For the past 51 years, Wellington has hosted the Winter Equestrian Festival which is now the largest and longest horse circuit competition in all of the sport, offering a unique experience of magical horses and riders jumping tall elaborate decorated fences while others elegantly dance under the stars.
The 2025 season of WEF at Wellington International promises to be one of the best yet with a new ownership and the past president of the United States Equestrian Foundation Murray Kessler leading as the new CEO along side past and present WI President Micheal Stone and Thomas Baur continuing as Director of Sport for Adequan® Global Dressage.
WI enhanced production sets the pace for a World Class destination. Offering an elevated spectator experience, improved light and surface conditions for riders and horses, WEF will host of a new series of competition known as the US Equestrian Open that will further participants for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. “The US Equestrian Open is going to be a major championship, the same level as Wimbledon is for tennis,” CEO Murray Kessler said during the WEF press conference last week.
WEF is set to be the backdrop for 10 of the world’s top show jumpers with athletes from over 35 countries competing Wednesday through Sunday from now until end of March. A season filled with 13 weeks of some of the best riders in the world competing for the ultimate grand prize in the 5 Star Finale Series hosted by premier sponsor Rolex. The Rolex purse upped from $500k to $750k will make the stakes even higher. Other big name sponsors include Lugano, Weather Tech, Net Jets, Mars, Bainbridge Companies, IDA and KASK.
Olympic Grand Prix competitions happen each Saturday evening, officially known as Saturday Night Lights. SNL offers a variety of seating options such as the VIP International Club, the upscale Blue Ribbon Club, Net Jets Landing open air dining and the Tiki Hut for a more casual atmosphere. The Gallery and the Wellington Club are often open to the public while some evenings will offer private dining options or may be booked for corporate events and large groups. Reservations are available online. Regular admission for SNL is free with just a $22 parking charge for each vehicle.
Gates open at 6 pm with the Grand Prix beginning at 7pm. Various food vendors are located throughout the show grounds as well as many bar areas serving wine, beer and liquor drinks. Saturday Night Lights offers the entire family a night of free fun with a petting zoo, pony rides, a carousel, magicians, carnival games and face painting all located at the front entrance.
WEF week 4 Saturday Night Lights held February 1st will feature one of the largest charity events in Palm Beach County known as The Great Charity Challenge. For the past 15 years, riders and their horses compete relay style for selected non-profits in themed costumes. To date, GCC has distributed over $19 million dollars to over 300 local Palm Beach County non-profit organizations and Palm Beach County School District PTA/PTO associations. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Global Music” and is sure to thrill every age group. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to reserve VIP seating you can visit GreatCharityChallenge.com.
Also for families there is Friday Night Under the Stars featuring the top Dressage riders of the world with ten national competitions and two Para-Equestrian competitions. “Eight Para-Equestrian medalists at the Paris Olympics came from Wellington,” stated Director Thomas Baur. Adequan® Global Dressage is located at the Equestrian Village -13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, FL. Gates open at 6pm with show starting at 7PM. Parking is also $22 per vehicle and regular admission is free. For more information visit gdf.coth.com.
“WEF is an opportunity to see some of the very best in the world,” WI President Micheal Stone added. “There are few opportunities like it in the United States. Where else can you watch Olympic Champions and have a fun night out, right in your own backyard?”
For more information on the venue, reservations and competition schedules visit https://wellingtoninternational.com/ or call (561) 793-JUMP / (561) 793-5867 for the latest updates or to host a special event.
Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County to Host 30 Healthy and Horticultural Events Throughout February Including Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
+ Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop – February 1
+ Special Presentation & Book-Signing by Wild Florida Author Kirsten Hines – February 1
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 10, 2025) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will offer 30 healthy and horticultural classes and events throughout February, including the always popular Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale and our delightfully frog-tastic RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II,featuring 18 larger-than-life frog sculptures at work and play.
“We are inviting friends and families to maximize the year’s shortest month with an eco-friendly flourish at Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden—Mounts Botanical Garden, a beautiful, tranquil, 20-acre oasis located just minutes from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown West Palm,” says Mounts Executive Director James E. May, touting the Garden’s numerous and informative horticultural presentations and workshops in February 2025.
Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.
February 1
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
$10 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Free for Tropical Orchid Society Members with proof of Tropical Orchid Society Membership (shown on the day of class) – please register at www.mounts.org to save your spot.
Registration is required; classes are nonrefundable. Class size is limited 35 Adults
Join us for an interactive workshop conducted by members of the board of the Tropical Orchid Society. Each workshop will begin with a brief introduction followed by specific growing advice for the month followed by repotting demonstrations and Q & A. Attendees may bring one orchid to repot and the media and pot or mount they prefer to use. Orchid Potting Workshops are held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center, on the first Saturday of every month.
Kirsten Hines Wild Florida Presentation & Book Signing
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$5 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Kirsten Hines
This presentation is designed for audiences aged 9 and older; FREE for youth 9-17.
Registration is required; event is nonrefundable; presentation is limited to 150.
Florida is widely known for its alligators, panthers, pythons, and pesky mosquitoes, but did you know it also has crocodiles, bears, scarlet-striped snakes, and more species of fireflies than any other state? How about a tiny lizard that swims through Central Florida’s ancient sand dunes, a red widow spider that hides in palmettos, or that wild flamingos, common two centuries ago, are reappearing? Join author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist Kirsten Hinesfor a visual and descriptive journey from the temperate Panhandle through the state’s myriad habitats to the tropical islands of Dry Tortugas National Park, deep into Florida’s wilds to explore its impressive array of animals as captured in her multiple gold-medal winning book Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey.
Books available for signing:
Birds of Florida (2024)
Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey (2023)
Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens (2014)
Kirsten Hines is an award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist with a master’s degree in biology and background as an environmental educator. Her writing and photography have appeared in various publications, including her eight books on Florida’s nature and history, and her images have been featured in photography showcases, public art programs, and exhibitions.
$20 for members; $30 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Class 1: Tai Chi Intermediate Class
9:15 am to 10:15 am
This class is for those who have learned the basic Sun Style Tai Chi Forms and wish to pursue advanced Sun Style Forms. Lessons will be multi-faceted, addressing not only the external execution of the Forms, but more importantly, deepening the internal dimensions of the Forms, such as: magnifying the Qi (Life Energy) and incorporating the Internal Principles of Tai Chi: Song (loosening), Jing (mental quietude), Chen (sinking of dan-tien), and Huo (agility) which are vital to one’s well-being and healing.
In addition, we will explore another Tai Chi Form, the Yang Style.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and a loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
Class 2: Tai Chi Beginner Class
10:15 am to 11:15 am
This class is designed for those new to Tai Chi or those curious about Tai Chi. You will learn basic Tai Chi principles and moves, called Forms. The primary goal is to improve your overall health and well-being, the use of mindfulness and balance through the Forms are thought to open the doors to Health and Serenity. Tai Chi is excellent for those who want a gentle, but effective exercise.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and a loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
$30 for members; $40 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Upon arrival you will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing, helping to release any burdens from your day-to-day life. Then you will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. The Cacao works to relax you, open your heart chakra, and help you to be receptive to the healing you will experience. Finally, you’ll relax into Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which you will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring your yoga mat and blanket. Please no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine 3 hours before and after the event.
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints. Sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginner’s class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by instructor with assistance from class.
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, including a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints, sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants.
Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission to the Garden on the first Wednesday of every month. Visitors must show proof of residency for entry. Admission for non-residents: $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $13 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6.
February 8-9
Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
This popular annual event features the finest plant growers, artisans, and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors can fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what’s trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical’s tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time.
50+ highly sought-after top growers and artisan vendors.
Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more.
Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers.
Fun and informative presentations by speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields.
Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.
Food and dessert trucks will also be at the Garden throughout both days.
For Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale 2025 there will be four Special Presentations:
The Fascinating World of Frogs & Their Habitats
with Dr. Steve Johnson
Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 am
FREE with Plant Sale Admission
No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
A distinguished researcher and expert in amphibian ecology and conservation, Dr. Steve Johnson will share insights into the fascinating world of frogs and their habitats. His presentation will feature live and preserved specimens for an engaging show-and-tell experience. Attendees will also learn about the PVC pipe method for capturing invasive Cuban tree frogs, a practical demonstration that highlights his commitment to managing invasive species. Dr. Johnson will provide educational literature to deepen your understanding of these remarkable creatures and their environments. He is a tenured faculty member in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Before joining the University of Florida, he worked as the State Sea Turtle Program Coordinator in North Carolina, and as a research wildlife biologist with the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Chemical Care for Your Orchids
with Mike Sands
Saturday, 1:00 pm
FREE with Plant Sale Admission
No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
Mike Sands
The owner of Tangled Roots Orchid Nursery and a certified horticulturist and Master Naturalist who works for the City of Wellington, Mike Sands will cover essential chemical care for orchids, addressing common challenges such as pests and fungal issues. He’ll discuss the use of both organic and synthetic chemicals, as well as best practices for fertilization, highlighting important dos and don’ts. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced orchid enthusiast, his expertise will help you nurture healthy, thriving plants.
Beyond Landscaping:
Transforming Landscapes for a Sustainable Future
with CJ McCartney
Sunday, 1:00 pm
FREE with Plant Sale Admission
No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
In this presentation, Environmental Steward and Master Gardener CJ McCartney will focus on how to create sustainable native landscapes with Florida Keystone native plants. There is a special focus on endangered and threatened plants and how they will create wildflower and pollinator welcoming habitats. She currently works with Palm Beach County Environmental Resource Management vouchering plants and leading outreach activities and is the Master Gardner in Residence at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden.
For information about Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale and to purchase tickets in advance visit:
Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free with admission to the Garden
Plen Air Palm Beach Painters will be in the Garden all day painting Garden scenes, creating a lovey atmosphere for our guests to view art and artists at work. The Plen Air Painters are happy to answer questions about Plein Air Painting or their techniques, and they may have an original painting or two to sell to anyone in the market for some beautiful art.
February 15
Get GardenFit
with Madeline deVries Hooper Saturday, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
$30 for members; $40 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Join Madeline Hooper, GardenFit creator, executive producer, and host of GardenFit, the hit national public television series, for a lively session at Mounts Botanical Garden. Madeline will demonstrate simple, practical movements that will have you feeling your best as you dig, plant, and prune. GardenFit proves that gardening should be a joyful, pain-free experience.Don’t miss this chance to get inspired, get moving, and get GardenFit. Additional Upcoming GardenFit dates: March 16, April 5
Note: 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.
Free for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 45 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Mounts Horticulturist Palmer Crippen will explore the immense variety of aroids found throughout the world’s tropical regions. This presentation will focus on the distinctive forms and unique roles this family of plants holds in rainforest ecosystems. Photos and information will be shown on most of the major genera.
$10 members; $25 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Free for Members of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches (proof of membership is shown on the day of the class).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Mounts Botanical Garden and The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches present Potting Workshops the third Saturday of each month. Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center. We cordially invite you to participate in our engaging and interactive workshops, led by esteemed members of the Board of The Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches. The workshop will begin with an insightful discussion about the topic, followed by hands-on potting demonstrations, facilitated by our knowledgeable board members. Attendees are encouraged to bring potting and sanitizing materials, and up to two orchids to repot. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to enhance your potting skills and techniques. The potting sessions will wrap up with a friendly Q&A, to deepen your knowledge and ask questions.
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Forest Bathing, also known as “Nature Therapy,” is an immersive experience in nature that gives you an opportunity to reset your outlook on life and have an encounter with the nature in a way that you have never experienced before. It is a sensory practice that takes you away from your phone, computer, and social media and back to what your body yearns for…..a connection with nature. A sense of peace. A sense of relaxation. A sense of being in the present moment. It provides the perfect time to become a human “be”-ing instead of a human “do”-ing! During a Forest Bathing experience, you will be invited to slow down and reconnect with nature’s perfect balance using your senses to see the sunlight playing through the leaves, smell the flowers, and feel and hear the gentle wind whispering to you to return to your native roots and discover your deeper self. Your nature encounter concludes with a tea ceremony to connect with other like-minded nature lovers. Forest Bathing has been scientifically proven to boost immune strength, lift depression, reduce stress, and improve sleep. But beyond these physiological changes, this contemplative experience will show you how important it is for your well-being to take time in nature daily.
