WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (January 26, 2023) – The West Palm Beach Library Foundation is pleased to announce that Melissa Sullivan will chair the Foundation’s premier fundraising event, the 2023 Food for Thought. The event will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach. Award-winning author Carl Hiaasen will be the keynote speaker.
“We are honored and delighted that the Food for Thought is in the capable hands of Melissa Sullivan,” said Dianne Bernstein, Board Chair. “This event is most important in helping us realize our mission, and Melissa will help us take it to the next level.”
Melissa Sullivan
“Food for Thought has seen dramatic growth over the last two years and has enabled us to significantly increase our funding to the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The continued success of this event is critical in fulfilling our mission,” said Dean W. Dimke, Executive Director.
Originally from Virginia, Melissa has resided in Palm Beach for more than 20 years. She is involved in the American Heart Association as a Vice Chairman of the Palm Beach Heart Ball. Other charities close to her heart include the Adopt-a-Family organization and First Serve. An avid reader and advocate of education, Melissa has established a scholarship at Stetson University in Deland, Florida, which emphasizes English, writing, and athletics. Melissa believes teaching children to read is essential, not only to their future careers, but also to the quality of their life.
“Books provide a window into realms that would otherwise be inaccessible to all of us,” Sullivan says. “Places, people, animals, conflicts, and resolutions that speak to us from the pages and fill us with glimpses into other worlds. Books give children room to dream of places to spread their wings in the future.”
The Food for Thought brings Foundation patrons and friends together with Table Hosts who lead lively conversations. Guests choose their table based on their favorite topics ranging from authors, entertainers, and community notables, while enjoying an evening of delicious dining and stimulating banter.
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2023 event are available by calling 561-868-7704.
Carl Hiaasen
About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation
The West Palm Beach Library Foundation raises funds for the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach to provide free quality programs, services, and resources that enrich and strengthen its diverse community. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.
KRAVIS CENTER-RINKER PLAYHOUSE, WEST PALM BEACH, FL.
In joint celebration of UNESCO’s International Jazz Day 2023, the 5th Annual Palm Beach International Jazz Festival will celebrate the great American music genre – JAZZ. Palm Beach International Jazz Festival honors the many wonderful facets of jazz including the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, Bebop, Brazilian and Latin jazz.
Palm Beach International Jazz Festival will feature highly acclaimed, award-winning jazz artists who perform in and around south Florida as well as around the world.
Three great bands! One grand evening!
The performing artists for Palm Beach International Jazz Festival 2023:
Delray Jazz Collective Beatriz Malnic Brazilian Jazz Quartet Yvette Norwood-Tiger Quintet The Future of Jazz Looks Bright Young Artist Award Recipient: John-Louis Malcynski Eric Trouillot – Master of Ceremonies
KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS RINKER PLAYHOUSE 701 OKEECHOBEE BLVD., WEST PALM BEACH, FL. 33401 BOX OFFICE: 561-832-7469
West Palm Beach, FL – January 24, 2022) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited concerned citizens and curious neighbors to a FREE informative event:
LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE THE LEAGUE
At South County Civic Center in Delray Beach
Saturday, February 4, 10 am to Noon
Issue Group Leaders from the League will talk about their current work in areas such as Voting Rights, Education, Health Care, Gun Safety, and the National Popular Vote.
Special Guest Speaker will be Cecile Scoon, President of the League of Women Voters of Florida, the first Black woman to serve in this capacity. A civil rights lawyer in Panama City, Florida, she attempts to protect the rights of those wronged at work due to their race, religion, age, disability, place of birth, or unwanted sexual advances.
“Everyone is welcome to this Listen, Learn, Love event and are encouraged to bring friends,” says Darlene Kostrub, Membership Director of the local League of Women Voters, one of the largest chapters in the country.
Advance registration is required by text/phone at 561.573.6384 or by email at membership@lwvpbc.org.
The South County Civic Center is located at 16700 Jog Road in Delray Beach.
About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit lwvpbc.org or
The Rocket Man Show: A Tribute to Elton John – February 8
Little River Band – February 11
The Buckinghams & The Box Tops – February 17
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of The Bee Gees – February 25
Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band – March 10
Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band – March 21
(Delray Beach, FL – January 25, 2023)MusicWorks is inviting fans of Classic Folk and Rock to six upcoming concerts at The Parker, an intimate 1,168-seat theater located at 707 NE 8th Street in Fort Lauderdale (33304).
