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American Humane Launches New Podcast for Animal Lovers

Robin’s Nest with Dr. Robin Ganzert Tackles the Biggest Issues Facing the Amazing Animals of Our World

Palm Beach, FL – American Humane, with offices in Palm Beach, Florida and Washington, DC, has announced the launch of its new official podcast, Robin’s Nest, hosted by American Humane president and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert (pictured above). 

Robin’s Nest explores the most pressing issues facing the incredible animals that share our planet, from the pets in our homes to the thousands of endangered species fighting to survive in the wild. The podcast features lively and informative interviews with diverse guests, including celebrities and global experts in conservation, veterinary care, animal behavior, zoology, and the human-animal bond. 

“I am excited to host Robin’s Nest as a voice for the beautiful animals around the world who need our love, protection, and care,” said Dr. Ganzert. “Listeners can expect inspiring and insightful conversations about animals that will make you laugh, cry, and learn something new. If you love animals, you’ll love Robin’s Nest.”

Robin’s Nest launches with three full episodes, available now on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts can be found, with new episodes dropping twice a month. Special guests from the first episodes of Robin’s Nest include: 

  • Amy Hrin, PH.D. Vice President, Military Affairs & Special Projects: Dr. Hrin’s research work has encompassed the design and implementation of rigorous studies to demonstrate the impact of the human-animal bond on both humans and animals.
  • Biologist Caleigh Quick and Service dog Willow: At the age of 11 weeks, Willow, a black Labrador retriever, became a faithful companion to her owner and immediately commenced her service dog training to aid in the management of PTSD. Willow accompanies Quick in the field for her work rescuing endangered species as a wildlife conservationist.
  • Professor Theo Pagel, CEO of the Cologne Zoo: 2023 Kiessling Prize Recipient, Pagel created sustainability strategies and guidelines for conservation education during his tenure as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He approaches conservation by inspiring the public and leading high-level strategies to save countless species, from the very largest Asian Elephant to Asian songbirds.

Learn more about Robin’s Nest here

About American Humane

American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information, visit AmericanHumane.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

About Dr. Robin Ganzert

Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., serves as president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the first to serve animals, whenever and wherever they need rescue, shelter, or protection. She is the Host of the Robin’s Nest podcast and the executive producer of the full-length, award-winning documentary, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Dame Helen Mirren. Dr. Ganzert is the executive producer of the annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards which airs on A&E and fyi networks. She is the author of The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion, Mission Metamorphosis and Animal Stars. Dr. Ganzert has dramatically expanded the scope and scale of the organization’s programs globally and has provided oversight for iconic humane programs such as No Animals Were Harmed®, protecting animals in film and entertainment; and, American Humane Certified®, helping to ensure the humane treatment of animals in agriculture. She launched a first-of-its-kind humane certification in global conservation for animals in zoos and aquariums and an innovative humane certification effort for the airline industry to help improve the safety and protection of companion animals in transportation.

Kwanzaa Celebration at the Spady Museum

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Dec. 26, 203: Kwanzaa Celebration 

2:30-5:30 p.m.

170 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444

Kwanzaa Celebration will welcome families to celebrate the holidays by making their own gifts and enjoying live music, art activities, storytelling for children, and food. The celebration will be held outside on the museum grounds. Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday designed to strengthen and celebrate the best of African culture and heritage. Five community-minded organizations come together to infuse the Kwanzaa celebration with all of the seven principles for a rich and memorable experience. Unity, a concept that was kept away from African Americans during the founding of our country, is an important principle to learn, adopt and practice. (Learn more about Kwanzaa here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/seven-principles-kwanzaa). 

The Spady Museum will condense the week-long celebration into an afternoon of community observation. The Kwanzaa Celebration is hosted by Spady Museum in collaboration with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Sankofa Study Group, Pyramid Books, Kwanzaa 365 Live.

Opening Day of Stickball in Wellington

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Most photos by Allen Lebowitz. Last 2 photos by Anne Gerwig.

On opening day (Dec. 5) of the Wycliffe Stiff’s 22nd season of stickball, Mayor Anne Gerwig threw out the first pitch and some fierce competition followed. The Atlantic Whalers & the Brooklyn Bums played to a 3 – 3 tie.

Wycliffe Country Club General Manager Rob Martin threw out the 1st pitch of Game 2 – The Bronx Clippers sailed past the Hoboken Zephyrs 6 – 0. Egg Creams were served between games.

