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ON CLOUD WINE AT CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE & SPA 

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<strong>ON CLOUD WINE AT CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE & SPA</strong> 

By Briana D’Andrea

Sweeping valleys, rolling vineyards and the most exquisite hospitality experience is what you’ll find if you pay a visit to Napa Valley. Just an hour north of the Bay Area of San Francisco, wine country is a must do for a weekend getaway or a special occasion. My husband and I decided to take a trip to the wine capital of the U.S. to celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary! Let’s face it…after doing our best to celebrate our tenth anniversary under COVID restrictions and being under quarantine for almost 3 years with our family, we knew it was just the perfect place to get away from it all. 

After extensive research we settled on Calistoga, an adorable little town just north of Napa, known for its wellness and hot springs experiences. We knew we wanted something of a small town feel and away from all the hustle and bustle and The Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa was the absolute perfect place. Located at the beginning of the Silverado Trail, this brand new retro-modern inspired boutique hotel has it all. From beautiful views, several mineral pools at different temperatures, free bike rentals, bocce ball courts and an incredible restaurant  with the most amazing food, called The Fleetwood, not to mention their spa (more on those in a minute). As soon I laid eyes on the property, I knew it was the exact vibe we were looking for and it exceeded our expectations. It’s a laid back, Californian, word of mouth hotel, that doesn’t miss a beat. Inspired by the great American Road trip, their website describes it as, “The classic roadside boutique hotel, but better.” I couldn’t agree more. You can choose from their super nostalgic camper rooms, that are a play on camper vans or their newly renovated vista rooms, complete with balconies overlooking the Vaca mountains, which is what we opted for. Every detail accounted for, every person with a smile on their face. As I sit here writing this, I’m already trying to figure out how to make it back out there.

Coming from Palm Beach, we live in one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., so our standards are pretty high and our trip lived up to them all. Below is an itinerary of our trip. Hope you find value in it.

*We did partner with Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, but all opinions are my own. 

NAPA VALLEY 12TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP

DAY 1 FRIDAY OCTOBER 7TH

9:25A Est JET BLUE FLIGHT FLL TO SFO 

12:30P pst ARRIVE

1:30P TAKE UBER TO GRAB PORSCHE

-We used a company called Turo, it’s sort of like an airbnb for cars. Highly recommend.

2-3P DRIVE TO SAUSALITO & HANG OUT

-We ate at an incredible place on the water called The Joinery. We shared a falafel burger & a beet salad.

3-4:30P DRIVE TO CALISTOGA MOTOR LODGE AND SPA & CHECK IN

-They have the most adorable little lobby and we were welcomed by the staff with open arms!

6P PRISONER WINE DINNER

-Prisoner is not your average winery, it’s modern and sexy and almost counter to what you think a winery should be and we LOVED it. Prisoner Wines is one of our faves and we were thrilled to learn they had a Friday night DJ experience, complete with Chicago style pizza and 2 bottles of wine! Highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. Read on . . .

Donate and Save a Life

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Donate and Save a Life

Magnifique Winter Intensive at the Kravis

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Magnifique Winter Intensive at the Kravis

Many young dancers dream of attending an intensive (a rigorous, brief time of dance training) to learn under international ballet masters. Unfortunately, tuition is often too steep, or the location too far, for that dream to come true.

Two Palm Beach County organizations are changing that. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and Paris Ballet & Dance are offering young dance students throughout South Florida the chance to attend the Magnifique Winter Intensive program next month.

Taking place December 26-30 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, students 7 to 22 can experience a five-day ballet program in the pure tradition of I’Ecole Francaise (the French School). They’ll get a rare opportunity to be taught by elite teachers hailing from France—including the Paris Ballet Conservatory director, master teachers from the Opera National de Paris, and from the Ballet de I’Opera National de Bordeaux.

Video auditions are still being accepted, or students can schedule an in-person interview at Paris Ballet & Dance’s studio in Jupiter. The cost is $35 to register, and only $495 for the entire intensive. More information can be found at www.kravis.org/studentarts.

The 2022 Carbonell Awards

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The 2022 Carbonell Awards

Photos by Carol Porter

The first in person Carbonell Awards, celebrating the 2021-2022 Theater Season were held on Monday, November 7, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. Awards were presented in twenty Competitive Categories and nine theater and arts legends were honored. The honorees hailed from Broward, Miami/Dade and Palm Beach counties. At this year’s event, 126 different nominations in 20 competitive categories were shared by 98 talented people, 36 extraordinary productions, and 16 South Florida theaters. Winners were determined by a diverse group of 30 experienced judges.