Note: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start time. Bring a chair or yoga mat.
Free for members; $25 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
In this engaging presentation on planting edible perennials in South Florida, discover how these resilient plants can enhance your garden while providing fresh, nutritious food year-round, year after year. Learn tips for selecting, caring for, and incorporating these delicious additions into your landscape. Kara Krueger is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Environmental Horticulture Extension Agent for Palm Beach County, who works with residents, homeowner associations, and landscape professionals to provide education and programs on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, landscape best management practices, and general horticultural issues. The goal is to connect landscape professionals, homeowners, and other residents to the importance of environmental stewardship through our landscapes.
This program is free with Garden admission, but registration is required at least 5 days before each session, so be sure to secure your spot early!
Join us for a magical morning at Mounts Botanical Garden with Story Time in the Garden, presented in partnership with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Held every fourth Saturday of the month through April 2025, this enchanting program is perfect for children under 7 years old. Enjoy a delightful book reading surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery, followed by a fun craft activity to spark creativity. It’s the perfect way to introduce young minds to the wonders of nature and stories.
Heart Opening Cacao Ceremony with Flower Mandala & Sound Immersion
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Experience the magic of cacao, sound, and connection beneath the Garden’s cacao tree. Step into a sanctuary of peace and inspiration as we gather in the lush Herb Garden to explore the ancient, healing powers of ceremonial cacao. This two-hour journey invites you to release, reconnect, and rejuvenate through a blend of heart-centered rituals and sensory immersion. Begin with a ceremonial smudging and blessing to cleanse your energy and set the tone for our sacred gathering. Sip on the finest ceremonial cacao, a sacred elixir designed to open your heart, soothe your mind, and awaken your spirit. Engage in a guided flower mandala creation – a meditative art of beauty and intention. Relax into a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra meditation, followed by an immersive sound healing session with gongs, crystal singing bowls, and high-frequency instruments. Share your reflections and connect in our closing circle before sealing the sacred space. This ceremony is your invitation to embrace the post-eclipse energies and open yourself to receiving. Through cacao, meditation, and sound healing, you’ll experience profound relaxation, heart opening, and energetic alignment.
Note: Bring a yoga mat and blanket for your comfort. Avoid alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine 3 hours before and after the event.
Back by popular demand is this collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures on exhibit throughout the Garden, offering a playful and imaginative exploration of amphibians. These fun and quirky sculptures also create opportunities for engaging programming about real frogs and their essential role in our environment. Each piece is handcrafted and colored with natural patina by artist Andy Cobb, and almost all the super-sized sculptures are new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020.”
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
+ Hot Topic Luncheon on the Financial Impact of Art/Culture & Hospitality Tourism in Palm Beach County – January 15
+ Connect & Reboot Session with Dave Aronberg – February 8
+ I Stand With the League Luncheon & Awards – February 26
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 8, 2025) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)is kicking off 2025 by inviting League members and other issue activists to three informative events in January and February:
Wednesday, January 15 / 11 am to 1 pm
Hot Topic Discussion
KA-CHING, KA-CHING!
The Financial Impact of Art/Culture & Hospitality/Tourism
in The Palm Beaches
Guest Speakers:
· David Lawrence, President & CEO, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
· Milton Segarra, President & CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches
In Palm Beach County, the arts generate $335.3 million in economic impact and 4,360 jobs, while tourism is among Palm Beach County’s major industries, generating an annual economic impact of approximately $10 billion and supporting more than 85,000 local jobs
Where: Fountains Country Club, 4476 Fountains Drive in Lake Worth 33467 (South of Lake Worth Road, West of Jog Road)
Registration Fee: $45
Notes:
+ Doors open at 11:00 am. The 3-course, sit-down lunch begins at 11:30 am, the program starts at noon.
