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.
Black History Month Event at Independent Lake Worth Movie Theater to Feature West Palm native and his award-winning animation
Lake Worth Fla./January 2023…To celebrate Black History Month, Jason Fleurant, known as JaFLEU, will show his 45-minute, award-winning animated film collection “TReal Toonz” for the first time locally at the independentMovies of Lake Worth, 7380 Lake Worth Road, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.
Focused on sharing black stories from a Haitian-American perspective, the Palm Beach Lakes Community High School graduate has made a name for himself internationally, showing his works at film festivals and art shows.
Among his awards and nominations are: 2022 Outstanding Animated Series nominee NAACP Image Awards; 2021 Best Animated Short finalist Kenya International Sports Film Festival Nairobi; and the winner of 2020 Ed Supersnipe Animation Award 14TH Buffalo Int’l Film Festival Buffalo, N.Y.; 2020 Best Web Series Urban Film Festival Miami, Florida, and 2020 Best Animated Short The-film-maker-project South Florida PBS Station.
JaFLEU’s works are exhibited internationally, and in the homes of professor and author Michael Eric Dyson, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, recording artist singer Jill Scott and more. His “Treal Toonz” art was featured during HULU’s “Huluween.” His works can be watched on the Black-owned streaming network, Kweli TV. https://www.kweli.tv/
Inspired by the anniversary of the 2010 Haitian earthquake held at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fleurant started studying cartooning in 2016. He evolved to creating his powerful animation. “Making my art more dynamic led me down this path,” said the self-taught visual artist, animator and indie film creator. “I’ve never screened anything locally.”
“I’m so proud to host JaFLEU to show his award-winning animation shorts at our theater. We’ll have a red carpet and all the trimmings of a premier for children, students and animation buffs who come out to see his work and meet him,” said Rochelle Walters, general manager, Movies of Lake Worth.
The Wellington Art Society is thrilled to present Cynthia Zmetronak as guest speaker at their next meeting on February 8, 2023. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. The meeting will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. The event will conclude with a presentation by ceramicist, Cynthia Zmetronak where she will share about the joyful life of being a maker and teaching others how to navigate their medium of choice. For more information contact: Laura Jaffe, presidentofwas@gmail.com.
Cynthia Zmetronak began her artistic journey by creating delightfully tactile mud pies as a small child. She continued to develop her skills with clay at Girl Scouts as well as in the wonderful art programs in the New Jersey Public Schools System. She went on to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Art Education with a concentration in Ceramics from Montclair University and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Her passion for teaching led to a career teaching art to students from age 4 to 99.
A life-long-student herself, Cynthia’s retirement only fueled her passion for learning, as she pursued clay-based workshops online and in person. She has studied at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine, Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Colorado and Penland School of Crafts where she also earned a winter residency.
Locally, Cynthia is the current Vice President of the Ceramic League of the Palm Beaches and an alumni and active member of the FAU Potters Guild. In addition, she teaches at the Boca Raton Museum of Art School and the Levis JCC Sandler Center in Boca Raton. She says, “I enjoy teaching students how to manipulate an ancient material and make an original piece of their own.” When she is not teaching, she can be found creating in her home studio in Parkland, Florida or her summer studio in Canada.
Cynthia believes in using her art to make a difference. Because of her love of animals, she has held fund raising events to help organizations providing care for wildlife affected by wildfires in both the US and Australia. The proceeds from the sale of her pottery at these events have been used to support organizations such as the UC Davis Burn Unit for Animals, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Wombat Rescue and Koala Rescues.
Another way that Cynthia and her students give back to the community is through an organization called Empty Bowls. In February, FAU Potters Guild is holding an Empty Bowls event where students, staff and alumni will be donating their ceramic bowls for purchase with soup and bread. Proceeds will be split between the Caring Kitchen in Delray Beach and The Tri- County Animal Shelter of Palm Beach County, helping to feed both our two- and four-legged friends.
To see her work, visit Cynthia’s upcoming exhibition during the annual JCC show and sale, beginning on March 9th at the Sandler Center. She will also have works displayed in the Sandler Center Gallery. She also exhibits her work twice a year in a show for alumni, staff and students of FAU. Their next show and sale will be in May. Her work is also on display at the Boca Raton Museum of Art School gift shop and on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/theghostorchidart .
### The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 41st year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
(Delray Beach, FL – January 20, 2023)Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced a collaboration with the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce to present Jean Caze, a featured soloist in Michael Bublé’s band, on Sunday, February 26, at 7 pm.
“Music holds an important place in Haitian society and culture and is a part of everyday life in Haiti, so it is meaningful for Arts Garage to celebrate Haitian American music and the people who love it,” says Waldo.
Acknowledging the great value of nonprofit organizations like Arts Garage and the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce working together, the Chamber’s Vice President Djénane StFleur Gourgue adds,“Business ventures are like creativity—they require courage and patience.”
Hailed by The New York Times for his “strong, and unexpectedly diverse” performance that evoked Miles Davis, Caze is known for his original blend of Haitian American music, with rhythms inspired by Rara, Konpa, Racine, and American backbeats. The lyrics tell the tales of heroic freedom fighters that shaped the fate of millions, while the show itself engages the audience by inviting them to sing, move, and even dance, as they discover the richness of Haitian culture.
Jean Caze’s latest CD, Amedé, features his blend of Haitian American musical styles and features the Queen of Haitian song, Emeline Michel, among other talented artists, many of which will be accompanying him at Arts Garage including:
· David Chiverton who is a member of the Smoogies, and has toured with Sheila, E., Jon Secada, and Lauryn Hill.
· Dion Keith Kerr, also a member of the Smoogies and a South Florida staple of the music scene, who will add his voice on electric bass.