Produced by Fantel Music, the theme of this year’s Carbonell Awards ceremony was community and Inclusion, representing all of South Florida’s talented theater professionals, both onstage and backstage, and was a delight to everyone who attended. Musical performances and clips from nominated and winning shows were also shown on the stage. The ceremony was a breath of fresh air for all attendees and showcased the best in South Florida theater.

The ceremony was emceed by three talented co-hosts: Miami-based theater, film and TV actor Daniel Llaca; actor, singer and director Geoff Short, board president of the Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts and board secretary of the Carbonell Awards; and Carbonell board member Avery Sommers, award-winning Broadway, movie and TV veteran and cabaret headliner.

Sponsors of the 45th Annual Carbonell Awards included the South Florida Cultural Consortium, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Carbonell Sculptures Ltd.,  Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, John Knox Village, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, The Dennis C. Moss Center (formerly The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center), Punchline Productions, South Florida Theatre League, and Donald R. Walters, P.A.

Lights 4 Hope

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Lights 4 Hope

LIGHTS 4 HOPE, HOLIDAY DRIVE THRU SHOW

At OKEEHEELEE Park starts November 18th – December 30th

The 5th year for the holiday drive thru event, is set to begin on November 18th and runs every weekend thru December 30th. This beautiful holiday spectacle is spread out along a 2-mile route at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. The event will happen Friday-Sunday through the end of December for approximately 30,000 spectators.

Lights 4 Hopes mission is to spread happiness and joy to families coping with their child’s terminal illness or life changing physical changes. Proceeds from the holiday show, fundraising events, and sponsorships go right back to these incredible, local families.

Lights 4 Hope is working with local families year-round to provide some relief, happiness, and financial support. This organization strives to bring smiles to our communities faces at the end of 2022 and into the new year with a safe and beautiful, holiday show, all for a great cause!

If you would like more information about this event, please visit www.lights4hope.org

Follow Lights 4 Hope on Instagram and Facebook

Wellington Parks & Recreation Announces New Esports League

Carly Cantor
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Wellington Parks & Recreation Announces New Esports League

Free Open House on Saturday, November 12th
 

Wellington Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the addition of a new Esports League to its catalog of program offerings! XP League is a youth esports league designed just like conventional youth sports, emphasizing building social skills and sportsmanship through a positive coach-led structure.
 
The new program kicks off with a free Open House event at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, on Saturday, November 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Gamers ages 8 to 17, of all skill levels, are invited to come meet the coaches and test out games for the upcoming season. Limited refreshments will be available, first come, first served.
 
The XP League season will begin November 28, 2022, and will run through February 12, 2023. Games will include: 

  • Apex Legends
  • League Legends
  • Fortnite
  • Overwatch
  • Rocket League
  • Valorant

Register for a free skill assessment and find more information at wellington.xpl.gg/
 
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.

History On The Rocks returns to Yesteryear Village

Carly Cantor
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History On The Rocks returns to Yesteryear Village

— A food & spirits tasting experience

Who/What: History on the Rocks, a food and spirits tasting experience presented by Glade & Grove Supply

When: 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18

Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach. Enter via gates 3 or 12 to the Archway gate.

Media contact: To cover this event, please call or text Doreen Poreba of The PR Czar® Inc. at 772-215-2333. If you cannot cover this event, we will gladly send you b-roll and/or photos for your newscasts. 

Highlights:

• An opportunity to stroll under the twinkling lights of Yesteryear Village and its historic buildings while sampling light bites and beverages from more than 20 stations along the way. Featuring local chefs, foods, farmers and local drink brewers. 

• A chance to holiday shop at the Storm Tight Windows MarketPlace showcasing local vendors, specialty goods and items as well as the Village’s General Store

• Live Entertainment: The Brass Evolution Band and Victoria Cardona. The Brass Evolution Band is a South Florida 11-piece hot brass party band where Michael Buble meets Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Santana and more, with plenty of room for groups like Bon Jovi, Journey and other great musical blasts from the past. South Florida native Victoria Cardona is a guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, one-woman jam band. Her loop performances are a sonic and visual experience that take the audience on a ride through the mind of an improvisationalist. 