Philanthropy Tank partners with The Schoolboard

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West Palm Beach, FL (December 7, 2023) Philanthropy Tank (PT), a non-profit organization committed to empowering young CHANGEmakers, is honored to announce its new partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County. The collaboration, approved by The School Board on November 15, paves the way for establishing PT clubs in high schools across the county, creating a unique platform for students to address pressing community issues. “Our collaboration with The School Board of Palm Beach County marks a significant milestone for Philanthropy Tank,” said PT’s Chief Executive Officer Amy Brand. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to reaching more students and developing future leaders.” Philanthropy Tank empowers and inspires the next generation of CHANGEmakers by challenging and equipping students to implement sustainable service-driven solutions to problems impacting the community. Philanthropist investors fund student initiatives and provide one-to-one mentoring, helping students to implement and launch their programs. “If any of you have not had the opportunity to go when they are judging, it’s a fabulous experience,” said School District of Palm Beach County Board Chair Karen Brill about the PT Finals Events. “I had the opportunity to go, and I plan to do it again, so I invite everybody to go and see these amazing projects.” Starting in January 2024, the groundbreaking partnership with The School District of Palm Beach County will bring Philanthropy Tank’s proven programmatic model to a broader audience, engaging students from 8th to 12th grade in the public schools in The School District of Palm Beach County. Since its inception in 2015, Philanthropy Tank has successfully engaged over 1,000 students who have launched and implemented service-driven programs addressing community needs, impacting over 300,000 lives. Areas of impact include gender and human rights, education and youth, arts and culture, environmental activism, food insecurity, community development, and racial equality. For more information about Philanthropy Tank, visit philanthropytank.org

About Philanthropy Tank:
Founded in 2015, the nonprofit Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers, and equips student “CHANGEmakers” to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities. Philanthropist Investors Fund student initiatives, investing in their own community projects. Through one-on-one mentoring, philanthropist investors fuel students’ desire, helping them execute initiatives while increasing their ability to make meaningful change. For more information, www.philanthropytank.org

Photo provided by Philanthropy Tank:
Photo ID left to right: Board Chair Karen Brill, Frank Barbieri, Vice Chair Barbara McQuinn, Alexandria Ayala, CEO of Philanthropy Tank, Amy Brand, Olympic Heights student Erica Frishberg, founder of PT program Hearing for a Change, Philanthropy Tank Cofounder Michael Kohner, Edwin Ferguson, EricaWhitfield, Marcia Andrews, and Superintendent Michael Burke

Olympia Community Run Grows in Participants and Impact

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Wellington, Florida- On Saturday, December 2, 2023, Olympia hosted their 3rd annual Olympia Community Run, noting their highest participation to date with 610 residents registered. The community-wide event was largely organized by AJ and Christina Bachmann, with support from other community residents, members of the HOA, and sponsors. 

Families of all ages and fitness levels gathered early for one of the five races. The day began with the half marathon at 6:00 a.m., 10 kilometers at 6:45 a.m., 5 kilometers at 8:00 a.m., and a 1-mile race at 8:45 a.m. New this year was the half marathon relay, where runners formed teams and passed a baton as many times as they wanted as long as the baton traveled the entire 13.1 miles.  Supporters cheered and used cowbells to keep the excitement lively for the participants, including finish line excitement from Sonali Mendiratta, a breakfast table hosted by Kristen and Ervin Otankis at LINE-X of Palm Beach, and starting line fun sponsored by Integrity Dental. At the same time, water stations were sponsored by Advanced Surgical Physicians, Wel Mobile Wellness, Retro Fitness, and Dan Cavin of State Farm

“We had 29 sponsors this year ranging from swag bag sponsors to race starters and more. It’s amazing to see the broader Wellington community support this event as well,” said AJ Bachmann, the event organizer. 

The sponsorship dollars cover the majority of the event costs. The event is also financially supported through nominally priced ticket sales and a generous contribution from the Olympia HOA. This year, the Olympia Community Run, in addition to other Olympia organized events, hopes to raise $3500 by the year end to donate to Kids Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide hope and support to local children and families battling childhood cancer.

“Being able to give back to others and be active in my local community is an amazing privilege and honor. This community event has allowed me to form new relationships, involve my kids in serving the community, and expand my view of what generosity can look like. Giving back to others is not always in the form of giving money — it is also using our talents, time, and energy to help others,” added Bachmann. 

Aside from growing in participants, sponsor support, and impact since its inception, the Olympia Community Run has quickly become a highly anticipated event that the community looks forward to (and trains for) all year round.  

