and poverty conditions faced by over 80% of Haitians. According to Reuters, the quake hit at a shallow depth of 6.2 miles, just ten miles from the capital city. A hospital and several schools on the island are reported to have collapsed, according to regional news sources. The local authorities have declared the country in a state of emergency. The number of affected persons is unknown. However, Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a “catastrophe of major proportions.”
This is a major setback for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 55% of the population living on less than US$1/day. In the last two years, political instability, food shortages, and tropical storms and hurricanes have made it impossible for Haitians to break the cycle of poverty. More than 50,000 homes were damaged or destroyed in last year’s storms, and no estimate is available yet as to the damages to Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, the heaviest populated area of Haiti. Most Haitian homes are poorly constructed with walls built from poorly made concrete bricks, mud and stones, the roof from scrap wood and metal sheets, and dirt floors, making them unable to withstand a natural disaster of this magnitude.
What YOU Can Do to Help
You can help by sending in a special tithe donation and bring hope to a country in such great need. Please know all 100% of tithe donations will be sent to Habitat Haiti.
Habitat’s for Humanity’s Immediate and Long Term Response
Basic needs such as health care, food, water and shelter are the most urgent following an event like an earthquake, to try to mitigate harmful after-effects such as spread of disease and insecurity. Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to help low-income families in need of decent housing because of this disaster with an emergency humanitarian response of shelter kits, clean-up and rehabilitation.
·Clean-up and cash-for-work
Habitat for Humanity plans to help in clean-up and rehabilitation efforts by mobilizing people to clear the way for shelter construction and home rehabilitation. The size of response will depend upon the amount of support we are able to mobilize. A clean up “cash for work” program would organize people in communities and provide them with tools (shovels, wheelbarrows, bars, etc, etc). People would clean up debris and salvage those materials that could be recycled in a shelter solution. This involvement in productive activity provides an influx of cash to those affected by the disaster to help them meet basic needs such as food, and also contributes to their mental health by providing them with a positive, proactive opportunity to help with recovery.
·Shelter kits
Shelter kits are a basic package of materials (wall panels of either wood, composite such as reinforced plastic or fibrocement, or other materials; as well as sheets for roofs; nails; rope and a hammer). Although price will be determined by cost of materials, which often rise post-disaster, we estimate that the cost for distributing a kit per family will be US$950 per family.
The kits will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners who have been trained by Habitat in disaster response and construction techniques. Habitat for Humanity has been implementing vocational education programs in Haiti for the past three years and has a cadre of certified masons and carpenters ready to assist with shelter construction in Port-au-Prince.
·Transitional shelters
In a next phase of response Habitat for Humanity plans to repair damaged homes and also rebuild using a transitional shelter model, whereby the shelter provides an immediate solution to a family but also provides a permanent base structure. The model adheres to international Sphere standards and the basic transitional shelter unit consists of a 17.5m2 home, a 2.5 meter porch, and a separate 4m2 latrine/shower unit. The design includes a concrete floor and structure (beams and partial wall), wall panels which can be converted later to a more permanent material, and a hurricane-resistant roof (metal sheets or micro-concrete) at an estimated price of between $2,000 to $3,000.
As the situation stabilizes, Habitat Haiti will build permanent homes for families who lost so much. Just as before the earthquake, Habitat Haiti will provide a variety of services to families ranging from new homes, progressive building initiatives like “core homes”, renovations and financial literacy.
Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the long-term recovery building efforts.
In response to the horrific damage caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, Equestrian Sport Productions has created a drop-off site for emergency aid donations. The Step by Step Foundation, a non-for-profit organization that provides funding and supplies to Haiti, will be working with ESP and the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Program to secure both monetary as well as other donations to send to Haiti.
A trailer will be located at the Exhibitor entrance guard house and available to accept the much needed relief donations. The most necessary item at this point is bottled water. In addition clothing, non-perishables, and personal hygiene items are welcome.
Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414
561-793-3684 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax) www.equestriansport.com Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. – Equestrian Public Relations and Marketing
803-240-7488
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
Heather Buchanan – Social and Local Media Relations
516-729-0196
heather@heatherbuchanan1.com
What: Panera Bread is donating all Pink ribbon bagel proceeds to Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®
When: Friday, January 29, 2010
Where: All South Florida Panera Bread Cafes
West Palm Beach, FL— January 11, 2010 — Here is a delicious way to help find a cure for breast cancer– treat yourself to a pink ribbon bagel at your local Panera Bread! On Friday, January 29, 2010, Panera Bread is going pink and donating all pink ribbon bagel proceeds to Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure®. Panera is bringing the pink ribbon bagel back for one day only in conjunction with the Race for the Cure taking place on Saturday, January 30, 2010.
Join in the fight against breast cancer by stopping in and purchasing a delicious Pink Ribbon bagel from Panera Bread. The pink ribbon bagel is made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar.
Contribute to the cause by supporting Panera Bread and Susan G. Komen Race for the cure on Friday, January 29, 2010 with a purchase of a Pink Ribbon Bagel. An easy and delicious way to help find a cure for breast cancer, stop in to your local Panera Bread and treat yourself to a pink ribbon bagel. Pre-orders will be accepted, so be sure to pick some up for your family and/or office. For Panera Bread locations, please visit www.panerabread.com.
About Susan G. Komen
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
The King’s Academy Helped Make Christmas Store Event A Success
WEST PALM BEACH – Monday, January 11th, 2010 – Secondary students at The King’s Academy partnered with Urban Youth Impact during the month of December by collecting new and unwrapped toys. Since 1997, Urban Youth Impact has hosted an annual event, Christmas Store, which provides new toys for inner city families living in the West Palm Beach area. The King’s Academy’s efforts resulted in the donation of 705 toys.
The King’s Academy also took 70 students and faculty on Friday, December 18th to assist Urban Youth by helping them to set up for their Christmas Store event.
They helped to transport the 5,000 toys that had been collected from Urba’s Dream Center to the Roosevelt Full Service Center where the event would be held. They helped to unpack and set up for this special event.
They returned on Saturday, December 19th to volunteer at the actual event. (Christmas Store) They volunteered in areas such as: packing and distributing groceries, assisting as personal shoppers, helping to care for the babies and toddlers while their parents shopped, running the concession stand, walking families back to their vehicles with the Christmas gifts for their children, playing basketball and four square with children and students. The King’s Academy Tri-M National Honor Society provided an area where children could come and play musical chairs.
The event result in a total of 5000 toys being given away to 500 inner-city families on this day.
The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through twelfth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Florida Association of Christian Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach County at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury Way in West Palm Beach and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, and Royal Palm Beach.
8401 Belvedere Rd.
West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
(P) 561-686-4244
(F) 561-686-8017
www.TKA.net