• Special selfie stops to create memorable photos 

General Admission: $80 in advance, $90 at the gate, free parking. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by parent/legal guardian. Ages 12 and under not permitted.

VIP Admission at 6 p.m., sponsored by iTHINK Financial: $750 table of 10. VIP tickets are only available online until November 11, 2022

VIP Benefits: Early admission at 6 p.m., reserved table, specialty food/beverage gift, two bottles of wine per VIP table, unlimited tastings at food/beverage stations, early shopping in the MarketPlace and General Store 

Sponsors: Glade & Grove Supply, Storm Tight Windows, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, iTHINK Financial, Professional Concessions, Inc.

For more info: Call 561-793-0333 www.southfloridafair.com/historyontherocks

Mounts Botanical Garden to Host Final Al Fresco Stickwork Sculpture by Environmental Artist Patrick Dougherty

Carly Cantor
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Mounts Botanical Garden to Host Final Al Fresco Stickwork Sculpture by Environmental Artist Patrick Dougherty

(West Palm Beach, FL – November 7, 2022) Stickwork, one of the most popular exhibitions ever at Mounts Botanical Garden, returns soon—but this will be “the final massive outdoor sculpture” by international acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty.

Known for his Stickwork projects that combine both his carpentry skills and love of nature, Dougherty’s work evolved from single pieces on conventional pedestals to monumental scale environmental works that require saplings by the truckload.Over the last 30 years, he has built over 250 of these works from Scotland to Japan to Brussels, from Miami to Cincinnati, including a very popular exhibition at Mounts in 2019, which was known by two names—Twisted pre-opening, and Cutting Corners, during its year long run.

“Each one of Dougherty’s structures are completely original, as will be his final Stickwork at Mounts,” says Rochelle Wolberg, Curator-Director at Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest 20-acre public garden, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach. “These massive, all natural structures take three weeks to hand-assemble and will be an interactive and environmental experience, perfect for adults and children to wander through, admire, and become part of a living art experience.”

Stickwork Community Build 

November 14 to December 3

During the construction of his final outdoor Stickwork sculpture, Dougherty  will be assisted by dozens of local volunteers as they construct a massive all natural structure using 30,000 pounds of live willow branches. Except for November 24-27 when Mounts will be closed for Thanksgiving, volunteers will work in shifts Mondays through Fridays, 8 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm. Only a limited number of volunteer positions are available and interested  people need to register in advance by sending an email to  mountsvolunteer@pbcgov.org – or visit www.mounts.org.

This to be the second time having Mounts has hosted Patrick Dougherty and we’re very honored that he has chosen our Garden to construct his final outdoor Stickwork creation,” adds Wolberg. “So, this is truly a historic opportunity for art fans, garden lovers and inspired volunteers to be hands-on participants in working directly with this extraordinary artist to carefully shape saplings into a monumental piece of natural art!”

(FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)

Meet the Artist Behind Stickwork

Friday, December 2, 11 to 11:45 am

Come experience the newest Stickwork sculpture through the eyes of artist Patrick Dougherty, who is building his last monumental outdoor sculpture at the Garden. He will lead a fascinating discussion of his design and building process, answer any questions, and share what inspires his creativity. Advance registration is required by visiting https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-12/mounts.org. 

(FREE for Mounts members; $20 for nonmembers. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)

Grand Opening of Stickwork

Saturday, December 3

+ Members Only Talk & Tour with Patrick Dougherty, 11 am to noon

Limited to 100 adults, this special talk and tour of Stickwork is for Mounts members only. Dougherty will share behind-the-scenes insights about how he creates these massive works of living art. Advance registration is required by visiting https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-12/mounts.org. 

+ Grand Opening of Stickwork to the Public, Noon to 3 pm

The afternoon will offer a wide range of fun and family-friendly activities, including events for kids, vegan cookies, arts and crafts, food truck and beverages, live entertainment by local sensations the Lubben Brothers, and more.

(FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.)

Also Opening This Month

Tropical Holiday Trees at Mounts

November 12 – December 31

Mounts Botanical Garden will ring in the holiday season with the creation of three, framed, 8-15 foot trees designed by the Mounts Horticulture Team and installed with hundreds of colorful bromeliads, orchids and other tropical botanicals.

Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Last entry at 3 pm.

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate and include full Garden admission.

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created byBloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org]. 

