WELLINGTON, FL – Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care, a luxury retirement community, proudly hosted the Senior Safety & Prevention Expo presented by B.Home Solutions Inc. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
The event provided seniors and their families with valuable resources and information to promote safety and well-being.
The expo featured a range of free health screenings, expert demonstrations, and informative presentations.
Physicians from Advanced Surgical Physicians shared their expertise on various health topics. Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Director of the Breast Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center, provided insights on breast cancer and general surgery, while Dr. Kyle Eldredge, Director of the Wound Center at Wellington Regional Medical Center, discussed hyperbaric oxygen therapy, tissue grafting, and colorectal cancer.
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-only CPR and AED course and Stop the Bleed training offered by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. This valuable training, based on the American College of Surgeons program, taught participants life-saving techniques to control bleeding.
Howard Weitzner, Esq., a Coral Springs-based attorney specializing in senior injury law, addressed legal issues relevant to seniors and Linda Borgmeyer, founder of the Wisdom Warrior Challenge was on-hand to share her passion for senior fitness, mobility and wellness.
“Wellington Bay is proud to host community events like the Senior Safety & Prevention Expo,” said Jay Mikosch, Campus Director of Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care. “We understand the importance of community engagement and education, and we are committed to providing valuable resources and support to seniors and their families. This event exemplifies our dedication to promoting the well-being of our residents and the wider community.”
The Senior Safety & Prevention Expo was a resounding success, empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools to enhance their safety and quality of life. Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care remain committed to serving as a valuable resource and partner within the community.
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Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments and a place for seniors to enjoy life. With something for everyone, Wellington Bay offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active aging and also provides assisted living support, respite care, and advanced, cutting-edge memory care at Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. Named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Retire,” Wellington is known for its golf courses, thriving equestrian community, and lovely homes.
Wellington Bay and Lisbet Health Center is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a Liberty Healthcare Management division specializing in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.
To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The South Florida Fair awarded $83,500 to 25 high school students from five local counties during a ceremony with fair dignitaries and their families. Sponsored by FPL, the presentation occurred during the 2025 Fair.
The scholarships ranged from $2,000 to $4,000 in four categories:
general, agriculture, nursing and fine arts. The scholarship money can be used at any accredited institution of higher learning or trade school. The fair’s scholarship committee selected the winners based on the students’ grades, need, and an essay addressing their educational plans, career goals, what inspires them to achieve them and what makes them stand out differently from their peers.
Since the program began in 1982, the Fair has awarded a total of more than $938,500 in scholarship money, continuing a 42-year tradition of supporting education.
Students from Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, Hendry and Okeechobee counties were eligible to apply. The Fair’s scholarship committee interviewed each finalist and then selected the winners. The committee was led by Chair Donna Winterson and Vice Chair Christine Shaw. The committee members were Annis Manning, Bill Sneed, Charity Lewis, Dan Lewis, Eva Webb, John Severson, Jorge Avellana, Lee Glaze, Lisa Johnson, Mabel Datena, Robi Jurney, Sarah Hoadley, Shawna Ahmad, Sheyla Zayas Torralbes and Tiffany Faublas.
The 2025 scholarship recipients were Isabella Carillo, Okeechobee High School, Okeechobee; Jonathan Clein, Suncoast High School, Wellington; Dakota Dean, Forest Hill High School, Lake Clarke Shores; Dwight Downie, Okeechobee High School, Okeechobee; Matthew Doyle, Suncoast High School, Wellington; Isabella Farrell, Wellington High School, Wellington; Sophia Feuer, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Lake Clarke Shores; Trenton Felton, Clewiston High School, Clewiston; Isabella Gilberto-Luna, Palm Beach Lakes, West Palm Beach; Evelyn Gonzalez Suferri, John I Leonard, West Palm Beach; Jennifer Han, Palm Beach Central, Wellington; Hailey Harden, Okeechobee High School, Okeechobee; Isabella Hernandez-Lozano, Royal Palm Beach High School, West Palm Beach; Tanmay Mahani, Suncoast High School, West Palm Beach; Angelica Mejia, John I. Leonard, West Palm Beach; Lydia Park, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, West Palm Beach; Jayden Ramos, Glades Day School, Belle Glade; Elizabeth Robles, Pahokee High School, Belle Glade; Jordan Ruiz, Kings Academy, Boynton Beach; Yocelin Santiso, John I. Leonard, Greenacres; John Smith, South Fork High School, Indiantown; Krisztina Tolotti, Fort Lauderdale High School, Fort Lauderdale; Daniel Tovar, John I. Leonard, Lake Worth; Amelia Welch, Olympic Heights, Boynton Beach; and Catherine Zhao, American Heritage, Boca Raton.