· Super producer and multi-instrumentalistDwayne Bennet will make his debut with Jean’s group on keys.
· Haitian American saxophone sensation, and Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State, Claudens Louiswill fill-out the amazing group.
How to Get Tickets to Jean Caze:
Tickets are $35-$40 per person and are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at 561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.
About Arts Garage:
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444), Arts Garage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach. For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
The Village of Wellington is excited to announce the return of a FREE public art exhibit “The Art of Florida’s Highwaymen” to the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The exhibit will be on display for public viewing from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, February 4-5, with presentations each day at 2:00 p.m. A key member of the Highwaymen, R. A. McLendon, who began his painting career in 1955, will be painting live on-site.
Who are the Highwaymen? In the late 1950s, during the Jim Crow era of the south, a small group of African American artists from the Ft. Pierce and Vero Beach area started a business venture during a time when employment opportunities available were most likely low-paying, minimum wage jobs.
Eventually, the group numbered twenty-six self-taught artists. Unable to display and sell their work through traditional channels such as galleries and art agents, they traveled the roads selling their paintings to business owners, real estate brokers, lawyer’s offices, banks, and others along the way. This unconventional sales method earned them the name of “The Highwaymen” sometime in the mid-1990s. For over 60 years the group captured Florida’s natural beauty in an estimated 200,000 paintings, depicting striking views of back woods scenes, breaking waves, palm-lined beaches, and rivers, to name a few.
The Highwaymen have been featured in the N.Y. Times, on National Public Radio, and were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. Their work is on display in the White House and Florida Governor’s mansion, in addition to countless homes and offices across the country.
For more information call the Wellington Community Center at (561) 753-2484, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
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.
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Celebrate the most romantic night of the year at the Atlantic Grille in Delray Beach. Tucked inside The Seagate Hotel & Spa, Director of Culinary Gordon Maybury will be rolling out a romantic prix fixe feast complemented by an entourage of sensuous sips that will have you humming “That’s Amore” all night long.
Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Menu
$85 per person
Served with a complimentary glass of champagne
Appetizer
(Choose one)
Lobster Bisque
Lobster, sweet sherry, crème fraiche, croutons, and lots of caviar
Cupid Salad
Baby arugula, roasted red beets, goat cheese, pickled red onion,
($16) Casamigos Blanco Tequila, vanilla and passionfruit syrups,
lime, and pink sea salt foam
Rather celebrate at home? For the ultimate gastronomic gesture, lavish your valentine with a special “Treats for My Sweet” Gift Box ($75). The edible gift features a heart-shaped smash chocolate filled with homemade macaroons, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and creamy bon bons. Available at ETC. Café.
The Seagate Hotel & Spa is located at 1000 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, visit seagatedelray.com or call (561) 665-4800.
Wellington to recognize Chinese New Year with Celebration at the January 27 Lakeside Market
Join the Village of Wellington for a Chinese New Year Celebration on Friday, January 27, happening in conjunction with the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center.
In addition to shopping with local vendors from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors to the Lakeside Market will enjoy a traditional lion dance performance at 7:00 p.m. followed by martial arts demonstrations. In Chinese culture, a lion dance is typically performed during Chinese New Year celebrations to ward off evil, and bring prosperity and good fortune for the new year. The dances are performed by two “dancers” garbed in a traditional lion costume, moving to the rousing sounds of drums, gongs, and symbols. One performer is positioned as the head and front limbs of the lion, while the other makes up the back and rear limbs.
The Lakeside Market occurs on Fridays, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., along the Town Center Promenade, located behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). For more information on the market and to find the weekly vendor list visit www.wellingtonlakesidemarket.com.
For more information, call the Wellington Community Center at (561) 753-2484, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
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.
Wellington, Florida. Music, Military and Memories come together on Thursday, January 26th, 2023 (Heroes Day) at the South Florida Fair on the Main Stage at an event called SongFest for Vets from 1-9 pm.
The idea for SongFest came about when members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9610 in Lake Park began reminiscing about the songs that really meant something to them during the most difficult times that anyone can face, overseas, away from home, and at war. This year’s event is called OPERATION: ENDURING MUSIC and will include actual veteran descriptions of common events that occur during a service person’s life, to include how we join, how we train, our families, our combat experience, and exposures, and how we return home and reintegrate into the American dream. As songs are played in honor of our Vets, speakers will provide information about various Veteran Support Organizations available in our community, from the Veterans Administration to those groups that help Veterans find jobs, support, help and housing, even service animals.
The South Florida Fair, which runs January 13 – 29, is excited to host this unique event for the 3rd time. Thursday, January 26th has been designated as “Heroes Day” by the South Florida Fair. Active Duty, Reservists, Veterans and First Responders will receive discounted tickets that day. The South Florida Fair is providing the stage, lights, technical support for SongFest V.
The US Army Rock Band “Downrange” will headline from 7:30-9pm Other acts that will perform include Erasmith (a Aerosmith Cover Band) from 5:30-6:30pm, Shovelhed from 4:30-5:30pm, CHC – Cash, Houtrides and Catoia from 3:30-4:30pm, Daytona Dave from 2:45-3:30pm, Dave and Vicky from 2-2:45pm and the West Boca High School Arts Academy, both the Choir and Musical Theater departments from 1:30-2pm. This event is only possible because of VFW Post #9610 and The South Florida Fair. Tents are still available for sponsors and other Veteran Support agencies.
Spend an entertaining day honoring those who fought for our Freedom, and help us ensure the wounded, disabled and elderly Veterans have the support they need. Your donations will definitely help! Let’s Rock!
For questions and sponsorship information please contact Bill Millard (Colonel, United States Army – Retired) at (561) 289-8505 or via email at billmillard@bellsouth.net
