Wellington joins government agencies across the state and the nation in celebrating Customer Service Week from October 4 – 8, 2021. Celebrated the first full work week in October, this is an international celebration of the importance of customer service and of the people who serve and support customers daily.
This year’s theme is ‘The Power of Service.’ A great testament to the power of service is the dedication our Village’s customer service team has shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Wellington is proud to honor all its customer service and front-line staff who continue to keep residents informed and satisfied. They are a vital part of the long-term success and well-being of our entire community.
“We are very proud of our Village’s customer service employees for their dedication to public service,” said Village Manager Jim Barnes. “These hard-working people are here for our residents every day, especially during challenging times. Some, you may see at the front desk of Village Hall. Others, you may not see, like the staff who worked to answer your calls during the height of the pandemic, or those who work behind the scenes to ensure vital Village services are provided. During Customer Service Week we show our appreciation for the service they provide.”
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
October Gardening To-Do List: 5 Steps to Prepare Your Garden for Fall
By Tripp and Carmen Eldridge
It may be hard to believe but we’re already in the midst of the fall season. And although leaves aren’t really falling off trees here in South Florida, now is the perfect time for gardeners to get started on planting their cooler-season vegetables. But before you start shopping for seeds, there are a few things you should do to transition your garden beds from the summer harvest.
As we welcome a respite from Florida’s summer heat, the cooler temperatures offer an opportunity to get outside and clear out the remains of the summer fruits and vegetables you enjoyed over the last few months. If you are planning on using the same beds from the summer for your cool-season garden, it’s important to clean out any dead plant matter and weeds before you start fresh.
Garden renovations can be overwhelming but there are a few tips to make your cleaning efforts easier.
Step 1: Come Up with A Garden Plan
When visualizing your perfect fall garden, it is best to start with a plan. Think about what kind of vegetables and herbs you would want to incorporate into your meals throughout the season and make sure they are compatible with the seasonal temperatures in your area. Then, write down the location and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to include. This map will help guide you through the planting step. Finally, create a list of all of the supplies and seeds you will need to get started – it will save you a lot of extra trips to the store.
Step 2: Clean Out Debris
Now that you have your plan, it is time to get your hands dirty. Cut down any plants from the previous season at the soil level with pruners, especially ones that are dead or dying, and pull up all weeds from their roots. If you compost at home, non-diseased plant material can make for great material to add to your compost pile and replenish your nutrient-rich fertilizer for future seasons. Weeds can be added to your compost so long as they don’t have any mature seed pods or aren’t grass with roots.
Step 3: Start Tilling
Third, get to work and break up the top layer of soil with a garden hoe or spade. Break up any large clods and scan for any overlooked rocks that you can remove. If you’d like to test your soil for nutrients, take three to five soil samples from different parts of your garden for pH testing. Your local UF IFAS County Extension Service can test your soil for an additional fee. The test will show what nutrients you may need to add before you keep planting.
Step 4: Add Nutrients
Finally, add organic matter, like compost, and nutrient-rich fertilizer over your tilled soil. Take your hoe or spade to turn it into the top layer. If you aren’t immediately replanting, cover the bed with flattened brown boxes or mulch to prevent weeds from growing and keep your soil fertile. Mulch will also keep your beds moist for when you are ready to start growing.
Step 5: Replant and Revitalize
Once your soil is revitalized, you are finally ready to refresh your vegetable garden and prepare for all the fresh produce you will be able to harvest over the next few months. October is a great time to plant herbs and hearty veggies like broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, and other root vegetables. In addition, look into growing lettuce and radishes to add to your fall menu. In South Florida, you can also plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other warm-season crops. For a complete list of what to plant when for our area, check out the University of Florida’s Vegetable Gardening Guide.
However, the work to keep your garden clean doesn’t stop in October. Don’t forget to regularly inspect your garden for struggling plants and continue to clean out the beds to prevent pests and make room for new veggies. Make sure to pay attention throughout the cooler months. With October dryness, checking moisture levels and ensuring that you consistently water your plants are important for a successful, sustainable harvest.
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Carmen and Tripp Eldridge are small-scale farming experts and the current Farm Directors at Arden, an award-winning residential agrihood in Palm Beach County, FL. Managing the community’s five-acre farm, Tripp and Carmen are pioneering innovative farm-to-table living in South Florida.