The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2025 South Florida Fair kicked off with its Ride-A-Thon on January 16 and the full fair was held January 17-February 2. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, https://www.southfloridafair.com.
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Photo by Erica Diaz: The South Florida Fair’s 2025 scholarship recipients were joined on stage with sponsors, board members, mayors and donors.
Palm Beach County, FL (January 31, 2025) – inSIGHT Through Education is thrilled to host its highly anticipated inSIGHT OUT event on March 17, 2024, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. This inspiring gathering will feature two dynamic speakers, Lizzy Savetsky and Tanya Zuckerbrot, along with Erin Guy of WPBF 25 as the esteemed moderator.
Lizzy Savetsky, a digital influencer, and outspoken advocate against antisemitism, uses her social media platform to educate and empower others while celebrating her Jewish identity and heritage. Tanya Zuckerbrot, a renowned dietitian and founder of the F-Factor Diet, has built an empire promoting healthy lifestyles, inspiring millions through her expertise in nutrition and wellness. Together, these two accomplished women who are leading voices in the fight against antisemitism and powerful advocates for the Jewish community, will present a thought-provoking discussion on empowerment, resilience, and making an impact.
Guiding the conversation will be Erin Guy, a trusted journalist and anchor at WPBF 25, ensuring an engaging and insSIGHTful dialogue for all attendees.
The inSIGHT OUT event is more than just an opportunity to hear from influential voices—it’s a full-day experience!
● Boutique Open to the Public (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) – A boutique like no other, featuring a curated selection of unique vendors including Boca Treasures, Daniella Ortiz, and others.
● Ticketed Luncheon (11:30 AM) – A beautiful meal paired with an inspiring discussion from our featured speakers.
● Card Play Immediately Following Lunch – Enjoy friendly games and connect with fellow attendees.
● Valet Parking Included – A seamless and stress-free experience for all guests.
Event Chair, Ellen Levine and her committee are working tirelessly to ensure a fabulous day.
inSIGHT Through Education is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the community about the consequences of intolerance, prejudice, and hate. This event aligns with our mission to inspire meaningful conversations and positive change.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our annual sponsors, whose generous support makes this event possible: Morgan Stanley, Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach Post, and The Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism and Hatred at the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and genocides worldwide, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org.
Experience the magic of outdoor painting through live painting competitions, artist demonstrations, workshops, and fresh art for sale
Tequesta, Fla., (January 31, 2024) – Lighthouse ArtCenter’s 12th Annual Plein Air Festival returns March 2 – 8, 2025, uniting thirty internationally acclaimed plein air artists to compete for over $15,000 in cash and prizes. This celebrated event invites the public to experience the beauty of outdoor painting with free artist demonstrations, events, and the opportunity to purchase freshly painted works throughout the week at Lighthouse ArtCenter, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. For a full schedule of events, visit lighthousearts.org/pleinair-2025/.
“Plein air painting captures what no photograph ever can—the energy, atmosphere, and true essence of a moment. The warmth of the sun, the crispness of a breeze, or the calm of a perfect morning flows directly from the artist’s brush onto the canvas, bringing the scene to life in a way that is both immediate and timeless,” said Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Executive Director, Jeni Licata.
Festival Highlights Include:
Paint Out Competition (March 2, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) Kicking off the festival, professional and amateur artists will gather at the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse to paint in a fast-paced, two-hour timed event. Over $2,000 in prizes will be awarded, and the completed works will be available for purchase immediately following the competition. Attendees receive discounted admission of $10 to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse when they mention the LAC Plein Air Festival.
