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Free Financial Management Classes

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Free Financial Management Classes

Boca Helping Hands Provides Free Financial Management Classes

Boca Raton, FL (January 10, 2022)– January is National Financial Wellness Month, and in recognition, Boca Helping Hands is providing financial management classes that are free and open to Palm Beach County residents. The classes teach individuals how to improve their overall financial management skills through presentations from experts.

The next three Zoom classes will be held on January 21, February 25, and March 25 at 10:45 am. They will be led by Boca Helping Hands Board Member and First Vice President of Valley Bank, Martine Pierre-Paul. The classes aim to empower people by giving them fundamental finance skills to set them up for success in the new year.

Pierre-Paul, who is an FDIC Money Smart certified instructor, will cover topics such as banking basics, spending, saving, planning for retirement, credit reports and scores, borrowing basics, managing debt, protecting your identity and other assets, the journey to homeownership, the journey to business success, self-employment, and disaster financial preparation and recovery.

“Financial literacy provides the foundation for long-term financial success. For many, financial wellness is thought of as the ‘now’ and in ‘the moment’ without a plan for the retirement years,” said Pierre-Paul. “Being financially literate gives us the control we need over our finances. My focus will be to get each student to reflect on their #1 financial goal and walk away from the class with a plan to achieve that one goal, one step at a time. I hope that our adult students will also teach their children the information learned.”

In 2021, nearly 200 people participated in Boca Helping Hands Financial Management classes.

Palm Beach County residents can register for the upcoming virtual classes at https://www.bocahelpinghands.org/financial-management or call 561-417-0913 for assistance or questions.

About Boca Helping Hands
Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical and financial assistance to meet basic human needs as well as education, job training and guidance to create self-sufficiency. Through its various programs, BHH assists over 27,000 people annually.

BHH distributes more than 80,000 pantry bags each year at five Palm Beach County locations and serves over 90,000 hot meals annually, six days per week. The organization expands access to affordable medical, dental and behavioral care through its partnerships with Genesis Community Health (serving clients at clinics in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach) and Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Community Based Clinics (serving residents in West Palm Beach). In addition, BHH sends weekend meals home with food-insecure elementary school students via the BHH Backpacks Program and assists working families with the rising cost of childcare through the Children’s Assistance Program (CAP).

With an increased focus on client self-sufficiency, BHH awards scholarships for qualified candidates to attend accredited vocational training classes that prepare them for careers in the healthcare, information technology, construction, and transportation industries. BHH also offers free English as a Second Language (ESOL) classes, courses in nutrition, and other life skills. In addition, staff and volunteer mentors counsel the unemployed and underemployed in basic workplace skills and help them polish resumes and search for jobs.

Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.

Charity Navigator named Boca Helping Hands a Four-Star Charity for the 15th consecutive year in June 2021. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit bocahelpinghands.org.

PLACE OF HOPE LAUNCHES NEW YEAR WITH 10TH ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS FUN SHOOT

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PLACE OF HOPE LAUNCHES NEW YEAR WITH 10TH ANNUAL SPORTING CLAYS FUN SHOOT

Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Place of Hope, ranked top in the nation and state of Florida for youth development, shelter and crisis services, will kick-off the new year by gathering over 350 shooters at its 10th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot on Friday, January 14th, at the renowned Quail Creek Sporting Ranch. Special thanks to the 20-Year Celebration Sponsor, Family Business Fund, as well as the National Presenting Sponsor, Michigan Giving Club. The event is co-presented by The Boswell Family, Denison Yachting, Mike Burke, Nash Luxury Illustrated Properties, and BMO Wealth Management.

Place of Hope’s 10th Annual Sporting Clays Fun Shoot is the largest charity fun shoot in the state and will raise critical funds for local foster children, homeless youth, families in transition and human trafficking survivors. Known to be one of the most well-run shoots, this fun shoot offers participants of all ages, skill levels and professions a great day of camaraderie, friendly competition, breakfast, lunch, awards, raffle, and live auction.