To learn more about this event, please email AJ Bachmann at  aj.bachmann@hotmail.com.

Brightline it to Art Basel

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This year, Art Basel, world-renowned art and culture showcase December 8 – 10, is easier to get to than ever before with Brightline now operating service between Orlando and Miami without the worry of traffic or parking. Guests can be dropped off at MiamiCentral Station and enjoy convenient Brightline+ Uber rides to all the weekend happenings around the city. 

Through PREMIUM, guests can enjoy a truly seamless experience to Art Basel with complimentary drinks and bites on board, access to the PREMIUM lounge in-station, and a complimentary Uber to and from the Miami Beach Convention Center for Art Basel’s main event (or within a 5 mile radius of the station). 

While traveling with Brightline during Art Week, guests will also be able to enjoy in-station art exhibits, bites and sips. 

MIAMICENTRAL ART EVENTS

Get creative at MiamiCentral station with exhibits, bites, and sips by Justworks and Art Beat Miami. 

Justworks:

December 4 – 5 | Commuter Art Preview: Live Music | 2 pm – 7 pm 

Art Beat Miami:

December 7 | Opening Reception | 5 pm – 7 pm 

December 8 | Conversation with Artist | 6 pm – 7 pm

December 9 | Celebrity Brunch | 12 pm – 2 pm

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER PRESENTS WILD HEARTS

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A MESMERIZING EXHIBITION CELEBRATING NATURE’S WONDERS JANUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 24 

Featuring world-renowned artists Helmut Koller and Ellen Jewett and award-winning conservation photographers Mac Stone and Carlton Ward Jr. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Tequesta, Fla., (December 5, 2023) – Lighthouse ArtCenter is honored to announce its upcoming exhibition, “Wild Hearts,” a riveting tribute to the wonders of nature through the eyes of world-renowned artists including Helmut Koller, Ellen Jewett, and international award-winning fine art conservation photographers Mac Stone and Carlton Ward Jr.  

This impactful exhibition curated by Janeen Mason runs January 18 to February 24, 2024, inviting the community to explore the beauty of wild animals and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting it. The Opening Reception is on January 18, 2024, from 5 to 7 pm at Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida. Admission is free for members and a $5 suggested donation for nonmembers. For more information, visit lighthousearts.org. 

(Pictured above:Helmut Koller)

Wild Hearts presents the beauty of the natural world and the commitment of artists and conservationists to safeguard our planet’s precious resources,” said LAC Executive Director Jeni Licata. Through this exhibition, Lighthouse ArtCenter invites the community to appreciate the wild, be inspired by art, and engage with the urgent need for conservation.” 

In the Spencer Gallery, visitors will be transported into the vibrant and wild world of Helmut Koller. Originally from Austria and now a resident of Palm Beach, Koller is known for his vivid, bold, and celebratory animal paintings. Kollerism, as he describes it, is an art movement defined by the faithful representation of form and the abstraction of colors, with no need for disciples. His art is a testament to his singular and visionary approach. 

Alongside Koller’s masterpieces, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to gaze upon the meticulously crafted sculptures by Ellen Jewett, a Canadian artist whose intricate and imaginative designs have garnered international acclaim. With a background in fine art, anthropology, and zoology, Jewett’s work focuses on animals portrayed in whimsical and surreal poses. Her deep understanding of animal behavior and her artistic prowess result in stunning and intricate sculptures that captivate the imagination. 

The Schorr Gallery promises to immerse guests in the breathtaking and awe-inspiring work of internationally acclaimed fine art conservation photographers Mac Stone and Carlton Ward Jr. Both Stone and Ward, National Geographic explorers, dedicate their lives to connecting people with our cultural and natural heritage and the preservation of the Everglades, one of the world’s most unique and endangered ecosystems. 

Carlton Ward Jr. has played an instrumental role in establishing the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a crucial initiative for protecting Florida’s wildlife and natural habitats. In April 2023, Ward’s film, “Path of the Panther,” was released on Disney+, further advancing the cause of conservation and raising awareness about the vital work needed to safeguard our environment. 

Mac Stone captures the narratives of Florida’s Everglades, weaving tales of wildlife that invite his audience to perceive the swampland not as an obstacle but as a cherished national gem. Using his captivating photographs, Stone illuminates a neglected, timeless, and crucial wilderness to spark conversations, provoke thoughts, and foster a deep connection that transcends the gap between scientific understanding and aesthetic appreciation. Stone’s compelling message encourages individuals to immerse themselves in the experience: “Just do it — put your feet in the water,” he says. “The swamp will change you, I promise.” 