“Our artists play all the songs you grew up singing, but our shows are not only about the hits, they’re about the experience,” promises MusicWorks.
Tickets are now available for purchase for all six concerts by calling 954.462.0222, press 1 or by going online at https://www.parkerplayhouse.com/events.
February 8 at 8 pm (Wednesday)
The Rocket Man Show:
A Tribute to Elton John
Simply put—this is Elton! Rus Anderson is Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour. Hand-picked by the internationally acclaimed singer himself, it was Rus’ own live production of The Rocket Man Showthat first got him noticed. In the show, Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of Young Elton like no other. Storming around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock & roller. His painstaking attention to detail includes wearing gorgeous, colorful, and spectacular costumes (many worn by Elton) including his iconic boots, glasses, and jumpsuits from 1972, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. Clearly the most authentic Elton John tribute show in the world, it has headlined at the House of Blues, Hard Rock Live, Caesar’s, Harrah’s, Legends in Concert, BB King’s, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.
Tickets start at $28
February 11 at 8 pm (Saturday)
Little River Band
The Eagles founding member, the late Glenn Frey, knew what he was saying when he dubbed Little River Band “the best singing band in the world.” Through the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, LRB enjoyed huge chart success with multi-platinum albums and chart-topping hits such as Reminiscing, Cool Change, Lonesome Loser, The Night Owls, Take It Easy On Me, Help Is on Its Way, Happy Anniversary, We Two, Man On Your Mind, The Other Guy and It’s a Long Way There.
Tickets start at $48
February 17 at 8 pm (Friday)
The Buckinghams
& The Box Tops
+ The Buckinghams formed in 1965 at the height of the British Invasion. After winning a “Battle of the Bands” contest in Chicago, the group recorded covers of hit songs before the debut of their first national hitKind of a Drag, which went to #1 on the national pop charts. After signing with Columbia Records, they had back-to-back hits with Lawdy Miss Clawdy and Don’t You Care, began appearing on such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand, and later released a hit remake of Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, followed by Susanand Hey. + The Box Tops are members of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and were once considered America’s premier blue-eyed soul group. Best known for hits likeThe Letter, which sold over four million copies and earned two Grammy Award nominations. Later hits included Cry Like a Baby, Neon Rainbow, I Met Her in Churchand Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March, all of which are considered minor classics.
Tickets start at $38
February 25 at 8 pm (Saturday)
Stayin’ Alive:
One Night of The Bee Gees
This concert offers audiences thesongs and sights of a full Bee Gees play list, singing blockbusters such as Night Fever, Jive Talkin’, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, Nights on Broadway, and Stayin’ Alive. In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as I Started a Joke, Massachusetts, Fanny Be Tender, Words, and To Love Somebody among other great hits. Offering big screen video clips, photos, and dazzling imagery.Stayin’ Alive is the quintessential tribute band to the Bee Gees, capturing the excitement of live performance and the tender subtleties of the human voice.
Tickets start at $28
March 10 at 8 pm (Friday)
Beginnings:
The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band
Beginnings formed in 2002 as a musical tribute to the super-group Chicago. The band performs accurate versions of Chicago’s classic chart-smashing hits (and even a few rare gems) from across their 50+ year songbook. Fueled by world class musicianship and a passion for performance, the band is a live music experience not to be missed. The group’s love of the music, their fans, and each other makes for an outstanding and electrifying show every time. Come see the band live, and they promise to Make You Smile.
Tickets start at $28
March 21 at 8 pm (Tuesday)
Eaglemania:
The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band
EagleMania has dedicated themselves to faithfully reproducing the music of The Eagles. Since their inception, EagleMania has been thrilling audiences all over the country with their stunning five-part harmony and their uncanny ability to emulate the unmistakable sound of The Eagles. Their show consists of the Eagles’ greatest hits, as well as some of the solo work of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. The group has spent countless hours breaking down everything The Eagles recorded on their albums and faithfully reproducing those unforgettable songs in the most authentic way possible. The audience is given a chance to experience the music the way it was meant to be heard and it’s done live on-stage night after night.
Tickets start at $28
How to Get Concert Tickets:
Tickets are now available for purchase for all six concerts by calling 954.462.0222, press 1 or by going online at https://www.parkerplayhouse.com/events.
About MusicWorks:
MusicWorks specializes in producing live entertainment events in Florida. For more information, please visitwww.musicworksconcerts.com.