“We have a lot of fantastic events planned as we enter our twenty first year of operations at Place of Hope,” said Charles Bender, Place of Hope Founding CEO. “Our event season begins with this exciting clay shoot and carries throughout the Spring with multiple opportunities to get involved with our growing mission of serving the fatherless. We are grateful for all who will be joining us at our Clay Shoot and each event after which serves a great purpose to our organization’s sustainment.”

To learn more about Place of Hope’s work across South Florida click here. To inquire about attending the Clay Shoot please email JamieB@placeofhope.com.

Thank you to the current sponsors of the 10th Annual Clay Shoot: The Boswell Family, Denison Yachting, Mike Burke, Family Business Fund, Nash Luxury Illustrated Properties, BMO Wealth Management, Integrated Data Technologies, Inc., Michigan Giving Club, Florida Coast Equipment, Weitz, Tiki 52 Bar & Grill, Gerard Arsenault, Everglades Equipment Group, Psalmonds Family Foundation, Darling & Company, SOX Erosion Solutions, GeoPoint Surveying, Inc., Simple Life Medical, S&D, MTM, Michele Koscielniak CPA, JetRide.com, Apple Tree Academy, Simmons & White, The Pingleton Group.

MusicWorks Launches CLASSIC FOLK & ROCK SERIES at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts

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MusicWorks Launches CLASSIC FOLK & ROCK SERIES at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts

MusicWorks Launches CLASSIC FOLK & ROCK SERIES at the Boca Black Box Center for the Arts with Corky Laing’s Mountain on January 26 at 8 pm

Future Concerts in the Series Include

Brothers Again: The Music of The Allman Brothers – February 2

Livingston Taylor & Jonathan Edwards – February 23

Broken Arrow: The Music of Neil Young – March 2

Stayin Alive: One Night of The Bee Gees – March 8

Loudon Wainwright III – March 16

Peter Asher, A Musical Memoir of the 60s & Beyond –  March 23

(Delray Beach, FL – January 6, 2022) MusicWorks today reminded fans of Classical Folk and Rock that tickets are now on sale for a new seven-concert seriesrunning January through March at the intimate and easily accessible Boca Black Box Center for the Arts, located in Piccadilly Square at 8221 Glades Road (33434). Folk and rock fans can purchase advance tickets either online at www.BocaBlackBox.com or by calling 561.483.9036.

January 26 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                  

Corky Laing’s Mountain

Best known as thepowerhouse rock drummer with the group Mountain, the career of Corky Laing has lasted well past the supergroup where he made his name. Laing has also collaborated with John Lennon, Bobby Keys, Ten Years After, Meatloaf and bassist Noel Redding, formerly of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hear the immortal Mountain classics Mississippi Queen, Nantucket Sleighride, Never in My Life, Don’t Look Around, and  many others.

Tickets start at $50

VIP seats are $60

Future concerts in MusicWorks’ CLASSICAL FOLK & ROCK SERIES include:

February 2 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                  

Brothers Again, The Music of The Allman Brothers Band

Celebrating their 50th rock anniversary tribute concert before the pandemic closed live performances, Brother’s Again-A Celebration of the Allman Brothers, now pick up where they left off with their own authentically produced and presented show. Southern rock is alive and well and authentically celebrated by this seven-person band. Performed with passion and a high respect for The Allman Brothers Band’s unique blend of rock, blues, jazz and Texas Swing, this multi-media tribute includes many of the band’s biggest hits, including One Way Out, Blue Sky, Ramblin’ Man, Whippin’ Post, Revival, Dreams, Done Somebody Wrong, Statesboro Blues, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More, Blackhearted Woman, Midnight Rider, and more. 

Tickets start at $50

VIP seats are $60

February 23 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                

Livingston Taylor

& Jonathan Edwards

+ From top-40 hits I Will Be in Love with You and I’ll Come Running, to I Can Dream of You and Boatman, the last two recorded by his brother James, the creative input of Livingston Taylor has continued unabated. His musical knowledge has inspired a varied repertoire, and he is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling and touching ballads to full orchestra performances. Livingston has never stopped performing since those early coffeehouse days, shared the stage with major artists such as Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Jethro Tull, and he maintains a busy concert schedule, touring internationally.