Daily Plein Air Painting and Demonstrations (Monday -Thursday, March 3 – 6): Award-winning artists will paint stunning local scenes across Palm Beach and Martin Counties. From “Old Florida” landscapes to picturesque coastlines and iconic landmarks, the public is invited to watch these masters at work. Free, scheduled artist demonstrations will take place at Sewall’s Point Park, Riverbend Park, Dubois Park, and Juno Beach Pier. For the full schedule, visit lighthousearts.org/pleinair-2025, and follow real-time updates on Instagram @lighthouseartcenter.
Artists’ Reception and Small Works Sale (Wednesday, March 5, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Meet the artists, enjoy light bites, and browse the LAC gallery to purchase artwork. Visitors can also shop the Small Works Sale, featuring 8″ x 8″ pieces by participating artists, perfect for collectors of all levels. Admission is free.
Collectors’ Party & Sale (Friday, March 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.): This special evening at Lighthouse ArtCenter offers attendees the opportunity to purchase freshly painted, one-of-a-kind artworks. Guests will enjoy signature hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while mingling with artists and fellow collectors. Admission is free.
Battle of the Brushes (Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.): This lively finale is the last day to purchase festival paintings and features a live painting competition at Lighthouse ArtCenter where top artists go head-to-head in a timed relay-style painting event. All competition art will be on display. Admission is free.
Artist Mary Garrish will be this year’s judge. She is celebrated for her evocative seascapes and coastal scenes. With a background as an ENT surgeon, Garrish discovered her passion for plein air painting through workshops with masters like Scott Christensen and Matt Smith. Her career has since flourished, with residencies at Everglades National Park and teaching engagements in France and Italy. Known for her representational style, she captures the ever-changing atmosphere in her work, inspiring artists and collectors alike.
Special Workshops:
Two Plein Air workshops are available for artists looking to refine their skills:
Mark Shasha’s “Bringing Exciting Light into Your Paintings” (February 25 – 26): Learn to enhance light and atmosphere in your work with techniques developed over Shasha’s 40-year career. Stephen Wysocki’s “Paint Cows! And Other Farm Animals” (February 27 – 28): Practice painting livestock on-site at a local farm, followed by studio work to complete your pieces.
Participating Artists:
Andreeva, Natalia – Tallahassee, FL
Anderson, Marc – Door County, WI
Agrawal, Harsh – London, UK
Ayres, Pam – Tequesta, FL
Brauer, Lon – Granite City, IL
Bretzke, Carl – Minneapolis, MN
Brown, Krystal – Spring, TX
Cedrone, Eli – Boston, MA
Cusick, Lori – Dallas, TX
Denis, Kathleen – Palm Beach Shores, FL
Farnsworth, Bill – Venice, FL
Frisk, Gary – Houston, TX
Ganoung Ruiz, Kari – Interlaken, NY
Guernsey, John – Georgia
Hammond, Kathy – Texas
Hunter, Lizzie – Miami, FL
Hughes, Neal – Medford, NJ
Maldonado, Carlos – Iowa City, IA
Papa, Ralph – Boca Raton, FL
Pisano, Crista – Nyack, NY
Roberts, Robin – Ashland, OH
Sander, Manon – Tequesta, FL
Savellano, David – Alameda, CA
Shasha, Mark – Swampscott, MA
Sneary, Richard – Missouri
Steiner, Jeff – Minneapolis, MN
Tomova Clark, Lyudmila – New York, NY
Wysocki, Stephen – Armstrong Creek, WI
Widgeren, LuAnn – Holmes Beach, FL
Ramar, Antwan – Central FL
All paintings can be viewed and available for purchase Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery throughout the week from 9 am- 6 pm.
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’s 12th Annual Plein Air Festival features thirty of the world’s best award-winning artists competing for cash prizes as they paint iconic local landscapes in Palm Beach and Martin County “en plein air” (in the open air). The festival includes free artist demonstrations, live events, workshops and freshly painted artwork for purchase. Paintings will be displayed and available for purchase throughout the week at Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery, 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469. For a list of participating artists and a full schedule of events, visit lighthousearts.org/pleinair-2025.
Coming to Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County to Present
‘Get GardenFit’ Series
February 15, March 16, and April 5, 2025
9:30 am – 10:30 am
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 31, 2025) – The host of the hit national PBS television seriesGardenFit, Madeline deVries Hooper, is bringing her techniques for gardening without stressing your body to Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County.
