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 desiree@thedesiredgrp.com
(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
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.
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 thePalm 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.
Goal set to donate 75,000 boxes of cookies to U.S. troops
(February 11, 2025) – For the 17th consecutive year, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has launched its Cookies for the Military program for the community to donate boxes or cases of Girl Scout cookies that will be sent to service members stationed in the U.S. or overseas.
This year’s goal is to donate 75,000 cookie boxes. In 2024, more nearly 58,000 boxes were donated, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous year. Since the program’s inception in 2009, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has shipped more than 813,000 boxes to U.S. troops through partnerships with nonprofit organizations that provide care packages and support to service members and their families, including Forgotten Soldiers, Operation Homefront, American Legion and Soldiers’ Angels.
“It’s so important that we let our service members know that they are appreciated and that we are thinking about them,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “It’s not just a sweet treat for them. No matter where they are stationed, the cookies are a taste of home and symbolic of our love and gratitude. We thank our community for their generosity and support of this program.”
The community can contribute by purchasing a box ($6) or a case ($72) through any local Girl Scout or by visiting www.cookiesforthemilitary.org. Contributions also support the efforts of the Girl Scouts to foster essential financial literacy and leadership skills, including budgeting, customer service and goal-setting.
About Girl Scouts
We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org.
(West Palm Beach, FL – February 11, 2025) A multiple award-winning vocalist is returning to Café Centro next month with an audience-wowing musical tribute:
DAWN DEROW SINGS EYDIE GORMÉ
“There is a pantheon of great American women vocalists of the 20th century that we know by simply saying their first name—Judy, Ella, Aretha, Barbra, Billie, Peggy, Patsy, Liza, Whitney, Celine,” says singer Dawn Derow. “Another name belongs on that list, but it is often forgotten: EYDIE . . . as in GORMÉ.”
In her loving tribute to one of America’s most admired yet underrated women singers from the 1950s-1970s, this highly acclaimed vocalist breathes new life into songs—“If He Walked Into My Life,” “Sabor a Mi,” ”Day By Day” and “This Could Be the Start of Something Big,” among others—that the legendary Eydie Gormé turned into standards.
Now, after performing this show to packed houses at New York’s 54 Below and Birdland, the Cotuit Center for the Arts in Cape Cod, MA, and other venues, Dawn Derow Sings Eydie Gormé comes to Café Centro, West Palm Beach’s hottest dinner-theater and cabaret venue (2409 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33407) on Tuesday, March25 at 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm).
Featuring Derow’s Music Director Ian Herman on piano, Brad Miller on bass, and Howie Gordon on drums, the concert’s director and Special Guest is multi-award-winning performer and recording artist Jeff Harnar, who will add a bit of “Steve Lawrence” to this show that was launched in 2021.
“Eydie Gormé is clearly one of the best vocalists of all time,” says Derow. “She displayed an ability to effortlessly cross multiple genres, including pop, jazz, and traditional Latin music. This versatility broadened her appeal but also allowed the singer to reach diverse audiences.”
“In this tribute show, I’m not trying to impersonate Eydie or sound like her. My goal is to shine my light on her story and career so that today’s audiences will embrace Eydie and love her as much as I do,” she adds.
Tickets for the one-night show are $150 each and include a three-course meal (alcohol not included). Bar seats are $100. For reservations, please call 561.514.4070 or visit www.cafecentrowpb.com.
What the Critics Say About
Dawn Derow Sings Eydie Gormé
“Derow has put together a wonderful, enjoyable show . . . Working carefully to choose just the right songs to reflect Gorme’s hits and Derow’s preferences, the setlist offers a solid balance of styles, genres, tempos, and moods . . .”
BroadwayWorld.com
“I can’t think of a more ideal vocalist to express the songbook of the legendary Eydie Gormé than this dynamic cabaret and concert performer.”
Stephen Hanks, Award-Winning Reviewer and Cabaret Producer
“[In this Eydie Gormé tribute show] Dawn Derow sizzles and she certainly knows how. She’s having a great time and it’s infectious.”
WomanAroundTown.com
About Dawn Derow:
Dawn Derow has earned great praise throughout the cabaret and performance community as being a versatile singer who can move effortlessly among a variety of vocal genres, from pop to opera to the Great American Songbook. A New Yorker by way of Cape Cod, Derow grew up in Eastham, MA and graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a bachelor’s degree in music: Vocal Performance & Opera Emphasis. She has performed around the world, and in prestigious New York venues such as Rose Hall at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Her notable shows include “Music 4 Two” (2012), which garnered a MAC nomination for Best CD (available on all platforms); “Revolution” (2015), co-starring Kathleen France, which won a MAC Award for Best Revue; and “LEGIT: A Classical Cabaret” (2016), earning her a Bistro Award for Outstanding Vocalist.
