Photos/ Story by Alan Fabricant
During the Annual Street Painting Festival on February 22 and 23 the streets of Lake Worth Beach were turned into an outdoor canvas.
Approximately 600 artists took over the streets of LWB to paint their magnificent original works of art as well as reproductions.
Thousands of visitors came to enjoy this free annual festival which included the artworks, live entertainment and some wonderful food under bright blue skies.
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida Atlantic University is honored to host Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise and acclaimed author, for an exclusive event titled “The Real ‘Q’ – Gadgets, Technologies, and Espionage Operations.” This captivating presentation will delve into the clandestine world of espionage, highlighting the innovative technologies and covert operations that defined Mendez’s distinguished career.
Join us for a captivating event with Jonna Mendez, former CIA Chief of Disguise and author of the best-selling memoir In True Face: A Woman’s Life in the CIA, Unmasked.
Jonna joined the CIA in 1970 specializing in espionage technology using gadgets we see in James Bond movies. Jonna will share stories about the technical innovations and secret missions that shaped her remarkable career and has landed her own room in the CIA museum in Washington D.C. She has also appeared on 60 minutes, the Jennifer Hudson show, and numerous other television appearances. This event will be highly entertaining, as she reveals the details of her amazing career.
Event Details:
Mendez’s career with the CIA’s Office of Technical Service—the real-life equivalent of “Q” from the James Bond films—spanned decades of innovation in espionage technology. She trained foreign assets in the use of subminiature spy cameras, disguise techniques, and cutting-edge intelligence-gathering tools. In this engaging presentation, she will share fascinating stories of espionage, technological breakthroughs, and covert operations.
About Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU:
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University is dedicated to enriching the lives of mature adults by offering non-credit courses and events that foster intellectual growth and personal development. Our programs cover a diverse range of topics, providing a vibrant community for lifelong learners.
For more information, contact:
Website: www.olli.fau.edu
OLLI Boca: 561-297-3185 or email [email protected]
OLLI Jupiter: 561-799-8667 or email [email protected]
The Original and the Most Thrilling Dance Event of the Season!
Palm Beach, FL (February 18, 2025) Join Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH) on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 6 pm, at The Breakers Palm Beach for the 5th Annual Dance the Night Away Gala™ presented by Fred Astaire Studio. This exciting and glamorous event, chaired by Lois Pope and Caroline Harless, will feature 13 community leaders who will showcase their dance skills to help raise funds for families in need who are dealing with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Derek Hough, a four-time Emmy Award-winning dance superstar and a beloved judge of “Dancing with the Stars,” as well as a six-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
The three celebrity judges for the dancing competition are Marla Maples, Scott Baio, and Allison Stockel! This star-studded lineup will help determine Cancer Alliance’s 2025 Top Female and Male Dancer. Judges will also present several other awards from different categories, including the Lois Pope People’s Choice Award. This prestigious award is presented to the dancer who receives the most votes by raising the most money before and during the event. The award was named after Lois Pope, a prominent philanthropist and community leader known for her generous contributions to important causes both locally and nationally.
The thirteen dancers competing for The Lois Pope People’s Choice Award are Bianca Blag, Javier Fernandez, Holly Hanlon, Debra Hoag, Cindy Karen, Reina Kendall, Taniel Koushakjian, Jennifer Nawrocki, Joan Parker, Jesus Perez-Mendez, Jane Scher, Paul Shalhoub, and Ellie Siefken Trimarche.
Guests of the Dance the Night Away Gala will also enjoy a special performance by Grammy award-winning jazz artist Eirinn Abu and an exquisite dance performance by Evelyn Treacy and Dan Radler- a highly acclaimed ballroom dancer and DanceSport athlete.
“This promises to be an extraordinary evening brimming with glamour, exhilarating entertainment, and lively dancing,” stated Stanton Collemer. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our participants who have dedicated their time and effort amidst their hectic schedules to perfect their routines for this special occasion. Their commitment plays a vital role in helping us raise essential funds for Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope. This event not only showcases remarkable talent but also exemplifies the spirit of our community coming together in solidarity to support those who are bravely battling cancer. It’s truly heartwarming to see everyone unite for a cause that touches so many lives.”