+ Warm as summer sunshine, real as the truth, intimate as a long overdue visit between old friends … such is a Jonathan Edwards concert. Four decades into a stellar career of uncompromising musical integrity, the man simply delivers, night after night – songs of passion, songs of insight, songs of humor, all rendered in that pure and powerful tenor which, like fine wine, has only grown sweeter with age.

Tickets start at $55

VIP seats are $65

March 2 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                       

Broken Arrow: The Music of Neil Young

Broken Arrow performs the music of Neil Young, featuring both the rockin’ electric Crazy Horse tunes and the more acoustic, pedal steel driven country rock material. The band delivers these classic songs faithfully while taking them out on some jamming excursions and tastefully tweaking some of the arrangements. Joe Mass nails the Neil vocals perfectly and the harmonies are spot on. These guys always have audiences on their feet singing along and demanding encores at every show with favorites that include Cinnamon Girl, Heart of Gold, Only Love Can Break Your Heart, and, of course, Southern Man.

Tickets start at $50

VIP seats are $60

March 8 at 8 pm  (Tuesday)                                                                                             

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of The Bee Gees

This concert offers audiences thesongs and sights of a full Bee Gees play list, singing blockbusters such as Night Fever, Jive Talkin’, How Deep Is Your Love, You Should Be Dancing, Nights on Broadway, and Stayin’ Alive. In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as I Started a Joke, Massachusetts, Fanny Be Tender, Words, and To Love Somebody among other great hits. Offering big screen video clips, photos, and dazzling imagery. Stayin’ Alive is the quintessential tribute band to the Bee Gees, capturing the excitement of live performance and the tender subtleties of the human voice.

Tickets start at $50

VIP seats are $60

March 16 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                     

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III is an American songwriter, folk singer, humorist, and actor. To date, Wainwright has released 24 studio albums, 4 live albums and 6 compilations, as well as appearing in at least 18 television programs and feature films. He was recognized as a 2010 GRAMMY Winner (Best Traditional Folk Album) for High Wide & Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project; received two previous GRAMMY nominations: I’m Alright (1985) and More Love Songs (1986). His songs have been covered by Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Earl Scruggs, Mose Allison, Big Star, Freakwater, Norma Waterson, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, as well as his son Rufus Wainwright. According to Stephen Holden in The New York Times, “Mr. Wainwright has proved to be far and away the most candid diarist among the singer-songwriters who brought confessional poetry into popular song.”

Tickets start at $55

VIP seats are $65

March 23 at 8 pm  (Wednesday)                                                                                     

Peter Asher, A Musical Memoir of the 60s and Beyond

Peter Asher is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, manager, and record producer. He came to prominence in the 60’s as a member of the pop music vocal duo Peter and Gordon. They amassed nine Top 20 records during their career. As a record producer and manager,  Asher knew anyone who rocked and everyone who mattered in the business, with The Beatles at the top of a long list of celebrated artists. He has been awarded gold and platinum albums, produced 13 GRAMMY Award winning recordings, and was honored individually as “Producer of the Year” in 1989. In addition to The Beatles, he has worked with James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, and many others. He will share stories and many familiar songs that he wrote, including Bye, Bye Love, I Go To Pieces and Lady Godiva.

Tickets start at $55

VIP seats are $65

How to Get Concert Tickets:

Tickets for each of the seven Classic Folk & Rock Series concerts can be purchased online at www.BocaBlackBox.com or by calling the Box Office at 561.483.9036.

About MusicWorks:

MusicWorks specializes in producing live entertainment events in Florida. For more information, please visit www.musicworksconcerts.com.

New Year, New Shows at the Kravis Center

Briana D'Andrea
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New Year, New Shows at the Kravis Center

By Briana D’Andrea

The Kravis Center’s curtain is up and there are so many exciting new shows for the 2022 season!