During the pandemic in 2020, Derow performed “A Troubadour Tribute,” collaborating with guitarist Peter Calo, a show which delighted audiences in NY, MA, and FL. In 2023, she captured her second MAC Award as Best Female Vocalist for “My Ship: Songs From 1941.” That show became her second album, released by Zoho Music in 2021, which also won her the Best Recording Friedman/LaMott MAC award in 2022. After a sold-out run of “My Ship” at the Pheasantry in London in 2023, she was invited back to that venue for a new show, “Women’s Work,” debuting in London in 2024 and then in NYC at the Cutting Room this past October.
Dawn Derow has also taken on the role of co-producer for “Dorothy Dandridge: The Musical” and originated the role of “Hedda Hopper” in a recent workshop production. Outside of cabaret, she teaches mobility classes, provides Thai massages, and works with the elderly on health and wellness. She divides her time between New York and Florida. Additional information and performance dates for Dawn Derow can be found on her website at www.DawnDerow.com.
Buena Vibra defeated La Fe Eastern Hay by a score of 12-9 to win its second consecutive Women’s US Open Polo Championship.
The team of Buena Vibra was made up of 15-year old Giuliana Tarazona, her 14-year old sister Valentina Tarazona, Candelaria Fernandez Araujo and Milly Hine trailed for all of the first half.
In the fourth chucker they scored three consecutive goals to tie the score at 8.
La Fe Eastern Hay comprised of 10-goaler Hope Arellano, Naomi Tachibana Marlough, Pamela Flanagan Devaleix and Fatima Balzano was out scored 4-1 from that point on.
Araujo, a 9-goaler was the game’s MVP along with her horse, Machitos Felpa, voted Best Playing Pony and Milly Hine who was the game’s leading score with 10 goals received all of the top honors.
The classes will run from January 7, to February 11, on Tuesdays and will focus on the skills needed in theatre and acting including vocabulary, stage direction, memorization, cold reading, and character development. Theatre games and improv will help participants get to the next level with the acting process.
Youth Stars: 5-9 years
Tuesdays
4:00-5:00 PM
Residents $75
Non-Residents $93
Teen Stars: 10-17yrs
Tuesdays
5:00-6:00 PM
Residents $75
Non-Residents $93
Lights, Camera, Audition:
All ages
Tuesdays
6:00-7:00 PM
$100
Class age groups may be adjusted based on experience at instructors discretion.
To register come to the Wellington Community Center at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard
Wellington, FL 33414 or signup at the first class. For more information call 561-723-6154 or email Tapstars.info@gmail. We welcome suggestions for additional classes.
When the Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) heard about Southern California’s recent devastating wildfires, they knew they had to do something to help.
“[This work] began within days of the fires—once we realized the magnitude, we knew we had to jump in,” says Jackie Ducci, founder of H-AA. “The challenge was: how do we identify the right partner on the ground?”
The Wellington, Fla. nonprofit supports programs that bring people and animals together, exemplifying the power of the human-animal connection. H-AA’s extensive vetting process enables them to partner with organizations that are on the frontlines caring for animals. Such was the case with Pasadena Humane, a community-supported animal resource center serving the Los Angeles area.
Jose Oliva with burned kitten. Photo: Pasadena Humane
H-AA’s $25,000 grant enables Pasadena Humane to provide critical resources like food, medical supplies, and shelter to displaced or injured pets. It will also support their food bank and resource center, which offer free pet food, supplies, and low-cost veterinary services. These resources aid local families as they rebuild their homes and lives.
Pasadena Humane is the region’s designated evacuation center. They’ve rescued over 1200 animals since the Eaton Fire broke out on January 7. More than 500 of those were emergency boards (animals whose families were displaced). While many pets have since reunited with their families, over 200 are still in the organization’s care.
“The grant from the Human-Animal Alliance helps us provide care for peoples’ family members for the long-term that this disaster has necessitated,” says Kevin McManus, Pasadena Humane’s PR & communications manager. “We are only able to provide the food, vet care, and attention to all these animals because of funding like this!”
Bottle feeding a puppy, saved from the fires. Photo: Pasadena Humane
Pasadena Humane’s biggest challenge has been locating owners, especially if the pet doesn’t have a microchip. They’ve seen a significant rise in animals needing treatment for smoke inhalation, burns, other injuries, and dehydration. They’re also navigating how to care for the large number of pets whose families don’t have a home to return to yet.
“We will be caring for a lot of people’s family members for a considerable amount of time until they get back on their feet,” says McManus.
One caring citizen found a dog laying on a burnt lawn. The dog was quickly brought to Pasadena Humane and treated for his injuries. But the news got better. His family, who had been separated, saw the dog’s photo on Pasadena Humane’s website and went to the shelter to reunite with their beloved furry friend.
Ducci says there are several things owners can do to ensure their pets’ well-being during a disaster. Microchipping and ID tags can help families avoid being permanently separated. She also recommends keeping pets contained in one area during bad weather and having a pet emergency kit ready with basic needs including food, leashes, and current medications.
A longtime animal lover and equestrian, Ducci says the Human-Animal Alliance is grateful for the community’s financial support.
Jackie Ducci, founder of H-AA.
“A lot of people say they want to give to a charity, but they don’t always know who to trust. One-hundred percent of the donations [to us] go back out in grants, because we’re privately funded,” she says. “If you’re an animal lover and you want to know that every dollar you give is going back to an animal, we’re your go-to charity.”