· Dave Aronberg, Former State Attorney, 15th Circuit; Florida Senator; and Assistant Attorney General
This free event is targeted to League members and anyone curious about the nonprofit organization’s efforts in such areas as Voter Services, Gun Safety, National Popular Vote, Voting Rights, Health Care, and more.
Where: South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road in Delray Beach 33446
Note:
Advance registration required online at www.LWVPBC.org or call/text 561.276.4898.
Wednesday, February 26 / 11 am to 1 pm
I Stand with the League Luncheon & Awards
Guest Speakers:
· Katie Phang, Esq., Host of a weekly show on Saturdays at noon on MSNBC, and a Lega Contributor to NBC News & MSNBC.
· Robert Watson, Ph.D., Historian, Author, Media Commentator, and Lynn University Professor
The League’s annual fundraiser will include a 3-course seated lunch, renowned speakers, presentation of the League’s Mavericks & HeroesAward, a silent auction of fabulous gift baskets and more, and 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.
Where: Marriott West Palm Beach, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach 33401
Tickets: $150
Notes:
+ Ticketscan be purchased online at www.LWVPBC.org. The deadline for RSVPs is February 19, 2024.
+ Luncheon Honorary Chair is Keely Gideon-Taylor, Community Relations Manager for The Palm Beach Post and Gannett Southeast Florida Properties
+ 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 Lesser Landy & Smith 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
(Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) – January 7, 2025 – inSIGHT Through Education is set to host a powerful and transformative event featuring Arno Michaelis, a former white supremacist, and Dydine Umunyana Anderson, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. The event will center around their journeys from hate to peace, offering a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of overcoming deep-seated ideologies and experiences of violence.
Arno will share his story of growing up in a world of hatred and extremism, detailing his eventual path to redemption and the transformative encounters that led him to reject his former beliefs. Arno’s narrative will explore the importance of understanding, education, and personal accountability in moving away from hate.
Dydine will provide a poignant reflection on the traumatic events of the 1994 genocide, where nearly a million people were killed in a brutal campaign of ethnic violence. Her story will highlight resilience, survival, and the long road to healing, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the aftermath of such unimaginable loss.
By hosting the discussion: The Key is Happiness, inSIGHT Through Education aims to foster dialogue and promote empathy, demonstrating how people can overcome hatred and violence through education, personal growth, and mutual understanding. This event will serve as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for change and the importance of building a peaceful, respectful world.
The Anti-Defamation League’s nationwide 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents tells a troubling story of rising antisemitism throughout our country and here in Florida. There was an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents nationally in 2023, with reported incidents numbering 8,873 — an increase of 140% compared to the 3,717 incidents reported in 2022, which was also a record-setting year. This amounts to a shocking average of 24 incidents per day or one per hour. Here in Florida, we also broke records with 463 incidents, which represented a dramatic 72% increase in antisemitic incidents from 2022. This included 376 incidents of harassment, 82 incidents of vandalism, and, most disturbingly, seven assaults. Florida had the fourth-highest quantity in the nation, behind only California, New York and New Jersey. The top three Florida counties with the most reported incidents were: Palm Beach (84), Miami-Dade (62), and Broward (55). In just the three months following October 7, 2023, Florida saw 245 incidents, exceeding the total number of incidents that occurred in the prior nine months (218) and reaching almost as many incidents as recorded in all of 2022 (269).
The mission of inSIGHT Through Education is 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. For this reason, inSIGHT is bringing the powerful presentation, The Key is Happiness with Arno Michaelis and Dydine Umanyana Anderson to the Kravis Center on January 21st.
Thanks to its unwavering supporters, inSIGHT Through Education has awarded more than $1.9 million in program funding since 2010 to Palm Beach County schools and the community for Holocaust, antisemitism, and acceptance education. They continue to expand their impact each year, and over the past three years, they’ve doubled their funding annually, from $100,000 to $800,000.