The family and I got the unique chance to get all dressed up to see “Rudolph the Musical,” just before closing out 2021. We put on our Christmas best and headed to the performing arts center in downtown West Palm Beach, to see one of only two exclusive shows of season. With strict COVID protocols in place, (*see below), we felt safe and at ease while singing along to everyone’s favorite reindeer tune! Upon being greeted by a giant red tree, grabbing a few tasty snacks, we found our seats and were ready to ride on Santa’s sleigh! The costumes, the set design and even the original score were incredible! Shockingly, I think my husband has been bit by the showbiz bug, because he thoroughly enjoyed it as well! It took me back to my high school days, performing on stage and feeling the rush of the curtain call. It was such an incredible time had by all and we cannot wait to go back soon!

The D’Andrea family at the Kravis Center.

New Year means new shows at The Kravis Center and we loved “Rudolph the Musical!”

Today marks the 2022 season at The Kravis Center, as they welcome their latest show “SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical,” known as the girl from Boston with a voice from heaven in what is said to be a ‘moving tribute to the voice of a generation,’ with tickets starting at $33. 

This weekend The Eisenhower Dance Troop invites patrons to experience an evening of exhilarating dance in a show called “F-E-E-L,” for $40 and a free drink. Cheers!

Then later this month Ledisi sings “Nina,” which is considered a beautifully orchestrated mixture of classical, jazz and rhythm & blues in honor of the great Nina Simone and if you can’t catch that show, then hopefully you can grab a ticket for Pink Martini and China Forbes, which will feature dozens of musicians singing songs in 25 languages. Both shows are offered at a starting price point of $29. 

The month will close out with an “Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner” in “PROUD Tina!” From a live band to vocalists and dancers, the show is guaranteed to be an electrifying showcase of The Queen of Rock and Roll’s greatest hits throughout the decades! From her smash hit ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?,’ to ‘Proud Mary,’ the show will certainly have you rolling on the river! Tickets start at just 25 bucks!

Phew! That’s just January! Visit kravis.org to see their complete list of shows, snag tickets and get all of your questions answered!

*Upon entry everyone is required to show their vaccination card or a negative COVID test result, no less than 3 days old. You’re welcome to arrive early on site to take a complimentary test if that works better for you. Children under 12 are not required to do so. 

PBG Carousel Reopens

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PBG Carousel Reopens

DOWNTOWN PALM BEACH GARDENS’ BELOVED CAROUSEL REOPENS BY THE WATERFRONT

Community Celebration to kick-off Mia’s Mondays to Take Place January 20

(Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) – The waterfront at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens is set to bring lots of smiles to children and families when the beloved children’s carousel makes its return to Downtown on January 20. The children’s ride was disassembled in August 2020, refurbished with an updated look and reassembled at its new lakeside home on the east side of the plaza. A community-wide celebration, Mia’s Miracles at the Carousel, is set to take place on Thursday, January 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. and will focus on Downtown’s new partnership with local nonprofit, Mia’s Miracles Foundation, and will be the official re-opening of the carousel.

The fun-filled day will include carousel rides, cotton candy, balloon artists, face painters and more. The day will also spotlight “Mia’s Mondays,” which will take place at the carousel every Monday starting on Monday, January 24 with a portion of the carousel proceeds benefitting local nonprofit, Mia’s Miracles.

“The Carousel was our special place where we created so many happy memories with Mia every Monday after grocery shopping,” said President and Founder of Mia’s Miracles Foundation, Maria Ochoa. “We’re extremely grateful for the partnership with Downtown Palm Beach Gardens and ShopCore Properties so that more families can create moments of joy, while at the same time helping us bring smiles to children and families in need through our Foundation programs.” 

PGA Professional Golfer Camilo Villegas and wife Maria Ochoa founded Mia’s Miracles Foundation after losing their daughter Mia to brain and spinal cancer when she was 22 months old. Mia’s Miracles Foundation provides small blessings with large impacts, bringing smiles and positivity to children and families facing challenging circumstances. The vision of Mia’s Miracles Foundation is that all children and families receive access to reliable resources and a supportive network that leads to a hopeful future.