Attached Jpegs:
1. The Rocket Man Show: A Tribute to Elton John – February 8
2. Little River Band – February 11
3. The Buckinghams – February 17
4. The Box Tops – February 17
5. Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees – February 25
6. Beginnings: The Ultimate Chicago Tribute Band – March 10
7. Eaglemania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band – March 21
Merci Bimini café and restaurant sets the guest experience in a beautiful and cozy environment with a robust sense of hospitality and attention to detail. From the moment you walk through the door, you are welcomed in and invited to take your time drinking and dining on soft purple chairs at intimate tables, or on the couch in the lounge area. There is indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy healthy and delicious food from a menu consisting of brunch, lunch, and light dinner items paired with a unique wine list that currently consists of French and American wines, champagne, and specialty drinks. Located at 8480 Okeechobee Blvd. in suite 5, there is no other restaurant like it in the area.
The owner, Stephanie Bogdan, has been a resident in this neighborhood for six years and always desired to have a café like this in the community, so she created it. Stephanie is a graduate of The Natural Gourmet Institute of Culinary Arts, and she puts her passion for feeding people and generosity of spirit into Merci Bimini for each guest.
Stephanie and her team at Merci Bimini also love hosting public and private events. Wine tastings with food pairings, holiday parties, birthday gatherings, and business meetings have been regular happenings at the café. Upcoming events include live music, networking groups, weekly evening dancing, pop-up designer sip & shops, as well as exclusive themed parties, which will be detailed on www.mercibiminiwpb.com and the corresponding social media accounts @merci_bimini.
This valentine’s gift is perfect for the special latte lover in your life. The Smeg Espresso Machine will upgrade your morning coffee routine with its thermoblock heating system, 15 bar pressure, and chic, mid-century modern look.
Ditch the box of chocolates, and instead surprise your special someone with Lush’s Posh Chocolate Body Wash. The rich cocoa aroma and skin-softening aloe will turn Valentine’s Day into a deliciously decadent at-home spa night.
Bold in gold is the way to go this Valentine’s Day. Pandora’s beautiful 14k gold necklace and earring set takes love to a whole new level. The heart-shaped cubic zirconia makes the perfect gift that will be cherished forever and is sure to make your partner swoon.
If food is your love language, look no further than California Pizza Kitchen. Dine-in or order takeout or delivery with CPK from February 9–14 and choose from the Classic or Adventure package which features one appetizer, two entrées, and one dessert. Or make a culinary home run with CPK’s popular heart-shaped pizza.
You can never go wrong with something sweet for your sweetie. Great American Cookies has you covered this Valentine’s Day with their special Heart Shaped Cookie. With the ability to personalize the writing on the cookie, you can truly make this Valentine’s Day deliciously sentimental.
Jewelry Box – Owl Clutch (double sided) – $600
Stand out on Valentine’s Day with something unique like Jewelry Box’s Handmade Owl Clutch that features stunning pink, green, and turquoise Austrian crystals. The bag comes with a 19” removable chain, making it versatile for day to night. The Owl Clutch is a wonderful statement piece that is sure to be treasured for years to come.
Chick-Fil A
Spread the love at Chick-Fil Awith their heart shaped food trays. Customize your Valentine’s Day feast from a variety of menu must-haves like Chick-n-minis, Chick-n-nuggets, Brownie Halves, or Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Available now through February 14.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Cask + Shaker, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About Spinoso Real Estate Group
The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.
Couples looking for a fun, date-night adventure this Valentine’s Day can jump on Brightline and explore a new restaurant, bar or attraction outside of their backyard. From Miami to West Palm Beach, the adventure begins with Brightline’s new Love Potion cocktail available at Mary Mary, Brightline’s in-station bar. Priced at $16, the cocktail features Tito’s vodka, strawberry puree, sweet and sour mix, orange juice, cranberry juice and a splash of Prosecco.
For those heading out on the town for the holiday, Brightine guests can seamlessly access some of South Florida’s top date spots, just minutes away from each station including:
For those choosing to celebrate Galentine’s Day or just hang with friends this year, Brightline is a perfect addition to lively events around South Florida including:
Valentine’s Day is an infamous holiday, there is a common consensus on the main narrative surrounding its celebration with it having a lot to do with being money-related for example giving outrageous gifts. Having a vague acknowledgement of its purpose is not necessarily the same as an intrinsic understanding of its purposeful existence. While the holiday is widely celebrated, the background of this tradition is not as familiar, with its origin dating back over a millennium.