Ducci notes that natural disasters like the California wildfires are also an opportunity for Floridians to support other states. After all, the Sunshine State has plenty of weather-related catastrophes each year.
“It’s important for us to remember that when these things happen in other areas, we should be stepping up and helping,” she shares. “People do that for [Floridians] when we go through it.”
For more information about the Human-Animal Alliance, click here. For more details about Pasadena Humane’s work, visit www.pasadenahumane.org.
On February 7th, Sushi By Boū opened its doors and gave customers a brand new, fun and adventurous dining experience. It’s actually located inside Benny’s on the Beach in Lake Worth, not the location on the pier but the location on the Casino side.
The Modern Omakase Concept originates from New York and resembles Hibachi, in that there is a large group (of 14) seated around the sushi chefs. Last week, when my son Paul and I took part, there were two sushi chefs, Chef Tim (near us) and Chef Hai. There was a lot of interaction among the chefs and the group seated for dinner. In fact, my son even got the chance to use a torch and apply it to one round of the sushi.
Before the festivities began, I ordered a cocktail, called “Shake Your Bou-ey” which came in an adorable fish vessel, ornamented with mint. It featured a lychee coconut flavor, but thankfully was not super sweet. It was just right.
My cocktail “Shake Your Bou-ey”
We were encouraged to use our hands to pick up the sushi, although the place settings did include chopsticks. Paul and I had an up-close and personal view of Chef Tim, as he created each round of sushi while Chef Hai was further down the bar.
We embarked on a twelve-course meal, served one sushi roll at a time. It all began with a yellowtail roll called Hamachi. Next was a lean tuna roll, my son’s favorite. Each roll came out one at a time with the two sushi chefs alternating and working at a very fast pace. So here’s a view of all the sushi rolls (if they had come out all at once).
Another interesting thing about the sushi rolls was that we didn’t dip them in soy sauce. Each roll had a little soy sauce worked into it already. My favorite of the evening was the miso cod roll, Gindara, which was torched just before serving. Another great roll was the barbecue eel, Unagi, also torched and topped with orange zest.
A surprise came with the scallop roll; it was topped with pop rocks! It was a fun, familiar feeling to have the pop rocks explode in my mouth. Accented the scallop nicely too.
Midway through the courses of sushi, we had a sake toast and celebrated our evening out with everyone seated around the sushi bar! For my son, who is only 17, they provided a purple mocktail. We don’t know what was in it, but he said it was very good.
The setting is definitely cute and set apart as something different from the rest of the restaurant. There are comfortable lounging areas to wait, as the dinner is served at a start time for the whole group.
Overall, Chef Tim and Chef Hai did a great job of keeping up the pace, creating twelve rounds of sushi rolls within the hour and engaging in lively banter with all of us. Chef Tim was very funny, and I just wish I could have caught all of his quick-witted remarks.
Chef Tim and Chef Hai
Again, my son really enjoyed it when Chef Tim trusted him with the torch and allowed him to sear the sushi rolls. The rest of group cheered Paul on. In all, it was a lively, interactive experience. Reasonably priced as well I thought. $65 per person.
So next time you head toward the beach in Lake Worth, I recommend making a reservation at Sushi By Boū at Benny’s on the Beach. You’ll taste a rainbow of different sushi rolls and have a great time doing it.
Sushi by Boū – Ocean Blvd. at Benny’s on the Beach
10 South Ocean Blvd, Lake Worth Beach.
Hours of operation are seven days per week, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. It will open for lunch in the coming weeks. Reservations can be made at sushibybou.com or OpenTable.
BOCA RATON, FL, February 11, 2025– The Junior League of Boca Raton (JLBR) will present the Boca Bazaar, a modern luxury thrift sale, on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 from 9 a.m. until noon at Plastridge Insurance, 2100 Dixie Highway, Boca Raton.
Luxury will meet thrift in a unique shopping experience. Guests can explore an exceptional collection of curated items, from vintage t-shirts and high-end fashion to chic home décor and elegant housewares.
“This one-of-a-kind event offers the perfect opportunity to shop sustainably while indulging in fabulous finds at unbeatable prices,” Nicole Stelzer, President of the Junior League of Boca Raton said.
The event chair is Alexandra Scheiber. Honorary Chairs are Marina Morbeck and Susan Diener.
Committee members include Darina Bowerman, Hilary Cohen, Jenny Feldman, Karlie Friedman,Tara Henn, Brooke Kaplan, Mai L.G., Gina Lowy, Alexis Montero, Stephanie Newell, Fabiola Padernacht, Rita Page, Sarah-Antonia Tkalec, Courtney Turner, Stacey Weinger, Renata Wozniak and Amanda Zook.
For more information, call 561-620-2553 or visit jlbr.org.
About the Junior League of Boca Raton Throughout the year, JLBR members contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and donate more than $250,000 to support the organization’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration and training. The Junior League currently focuses on two community issues, Child Welfare and Non-Profit Support.
To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at 561-620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org.Connect on Facebook or Instagram.