About Lighthouse ArtCenter: 

Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery & School of Art is 501c(3) not-for-profit founded in 1964 by eight artists and Christopher Norton. The ArtCenter is dedicated to the visual arts whose mission is to inspire, engage and connect our community through a vibrant school of art, unique exhibitions and diverse special events. The center has grown into a three-building campus consisting of a Gallery & 2D Studio, 3D Studio, and a Jewelry & Textile Studio. Supported by memberships, tuition, grants, and donations, Lighthouse ArtCenter serves over 20,000 visitors, 3000 students, 45 faculty members, 400 summer art campers, and a comprehensive outreach program to benefit under-served populations. For more information, visit https://www.lighthousearts.org. 

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER GALLERY AND 2D STUDIO 

373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469 

561-746-3101 

3D STUDIO 

395 Seabrook Road, Tequesta, FL 33469 

STUDIO 385 

Jewelry and Textiles 

385 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469 

Kapow Noodle Bar Releases Holiday Cocktails 

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Get ready to jingle all the way through the festive season with Kapow Noodle Bar’s Santa-approved holiday cocktails! These four merry libations will ensure that you sleigh the holidays whether you’re on the naughty or nice list.

  • The Naughty List – Apple-infused Redemption High Rye Bourbon, sugar, vanilla, walnut bitters and toasted cinnamon
  • Santa’s Gin & Juice – Roku Gin, Cointreau, Cranberry Compote, Citrus, Japanese Highball Bubbles, Torched Rosemary
  • Gingie’s Noggin –  Appleton Rum, Frangelico, House Eggnog (Dairy Free), holiday spices, Ginger Snap Cookie
  • Pola Express-o-tini – Skyy Espresso, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, Espresso, Peppermint, Dugan & Dame Coffee Bitters

When: 

Available in December 

Where:

431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.3477322 

519 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | 561.246.3827  ​​

Kapow Noodle Bar: Founded in 2011 by Vaughan Dugan and Rodney Mayo of Sub-Culture Group, Kapow Noodle Bar combines contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine with a South Florida vibe. Named “Best Happy Hour” and “Best New Restaurant” by the New Times, and “8 Must-Try Restaurants” by Zagat, Kapow is a favorite destination for cocktails, innovative cuisine and nightlife. In 2022, the Boca Raton location relocated within Mizner Park to an expansive footprint merging art, technology, and sustainability in a way that lays the foundation for the future of the Kapow brand. The new location also features three full-service private karaoke rooms and an omakase bar. 

Wellington Art Society Announces New Exhibitions 

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“Joyful” and “Thankful”

The Wellington Art Society (WAS) is thrilled to announce their new municipal art exhibitions “Joyful” and “Thankful”.  “Joyful” runs from now through February, 2024 at the Wellington Community Center at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. “Thankful” is going on now through March, 2024 at the Wellington City Hall located at 12300 Forest Hill Blvd in Wellington.  Both exhibitions are free and open to the public on weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The public is invited to the opening reception celebrating both exhibitions on January 16, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy the original artwork of 27 artists with over 100 works of art. Two venues – one great night! Meet the artists and vote for your favorite artwork. There will be a silent auction, scavenger hunt and door prizes and refreshments to enjoy! 

Some artwork in the exhibition is for sale and a portion of the proceeds goes toward WAS Scholarship and Outreach Programs. To arrange the purchase of artwork hanging in the exhibition, please email presidentofwas@gmail.com

Featured Wellington Art Society Member Artists are:

Hartley Barnes ⋅ Emily Bergstrom ⋅ Betty Brodie ⋅ Lisa Campbell ⋅ Kimberly Clark ⋅ Ayesha DeLorenzo ⋅

Kim DiGiacomo  ⋅ Nancy Fried ⋅ Cynthia George ⋅ Jan Gmitter ⋅ Jay Harmon ⋅ Lou Ann La Bohn ⋅

Maureen May ⋅ Dinah Mirson ⋅ Susan Mosely ⋅ Charles Moses ⋅ Susan Oakes ⋅ Lucille Pallante ⋅ Leslie Pfeiffer ⋅ Monica Postell ⋅ Marion Roberts ⋅ Pablo Schreiterer ⋅ Lois Spatz ⋅ Karen Stern ⋅ Carl Stoveland ⋅ Cindy Taylor ⋅ Elaine Webber

For more information about the featured artists and the exhibition, please visit the Wellington Art Society’s website at www.wellingtonartsociety.org

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 41st year. It is open to visual artists of all mediums and art enthusiasts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries and venues, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or email presidentofwas@gmail.com.