The Honorary Chairs are Al and Barbara Marulli. The Media Sponsor is Palm Beach Illustrated.
This is expected to be a sold-out event. For more information about sponsorship opportunities and/or how to purchase tickets, visit CAHH.org, e-mail CEO Stanton Collemer at [email protected], or call 561.215-7360.
About Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope:
Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Inc. is a Palm Beach County not-for-profit organization that eases the burden of qualified local cancer patients by paying a portion of their non-medical bills, supplementing basic needs, and providing support and information resources. For more information about Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, please visit CAHH.org.
Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation at 10:00 AM on Everglades Restoration by Dr. Steve Davis, Chief Science Officer, The Everglades Foundation.
Steve Davis, PhD, is an aquatic ecologist with 30 years of research experience in the coastal Everglades. He draws upon his past professional experience, including 10 years as professor of wetland ecology at Texas A&M University, to lead The Everglades Foundation’s Science Department and science communication efforts focused on advancing Everglades restoration, tracking ecosystem health, and understanding the impacts of sea-level rise.
Davis has authored or co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed science publications, holds a Courtesy Associate Professor appointment in Florida International University College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, and is a Coordinating Editor for the journal Restoration Ecology. He is also co-author of the 5th Edition of The Everglades Handbook: Understanding the Ecosystem.
The community is invited to join club members for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, contact Carol Ralph at: [email protected].
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
An Interview with Co-owner Jenn Picciolo
By Krista Martinelli
AW: How did you decide to expand upon the Cugini Wine Tasting Rooms and open up The Cellar next door?
JP: We love the tasting rooms, but we knew that it was a great opportunity to expand. There are simply not enough venues in Wellington. We can accommodate 30 to 120 people. Our back space accommodates 80 people. We have a bar lounge and a cigar lounge. We enjoy the entertaining part of it. Our RTDs (Ready To Drink, like the espresso martini) are on tap now. We serve wine by the glass or by the bottle. We offer beer too. It took roughly 80 days to transform the space into The Cellar, after working around the clock. We are located inside the Polo Club in Wellington, downstairs from The Stallion restaurant.
Editor’s Note: See the very last sentence of this article for Grand Opening info!
AW: What kind of experience do you want customers to have? Is it a speakeasy?
JP: Yes, it’s a speakeasy/ cigar lounge. It’s a unique experience; we always want people to have a happy, memorable experience. As far as my background, I love helping people. I’ve worked in food & beverage, education and country club event planning. “Cugini” means cousins. We’re all part of the family, cousins. We want you to feel like you’re coming home. It’s like Cheers – everybody knows your name. As for events, if you can dream it, we can do it!
AW: What else do you serve at The Cellar?
JP: We have a full coffee bar with cappuccino, espressos and other caffeinated drinks. We also have non-alcoholic drinks like Hive drinks made with honey (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), Italian soda and regular soda. We offer beer on draft, made by Cugini Joe.
AW: What kind of events or special evenings will you be having?
JP: We will be celebrating St. Patty’s Day and having a St. Patty’s Day brunch. Wednesdays we have our burger special. Happy Hour every day (hours still to come). We will have a Sip n Roast on March 15th, lamb roast with Chef Bengala Ngobene. We also offer small charcuterie boards for purchase on a daily basis.
Planning an event? Stop by or call to schedule a tour of The Cellar. We would love to make The Cellar at Palm Beach Polo your favorite place. It’s a unique experience and our staff is ready to spoil you!
AW: Tell us about your staff.
AW: Do people need to be called into the gate at the Polo Club? JP: We’re open seven days a week. Just say you’re going to The Cellar or Cugini Winery and show your photo ID.
AW: What’s the difference between Cugini next door and The Cellar?
JP: Cugini Wine Tasting Rooms are open from 11am to 7pm daily and by reservation only. These tastings include homemade bread, charcuterie, truffles plus our wines from Calabria, Italy.
The Cellar is open every day, no reservation required. You can order food from the menu from The Stallion (upstairs). We also offer menus from Alacruz, Ranchero Argentina and Juan’s market. For special events, we bring in appetizers.
AW: What have some of your customers said about The Cellar?
JP: They say it’s a unique experience. We always know their name and make them feel like family. The Cellar reminds them of Cheers. Very fitting. Our bar reminds us of Cheers too.