The Palm Beach Center to Combat Antisemitism and Hatred, The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Daily News, and Morgan Stanley proudly serve as Presenting Sponsors for the 15th Anniversary season of events for inSIGHT Through Education.
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.
Multi-Generational World Premiere Show Explores the Silenced Traditions of Black Midwives
(Delray Beach, FL – January 6, 2025) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today announced that the nonprofit organization is presenting a world premiere production as part of its ongoing Artists-in-Residence (AiR) series, which is underwritten by a grant from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Cultural Arts & Education Fund.
The production—axes, herbs and satchels—was developed and performed by The Anthropologists, one of New York City’s leading devised theatre companies, which is dedicated to “the collaborative creation of investigative theatre that inspires action.” According to its Mission Statement, the group fuses “research, expressive movement, and rigorous dramaturgy (to) create dynamic plays rooted in social inquiry.”
“Ever since it was founded in 2008, The Anthropologists have used theatre to engage with challenging questions, to re-contextualize the present and reimagine our collective future—and that’s exactly what this dynamic group will be doing at Arts Garage,” says Waldo.
February 23 (Sunday) at 7 pm
AXES, HERBS AND SATCHELS
Performed by The Anthropologists
Black and brown birthing bodies are in danger. Can the silenced traditions of Black midwives hold the key to saving them? With a company of six Black women and femme performers, axes, herbs and satchels travels across generations with storytelling, movement, and ritual. Developed through extensive ethnographic research and personal accounts, this stunning new play opens a space for collective learning and profound healing.
Rooted in the history and embodied wisdom of doulas and midwives, axes, herbs and satchels is a celebration of traditional knowledge held in the Black birth worker community and a potent examination of maternal mortality.
The United States has a maternal mortality rate that is three times higher than any other high-income country. Black and Indigenous birthing people are particularly at risk, with death rates up to three times more likely than their white counterparts. Modern medicine may be at our fingertips, but did it come at the cost of losing the ancient practices of doulas and midwives?
The play is being devised from an array of research materials; first-hand accounts, medical textbooks, ethnological research, and primary sources documenting grand midwives and the history of midwifery.
The team behind and starring in axes, herbs and satchels include Co-Director/Co-Writer Melissa Moschitto, Co-Director/Performer Sandie Luna, and Performer/Devisers Jalissa Fulton, Asha John, and BriannaJohnson.
Pre-Show Open Rehearsal & Talkback:
“Arts Garage will present a unique opportunity to engage with axes, herbs and satchels by featuring an open rehearsal and talkback session,” adds Waldo. “We are extending this invitation to local high school and college students, with a special opportunity for participants in Acting for Adults, a long-time adult arts education course, to gain insight into the artistic process. This is an enriching experience designed to foster creativity and dialogue among aspiring young artists.”
How to Purchase Tickets to axes, herbs and satchels:
Tickets are $50 each (including fees) and can be purchased by calling Arts Garage at 561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.
About Arts Garage Artist-in-Residence (AiR):
This series provides arts and culture enrichment and engagement opportunities for youth, underserved community members, lifelong learners, and the community at-large through master classes, workshops, lectures, and other unique experiences. Underwritten by a grant from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Cultural Arts & Education Fund, this series complements our live performances and existing educational offerings and enables Arts Garage to further our mission and increase our community impact by introducing all community members to the benefits of arts and culture experiences while collaborating with established creative professionals.
About Arts Garage:
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful, and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
(West Palm Beach, FL – January 3, 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 upcoming 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.
+ 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, and 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 16, 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 Lesser Landy & Smith 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 facebook.com/lwvpbc.
With the new year’s arrival, it’s time for destination discoveries. Perhaps some are familiar, while others are new on our radars. Either way, this is an ideal time to plan your travel adventures for the new year. The destination discoveries below deliver a unique blend of adventure, history and culture.
Catalina Island
Travelers have ventured 26 miles across the Pacific Ocean for more than a century to explore this Southern California paradise. Unique in innumerable ways, Catalina Island offers a combination of intriguing history, laid-back island life, abundant outdoor activities, an art-deco masterpiece, and bison – yes, real bison.