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 6,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

Patrick Dougherty working on Stickworks
(Photo Credit: Mauney Portrait)

Executive Women of PB Celebrate 40 years of inspiration at Fall Luncheon

Carly Cantor
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Executive Women of PB Celebrate 40 years of inspiration at Fall Luncheon

West Palm Beach, Fla. – November 5, 2022 – In the four decades since its inception, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. (EWPBF) has affected the lives of countless women and their families. On October 25, 2022, a few of those women took the podium at its 2022 Fall Luncheon to say “thank you.”

Among the speakers were Palm Beach Atlantic University President Dr. Debra Schwinn, Palm Beach State College President Dr. Ava Parker and Nechama Deana Karp, once an Executive Women scholarship recipient and now a Control Center supervisor for Florida Power & Light. Dr. Schwinn and Dr. Parker spoke about how the annual EWPBF scholarships support not only its female students, but also the institutions as a whole, by providing hope, encouragement and successful graduates.

But Karp went a step further by sharing how EWPBF inspired her to start her own nonprofit, once she graduated Florida Atlantic University with a degree in electrical engineering. She recalled a particularly hard day, in which she was juggling work, school work and parenting, when she learned that she had received a much-needed scholarship.

“I thought it was a prank,” she said. “Then I found out a woman in FAU’s Engineering Department had nominated me. All I had to do was attend a luncheon to say thank you to this organization of amazing women. (The nominator) reminded me that I was the one doing the hard work. Once I was in the room, surrounded by kind, smiling people, it inspired me to pay it forward.”

The luncheon was held at the West Palm Beach Marriott to celebrate the impact of the grant and scholarship programs.  This season marks a milestone for the organization commemorating its 40th anniversary. It was founded in 1982 to provide a place and voice to the professional women who make up the business community of Palm Beach County. Through scholarships and the Lois Kwasman Community Grant, which funds local non-profit programs that assist women and girls who are in need in developing life skills, EWPB has changed career trajectories.

Barbara Stark, executive director/CEO of the Milagro Center in Delray Beach, shared how EWPBF’s funding of its “Girls Go Build” after-school and out-of-school program has exposed young women to careers in construction and landscape design. Working with mentors from local construction companies, program participants have built a deck, picnic tables and planters. They also have cultivated and maintained a garden for the planters. Their next project will involve working with Habitat for Humanity to build two cases for a food pantry, which will be stocked by other Milagro students, Stark said. The “Girls Go Build” program has inspired the next generation of female construction professionals.

“I am very proud to be a part of such an amazing organization that recognizes the needs of young women,” said EWPBF President Katie Klause-Newitt. “Our goal, since inception, is to help these women to push themselves to succeed in their dreams. Our hope is that they remain in Palm Beach County to be the next business leaders for the next 40 years and beyond.”

The next EWPB event will be its annual Holiday Party, held December 9, 2022, at The Club at Admirals Cove, 200 Admirals Cove Blvd., Jupiter, FL 33477. The event is open to the public, and tickets are available at www.ewpb.org.

Empowering women to succeed and lead, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit professional association that inspires integrity, equality and leadership in the workplace and community. To learn more, visit www.ewpb.org.

Photo credit: Tracey Benson Photography, 2022

League of Women Voters PBC to Host Lunch on Strengthening Medicaid & Medicare, November 16

Carly Cantor
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League of Women Voters PBC to Host Lunch on Strengthening Medicaid & Medicare, November 16

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 28, 2022) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited local voters to an informative lunch event next month.

Wednesday, November 16  / 11 am to 1 pm

Hot Topic Discussion  /  In-Person

Strengthening Medicaid & Medicare

+ Guest Speaker:  Scott Darius, Executive Director of Florida Voices for Health, who will share the latest developments around Medicaid and the campaign for Medicaid expansion, as well as recent changes to Medicare and campaigns to improve the oral health benefit. He began his career in health advocacy in 2012 when he joined Florida CHAIN helping to coordinate the statewide campaign for Medicaid expansion and pledges to stay engaged in the process until quality healthcare is truly affordable for everyone.

Where:  Mel’s Way Bistro, 3536 Via Poinciana in Lake Worth 33467

Lunch Fee: $35 

+ Lunch begins at 11:30 am. Choice of regular or vegetarian lunch.

+ Presentation begins at noon.

+ Registrations, lunch choice, and payments must be made in advance online at https://lwvpbc.org/event/november-hot-topic-2/.

+ Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Fee is nonrefundable.

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 

facebook.com/lwvpbc.

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