The foundation for what would later be known as Valentine’s Day was established during the third century under the Roman rule. There was a strategic focus on the military for ever growing expansion, and in order to produce ever more effective soldiers it was prohibited to be married in that line of work. This was an instance of suppression against the common people, deterring love. But the saint named Valentine deemed this as unjust and actively worked against such laws, marrying couples in secret.
The saint Valentine stood for peace and perseverance in the face of adversary for the sake of love, but is that what is being embraced by people in current times ? In my youth, the mention of Valentine’s Day was oftentimes associated with flowers and showing one’s affection for another with materialistic things. At the time the deeper conceptualization of said holiday was beyond my comprehension, with an additional lack of interest. In the past my focus would be on expensive gestures. But with this newfound appreciation for what the holiday truly stands for, this allows me to establish a new dynamic with my special someone.
With the mention of Valentine’s Day gifts, during my time in school there would always be a service of flowers for purchase as a gift on the holiday with students forming crowds surrounding these vendings. When perceiving the holiday there is such a heavy focus on the financial and material aspects that the main lesson being preached of being genuine to yourself and your loved one with spending time together is overshadowed. Nothing in life should ever be taken for granted and Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to spend time with your significant other, just relaxing doing the hobbies that are interesting to oneself, with time being the most valuable resource not money.
There can be lots of pressure to be flashy for the day of love as I have on occasion given in myself. However, here are some prime examples of meaningful gestures for this Valentine’s Day.
Pictures. Whether its a video montage showing the highlights of your time together or even if it’s your favorite moment captured in a frame either will show a level of care and authenticity more than money could buy
Dinner. While prices are skyrocketing due to inflation, cooking at home, whether simple or elaborate, illustrates an immense amount of love through the process of a home cooked meal. Taking the time to actually go through that process means more at the end of the day.
Games. While a unique choice for the day of love, it is another chance to bond and ask about what has been going on with them recently with communication being key to any healthy relationship.
Movies. Any streaming platform such as Netflix, Hulu, etc have a variety of options to choose from and if you don’t have access to such things, old fashioned DVDs work just as well. And one’s favorite movie always is something to be grateful for on the day of love.
As can be seen with the history behind Valentine’s Day, there is a focus on being authentic to oneself and persevering through hardships with it being an inspiring message. Those who are not involved in any romantic relations can still participate in the holiday celebration since its foundation is based upon the human spirit and discounted candy after the fact is always a plus.
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Jason Miller is currently a student at Wellington Community High School with his education being based upon his experiences with the debate program consisting of 5 years experience and he is focused on college level AICE courses, the majority of his classes.
The most philanthropic night in Wellington is coming up on February 4 at the Wellington International Equestrian Center. The Great Charity Challenge is a fast paced relay type of competition that awards cash prizes to local charities and grants to sports teams. It is sponsored by Fidelity Investments and makes an amazing impact on our community. Gates open at 6 pm. Check out the website for more information on this and the other events! https://wellingtoninternational.com/
There are lots of activities at the Village in February so check out the website for all the information. These include Black History Month activities, Thursday nights Food Trucks on the Promenade and Concerts at Village Park! Lakeside Market at Town Center on Friday evenings has fun, food and crafts.
South Florida Garlic Fest is returning to Village Park February 4 and 5th. This is a celebration of Garlic and Music and draws people from all over the county.
The construction at Town Center is on schedule, so look for more parking to open over there soon. I can’t wait to see the improvements coming with more space for the Amphitheater and better parking for Food Truck events.
Don’t forget that February is the month to show those who you love how important they are. The best part of being Mayor of this great not so little Village is the love that has been shown to me! People always talk about the “thankless job” of local elected officials, but I must argue with that. This community has shown me and my family so much appreciation and reminds us all of the fantastic place we call home.
Wellington invites the community to attend the first annual “Black History Month Leadership Forum” on Wednesday, February 1st, from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM at the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Blvd).
This event will feature more than ten prominent black leaders from both the Wellington and Palm Beach County communities, representing the fields of medicine, education, business, and more.
A special thanks to Marcia Andrews, Palm Beach County School Board Member, District 6, and Marcia Hayden, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter President, for hosting this inaugural event.
The forum will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with these leaders, ask questions and build meaningful relationships. The event will also provide a platform for attendees to learn from each other’s experiences and successes. Light refreshments will be served.
We hope you will join us for this important event and help us celebrate the achievements of the Black community during Black History Month.
For more information call the Wellington Community Center at (561) 753-2484, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