Hollywood’s elite also played a significant role in the Catalina Island story, especially in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. More than 500 films, commercials, documentaries, and TV shows were filmed here. The filming of “The Vanishing American,” a western based on Zane Grey’s novel, brought a herd of bison to the island’s interior. Failing to round the animals up after filming, the bison remain and have become an island icon. Book a Bison Expedition Tour to explore the island’s interior in search of these magnificent creatures.
An island highlight, take a guided tour of the Art-Deco Catalina Casino. Not your typical casino, the Catalina Casino has never seen a single slot machine or blackjack table. Instead, it’s a gathering place for movies, stage shows, and events – and it has been for nearly 100 years. Commissioned by William Wrigley, Jr., Catalina Casino opened in 1929, marking the 10-year anniversary of Wrigley’s 1919 purchase of the island.
Once serving as the hub of Avalon’s nightlife, the Catalina Casino still plays an important role in the community hosting special events, movies, and performances throughout the year. Sign up for a guided behind-the-scenes tour for an in-depth look at the architecture and entertaining stories about the Hollywood elite who frequented the casino in its golden years.
Best of Winter Ferry and Hotel Packages
Getting to Catalina Island is part of the adventure with a scenic water ride on the Catalina Express. For more than 20 years, Catalina Express and its hotel partners have offered its Best of Winter ferry and hotel packages providing savings of up to 50% on lodging as well as a $184 value on two round-trip ferry tickets. The packages run through March 14th. Check out the offerings here: https://catalinaexpress.com/explore-catalina/hotel-packages/
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
The beauty of Alberta, Canada, is undeniable. But while you’re soaking up all the grandeur of the province’s natural wonders, be sure to make time to explore Edmonton’s intriguing history. Fort Edmonton Park boasts a brand-new Indigenous Peoples Experience. This awe-inspiring new addition to the park’s exciting offerings explores life through the diversity of First Nations. It also explores life through Métis Peoples’ histories and perspectives. The stories, music, artwork, and text in the experience come from local Indigenous perspectives and voices.
For a glimpse into the architecture of days gone by, be sure to visit the Rutherford House Provincial Historic Site. This was the home of the first Premier of Alberta, Alexander Cameron Rutherford. Today, the restored and furnished Edwardian-era home maintains the Rutherford tradition of hospitality and offers visitors a glimpse into the part with costumed interpreters, guided tours, and special events.
Delve into the history of life in Alberta at Western Canada’s largest museum. The Royal Alberta Museum houses an extensive and wide-ranging collection of artifacts to foster wonder, inquiry, and understanding about Alberta. Pull the curtain back on Alberta life and landscape in a remarkable journey from petroglyphs to prehistoric dinosaurs and from 500 generations of First Peoples to new beginnings on the windswept prairies.
Jackie Robinson Ballpark
Daytona Beach
Yes, Daytona Beach is just up the coast from Wellington, but if you haven’t visited recently, this Florida gem offers plenty of destination discoveries. Beyond its famous boardwalk, Daytona Beach offers a delicious culinary scene. Start the day at Dunn’s Attic for breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe. Part of the community since 2013, Dunn’s Attic is an upscale consignment store and auction house. Inside, Rosie’s Cafe offers delicious breakfast and lunch options along with $1 mimosas for guests to sip while shopping.
For a fun evening in nearby Ormond Beach head to 31 Supper Club. Enjoy the art deco atmosphere and live music while sipping a handcrafted cocktail. Then, dine on a delicious assortment of surf and turf entrees, including sea bass, New England-style crab cakes, and prime filet mignon.
Black History in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach also serves as a treasure trove of Black history sites and stories. The list of innovative and heroic Blacks who lived and worked in this area from the late 1800s and beyond is vast. Their stories live on along the Daytona Beach Black Heritage Trail which includes 18 locations, each with an inspiring story to uncover.