“In memory of Mia Villegas, ‘Mia’s Mondays’ at the carousel will be a day dedicated to Mia’s Miracles Foundation,” said Alexis Brock, Regional Marketing Manager for ShopCore Properties, owners and managing entity for Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. “The carousel has been a main attraction in Palm Beach Gardens for more than 10 years and is loved by so many in the community. Our hope for ‘Mia’s Mondays’ is for families to take time to find the miracles of life, hope and love in each day while enjoying time together and making memories at the carousel. As we continue to re-envision Downtown Palm Beach Gardens, we are so excited to bring the carousel back – better than ever, and now with a special purpose of celebrating the life of Mia.”

The carousel, which was originally installed in November 2010, is a one-of-a-kind design that was custom created for Downtown to reflect the tropical atmosphere of South Florida. The menagerie of animals contains 27 unique pieces that include Florida wildlife such as alligators, manatees, pelicans and dolphins as well as the typical carousel horses.

The renovation of the carousel is part of Downtown’s transformation of its common areas including new art panels featuring local artist Emmanuel Gonzales to be unveiled in February, tropical landscaping, six large-scale stainless-steel dandelion bloom sculptures, and fun new furnishings.

Entry into Mia’s Miracles at the Carousel on January 20 will be a $10 cash donation to benefit the Mia’s Miracles Foundation. For more information on Downtown Palm Beach Gardens or the special event, please visit downtownpbg.com.

Downtown Palm Beach Gardens is a premier retail destination located in the heart of a Floridian lifestyle haven. In addition to an exclusive collection of unique, local retailers, Downtown is home to over 50 shops and restaurants and is accented by an abundance of signature events, family-centric experiences, a pet-friendly atmosphere, and infinite opportunities for connection and inspiration. Downtown offers something for everyone. The merchant mix is enhanced by lush landscaping, waterfront views and expansive outdoor space for entertainment and events. Downtown Palm Beach Gardens is owned and managed by ShopCore Properties.

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About ShopCore Properties
ShopCore is a vertically integrated real estate company with internalized leasing, development, property management, legal, accounting and asset management functions. Currently ShopCore leases and manages 50+ shopping centers covering approximately 20mm+ square-feet across 19 states.

Paris Ballet and Dance

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Paris Ballet and Dance

TICKETS FOR PARIS BALLET AND DANCE’S
KRAVIS CENTER PERFORMANCES
ON SALE JANUARY 17

Upcoming performances include a spectacular 12th anniversary performance of Cinderella and international guest stars on the Kravis Center’s mainstage in May

January 6, 2022 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Kick off the New Year with tickets to Paris Ballet and Dance’s dazzling upcoming performances at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts!

Tickets for Paris Ballet’s upcoming performances go on sale to the public January 17, including a much-anticipated 12th anniversary performance of Cinderella on the Kravis Center’s mainstage in May. Set to Sergei Sergeyevich Prokofiev’s unforgettable score, the ballet will feature exhilarating choreography by the school’s founder and director Jean-Hugues Feray (a former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and National Ballet de Marseille), and showcase the talents of dozens of young dancers, as well as guest performances by international ballet stars.

“Paris Ballet’s production of Cinderella has been in development for years, and we’re ecstatic to have the opportunity to perform this masterpiece on the Kravis Center’s mainstage,” Feray said. “This is a perfect ballet for all ages, and I’d like to encourage everyone to purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale for the best seats in the house.”

Here are details about the upcoming performances:

Paris Ballet presents Mixed Bill: An Evening of Dance – March 20
A spectacular evening of dance, featuring excerpts from well-known ballets including Cinderella (choreographed by founder and director Jean-Hughes Feray), as well as the renowned pas de deux from Don Quixote and the Black Swan pas de deux from Swan Lake (both staged by Feray after Marius Ivanovich Petipa). Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Performance will take place at the Rinker Playhouse at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. All tickets are $35.