Shakespeare would sometimes use different second person pronouns in his plays, often switching from one to the other in the same conversation. In the 17th century ‘you’ was for formal usage and ‘thou’ was the casual pronoun. A man of Shakespeare’s time could say to his wife “thou art lovely this day” but to his superior would say “do you have need of anything, sir?” Today, thou would find thyself scratching thine head in confusion if this were still the way thee should address thine populace. However, in the twenty-first century we are being called to evolve the way we address people using third person pronouns: he, she, they, and them. And although it can seem confusing, it’s necessary for the health and well-being of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Sex refers to the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones, whereas gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. Basically, gender doesn’t have to match the sex a person was born with. Gender is the identity a person feels the most comfortable with. Google lists 64 different types of genders, or 64 different reasons someone may be asking you to address them with a different gender pronoun than the one you might have assumed.
Misidentifying someone can be harmful. “Gender dysphoria is listed in the DSM 5 and refers to psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity,” said Dr. Rachel Needle, a licensed psychologist, executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, and co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. “There is research showing that using the correct pronouns and names reduces depression and the risk of suicide in transgender youth.”
Dr. Rachel Needle
Many people have updated their social media bios, email signatures, and contact info with their pronouns, including people who identify with their gender assignment, as a way to communicate their support for social change and inclusion. “We use pronouns every day and might not even realize it but when we use someone’s correct gender pronouns it shows acceptance and that we respect an individual’s identity,” adds Dr. Rachel Needle. Referring to someone by their name, avoiding pronouns altogether, researching social and professional profiles, and simply asking the individual are other approaches to correctly addressing ones pronouns.
Despite the century you were born in, or what we once believed to be true, we have an obligation to do better once we know better. You will meet someone who identifies with one of the 64 genders you are not familiar with. It doesn’t matter which gender they chose, and it doesn’t matter why they chose it. That is their personal story. Your story will be the compassion and kindness you use in addressing them with the gender pronoun they feel comfortable with.
Once upon a time, Old Farmer Jones bought a dog to help him on the farm. He named the dog, Dog, and began training immediately. But, no matter how hard he tried he could not get Dog to come when he called. He was angry and thought Dog must be very stupid. Then one day, his wife was feeding the barn cats and called “Hey cat”. Dog came running to her. The farmer was surprised. He told his wife he was never going to call that stupid Dog, Cat. He screamed at Dog, threatened Dog and frightened Dog. Dog was sad and walked around with his head down and tail between his legs. Farmer Jones liked Dog, and didn’t want to give up on Dog so he finally gave in and named him Cat. Farmer Jones is happy now. He enjoys the big brown eyes, perked ears and wagging tail of his happy Cat. And Cat is the best farm dog he ever had.
** Compass has been a leading, comprehensive resource missioned to engage, empower and enrich the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, and those impacted by HIV and AIDS, in our local community since 1988. Visit https://compassglcc.com to learn more.
Dr. Rachel Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, and Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, a continuing education and Ph.D. provider company that trains couples and sex therapists around the world. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or visit her on the web at www.modernsextherapyinstitutes.com or www.drrachel.com
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Julie Khanna is the owner of Khanna Connections- a marketing, communications and relations firm with a niche in the medical, health and wellness industries. Connect today at Connect@khannaconnections.com
The red ink from the Sharpie marker was on its last legs. I had just put the finishing touches on the bullseye on the wall behind the dining room table. The kids looked on, nervous, afraid to ask what I was doing. My husband broke the silence. “Uh, hun? You o.k.?” There was a tinge of concern in his voice. “Me? Oh yeah. I’m fine.” I kept coloring the bright red circles. “What’s with the bullseye?” He got to the point. Now I was going to get to mine. “Well, we are doing homework. And I’m having some problems getting our son to read.” I continued with the coloring. “Will that help?” He questioned. “It’s going to help me. Where else am I going to hit my head in frustration? How else will I numb the pain???”
I’m kidding of course.
My kids are teenagers now and not only can they read but they like reading. Thank you, Jesus. Thanks in part to my commitment on those tough days and also other things outside of actually reading. We were always at the library. Either checking out books or attending a program there. The library was one of the only places they could go and get as much as they wanted (books that is…not videos). We would emerge from the library, sunglasses donned, arms with shopping bags full of books. It was like shopping but not. At school they were learning to write and they both seemed to enjoy that. And in order to write, you have read what you wrote. Then there are graphic novels. That’s some sneaky reading right there. Let’s face it, what second grade boy doesn’t want to read something that talks about poop or the toilet or underpants for that matter. But those things mentioned above, are sneaky ways to get your kids to read. I have something else up my sleeve too. This is a stretch so stay with me here.