Mounts Botanical is hosting a three-month series taking place live at the Garden on February 15, March 16, and April 5.
During each visit, Madeline will demonstrate simple, body awareness adjustments that will prevent aches and pains from bending, lifting, and even getting up and down from the ground as you weed, dig, plant, and prune. She believes that gardening should be a joyful and pain-free experience. You can attend one or all of the “Get GardenFit” sessions.
“You don’t want to miss this chance to get inspired, get moving, and learn important techniques on how to manage your body while gardening,” says Mounts Botanical Garden Executive Director James May.
“Our bodies are our most important gardening tool,” says Madeline deVries Hooper. “I am passionate about helping gardeners take care of their bodies while taking care of their gardens, and what better place to share this with the Palm Beaches than at Mounts Botanical Garden.”
GardenFit, the hit national public television series, offers a new approach to gardening, based on the premise that gardening should be a joy and not painful. It’s a first-of-its-kind fusion of garden tours and self-care, teaching viewers how to take care of their body while taking care of their garden. The show brings together themes of nature, sustainability, and wellness in a delightfully engaging format.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Saturdays, Feb. 15, Mar. 16, and Apr. 5
Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Mounts Botanical Garden
Cost:
$25 for members
$35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
After a trailblazing public relations career that included creating and building the leading marketing-PR firm DeVries Global, and then a career as a ballroom dance competitor and teacher, Madeline deVries Hooper immersed herself in the world of gardening. She was invited to become a trustee of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and then of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, where she has been Vice Chair for the past 10 years. She has visited many of the finest gardens in the United States and Europe, and developed relationships with leading horticulturalists, garden designers, and plantspeople. However, her passion for gardening left her with many aches and pains. A friend recommended she work with a personal trainer and she learned new techniques and exercises to relieve her pain and enable her to garden more enjoyably and productively. These newfound habits were the inspiration for the GardenFit television show and workshop program. Madeline and her husband live in Columbia County, New York, where for the past 30 years they have devoted themselves to maintaining Rockland Farm, a 10-acre garden they created from scratch.
EXPLORE MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN
Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).
Admission:
$20 for adults
$18 for seniors, college students, and military with IDs
$13 for ages 6-17
FREE for children under 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members
Location: 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
CURRENTLY ON EXHIBIT: RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II BY ARTIST ANDY COBB
Back by popular demand, this collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures is on display throughout the Garden. Handcrafted by artist Andy Cobb, these sculptures create playful and imaginative explorations of amphibians while offering engaging programming about real frogs and their vital role in the ecosystem.
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. Spanning 20 acres, the Garden features an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas with more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic fruit trees, palms, and bromeliads. 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 Mounts Botanical Garden.
Kimono Culture,Furoshiki: The Art of Japanese Fabric Wrapping, and the Film Screening: Touch at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
February workshops, classes, and demonstrations: Saturday, Feb. 1 The Art of Kokedama Time: 10am – 12:30pm or 2pm – 4:30pm Cost: $65 Advance Registration Required Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. It is wrapped with string and contains an ornamental plant growing inside. These beautiful and decorative plants, brings an organic and natural touch to planting orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants. Learn the mechanics of how to make kokedama, creating two regular size and one small one to decorate your home or to give away to a special person. Saturday, Feb. 1 Kimono Culture Time: 11am & 2:30pm Cost: $5 with paid admission to the museum Not all kimonos are created equal! Learn about the traditional iconic kimono, with its rich culture, seasonal subtleties, and symbolic nuances. Observe a demonstration on how to properly wear and put on a kimono. Learn about the elegance of the formal kimono with its exquisite designs and finery worn to attend weddings, parties, special celebrations, and holidays. Saturday, Feb. 1 Family Fun: Flower Keychains Time: 12pm – 3pm Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required Enjoy the flowers of the season by creating your own pressed flower keychain! Sundays, Feb. 2, 16 Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners – 10:15am – 12:15pm* Intermediate – 1pm – 3pm Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite – You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class session or a workshop to attend Sunday classes.
Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 Ikebana Flower Arrangement- Ikenobo School Time: Beginners – 11am – 1pm Intermediate – 1:15pm – 3:15pm* Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes. Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy. Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience. Thursdays, Feb. 6, 20 Sado: Tea Ceremony Time: Beginners – 10:15am – 12:15pm Intermediate – 1pm – 3pm Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
Saturday, Feb. 8 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission. Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.
Sundays, Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9 The Art of Bonsai Time: Beginners – 12:30pm – 3:30pm Intermediate – 9am – 12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) Advance Registration Required Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.
Saturday, Feb. 15 Furoshiki: The Art of Japanese Fabric Wrapping Time: 10am – 12pm or 1:30pm – 3:30pm Cost: $35 Advance Registration Required People have used furoshiki, a square reusable wrapping cloth, since the 16 th century in a variety of ways to wrap different sized and shaped objects. Learn how to wrap a wine bottle, a watermelon, books, and make a tote bag from a furoshiki.
Thursday, Feb. 20 Karesansui: Raking Demonstration Time: 10:30am Cost: FREE with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required Karesansui or dry landscape garden, is founded on Zen ideology using carefully composed rock arrangements and gravel or sand. A karesansui is carefully raked to represent characteristics of water such as currents and waves while boulder arrangements may be interpreted as islands. Learn about our Late Rock Garden and observe how the raking can be a practice in mindfulness and meditation.
Saturday, Feb. 22 Shibori Indigo – Apron Time: 10am – 3pm Cost: $75 Advance Registration Required The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and cook in style by making your own shibori apron to wear.
Saturdays, Feb. 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required The Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture, and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
Friday, Feb. 28 Film Screening: Touch Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich Time: 7pm (121 mins., 2024, Rated R, Romance, Drama) (In Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $7 (Members $5) A romantic and thrilling story that spans several decades and continents, Touch follows one man’s emotional journey to find his first love who disappeared 50 years ago…before his time runs out. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
Wellington, FL: Independent and Assisted Living community Wellington Bay recently hosted a thrilling Liberty Games qualifying event from January 20-24, 2025.
The event culminated in a closing ceremony on January 24th, celebrating the impressive achievements of the participating senior athletes.
Cele Cohen emerged as the top female athlete, securing first place in women’s seated bowling, shuffleboard, half-mile walk, and ten-lap walk. Michael Hechtman dominated the men’s events, winning first place in seated bowling, half-mile walk, billiards, and the water balloon drop.
Both Cohen and Hechtman, along with other qualifying winners, will be heading to South Bay at Mt. Pleasant retirement community in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, to compete in the Liberty Senior Living Community Games from March 17-21, 2025. Liberty Senior Living will cover all expenses for the trip, including airfare, hotel accommodations, airport transportation, and meals.
“We are so proud of our athletes and can’t wait to cheer them on at the games in South Carolina,” said Campus Director Jay Mikosch. “The Liberty Games are a great event to showcase the power of an active lifestyle. Here at Wellington Bay, we’re incredibly proud to support these athletes and their dedication to health and wellness. This event truly embodies the vibrant lifestyle we champion, with a focus on staying active, engaged, and connected in our community.”
Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments and a place for seniors to enjoy life. With something for everyone, Wellington Bay offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active aging and also provides assisted living support, respite care, and advanced, cutting-edge memory care at Lisbet Assisted Living and Memory Care, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. Named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Retire,” Wellington is known for its golf courses, thriving equestrian community, and lovely homes.
Wellington Bay and Lisbet Assisted Living and Memory Care is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a Liberty Healthcare Management division specializing in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.
To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.
The first issue of Around Wellington® Magazine, which came out 19 years ago.
Hello and Happy February to you! This month we celebrate 19 years of AroundWellington.com! It began in February 2006 as a print magazine and grew to an online presence. Come and join us Feb. 10th for our celebration and networking mixer at Village Music & Cafe in Wellington at 5:30pm. Free to attend! There will be vegan cake!
This month see several new articles, including “Teen Talk” by Savannah Hess about her favorite romantic films. Read “Romantic Films, In Honor of Valentine’s Day” and check out her top picks.
And another great writer from the same family, Heidi Hess also writes a Valentine’s-themed story this month for “Mommy Moments.” Check out “A Satisfying Relationship” and see why self-love is so essential.