Paris Ballet presents Cinderella – May 15
Paris Ballet and Dance is bringing the magic of Cinderella to the Kravis Center! This timeless rags-to-riches love story tells the tale of Cinderella, a young girl who is saved by a magical fairy godmother. This 12th anniversary mixed bill performance will also include performances by international ballet stars Nicole Graniero and Brooklyn Mack and acclaimed French neoclassical and contemporary dance company Ballet Julien Lestel. Showtime is 8 p.m. Performances will take place at Dreyfoos Hall at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets: $14 to $49.

Paris Ballet presents Mixed Bill: Featuring excerpts from Swan Lake and more – June 11
An end-of-year showcase, featuring ballet, modern, contemporary, neoclassical, jazz and tap, with a special guest performance by Ohio’s acclaimed Le Jeune Dance school. Showtimes are 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Performance will take place at the Rinker Playhouse at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. All tickets are $35.

Tickets to all performances go on sale to the public at noon on Monday, January 17. All performances will take place at The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach. For tickets, call the box office at (561) 832-7469 or visit Kravis.org.

About Paris Ballet and Dance
Paris Ballet and Dance was founded in 2010 by Jean-Hugues Feray, a native of France and former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and National Ballet de Marseille. Located in Jupiter, Fla., the school offers world-class dance training for students starting at age three. With a stellar reputation for quality, exceptional master classes and top-notch training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern, the school draws 100 students per year from as far as Vero Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Wellington. The school is also home to the prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet Conservatory, an elite accelerated training program for students preparing for professional dance careers. For more about Paris Ballet and Dance and its Conservatory, call (561) 308-8377 or visit www.parisballetdance.com.

$20K Worth of Products Collected for Tornado Victims

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$20K Worth of Products Collected for Tornado Victims

The recent tornadoes which devastated Kentucky left so many homeless, injured and suffering incredible loss.  Over 8- people died and there were numerous injuries and devastating personal loss.

But there are angels among us:  Local businessperson Ron Katz of Midas West Palm Beach (2253 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33409) has been collecting donations for these tornado victims throughout the holidays.  To date, he has collected over $20K worth of products including:

4 generators 

towels/linens

Air Mattress 

clothes

food

diapers

toys 

tools 

walkers

handicap scooter

He has filled two bays at his Midas shop which translates to two entire moving trucks (“Good Greek Moving”) which will deliver all items to Kentucky today.

“It’s just helping people in a time of need,” Katz said. “Especially during Christmas time. And if we can help people to give back and get other people as well to give back, it’s just the right thing to do.”

34th Annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Dinner Dance

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34th Annual Wellington Boys & Girls Club Dinner Dance

New date announced for 34th Annual Wellington Dinner Dance to support Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club

New April 22 date ensures the safety of guests after a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Photo: Tracey Benson Photography

Wellington, Fla. (January 4, 2022) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County announced Friday, April 22, as the new date for the highly anticipated 34th Annual Wellington Dinner Dance. The event’s time, location, and offerings will remain the same, starting at 6:30 PM at Wycliffe Country Club, Wellington, Fla. The new date is precautionary due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases across South Florida.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit critical programming at Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. This year’s event will have special meaning as it will also honor the legacy of Neil Hirsch, who passed away in June.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour including hors d’oeuvres and a specialty cocktail from the High Goal Luxury Gin liquor line donated by celebrity polo player, Nic Roldan. HyRyZe Band will perform live, while guests enjoy vintage circus Wellington Club members will perform a dance and circus act while guests enjoy a sit-down dinner.