AW: Tell us about yourself, Jenn. How did you get into this business?
JP: I moved here a year ago from Jensen Beach and I’m widowed. I had two friends’ birthdays coming up. I looked around and found that there was a winery in Wellington, to my surprise. After tasting the wine, I became a wine club member and met owner Bob Reyers. He was looking for help. I was looking for a job.
In my 20s, I worked at the Polo Club in Boca Raton and the Boca Hotel, planning events. Today, Bob Reyers and I are partners on The Cellar side of the business. I love my job. It keeps me very busy. It’s like a family here.
AW: Tell us about your RTD Dance Parties.
JP: The RTD varieties include: Espresso Martini, Lecello (like limoncello), Moscow Mule, Strawberry Margarita, Skinny Margarita, Grandma Margarita, Mojito, Angelica, Old Fashioned, Kafe luna and Grand Mal.
You can reserve a Cocktail dance party for 20 people with 1 host. Or you can reserve it for 30 to 40 people with 2 hosts. You get a fabulous DJ. You get to pick 5 RTDs for the evening. We serve snacks. It’s a 4-hour party. Normally it’s $150 per person, but with our Grand Opening, it’s $100 per person. Gratuity not included.
AW: Anything else you’d like to share?
At The Cellar, we have a pub, cigar lounge, event space and humidor that holds 15,000 cigars. Ishmael (of BAMF cigars) owns the humidor, and his background is in the military and working with law enforcement. He has a passion for cigars.
In our event space, we plan on having weddings, meetings, baby showers, bar mitzvahs, quinces, retirement parties, anniversaries and more. We’ve already had a few successful events. We offer valet parking with most of our events.
To visit, The Cellar, go to The Polo Club and go straight, following signs for Golf Bag Drop. (for now, until we get our signs posted). We are downstairs from The Stallion.
Thursday, February 20th is our Grand Opening from 5pm to 8pm. Saturday, February 22nd is our cigar lounge grand opening from 1pm to 6pm. We look forward to seeing you!
The Cellar at the Palm Beach Polo Club
Call (561) 943-7971
COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SAVE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH YOUTH SUMMIT, ENSURING STUDENTS ACCESS TO LITERACY, MENTAL HEALTH OUTLETS & SCHOLARSHIPS
RIVIERA BEACH, FL – Despite critical funding cuts that nearly forced its cancellation, the National Poetry Month Youth Summit is moving forward for its third consecutive year thanks to overwhelming community support and the undeniable impact this event has on local youth.
Created by The Desired Group, this free event isn’t just for poets. It’s designed to help middle and high school students find their voice, build self-esteem, and develop public speaking and literacy skills, while providing a vital mental health outlet.
Set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, the summit will welcome 6th-12th grade students for a full day of immersive workshops led by expert facilitators. Attendees will learn the power of self-expression through spoken word and creative writing, while also connecting with community resources that support youth development and well-being.
As a highlight of the event, three exceptional students will be awarded college scholarships of $1500, $1000, and $500, generously provided by organizations and business who value the Impact the Summit brings to the community such as The LaFrance Project, City of Riviera Beach Parks Department, Forrest Development, and a grant from Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach.
The event is open to the public from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, featuring a powerful poetry competition and a resource fair where families can connect with organizations dedicated to youth literacy, mental health, and empowerment.
The survival of this summit is a testament to the power of community and the belief that every young person deserves a platform to be heard.
For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, please contact Desiree Reavis 561-215-6102 or [email protected]
League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County
to Honor MSNBC Anchor Katie Phang
& Author/Historian Robert Watson, PhD at Annual
I STAND WITH THE LEAGUE Luncheon & Awards
At the Marriott West Palm Beach, February 26
Tickets Available Online at www.LWVPBC.org;
Deadline to RSVP is February 19
(West Palm Beach, FL – February 13, 2025) With the mission of Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy, the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)is inviting friends and supporters to its annual fundraiser.