Also in “AW Stories of the Month” is my restaurant review of Maxwell’s Plum in Wellington. I really enjoyed this delightful dining experience a couple of weeks ago and plan to return soon.
I never know where writer Mike May is going to take us in his journeys around the world and he often surprises us. This month read about his 13-day trip to Scotland. Check out “Experiencing Links Golf – Plus Fish and Chips – in Scotland” in “On the Move with Mike.”
Our “Cultural Corner” writer Denise Marsh gets in depth with musical artist and performer Spider Cherry. Nathan Mercado aka “Spider Cherry” is truly talented and known locally for his playing two keyboards at once and his improvisational style.
One of our sponsors, Cugini Winery, is proud to offer a new venue this month, in addition to their current venue. Both are located inside the Polo Club in Wellington. Visit The Cellar at Palm Beach Polo, seven days a week, noon to midnight each day. Read about it before you go.
Thanks to all of our sponsors, as always. And thanks to our writers and photographers. And of course, thanks to you, our dear readers. Have a Happy February!
Loren Russo, Joe Simon, and Jennifer Picciolo at The Cellar, a new wine and cigar venue opening this month inside the Polo Club in Wellington
ManateeFest happening February 1st. Read more about it in “News & Events.”Joe Barry Memorial Polo match. Photo by Alan Fabricant.Chefs Stephanie and Richard of Maxwell’s Plum. See Restaurant Review in “AW Stories of the Month.”
Hello everyone! Good to chat with you all again. And, of course, happy 2025! Today I wanted to chat with you about some of my favorite romance movies. February is the month of love after all, which appeals to everyone from teenaged romantics (yep, I was one) to cynics alike. So why not take a look at some of my personal favorite romantic films, in honor of Valentine’s Day? Please remember these are only my favorites and you’re encouraged to disagree. All right, let’s get into it!
My first pick is the iconic masterpiece that is The Princess Bride. This isn’t just my favorite romance movie, it’s my favorite movie of all time. And one of the few cases where the movie was better than the book. I just adore this movie. There are so many quotable lines, to start. “Inconceivable,” “Have fun storming the castle,” “Anybody want a peanut?”, “As you wish”, and of course “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Additionally, the movie is set in my favorite time period, the Middle Ages. There are some extremely gorgeous locations as backdrops for the film, which makes sense when you find out a lot of the movie was shot in England and Ireland. I enjoy the way the story is told, too, as the story is relayed through a grandfather reading it to his grandson. A lot of the funniest bits are when the grandson interrupts the grandfather while he’s reading. I’ll always remember the line, “Is this a kissing book?” And of course, the romance. It’s a classic one, and the chemistry between Cary Elwes and Robin Wright is immaculate. The movie pokes fun at a lot of fairy tale tropes, and is at times, an obvious satire. But that doesn’t make me love it any less. This movie has it all – a stellar cast, brilliant acting, wonderful characters, and, (no this doesn’t make a movie by any means), the best sword fight on film.
My second pick is Pride and Prejudice 2005. Sorry, the incredible 1995 miniseries won’t be making this list. This is a more recent adaptation, but doesn’t try to seem “mOdErN” like other adaptations (cough cough Persuasion 2022 cough). Once again, the chemistry between the main pair, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden) is off the charts. I was considering putting Atonement on this list, as I enjoy that movie as well, but it’s not a great film if you’re looking for a classic and sweet romance. Which is precisely what Pride and Prejudice 2005 is. Much of Jane Austen’s subtle wit isn’t lost in this adaptation. The costumes also shine here, too, as made by the amazing Jacqueline Durran. One of my favorites is Elizabeth’s Netherfield ball dress. Though The Princess Bride is my favorite movie of all time, Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. And this adaptation is so lovely. The cinematography is gorgeous, too, with one of my favorite shots being of Elizabeth writing “Dear Jane” on a piece of parchment. And the rain scene – an unexpected but welcome change to the same scene in the book. This movie has truly bewitched me, body and soul.
Anyway, that’s all I have for you this time. Have an awesome Valentine’s Day, and I’ll talk to you soon! Bye for now.