Comic Conventions or Book Festivals. These fun-filled events make words come alive. It’s not just people walking around dressed up as Superman or Catwoman. It’s not just meeting the celebrities from the movies or tv shows we loved. Here you can meet the authors and illustrators that are responsible for creating some of the characters we know and love. And to get back to the reading aspect, comics in general are great for kids who aren’t thrilled with reading or have difficulty reading. The pictures not only help explain what is happening but give kids clues into what some of the words might be. Stan Lee wrote his comics so anyone could pick them up, at any point in the story line and be entertained. He also didn’t write down to kids. He wanted kids reading about Spiderman sitting with a dictionary looking up words they didn’t understand. If you are at a comic con, there are literally box after box after box of 50 cent comics. That’s a lot of reading material for very little change. The comics of today are a little different and just like all comic conventions, should be approached with caution. Not all comics are for kids. If you are interested in getting your kids reading comics, be sure to ask someone who knows what’s happening. Your local comic shop can help guide you to something appropriate.
It’s the same with comic conventions. They are a lot of fun, but some are more family friendly than others. We have one happening on October 2nd at the American Polish Club. It’s a small con called PalmCon that really aims at making comic conventions a fun family event. There’s lots to do and see and a family of four can get in for under $20. And bonus, I’ll be there!
Then on February 26th in the Boynton Beach Mall we have a book and writing festival called Read It Write it. It features local authors of all ages – adults and kids. It’s free to attend and the kids will enjoy interacting with authors. And maybe be inspired to write their story.
I had a conversation with my bestie the other day. Who is the next J.K. Rowling? Who is the next Stan Lee? Are they out there? Are they sitting at the dinner table with you fighting over trying to read again? Maybe. Which makes me wonder…how many authors’ moms out there had the same bullseye behind the dining room table? Lol.
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Super Mom by day, feisty writer by night. Heidi Hess, a 40+ year resident of Palm Beach County, considers herself a native. In her spare time, she dabbles in writing, painting and loves to travel.
Join Impact 100 PBC members for a presentation from Wendy Steele and reception on October 30th
(Palm Beach, Fla.) – Kick off Fall in an “impactful” way! Impact 100 Palm Beach County is hosting a Fall Kick-Off event featuring keynote speaker and Impact 100 national founder, Wendy Steele on October 20th starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Mizner Park Arts & Cultural Center in Boca Raton. Guests will enjoy a reception to celebrate the next grant giving year for Impact 100 PBC.
Steele founded the global organization in 2001 in response to feeling as though women’s roles in philanthropy needed a new way to be expanded and encouraged. She launched the organization with the goal of empowering women to see themselves as activists through utilizing large grants to make an impact within their communities.
By 2002, Impact 100 received nonprofit status and donated its first grant of $123,000. In 2003, People magazine published a story about Impact 100, and Steele’s idea quickly began to spread. Today, her model has been replicated in cities all over the world and only continues to grow.
“Through the joint efforts of philanthropic women, Impact 100 Palm Beach County gives so many smaller nonprofits a chance to launch new programming or initiatives that they may not have otherwise been able to develop without the grant,” said Holly Schuttler, current president of Impact 100 PBC. “We hope women will come to our kickoff to learn more Impact 100 PBC and all of the great things we do to help other organizations in our community get a jump start to aid our neighbors in need. The more members we have, the greater impact we can make with our donations.”
With 652 members in 2020-21, the Impact 100 PBC chapter is the second largest in the world and is entering its 11th year in Palm Beach County.
“Impact 100 Palm Beach County is completely volunteer-based,” continued Schuttler. “Our members can invest as much time as they have into Impact 100 PBC, but no time commitment is required.”
Impact 100 Palm Beach County is a women’s 501c3 nonprofit organization funding local nonprofit initiatives in southern Palm Beach County – between Boca Raton and Lake Worth. It is comprised of a growing number of women who donate $1,000 annually, pool all funds and vote to award multiple $100,000 grants to nonprofits serving southern Palm Beach County in five focus areas: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Education; Environment and Animal Welfare; Family; and Health and Wellness.
Space is limited at this free event and reservations are required. For more information, please call 561.336.4623 or visit www.impact100pbc.org
Palm Beach Private Banker and West Palm Beach Resident to Serve on Board of Directors
(Lake Worth, Fla.) – The Board of Directors of HomeSafe, a local nonprofit with a mission to help South Florida victims of child abuse and domestic violence, recently elected Hillary Dobbs to the Board. Dobbs is an Associate Private Banker and Assistant Vice President at Malvern Federal Savings Bank on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.