Wednesday, February 26 – Doors Open at 11 am
I STAND WITH THE LEAGUE Luncheon & Awards
At the Marriott West Palm Beach, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd
Featuring a Conversation Between the Recipients of This Year’s Mavericks & Heroes Award
+ Katie Phang, Esq. is the host of The Katie Phang Show, airing Saturdays at 12pm EST on MSNBC. Phang also serves as a Legal Contributor for NBC News/MSNBC, leveraging her significant trial experience to provide analysis and commentary on the latest legal issues across the globe. Phang was a trial attorney and media relations/crisis management consultant who received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law after earning her B.A. in Political Science (with an International Relations concentration) from Yale University. As a Miami-based trial attorney, she practiced law focusing on commercial litigation, family law, real estate litigation, hospitality litigation, and criminal defense & special investigations.
+ Robert Watson, PhD has published over 40 books and 200 scholarly articles and essays on topics in political, military, and social history, as well as two multi-edition, multi-volume encyclopedia sets on the presidents and first ladies. A frequent media commentator, Watson has been interviewed thousands of times by news outlets around the world, including CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, The New York Times, NPR, and the BBC, and has appeared on Hardball, The Daily Show, C-SPAN’s American History TV, The Washington Journal, etc. The award-winning Watson has been named “Professor of the Year” four times and has won all three campus-wide faculty awards—service, research, and teaching—several times at both Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University.
+ Conversation Moderator:
Joel Engelhardt, founder, editor, and reporter for Stet News.
+ Awards Luncheon Honorary Chair:
Keely Gideon-Taylor, Community Relations Manager for The Palm Beach Post and Gannett Southeast Florida Properties.
“This fun and informative event will celebrate the League’s many ongoing activities from our issue-oriented Hot Topic Luncheons and Spotlight Discussions to our successful voter registration drives and voter education guides,’ says LWVPBC President Kathi Gundlach.
Highlights of the annual fundraiser will include a 3-course seated lunch, renowned speakers, a silent auction of fabulous gift baskets and more; plus, the opportunity to meet and connect with many of Palm Beach County’s most active citizens, office holders, business leaders, community influencers, and local decision-makers.
Tickets to this I STAND WITH THE LEAGUE Luncheon & Awards are only $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.LWVPBC.org. The deadline for RSVPs is February 19, 2024.
Sponsors and underwriters (so far) for this fundraising luncheon include The Palm Beach Post; FPL; Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & ShIpley P.A.; Smith Ball Baez & Prather Florida Injury Lawyers; Lesser Landy Smith & Siegel PLLC; and PR-BS, Inc.
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
SOUTH FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT EXPO
At Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens
Saturday, February 22, from 9 am to 5 pm
Keynote Speaker is Conservation & Restoration Expert George Gann
(West Palm Beach, FL – February 12, 2025) The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (PBCC FNPS), dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida, is hosting its first South Florida Native Plant Expo on Saturday, February 22, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Palm Beach State College, located at 3160 PBG Blvd.in Palm Beach Gardens.
PBCC FNPS will be bringing in more than 20 speakers to talk on a wide range of native plant topics from native groundcovers to invasive species control and hands-on propagation workshops. This conference has a whole day of speakers for novices, enthusiasts, those in the industry, and everyone in between.
The Keynote Speaker will be George Gann, South Florida’s own internationally recognized authority on conservation and restoration.
Among the topics that will be covered during the one-day conference will be native landscaping, pollinators and wildflowers, edible natives, propagation techniques, birds and butterflies, conservation efforts, etc. There will also be guided garden tours.
Tickets to this Native Plant Expo are $50 each, including lunch, and can be purchased online at: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML0X58QJMNJKR/checkout/RZURBHHBIXCDAEOXUMMUBV2X.
The day after the Expo – Sunday, February 23, the event’s partnering sponsors will host field trips across South Florida to give people the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of native plans in natural spaces.
Sponsors of the first South Florida Native Plant Expo include Environmental Quality, Inc., UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Extension, Audubon Everglades, Naba-Atala Chapter, The Institute for Regional Conservation, Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association, Florida Wildflower Foundation, Sierra Club Loxahatchee Chapter, The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Native Plant Horticulture Foundation, Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management, Loxahatchee Land Management, Palm Beach State College, and more.
About the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
Established in 1981, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the auditorium at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Individual membership is $35 yearly. For more information about the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, please visit http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org and www.facebook.com/PBCC.FNPS.
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