This year’s Dinner Dance Chairpersons include Georgina Bloomberg, Dr. Eduardo Jusino & Dr. Ana Ferwerda, and John & Julie Kime.Honorary includeDr. Edward & Maria Becker, Dr. Richard & Julia Giroux, Chris & Charlene Ramos and Daniel & Angie Payne. Committee members include Jennifer Black, Maria Becker, Paulette Edwards, Julia Giroux, Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez, Nicolette Goldfarb, Julie Khanna, Lilly Khanna, Julie Kime, Angie Payne, Jennifer Quent, Charlene Ramos, Ranjita Sharma, Sandra Stella, Christine Vergari, Jenna Zorn, Ana Ferwerda and Beatriz De La Rua.

For more information, please contact Elena Corsano at (646) 209-6965 or ecorsano@bgcpbc.org. For details about Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, visit www.bgcpbc.org.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County

Founded in 1971, Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment. The Clubs provide more than a safe, fun, and constructive alternative to being home alone – they offer a variety of award-winning developmental programs to help youth build skills, self-esteem and values during critical periods of growth. The 17 Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Palm Beach County serve more than 10,000 children ages 6-18. For more information, please visit www.bgcpbc.org or call 561-683-3287.

Happy New Year, 2022!

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Happy New Year, 2022!

Happy New Year!  And Happy January!!

Whatever your New Year’s Resolutions may be, I hope you have a happy, healthy and fun New Year.  This month we feature a couple of young rising stars, one in the music business and one golfer.  Read this month’s “AW Spotlight” story to see my interview with singer/songwriter Joshua Desir.  We’ve embedded three of his music videos inside the story, so you can enjoy those too. 

Writer Mike May interviewed young Wellington golfer Jason Shwartz, who was named as Palm Beach County’s Top Boys High School Golfer for 2021 by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in late December.  Read “On the Move with Mike” this month. 

Have you read any good books lately?  I have!  “Confessions of a Jewish Shiksa” by Frannie Sheridan.  You might remember Frannie and Dani as our dessert reviewers (“The Sweethearts”).  Frannie has written her autobiography, and it’s a complex, masterfully crafted story, blending pain and humor.  Read my book review.   

Now a couple of important introductions.  Ingrid Webster will be providing a monthly cartoon for AroundWellington called “Harold’s Universe.”  Just visit the Harold’s Universe page to see what it’s all about. Nice themes of kindness and inclusion. 

Also, teen writer Carly Cantor will be writing “Teen Talk” for us.  She will also serve as our intern.  You might remember Carly from her beautiful voice, as she won our July 4th singing contest and sang “On This Day” by Jon Frangipane. 

Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list?  Our travel writer Terri Marshall takes us to several good spots for viewing the aurora borealis, as well as adding in several bonus winter wonderland activities.  See “Travel with Terri.” 

Explore our other articles and links too.  There are new photos [k1] from the first polo match of the season by Alan Fabricant. 

Hope to see you Around Wellington!

Cheers,

Krista Martinelli

Editor

AroundWellington.com

Bucket List Travel: Chasing the Northern Lights

Terri Marshall
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Bucket List Travel: Chasing the Northern Lights

“Put your jackets on and come outside. You don’t want to miss this!” Those were the only words we needed from our host, Johan Stenevad. We left behind the cozy dining table at the Lapland Guesthouse in the Swedish Lapland miles above the Arctic Circle to scurry outside wearing far fewer layers than we needed in the bone-chilling night air. We gasped as the aurora borealis gracefully danced across the sky in shades of green, pink and purple. A mesmerizing sight, the show lasted several minutes earning every ooh and aah exclamation.

There’s a reason the northern lights find a place on so many bucket lists. Viewing this natural phenomenon provides unforgettable moments. If viewing the aurora borealis sits near the top of your bucket list, these destinations just might deliver that checkmark you seek along with a bounty of winter wonderland delights.

The Swedish Lapland

Happy Travelers at The Lapland Guesthouse! Photo by Johan Stenevad

At the Lapland Guesthouse in the village of Kangos–one of my favorite places in the world–the search for northern lights is never far away. Johan surveys the skies each evening making sure everyone knows when the lights arrive. Some evenings he attaches a sled to his snowmobile and takes guests on a northern lights safari. Other times, like the aforementioned evening, the lights put on a dazzling show just outside the house.