Holiday Getaways for Making Merry

The holiday season brings a bounty of good cheer and good times no matter where you roam. From the Caribbean vibe of the Florida Keys to the beautiful mountains of North Georgia to the vineyard-filled Napa Valley, each of these destinations delivers a spirited holiday experience. See which of these intriguing holiday getaways works for you then get ready to party!

An Island Christmas at Playa Largo | Key Largo, FL

Throughout the holiday season, Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo is serving up a jam-packed month of holiday festivities and activities. Most notably, guests can enjoy the resort’s winter wonderland-themed pop-up roller skating rink – watch out for polar bears and bring your jacket, it might be pool weather outside, but it will feel like winter at the ballroom turned indoor rink.

Also, every weekend in December you’ll find an island-inspired holiday market featuring locally crafted and curated goods. More fun awaits with artisan holiday craft classes, a holiday escape room, building and decorating island-themed gingerbread houses, holiday dishes and beverages at each on-site restaurant and more.

For an extra special experience, book one of the resort’s suites where you can order a Christmas tree with all the trimmings for delivery to your room.

If you stay through New Year’s Eve, you’ll have three diverse resort celebrations to choose from to ring in the new year. Dance the night away at a Havana Nights Beach Party. Dress things up at an Elegant Masquerade. Or enjoy a blast from the past 80s celebration. https://www.playalargoresort.com/play/holidays

Celebrate Christmas at a Snow Globe-like Resort | Barnsley Resort, GA

Escape to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia and enter a snow globe-like reality at Barnsley Resort. The storybook site is home to a 55-room Inn, as well as a charming village setting with 39 cozy cottages. Each cottage is unique while offering hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces and clawfoot bathtubs.

Guests can explore the sprawling 3,000-acre grounds and watch how the famed gardens sparkle with an array of more than one million holiday lights at the historic Manor House Ruins. Additionally, the resort offers several holiday-themed events, such as gingerbread house making, visits from Santa Claus, wreath crafting workshops and an exquisite Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day brunch, inspired by the season in the intimate setting of the Rice House restaurant.

For more information and to book, visit www.barnsleyresort.com/accommodations/event-calendar

Southernmost Beach Resort | Key West, FL

If staying warm through the holidays is your goal, consider celebrating Christmas in Key West. Here you’ll find a Caribbean-esque vacation with palm trees sparkling with white lights, sailboats decked out with colorful holiday lights and conch cottages with creative holiday displays.
Some special holiday activities on the island include the famous annual lighted boat parade, a trolley tour of Christmas lights through Old Key West, charity sailings with Santa to benefit children in need in the Florida Keys, and all-day water adventures on Christmas Day complete with a festive breakfast before snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, or kayaking the day away.

Just a few minutes away from Duval Street and Old Key West, Southernmost Beach Resort brings the magic of the winter season. Enjoy a host of holiday activities for the whole family, like a Snowman Sandman Building Contest and resort-wide Candy Cane Hunt. Also on the schedule are the “12 Days of SOMO” – daily celebrations that include festive poolside games and daily holiday-inspired cocktails like Jingle or Mingle Sangria and Naughty Margarita. www.southernmostbeachresort.com

Making Merry at the Meritage Resort & Spa | Napa, CA

During the merry-making season, The Meritage Resort and Spa transforms into a spectacular winter village in the heart of Napa Wine Country. Experience a nightly 6 pm tree lighting ceremony complete with snow, ice skating, s’mores roasting fire pits and VIP igloos, along with special events like Tinsel Tea, Bubbles and Blitzen, weekends with Santa and more, there’s no shortage of the festive spirit at this beloved Napa resort.

The ice rink, adorned with twinkling lights, is open daily through January 7th. Enjoy the resort’s on-site tasting rooms rink side or upgrade the experience by reserving a cozy igloo or fire pit.

For those seeking a fun New Year’s Eve party, the Meritage Resort & Spa has everything you need. Ring in 2024 with a night of hors d’oeuvres, party favors, a balloon drop, plenty of bubbly and a live performance from San Francisco’s own, Entourage The Band.

Recover from your New Year’s Eve celebration at on-site tasting rooms, relaxing pools and Spa Terra nested in a 22,000-square-foot Napa Estate Cave. www.meritageresort.com