HomeSafe is a nationally accredited nonprofit protecting Palm Beach County’s and South Florida’s most vulnerable residents – victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Through its results-driven approach, the organization is the leading provider of prevention and intervention services, serving more than 14,500 infants, children, young adults and families each year. HomeSafe is one of just five specialized residential therapy homes in the state of Florida—the only one in Southeast Florida—and currently cares for 50 percent of all of the children these organizations serve.
“HomeSafe welcomes Hillary Dobbs to the Board of Directors,” said Matt Ladika, CEO for HomeSafe. “Her professional background in private banking will be an exceptional asset to our fundraising endeavors and the overall success of HomeSafe.”
Dobbs graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University in 2010. At Malvern Federal Savings Bank she is responsible for a wide range of private banking, customized wealth management and advisory services including trust, investment management and brokerage services, to high-net-worth individuals and families, foundations and endowments.
Prior to her career in banking, Dobbs was a coach for the University of South Carolina’s equestrian team, one of the nation’s strongest collegiate equestrian programs. She is an accomplished equestrian and during her professional riding career, she earned 31 Grand Prix wins, becoming the youngest rider ever to win over $1 million in prize money. She set records as the youngest rider to win several major show titles and has won four gold and silver medals representing the U.S. in international team competition. She placed sixth at the 2008 Olympic Trials and sixth at the 2010 World Equestrian Games Trials. Dobbs also qualified and competed in two World Cup Finals.
Dobbs was born in Sussex, New Jersey and currently lives in West Palm Beach with her husband Christian D’Andrea and their son.
HomeSafe’s Board Officers include Lawrence W. Gonnello, President; Aggie Stoops, Vice President; Steven Bernstein, Treasurer; Tarra L. Pressey, President Elect and Michael J. Bruno, Secretary. In addition to Dobbs, Board members include Roberto Vargas, Rex Kirby, Brandon A. Dorsey, David M. Layman, Mike Nichols and Diego Rico.
For more information on HomeSafe or to donate, please visit helphomesafe.org or call 561-383-9800.
Calling all dancing queens and Casanovas! The chills are multiplying with the in-person return of Wellington’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater to the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), Saturday, November 6th. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The theme for the event is “Death at the Disco” and features actors portraying characters in a ‘70s nightclub.
When someone drops dead, there’s a panic at the Disco, but is it Saturday night fever or something more sinister? The buzz on the dance floor is someone at the club is responsible… It’s up to our guests to get the skinny from the suspects, and ID the killer before it’s too late. It may be their only chance at stayin’ alive!
Tickets cost $60 per person and are on sale now at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) and at the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). A table of eight can also be reserved for a discounted price of $420. The ticket price includes appetizers, dinner, beer, and wine. Because this is an adult-themed event, Wellington will provide free on-site child care for children ages 5 to 12 only, including pizza and plenty of fun activities. The child care room will be separate from the event.
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite ‘70s Disco-themed attire and will have the opportunity to participate in costume contests for prizes. Masks will be required for attendees when moving about the event, except when seated with their tables.
This event is expected to sell out, so be sure to reserve your seats today! For more information visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/MurderMystery.
To sign up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter from Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
Wellington’s Annual Fall Festival Returns in October with FREE Admission & Activities
Wellington’s Annual Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 16th, from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Admission and activities are FREE, with the exception of purchases made with food trucks or vendors.
Enjoy one of many spooktacular attractions including bounce houses, hayrides, laser tag, a petting zoo, pie-eating contest, trick-or-treating in the vendor area, and more! Approximately 20 food trucks will be on-site with sweet and savory food and beverage items for purchase.
Attendees can also enjoy live performances on the sound stage, or participate in costume contests for prizes, with 1st through 3rd place awards for each of the following age groups: under 3; ages 4 to 6; ages 7 to 10; ages 11 to 14; and 15 and older. Costume contests will be held at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Free shuttle service will be available from the Palm Tran bus stop located near Macy’s, at the Mall at Wellington Green, beginning at 2:30 PM.
Special thanks to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, our Fall Festival featured sponsor, for their generous support of this event.
Wellington would also like to thank the following sponsors:
Palm Beach Health Network – Bounce Houses
JupiterBounce.com – Inclusive Inflatable
FCC Environmental – Shuttle Sponsor
Humana – Laser Tag
Please note that some attraction start and end times may vary from the event time frame. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/FallFestival for more information or call 561-791-4005. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, complete our sponsor and vendor interest form, available online on the event webpage.
To sign up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter from Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