Arriving in Daytona Beach for the first time in 20+ years, my discoveries began at the Riverfront Esplanade – a gathering space and botanical garden spanning one mile alongside the Halifax River, a section of the Intercoastal Waterway. My first view was that of a 13-foot-tall, 829-pound bronze statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune – just one of many remarkable stories of the area’s Black heritage.
Jackie Robinson’s legacy as a baseball player is unparalleled – not just for his talent but also for breaking baseball’s color barrier. The story of his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, is widely known. But that wasn’t the first time he broke the baseball color barrier. On March 17, 1946, Robinson played second base for the Montreal Royals (a minor league affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers) in a spring training game at City Island Ball Park in Daytona Beach. Despite games being cancelled in nearby Florida cities because local authorities objected to his presence, residents in Daytona Beach ignored the Jim Crow-era mandates and welcomed Robinson onto the baseball field. Today, City Island Ballpark bears his name as the Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Photo Credit: Wendy J. Studios (From L to R: Judy Levis Krug, Levis JCC Grand Benefactor; Steve Clarfield, Chairman of the Board)
Boca Raton, Fla., (January 7, 2024) – The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC) is proud to present the 2025 Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (JLKBRJFF) Feb. 8 – 22, at Movies of Delray. The two-week festival will feature more than 30 Israeli and Jewish-themed feature films, shorts, documentaries and comedies from around the world. Boca Raton’s original Jewish film festival, now in its ninth year, offers entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking stories, community connection, and the unique opportunity to learn from filmmakers, producers, actors and directors at screenings and special events throughout the Festival.
Viewed by more than 3,000 film enthusiasts in 2024, the JLKBRJFF is the premiere destination for Jewish and international films, carefully cultivating a variety of film genres ranging from comedies and love stories to political and historical dramas.
“I am so proud of our festival, which is a respected space for cultural enrichment and really excels at bringing our community together through the universal language of film,” said Evan Foster, Manager of the Levis JCC Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival. “By presenting a variety of films that offer diverse perspectives, we are able to spark conversations that enrich our collective understanding of each other and the world around us.”
The 2025 JLKBRFF lineup captures the depth and diversity of Jewish and human experiences. From poignant dramas like “Bliss,” which delves into the complexities of marriage, to powerful documentaries like “Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire,” which provides a unique biographical insight into one of the most revered voices in the Holocaust remembrance movement, the festival offers a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and history.
The festival also delves into the realms of music and personal legacies with “Janis Ian: Breaking Silence,” which chronicles the turbulent and inspiring life of singer-songwriter Janis Ian, and “Beethoven’s Nine,” which intertwines the history of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with contemporary global events. Meanwhile, the Festival’s lighter films include “31 Candles,” a quirky and heartfelt story about late-life bar mitzvahs and personal rediscovery set against the backdrop of New York City.
This extensive mix not only entertains but also educates and inspires dialogue on significant historical events and personal stories, showcasing the Festival’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish life across times and territories.
“We take great pride in being Boca Raton’s original Jewish film festival,” said Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center’s Grand Benefactor Judy Levis Krug. “Each year, our goal is to present new stories that resonate with our audiences, reflecting both the historical depth and the vibrant spirit of Jewish culture.”
Cultural arts programming demand remains strong throughout the year with the Emily & Neil Kishter Year-Round Film Programs including Featured Films, Movie Club and two popular film series—the Sunday Morning Israeli Film Series and Fascinating Sephardim: A Film Series, presented in partnership with The Sephardi Federation Palm Beach County. These programs provide continuous opportunities for cultural engagement and learning beyond the festival itself.
For more information on dates, films, festival pass packages and individual ticket purchases, visit https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival or contact Evan Foster at [email protected]. Individual tickets are $14. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S., Boca Raton. Movies of Delray is located at 7421 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.
About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival
The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented.
About the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center
The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center promotes and enhances Jewish culture, heritage, and values through educational, spiritual, social, wellness and recreational programs for individuals of all ages. With a preschool, summer camp, family activities, athletics, cultural arts, adult enrichment, and special needs programming, as well as a Resale Boutique, the Levis JCC offers something for everyone.