Spending time at the welcoming Lapland Guesthouse delivers more than northern lights viewing. Traverse the frozen landscape to experience hand-feeding reindeer. Then share a hearty lunch of hot soup or grilled burgers served fireside in a snowbank blanketed with reindeer skins.

For active adventures, don’t miss dog sledding on a frozen lake. Or spend a morning ice fishing. If you’re lucky enough to reel in a fish from the icy waters, the chef at Lapland Guesthouse will happily prepare your prize catch for dinner. Don’t worry, your evening meal is certain to be delicious even if your fishing expedition comes up empty.

After a day filled with winter delights, warm up with time in an authentic Swedish sauna. Then top off the evening with a nightcap at the onsite bar aptly named the Tilted Reindeer. Skål! www.laplandguesthouse.com

Fairbanks, Alaska

Borealis Basecamp in FAirbanks Alaska
Borealis Base Camp

Fairbanks sits in the aurora oval, a ring-shaped area around the North Pole, making it one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. They’re often visible from August to May, becoming more intense between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. While there are many places to experience the northern lights in the Fairbanks area, one of the most intriguing is the Borealis Base Camp.

Situated on 100 acres in the snowy boreal forest just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp feels as if it’s worlds away from civilization—in a good way. Guests stay in geodesic domes with expansive clear ceilings that provide unobstructed views of the night sky and if you’re lucky, the northern lights. The best part: all of this is visible without ever leaving the comfort of your warm and cozy bed. Considering that the temperatures in the region frequently dip as low as -35 or more, the ‘not leaving the warm bed part’ is especially enticing.

Although this lunar-like landscape remains off the grid, that doesn’t stop the chef from whipping up delicious cuisine. Served in a stunning yurt with floor-to-ceiling windows, our three-course meal included the choice of flat iron steak, Alaska sockeye salmon or Alaskan king crab. www.borealisbasecamp.net

Wiseman, Alaska

Exploring Alaska on Travel with Terri for Around Wellington
Under the Northern Lights in Wiseman, AK!

At the north end of the aurora oval, Wiseman—population 14—is worth the daring Ice Road Truckers drive up the Dalton Highway. Northern Alaskan Tour Company offers tours from Fairbanks with lodging at Coldfoot Camp—a place built for truckers serving the needs of the workers on the Alaskan Pipeline. They’ll drive you up the icy highway and fly you back to Fairbanks for a bird’s eye view of the frozen tundra.

When the northern lights forecast seems promising, guests are transported from Coldfoot Camp to Wiseman—a tiny village just 30 minutes away. Here you’ll meet Jack Reakoff, a true Alaskan character. Jack happily shares information about the lights along with entertaining tales of life in Wiseman. He also provides photography tips along with tripods. A warm cabin with a fire burning in the hearth, hot beverages and cookies keep everyone comfy and cozy. www.northernalaska.com

Alta, Norway

Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta, Norway. Photo Courtesy of Visit Norway

When a community procures the moniker “Town of the Northern Lights” it deserves a spot on any aurora borealis chasing itinerary. Situated 375 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Norway’s northernmost county of Finnmark, the 15,000 residents of this picturesque fjord town seem to have won the location lottery. Surrounded by mountains and benefiting from the Gulf Stream’s warm air which finds its way to Norway’s coast, Alta doesn’t have the extreme bone-chilling temperatures of other far north locales. You’ll still need to bundle up, but it’ll be worth it to take in the glorious lights dancing overhead.

The world’s first observatory dedicated to the study of the northern lights sits above the town on Mount Haldde. And in the town center, the bold design of the Northern Lights Cathedral with its coiling body and spire clothed in rippling titanium sheets celebrates the beauty of the aurora borealis.

When you’re not chasing the lights, add a few extra layers and spend a night at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel on the banks of the Altaelva River. Carved entirely from snow and ice, the hotel opens in January and returns to the river as it melts in springtime. www.visitnorway.com


Ready to bundle up and chase your bucket list dreams?

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